🤠15-Day U.S. Southwest Road Trip | Itinerary + Map |

2-Week U.S. Southwest Itinerary

Although there are plenty of places to visit on the U.S. Southwest and you could plan dozens of different itineraries, we’re going to suggest the best one, keeping in mind that this is your first time visiting the area and that you won’t want to miss any of the must-see sights.

Everything we suggest is based on our experience traveling through the U.S. Southwest on several occasions, visiting the top attractions and combining nature with city life. This itinerary is our favorite because it takes you through a total of 8 national parks, but at the end of this post, you’ll find alternative routes in case there’s a place you’re not interested in visiting or you’d rather end your trip in Los Angeles.

💡 We also highly recommend reading our post full of tips for traveling to the U.S. Southwest—we're sure you'll find a lot of useful information there!

This itinerary is designed so that you fly into one airport (San Francisco) and fly out of another (Las Vegas), allowing you to make the most of your time. In this case, it’s worth paying a little extra to rent your car and drop it off at a different location rather than wasting more than a day getting back to the starting point. That said, keep in mind that this is an action-packed trip, with lots of miles to cover and plenty of places to visit—but you’re going to love it!

👉🏼 Short on time? Don't miss this 10-Day U.S. Southwest Itinerary

😀 Before we go into detail about the route and the stops we recommend for each day, we've put together this table so you can see the itinerary we suggest in a very visual way:

15 DAY US SOUTHWEST ITINERARY
	STOPS	DISTANCE	TIME	TOURS YOU CAN'T MISS	WHERE TO STAY
Days 1-2	San Francisco	-	-	👮🏼‍♀️ Alcatraz Island or Golden Gate Bay Cruise	🏨 Chelsea Inn or Cow Hollow Inn and Suites
Day 3	Yosemite	310 km /193 mi	4 hrs	-	🏨 Yosemite View Lodge or Cedar Lodge
Day 4	Sequoia & Kings Canyon	275 km / 171 mi	3.5 hrs	-	🏨 The Parks Inn or Sequoia Studio Suites
Day 5	Death Valley	450 km / 280 mi	4.5 hrs	-	🏨 The Ranch at Death Valley or Stovepipe West Village
Day 6	Las Vegas	230 km / 131 mi	2 hrs 15 min	🥳 Las Vegas Night Tour	🏨 Paris Las Vegas or Sahara Las Vegas
Day 7	Zion	260 km / 162 mi	2 hrs 15 min	🚲 e-Bike rental in Zion	🏨 Montclair at Zion or Under the Eaves Inn
Day 8	Bryce	236 km / 147 mi	2.5 hrs	🚁 Helicopter tour in Bryce	🏨 Best Western Ruby Inn or Bryce View Lodge
Day 9	Page	240 km / 149 mi	2.5 hrs	🥾 Upper Antelope Canyon Tour or Lower Antelope Canyon Tour	🏨 Wingate Page Lake Powell or The Wesley Boutique Hotel
Day 10	Hidden gems in Utah	430 km / 267 mi	4.5 hrs	-	🏨 Apache Motel or The Gonzo Inn
Day 11	Canyonlands	50 km / 31 mi (one way)	40 min (one way)	-	🏨 Apache Motel or The Gonzo Inn
Day 12	Arches	10 km / 6 mi (one way)	10 min (one way)	-	🏨 Apache Motel or The Gonzo Inn
Day 13	Monument Valley	240 km / 150 mi	2.5 hrs	🤠 Monument Valley Tour	🏨 Goulding's Lodge
Day 14	Grand Canyon	260 km / 162 mi	2 hrs 45 min	🚁 Grand Canyon Helicopter Tour	🏨 The Grand Hotel or The Red Garter Inn
Day 15	Route 66	350 km / 218 mi	3 hrs	-	🏨 Holiday Inn Express E Tropicana or Best Western McCarran Inn

We've also included this visual map showing the 15-day itinerary along the U.S. Southwest, which we'll describe in detail below:

Day 1 and 2: San Francisco

Start your trip by spending the first two days in our favorite city on the West Coast 🥰 We love San Francisco for its location on the bay, its lively neighborhoods, its iconic bridge, its infamous prison, its viewpoints, its parks, and—why not?—its killer hills!

