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Home » North America » USA » Best Road Trips in Southwest (Insider Guide for 2024)

Best Road Trips in Southwest (Insider Guide for 2024)

Is there a single place on the planet that begs for a ‘road trip’ any more than the American Southwest? We certainly can’t think of any! Geographically speaking, the Southwest is one of the most diverse parts of the country. Spanning six states, you’ll encounter all kinds of deep red canyons, desert plateaus, and lush alpine vistas.

The trick to making the most of everything this region has on offer is to plan a good, old-fashioned roadie. Public transport isn’t the best in these parts, and of course, it claws away at your sense of freedom.

But, where to begin? There’s so much to see – you must be thinking, how can I plan a road trip in the Southwest that lets me see a bit of everything? Well, keep scrolling. We’ve created four itineraries so you can have the best road trip in the Southwest to suit your timeframe and budget!

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Why Roadtrip in the Southwest?

Southwest road trip route 1: ultimate southwest national park roadie, southwest road trip route 2: historic route 66, southwest road trip route 3: the rockies and beyond, southwest road trip route 4: canyon explorer, driving in the southwest, what to pack for a road trip in southwest, final thoughts on the best road trips in the southwest.

Why take a road trip in the Southwest, you might wonder? The US is a pretty big country to visit , and when it comes to road-tripping, there’s no shortage of options. Well, here’s why:

• National Parks: Some of the greatest national parks in the US of A are right here in the Southwest. You’ve got the Rockies, Zion, Monument Valley. Did we miss one? Oh yeah, the Grand Canyon!
• Camping: What’s number one on your list of Southwest road trip essentials? A tent, of course. Fling one in your rental, and you can turn this into a real wilderness quest.
• Real Wild Wild West: You’ve got abandoned ghost towns, saloons, and stark desert plateaus. A road trip in the Southwest slides you right into a John Wayne movie.
• Phenomenal Scenery: That’s the main reason for a road trip, right? The scenery in the Southwest is a total freak show, in the best kind of way.
• Outdoor Activities: Nothing beats getting out and about and connecting with nature. Fortunately, the Southwest gives you bucketloads of awesome hikes and activities to spike your adrenaline.

Alright, now that’s out of the way, it’s time for the fun stuff. We’ve put our heads together to give you four fabulous Southwest road trip ideas!

Ultimate Southwest National Park Roadie – 10 days

Historic route 66 – 8 days, the rockies and beyond – 5 days, canyon explorer – 5 days.

• From: Las Vegas
• To: El Paso
• Total Distance: 1,200 miles
• Top Road Trips Stops: Valley of Fire State Park, Zion National Park, Monument Valley, White Sands National Park,  Horseshoe Bend, Antelope Canyon, Lake Powell

Want to hit four states and see some of the best national parks in the US? Then you definitely need our ten-day Southwest vacation trip planner. Beginning in Sin City, we’ll hit the road before we flutter away our gas dollars.

This is a long drive, stopping off at some of the most iconic parks in the whole country. But we’ve broken it up so that there’s as much adventuring as driving! We’ll navigate 1,200 miles of backcountry and small towns between Vegas and El Paso. Our road trip from Las Vegas takes you through deserts, mountains, canyons, ghost towns, and much more.

Road Trip Highlights: 

• Camp in the Zion National Park
• Check out some vintage road signs from the historic Route 66
• Stand in four states at the same time
• Raft down the Colorado River
• Sled down the soft dunes of the White Sands National Park

Day 1-2: Las Vegas to Zion National Park (4 hours)

Your ultimate Southwest road trip begins in the one and only Sin City! Those bright lights will become a distant memory as you cruise through dusty desert landscapes of the I-15. You’ll get your fix of red rock formations and petrified trees with a short hike at the Valley of Fire. Then, we’ll continue to tonight’s accommodation – who’s game for camping?

Book a spot for two nights. This gives us a full day to explore Zion National Park on the second day. There are countless trails to choose from , including the so-called scariest hike in the US, Angel’s Landing. Alternatively, let’s get our feet wet and hike the Narrows trail through the river.

• Best Stops: Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign, The Neon Museum, Valley of Fire State Park, Beaver Dam Wash National Conservation Area
• Where to Eat: Lil’ Wagon Tacos, Affogato West, Black Bear Diner, Stage Coach Grille, Oscar’s Cafe
• Where to Stay: Super8 by Wyndham Zion Hurricane National Park ($), Watchman Campground ($) Hotel Zion ($$)

Day 3: Zion National Park to Bryce Canyon (1 hour 20 minutes)

Rise and shine. If you’re an early bird, you can wake early and watch the sunrise over Zion Park. If you’ve camped, there’s really no excuse not to!

Today we head to Bryce Canyon. This is a slight detour, but these bizarre hoodoos are worth it, trust us. What we love about Bryce Canyon is that we can explore the sights entirely by car. There are plenty of hikes, but we won’t judge you if you choose the auto-tour option. We can drive ourselves through the park or hop on the free shuttle if you fancy saving some gas money.

• Best Stops: Bryce Canyon, Rainbow Point, Farview Point, Natural Bridge
• Where to Eat: Stone Hearth Grille, Bryce Canyon Pines, Valhalla Pizza
• Where to Stay: Bryce Canyon Resort ($), North Campground Bryce Canyon ($) ($$)

Day 4:  Bryce Canyon to Page (2 hours 35 minutes)

We have a very pretty drive ahead today as we cross over into Arizona. It’s a short journey, but there are plenty of sights to stop for, so be sure to leave enough time. We can even check out a cave was once used as a speakeasy, believe it or not. If you’re the romantic type, this region is incredible for stargazing.

• Best Stops: Paria Ghost Town, Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park, Moqui Cave, Star Party, Lone Rock Beach, The Toadstools, Little Hollywood Land (Kanab)
• Where to Eat: Jakey Lee’s Coffee Shop and Bakery, State 48 Tavern, Driftwood Lounge
• Where to Stay: Rodeway Inn at Lake Powell ($), Red Rock Motel ($$)

Day 5: Page to Monument Valley (2 hours 30 minutes)

Welcome to Arizona, the third state on our epic Southwest US road trip. There are plenty of things to do around Page : Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon are two must-sees on this Southwest road trip itinerary. Let’s squeeze in some kayaking or a stand-up paddleboarding session on Lake Powell, or rafting down the Colorado River!

Once we’ve dried off, the drive to our next destination is pretty desolate – we’ll take the road through the desert. We can take a motel, but you should know that camping in Arizona is where it’s at.

• Best Stops: Horseshoe Bend, Antelope Canyon, Lake Powell, Glen Canyon Dam Lookout, Navajo National Monument
• Where to Eat: Blue Coffee Pot Restaurant, Pizza Guys, Amigo Coffee, Reuben Helfin Restaurant
• Where to Stay: Mokee Motel ($) The View Campground ($), Kayenta Monument Valley Inn ($$)

Day 6: Monument Valley to Gallup (3 hours)

The Navajo’s Nation’s Monument Valley is a soaring plateau of towering sandstone buttes. If you’re a Western movie buff, you’ll recognise these from the silver screen. Forrest Gump fan? Punch the GPS coordinates 37.101393, -109.990973 into the satnav.

What’s also pretty awesome is that the park straddles Utah and Arizona, so you can hop across the state lines while you explore. For a bit of vintage charm, you could stay in the historic El Rancho Hotel tonight once we get to Gallup.

• Best Stops: Monument Valley, Canyon de Chelly National Monument, Four Corners Monument
• Where to Eat: Denny’s Diner, Genaro’s Cafe, Aurelia’s Cafe
• Where to Stay: Travelodge by Wyndham Gallup ($), Yellow Navajo Hogan ($$) El Rancho Hotel ($$$)

Day 7: Gallup to Albuquerque (2 hours)

Gallup is a small city on Historic Route 66. If you want to buy a few souvenirs, the city is famed for its arts and crafts. As we head eastwards today, we’ll follow the iconic old highway itself. We’ll stop off to snap old neon signs and abandoned gas stations along the way. The Acoma Pueblo is a cool stop where we can take a guided tour around the community.

Let’s aim to be in Albuquerque by lunch, so we can explore the city. There are plenty of museums in town if you fancy dipping into Southwest history, or you can stretch your limbs by rowing at Tingley Beach instead. Feeling flush? Let’s splash out on a hot air balloon ride.

• Best Stops: Red Rock Park, Acoma Pueblo, Bowlin’s Old Crater Trading Post
• Where to Eat: Whistle Stop Coffee Room, Padilla’s Mexican Kitchen
• Where to Stay: Econo Lodge Midtown Albuquerque ($), La Quinta by Wyndham Albuquerque West ($$)

Day 8-9: Albuquerque to Lincoln National Forest Park (3 hours 40 minutes)

Before we leave Albuquerque, one thing we shouldn’t miss is the phenomenal view from the Sandia Peak Tramway. That’ll give us a sprawling panorama of the whole city, plus 11,000 square miles of New Mexico wilderness!

And then, farewell to city comforts; we’re heading deep into the lush greenery of the Lincoln National Forest. Choose to camp for a few nights, or check into the local hostel.

We’ve planned something exceptional to wrap up our road trip in the Southwest! The White Sands National Monument is a vision after all the rusty red rocks we’ve seen so far. There is a mix of hikes to choose from that range from 20 minutes to 3 hours. Or get an adrenaline boost by hiring a sledge and swooshing down the dunes!

• Best Stops: Sandia Peak Tramway, Albuquerque Old Town, Tingley Beach, Cloudcroft, White Sands National Monument
• Where to Eat: Western Bar & Cafe, Rebecca’s at the Lodge, Rustic Cafe
• Where to Stay: Lincoln National Forest campground ($), Cloudcroft Hostel ($), Days Inn by Wyndham Alamgorado ($$)

Day 10: Lincoln Forest National Park to El Paso (2 hours 20 minutes)

Before we part ways, we’ll make our final state border crossing and travel into Texas. The Franklin Mountains State Park is a great stop on the way and is fantastic for mountain biking, rock climbing, and hiking.

And then, finally – El Paso concludes our road trip from Las Vegas. This is a cultural gem where we can experience the best of Southwestern charm with a splash of Mexican spirit! There’s a ton of things to do in El Paso so make sure to stick around for a day or two.

• Best Stops: Welcome to Texas sign, Chihuahuan Desert Gardens, Franklin Mountains State Park
• Where to Eat: Milagro Coffee y Espresso, Tacos el Troquero, L&J Cafe
• Where to Stay: Red Roof Inn PLUS + El Paso East ($), Inspira Hotel ($$) Beautiful Stylish Casita ($$)

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• From: Oklahoma City
• To: Phoenix
• Total Distance: 1,027 miles
• Top Road Trips Stops: Cadillac Ranch, Santa Rosa, Albuquerque, Petrified Forest, Painted Desert, Sedona

Yup, the Historic Route 66 technically no longer exists. However, you can still trace the route of Mother Road through the American Southwest. And it still makes a killer road trip. But planning a road trip in the Southwest that covers the whole 2,500 miles of the Main Street of America gobbles up your vacation days. That’s why we’ve taken just a slice of the route.

Our road trip from Oklahoma City navigates a stretch of that legendary highway, which we’ll break up with stops in small towns. Rather than heading into California, we go south to culminate with some breathtaking natural wonders in Arizona.

Road Trip Highlights:

• Cruise past relics of the Historic Route 66, including neon signs, abandoned gas stations, ghost towns, and fascinating museums
• Check out the auto-art installation of Cadillac Ranch
• Take a dip in a sinkhole in the middle of the New Mexico desert
• Explore the natural wonders that are the Painted Desert and Petrified Forest
• Take a tour in one of the iconic pink jeeps of Sedona

Day 1: Oklahoma City to Amarillo (3 hours 52 minutes)

Get comfy; we’ve got a decent stretch of road to cover as we start our road trip from Oklahoma City. Let’s visit a couple of Route 66 relics in Oklahoma City first – duck into a museum if you feel like it. Then, off we go.

Today’s all about soaking up the nostalgic charm of the legendary highway. We’ll stop to check out relics like the oldest gas station in Texas. There are a couple of museums where you can browse old memorabilia to break up the drive!

