Dreaming of the final American Southwest street journey however unsure the place to begin?
With so many jaw-dropping parks, scenic byways, and quirky desert cities, planning the proper route can really feel overwhelming, however I’ve acquired you coated.
After driving over 3,000 miles by the Southwest myself, I’ve mapped out a 31-day itinerary that hits each spotlight and a number of hidden gems you gained’t discover on most lists.
From the towering hoodoos of Bryce Canyon and the huge expanse of Grand Canyon Nationwide Park, to the pink rocks of Sedona and the cultural heartbeats of Santa Fe and Albuquerque, this journey captures the perfect of the area’s landscapes and native taste.
Whether or not you’re tenting beneath the celebs at KOAs, climbing iconic trails in Zion Nationwide Park and Monument Valley, or tasting your method by Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives–featured eating places, this journey blends journey, historical past, and small-town appeal.
You’ll even discover ideas for adjusting your itinerary if sure parks or sights are closed, so it’s versatile regardless of the season.
Prepare for a month-long journey by deserts, canyons, and mountain passes — together with the key spots we discovered with no crowds in any respect.
Bucket Record American Southwest Highway Journey Itinerary
Our honeymoon street journey was imagined to be the last word journey.
One full month exploring the rugged fantastic thing about the American Southwest.
We deliberate a 31-day route by the 4 Corners states: Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, and Utah.
The purpose was to see as a lot pink rock desert, mountain surroundings, and small-town appeal as we might pack into 4 weeks on the street.
However like so many 2020 plans, issues didn’t go fairly as anticipated.
Because the pandemic unfolded, closures and restrictions meant we needed to alter our itinerary and what was meant to be a 31-day journey was 21 days as an alternative.
On this put up, I’m sharing each variations of our honeymoon itinerary: the unique month-long plan and the modified route we ended up taking.
Lots of the locations we missed that 12 months, we’ve since gone again to go to on later street journeys, so I’ve included hyperlinks to these up to date journey guides all through.
Whether or not you’re planning your individual Southwest street journey or simply need some inspiration on your journey bucket checklist, this itinerary covers a few of the most breathtaking and unforgettable locations within the area.
Day 1: Drive From LA To Yuma & Tucson
Our Southwest honeymoon journey formally started in Anaheim, since that’s the place we have been residing on the time.
The plan was to hit the street by 9 am, make a noon cease in Yuma, after which proceed on to Tucson for our first evening of tenting.
The unique plan regarded like this:
- Depart house round 8–9 a.m.
- Drive about 4 hours to Yuma, Arizona
- Cease for gasoline and lunch
- Spend 1–2 hours sightseeing in Yuma — visiting The Camel Farm, Yuma Territorial Jail Park, and St. Thomas Yuma Indian Mission
- Proceed one other 3 hours to Tucson
- Have dinner on the town or at our campsite
- Keep in a single day at Gilbert Ray Campground
However like most street journeys, issues didn’t go precisely in response to plan (in one of the best ways).
Right here’s what truly occurred:
We acquired up at 7 a.m., packed the automobile, and hit the street by 8:40.
After topping off the gasoline tank, we made it to Yuma round 12:30 p.m. and determined to skip sightseeing this time and luxuriate in lunch as an alternative at Jail Hill Brewing Firm in historic downtown Yuma — a fantastic native spot with craft beer and hearty meals.
We crammed up the tank once more earlier than getting again on the street.
By 5 p.m., we pulled into Gilbert Ray Campground simply exterior Tucson, discovered our campsite, and spent about half-hour organising our tent and finding the bathhouse.
We cooked a easy dinner on our camp range, watched the solar dip beneath the desert hills round 7 p.m., and referred to as it an evening by 8.
It was the proper, low-key begin to our month-long Southwest honeymoon, one which set the tempo for the adventures to come back.
The place To Keep: Gilbert Ray Campground
If you happen to’re visiting Tucson or Saguaro Nationwide Park, Gilbert Ray Campground is without doubt one of the finest (and most reasonably priced) locations to remain.
Positioned simply exterior the west entrance of Saguaro Nationwide Park, this scenic desert campground presents stunning views of the encompassing cactus-studded hills, particularly at dawn and sundown.
It’s peaceable, clear, and feels distant, but it’s solely about 20 minutes from downtown Tucson.
The campground presents each tent and RV websites, every with a picnic desk and entry to restrooms with flush bogs and showers.
Reservations are required and could be made on-line upfront, however charges are surprisingly budget-friendly in comparison with most campgrounds close to nationwide parks.
If you wish to get up surrounded by towering saguaros and nonetheless be near Tucson’s eating places and sights, Gilbert Ray Campground is the proper base on your keep.
If you happen to favor a resort keep, try Varsity Golf equipment of America Tucson!
On our second day, we deliberate to spend all the day exploring Saguaro Nationwide Park, which is definitely cut up into two separate sections that body the town of Tucson: the West (Tucson Mountain) District and the East (Rincon Mountain) District.
You’ll be able to try the precise particulars of our Saguaro Nationwide Park go to in our in the future itinerary put up.
Either side showcase the enduring saguaro cactus forests, however every has its personal trails, drives, and distinctive desert landscapes.
Unique plan:
- Breakfast on the campground
- Drive 10 minutes to the West District
- Hike the Desert Discovery Nature Path
- Drive the Bajada Loop Drive (6 miles), stopping on the Valley View Overlook (0.8-mile out-and-back) and Sign Hill Petroglyphs
- Lunch in Tucson and prime off gasoline
- Drive about an hour to the East District
- Drive the Cactus Forest Loop (8 miles)
- Hike the EcoNature Loop Path (0.25 miles) and the Freeman Homestead Path (1 mile)
- Non-compulsory: Micah Peak hike
- Dinner in Tucson or on the campground, again by 6 p.m.
What truly occurred:
We acquired up at 7 a.m., had breakfast on the campground, and hit the street by 8:35 a.m.
The west facet actions went easily, and by 10:30 a.m., we had accomplished the Desert Discovery Path, Bajada Loop, Valley View Overlook, and Sign Hill Petroglyphs.
As a substitute of a sit-down lunch, we determined to take a look at downtown Tucson whereas topping off gasoline, and grabbed lunch at Whataburger, a must-try for us since there weren’t any places close to house.
By 12:30 p.m., we have been on the East District, the place we drove the Cactus Forest Loop and hiked the Micah View Path (1.4 miles) together with the Eco Path.
We skipped the Freeman Homestead Path, however nonetheless soaked in loads of desert surroundings.
By 3:30 p.m., we have been again at Gilbert Ray Campground, having accomplished our day, and spent the remainder of the afternoon stress-free on the campsite.
Though we didn’t stick strictly to the unique plan, it was an ideal steadiness of sightseeing, climbing, and downtime and it gave us an actual style of what makes Saguaro Nationwide Park so particular.
If you happen to want extra to do with the free time, listed below are another issues we suggest within the Tucson space that we’ve completed on different street journeys:
The Final Elgin and Sonoita Wine Tasting Information
Reasonably priced Issues To Do In Tucson
The Finest Hidden Gem Eating places In Tucson
The Finest Issues To Do In Tombstone
The place To Keep: Gilbert Ray Campground
We deliberate to remain on the similar campground on the finish of the evening, simply so we didn’t must pack every part up once more within the morning or must arrange the tent once more for the 2nd evening in a row.
On day three, we have been heading east from Tucson towards New Mexico, with the Gila Cliff Dwellings as our important cease earlier than ending the day in Las Cruces.
You’ll be able to try our full expertise on the Gila Cliff Dwellings in our in the future itinerary put up.