Ideally, arrive in San Francisco the afternoon or evening before and take the opportunity to pick up your rental car at the San Francisco airport (or your rental camper or RV). That way, you can use it to explore the city a bit, though you can also wait and pick it up in downtown on the day you leave to avoid paying for those extra days.

💡 To fully enjoy the city, we recommend following our 2-day itinerary in San Francisco so you can make the most of your 48 hours there. We hope you fall in love with it just as much as we have!

Here are some important things to keep in mind when visiting San Francisco:

🏨 Where to Stay in San Francisco

Check out our post on the best areas to stay in San Francisco and pick one of the 5 we recommend. You’ll find lodging options for every budget, and some even offer free parking in case you have a car. The Chelsea Inn and the Cow Hollow Inn and Suites are great choices and both are in the neighborhood where we're staying, which we think is ideal.

🚍 How to get around San Francisco

You can get around the city in your own car if you picked it up at the airport, although San Francisco has some steep hills and parking is paid in many areas. For this reason, it’s best to use public transportation, although it's true that some areas are a bit far out and sometimes you have to take a taxi.

➡️ Here’s our guide to get around San Francisco, where we’ll tell you about all the different types of transportation, costs, and passes.

🛳️ Best Tours in San Francisco

If there’s one tour you should book in advance in San Francisco, it’s the one that takes you to Alcatraz. In our guide on how to visit Alcatraz, you’ll find all the information you need, and we’ll tell you which tour is the cheapest (so you don’t get scammed). This Golden Gate Bay Cruise it's also very nice and offers amazing views, it passes under the Golden Gate Bridge!

Day 3: Yosemite National Park

• 🚗Distance: 310 km (193 mi)
• 🕛Travel time: 4 hrs
• 🛌🏼Where to stay: Yosemite View Lodge or Cedar Lodge

First day of your road trip through the U.S. Southwest! If you didn't pick up your rental car on the day of your arrival, you can do so today in the city center. If this is your case, pick it up as soon as possible so you don't waste too much time, since you have a 4-hour drive to Yosemite ahead of you.

We’re sure Yosemite will become one of your favorite places, as it’s one of the most breathtaking national parks in the United States: towering granite mountains, waterfalls at their most spectacular in the spring, giant sequoias, incredible viewpoints, and the chance to spot wildlife (including black bears).

That said, Yosemite is one of the most visited parks in the country, so during peak season you’ll need to be patient and prepared for possible lines at the entrances, traffic congestion on the roads inside the park, and trouble finding parking. For this reason, it’s a good idea to use the free shuttle service offered by the park in Yosemite Valley, the most visited area.

💡Recommended: How to Visit Yosemite National Park | Guide + Tips + Map |

There are many things to do in Yosemite, but the best thing to do is spend most of the day exploring Yosemite Valley, stopping at its various overlooks and taking short hikes. If you go in the spring, you’ll be amazed by the volume of water in the waterfalls; however, at other times of year, you may find them quite dry or even completely dry.

Late in the day, head to Glacier Point, the park’s most famous overlook. It’s no wonder—from here, you’ll enjoy a spectacular panoramic view with the iconic Half Dome dominating the landscape. To get there, you’ll need to take Glacier Point Road, a secondary road that’s only open in the summer and also gives you access to other, slightly less popular but equally impressive overlooks.

🏨 We recommend spending the night at one of the hotels near the Arch Rock Entrance, such as the Yosemite View Lodge or Cedar Lodge. ➡️ You can find more information in our post on where to stay in Yosemite, which includes other options both inside and outside the park.