• Best Stops: Milk Bottle Grocery, Blue Whale of Catoosa, Oklahoma Route 66 Museum (Clinton), National Route 66 Museum (Elk City), Lucille’s Historic Gas Station (Hydro), Phillips 66 (McLean), Wonderland Park
• Where to Eat: Aubrey’s Fish & Ice Cream, Lucille’s Roadhouse Diner, Jo Taco
• Where to Stay : Red Roof Inn Amarillo West ($), Updated and Modern Studio in Downtown Amarillo ($$) Zo’s Relic ($$$)

Day 2: Amarillo to Santa Rosa (2 hours 30 minutes)

After breakfast, we’ll freshen up our Instas with some snaps of the spray-painted cars at Cadillac Ranch. Belt up for a drive through the New Mexican desert. We’ll grab a coffee at the aptly-named Midpoint Cafe and pose with the neon sign of the historic Blue Swallow Motel.

The Route 66 ghost town of Glenrio is a worthy pit stop before we reach Santa Rosa. Let’s cool down with a dip in the natural phenomenon that is the Santa Rosa Blue Hole. This sinkhole is filled with water; if you’ve brought your PADI licence along, you can even scuba dive!

• Best Stops: Cadillac Ranch, Santa Rosa Blue Hole, Glenrio, Welcome to New Mexico sign, Route 66 Auto Museum
• Where to Eat: Midpoint Cafe, Kix on 66, Blue Swallow Motel, Comet II Drive In & Restaurant
• Where to Stay: Casa del Leon ($), La Quinta by Wyndham Santa Rosa ($$)

Day 3: Santa Rosa to Albuquerque (1 hour 46 minutes)

We can stretch our legs in the Santa Rosa Lake State Park or indulge in some watersports once we’ve had our coffee. Shortly before we reach today’s final destination, we can have a quick stroll in the Canyon Estates.

Once we park up in Albuquerque, take your pick of cool things to do. We can hire a rowing boat down at Tingley Beach. Or if we have some spare cash, sign ourselves up for a hot air balloon ride. Let’s catch the sunset at the Sandia Peak Tramway.

• Best Stops: Santa Rosa Lake State Park, Lewis Antique Auto & Toy Museum, Canyon Estates Trailhead, Sandia Peak Tramway
• Where to Eat: Sierra Blanca Brewing Company, Mary & Tito’s Cafe, Antiquity Restaurant
• Where to Stay: Days Inn by Wyndham Albuquerque West ($), Danish Modern Mini Luxury Suite ($$)

Day 4-5: Albuquerque to Holbrook (3 hours 20 minutes)

We’ll power on to Holbrook today, with a stop off in Gallup – a historical city which is handy for souvenir shopping. Oh yes, don’t forget to factor in some treats for loved ones back home in your Southwest vacation trip planner!

To make things easier, we’ll book into a motel in Holbrook for two nights. That way, we can spend the next few days exploring two of Arizona’s finest natural wonders, hiker’s heavens . The Petrified Forest is the only national park that contains a segment of the Historic Route 66. It’s an enchantment of colourful ancient trees – another haven for photographers! Meanwhile, an hour’s drive brings us to the intriguing badlands of the Painted Desert.

• Best Stops: Gallup, Historic Armco Gas Station (Gallup), Petrified Forest, Painted Desert
• Where to Eat: El Rancho, Genaro’s Cafe, Healing Grounds Coffee Shop
• Where to Stay: 66 Motel ($), Campsite @ Big Spin Ranch, Petrified Forest ($), The White Buffalo Casita ($$)

Day 6-7: Holbrook to Sedona (2 hours)

If that wasn’t enough excitement for you, we have even more natural wonders a mere two-hour drive west! But first, we’ll make a pitstop in the Route 66 city of Flagstaff and check out a few more sights. We’ll also have a gander around a crater formed by a meteor, before catching the sunset from Airport Mesa.

Stay overnight in Sedona for two nights so we can experience this adventurer’s playground.  Take your pick from desert jeep tours, horseback riding, rafting, rock climbing, and mountain biking. There’s even a massive natural waterslide! If you ask us, Sedona is what makes this a contender for the best road trip in the Southwest.

• Best Stops: Meteor Crater National Landmark, Walnut Canyon, Amtrak Train Station Route 66 mural, Slide Rock State Park, Devil’s Bridge Trail, Airport Mesa, Cathedral Rock
• Where to Eat: Mother Road Brewing Company, Criollo Latin Kitchen, Diablo Burger
• Where to Stay: Sedona Camping Gear ($), Wonder View Grotto ($$), Newly Built Tiny Home with Awesome Views ($$)

Day 8: Sedona to Phoenix (2 hours)

We’ll drive south via Cornville and stop off at a vineyard for lunch. You might want to duck out of being today’s designated driver if you want to sample the local wines.

As we approach our final destination, we can check out a couple of exciting natural attractions around Phoenix before we explore the city. And relax, that concludes our road trip from Oklahoma City.

• Best Stops: Red Rock State Park, Cornville, Old Town Scottsdale, Desert Botanical Garden, Papago Park, Goldfield ghost town
• Where to Eat: Page Springs Cellars, Thanks a Latte Esporess Cafe, Los Taquitos
• Where to Stay: Quality Inn Phoenix ($$), Urban Guesthouse in Uptown Phoenix ($$$)

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• From: Denver
• To: Salt Lake City
• Total Distance: 746 miles
• Top Road Trips Stops: Rocky Mountain National Park, Glenwood Springs, Arches National Park, Canyonlands, Great Salt Lake

Despite taking less than one week to complete, this road trip from Denver takes you through a decent chunk of Colorado and Utah. We’ll make Salt Lake City our final destination.

Along the way, we’ll explore some of the finest state parks and mountain ranges in the whole Southwest, including the lush Colorado Rockies. Our itinerary prioritises the scenic routes over the fastest – so we get to see the most epic landscapes this region has on offer!

If you want to tackle this trip during winter, let’s factor some skiing into our itinerary. You might want to add an extra night to accommodate this.

• Hike in the rugged snowcapped wilderness of the Colorado Rockies
• Mountain bike in one of Utah’s legendary national parks – Canyonlands or Arches
• Explore fascinating ghost towns
• Raft your way down the Colorado River
• Take in the epic landscapes of the Great Salt Lake itself

Day 1: Denver to Estes Park (1 hour 20 minutes)

Ticked off whatever you wanted to see in the city? Cool, let’s rev the rental and start our road trip from Denver. We’ll kick off the road trip with the alpine glory that is the Rocky Mountain National Park (the Rockies to their friends). Today, we’ll take the fastest route (Highway 36), so we have as much of the day as possible for the park.

Once we make it to Estes Park, we’ll grab lunch then follow the scenic loop through the majestic mountains. This takes around four hours, but we’ll be in and out of the car. In terms of hiking, there are hundreds of trails to choose from.

We vote for the Bear Lake Loop, Ute Trail, Mount Ida or Chasm Lake. These are relatively short and pack in some of the best scenery in the region. Let’s hop on the tramway, too, and take in the views from Prospect Mountain.

• Best Stops: Golden Gate Canyon, Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park Aerial Tramway
• Where to Eat:  Salto Coffee Works, Sweet Basilico Cafe, Coffee on the Rocks, Trailhead Restaurant
• Where to Stay: Rocky Moutain National Park campgrounds ($), Murphy’s River Lodge ($$), Cozy Shepherd’s Tent in Aspen Grove near RMNP ($$$)

Day 2: Rocky Mountain National Park to Glenwood Springs (2 hours 30 minutes)

Let’s tackle a short morning hike before we hit the road. This time, take the peak-to-peak scenic byway out of town. This way, we can drive right through the mountains and past a number of ski resorts. If we’re in a 4X4, we’ll take a detour to Dakota Hill.

Once we get to Glenwood Springs, we can wander along the Colorado River. Or, for something more adventurous – let’s go rafting or book a canyon swing. Cycling along the Glenwood Canyon Bike Trail is another option, perfect for summer. And of course, we must take a dip in the hot springs. Accommodation in town is pricey, so let’s stay in a cheaper guesthouse and get a day pass to the springs instead.

• Best Stops: Rocky Mountain National Park, Loveland Ski Resort, Vail Ski Resort, Dillon Reservoir, White River National Forest, Glenwood Caverns
• Where to Eat: Vail Mountain Coffee & Tea – Roastery cafe, Abbey’s Coffee, Glenwood Canyon Brewclub
• Where to Stay: Rodeway Inn Glenwood Springs ($$), Glenwood Springs Cedar Lodge ($$)

Day 3-4: Glenwood Springs to Moab (4 hours 40 minutes)

With the gorgeous Rocky Mountain National Park in our rear-view mirror, we’ll cruise west into the realm of canyons. For the most scenic route, skip I-70 and drive through the mountains. It’s longer but much prettier, with even more mountains to ogle. We can stop off in towns like Paonia and Delta for coffee to break it up.

Rejoin I-70 at Redlands. Let’s turn off onto state route 128 so we can check out the ghost town, then follow the scenic drive through Dewey. The Fisher Towers trailhead is a pleasant two-hour hike to stretch our legs and catch the sunset. There are lots of places to stay around Arches National Park , which is a great base for exploring the area for a couple more days.

• Best Stops: Gunnison Gorge/Black Canyon, Cisco Ghost Town, Fisher Towers,  Canyonlands, Dead Horse Point State Park, Arches National Park
• Where to Eat: Black Bridge Winery, Berg Harvest Mercantile and Cafe, Doghouse Espresso
• Where to Stay: Moab Valley RV Resort & Campground ($), Adventure Inn Moab ($$), OK RV Park Glamping Tipi OK56 ($$$)

Day 5: Moab to Salt Lake City (5 hours)

Squeeze in any last activities you fancy, top up the gas tank, and northwards we drive. We’ll take the scenic road, past the San Rafael Swell and up through the Manti-La Sal National Forest.

If you stay an extra night in SLC, hang onto your rental and take a day trip to either the Wasatch or Oquirrh mountains. And, of course, don’t miss the opportunity to plunge into the Great Salt Lake and see how well you float!

• Best Stops: Green River State Park, Spring Canyon ghost town, San Rafael Swell, Utah Lake State Park, Temple Square
• Where to Eat: Green River Coffee, Tangerine Eatery, Happiness Within, Guru’s Cafe,
• Where to Stay: Park City Hostel ($), Cozy Tiny House ($$), Ellerbeck Mansion Bed and Breakfast ($$$)
• Total Distance: 563 m
• Top Road Trips Stops: Grand Canyon National Park, Slide Rock State Park, Airport Mesa, Goldfield ghost town, Tonto Natural Bridge State Park

If you’re looking for short ‘n’ sweet Southwest road trip ideas, this one gives you tonnes of sights without chewing up all your annual leave.

Our 5-day road trip itinerary takes you to some of Arizona’s best natural wonders, starting with a canyon you’ve possibly heard of.

• Savour the hues of one of the most alluring wonders of nature, the Grand Canyon
• Tackle the gruelling but rewarding Humphrey’s Peak track – the highest point in Arizona
• Stun yourself with the rust-red delights of Sedona
• Experience fragments of the Historic Route 66
• Throw in a tent and camp for a real Wild West adventure

Day 1-2: Las Vegas to Grand Canyon Village (4 hours)

Pick up your rental in Sin City, load up the snacks and say farewell to Nevada – we’re crossing over to Arizona.

The drive starts off as barren as you might expect as we cruise through the desert landscape of Nevada. Once we cross the state line into Arizona, things start getting greener. We’ll stop off to take photographs and aim to squeeze in a short hike in the Kaibab National Park, where we can camp tonight.

Whichever accommodation you decide on, book for two nights so you can spend the entire second day exploring the Grand Canyon South Rim.

• Best Stops: The Neon Museum, Hoover Dam, Liberty Bell Arch, Willow Beach, Pete’s Route 66 Gas Station Museum, Kaibab National Park
• Where to Eat: Coffee Cup Cafe, Cruiser’s Route 66 Cafe, Rutherford’s 66 Family Diner, Plaza Bonita
• Where to Stay: Kaibab National Forest campgrounds ($) Grand Canyon Plaza Hotel ($$), Nomad’s Pad Grand Canyon: The Grand Nomad ($$$)

Day 3: Kaibab National Forest to Flagstaff (1 hour 20 minutes)

If you have the energy for a strenuous hike, we’ll tackle the Humphrey’s Peak trail this morning. This affords us fabulous views from Arizona’s tallest peak. Access depends on the weather – the route is only accessible when it hasn’t snowed. Pick up snacks from Tusayan if so, breakfast options are limited around here.