Unique plan:
- Breakfast on the campground and prime off gasoline earlier than leaving
- Depart Gilbert Ray Campground by 9 a.m.
- Drive almost 5 hours to the Gila Cliff Dwellings, stopping in Silver Metropolis to prime off gasoline
- Discover the cliff dwellings
- Drive about 3 hours to Las Cruces for the evening
- Camp at Las Cruces KOA and have dinner on the campsite
- Sundown was at 7:22 p.m., giving us loads of daylight for journey and exploration
What truly occurred:
We have been up by 7 a.m., packed the automobile, and hit the street by 8 a.m.
The drive to Silver Metropolis was lengthy, however we stopped to refuel earlier than tackling the extra distant stretch to the cliff dwellings.
We arrived on the Gila Cliff Dwellings round 2 p.m. and walked the one-mile loop to discover the historic Mogollon cliff dwellings earlier than heading again to the parking space simply after 3 p.m.
As a substitute of a sit-down dinner, we grabbed a fast chunk at a truck cease in Las Cruces, a mixture of Nation Pleasure and Taco Bell, earlier than heading to Las Cruces KOA round 7 p.m.
The place To Keep: Las Cruces KOA
This campsite had electrical hookups, which gave us an opportunity to cost our gadgets and even do some work within the night.
After a protracted day of driving and climbing, we have been in mattress by 9 p.m., prepared for the adventures forward.
Whereas we have been right here we noticed one thing shiny protruding of the bottom & it regarded like one thing that fell off a necklace or another type of jewellery.
As soon as we cleaned it off, we noticed that it was a picture of the Archangel Zadkiel (not one of many archangels acknowledged in Catholicism, however by others), who represents freedom, benevolence, and mercy.
So we acquired some floss and hung it in our automobile, the place it nonetheless is as we speak!
Our unique plan for day 4 was to go to White Sands Nationwide Park, nearly an hour from Las Cruces.
The park generally is a little unpredictable, although, because it typically closes for army actions.
If it had been open, we deliberate a full day exploring the park: sledding down the dunes (you’ll be able to lease a sled or deliver your individual), climbing the Native Plant Backyard Path, driving the 16-mile Dunes Drive, and strolling the Interdune Boardwalk, Playa Path, and Dune Life Nature Path.
The thought was to finish the day in El Paso, about 45 minutes away.
What truly occurred:
We awakened round 7 a.m., had breakfast on the campsite, packed up, and have been on the street by 9:15 a.m.
Since we already knew White Sands can be closed, we pivoted to our contingency plan.
Our first cease was Previous Mesilla Village in Las Cruces, an enthralling historic district with adobe buildings, boutique outlets, and native artwork, an ideal place to stretch our legs and benefit from the native tradition.
After that, we drove over to El Paso and explored the El Paso Mission Path, which highlights a number of historic Spanish missions within the space (I’ve a full weblog put up devoted to this path if you’d like the complete particulars).
For lunch, we tried Taco Cabana, a regional favourite, and for dinner we tried Well-known Dave’s, a BBQ spot that’s dispersed across the US, however doesn’t have any places close to the place we reside.
The place To Keep: Palace Inn El Paso
That evening, we stayed in a resort, the Palace Inn in El Paso, which was a pleasant change from tenting.
Click on Right here To E book Your Palace Inn El Paso Keep At the moment!
Since then, we’ve stayed at a number of different inns round El Paso, so listed below are another suggestions in several areas round city.
Hampton Inn El Paso/East
Hampton Inn El Paso/East is simply 3 miles from the El Paso Mission Path, so it’s actually handy should you finish your day in that space.
We love to remain at Hampton Inns once we journey as a result of it’s Hilton’s least expensive model, whereas nonetheless being protected and clear and prime quality.
Hampton Inn charges additionally embody complimentary breakfast and complimentary parking.
Click on Right here To E book Your Hampton Inn El Paso/East Keep At the moment!
Hilton Backyard Inn El Paso/College
Hilton Backyard Inn El Paso/College is the perfect place to remain if you wish to be nearer to downtown or nearer to UTEP.
This one is definitely my total favourite resort we’ve stayed in when visiting El Paso.
Hilton Backyard Inn is marketed extra towards enterprise vacationers, so it’s somewhat bit pricier and doesn’t embody complimentary breakfast, but it surely’s proper throughout the road from a ton of meals locations.
Click on Right here To E book Your Hilton Backyard Inn El Paso/College Keep At the moment!
Hilton Backyard Inn El Paso Airport
Hilton Backyard Inn El Paso Airport is the place I like to recommend staying should you’re flying out and in of El Paso and want to be nearer to the airport for logistic causes.
Click on Right here To E book Your Hilton Backyard Inn El Paso Airport Keep At the moment!
Day 5 was set to be a full day exploring Guadalupe Mountains Nationwide Park after which heading to Carlsbad Caverns in New Mexico for day 6, however we ended up doing all of it in in the future.
You’ll be able to try the full itinerary of those two parks in our weekend getaway itinerary.
Unique plan:
- Camp at Pine Springs Campground upon arrival (first-come, first-served)
- Hike a number of shorter trails relatively than tackling just one lengthy hike, together with:
- Pinery Path on the Headquarters Customer Heart
- Smith Spring Path (2.3 miles, 1–2 hours) at Frijole Ranch Trailhead
- Manzanita Spring Path (0.2 miles)
- McKittrick Canyon Nature Path (1 mile)
- Indian Meadow Nature Path (0.6 miles) within the Canine Canyon space
- Sundown was at 7:13 p.m., so the purpose was to reach again on the campground by 6:45 p.m.
What truly occurred:
We awakened at 6 a.m., packed up, and hit the street by 7:30 a.m., topping off gasoline alongside the best way.
Arriving round 9:15 a.m. (or 10:15 a.m., relying in your time zone, a few of our clocks modified partway by the drive however not all of them did), we rapidly realized the Pinery Path entry on the Customer Heart was closed.
So we went straight to the Smith Spring Path, which was too windy for a full hike, so we didn’t keep lengthy.
We nonetheless managed to hike the Manzanita Spring Path and the McKittrick Canyon Nature Path, soaking within the desert surroundings and the views of the encompassing peaks.
We skipped the Canine Canyon space as a result of it required a two-hour drive.
Since we nonetheless had a lot of the day forward of us, we determined to go over to Carlsbad Caverns early.
With the caverns themselves closed for the day, we explored the park’s entrance space, strolling the Overlook Path (about 500 toes) and driving the Scenic Loop Highway (9.5 miles).
Simply exterior of the park is an enthralling strip with a few present outlets, a Mexican restaurant, and even a put up workplace, so it’s an ideal lunch cease.
By the point we reached Carlsbad KOA, the winds have been over 25 mph, making it inconceivable to arrange our tent.
The campground workers graciously allowed us to go away early, so we determined to skip tenting and proceed on our street journey.
That night, we drove north to Albuquerque, stopping in Roswell alongside the best way to take a look at the alien-themed sights and take within the city’s quirky appeal.
We arrived in Albuquerque round 9 p.m., marking the tip of a day stuffed with surprising adjustments and adventurous detours.
The place To Keep: Carlsbad KOA
So assuming that the climate permits, you’ll need to keep regionally in Carlsbad whether or not you squeeze each of those parks into the identical day or should you unfold them out over two days, like we initially deliberate.
If you happen to comply with the unique itinerary, this present day is meant to be a full Carlsbad Caverns Nationwide Park day.
However as an alternative, we have been already in Albuquerque try the Petroglyph Nationwide Monument, which we’ve got a full itinerary of in one other weblog put up.