Día 4: Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks

• 🚗Distance: 275 km (171 mi)
• 🕛Travel time: 3.5 hrs
• 🛌🏼Where to stay: The Parks Inn or Sequoia Studio Suites

🌳It's time to discover the largest trees on the planet! Today is the day to visit Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, both of which are managed jointly since they are located right next to each other.

💡Recommended: How to Visit Sequoia & Kings Canyon | Guide + Tips + Map |

From Yosemite head to the Big Stump Entrance and take a detour to Kings Canyon National Park, where you can enjoy the Grant Grove area and see the General Grant Tree, one of the largest sequoias in the park.

Then head to Sequoia National Park to explore the Giant Forest area and see the world-famous General Sherman Tree for yourself—though there are many short trails in the area that are absolutely wonderful. If you have time, you can climb Moro Rock—defying your fear of heights as you ascend the stairs along the rock’s ridge—but it’s all worth it to enjoy the best views of the park 😉

End the day by exiting via the south entrance, a somewhat narrow, steep, and winding road—but luckily, you’ll be driving downhill. Take advantage of the opportunity and stop at some of its overlooks!

🏨 The best place to stay is in Three Rivers, a charming town through which three branches of the Kaweah River flow. Here, we recommend The Parks Inn or Sequoia Studio Suites, though you can find many other options in our post on where to stay in Sequoia.

Día 5: Death Valley National Park

• 🚗Distance: 450 km (280 mi)
• 🕛Travel time: 4.5 hrs
• 🛌🏼Where to stay: The Ranch at Death Valley or Stovepipe West Village

🔥Start the day driving around the southern part of the Sierra Nevada mountain range to reach the hottest place on Earth: Death Valley National Park. Don’t rush it, though it’s best to arrive in the afternoon so you don’t melt away.

💡Recommended: How to Visit Death Valley National Park | Guide + Tips + Map |

Death Valley is a marvel and a unique park, featuring an incredible mix of salt flats, sand dunes, canyons, and colorful mountains. We recommend spending your time at the must-see spots in Death Valley, such as the Mesquite Sand Dunes, Badwater Basin (the lowest point in North America), the Artists Palette scenic loop, and the incredible Zabriskie Point overlook.

🏨 For spending the night, it’s best to stay at one of the hotels inside Death Valley, such as The Ranch at Death Valley or Stovepipe West Village, but these accommodations tend to book up well in advance. ➡️ In our post on where to stay in Death Valley, we list many other options, but the Longstreet Inn & Casino is a more affordable hotel located just 25 minutes from the park and on the way to the next day’s stop.

🌟If you're staying overnight in Death Valley, step outside at night and look up to enjoy one of the most incredible starry skies in the world.

Day 6: Las Vegas

• 🚗Distance: 230 km (131 mi)
• 🕛Travel time: 2 hrs 15 min
• 🛌🏼Where to stay: Paris Las Vegas or New York New York if you're are looking for a themed hotel, otherwise Sahara Las Vegas

This 15-day U.S. Southwest road trip continues to a city unlike any other in the world, with its array of themed hotels, 24-hour casinos, shows, attractions, and neon lights. Yes, Las Vegas is one of those places you either love or hate, and now is the time to find out which side you’re on.

We've been to Sin City several times, and we have to tell you that it's quite the experience—plus, there are plenty of places to see in Las Vegas. You don't have to visit them all, but you can check out the main themed hotels, hop on a ride if you feel like it, and then head to the Fremont Street Experience at night—a really wild street with a famous light and sound show.

🥳 You can also book this Las Vegas Night Tour, which includes a guide, hotel pickup, and transportation to see the city's main attractions at night.

🏨 If there's one thing Las Vegas has, it's hotels—and plenty of them! It really is overwhelming to choose a place to stay in this city, so check out our post on where to stay in Las Vegas, where we try to help you out a little. Personally, we like the Paris Las Vegas and New York New York if you're looking for a themed hotel; otherwise, the Sahara Las Vegas is great.