Afterwards, we’ll check out the youngest volcano on the Colorado Plateau. The Bonito Vista Trail and Lava Flow Trail are gentle, easy options to recover from this morning’s antics. Then, onwards to Flagstaff for the night. If you can still move your legs, let’s go line dancing at the Museum Club.

• Best Stops: Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument, Humphrey’s Peak, Walnut Canyon National Monument
• Where to Eat: Brandy’s Restaurant & Bakery, Tourist Home All Day Cafe,
• Where to Stay: Econo Lodge Flagstaff Route 66 ($), Western Hills Motel ($$), Sage Yurt – A Cozy Nature Getaway ($$)

Day 4: Flagstaff to Sedona (50 minutes)

We have a short drive this morning, which is for the best because Sedona is one of the best towns in the whole of Arizona. Let’s make the most of it!

The town is cradled by 1.8 million acres of national forest land and buttressed by four wilderness areas and staggering mesas. There’s plenty of scope for thrill-seekers; take your pick from desert jeep tours, horseback riding, rafting, rock climbing and mountain biking. Whatever we do, we can’t miss the sunset from Airport Mesa.

Accommodation is a bit pricier in Sedona, so if you’ve brought your tent along, now’s its moment to save you a few bucks.

• Best Stops: Slide Rock State Park, Devil’s Bridge Trail, Airport Mesa, Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village
• Where to Eat: Air Cafe, SaltRock Kitchen, 89 Agave Cantina
• Where to Stay: Cave Springs Campground ($), Days Inn by Wyndham Sedona ($$), Newly Built Tiny Home with Awesome Views ($$)

Day 5: Sedona to Phoenix (3 hours 30 minutes)

For our final day, we will take the scenic route to Phoenix through the Saguaro cactus-studded desert that forms the Tonto National Forest. There, we’ll get out to see what’s considered to be the largest natural travertine formation in the world.

After that, we’ll stop off in Payson for lunch, the so-called ‘Heart of Arizona’. The landscape here isn’t what you expect from the cactus state. Clasped by the Mazatzal Mountains and dense forestry, it’s got much more of an alpine vibe. Tonight, we’ll enjoy a final brew in Arizona’s largest city. For a quiet place to stay after a long day of driving, consider staying at a vacation rental in Scottsdale .

• Best Stops: Montezuma Castle National Monument, Payson, Tonto Natural Bridge State Park, Old Town Scottsdale, Desert Botanical Garden, Papago Park, Goldfield ghost town
• Where to Eat: Pinon Cafe, Common Grounds Coffee House, Virtu Honest Craft,
• Where to Stay: Red Roof Inn Phoenix – Midtown ($$), Cozy Desert Oasis ($$)

Renting a vehicle is the best way to explore the Southwest. That could be a regular car, a 4X4, or even a campervan/RV.

Renting a Vehicle in Southwest

Renting a vehicle is one of the most popular ways for domestic and international tourists to explore the region. In general, US motorists drive conservatively. For many of the itineraries in our Southwest vacation trip planner, you’ll be in the backcountry, away from the city traffic.

You must have a valid driver’s licence to rent a vehicle in the Southwest. If you hold an overseas licence, you will need an International Driver’s Permit (IDP) too. You should check the requirements as per your passport country.

You may pay a couple of additional fees on top of the car hire rate. Factor in the following charges when planning a road trip in the Southwest.

• Young Renter Fee: You must be aged 21 or over to rent a car in the Southwest. If you are under 25, you may have to pay a ‘young renter fee’. The average cost of this is $20 per day, but it can vary from state to state.
• One-way Rental: All our road trips originate and finish in different cities. You’ll most likely be asked to pay a drop-off fee. This should be included in your quote.
• Additional Driver: Unless the additional driver is your spouse or domestic partner, you will pay a fee to add a second driver. This varies depending on the state and company.
• Deposit: You will need to pay a deposit/bond when you pick up your rental. This must be paid on a credit card and is usually $200-$300.
• Insurance: Another of your Southwest road trip essentials is sturdy insurance. We recommend not purchasing insurance from your rental – these guys always inflate the prices. Instead, check out an independent insurance company, such as RentalCover.com. Their rates are much friendlier.

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Road Rules in the Southwest

As with everywhere, the US is subject to road rules. And yes, they do take things seriously, like speeding, driving under the influence, and travelling without a seatbelt!

When you plan a road trip in the Southwest, here some of the weirder rules that may catch you off-guard.

• Whatever you do, don’t miss your exit in Arizona. Reversing down a public road is against the law.
• If you fancy our road trip from Denver, request a non-black car. According to an old law, driving a black car on a Sunday is illegal.
• Stick to a trusty automobile while road-tripping across Nevada. If you decide to ride a camel down the highway, you’ll be smacked with a fine.
• Put your comic down while driving through Oklahoma. Reading about Batman’s latest exploits while driving is a fineable no-no.
• It is illegal to make hand-held phone calls and send texts while driving in Arizona, Nevada, and New Mexico. Neighbouring states are likely to instigate similar rules in the near future.

On a more serious note, remember that every state in the US sets its own road laws. When crossing into different states on your road trip in the Southwest, do check each state. Also, as you cruise closer to the Mexican border, don’t be surprised if Border Police wave you down. They might ask to check your documents and trunk. It’s pretty common.

And don’t forget, they drive on the right in the US!

Insurance in the Southwest

Before you hit the road, we just want to swoop in again with nobody’s favourite topic. One of the ultimate Southwest road trip essentials is insurance for your rental car. Yes, you can buy this from your hire company. But you can save a decent bit of cash by using an independent insurance provider.

In the US, you are required to purchase liability insurance and a damage waiver. Often, this is packaged up as Collision Damage Waiver/Loss Damage Waiver. This covers damage, theft and loss of use of the rental vehicle and usually amounts to a maximum of $30 per day.

Roadside assistance is an optional extra that may come in handy for your Southwest road trip itinerary. There are long stretches between gas stations in the backcountry! Rental companies typically charge $10-$15 per day for assistance. It’s worth shopping around with companies like RentalCover.com to find a plan that covers the lot in one deal.

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

If you’re not careful, Southwest’s wilderness will smack ya to next Monday.  There are six road trip essentials I never go traveling without:

1. First Aid Kit : Even if you don’t plan on doing anything extreme on your trip, like hiking, climbing, or other extreme sports, you never know what could happen. You could cut yourself while cooking, smash a finger in a car door, or burn yourself on a hot radiator. A first aid kit will be able to handle most of these minor situations.

2. Aux Cord : One of the only things to do on a long car ride by yourself is to listen to music or a podcast. Since most people use their phones as an MP3 player these days, an auxillary cord is crucial to preserving your sanity. If there is no auxiliary port in your car, buy a radio transceiver or use a portable speaker.

3. Phone mount :  It’s very dangerous to be looking down at your phone while driving. If you need to have access to your phone, for maps and what-not, buy a mount for it. This way, you can keep your eyes on the road and your phone won’t be far from your field of view.

4. Headtorch : Every backpacker should have a head torch! A decent head torch could save your life. If you want to explore caves, unlit temples, or simply find your way to the bathroom during a blackout, a headtorch is a must. Currently, I’m using the Petzl Actik Core rechargeable headlamp – an awesome piece of kit! Because it’s USB chargeable I never have to buy earth polluting batteries.

5. Roadside Emergency Kit : Just like you never know what could happen to yourself , one never knows what can happen to their car . A vehicle can mysteriously fail, break, run into a ditch; all that and then some. Most emergency kit include a pair of jumper cables, a tow rope, a set of essential tools, and ties.

6. Toiletry Bag : I always travel with a hanging toiletry bag as it’s a super-efficient way to organise your bathroom stuff. Well worth having, whether you are hanging it from a tree whilst camping, or a hook in a wall, it helps to have quick access to all your stuff.

For plenty more inspiration on what to pack, check out my full road trip packing list.

Well, that brings us to the end of our top four Southwest road trip ideas! We hope you’ve found your perfect itinerary. Now all you need to worry about is creating an epic soundtrack for your own road trip in the Southwest!

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Colleen Kinsey

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Southern California Desert Road Trip: The Perfect One Week Itinerary

last Updated: January 5, 2023 borrego springs california Death Valley Joshua tree Palm Springs Southern California

FYI: Affiliate links may be sprinkled throughout the awesome, free content you see below. I’ll receive a small commission when you purchase from my links (at no extra cost to you), which I’ll totally blow on adult things like boba tea and avocado toast. As always, thanks for the support.

So you wanna take an epic Southern California desert road trip? Get ready for tons of arid landscapes, starry night skies, and pool party time. I promise you’ll love the drive from Palm Springs to Borrego Springs → this part of California is utterly fascinating! Keep reading for my exact California deserts itinerary, including when to go, where to stop, and more!

If you follow this Palm Springs to Borrego Springs road trip itinerary, I can promise that you’ll discover more palm tree oases, wacky (and weird) desert art, and solitude than you thought possible along the way. Oh, and we’ll be stopping at some of the oddest road-side attractions you’ve ever seen – what could possibly go wrong? #noshame. The desert in California surprised me in more ways than one.

This SoCal desert road trip drive will have you wondering why you haven’t explored the region before! When international travel was outta the question (hello 2020/21, haha), I thought it’d be the perfect time to head south and explore the dry California desert. And I’m so glad I finally made this road trip a priority — we loved Palm Springs and the surrounding areas way more than we ever thought we would!

California Desert Itinerary Overview

• Days 1-3: Palm Springs
• Day 4: Joshua Tree
• Day 5: Desert Oddities 
• Days 6-7: Borrego Springs
• Extra Add-Ons: Death Valley (pre-trip) + San Diego (post-trip)

Over the course of the road trip, expect to drive approximately 7 hours through the desert in California (round trip from Palm Springs, longer from LA/OC) and around 400 miles. In order to complete this full Southern California desert road trip in a reasonable amount of time (1 – 1.5 weeks depending on the length of your trip), you’ll be driving at least a little bit almost every day, with some being longer driving days than others. Plan accordingly and bring snacks! The time in the car doesn’t have to be absolutely horrible. :p

Palm Springs to Borrego Springs Itinerary Logistics 

When to take this road trip .

I’d suggest planning this California desert road trip between late October and early April . Other times of year will be unbearably hot. Remember — this is the desert we’re talking about! SKIP THE SUMMER as it’s just not safe to be out and about all day!

And of course because I’m exceptionally wordy and feel the need to give you all the information you could possibly need, here’s a breakdown of the seasons in the SoCal desert area:

Spring : Early spring is a gorgeous time to visit the desert! The temps are starting to heat up from the mild winter, but it’s not unbearably hot just yet! It does get pretty steamy as the months progress though (from April onwards). One way to combat this — do all your exploring in the morning, and spend the afternoon at the pool. That’s what we typically did, and it was the perfect balance of hot desert fun and splashing around with cocktails in hand at The Ace ’s pool parties. 

For reference, we took this SoCal desert road trip in late March, and found the weather to be nearly perfect. I will say we had uncharacteristically hot weather in Palm Springs, so thankfully we chose a hotel with a bangin’ pool! 

Summer : The desert in California during the summer months are BRUTAL beyond brutal. Skip May through September. I repeat, do NOT take this SoCal desert road trip in the summer. The temps are sweltering and days over 100°F are not uncommon. They SOAR into the triple digits come mid-summer, so you’ll 100% need AC and the pool. It’s way too hot to really do much of anything besides fry by the pool. Plus, some shops and sites (especially in Palm Springs and Borrego Springs) have limited off-season hours this time of year.

Fall : Early fall is kinda just a continuation of summer (haha), with crazy hot temperatures (well into the high 90’s) and virtually all sunshine. It’s definitely more comfortable than summer, but just know you’ll still want/need lots of pooltime and tons of liquids! The temps FINALLY begin to cool down in late-October/November, so I’d recommend waiting until then to visit the desert.