Unique plan (if Carlsbad Caverns had been open):
If the climate at Guadalupe Mountains had been higher and Carlsbad Caverns have been open, day six would have been devoted fully to exploring the caverns.
We had deliberate to:
- Drive about half-hour from Guadalupe Mountains to Carlsbad Caverns
- Attend a 9 a.m. ranger-led tour contained in the caverns
- Discover both the Massive Room or the Pure Entrance, or each if time allowed
- Finish the day by returning to Carlsbad KOA for tenting
Adjusted itinerary (what truly occurred):
As a result of we have been already in Albuquerque because of the earlier day’s climate and campground challenges, we began the day with breakfast at our resort earlier than heading out to Petroglyph Nationwide Monument, situated on the sting of the town.
We explored three trails at a leisurely tempo:
- Boca Negra Canyon Path – a brief stroll to see petroglyphs up shut
- Rinconada Canyon Path – about 1 hour and 20 minutes of strolling and exploring the rock artwork
- Piedras Marcadas Canyon Path – additionally round 1 hour and 20 minutes, good for taking your time to admire the carved photographs
The hikes weren’t strenuous, so we might give attention to observing the intricate petroglyphs scattered throughout the volcanic rocks.
Afterward, we returned to the resort to regroup and have lunch, then spent the afternoon wandering Previous City Albuquerque, taking within the adobe structure, outlets, and historic appeal of the realm.
The place To Keep: Hilton Backyard Inn Albuquerque Uptown
We’ve stayed in Albuquerque a number of occasions when passing by the realm, so I’ve a pair completely different inns I’m going to suggest throughout your time right here.
The primary one is Hilton Backyard Inn Albuquerque Uptown, which is somewhat east of downtown, however near a ton of eating places and outlets.
It’s nonetheless solely about quarter-hour from the Petroglyphs and 10 minutes from Previous City, so it’s very near every part!
Click on Right here To E book Your Hilton Backyard Inn Albuquerque Uptown Keep At the moment!
Throughout this journey specifically, we truly stayed at Homewood Suites Albuquerque Uptown, which I additionally suggest!
Day 7: Albuquerque
If we have been following the unique itinerary, we’d have woken up at Carlsbad KOA and made the drive north to Albuquerque, taking our time to discover Roswell alongside the best way.
Stops might need included the UFO Museum, picture ops with the city’s many alien statues and alien craft, and some other quirky sights that caught our eye.
The drive to Albuquerque would have taken about three hours in complete.
As soon as in Albuquerque, we’d have visited Petroglyphs Nationwide Monument (as already outlined) and loved dinner on the town.
Initially, we had deliberate to remain on the Albuquerque KOA, but it surely ended up being closed.
What truly occurred:
Since we have been already in Albuquerque, we began the day with breakfast at our resort earlier than hitting the town’s highlights.
We visited the Spaceship Home, wandered by Nob Hill, and explored Previous City Albuquerque, an enthralling space stuffed with adobe structure, boutiques, and historic websites.
Lunch was at Garcia’s Kitchen, which we completely beloved.
We discovered it as a result of it was really helpful by the Meals Community.
Indian tacos and sopapillas are two of our favourite dishes, and this spot did them completely.
Now we at all times make a degree to attempt them wherever we journey.
After lunch, we moved to a completely different resort in Albuquerque to be in a brand new a part of city and set ourselves up for the following portion of the journey.
For dinner, we stopped at Twisters, a neighborhood fast-food favourite identified for its Indian tacos and it’s a kind of stops we at all times make when passing by Albuquerque.
If you happen to’re searching for extra to do in Albuquerque, we’ve additionally visited the Nationwide Museum of Nuclear Science & Historical past, which presents an interesting have a look at the historical past of nuclear science, weapons, and power within the U.S.
It’s a singular cease and a fantastic addition to any Albuquerque itinerary.
The place To Keep: Hampton Inn College Midtown
One other resort we’ve stayed in when visiting Albuquerque is Hampton Inn College Midtown.
It’s somewhat nearer towards downtown than the final one, however solely about 5 minutes away.
Just about in all places we’ve stayed is correct off the freeway for comfort.
Click on Right here To E book Your Hampton Inn College Midtown Keep At the moment!
Throughout this journey specifically, we truly stayed at Hilton Backyard Inn Albuquerque North/Rio Rancho, which I additionally suggest!
After a number of days of shuffled plans in Carlsbad Caverns, Guadalupe Mountains, and Albuquerque, day eight was the purpose the place our itinerary lastly acquired again on observe with the unique plan.
Unique plan:
- Breakfast on the resort
- Return to Petroglyphs Nationwide Monument for any trails we hadn’t but accomplished
- Go to Kasha Katuwe Tent Rocks Nationwide Monument (about an hour exterior Albuquerque), if open
- Hike the Cave Loop Path (1.2 miles) and Veterans Memorial Path (1 mile)
- Drive to Santa Fe (roughly 45 minutes)
- Lunch and dinner on the street or in Santa Fe
What truly occurred:
We left our resort in Albuquerque and spent the morning driving parts of the Turquoise Path Scenic Byway, a fantastic route connecting Albuquerque and Santa Fe.
Kasha-Katuwe had been closed for months already with no indicators of opening, so we moved on Albuquerque straight away.
Alongside the best way, we tried the Singing Highway, which initially performed “America the Stunning” if pushed on the actual pace restrict.
We circled again a number of occasions, laughing at our makes an attempt to hit it excellent.
It has since been paved over attributable to the price of the maintenance, so I’m glad we have been capable of attempt it once we did!
Our subsequent cease was Pecos Nationwide Historic Park, some of the underrated websites we’ve ever visited.
We explored the park after which walked the Glorietta Civil Battle Battlefield Path, a 2.25 mile path that took about an hour and 20 minutes.
It truly began snowing whereas we have been on the path, but it surely wasn’t too chilly and made the surroundings much more magical.
Lunch was a late one at Dion’s, a regional New Mexico chain, the place we shared an Italian sub and a meatball sub.
Each have been scrumptious and the proper refuel after our hike.
We checked into the DoubleTree in Santa Fe, after all having fun with the free cookie, and skipped a full dinner since our late lunch had crammed us up.
As a substitute, we grabbed a few snacks from Sonic, although we’d often suggest profiting from Santa Fe’s unbelievable native delicacies as an alternative.
At the present time was an ideal mixture of scenic drives, gentle climbing, and native taste, making it one among our favourite transitional days as we headed additional north in New Mexico.
The place To Keep: Doubletree by Hilton Santa Fe
Doubletree by Hilton Santa Fe is centrally situated to every part we wished to do within the space and clearly we love the cookies.
Though we weren’t right here for very lengthy, we have been impressed with the property as a result of the structure and design have been so distinctive.
Click on Right here To E book Your Doubletree by Hilton Santa Fe Keep At the moment!
Initially, we wished to spend the morning at Bandelier Nationwide Monument, but it surely was closed, in order that was the one plan that modified with our unique itinerary for as we speak.
However, it allowed us to go to a historic hidden gem most individuals have by no means heard of!
Unique plan:
- Breakfast on the resort
- Drive one hour to Bandelier Nationwide Monument
- Hike the Foremost Loop Path (1.2 miles) — the favored path with the cliff dwellings and wood ladders
- Add on the Alcove Home Path (1 mile) on the return portion
- Lunch again in Santa Fe
- Discover Canyon Highway and the Santa Fe Plaza
- Drive to Hilton Buffalo Thunder
- Dinner close to the resort
What truly occurred:
Once we arrived, Bandelier Nationwide Monument was closed, which occurs periodically all year long attributable to climate or upkeep.