Day 7: Zion National Park

• 🚗Distance: 260 km (162 mi)
• 🕛Travel time: 2 hrs 15 min
• 🛌🏼Where to stay: Montclair at Zion or Under the Eaves Inn
• ⚠️To keep in mind: there's a time difference between Nevada, Arizona, and Utah. Vehicles longer than 35ft 9in (10.9 m) aren't allowed to drive on the Zion-Mt Carmel Highway between Canyon Junction and the East Entrance

In about 2 hours from Las Vegas (and passing through three states), you’ll find yourself at Zion, the second most visited national park in the U.S. A place that captivates with its canyons and spectacular red rock walls, with the Virgin River running through it. The scenery is breathtaking, and it’s very easy to get around using the free electric shuttle system (during peak season, private vehicles are prohibited).

💡 Recommended: How to visit Zion National Park | Guide + Tips + Map |

Zion is the perfect place if you love hiking, with amazing trails like the challenging Angel's Landing (you have to win a lottery to hike it) or The Narrows (which winds through a canyon, taking you right along the river). If that's not your thing, you can also take it easy and simply enjoy the scenic overlooks and views.

🏨 The best place to stay near Zion is Springdale, a town located right next to the park entrance. The Montclair at Zion and the Under the Eaves Inn are a sure bet, although you have plenty of other options in our post about where to stay in Zion.

Día 8: Bryce Canyon National Park

• 🚗Distance: 236 km / 147 mi
• 🕛Travel time: 2.5 hrs
• 🛌🏼Where to stay: Best Western Ruby Inn or Bryce View Lodge

This itinerary continues to take you in another national park (and there are still more to come!). It’s time to explore one of the most unique landscapes in the American West at Bryce Canyon, a place renowned for its hoodoos sculpted by water, wind, and ice, creating a natural amphitheater that seems almost unreal.

💡 Recommended: How to visit Bryce Canyon National Park | Guide + Tips + Map |

Bryce Canyon is a park that offers a very relaxed visit; you can drive to the various overlooks in your own car and enjoy the breathtaking views at your own pace. You can also hike among the iconic reddish- and orange-colored rock formations—for example, by hiking the Navajo Loop (or part of it). Plus, thanks to its high elevation, you’ll enjoy much more pleasant temperatures if you visit in the summer (it even snowed here in April when we were there).

🏨 The best option here is to stay in Bryce Canyon City, a tiny town built to serve the park’s tourists. The Best Western Ruby Inn and the Bryce View Lodge are the best options in our opinion, though you’ll find other hotels in our exclusive article on where to stay in Bryce Canyon.

Day 9: Page

• 🚗Distance: 240 km (150 mi)
• 🕛Travel time: 2.5 hrs
• 🛌🏼Where to stay: Wingate Page Lake Powell or The Wesley Boutique Hotel
• ⚠️To keep in mind: there's a time difference between Utah and Arizona in summer. Book your Antelope Canyon tour well in advance

Page is a must-see destination on any trip through the U.S. Southwest, a small town is located among several well-known natural wonders. ⚠️ For this day, it’s very important to keep in mind the time difference between Utah and Arizona, especially if you’ve booked a tour in Page, where the time is one hour behind in the summer.

On the way, if you have enough time, you can stop at the Toadstool Hoodoos—one of our favorite places to visit near Page—since it’s a very short, easy hike through a landscape full of mushroom-shaped rock formations.

Next, it's time to explore the two main sights in Page. One of them is Horseshoe Bend, the famous meander in the Colorado River that's so photogenic.

💡 Recommended: How to visit Horseshoe Bend | Guide + Tips + Map |

Then there’s Antelope Canyon, the most famous slot canyon among the hundreds hidden in the American West. Its iconic undulating walls and the effects created by the light as it streams through have made it one of the most photographed places in the world, but since it’s located on Navajo Territory, you must take a guided tour to explore any part of it.