Winter : Ahhhh, goodbye sweltering heat! Finally you can go for a walk and not be dripping with sweat! Understandably, it’s peak tourism season in the desert, so make sure you book everything in advance (including all your accommodations and car rental!).

What to Pack for the California Deserts

• Slather on that sunscreen , the sun is super strong over here. And on that note, I always like to take along some SPF lip balm to protect my lips as well. 
• Keep your eyes protected from the sun with a wide-brimmed hat and polarized sunglasses (like I said, the desert sun is powerful!)
• Some bright bathing suits for the pool, coverups, and of course, pool sandals. A fun pool floaty for Palm Springs never hurt anyone either!
• A portable phone charger ’s always a good thing to take along, no matter the trip! Never worry about your phone running out of battery! This one is super tiny and lightweight!

• Your kindle or mini ipad to read by the pool
• A reusable water bottle to fill up on that H2O (gotta stay hydrated, especially in the California desert!)
• These refreshing body wipes , for ya know, when you get all hot and sticky and need a little freshening up before brunch
• Hydrating lotion and/or some cocoa butter for all that dry skin — I found my skin got especially dry after being in the desert and pool chlorine for a few days
• If you’re doing any kind of hiking in the desert in California (whether that be close to Palm Springs, Joshua Tree , Anza-Borrego , and/or Death Valley ), make sure to bring along comfy sneakers . I swear by these — I have them in 3 colors!
• Light, airy, and breezy clothing. But don’t be afraid to bring along bold and colorful clothing too — leave all your boring black and whites at home! Palm Springs is all about color and that popular retro, vintage style. I loved wearing colorful, floral dresses here!
• Some fun accessories, like colorful hair scarves, a trendy straw bag, statement earrings, and cute espadrilles!
• A camera to take lots of pretty photos (I typically use my iPhone and Olympus mirrorless )!
• Lightweight jacket or sweater, as the desert drastically cools off at night (I was fine with a jean jacket — my exact one — but kinda wished I brought along a light sweater as well)

Where to Start the Road Trip

I recommend starting this Southern California desert road trip in Palm Springs. I mean, technically, you could start from any spot, but we loved ending with a few days relaxing in Borrego Springs. In addition, Palm Springs is the most accessible to most people, so it’s a good starting point anyways.

Palm Springs is pretty close to other main hotspots in Southern California. It makes for the perfect getaway from both LA and San Diego , and all the spots in between. 

But from Northern California , a different story. Originally, we were thinking of making the long drive from San Francisco , but ultimately decided we didn’t wanna spend that many hours in the car so took a short flight (it’s far, see below!).

• From Joshua Tree : 50 minutes | 35 miles
• From Orange County : 1.5 hours | 95 miles
• From Los Angeles : 2 hours | 105 miles
• From San Diego : 2.5 hours | 140 miles
• From Death Valley : 4.5 hours | 230 miles
• From San Francisco : 8 hours | 490 miles

How to get to SoCal/Where to Fly Into: 

If you’re not from SoCal yourself, you’ll need to fly on over before getting this road trip underway! Thankfully, there’s a bunch of airports which’ll do! Here’s a few options:

• fly into either Los Angeles (LAX) or Orange County (SNA) and then drive two hours east to Palm Springs (note that LAX is always wildly busy; so account for extra driving time/lots of traffic)
• fly into Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) itself; by far the easiest and quickest option, although I typically find flights to LAX and SNA much cheaper
• fly into Ontario International Airport (ONT) — I’ve heard flights can sometimes be cheaper than PSP, and it’s only an hour west of Palm Springs

Renting a car 

Since this is in fact a road trip , you’ll need a vehicle to get you from place to place! Worth mentioning so you don’t forget to account for the cost of a rental car when following this Palm Springs to Borrego Springs road trip itinerary! I like to search via this site in order to compare rental companies to see who has the best price.

Ok, but here’s the thing — you don’t NEED a car in Palm Springs if you’re just hanging out on the main streets and hanging at the pool. But we found ourselves driving way more than we thought — to DesertX locations , to a boozy brunch spot in Palm Desert, to the windmills, and a whole slew of other spots. I like the flexibility of having a car, especially since you won’t wanna walk terribly far due to extreme midday heat. 

But if you’re not renting a car for Palm Springs, you’ll need to get one for Joshua Tree (if you don’t wanna take a tour) and the rest of this road trip. You’ll 1000% need a car for day 5, when we make a lot of stops en route to Borrego Springs. 

Honestly though, if it’s your first time visiting Palm Springs and the surrounding area, just get yourself a car for the entire time. Both our hotels in Palm Springs had free parking, and we didn’t find parking in town to be exceptionally difficult, so just for it! 

And finally, what you probably came here for — a super-comprehensive California desert road trip itinerary! Including all my favorite stops, eats, and wild road-side attractions.

California Desert Road Trip Itinerary Stops

Days 1-3: palm springs.

You’ve made it to the desert! First stop: Palm Springs! Full of mid-century modern architecture, boozy weekend brunches, old Hollywood glitz and glam, epic pool hangs, and those chic desert vibes. We honestly couldn’t get enough of it.

If you’re looking for a design-focused city with palm tree lined streets, colorful accommodations, vintage shopping, and an all-around relaxing ambiance, you NEED to spend a few days in Palm Springs ASAP. A true mix of classic hipster vibes and that desert bohemian spirit. Here’s some of my favorite stops to make while in Palm Springs ( check out my full guide for everything you need to know — I go into way more detail over here! ).

• Palm Springs DIY Door Tour : Palm Springs is kinda a mecca for their mid-century architecture and design. And the doors are no exception. We had such a great time searching around for all the colors of the rainbow —  Yellow doors, bright turquoise doors, orange doors, lime green doors, pink doors, you name it!  I have a whole post with exact addresses of all my favorite doors in Palm Springs , but if you head on over to the Indian Canyons neighborhood, that’s where you’ll find them all!
• Andreas Canyon Trail in Indian Canyons : If you’re gonna do one hike in Palm Springs, make it the Andreas Canyon loop in Indian Canyons. Not only is it pretty easy at just around a mile (I even wore sandals, haha), but the views are like no other. You’ll see groves of spectacular California skirted fan palms, the Andreas Creek, and even a mini waterfall. Just go early before the temps really heat up for the day, and bring lots of water!

• Visit the Cabazon Dinosaurs : Quite possibly the wackiest road-side attraction near Palm Springs! I’m sure you’ve seen a photo of them somewhere before. They get painted and decked out depending on the season and holiday — we saw a 65-foot-tall Mr. Rex ready for Easter and a pink 150-foot-long brontosaurus (named Dilly the Dinosaur) for Valentine’s Day! And definitely don’t miss Hadley Fruit Orchards — the best place to get a famous date shake. 
• Moorten Botanical Garden : Have you ever visited a cactarium before? Well this one’s been around since 1938! We loved strolling through the botanical garden, and especially the greenhouse dedicated to smaller, unique cacti and succulent plants. Say hello to the desert turtles on your way out — we loved them! Double check the hours before you go because they close on the earlier side.
• Hang at the Pool: Every day is a pool day in Palm Springs — think palm trees, pool floats, and of course, good vibes! In all seriousness, if you aren’t spending your afternoons at the pool, you aren’t doing Palm Springs right. And if you visit anytime between February and October, you’ll wanna jump right into that pool every chance you get. Because let’s face it — it’ll likely be at least 85°F when you visit. 

• Palm Springs Windmills: If you’re driving on the 10, you really can’t miss them! It’s by far the largest wind farm I’ve ever seen, with over 4,000 windmills — providing enough electricity to power all of Palm Springs and the entire Coachella Valley. Whoa! Interested in learning more about the windmills and wind energy? Take a guided tour of the farm! We didn’t have time for this (we simply just stopped by to snap a few photos), but I’d like to make it a priority for next time.
• Eat your Face Off: Palm Springs is a mecca for trendy foodie spots, so it’s not hard to find something amazing over here! A few of my favorites: Cheeky’s (for breakfast), The Pink Cabana (for brunch), Norma’s (for brunch/lunch), Birba (lunch/dinner), Sandfish Sushi and Whiskey (dinner), El Jefe (drinks/tacos), Great Shakes (dessert), and Koffi (coffee).

Where to Stay on Nights 1-3: There’s no shortage of accommodation in Palm Springs — so whatever you’re looking for, this little city’s got it! There’s chic boutique hotels, spruced up roadside motels, rustic meets modern establishments, and even more posh resort-like spots than you can imagine. Here’s some of the best: Ace Hotel & Swim Club (where we stayed and LOVED), The Saguaro (by far the most colorful hotel in Palm Springs), Parker Palm Springs (quintessential Palm Springs vibes), and Korakia Pensione (super upscale and super serene — where I wanna stay next time!).

Drive from Palm Springs to Joshua Tree: ~50 minutes

DAY 4: Joshua Tree

Wild and wacky Joshua Trees. Rugged rock formations and giant boulders. That arid desert landscape. Dark starry night skies. And even a rich (and quirky) cultural history! That’s Joshua Tree National Park in a nutshell — and it’s 100% worth spending at least a day there! This really wouldn’t be a complete SoCal desert road trip without a day among the Joshua Trees!

Expect your day in Joshua Tree National Park to be filled with all the superlatives you could think of — kinda weird, pretty wacky, super strange, and all kinds of amazing! We spent our time in Joshua Tree admiring the wacky trees, climbing up huge rocks, watching the climbers, and heading to the highest point in the park for sunset. And I suggest you do the same! 

Thankfully, Joshua Tree’s a pretty straightforward and easy-to-get-around park, so you can see the main highlights in a day or even less! But if you’d feel more comfortable having someone else do the driving (or just want a more relaxing day), there’s a few day tours you can sign up for in advance. Most even bring water and snacks for you! This small group ½ day tour looks awesome, as does this Joshua Tree jeep tour (for those of you itching for a little more adventure)!

Read Next → The Perfect Day Trip to Joshua Tree National Park (Everything You Need to Know)

Heading out without a tour? Here were our favorite stops:

• Cholla Cactus Garden: While there’s actually no Joshua Trees over here, you will find a whole bunch of cholla cacti, commonly referred to as teddy bear cacti instead! They look super cute and cuddly from afar, but as soon as you get closer, you’ll see they’re surrounded by tons of prickly little needles. The Cholla Cactus Garden Nature Trail is a flat (and easy) loop walking trail. 
• Arch Rock : Arch Rock spans 30 feet over a huge boulder, and is a pretty walk — as long as you know where you’re going! The whole trail is pretty short, at just around 1.2 miles roundtrip. I was silly and was wearing a dress, meaning I couldn’t climb up to take a photo! Boo — don’t be like me! Next time! Oh, note there’ll probably be a bit of a line to take a photo, but worth the wait as long as you can scramble up!

• Skull Rock: Located right off the main road, you’ll find a giant rock that looks like a human skull! When viewed from a particular angle, it’s easy to see how it got its name (look for the two sunken eyes and sunken nasal cavity). 
• Hidden Valley Nature Trail: Easily one of the most popular hikes in all of Joshua Tree, and because of that, it gets pretty crowded. The trail is a mostly-flat one-mile loop with less than 100 feet in elevation change, making it a quick and easy walk! And although it’s a short trail, don’t miss the otherworldly terrain! The hike weaves through boulders and some of the valley’s most interesting rock formations.
• Keys View: Being the highest vantage point in the park, there’s epic views from up here, and it’s a great spot to watch the sunset! The viewpoint looks out over the entire Coachella Valley, the San Andreas Fault, the Salton Sea, and the San Gorgonio Mountains. 

Where to Stay on Night 4: Technically, you could do a day trip to Joshua Tree from Palm Springs (that’s what we did), but I really wanna stay right near the park next time! There’s so many fun spots to check out, including Pioneertown Motel (kitschy and quirky; it looks like a vintage western movie set!), 29 Palms Inn (one-of-a-kind Adobe bungalows and wood-framed cabins), Spin and Margie’s Desert Hideaway (quirky desert chic spaces), and The Castle House Estate (featured on HGTV)!

DAY 5: Desert Oddities 

Wake up early, because today’s a long day of driving (about 4 hours total but with plenty of stops, don’t worry)! I recommend filling up on gas before heading out and bringing a few snacks with you, because there’s honestly not much out here! And you may not have great cell service, so definitely plot out your spots on a map beforehand and get a general idea of your route, just in case!