So, we pivoted our plans and began the morning with breakfast at Lotaburger, a neighborhood New Mexico chain we completely love!
It’s a kind of “must-stop” spots every time we’re within the state.
After breakfast, we spent the day exploring Santa Fe Plaza and Canyon Highway, two of the town’s most iconic areas.
The Santa Fe Plaza has been the center of the town for over 400 years and it’s surrounded by historic adobe buildings, outlets promoting native artwork and jewellery, and conventional New Mexican eating places.
In the meantime, Canyon Highway is Santa Fe’s world-famous arts district, lined with greater than 80 galleries and studios that includes every part from Native American pottery to fashionable artwork.
Earlier than leaving the realm, we additionally visited the La Cieneguilla Petroglyph Website, a brief, scenic cease simply exterior of Santa Fe the place a whole lot of historic rock carvings are etched into the black volcanic cliffs.
It’s a simple, underrated website to discover and a good way to attach with the area’s deep ancestral historical past.
From there, we took a scenic drive to El Santuario de Chimayó, a historic Catholic pilgrimage website nestled within the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.
The chapel, constructed within the early 1800s, is understood for its sacred “holy filth,” which many guests consider has therapeutic powers.
It’s a deeply peaceable and non secular cease, even should you’re not non secular, and one among New Mexico’s most cherished cultural landmarks.
The place To Keep: Hilton Buffalo Thunder On line casino & Resort
We ended the day at Hilton Buffalo Thunder, simply north of Santa Fe, the place we spent the night stress-free.
The resort options Pueblo-inspired structure, Native artwork all through the property, and nice facilities for unwinding after a number of busy journey days.
You’ll be able to try our full overview of the resort on this weblog put up.
Click on Right here To E book Your Hilton Buffalo Thunder On line casino Resort Keep At the moment!
Our unique plan for this present day was a full journey throughout northern New Mexico and into southern Colorado.
After breakfast at our resort, we deliberate to prime off our gasoline, drive two hours north to cross the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge (a metal bridge that stretches 600 toes above the Rio Grande River) after which proceed one other two hours to Nice Sand Dunes Nationwide Park.
There, we supposed to seize one of many first-come, first-served campsites, go sledding on the large dunes, and hike the quick Montville Nature Path earlier than watching the sundown over the sand.
What truly occurred nonetheless turned out to be an unbelievable day!
We started with a drive to Taos, the place we explored the historic Taos Plaza and Bent Road, each full of native artwork galleries, adobe structure, and comfortable outlets that seize the center of northern New Mexico’s tradition.
From there, we drove to the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge, one of many highest bridges within the U.S., providing views of the deep canyon carved by the river beneath.
Crossing into Colorado, we stopped at Sand Dunes Recreation to lease sand sleds earlier than heading into Nice Sand Dunes Nationwide Park, the place we spent the afternoon sledding down the tallest dunes in North America.
It’s at present about $20 a day to lease the sand sleds or you’ll be able to deliver your individual.
I’ve a full detailed itinerary for this park on this different put up.
The place To Keep: High quality Inn & Suites West Pueblo
As a substitute of tenting that evening, we determined to drive somewhat farther north and keep in Pueblo, Colorado, wrapping up a protracted however rewarding day surrounded by unbelievable surroundings and bucket-list experiences.
High quality Inn & Suites West Pueblo is the place we determined to remain.
It’s in all probability the bottom funds sort of resort we’ve ever stayed in, however that’s all that exists in that space.
It was clear and protected, simply not as prime quality as we have a tendency to remain in.
Click on Right here To E book Your High quality Inn & Suites West Pueblo Keep At the moment!
The unique plan for this present day was to have breakfast at our resort, prime off our gasoline, and drive about 2 hours and 45 minutes north to Colorado Springs.
As soon as there, we have been going to discover Backyard of the Gods, one among Colorado’s most well-known free sights identified for its towering pink sandstone formations and unbelievable mountain views, earlier than tenting for the evening on the Colorado Springs KOA.
What we truly ended up doing was even higher!
We started our morning with a go to to the Pueblo Riverwalk and downtown Pueblo, an enthralling space with a scenic waterfront and historic structure that made for a peaceable begin to the day.
From there, we continued north to Pink Rock Canyon Open Area, the place we hiked each the Contemplation Path and the Sand Canyon Path, two stunning routes that supply sweeping views and fewer crowds than close by Backyard of the Gods.
We then headed over to Backyard of the Gods, exploring its rock formations and scenic loops.
I’ve a full weblog put up itinerary for visiting each Pink Rock Canyon and Backyard of the Gods should you’d wish to dive deeper into these stops.
For lunch, we went to The Skirted Heifer, a neighborhood favourite featured on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives, the place the standout “Hangover Burger” undoubtedly lived as much as the hype.
The place To Keep: Colorado Springs KOA
That night, we arrange camp on the Colorado Springs KOA, the place we have been handled to a shock snowstorm in a single day!
Though a number of inches fell, we stayed heat and comfortable in our tent, proving that with the suitable gear, somewhat snow could make for a fairly magical tenting expertise.
Day 12: Glenwood Springs, Breckenridge, & Vail
In our VERY early journey plans we have been going so as to add 2 days right here to discover Rocky Mountain Nationwide Park, however by the point we finalized our plans, we already knew it was going to be closed, so we determined to go to the ski cities as an alternative.
The unique plan for day twelve was a protracted drive by the Rockies, beginning with breakfast on the campground after which a 4½-hour journey to Glenwood Springs, with stops at iconic ski cities alongside the best way, Breckenridge, Vail, and Beaver Creek, earlier than tenting for the evening at Glenwood Springs KOA.
What truly occurred turned out to be simply as scenic, albeit somewhat extra snug!
We left round 8:15 a.m. and made a breakfast/lunch cease at Simply Be Kitchen in Denver.
JP had the breakfast platter, whereas I attempted the hen and dumplings.
Every part there may be 100% gluten-free, seed oil-free, paleo-friendly, keto-friendly, diabetic-friendly, no refined sugar, and Whole30 compliant and it’s been featured on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives!
After refueling, we drove first to Breckenridge, an enthralling mountain city full of colourful Victorian buildings and quaint outlets.
Subsequent up was Vail, my private favourite.
With its European-style alpine village vibe, Vail is solely gorgeous with cobblestone streets, cozy cafés, and picturesque mountains at each flip.
We wandered round, stopped for sizzling cider, and indulged in some ice cream whereas soaking within the surroundings.
The place To Keep: Vacation Inn Categorical Glenwood Springs
On account of snowy and unpredictable climate, we determined to skip tenting that evening and stayed on the Vacation Inn Categorical Glenwood Springs.
It was a welcome cozy cease after a day of mountain driving and exploring, and it allowed us to relaxation up for the following leg of our street journey.
Click on Right here To E book Your Vacation Inn Categorical Glenwood Springs Keep At the moment!
Day 13: Aspen & Snowmass Village
Do not forget that the early levels of this a part of our street journey we have been planning to be in Rocky Mountain Nationwide Park for 1-2 days after which spend 1-2 days exploring the ski cities all through Colorado.
So, because the nationwide park was closed on the time, it simply gave us extra time to discover the ski cities.
Unique Itinerary:
- Breakfast at our Glenwood Springs KOA campsite
- Spend the morning on the Yampah Spa and Vapor Caves, some of the distinctive spa experiences within the U.S. – this pure geothermal steam bathtub is ready inside underground caverns.
- Drive to Aspen to discover the world-famous ski city and its surrounding mountain surroundings.
