USA West Coast Road Trip

15-day USA West Coast Road Trip | 4 Itineraries and Maps |

Are you planning a road trip to the West Coast of the United States and feeling overwhelmed by the number of places to visit, the distances involved, and everything else you need to take into account? We understand you perfectly! On our last visit, we spent three and a half months in the area, doing something new every day. In this post, you'll find four 15-day itineraries along the USA West Coast so you can choose the one you like and suits you best. With maps and lots of tips!
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USA West Coast road trip

15-day USA West Coast Itineraries: 4 proposals

Which road trip along the USA West Coast should you choose? It's impossible for us to suggest just one itinerary: there're so many places to visit, so many types of travelers, and so many different combinations that we prefer to suggest 4 routes and let you choose the one that best suits you 😉 But first, take a look at our post full of tips for traveling along the West Coast of the United States!

💡If you have less time, check out this 10-day USA West Coast road trip

In this table, you can find a summary of the 4 itineraries we suggest. We've even given them names!

15-DAY ROAD TRIPS ALONG THE WEST COAST OF THE UNITED STATES
Type of tripMajor citiesNational parks and naturePerfect for...
"Urban with Beach" ItineraryCombination of cities, coastline, and parksSan Francisco, Las Vegas, and Los AngelesYosemite, Sequoia, Mojave, Zion and/or Bryce, Antelope Canyon, Monument Valley and Grand CanyonLovers of cities, beaches, and natureDetailed itinerary here
"Urban with Parks" ItineraryCombination of cities and parksSan Francisco, Las Vegas, and Los AngelesYosemite, Death Valley, Valley of Fire, Zion, Bryce, Antelope Canyon, Monument Valley, Grand Canyon, Mojave and Joshua TreeLovers of cities and nature, but the beach is not a mustDetailed itinerary here
"Best National Parks" ItineraryTop national parks in the USA West CoastSan Francisco and Las VegasYosemite, Sequoia, Death Valley, Zion, Bryce, Antelope Canyon, Monument Valley, Canyonlands, Arches, Grand Canyon and Joshua TreeTravelers who prioritize nature and don’t want to miss its greatest highlightsDetailed itinerary here
"The Best of Arizona" ItineraryLess typical route with classics and hidden gemsSan Francisco and Las VegasYosemite, Sequoia, Death Valley, Zion, Bryce, Antelope Canyon, Monument Valley, Canyon de Chelly, Petrified Forest, Sedona and Grand CanyonReturning travelers or those seeking less typical routesDetailed itinerary here

There is no single best road trip along the West Coast of the United States, but rather itineraries tailored to different travel styles. To find out the details of each day, including distances, essential tips, where to stay each night, and recommended tours, keep reading!

All routes are designed to be done with a rental car and staying in hotels, but they would be exactly the same if you prefer to rent a camper or motorhome on the West Coast (only the places where you spend the night would change).

15-day USA West Coast Itinerary: "Urban with Beach"

😉Who is this itinerary for?

This road trip is for you if you're a city lover and don't mind missing out on some national parks if it means you can visit the 3 main cities. You'll visit the best cities in the West Coast of the USA (San Francisco, Las Vegas, and Los Angeles), as well as driving along the Pacific Coast and visiting several iconic locations on the West Coast.

📅Day-by-day itinerary summary

Here is a summary of the entire itinerary:

Days 1 & 2: San Francisco

Day 3: Yosemite

⏱️310 km or 193 mi, 4 hrs

Day 4: Sequoia

⏱️275 km or 171 mi, 3 hrs 20 min

  • Visit General Grant, General Sherman, and connect with the Crescent Meadows area. If you have time, you can climb Moro Rock and be amazed by the views.
  • The best places to stay this night are Exeter, Lindsay, or Bakersfield.