Stop #1: Palm Tree Farm

On our drive to the Salton Sea, we kept passing by fields and fields of palm trees; I just knew we needed to make a quick stop! Who knew there were so many palm trees right near the deserts in California?!

And when we got out of the car, I just couldn’t believe my eyes. Rows and rows (and even more rows) of perfectly spaced out palm trees! Sure, I’ve seen palm trees before (I’ve been living in California for a while now), but this was something straight outta a movie. 

You’ll find the palm tree farms in between Indio and Mecca on the way to the Salton Sea. Sorry I don’t have an exact address for ya! I promise you’ll see them if you keep your eyes peeled! Just goes to show that sometimes the best spots are totally unplanned for! 

Psst — did you know dates grow on palm trees?! I had no clue! The dates grow in large clusters (kinda like bunches of grapes), which hang higher than fifty feet off the ground. Every August, ranches over here collect the dates and they’re then packaged and sold. The Coachella Valley (known as the Date Capital of the World), supplies about 95 percent of dates grown in the United States. Totalling up to roughly 43,600 tons of dates in 2015 alone! Whoa!

And before you get to the Salton Sea, check and see if the International Banana Museum is open! It was unfortunately closed when we drove by though, but it sure looks like a quirky stop!

Drive time from Palm Tree farms to Salton Sea Recreation Area: 20 minutes

Stop #2: Salton Sea State Recreation Area and Visitors Center

Next up, the stinkiest spot on this Palm Springs to Borrego Spring road trip itinerary! Yup, we’re talking about the Salton Sea, one of the world’s largest inland seas and one of the lowest spots on Earth (at 227 feet below sea level). That’s almost as low as the Badwater Basin salt flats in Death Valley , sitting at 282 feet below sea level — taking the cake for the lowest point in the United States.

Yes, it’s quite rundown, and you most definitely will see dead fish and bones near the shoreline, which of course makes the entire area smell absolutely disgusting. But it’s worth a quick stop! We got used to the nasty smell after a few minutes, and then thankfully breathed in some fresh air after we left.

The Salton Sea is so, so, so salty that literally nothing can survive here (the salinity’s twice as high as the ocean)! And it’s definitely drying up and is unfortunately being destroyed by human activity. There’s lots of contaminants in the water, and the mud is laced with toxic chemicals such as chromium, zinc, lead, and pesticides like DDT. I definitely wouldn’t spend all day here. And trust me, you don’t wanna swim here. Did I mention there’s dead fish everywhere?!

Do note you’ll need to pay a fee in order to get in (we paid $7 if I remember correctly) — it’s a state recreation area part of the CA state parks unit, so go support!

Drive time from Salton Sea to Bombay Beach: 20 minutes

Stop #3: Bombay Beach Ruins

Mix Burning Man and Marfa, Texas, and you’ve got Bombay Beach. What used to be an apocalyptic wasteland has recently turned into a cool offbeat artist hub! Imagine a fish airplane, door frames right on the beach, and an artistic chapel. A colorful television art display, abandoned Airstream trailers, and even a burning man airplane itself. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a place just quite like Bombay Beach. I mean, when else do you see old couches and TVs just hanging out on the beach? 

It’s now an artist mecca, and besides all the rubble of this forgotten town, there’s the stunning blue Bombay Beach Opera House (with its cardboard piano), a house plastered with plastic toys, and of course the Bombay Beach Drive In art installation.

Can you believe this place used to be a booming resort town for the rich and famous in the 40’s and 50’s?! Think Frank Sinatra, the Beach Boys, Jerry Lewis, etc. But when the salinity of the Salton Sea rose and all the fish and birds were dying off, it turned into an abandoned ghost town. Definitely take some time to read up on Bombay Beach; we were so intrigued by the wild history! Now only about 200 people call this town home, but plenty more come to visit.

It’s hardly crowded, pretty creepy, and kinda has an eerie vibe to it, but it’s a total gem for photographers and a crazy place to walk around. I loved it!

Drive time from Bombay Beach to Salvation Mountain: 25 minutes

Stop #4: Salvation Mountain

Beautiful. Bizarre. And completely unforgettable. Salvation Mountain is a true candy-colored fantasy world in the middle of the desert in California. And I couldn’t get enough of it. I’m sure you’ve seen it all over social media — it’s a super instagrammable spot a bit south of Palm Springs! I’d had this spot on my California bucket list for years, so was thrilled when I finally was able to check it off! I’ll let the photos speak for themselves.

Artistic landscape. Off-beat religious roadside attraction. Vibrant folk art. Whatever you call it, I promise you won’t forget it once you visit. It’s probably the strangest road-side attraction you’ll ever see (way more so than the Jolly Green Giant we saw in Blue Earth, MN on our road trip from NYC to SF .)

There’s a few little convenience/grocery stores around here (on the main road before the turn off to Salvation Mountain) if you’re needing a quick pick me up. Don’t expect to find a huge selection, but we grabbed a few cold drinks and some chips.

Drive time from Salvation Mountain to East Jesus: give or take 5-10 minutes 

Stop #5: East Jesus

It’s just a mile down from Salvation Mountain, so obviously head on over right after! Kinda like the Bombay Beach ruins all squished together into one compound. 

East Jesus is an artist community on the outskirts of the Salton Sea, with a sculpture garden full of odd and interesting pieces. And get this — everything is made out of junk and waste! There’s intricately decorated old vehicles, a TV wall full of messages, decked out mannequins, and even a giant mammoth made out of tires. But contrary to its name, East Jesus actually has no religious connotations. 

The main gate was unfortunately closed when we were there, but we were able to do a quick drive around to see some of the pieces on the outskirts of the compound. 

This community literally lives in the middle of nowhere, completely off the grid, and operating without electricity or running water. So if you like running water in the bathroom, definitely go beforehand in nearby Niland, about 6 miles away.

Drive time from East Jesus to Glamis Sand Dunes: 50 minutes

Stop #6: Imperial Sand Dunes (Glamis)

The sand dunes are a ways away (deep in the California desert), but I promise you they’re so worth it! I wouldn’t have you going outta your way if they weren’t. Breathtaking, surreal, and absolutely amazing. It felt like we were on a different planet — even Jumanji 3 was filmed right here!

Surprisingly, we found them even more impressive than the sand dunes we had recently seen at Death Valley National Park ! For starters, you literally drive right up to the dunes, and secondly, the sand is so much more pristine! We didn’t have to walk forever through the sand to find those perfect ripples (like we did in Death Valley). 

It was super fun to watch the ATV and buggies race on the dunes — they went crazy fast! The Imperial Sand Dunes are the largest mass of sand dunes in not only California, but the entirety of the US, whoa! 

Psst: Put in Hugh T. Osborne Lookout Park into your GPS and it’ll take you exactly where I went!

Drive time from Imperial Sand Dunes to Borrego Springs: 1 ½ hours

Where to Stay on Night 5: I highly recommend heading to Borrego Springs after checking out the sand dunes. There’s honestly not really much between Glamis and Borrego Springs, so just prepare for a bit more driving to make it all the way to Borrego for a good night’s sleep.

DAYS 6-7 Borrego Springs

FINALLY — it’s time to relax a little! If you’re hoping for a quiet few days, you’ll love this wide open, desolate California desert landscape, I just know it! It’s laid back and unpretentious, with fabulous night skies and a super funky art scene. But don’t worry, there’s still lots to do here if you have a hard time sitting still (like me)!

I imagine Borrego Springs is what Palm Springs was like decades ago — pristine desert landscapes, super starry dark skies, crystal clear air, extraordinary spring wildflowers, and oases full of cacti and palm trees. The entire town is completely surrounded by Anza Borrego Desert State Park — the largest state park in California!

Here’s our favorite things to do in/near Borrego Springs:

• Hiking the Slot Canyon Trail: With it’s alien-looking landscapes, a narrow siltstone canyon, and spectacular cliffs, it was such a fun morning activity in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. AND we needed to literally squeeze through some rocks, which made it especially exciting! Definitely start as early in the morning as you possibly can, as it gets extremely hot in the desert. It’s only about a mile round trip so anyone can do it, just bring lots of water!
• Metal sculptures in Galleta Meadows : What are they exactly? A large collection of supersize prehistoric and fantastical beasts, all crafted by artist and welder Ricardo Breceda. Probably one of the quirkiest roadside attractions we’ve seen in a while (minus the teeny-tiny Crochet Museum in Joshua Tree !). There’s more than 130 metal sculptures showcased along the highway, so you definitely won’t make it to all of them, but find a few favorites and explore! You can drive right up to most of them so you can even blast the AC between sculptures if need be.

• While you can absolutely just look up, we booked a night sky tour so we could learn more about astronomy and look through a telescope! Our guide taught us everything we needed to know and then some, and pointed out constellations, planets, and even other galaxies (which we saw with our own eyes through the telescope). Kinda insane if you ask me! 
• Hang at the pool: I won’t lie — we spent a lot of our time in Borrego Springs at the pool. And it was absolutely glorious. Usually I absolutely hate this, but considering we had just had a busy few days in Palm Springs , Joshua Tree , and Salvation Mountain , we loved this extra time to just relax and take it easy!

• Borrego Palm Canyon Trail: Looking to stretch your legs one morning and the thought of a 3 mile round trip (flat!) hike to a palm tree oasis gets you excited? Hike the Borrego Palm Canyon trail — it’s one of the most popular things to do in Borrego Springs! The Borrego Palm Canyon trail is a self-guided nature trail that passes a whole bunch of desert-y stuff: think cholla cacti (like we saw in Joshua Tree !), desert lavender bushes, catclaw, honey mesquite, and ocotillo plants. You’ll have a fun time identifying all the desert plants! 

Where to Stay on Nights 6-7: If you’re planning to visit in the steamy summer months (not recommended — it’s too hot to enjoy the outdoors), plan far ahead as some hotels close when the temps get too hot. And definitely opt for a hotel with a pool, regardless of when you visit! 

I recommend the Borrego Valley Inn as my first choice of where to stay — adults only, in-room fireplaces, multiple pools and hot tubs; the ultimate chic desert hide-a-way. Other top spots include La Casa del Zorro Resort & Spa (cosy rooms and casitas) and Palm Canyon Hotel & RV Resort (the entire hotel is styled like an old western movie)!

How to Extend This SoCal Desert Road Trip

Have a few extra days?! You could either spend some extra time in Palm Springs, Joshua Tree, or Borrego Springs, or you could fill your days to the max and explore another part of California! My two top picks (that make sense from over here) → Death Valley and San Diego!

PRE-TRIP ADD-ON: Death Valley 

If you wanna make this a true road trip through the SoCal desert, don’t leave off Death Valley ! It’s one of my favorite national parks in California! I recommend flying into Vegas and starting your road trip there. You’ll drive the 2 hours to Death Valley, and actually begin this road trip over there! Think of it as a pre-trip extra add-on! 

Here’s my ultimate 2-day Death Valley itinerary , full of possibly everything you need to know.

→ Psst: I don’t recommend driving to Death Valley round trip from Palm Springs. It’s just too far of a drive (it’s about 4 ½ hours one way). Heading there from Vegas is the much better option. You’ll wanna book a one way flight to Vegas for the start of your trip, then another from where you end up.

Skip Death Valley in the summer. Like the rest of the stops on this road trip, it’s sweltering hot. I mean, it’s the hottest, driest, and lowest national park in the USA afterall. It’s also one of the hottest places on Earth (it gets to a blistering 120°F in the summer). And this heat is no joke — it’s called Death Valley for a reason! 

Top sites to see in Death Valley:

• Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes: OMG this was SO. MUCH. FUN. And by far one of my favorite things we did in the park. Expect sculpted sand dunes as far as the eye can see. Long-curving shadows. And mountains on the horizon. Now this is what I’m talking about. We spent all morning climbing up and running down the dunes!
• Badwater Basin Salt Flats: Imagine walking out to a bed of geometric-shaped salt flats as far as the eye can see. Yup, that’s Badwater Basin , the lowest point in North America at 282 feet below sea level! It kinda reminded me of the Bonneville Salt Flats which we saw on our cross country road trip from NYC to San Francisco .