- Proceed alongside the route to go to different close by ski cities earlier than returning to Glenwood Springs for the night.
What Truly Occurred:
The Yampah Spa and Vapor Caves have been sadly closed throughout our go to, so we adjusted our plans and drove straight to Aspen.
The city was stunning, subtle, upscale, and surrounded by snowcapped peaks, however I nonetheless most popular the comfy, European-alpine appeal of Vail from the day earlier than.
Aspen, although, undoubtedly earns a strong second place by way of mountain city vibes.
We stopped at White Home Tavern, the place we had essentially the most random however scrumptious snack combo, deviled eggs and cookies, two of our favorites!
Later, we grabbed some pasta from Mezzaluna, a comfy Italian spot in downtown Aspen, earlier than persevering with our drive by Snowmass Village.
We didn’t cease to stroll round, however the drive itself was scenic and value doing simply to absorb the views.
We ended the day again in Glenwood Springs, the place we had dinner at The Pullman (sure, it’s situated proper on the town), which turned out to be an ideal finish to a calming, food-filled day exploring a few of Colorado’s most well-known ski cities.
The place To Keep: Glenwood Springs KOA
I shared beforehand that we ended up staying at Vacation Inn Categorical in Glenwood Springs, however that our unique plan was to remain on the KOA.
So should you’re tenting – whether or not it’s tents, RVs, or cabins, the Glenwood Springs KOA is the place to remain!
Day 14: Park Metropolis & East Excessive College
Within the early days of our street journey plan, these subsequent 2 days have been imagined to be in Moab, visiting Arches and Canyonlands Nationwide Parks.
Since each have been closed, we determined to shift our route and discover northern Utah as an alternative earlier than finally circling again by Moab.
Unique Plan:
- Breakfast on the Glenwood Springs KOA campground
- Discover something we hadn’t completed but in Glenwood Springs, Aspen, or the close by ski cities
- Drive about 4 hours to Moab, stopping in Grand Junction for lunch
- Dinner in Moab
- Camp on the Moab KOA
What We Truly Did:
Morning: Earlier than leaving Glenwood Springs, we took the quick hike as much as Doc Holliday’s Gravesite.
The path is barely a few mile, but it surely’s principally uphill and winds across the hilltop.
If you happen to’ve ever seen the film Tombstone, it’s a extremely neat piece of Previous West historical past to go to.
Drive to Park Metropolis: We hit the street for a few five-hour drive to Park Metropolis.
Alongside the best way, we didn’t make any main stops, simply grabbed lunch at Arby’s, because it was fast and handy.
Alongside the best way, you’ll truly cross by Dinosaur Nationwide Monument, which we didn’t go to on this street journey, however we visited on one other one, and I extremely suggest it!
Salt Lake Metropolis Cease: As soon as we acquired to the Salt Lake space, we made a enjoyable cease at East Excessive College, the precise filming location for Excessive College Musical!
It nonetheless appears precisely prefer it does within the films, and you’ll take images out entrance.
Such a nostalgic cease should you grew up watching these movies.
The place To Keep: Provo KOA
We stayed on the Provo KOA, which had stunning mountain views within the background however wasn’t up within the mountains, so it was a lot hotter than our current stays!
We cooked dinner at our campsite utilizing our moveable burner range and caught up on some laundry whereas we have been there.
On lengthy journeys like this, it’s vital to plan for a number of nights the place you’ll be able to loosen up and reset a bit.
Day 15: Salt Lake Metropolis & Golden Spike Nationwide Historic Park
Bear in mind the unique plan was to be down in Moab on this present day, so we have been going to spend a full day at Arches Nationwide Park.
Since we shifted our route north as an alternative of heading to Moab, we determined to discover extra of northern Utah and go to one of many state’s most historic websites.
What We Truly Did:
Morning: We left our campsite round 8:15 a.m.
Earlier than hitting the street, we took a fast drive round BYU’s campus and downtown Salt Lake Metropolis, together with Temple Sq., simply to get a really feel for the realm.
Even should you’re not staying lengthy, the structure and mountain backdrop make it value a brief go to.
Golden Spike Nationwide Historic Park: From Salt Lake Metropolis, we drove north to Golden Spike Nationwide Historic Park, situated at Promontory Summit.
That is the place, on Could 10, 1869, the transcontinental railroad was formally accomplished, becoming a member of the Central Pacific and Union Pacific Railroads and connecting the East and West coasts of the U.S. for the primary time.
At the moment, you’ll be able to see duplicate steam locomotives, stroll alongside sections of the unique railroad grade, and go to the Customer Heart to study concerning the occasion’s huge influence on American growth.
It’s a surprisingly fascinating cease, particularly should you get pleasure from historical past or engineering landmarks.
There’s additionally a brief cease close by referred to as the Chinese language Arch that could be a quick stroll from the facet of the street that’s value trying out.
Lunch at Pie Dump: On our method to the following cease, we ate at Pie Dump in Garland, Utah, a comfy, retro spot that was featured on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives.
They’re identified for his or her selfmade rolls, pies, and caramel-drenched doughnuts that have been highlighted on the present.
It’s the form of old-school native gem that seems like stepping again in time.
The place To Keep: Camp Brigham Metropolis KOA
We camped on the Brigham Metropolis KOA, which is ready in a peaceable, rural space surrounded by farmland.
It’s undoubtedly an underrated KOA, quiet, scenic, and a pleasant change from the extra crowded campgrounds we’d stayed at earlier within the journey.
That mentioned, this evening introduced some intense climate, robust winds and rain that made me nervous concerning the timber round us swaying within the storm.
After some time, we determined to maneuver into the SUV to sleep, which ended up being surprisingly snug.
It was a kind of “simply roll with it” journey moments that turns into a humorous reminiscence later.
Day 16: Driving & Relaxation Day
The unique plan for this present day was to be in Moab, exploring Canyonlands Nationwide Park and Lifeless Horse Level State Park earlier than spending one other evening on the Moab KOA.
Nevertheless, since these parks have been closed throughout our journey, we shifted our route barely north and used this present day as a much-needed relaxation and driving day.
What We Truly Did:
After a number of days of full itineraries and lengthy drives, this ended up being one of many extra relaxed days of our 4 Corners street journey.
We began the morning with a easy breakfast at our campground.
We packed up camp and hit the street round 9:00 a.m.
About an hour into the drive, we stopped at JCW’s, a regional fast-food chain standard across the Salt Lake Metropolis space.
We tried their Ranch Bacon Burger and Pastrami Burger, each of which have been unbelievable, together with a facet of crispy onion rings.
If you happen to’re street tripping by Utah and need one thing fast however satisfying, I undoubtedly suggest making a cease right here.
After lunch, we continued our drive south towards Inexperienced River, which is about midway between Salt Lake Metropolis and Moab.
The drive itself was straightforward and scenic, with loads of wide-open desert landscapes and mountain views within the distance.
If you happen to’re recreating this itinerary and need to spend extra time in Salt Lake Metropolis, you would simply spend time exploring prime sights embody Antelope Island State Park, the Utah State Capitol, the Pure Historical past Museum of Utah, and Pink Butte Backyard.
The place To Keep: Inexperienced River KOA
We arrived on the Inexperienced River KOA by late afternoon and determined to take the remainder of the day to unwind.
We had somewhat bonfire at our campsite, caught up on some work, and simply loved the slower tempo after so many busy sightseeing days.
This campground was good for regrouping earlier than heading again into extra energetic components of the journey.
Day 17: Moab & Durango
Initially, this present day was going to mark the grand finale of our time in Moab earlier than heading towards some of the iconic stops of our American Southwest street journey, the 4 Corners Nationwide Monument.