Day 5: Journey to Las Vegas

⏱️570 km or 355 mi, 5 hrs 20min

  • Recommended stops along the way: Peggy Sue's 50s Diner for a bite to eat, Calico to visit a ghost town, World's Tallest Thermometer if you want to see the tallest thermometer in the world, and/or Mojave to see sand dunes and Joshua trees.
  • Read our post on where to stay in Las Vegas to choose your preferred area, find out what themed hotels are available, and discover other alternatives.

Day 6: Las Vegas

Day 7: Zion and/or Bryce

⏱️260 km or 162 mi, 2 hrs 15 min to Zion; 420 km or 261 mi, 4 hrs to Bryce

  • You can choose whether to visit both national parks or just one. The latter would be ideal so you don't have to rush, but many people do both on the same day.
  • If you decide to visit only Zion, arrive early to find free parking and stay overnight in Hurricane or Kanab. For Bryce, it's best to stay in Bryce Canyon City.
  • Remember that there's a time change between Nevada, Arizona, and Utah (you'll pass through all 3 states) and that large vehicles are prohibited from traveling on the Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway between Canyon Junction and the East Entrance.

Day 8: Page

⏱️217 km or 135 mi, 2 hrs from Hurricane; 120 km or 75 mi, 1 hr from Kanab; 240 km or 150 mi, 2 hrs 30 min from Bryce Canyon City

Day 9: Monument Valley

⏱️195 km or 121 mi, 2 hrs

  • Please note that Monument Valley is in Utah time zone (not Arizona).
  • You don't need a 4x4 to visit Monument Valley on your own, but if you want to go with a Navajo guide or you're traveling by motorcycle or RV (which are prohibited from entering), you can book this Monument Valley Tour.
  • You can return to Page to sleep over or stay in Monument Valley, specifically at Goulding's Lodge if you want to enjoy spectacular views from your room.

Day 10: Grand Canyon

⏱️210 km or 131 mi, 2 hrs 30 min from Page; 280 km or 174 mi, 3 hrs from Monument Valley

Day 11: Route 66

⏱️495 km or 308 mi, 5 hrs

  • Stop in Seligman, Hackberry, Kingman, and Oatman.
  • Remember that there's a time difference between Arizona and California only in winter.
  • The best place to spend the night is Barstow.

Days 12 & 13: Los Angeles

⏱️185 km or 115 mi, 2 hrs (if there is no traffic)

Days 14 & 15: South Pacific Coast

⏱️750 km or 466 mi, 9 hrs 30 min

💎What makes this itinerary different?

  • It's possible to visit Zion and Bryce on the same day, although ideally you should choose just one of them.
  • It' the only one that includes a 2-day tour of the Pacific Coast.

🗺️15-day West Coast Road Trip Map "Urban with Beach"

USA West Coast Map

15-day USA West Coast Itinerary: "Urban with Parks"

🤗Type of traveler for this itinerary

This is for you if you love cities and nature, and don't mind missing out the beach if it means you can visit other interesting national parks and natural gems. You'll visith San Francisco, Las Vegas, and Los Angeles, traveling to one city and returning via another. This itinerary can be done in either direction.

📅Daily itinerary overview

We're going to explain you the itinerary, divided into stages, with important things you should know about each day:

Days 1 & 2: San Francisco

Day 3: Yosemite

⏱️310 km or 193 mi, 4 hrs

Day 4: Tioga Road, Mono Lake, and Death Valley

⏱️455 km or 283 mi, 5 hrs

  • If you have time, go see the sequoias in Tuolumne Grove first thing in the morning, since they're on your way.
  • This route passes through Tioga Road, a scenic highway that is closed from late October to early June approximately.
  • Visit Death Valley in the late afternoon to avoid the high temperatures.
  • Spend the night in the vicinity of Death Valley, such as at The Ranch at Death Valley.

Day 5: Las Vegas

⏱️210 km or 131 mi, 2 hrs 20 min

Día 6: Valley of Fire

⏱️75 km or 47 mi, 45 min

  • From May to September, some trails in this state park are closed due to high temperatures, but there're still several places you can visit.
  • If you prefer, you can take Valley of Fire guided tour from Las Vegas.
  • Stay overnight again in Las Vegas and continue enjoying its nightlife.