ℹ️ Our guide to visiting Antelope Canyon has tons of information to help you choose the best section of the canyon for you, the best time of day, how to see the light beams, tips on what to bring, etc.

The most common thing to do for a first visit is to choose an Upper Antelope Canyon Tour or a Lower Antelope Canyon Tour, which are the most popular sections (but with many differences between them). Whichever you choose, book well in advance as these tours are very popular!

💡 If you prefer a lesser-known option, you can take this Antelope Canyon X tour and if you have some extra time in Page, you can stop by the Carl Hayden Visitor Center to see Glen Canyon Dam and Lake Powell. You can also opt for this tour that combines Horseshoe Bend + Upper Antelope + Glen Dam, visiting the 3 places with a guide.

🏨 There are many hotels to stay at in Page, but we love The Wesley Boutique Hotel because it’s in the center of town and is very beautiful with its newly renovated boutique style. Another option is the Wingate Page Lake Powell, an American chain hotel located on the outskirts of town that’s much larger and offers more amenities.

🍴In Page, we recommend the Ranch House Grille, a family-run Navajo restaurant where the portions are huge and the food is delicious.

Día 10: Hidden gems in Utah

• 🚗Distance: 430 km (267 mi)
• 🕛Travel time: 4.5 hrs
• 🛌🏼Where to stay: Apache Motel or The Gonzo Inn
• ⚠️To keep in mind: Utah applies daylight saving time, but not Arizona (except Navajo Territory), so there is a time difference during summer.

It’s time to cross back into Utah, this time via the Monument Valley border crossing (but don’t get too excited about this spot just yet—you'll be visiting it in a few days). At the state border, be sure to stop at the “Welcome to Utah” sign; it’s one of our favorites because of its design and the views behind it.

On your way to Moab, your final destination, we have plenty of recommendations to make your trip much more enjoyable. The first one is Mexican Hat Rock, a sandstone rock formation that, from above, looks like an upside-down Mexican hat.

Just a short distance away is Goosenecks State Park, a little-known gem that will amaze you with its views of the San Juan River winding through a 300-meter-deep canyon (984 feet), creating a triple meander. It’s a short but spectacular stop.

If you find you have some time to spare, we suggest another spot very close to the previous ones that’s still relatively undiscovered. Driving through the Valley of Gods is like stepping into a tourist-free version of Monument Valley—it’s free to visit and features sandstone formations and pinnacles that are just as impressive.

The road that runs through it is a 27-kilometer unpaved loop (17 mi), but you can drive it in a regular car as long as you go slowly and carefully, since there may be some potholes. We think this place is absolutely stunning; in fact, we spent a night there (camping is free) and we still remember the colors at sunset and the starry sky.

It's about a 2-hour drive from here to Moab, so you'll arrive in time for dinner. 🍔 We ate at the Moab Diner, a restaurant that serves hearty meals, but there are plenty of restaurants to choose from in town.

🏨 There are plenty of hotels in Moab, as it’s the most developed town in the area and where everyone stays. The Apache Motel is one of the oldest places to stay in town and is steeped in history, but it’s been renovated and features very unique decor. Another option is The Gonzo Inn, a more modern choice that offers rooms and studios with kitchens. Both have a pool!

Día 11: Canyonlands National Park

• 🚗Distance: 50 km (31 mi) one way
• 🕛Travel time: 40 min one way
• 🛌🏼Where to stay: Apache Motel or The Gonzo Inn

Moab is the perfect base from which to visit a couple of nearby national parks in Utah. One of them is Canyonlands, located about a 40-minute drive away—one of the largest national parks in the American West, where the Colorado River has carved out an endless landscape of canyons and plateaus.