From there, we had deliberate to cease in Cortez for gasoline and lunch at Foremost Road Brewery, then proceed to Mesa Verde Nationwide Park for the afternoon.
At Mesa Verde, we wished to discover the historic cliff dwellings, hike the quick overlook trails, and take within the unbelievable archaeological historical past of the realm.
Afterward, we deliberate to drive about an hour and fifteen minutes to Durango, have dinner on the town, and keep in a single day at a neighborhood resort.
Someplace alongside this route, we additionally deliberate to go to Dewey Bridge, a historic suspension bridge situated northeast of Moab.
It’s a fast and worthwhile detour should you’re touring between Arches Nationwide Park and Interstate 70, because it’s one of many space’s most original landmarks and as soon as served as an vital river crossing for early settlers.
What We Truly Did:
We began the day with breakfast at our campsite in Inexperienced River.
From Inexperienced River, it was a brief drive to Moab, the place we stopped for lunch on the town.
We ordered a hen parmesan panini, salad, and root beer, easy however scrumptious after so many days of camp cooking.
Though most sights have been closed, it was good to stroll round Moab’s downtown space and take within the pink rock views that make this such a particular vacation spot.
After lunch, we continued on to Durango, Colorado.
The drive itself was scenic, with a mixture of pink cliffs, open desert, and mountain views alongside the best way.
We arrived in Durango within the late afternoon, checked into our resort, and spent the night stress-free after one other travel-heavy day.
The place To Keep: Hampton Inn Durango
We stayed on the Hampton Inn Durango, which is a good possibility for anybody visiting the realm.
Hampton Inn is understood for its high-quality, snug rooms at an reasonably priced value, together with complimentary breakfast and free parking, good for street trippers who need comfort with out breaking the funds.
The resort’s location can also be very best for exploring downtown Durango, close by eating places, and outside sights.
Click on Right here To E book Your Hampton Inn Durango Keep At the moment!
That is the day of our itinerary the place we get again on observe with our unique plan, so it’ll be a lot simpler to comply with.
Unique Plan:
- Breakfast on the resort
- Drive 45 minutes to Aztec Ruins Nationwide Monument
- Drive about 15 miles to Farmington and keep at Home2 Suites
What We Truly Did:
We had breakfast at our resort, topped off gasoline, and drove to Aztec Ruins Nationwide Monument.
The location encompasses a paved pathway across the ruins, with some areas reconstructed, and presents a self-guided audio tour so you’ll be able to discover at your individual tempo.
For an in depth itinerary of every part to see right here, try my full weblog put up devoted to Aztec Ruins.
After visiting the ruins, we had lunch at Si Señor, having fun with flautas, a burrito, and sopapillas, and sure, we couldn’t resist sopapillas once more!
From there, we drove to Home2 Suites Farmington for the evening.
The place To Keep: Home2 Suites Farmington
Home2 Suites Farmington is a budget-friendly, fashionable resort with complimentary breakfast and parking.
It’s one of many newer, trendier Home2 places, making it a fantastic possibility for groups, college teams, or buddies touring collectively who need a snug, sensible place to relaxation whereas exploring the realm.
We began the day with breakfast at our resort earlier than driving about an hour and a half to Chaco Tradition Nationwide Historic Park.
The drive in is totally on filth roads, so having an SUV or truck is right as a result of normal vehicles might wrestle in some spots.
The park itself is pretty distant, which makes it really feel extremely peaceable and remoted.
As soon as inside, you’ll discover a customer middle and a single important street that results in the varied ruins, every with small parking areas the place you’ll be able to discover on foot.
We visited all the main websites, together with Una Vida, Hungo Pavi, Chetro Ketl, Pueblo Bonito, and Casa Rinconada, strolling round and taking within the unbelievable historical past.
Remarkably, we noticed solely three different individuals all the time, making it a really serene expertise.
For a full detailed overview of our go to, try my separate weblog put up devoted to Chaco Tradition.
As a result of it’s in the midst of nowhere, pack snacks or a picnic lunch, and ensure to eat a hearty breakfast beforehand.
After exploring, we drove about three and a half hours to Holbrook, Arizona, the place we stayed on the Holbrook KOA.
For dinner, we went into city to Cracker Barrel earlier than settling in for the evening on the campground.
The place To Keep: Holbrook KOA
Holbrook KOA is a handy and comfy place to remain when visiting the realm, particularly since lodging choices close to Holbrook are restricted.
It presents spacious campsites, clear services, and a quiet setting, making it a sensible alternative for street trippers exploring Chaco Tradition Nationwide Historic Park or touring alongside Route 66.
At this level in our Southwest street journey, lots of the locations we had initially deliberate for the following 10 days have been both closed or now not possible because of the pandemic.
Due to this, we determined to go to Sedona and regroup earlier than planning for the rest of the journey.
Most of those initially deliberate stops, like Petrified Forest Nationwide Park, we’ve since visited on different street journeys, so I’ll nonetheless share each the unique itinerary and our later experiences at these locations.
For instance, I’ve a full weblog put up masking a full day itinerary in Petrified Forest, which is nearly half-hour from Holbrook.
Unique Plan:
- Go to Petrified Forest Nationwide Park
- Return to the identical KOA in Holbrook for the evening
What We Truly Did:
We left the Holbrook KOA and made a rapid cease in Winslow, Arizona to snap a photograph on the Standing on the Nook mural and monument, a traditional Route 66 icon.
From there, we drove to Sedona, the place we stayed at Casa Sedona, which I extremely suggest for its stunning setting and comfy lodging.
We had lunch at Picazzo, having fun with a pepperoni and sausage pizza and mac and cheese facili pasta, then spent the remainder of the day stress-free and taking within the gorgeous pink rock surroundings of Sedona.
The place To Keep: Casa Sedona Inn or Bell Rock Inn
Casa Sedona Inn – This charming boutique inn is ideal for a calming keep in Sedona for adults solely!
The grounds are stunning, with lush landscaping and peaceable courtyards, and the rooms are snug and well-appointed, making it really feel like a quiet retreat proper within the coronary heart of the pink rocks.
Click on Right here To E book Your Casa Sedona Inn Keep At the moment!
Bell Rock Inn – A extra reasonably priced possibility simply exterior of city, Bell Rock Inn presents lodging which can be barely greater than a studio, with a full kitchen and open format (the bed room isn’t absolutely closed off).
It’s good for vacationers who need a sensible, budget-friendly base whereas exploring Sedona and the encompassing areas.
Click on Right here To E book Your Bell Rock Inn Keep At the moment!
Day 21: Canyon de Chelly & Monument Valley
At the present time formally marked the finish of our Southwest street journey.
We began the morning in Sedona, then started the drive house, stopping briefly at a safari park alongside the best way for a fast go to.
After that, it was principally a lengthy drive again to Anaheim, roughly six to eight hours.
This is without doubt one of the solely sections of the rest of our street journey that we nonetheless haven’t visited!
Unique Itinerary Continuation:
If we have been sticking to the unique plan ranging from Holbrook, Arizona, the following stops would have been:
Canyon de Chelly Nationwide Monument – About two and a half hours from Holbrook, with each North and South Rim Drives that includes 10 overlooks alongside the best way.
Highlights embody the White Home Path, and it is best to plan 2–4 hours to discover the park absolutely.
Lunch on the street as you head towards Monument Valley, roughly an hour and a half away.
Monument Valley – You’ll want to cease at Forrest Gump Level, the well-known spot the place he decides to cease operating within the film, and drive the 17-mile Tribal Park Loop.