Day 7: Zion

⏱️260 km or 162 mi, 2 hrs 15 min

  • Remember that there's time difference between Nevada, Arizona, and Utah.
  • It's advisable to arrive very early at Zion to find free parking in the park, otherwise you'll have to use a paid parking lot in the surrounding area.
  • Large vehicles are prohibited from driving on the Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway between Canyon Junction and the East Entrance.
  • On this day, you can stay overnight in Hurricane (closer to Zion) or Bryce Canyon City (closer to the next day's destination).

Day 8: Bryce

⏱️210 km or 131 mi, 2 hrs from Hurricane; 5 km or 3 mi, 10 min from Bryce Canyon City

  • Spend the night in Page, for example at the Wingate Page.
  • On the way to Page, you can stop at Toadstool Hoodoos, which is a very short hike.
  • Remember that there's a time difference between Utah and Arizona in the summer.

Day 9: Page

Day 10: Monument Valley

⏱️195 km or 121 mi, 2 hrs

  • The time zone in Monument Valley is Utah time, not Arizona. When traveling from Page, the time will be one hour different when you arrive in Monument Valley.
  • You don't need a 4x4 to explore Monument Valley on your own, but if you want to go with a Navajo guide or are traveling by motorcycle or RV, you can book this Monument Valley tour.
  • You can sleep over in Page or stay in Monument Valley. Goulding's Lodge has breathtaking views!

Day 11: Grand Canyon

⏱️210 km or 131 mi, 2 hrs 30 min from Page; 280 km or 174 mi, 3 hrs from Monument Valley

Day 12: Route 66

⏱️297 km or 185 mi, 3 hrs 30 min

  • Visit Seligman, Hackberry, Kingman, and Oatman.
  • Remember that there's a time difference between Arizona and California only in winter.
  • The best places to spend the night are Topock and Needles.

Day 13: Mojave and Joshua Tree

⏱️315 km or 196 mi, 3 hrs 30 min

  • If you have time, head to the Kelso Dunes in Mojave first thing in the morning—the views are breathtaking! Otherwise, go straight to Joshua Tree to spend the day there.
  • For lodging, you can choose between Twentynine Palms or Yucca Valley.

Days 14 & 15: Los Angeles

⏱️230 km or 143 mi, 2 hrs 30 min (if there is no traffic)

✨What makes this itinerary unique?

  • It's the only one that goes from Yosemite to Death Valley, passing through Tioga Pass and stopping at Mono Lake. You should check the status of the pass beforehand in case it's closed.
  • This is the only itinerary that includes the visit to Valley of Fire State Park, near Las Vegas.
  • On the other hand, it's the only one that doesn't stop at Sequoia National Park.

🗺️15-day West Coast Road Trip Map "Urban with Parks"

USA West Coast Road Trip map

15-day USA West Coast Itinerary: "Best National Parks"

🤩What type of traveler should choose this itinerary?

This is for you if your main goal is to visit many of the best USA West Coas National Parks, venturing a little further into Utah than on the previous itineraries. You'll visit San Francisco and Las Vegas, but you'll only see Los Angeles Airport. This itinerary can be done in either direction.

📅Summary itinerary for each day

The day-to-day details of the entire itinerary with the most noteworthy points to keep in mind:

Days 1 & 2: San Francisco

Day 3: Yosemite

⏱️310 km or 193 mi, 4 hrs

Day 4: Sequoia

⏱️275 km or 171 mi, 3 hrs 20 min

  • Meet General Grant and General Sherman, the park's most legendary trees. Pass through the Crescent Meadows area to see if you're lucky enough to spot some bears, and if you have time, climb Moro Rock and marvel at the views.
  • Stay overnight in Exeter, Lindsay, or Bakersfield.