It’s divided into several areas, but Island in the Sky is the most accessible and the one we recommend if you only have one day to spend there. You won’t need to go on long hikes here; instead, it’s a very enjoyable visit where you can stop at various lookouts and take in the panoramic views. And of course, don’t miss Mesa Arch—the park’s iconic landmark!

Día 12: Arches National Park

• 🚗Distance: 10 km (6 mi) one way
• 🕛Travel time: 10 min one way
• 🛌🏼Where to stay: Apache Motel or The Gonzo Inn

Just when you think nature can't possibly create any more wonders, Arches National Park comes along and blows you away. A place home to more than 2,000 natural arches is a must-see on your trip along the U.S. Southwest, right? The contrast here is striking, with these rock formations and the La Sal Mountains in the background, which may be snow-capped depending on the time of year.

This is an accessible park with plenty of overlooks and trails of varying lengths, so you can choose the ones that suit you best. That said, there’s one spot you can’t miss: Delicate Arch. It’s the largest freestanding arch in the park, shaped like an inverted U with a 14-meter-high (46 feet) opening through which you can gaze upon the La Sal Mountains. It’s an incredible place that requires a 2.6-kilometer (1.6 mi) hike one way to reach, but it’s 100% worth it.

Day 13: Monument Valley

• 🚗Distance: 240 km (150 mi)
• 🕛Travel time: 2.5 hrs
• 🛌🏼Where to stay: Goulding's Lodge
• ⚠️To keep in mind: Monument Valley follows Utah time, not Arizona time. Motorcycles and RVs are prohibited.

It’s time to head back to Arizona to feel like a star of an American Western. John Wayne and Tom Hanks immortalized the landscapes of Monument Valley in their films, and today you’ll be the main character! We’ve been to Monument Valley several times and never get tired of going back—it’s definitely one of our favorite places in the country.

First, stop at Forrest Gump Point, the spot where Tom Hanks stopped running in the movie and where you can snap a perfect photo of the highway with the rock formations of Monument Valley in the background. Just be careful when taking pictures, since cars are constantly passing by—you don’t want to risk your life!

💡 Don't miss our guide to visiting Monument Valley, which is packed with information to help you explore this place: the best viewpoints, admission fees (and now also the additional fee to drive your own vehicle on the scenic road), when to book a tour, where to stay, the exact times of sunrise and sunset, and more.

Remember that Monument Valley is located within Navajo territory and that the scenic road can be driven on in a regular car, although it’s true that the first section is steep and in fairly poor condition. If this is a problem for you, you can always book a Monument Valley Tour, which will take you in a 4x4 with a Navajo guide who will also share many interesting facts about their culture.

🏨 When it comes to spending the night, we have a post about the best hotels in Monument Valley and the surrounding area. To summarize, you can:

• Staying in Monument Valley: if your budget allows, choose a hotel with views of the imposing monoliths, such as Goulding's Lodge, so you can enjoy a magical sunset from the terrace.
• Staying somewhere in between: the Wetherill Inn (Kayenta) and the NavajoLand Hotel (Tuba City) are conveniently located on your way to the next day’s destination.

Día 14: Grand Canyon National Park

• 🚗Distance: 260 km (162 mi)
• 🕛Travel time: 2 hrs 45 min
• 🛌🏼Where to stay: The Grand Hotel (next to the park's entrance) or The Red Garter Inn (Williams)

We’ve saved one of the most iconic places on the U.S. Southwest for last 😊, so you can wrap up your trip in style. The Grand Canyon needs little introduction, as this canyon—carved out by the Colorado River over millions of years—is one of the most breathtaking landscapes in the world.

A visit to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon involves stopping at its best overlooks (using the free shuttle buses during peak season), each offering a different view of the canyon. There are also hiking trails in Grand Canyon if you’d like to venture a little further into it, although this isn’t recommended during the hot summer months.