Finish the evening tenting at The View Campground or staying on the resort in Monument Valley.
Be sure that to catch the sundown, because the valley is known for its gorgeous night colours.
Whether or not you stayed at The View Campground or a resort in Monument Valley, begin the day early to watch the dawn over the valley.
From there, it’s a few three-hour drive to the Grand Canyon South Rim.
When you arrive, you’ll be able to have lunch on the Grand Canyon, then discover the park by taking the shuttle to completely different overlooks or strolling alongside the Rim Path to soak within the views.
At the present time is finest reserved for absolutely immersing your self within the Grand Canyon, taking in as many overlooks, trails, and viewpoints as doable.
You’ll be able to try my full weblog put up on the Grand Canyon itinerary for detailed suggestions and concepts for benefiting from your go to.
Lodging Choices:
Whereas we had initially deliberate to camp on the Grand Canyon or keep at one of many lodges on the Rim, we knew some areas is likely to be closed.
Alternate options embody the KOA in Flagstaff, simply exterior the Grand Canyon, or staying in Web page, Arizona.
The place To Keep: Grand Canyon Railway Resort
Personally, I’ve stayed on the Grand Canyon Railway Resort twice, situated proper on the base of the entryway to the South Rim.
It’s a handy and comfy possibility, and you’ll even take the practice as much as the Grand Canyon, full with leisure and a champagne toast, for a singular expertise.
Click on Right here To E book Your Grand Canyon Railway Resort Keep At the moment!
Day 23: Antelope Canyon & Web page, Arizona
Ideally, should you stayed on the Grand Canyon, catching dawn there is a should, however plan to go away by 6:30 a.m. on the newest.
The drive to Antelope Canyon takes about two and a half hours, so that you’ll need to enable further time for check-in, site visitors, or climate delays, aiming to reach round 9:30 a.m..
The plan would have been to take the 11 a.m. Higher Antelope Canyon tour, which lasts about 90 minutes, adopted by the Decrease Antelope Canyon tour at 2:30 p.m..
Remember there’s a money payment to enter the Navajo land the place the canyon is situated, plus a small ticket change payment, so test up to date pricing forward of time.
On the time we deliberate to go to it might have been $10.
It’s a good suggestion to eat a big breakfast and convey snacks, because the excursions take up a lot of the day.
After exploring the canyon, lodging choices in Web page, Arizona embody the Hampton Inn, identified for reasonably priced consolation and complimentary breakfast, or the Coated Wagon at Lake Powell, an enthralling transformed campsite that gives a singular, boutique-style expertise.
Spherical out the day with dinner in Web page after which watch the sundown at Horseshoe Bend, some of the iconic viewpoints within the space.
This full day means that you can expertise the fantastic thing about Antelope Canyon, Lake Powell, and the encompassing desert landscapes all in in the future.
Initially, this present day was deliberate as a full journey beginning with dawn at Horseshoe Bend adopted by a rafting tour on the Colorado River.
Examine-in for the rafting expertise is often round 9:30 a.m., and the tour lasts from 10:30 a.m. to three p.m., together with lunch on the river.
After the tour, you’ll need to prime off your gasoline tank earlier than driving roughly 2 hours and quarter-hour to Zion Nationwide Park.
The unique plan included staying at a Zion campground, which presents a really immersive expertise contained in the park.
For winter vacationers, a cabin inside Zion is phenomenal, providing consolation, scenic views, and easy accessibility to the park trails.
Alternate lodging choices exterior the park embody Cedar Metropolis KOA, which is handy should you’re coming from this route, or Hurricane KOA, which can also be a fantastic alternative.
On this present day, you wouldn’t be doing a lot in Zion itself; it’s principally about arriving, settling in, and having dinner after your lengthy journey and rafting day.
For full Zion itineraries, whether or not you’re visiting in summer time or winter, or specializing in climbing the Narrows, you’ll be able to try the opposite posts I’ve written for extra detailed planning.
For this present day, the main focus was all about climbing the Narrows.
On a earlier winter journey, we had explored the Decrease Emerald Swimming pools, the Overlook Path, and a part of the Scenic Drive, however the Narrows requires a unique strategy, so this present day was devoted to venturing so far as doable with no need a allow.
You’ll be able to try my devoted put up on climbing the Narrows, which incorporates full particulars on what to anticipate, gear suggestions, and preparation ideas.
I’ve additionally linked my summer time and winter Zion itineraries so you’ll be able to see other ways to spend a one-day go to relying on climate and season.
If you happen to’re climbing the Narrows all day, deliver light-weight snacks like tuna and cracker kits, protein bars, chips, and loads of water or Gatorade.
This helps maintain your pack manageable whereas staying fueled.
For gear, my weblog posts go into element on necessities resembling water sneakers and a climbing stick, plus ideas for navigating the river safely.
On the finish of the day, lodging choices embody Pink Canyon Cabins, about 35 minutes away, or Cannonville Bryce Valley KOA if you wish to begin positioning your self for a scenic drive towards Bryce Canyon the next day.
Your alternative is determined by availability and whether or not you favor to remain put or transfer nearer to Bryce.
A bit of background: the primary time we tried to go to Bryce Canyon, it was throughout a winter journey from Zion, however there was an excessive amount of snow to discover the park.
This street journey was our second try, and whereas we nonetheless didn’t make it to Bryce Canyon on this specific journey, we did go to on a later street journey once we have been masking extra nationwide parks.
I’ll hyperlink our full day itinerary for Bryce Canyon so you’ll be able to see the way to expertise it absolutely.
From Zion Nationwide Park, Bryce Canyon is about two hours away.
You’ll be able to drive the park’s perimeter, discover a few of the iconic hikes by the canyon, and go to the scenic viewpoints.
We had initially deliberate to camp on-site on the Bryce Canyon Nationwide Park campground, which is first-come, first-served, and luxuriate in lunch and dinner both on the lodge or on the campsite.
Another choice would have been the Cannonville Bryce Valley KOA.
On our eventual go to to Bryce Canyon, we stayed at Panguitch KOA, which has since closed or been rebranded, so you’ll want to test present possession if you’d like an analogous expertise.
Insider tip: On the drive from Zion to Bryce Canyon, cease at Thunderbird Restaurant, well-known for his or her selfmade pies and hearty meals.
It’s a fantastic spot to refuel earlier than heading into the park.
On this similar street journey the place we visited Bryce Canyon, we truly ended up visiting Capitol Reef Nationwide Park on the identical day.
The unique plan was to drive the Burr Path from Bryce Canyon to Capitol Reef, which is about two hours, and seize lunch alongside the best way.
We had additionally deliberate to remain on the Wonderland RV Park, about quarter-hour from the park.
As a substitute, we stayed on the Fruita Campground, which is conveniently situated inside Capitol Reef Nationwide Park.
It’s a fantastic spot to base your self for exploring the park and provides the good thing about being proper close to a few of the important sights.
Contained in the park, there’s a lot to do like hike to the Dome, discover the scenic drive, try petroglyphs, or go to the apple orchards.
There’s additionally a bakery in Fruita that makes contemporary pastries, breads, and different treats every morning.
If you happen to aren’t there early, they typically promote out, so plan forward.
I’ll hyperlink our full Capitol Reef itinerary for an in depth information on every part you are able to do for a full day within the park.
On this similar street journey the place we visited Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef (our “Nice American Highway Journey”), we additionally stopped at Nice Basin Nationwide Park.
At the present time concerned a 3 hour and 45 minute drive to Nice Basin.
The park itself is cut up into two important experiences: exploring the caverns beneath and driving up the mountain into the woodsy areas to absorb scenic overlooks of the basin and valley.