Día 5: Death Valley

⏱️380 km or 236 mi, 4 hrs from Bakersfield; 490 km or 305 mi, 5 hrs 30 min from Exeter

Day 6: Las Vegas

⏱️210 km or 131 mi, 2 hrs 20 min

Day 7: Zion

⏱️260 km or 162 mi, 2 hrs 15 min

  • Keep in mind that there's a time difference between Nevada, Arizona, and Utah (you'll pass through all 3 states on this day).
  • It's important to arrive early at Zion to find free parking in the park, otherwise you'll have to park in the surrounding area and everything is paid parking.
  • If you're traveling by RV, remember that large vehicles cannot use the Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway between Canyon Junction and the East Entrance.
  • On this day, you can stay overnight in Hurricane (closer to Zion) or Bryce Canyon City (closer to the next day's destination).

Day 8: Bryce

⏱️210 km or 131 mi, 2 hrs from Hurricane; 5 km or 3 mi, 10 min from Bryce Canyon City

  • Tonight, spend the night in Page. The Wingate Page is one of the best options.
  • On the way to Page, you can stop at Toadstool Hoodoos, which is a very short and easy hike.
  • Remember that there's a time difference between Utah and Arizona in the summer.

Day 9: Page

Day 10: Canyonlands

⏱️490 km or 305 mi, 5 hrs

  • Remember that there's a time difference between Utah and Arizona.
  • Focus on the Island in the Sky area of the national park.
  • Stay overnight in Moab; the Apache Motel has a really cool atmosphere.

Day 11: Arches

⏱️10 km or 6 mi, 10 min

  • If possible, avoid visiting Delicate Arch at sunset, as this is when it's most crowded and loses its charm.
  • Stay again in Moab.

Day 12: Monument Valley

⏱️240 km or 149 mi, 2 hrs 30 min

  • The time zone in Monument Valley is Utah time.
  • On the way, stop at Mexican Hat Rock and Forrest Gump Point, but be careful when taking photos!
  • You don't need a 4x4 to explore Monument Valley on your own, but if you'd like to go with a Navajo guide or are traveling by motorcycle or RV, you can book this Monument Valley tour.
  • You can sleep over in Page or stay in Monument Valley, for example at Goulding's Lodge choosing a room with a view.

Day 13: Grand Canyon

⏱️210 km or 131 mi, 2 hrs 30 min from Page; 280 km or 174 mi, 3 hrs from Monument Valley

  • In addition to enjoying the park's viewpoints, a very popular activity is the helicopter flight over the Grand Canyon.
  • Head to Williams to spend the night, already on Route 66. It has charm and a wide range of hotels and restaurants.

Day 14: Route 66

⏱️297 km or 185 mi, 3 hrs 30 min

  • Stop in Seligman, Hackberry, Kingman, and Oatman if you have time.
  • There's only a time difference between Arizona and California in winter.
  • The best places to spend the night are Topock and Needles.

Day 15: Joshua Tree

⏱️234 km or 145 mi, 2 hrs 15 min if you stay in Joshua Tree; 440 km or 273 mi, 5 hrs if you go to Los Angeles Airport

  • If you're not catching your return flight today and you have time, stop in Mojave before Joshua Tree and climb the Kelso Dunes.
  • If you're staying overnight in the Joshua Tree area, Twentynine Palms and Yucca Valley are the best options. Otherwise, you'll have to find a hotel near Los Angeles Airport.

💯What makes this itinerary different?

  • This's the one that visits more National Parks: 9 in total.
  • It's the only that goes to Canyonlands and Arches in Utah.

🗺️15-day West Coast Road Trip Map "Best National Parks"

15-day road trip USA West Coast

15-day USA West Coast Itinerary: "The Best of Arizona"

😉Choose this itinerary if...

You've already been to the West Coast, or you want to discover some of Arizona's hidden gems that are off the beaten track, as well as visiting the classics. You'll visit San Francisco and Las Vegas, but not Los Angeles (only its airport). This itinerary can be done in either direction.