💡 Recommended: How to visit Grand Canyon | Guide + Tips + Map |

🚁 If you want to make the most of this trip, taking a helicopter flight over the Grand Canyon is something you will surely never forget! The one we're recommending departs from Tusayan Airport (next to the entrance to the South Rim) and is the most affordable option you'll find, but there are many more options you can check out in our post with the best helicopter tours of the Grand Canyon.

🏨 There are many places to stay in the Grand Canyon, both inside the park and the surroundings. One option is The Grand Hotel in Tusayan, the town at the park entrance. You can also drive another hour and stay in Williams, a charming Route 66 town with more offer. The Red Garter Inn is historic and full of charm!

Day 15: Route 66 and Hoover Dam

• 🚗Distance: 350 km (218 mi)
• 🕛Trip duration: 3 hrs
• 🛌🏼Where to stay: Holiday Inn Express E Tropicana or Best Western McCarran Inn

It’s the last day of your 15-day U.S. Southwest road trip! What better way to wrap things up than by driving along a stretch of the legendary Route 66? There are several stops along Route 66 in Arizona, such as the previously mentioned Williams, Seligman, and Hackberry, where you can say hi to Charlie—a very affectionate cat! 😻

If you stop in Kingman, don't forget to drive under the Route 66 arch and grab a bite at Mr. D'z, a diner with a very photogenic interior that serves up some hearty portions 🍟.

If you have time, take a detour to Oatman, a Wild West town where donkeys take center stage—plus, the road leading there offers some stunning views. Otherwise, before you reach Las Vegas, you can stop at Hoover Dam to admire one of the most impressive engineering feats in the United States. In our guide to visiting Hoover Dam, you'll find all the information about the best free viewpoints to see it!

🏨 End your trip at a hotel near the Las Vegas Airport if necessary, depending on when your return flight is. The international airport is very close to the southern part of the Strip, so you can stay at a hotel in that area, such as the ones we recommend above.

15-Day U.S. Southwest Road Trip Map

On this map, you'll find the entire itinerary and all the stops we've recommended for each stage:

Variations on the 15-day U.S. Southwest road trip

Although the itinerary we’ve suggested is perfect for us if national parks are your thing, not everyone has the same needs, so we’re going to suggest a few variations:

15-day itinerary visiting fewer national parks

If you think that this is a packed trip—visiting a different place every day—you’re absolutely right. It’s designed for those who want to see as many places as possible, driving quite a bit practically every day.

If you’re someone who prioritizes quality over quantity, we also have an itinerary for you. In this case, we’d remove Sequoia from the equation (visiting instead the sequoias in Yosemite) and the parks in the Moab area (Canyonlands and Arches).

The itinerary would look like this:

• Days 1 and 2: San Francisco
• Days 3 and 4: Yosemite (visiting Mariposa Grove area to see the giant sequoias)
• Day 5: Tioga Road, Mono Lake, and arrival in Death Valley to spend the night. ⚠️Note that Tioga Road opens between late May and early June
• Day 6: Death Valley and arrival in Las Vegas in the afternoon/evening
• Days 7 and 8: Las Vegas (with the option to visit Valley of Fire State Park)
• Days 9 and 10: Zion (on one of these days, hike The Narrows or Angels Landing by entering the lottery)
• Day 11: Bryce and drive to Page
• Day 12: Page
• Day 13: Monument Valley
• Day 14: Grand Canyon
• Day 15: Route 66 and Hoover Dam

15-day itinerary with Los Angeles and the Southern Pacific Coast

If you’d like to include Los Angeles in your trip and explore the Southern Pacific Coast —including the legendary Big Sur—then you’ll have to skip several national parks, such as Death Valley, Canyonlands, and Arches. You’ll also have to choose between Zion and Bryce (or visit both in a single day, which isn’t recommended) and end up back in San Francisco.