• Dante’s View:  Drive up the windy, curvy roads to Dante’s View, and you’ll be greeted with views of Badwater Basin, Telescope Peak, and even Mos Eisley (in a famous Star Wars scene). The 360° views in every direction are absolutely spectacular.  It gets chilly up here, so bring some layers!
• Zabriskie Point: Gazing down at the Martian-like moonscape below you will make you feel like you’re on a different planet, easily. A few hiking trails start here (one that goes all the way to Golden Canyon!), but we just walked around the viewpoint and took (loads of) photos. Come for sunset — the colors on the badlands are utterly fantastic.
• Artists Drive and Artists Palette: Looking for those natural pastel colored canyons (everything from blue and purple and green)?! That’s over here at Artists Palette! A geologist’s true paradise with it’s multi-colored mineral rocks and canyons!
• Go for a hike: We loved both Golden Canyon (with its towering golden walls) and Mosaic Canyon (with narrow canyon slots and polished marbleized rock). Remember to take lots of water when hiking, no matter the time of year.

POST-TRIP ADD-ON: San Diego 

Did someone say tacos? Get outta the barren desert and head to sunny San Diego (it’s less than 2 hours from Borrego Springs). While it’s not technically part of the California desert, who can say no to an idyllic climate, pristine beaches, and stunning Spanish-style architecture?! You can easily spend a week here and never get bored, if it’s your first time to the city, I think 3 days will suffice!

Although there are a million things to do in San Diego (you’ll never be bored here), so you may never wanna leave! Plus that perfect weather!

Here’s a few of my fave things to do in San Diego:

• Go for a trendy brunch: There’s a whole slew of trendy brunch spots in San Diego, but my two favorites (so far!) are Great Maple and Morning Glory. You’ll need to get there early if you don’t wanna wait forever, but I promise you the decor and food is worth it!
• Wander Balboa Park: Like Central Park in NYC and Golden Gate Park in SF , Balboa Park in San Diego can’t be missed! It’s huge and there’s oh so much to do, but don’t miss the Spanish Village Art Center (with its colorful rainbow painted floors), The Museum of Us (or just admire the stunning intricate architecture), and the Botanical Garden and lily pond in front. You could easily spend all day exploring!
• Watch the Seals in La Jolla: Seals hang out in La Jolla almost year round, and you’ll probably hear them before you see them! Hang out by the Children’s Pool and La Jolla Cove, then grab some caffeine at Better Buzz in town nearby.

• Go Mural Hunting: There’s tons of colorful art in San Diego just perfect for your IG feed ( peep my best photo spots in San Diego post here! ). Some of my favorites are: Greetings From San Diego, the pink ombre wall at Pigment, and the flowers outside Native Poppy. 
• Spend a night eating in Little Italy: Three words — cheese wheel pasta. Whenever I’m down in SD, I NEED a meal at Monello. It’s literally one of my favorite Italian meals in California. The pasta’s homemade and the ambiance is amazing.
• Stuff your face with tacos: You can’t not try all the taco spots in San Diego. Some favorites: Oscar’s Mexican seafood (always a long line for a reason), Lucha Libre (not the best tacos of all time, but such a fun spot), and Puesto La Jolla (make a reservation!).

• Carlsbad Flower Fields: If you’re happening to be doing this SoCal desert road trip from March to May (the best time to do it!), why not head to the Carlsbad Flower Fields ? I had this on my California bucket list for years (YEARS!), and was more-than-thrilled when I finally got to spend a day there!

So there ya have it, our complete Palm Springs to Borrego Springs road trip itinerary! Which part of the California deserts are you most excited to check out?!

Loo king for more California content? Explore my other California guides here!

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5 Day Southwest Road Trip: Complete Desert Destination Guide

| Filed in Blog , California , Road Trips | Disclaimer: I use affiliate links and may receive a small commission on purchases. | Leave a Comment

Every Winter it’s inevitable that I head on a desert road trip to escape the cold and overcast days of the Pacific Northwest. I have gone on multiple desert road trips now over the years and this was a favorite with my girlfriends. Read on for a guide for an adventurous 5 day southwest road trip!

Best Southwest Road Trip

This desert road trip was a car camping trip that started in South. We slept in our cars for the entire duration of the trip. Each destination will be linked to a blog post breaking down all the details of the trip including camping and lodging options! If you would like additional information on finding free camping check out my blog below.

1. Remington Hot Springs in California

This hot spring took me by surprise. I had never heard of Remington Hot Springs, but I am still relatively new to California. The Children of the Earth or Remington Hot Springs are a pleasant spot to stop at if you’re passing through. Here is everything you need to know to reach these springs and have a good time!

2. Red Rock Canyon in California

Red Rock Canyon State Park is seriously one of the most underrated State Parks in Southern California . Scenic desert cliffs, stunning red hues, buttes, I had no idea it existed until last year and have gone twice now! It is the perfect add on or stand alone destination to have one of the best road trip in the Southwest.

3. Trona Pinnacles in California

This place felt like I had landed in a different country or honestly a different planet. Camping at Trona Pinnacles was a top highlight of my 5 day Southwest road trip . Free camping, 140 foot spires, and a ridiculous amount of stars, camping at Trona Pinnacles should definitely be on your list.

4. Death Valley National Park

I’ve been to Death Valley twice in one year now. If you’ve never thought about Death Valley as a destination, PLEASE let me convince you. This park really took me by surprise and has incredible variety of landscapes from dunes, to salt flats, to mountain viewpoints . You seriously don’t want to miss this California gem.

5. Tecopa Hot Springs

If you can’t tell, I’m mildly obsessed with hot springs. Delight’s Hot Springs is a “rustic” resort in Tecopa, California. And it was by far one of the most eccentric experiences I have had traveling. Going for one night on your way in or way out of Death Valley would be the perfect way to experience this area and the healing mineral waters of Tecopa and a delightful add on to your southwest road trip.

6. Mojave Desert Lava Tube

Mojave Desert Lava Tube in California is something really special. The road to get here is a bit rough, but if you’re up for an adventure – this is for you! If you browse the Instagram tag for this place, you’ll see LOADS of photos showing off  incredible light beams  here. I mean come on, a desert lava tube is the perfect stop on a desert road trip.

7. Grand Canyon South Rim

Grand Canyon National Park is wonderful in that you don’t have to put in much effort to see incredible views. Enjoy incredible views from Mather Point and Ooh Ahh Point at the South Rim. Road trips in the southwest are never complete without the Grand Canyon!!

8. Sedona, Arizona

Sedona is known for its red rocks of course, but also some rather interesting sacred history and talk of an energy vortex – if you’re into that. The views here are incredible even if you are just driving through. I promise, it’s worth any detour you need to take on your road trips in the southwest.

Desert Road Trip Route : 5 Day Southwest Road Trip

If you are flying in and renting a vehicle, it would make sense to start at one end and fly back home from the other! I personally looped back around after to make my way back home to Northern California.

Best Time of Year for a Desert Road Trip

I completed this road trip in December and then again in March . Both times the weather was pretty mild, but noticeably warmer in March. The nights were chilly for almost all destinations, so bring extra clothing and layers for sleeping!

Death Valley was the warmest destination and the Grand Canyon was the coldest on this Southwest road trip. Check the weather of those two locations before deciding on dates for your trip!

I hope this inspires you to get out on your own 5 Day Southwest Road Trip this Winter season. All of these locations are lovely in different ways. If you can’t do them all in one go, think about splitting up the destinations in two separate trips!

Leave a comment if you are adding any of these places to your itinerary!

Similar to Road Trips in the Southwest

Interested in itineraries similar to road trips in the southwest? Check out my other California Road Trip with more Southwest locations!

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Such beautiful views thanks for sharing.

Tecopa Hot Springs sounds like such a cool spot! I love unique finds like this, definitely adding it to my list for my next Southwest trip.

Wow all these places look like they don’t belong on Earth! Definitely putting this on my bucket list

So many great spots to add to our next road trip in southwest USA. I love the idea of a hot springs stop on a road trip to work out the kinks of long driving days. With all of these great stops we might need weeks.

what an epic road trip! i am absolutely obsessed with Remington Hot Springs now, i had never heard of them, but i will 100% be adding them to my SW road trip as well.

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The ultimate Southwest road trip itinerary

• Post last modified: March 14, 2024

Deep canyons, red deserts and thrilling national parks are appreciated ingredients on this ultimate Southwest itinerary. Begin the drive in Las Vegas and get ready to marvel at most unique natural attractions in the world.

Disclosure: All listings are independently selected. If you buy something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more ›

Route through the Southwest

• Start: Las Vegas
• Grand Canyon NP
• Monument Valley
• Antelope Canyon
• Horseshoe Bend
• Bryce Canyon NP
• Finish: Las Vegas
• Total distance: 1020 mi / 1642 km
• Total driving time: 17 h

1. Las Vegas, NV

Your American Southwest road trip begins in Las Vegas. When gambling was legalized in Nevada in 1931 no one could have known what a boom it would mean for the state in general and Las Vegas particularly. Vegas is today recognized as an entertainment oasis in the middle of the desert.

But there’s a lot more in the city to do than to just gamble, eat and shop. It’s a dynamic city that attracts both tourists and new permanent residents. The climate feels healthy and the surroundings are beautiful.

If you look a little bit further than the Las Vegas Strip you find the charm of Fremont Street. That’s where the original Vegas boom in the 1930s took place.

Las Vegas is a great starting point for the Southwestern desert road trip. Apart from all the entertainment it offers it’s usually possible to find cheap flights to the city and great hotel rates when you look for accommodation.

What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas is an old saying. But just remember that the next destination on Southwest road trip is one you really don’t want to miss.

2. Grand Canyon, AZ

• Driving distance:  279 mi / 449 km
• Driving time:  4.5 h

The first of three national parks on the Southwest road trip itinerary sets the expectations high. Mighty Grand Canyon is one of the most famous wonders of the world.

Grand Canyon in northwestern Arizona is carved by the Colorado River and has a length of 277 miles (446 km). It’s up to 18 miles (29 km) wide and reaches a depth of more than a mile (1847 meters). Grand Canyon is simply put huge and a pleasure to visit.

As the elevation differs so much the temperatures do too. The highest peaks in the area see snow in the winter, while the bottom of the canyon faces very hot temperatures in the summer.

The different parts of Grand Canyon have different attributes even though they belong to the same national park. The South Rim of the park is much busier and offers more lodging than the quieter North Rim. Both offer great viewpoints.

As the altitude is higher in the northern part it’s colder and gets more snow. The snowy conditions keep the North Rim closed during the colder months of the year, while South Rim is open every month of the year.

Where to stay

Grand Canyon Village and Tusayan are the options for where to stay near Grand Canyon closest to the year-round open South Rim. For the less accessible Grand Canyon North Rim there are much fewer alternatives for lodging.

• El Tovar Hotel  – Historic in Grand Canyon Village.
• The Grand Hotel  – Lodging with pool and hot tub in Tusayan.

3. Monument Valley, Arizona/Utah

• Driving distance:  175 mi / 281 km
• Driving time:  3 h

A dream destination on every road trip itinerary is the iconic Monument Valley. The renowned valley is located on the border between Arizona and Utah.

The region is especially characterized by the red color and huge buttes, the rock formations, standing on the floor of the valley. The desert valley is red because of iron oxide in weathered siltstone. The red color and buttes make the place feel like out of this world.

Monument Valley is where Forrest Gump famously ended his cross-country run in the movie with the same name. And Monument Valley is really a beautiful place that puts things into perspective. Time you spend in Monument Valley is time you never forget.

The View Hotel and Goulding’s Lodge are options for where to stay in Monument Valley that offer stunning valley views. Other alternatives are the towns Kayenta and Mexican Hat that are located about 30 minutes away.

• The View Hotel – In Monument Valley Tribal Park.
• Goulding’s Lodge  – With valley views just outside the park.

4. Antelope Canyon, AZ

• Driving distance:  116 mi / 186 km
• Driving time:  2 h

Not many geological formations are as fabulous and mysterious as Antelope Canyon in Arizona. Its most famous features are the distinctive wavy canyon walls and fantastic light beams that reach through the openings in the canyon. Together the features creates a magnificent appearance, a photographer’s wet dream.

The canyon consists of two canyon sections, Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon. Both parts of the canyon are spectacular to visit. The wavy canyon walls in the Arizona canyon are nothing less but spectacular.