The unique plan was to camp on the park, which, like many nationwide parks, is first-come, first-served, and have dinner on the campsite.
Once we visited, we weren’t capable of discover the caverns, probably attributable to seasonal closures, however nonetheless loved the fantastic thing about the park’s mountain roads and overlooks.
After visiting Nice Basin, we drove to Las Vegas to formally finish the journey, which can also be just about how we deliberate this honeymoon street journey to be.
On the ultimate day of your street journey, after exploring Nice Basin Nationwide Park, embark on a scenic journey to Cathedral Gorge State Park.
Positioned roughly 2.5 hours northeast of Las Vegas, this hidden gem presents a surreal panorama of slot canyons and hoodoos, good for gentle climbing.
Highlights at Cathedral Gorge State Park:
- Moon Caves Path: Wander by slim, chilly corridors the place daylight barely filters in, resembling melted wax dripping off a candle.
- Miller Level Path: Provides the next vantage level of the valley’s otherworldly spire-like rock formations formed by centuries of abrasion
- Picnic Areas: Take pleasure in a meal amidst the park’s distinctive panorama, with picnic tables accessible for guests.
After your go to, proceed your journey south to Las Vegas, which is a few 4.5-hour drive from Cathedral Gorge.
Upon arrival, think about our complete guides to Las Vegas lodging, sights, and eating, go to our Las Vegas journey web page.
After a month of tenting, nationwide parks, and road-tripping by the Southwest, Day 30 is your probability to loosen up, recharge, and benefit from the vibrant lights of Las Vegas.
Because you’ve already been exploring the outside for weeks, that is extra about indulging in metropolis life: the nightlife, eating places, inns, and structure.
Dwelling in Anaheim, we frequently handled Vegas as a weekend getaway, so this present day was only a enjoyable capstone to the journey.
Actions in Las Vegas
Eating places to Attempt
Locations to Keep
At the present time is all about pacing your self, revisiting favorites, or exploring one thing new.
There’s no strict plan right here – it’s simply the proper method to wrap up your month-long journey.
Day 31: Hoover Dam & Oatman & LA
The ultimate day of your Southwest street journey is generally about making your method house, which from Las Vegas is roughly a four-hour drive again to Anaheim (or wherever your property base is).
If you happen to’re not fairly prepared to go away the journey behind, you’ll be able to add a number of stops alongside the best way.
A traditional detour is Hoover Dam, which is about 30–40 minutes from Las Vegas and makes for a fast, scenic cease.
One other enjoyable possibility is Oatman, Arizona, a tiny historic western city on Route 66 well-known for its wild burros that roam the streets, previous western storefronts, and staged gunfights – it’s a unusual, memorable spot should you’ve by no means been.
Apart from that, this present day is solely about reflecting in your journey, having fun with the drive, and safely returning house after a month of tenting, nationwide parks, scenic drives, and hidden gems.
It’s a fantastic day to savor the reminiscences, take heed to your favourite street journey playlists, and plan your subsequent journey!
Highway Journey Price range Breakdown
Miscellaneous was principally tenting gear and the occasional automobile wash and the $89.99 for actions was the nationwide park cross that coated all of the nationwide park websites we visited.
We deliberately selected an itinerary that was price efficient – with all of the nationwide park websites and different public websites which can be free or could be visited with a cross.
Selecting to camp a lot of the journey was additionally a price efficient possibility – although I’ll add that on the time of this go to we have been within the Hilton Buddies & Household low cost program the place resort charges have been 50% off the common value once they had further rooms to fill.
We additionally used rewards factors typically and stayed at a pair inns that weren’t Hilton branded since they didn’t have any in a pair places.
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Day 5: Guadalupe Mountains 26937_b94481-ba> |
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Day 6: Albuquerque 26937_d07d65-83> |
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$0 26937_14bb6a-df> |
$0 26937_e4f8cb-5b> |
$58.47 26937_8bcdd6-e7> |
$112.06 26937_251f3a-84> |
|
Day 8: Pecos 26937_e34188-1b> |
$25.13 26937_ce0ae3-87> |
$0 26937_b48d32-79> |
$0 26937_15ea19-27> |
$0 26937_9204e5-79> |
$57.08 26937_0e3628-3a> |
$82.21 26937_85f369-62> |
|
Day 9: Santa Fe 26937_9b5cb9-41> |
$86.16 26937_0fb860-98> |
$15.13 26937_2fd59a-64> |
$0 26937_18aa3f-c4> |
$8.00 26937_e480f3-66> |
$130.72 26937_8f1c19-bf> |
$240.01 26937_38bfb5-d9> |
|
Day 10: Nice Sand Dunes 26937_ffc370-c8> |
$37.00 26937_c07d99-18> |
$28.42 26937_f26261-67> |
$40.05 26937_04c66c-b7> |
$0 26937_e38a8c-26> |
$58.02 26937_9edf78-a7> |
$163.49 26937_b6b797-1e> |
|
Day 11: Backyard of the Gods 26937_085850-fe> |
$16.03 26937_2ee644-26> |
$0 26937_7e2d51-4f> |
$0 26937_24246e-53> |
$0 26937_20a768-e5> |
$53.77 26937_447d3b-97> |
$69.80 26937_8d0c88-77> |
|
Day 12: Colorado Ski Cities 26937_eb3748-bc> |
$66.60 26937_f81ee4-8e> |
$8.13 26937_33602d-dc> |
$0 26937_b66c97-ea> |
$29.53 26937_2b3b5e-a4> |
$88.98 26937_8757be-63> |
$193.24 26937_742d4e-f6> |
|
Day 13: Colorado Ski Cities 26937_d1d8ac-32> |
$74.59 26937_c5c465-e0> |
$28.50 26937_f68a6a-b8> |
$0 26937_ef8121-66> |
$0 26937_665090-15> |
$88.98 26937_7bb5d4-6e> |
$192.07 26937_3aed31-d5> |
|
Day 14: Salt Lake Metropolis 26937_acc5a5-b2> |
$14.41 26937_9cb8f1-1a> |
$24.04 26937_0da771-55> |
$0 26937_aed2c3-a3> |
$0 26937_3cad85-22> |
$34.98 26937_cfbf44-7b> |
$73.43 26937_0e23ae-74> |
|
Day 15: Salt Lake Metropolis 26937_e55cc1-51> |
$34.43 26937_2534e7-8d> |
$0 26937_489641-3e> |
$0 26937_9f8ca9-10> |
$0 26937_262f7d-d1> |
$33.54 26937_9e1de3-28> |
$67.97 26937_92a2e2-9c> |
|
Day 16: Salt Lake Metropolis 26937_d5bf03-4a> |
$22.16 26937_f1cce3-9b> |
$23.06 26937_73965e-34> |
$0 26937_952539-17> |
$26.14 26937_9d9752-70> |
$39.99 26937_4bc677-5c> |
$111.35 26937_52abd1-6a> |
|
Day 17: Moab 26937_9037d5-77> |
$54.34 26937_d57eae-c6> |
$19.57 26937_445b68-20> |
$0 26937_36cbcf-01> |
$0 26937_6debe9-6d> |
$43.61 26937_225de0-d1> |
$117.52 26937_30bdaf-76> |
|
Day 18: Aztec Ruins 26937_90c9be-28> |
$55.75 26937_d49fe1-f4> |
$23.33 26937_ef719a-d0> |
$0 26937_63f052-16> |
$0 26937_3904d3-f7> |
$65.92 26937_84cb93-6c> |
$145.00 26937_9b823f-78> |
|
Day 19: Chaco Tradition 26937_d6ac32-92> |