📅Day-by-day itinerary at a glance

We're going to provide you with all the information about each day of this itinerary:

Days 1 & 2: San Francisco

Day 3: Yosemite

⏱️310 km or 193 mi, 4 hrs

Day 4: Sequoia

⏱️275 km or 171 mi, 3 hrs 20 min

  • Go visit General Grant and General Sherman, the most important sequoias in the park.
  • In the Crescent Meadows area, it's common to see bears, and if you have time, you can climb Moro Rock to enjoy the views.
  • Spend the night in Exeter, Lindsay, or Bakersfield.

Día 5: Death Valley

⏱️380 km or 236 mi, 4 hrs from Bakersfield; 490 km or 305, 5 hrs 30 min from Exeter

  • If you go in summer, it's best to visit Death Valley first thing in the morning or late in the afternoon, as temperatures can reach 50 ºC (122 ºF) at midday!
  • To sleep over, you can stay in the Death Valley area. There aren't many options, but The Ranch at Death Valley is fine.

Day 6: Las Vegas

⏱️210 km or 131 mi, 2 hrs 20 min

Day 7: Zion

⏱️260 km or 162 mi, 2 hrs 15 min

  • Today you'll pass through 3 states, and each one has a different time zone.
  • If you arrive at Zion early enough, you can park for free inside the park, otherwise all parking outside is paid.
  • If you're traveling by RV, large vehicles aren't permitted on the Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway between Canyon Junction and the East Entrance.
  • On this day, you can stay in Hurricane (closer to Zion) or Bryce Canyon City (closer to Bryce).

Day 8: Bryce

⏱️210 km or 131 mi, 2 hrs from Hurricane; 5 km or 3 mi, 10 min from Bryce Canyon City

  • Stay overnight in Page to make the most of tomorrow. The Wingate Page is one of the best options.
  • On the way to Page, you can stop at Toadstool Hoodoos if you feel like it and have time. It's an interesting place!
  • Remember that there's a time difference between Utah and Arizona in the summer.

Day 9: Page

Day 10: Monument Valley

⏱️195 km or 149 mi, 2 hrs

Day 11: Canyon de Chelly and Petrified Forest

⏱️310 km or 192 mi, 3 hrs from Monument Valley; 430 km or 267 mi, 4 hrs from Page

  • Remember that Canyon de Chelly is located in Navajo Territory, and although it's in Arizona, it has Utah time in the summer.
  • Focus on the southern part of the canyon so that you have time to visit everything that day.
  • We love the Blue Mesa loop in Petrified Forest National Park—don't miss it!
  • The best place to spend the night is Holbrook.

Days 12 & 13: Sedona

⏱️197 km or 122 mi, 2 hrs

Day 14: Grand Canyon

⏱️193 km or 120 mi, 2 hrs

Day 15: Route 66

⏱️455 km or 282 mi, 5 hrs

  • Stop in Seligman, Hackberry, Kingman, and Oatman.
  • Ideally, you should catch your return flight from Las Vegas and spend the night in a hotel near the airport, such as the Holiday Inn Express E Tropicana. If you decide to drive to Los Angeles Airport, the distance is 720 km (447 mi) and the journey takes 7 hours.

💫What is the difference between this itinerary and the others?

  • It's the only route that visits Canyon de Chelly, Petrified Forest, and Sedona.

🗺️15-day West Coast Road Trip Map "The Best of Arizona"

Road trip West Coast USA Map

Which itinerary are you going to choose? Leave it in comments!

Update date: 20 February 2026
Irene García

Co-founder and writer

I’m a pharmacist, but I discovered that traveling is my true passion in life. I spent 6 months backpacking through Southeast Asia and Australia, and more than 2 years traveling across the American continent in my camper, driving from Ushuaia to Alaska. As you can see, adventure is my thing!

I’m also addicted to dark chocolate, hiking, watching TV series, and I love all the animals on the planet. I’m the kind of person who rescues spiders that get into home!

United States is one of my favorite destinations—it seems to me like one of the most complete and diverse countries in the world! I hope you enjoy my USA travel guides, and if you feel like writing to me once you’re back from your trip, I’d love to hear how it went.

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