But the famous light beams only appear in Upper Antelope Canyon. They do so at midday when the sun is at its peak during the warmest months of the year. So although both parts of the canyon are spectacular the light beams only appear in its upper section.

No matter which part of the canyon you aim for you need a tour guide to enter. The only way to get access to the canyon is to go through a licensed tour operator. Therefore make sure that you book your tour in good time before your American desert road trip as the tours are very popular.

If you pick Page for where to stay near Antelope Canyon you only have about 4 miles (6 km) from your base to the canyon exploration. Then you with little effort can go between your lodging and the photogenic Arizona canyon.

• Hampton Inn & Suites  – Accommodation at Hampton with pool and tub.
• Wingate by Wyndham  – Unique lodging with pool and tub near Colorado River.

5. Horseshoe Bend, AZ

• Driving distance: 7 mi / 11 km
• Driving time:  0.5 h

Horseshoe Bend is a horseshoe like bend in the Colorado River. It’s not part of the Grand Canyon although Grand Canyon National Park isn’t far away. Horseshoe Bend is only a little bit more than 5 miles (8 km) away from where Grand Canyon NP starts.

A drop worth driving for

When you stand and enjoy the views at Horseshoe Bend you can easily see the Colorado River down at the bottom of the canyon. The light reflected by the red cliffs and the blue Colorado River make up for a very scenic view.

But remember that the drop from the overlook down to the Colorado River is about 1,000 feet (300 m). So make sure that you are careful when you walk at the edge. There is yet much more to see on the itinerary.

The city Page is the best pick for where to stay near Horseshoe Bend just as it is for Antelope Canyon. It’s in fact not more than 7 miles (11 km) between the two Arizona highlights. The short distance makes it easy to visit both sights on the same day.

6. Zion National Park, UT

• Driving distance:  107 mi / 172 km

Now the Southwest loop continues on the other side of the Arizona-Utah state border. Zion National Park in Utah is the second national park on the itinerary and the perfect place for a hike to stretch your legs.

The hikes you can make in Zion are just amazing. The red sandstone cliffs and green vegetation in the canyons make a really good combination. And you can choose between easier hikes and more demanding ones. You can spend the whole day hiking from early until late, or just make it a morning activity.

The closest option for where to stay near Zion National Park is Springdale. The town Springdale is conveniently located right at the entrance to Zion National Park. If you make Springdale your base you don’t even need a car to get to the trailheads.

7. Bryce Canyon, UT

• Driving distance:  73 mi / 117 km
• Driving time:  1.5 h

Bryce Canyon is the third and final national park on the itinerary. And Bryce is just like Zion National Park excellent for hiking. But you will notice when you visit that the two areas differ a lot from each other.

The canyon is packed with its characteristic rock hoodoos. Hoodoos are rock columns that stand out from the bottom of a terrain. They typically have a high density top that protects them from erosion.

When you visit Bryce Canyon, you find them in various shades of orange, red and white. The rock hoodoos look peculiar and there are thousands of them in the park for you to explore.

Over millions of years natural amphitheaters have been created in Bryce Canyon. Because of that it’s rather easy to in relatively little time get to many of the park’s highlights when you visit Bryce.

Some of the best viewpoints in Bryce are found just at the main road through, Highway 63. So if you can’t hike, don’t want to do it or simply are in a hurry you can still reach many extremely beautiful points from the comfort of your own car.

In Bryce you also have the chance to enjoy one of the darkest night skies in the country. The fresh air and few light polluters in the area create fantastic stargazing opportunities.

A very convenient option for where to stay near Bryce Canyon is Bryce Canyon City . The small Utah town is located just outside the national park. So in just minutes you can go from your base in Bryce Canyon City to exploring the national park.

8. Las Vegas, NV

• Driving distance:  260 mi / 418 km
• Driving time:  4 h

After an amazing journey, it’s time to round off the trip. The last leg completes the loop back to where it all started, Las Vegas.

Rather see more? An alternate route is to drive north to Salt Lake City.

Find a hotel in Las Vegas

Use the booking tool below to find perfect accommodation for your stay in Las Vegas. Browse the map for options in various areas, or click on the search button to get all options listed.

Additional destinations for the Southwest road trip itinerary

You can easily add more destinations to the itinerary. Zion National Park and Bryce National Park are only two of Utah’s group of five mighty national parks .

So if you want to continue exploring the deserts in the American Southwest, it’s a great idea to add Utah’s other national parks. They are Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park and Capitol Reef National Park.

Arches National Park, UT

Just like Bryce Canyon has its distinctive hoodoos, Arches National Park has its arches. They are in thousands in the national park with the most famous being the Delicate Arch. You can see the Delicate Arch from a viewpoint by the road or you can hike all the way to the arch for a real close-up encounter. Either way Arches National Park is a fun addition to the itinerary.

Canyonlands National Park, UT

Canyonlands consists of four different districts with different faces. The most visited and easily accessible part to visit is Island in the Sky. In the park you find many beautiful overlooks. One of them is Mesa Arch, from which you can look down on the land of the canyons.

Capitol Reef National Park, UT

Capitol Reef is often overlooked and should get more attention than it gets. In the national park you can combine history in Fruita Historic District with hikes in the diverse Utah landscape. The combination of history and nature makes it a unique stop to add to the itinerary.

The ultimate American Southwest desert road trip FAQ

This ultimate American Southwest desert road trip is 1020 miles (1642 km) long, taking about 17 hours not including any stops along the way.

The ultimate Southwest road trip itinerary includes 3 states. These are Nevada, Arizona and Utah.

The main stops included on the ultimate road trip in the American Southwest are Las Vegas, Grand Canyon NP, Monument Valley, Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, Zion NP and Bryce Canyon NP.

A Southwest road trip can be made throughout the year. However, be prepared for that in summer the temperature in Nevada, Arizona and Utah frequently goes above 100°F (38°C).

For the best experience, we recommended setting aside 2 weeks or more. But if you have less time, you can take a pacier road trip or break the itinerary up to focus on your favorite parts.

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Epic National Parks Road Trips – Desert Mountains and Caves Road Trip

LAST UPDATED: 2/3/24 – National Parks Road Trips – Desert Parks Road Trip

When it comes to travel, there are few things more American than epic road trips and national parks.  Americans have been hitting the open road on their family vacations for decades. And when they do, the most popular destinations are the country’s beautiful national parklands.

In the spirit of both of these American cultural mainstays, I have put together a series of road trip itineraries. These road trips are certain to bring your family together to make memories that will last for a lifetime.

In this five-part series, I will lay out a series of road trips for you to explore. These road trips take you through some of the most stunning national parklands in the country. If you are looking for a mountain adventure, there is an itinerary that will be right up your alley.

For those looking for a desert escape, I have an itinerary that will blow your mind. And for those looking to explore America’s incredible coastline, there is an itinerary you will never forget. The beauty is, there is an itinerary for everyone to enjoy! From the incredible Rockies to the magnificent canyons of Utah, to the coast of Oregon, these have it all.

Check Out My National Park Road Trips Series

You may also like these detailed utah\arizona park itineraries.

If you are looking for some more detailed national park itineraries to follow, I have created two in-depth guides for touring one of my favorite regions of North America. The national parks in Southern Utah and Northern Arizona are legendary and I have trips all mapped out for you in these detailed itineraries.

Desert Mountains and Caves Road Trip

In my third installment, I will be taking you through some of the most remarkable deserts and mountains in America. You will be awe-struck as you make your way through the states of Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona.

Your eyes will be mesmerized by cactuses as tall as telephone poles and one of North America’s most iconic rivers. Not only that, but you will also get to tour one of America’s largest cave systems. These are just some of what makes this desert parks road trip one of America’s most beautiful road trips.

You Start Your Trip in El Paso, Texas

You will start this desert parks road trip in the city of El Paso, Texas . From here, you will rent a car and head towards the border of the United States and Mexico. At last, this is where you will catch your first glimpse of the beautiful Big Bend National Park .

Indeed, Big Bend is one of America’s largest and most beautiful national parklands. It has a wide array of landscapes, including deserts, forests, and mountains. Not surprisingly, there is a lot to see in this beautiful park.

After enjoying Big Bend, you will head back north to Guadalupe Mountains National Park . Here, you will get to enjoy some of the most breathtaking mountains in the American Southwest. When you have finished exploring the mountains, it is only a short drive to your next stop.

Of course, that next stop is the incredible Carlsbad Caverns National Park in New Mexico. Believe it or not, this is one of the largest cave systems in the world. You will learn about how it was formed, and how it has been used, and marvel at its size and complexity.

You’ll Explore the Caves and Deserts of New Mexico

When you’ve had your fill of the caves, you will take a short drive to beautiful White Sands National Park . Here, you will get to enjoy one of the most stunningly beautiful desert landscapes in North America. When you visit, make sure you are there for either a sunrise or sunset. These are the most beautiful times to be at the dunes as the sun paints the sand’s brilliant colors.

After enjoying the beautiful vistas at White Sands, you will head west into Arizona to the amazing Saguaro National Park . Within the park, you will find the legendary cactuses that give the park its name. If you are looking for something to see between White Sands and Saguaro, you are in luck. The iconic town of Tombstone , of American cowboy fame, is located conveniently in between. Here, you can relive some of the adventures of Wyatt Earp, Doc Holiday, and the shootout at the OK Corral.

You’ll See Cactus as Tall as Telephone Poles in Saguaro

Once you reach Saguaro National Park, have your camera ready to take plenty of pictures.  The Saguaro cactuses can grow as tall as a telephone pole and are absolutely amazing to see in person.  When visiting the park, please note that it is split in half by the city of Tucson , where you will finish your trip.  Once you have finished checking out the amazing cactuses in Saguaro, you can head to the airport to return your rental car and fly home.

Recommended Trip Time

With a total drive time of roughly 19 hours, this desert parks road trip is the shortest in my series.  You could probably complete this road trip in 8-10 days, but to really see and appreciate these unique landscapes I would recommend scheduling a bit more time and enjoying these beautiful parks.  Below you will find an itinerary that I set up for a 12-day road trip through the national parks and public lands in Texas, New Mexico, and Central Southern Arizona.

Day 1 – El Paso, Texas

You will start your desert parks road trip in beautiful El Paso, Texas, which is near the Southern US border with Mexico.  As soon as you land in El Paso, you will rent a car and head South toward Big Bend National Park.  When you book your flights, make sure you book a multi-destination flight where you fly into El Paso, Texas, but fly home from Tucson, Arizona.  The same thing applies to your rental car.  Make sure your pick-up location is El Paso, but your drop-off location is Tucson.  If you would like to take a day or two to explore the city of El Paso before heading South, there are a lot of great things to do in the city .

Driving Time:   5-hour and 45-minute drive from El Paso to Big Bend National Park

Days 2-4 – Big Bend National Park

As soon as you arrive at Big Bend National Park, you will be blown away by the beautiful vistas and the diversity of the landscapes that you find within the park.  You will want to spend at least a few days at Big Bend National Park, as it is one of America’s larger parks and there is so much to see and do at the park. 

If you are up for doing some hiking, I would strongly recommend getting out on some of the trails and enjoying the beautiful backcountry in Big Bend.  Once you have finished visiting Big Bend, you will want to head back up North to Guadalupe Mountains National Park, which is two hours East of El Paso.

Driving Time:   5-hour drive from Big Bend National Park to the Guadalupe Mountains

Days 5-6 – Guadalupe Mountains National Park

Guadalupe Mountains National Park is a breathtakingly beautiful park, but it is also one of the more difficult parks on this desert parks road trip to adequately experience without hiking.  With a vast majority of the park in what is considered back-country, you will need to make sure you have your hiking boots ready when you visit Guadalupe Mountains National Park.  If you are up for the challenge, you can even climb to the top of Guadalupe Peak .

As soon as you have finished exploring Guadalupe Mountains National Park, you will start to head Northwest into New Mexico where you will make the short 30-minute drive to your next stop at Carlsbad Caverns National Park.