The itinerary would look like this:

• Days 1 and 2: San Francisco
• Day 3: Yosemite
• Day 4: Kings Canyon & Sequoia
• Day 5: Drive through Las Vegas with stops along the way (Peggy Sue's 50 Diner, Calico, the World's Tallest Thermometer, or the Mojave Desert)
• Day 6: Las Vegas
• Day 7: Zion and/or Bryce
• Day 8: Page
• Day 9: Monument Valley
• Day 10: Grand Canyon
• Day 11: Route 66 to Barstow
• Days 12 and 13: Los Angeles and the surrounding area (Santa Monica and Venice Beach). You can also visit Warner Bros Studios or go to Universal Studios
• Days 14 and 15: Southern Pacific Coast to San Francisco. For overnight stops along the way, Santa Barbara or San Luis Obispo are the best options

15-day itinerary ending in Los Angeles

If you love both city life and nature and are determined to visit the 2 main cities on the West Coast and Las Vegas—but don't want to travel along the coast—then you can plan a road trip that starts in San Francisco and ends in Los Angeles.

In this case, we suggest skipping Sequoia National Park (since you’ll see the sequoias in Yosemite), Canyonlands, and Arches, and adding Valley of Fire State Park (near Las Vegas) and Joshua Tree National Park to your itinerary.

The itinerary would be as follows:

• Days 1 and 2: San Francisco
• Day 3: Yosemite
• Day 4: Yosemite (Mariposa Grove and Tioga Road), Mono Lake, and Death Valley to spend the night. ⚠️ Note that Tioga Road opens between late May and early June
• Day 5: Death Valley and arrival in Las Vegas in the late afternoon / early evening
• Día 6: Las Vegas
• Day 7: Zion
• Day 8: Bryce
• Day 9: Page
• Day 10: Monument Valley
• Day 11: Grand Canyon
• Day 12: Route 66 to Topock or Needles
• Day 13: Joshua Tree (you can add Mojave if you have enough time)
• Days 14 and 15: Los Angeles and the surrounding area (Santa Monica and Venice Beach). You can also visit Warner Bros Studios or go to Universal Studios

15-day itinerary featuring the best of Arizona

If you've already been to the U.S. Southwest or would like to discover some of Arizona's hidden gems that lie off the beaten path, then you might want to consider this alternative road trip, which also takes in the must-see attractions. It starts in San Francisco and ends at Las Vegas airport, adding Canyon de Chelly, Petrified Forest National Park and Sedona.

The itinerary would look like this:

• Days 1 and 2: San Francisco
• Day 3: Yosemite
• Day 4: Kings Canyon & Sequoia
• Día 5: Death Valley
• Day 6: Las Vegas
• Day 7: Zion
• Day 8: Bryce
• Day 9: Page
• Day 10: Monument Valley
• Day 11: Canyon de Chelly and Petrified Forest, staying overnight in Holbrook
• Days 12 and 13: Sedona, spending 2 nights in the town of Sedona
• Day 14: Grand Canyon
• Day 15: Route 66 and Hoover Dam

FAQs about a 15-day U.S. Southwest road trip

Is 15 days enough time to explore the U.S. Southwest?

Although ideally you should spend three weeks in this region, in just 15 days you can visit several of the U.S. Southwest most iconic destinations, including both cities and national parks.

How many miles can you cover on a 15-day trip?

Although it depends on the route you take, you’ll typically cover between 1,900 and 2,500 miles (3,000 and 4,000 km).

Is it better to take the loop route or the out-and-back route?

It’s best to fly to one airport and return from another to avoid unnecessary driving time, since the distances are very long. If you’re planning a round-trip route, we’d recommend the option that follows the South Pacific Coast.

Is it necessary to rent a car?

It's practically essential if you want complete freedom and flexibility, although there are also public transportation options that can take you to some of the main attractions—but you'd need more time.

When is the best time to visit the U.S. Southwest?

Late spring and early fall are the best times to visit, as all the trails are usually open and the weather is pleasant.

Is this trip family-friendly?

Absolutely yes, it's an ideal destination for families with children.

We hope you enjoy this amazing road trip through the American Southwest!