Driving Time:   30-minute drive from the Guadalupe Mountains to Carlsbad Caverns

Day 7 – Carlsbad Caverns National Park

If you aren’t afraid of bats, then you will absolutely love Carlsbad Caverns National Park.  This amazing labyrinth of passageways and large caverns forms one of the largest cave networks in the world.  If you are feeling adventurous, you can enter the cave through the natural entrance and make your way through the cave on the lighted pathways.  For those who may not want to spend as much time hiking through the caves, there is an elevator in the visitor center that will take you down into the heart of the caverns.

As soon as you have finished exploring Carlsbad Caverns, you will continue heading west towards White Sands National Park.  Make sure you have your camera out when you visit because the views you are going to see at White Sands are out of this world.

Driving Time:   3-hour and 30-minute drive from Carlsbad Caverns to White Sands

Day 8 – White Sands National Park

In my opinion, White Sands National Park may just be one of America’s most beautiful national parklands.  These beautiful white sand dunes were created because of an underground water table that keeps the ground moist and prevents the sand from blowing away.  I would try and plan on being at White Sands during either a sunrise or sunset, as the white sands are absolutely breathtaking under a colorful sky.

Once you have had your fill of beautiful sunrises and sunsets at White Sands, you will continue heading West into Arizona towards Tucson and Saguaro National Park.  If you are looking for a stop to break up your drive, I would suggest making a stop at Tombstone, Arizona, which isn’t out of your way at all.  Here you will find the site of the legendary gun battle at the OK Corral, which is reenacted daily.  There are also some great restaurants and souvenir shopping if you are so inclined.

Driving Time:   5-hour drive from White Sands to Saguaro National Park

Days 9-10 – Saguaro National Park

Once you reach the Tucson area, your next stop will be Saguaro National Park, which is divided in half by the city of Tucson.  You can spend the next few days exploring this beautiful park that is filled with giant Saguaro cactuses.  If you are into hiking, there are some amazing hiking trails throughout the park, but you will want to make sure you have an ample amount of water before setting out on your hike.

Driving Time: Half-hour drive from Tucson to Saguaro National Park in each direction

Days 11-12 – Tucson, Arizona

As soon as you have finished touring Saguaro National Park, you will need to make your way to Tucson where you will return your rental car and catch your flight home.  If you have some extra time to spare, you can check out the city of Tucson, which is beautiful.  There is a lot to see and do in the city , so scheduling an extra day or two to unwind from your road trip is a great option.

Driving Time:   None

Best Time to Go

Without a doubt, the worst time to make this desert parks road trip is during the Summer months of June through August as the scorching hot temperatures can be miserable if you aren’t used to them.  The Winter months of December through February are great, but nighttime temperatures can be quite cool. 

I would suggest either visiting during the Spring months of March thru May or the Fall months of September thru November.  During these times of the year, the temperatures are very moderate, and the crowds are much smaller.

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Published by Josh Hewitt

Avid traveler and photographer who loves to see new places, meet new people, and experience new things. There is so much this world can teach us, we just need to explore! View all posts by Josh Hewitt

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10 comments ›.

On our road trip this past summer we decided last-minute to skip Carlsbad and attach it to a future itinerary that would also include Guadalupe Mountains National Park. Now I’m really excited to get back there, so thank you!

You will love it!

This is my old home. I grew up in El Paso, and spent lots of time with my Dad exploring these areas. The Chihuahuan desert of west Texas on into New Mexico and Arizona is harsh, and yes as you mentioned summers can be brutal. But at the same time there is an interesting and fascinating beauty to the Southwest as well. And well, White Sands is spectacular as you now know. I hope you had time to hike around in the dunes getting away from the parking areas. Then you really get to experience the feeling of the place. Almost no one ventures past those first dunes. Going into the heart of the gypsum dunes is just indescribable. But take a GPS and know how to use it as it is easy to get disoriented. Thanks for the great post.

Hi Tim. I did get to explore past the first dunes, and as you said, it was absolutely amazing! I need to get back there again soon. One of my favorite park lands I have visited.

Cool Josh! I am glad you had the time to really get into the monument. I still really love New Mexico. Great laid back culture, and so much diverse beauty.

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The Perfect California Deserts Road Trip Itinerary

02/07/2019 by Kristin Addis 5 Comments

What comes to mind when you picture vacationing in California? Is it the dazzling lights of Hollywood, the Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco, or the stunning Pacific Coast Highway ? These are all incredible things to see in their own right, but there’s another adventure that many overlook: The deserts.

Deserts comprise 25% of the state, taking up the majority of Southern California. The colors are vibrant, you’ll mostly leave behind the crowds, and there’s nothing like a desert sunset. Here’s the perfect California deserts road tip itinerary:

Table of Contents

Alabama Hills National Monument

The Alabama Hills is a popular place for shooting movies, particularly old western flicks. There are plenty of arches, short hiking trails, and BLM camping spots.

Departing from Los Angeles, take the 395 up to Lone Pine, the gateway for the Alabama Hills and Mount Whitney, the highest summit in the lower 48.

Just like all of the suggestions on this list, the Alabama Hills is fantastic for stargazing. Don’t miss these:

Mobius Arch:

This is the most popular feature in the national monument and you still might just get it all to yourself at primetime, which is sunset. You can watch as the sun sets through the arch and over Mount Whitney. At night, this is another great spot for photography as you can often get the Milky Way through the arch.

This arch is, you guessed it, shaped like a boot! It’s easy to reach from an offshoot of Movie Road. Though the road says it may not work for low clearance vehicles, in good weather an SUV should be fine even if it’s not a 4×4. The cyclops Arch is nearby as well.

Movie Road:

Most of the things to see are offshoots of the movie road. This is a dirt road, but unless it’s particularly muddy, most cars will have no problem driving on it.

You can camp anywhere within the hills that is not visible from the road, however there are no facilities, just like any other BLM campsites. Always pack out everything and leave no trace. Alternatively, check out the Best Western Plus Frontier Motel in Lone Pine. I stayed there and thought it was great!

For more on the Alabama Hills, check out this post.

More of California’s hidden places here:

Death Valley

Death Valley is hauntingly beautiful and otherworldly. It may seem like life could hardly exist in the hottest place on Earth, but this is where nature really comes alive with vibrant colors and dramatic vistas.

From the Alabama Hills, it’s about a 2 1/2 hour drive to Death Valley’s more famous attractions. While Death Valley can quite literally be lethal in the summer, with the hottest temperature ever recorded on Earth (134°F/56.7°C), the winter is the perfect time to go for much milder temperatures. In a park as huge as Death Valley, this is far from an exhaustive list, but these are some of the highlights.

Zabriskie Point:

For both sunrise and sunset, this overlook is perfect to see the badlands change color as the light hits them in the morning or fades behind at sunset. It’s a super easy walk up to the viewpoint from the parking lot. If you’re a photographer and want a good spot, stake it out early as this is the most popular photography location for sunset.

Golden Canyon and Red Cathedral:

I highly recommend walking from Zabriskie Point around the Golden Canyon to the Red Cathedral and back past Manly Point. It’s one of the most beautiful hikes I’ve ever done, and not too difficult, though it does take a few hours to complete. Bring plenty of water and wear sunscreen .

Artist’s Palette:

This is another easy, super short hike to the viewpoint. Imagine minty green and pink rocks in layers. This is great for golden hour or just after the sun sets.

Salt Flats in Badwater Basin:

The Badwater Basin, which sits below sea level and is the lowest point in North America, makes up a large part of the park and is incredible for stargazing, or during a full moon. It’s a flat and easy walk out to them from the main viewing area and from there you can go as far as you please.

Mesquite dunes:

This is a great spot to watch the sunrise, just plan in plenty of time because dune climbing can be a challenge!

Dante’s View:

For an incredible viewpoint higher up over Death Valley, head here for stunning views.

The Oasis at Death Valley is a gorgeous hotel with a lovely restaurant and perfect positioning for the main attractions like Zabriskie Point. I loved the 1920s old western theme.

Mojave National Preserve and Monument:

Covering 1.6 million acres, the Mojave Trails National Monument is the largest in the United States. At 1.6 million acres, the Mojave National Preserve is the third largest national park in the US. Like most national monuments, most of this area would require a 4 x 4, but plenty of the coolest things to see do not. These are some of the highlights:

Lava tubes:

This will be the first stop if heading in from Death Valley via Baker. This one is a short walk from the parking area down into the lava caves where you can see beams of light shining through at certain times of day. When I went at 1pm, lights were shining through one of the tubes, but not the biggest one. I met someone down there who had been waiting since 10am to see the light beam, but hadn’t had any luck. Time of day matters but time of year may also play a role.

The road out is washboard and dirt with sand in some places. I personally did not think a non-4 x 4 would be a good idea, however right as I parked my truck rental I saw a Prius, so it must be possible!

Kelso Dunes:

Admittedly, until Apple came out with the Mojave update for my computer, I had no idea that there were dunes in California that looked like the ones in Namibia ! These are incredible at both sunrise and sunset, and are accessible with a normal, non-4 x 4 car as long as you stay on the tar road and don’t continue onto the sand.

Amboy Crater:

On your way out of Mojave towards Joshua Tree, stop by the crater for a hike up to the rim for an amazing view for miles. Take caution to only do this in the winter, as the lava rocks can get incredibly hot.

Roy’s Ghost Town:

An Instagram favorite, Roy’s Motel Cafe and Ghost Town is on Route 66 right at the turnoff for Joshua Tree. There’s not much there these days apart from some incredibly expensive gasoline, but it’s a fun little photo stop.

There are no hotels within the national monument, so I recommend bringing a tent and camping out. There are spaces near the base of the Kelso Dunes. Per usual, pack everything out and leave no trace.

Joshua Tree:

Though you will see plenty of Joshua trees in Mojave, Joshua Tree National Park is the most famous spot to view them. Unfortunately, they are also dying out , so see them while you can! These are a few more things to see:

Barker Dam:

This is an easy and nice walk that takes you past several Joshua trees as well as a dam that has water for at least part of the year, creating a nice reflection.

The stargazing is pretty good in Joshua Tree, not to mention the perfect foreground that the trees create. This park really comes alive at night, and at sunset, sunrise, and golden hour.

Cholla Cactus Garden:

For something a little different, head to the Cholla Cactus Garden for a nice walk that takes you past some different kinds of flora other than the Joshua trees.

Twentynine Palms is right by one of the entrances to the park in the perfect place to stay. It’s a quirky town and there’s some great food, too. I really enjoyed The 29 Palms Inn . Alternatively, there are campsites within the park.

Anza-Borrego State Park:

This turned out to be one of my favorite stops and one of the biggest surprises ! Most of what you can see here requires a 4 x 4 due to the deep sand, but it’s worth the rental! Alternatively most of these can also be hiked to from a safer parking spot closer to the tar road for non-4 x 4s. These are some of the highlights:

Font’s Point:

This must be the best sunrise in all of California, seriously! Watch as the sun rises over the badlands lighting up as far as the eye can see all the way to the Salton Sea. You need a 4×4 for this one, though you can hike to it. It’s flat, and it’s mostly the areas closer to the actual point with deep sand.

Wind Caves:

You can either hike out to these if you don’t have a 4×4, or take a drive if you do. It’s a series of bubble shaped wind caves that are low to the ground and easy to miss, so keep a lookout for the sign. I felt like a prairie dog running around these!

The stargazing was unreal here as well. There’s no bad spot – this was taken at Font’s Point.

There are plenty of places where you can camp within Anza Borrego. Once again, there are rarely facilities so leave no trace.

Staying Safe in the Desert:

Though it goes without saying, the desert can get incredibly hot and dangerous in the summer months. However the autumn, winter, and spring can be fantastic times to visit. If you’re into stargazing, summer can still be a perfect time to go, particularly during the Perseids meteor shower. Prepare for freezing cold temperatures as well, as temperatures plunge at night, particularly in the winter.

First Name:

Since a cell signal can be hard to come by, always bring an extra tire and plenty of water, and I highly recommend downloading off-line maps to Maps.me with your locations plotted ahead of time. This worked great for me out there, particularly for hiking trails, though sometimes it overestimated the time needed to drive between places.

Additionally, make sure you keep your gas tank full and fill up whenever you get a chance. Gas is well priced in Baker and decent in Lone Pine, and surprisingly cheap in Stovepipe Wells at the entrance of Death Valley. But try not to fill up anywhere else in the area or it can get up to five dollars per gallon!

Leave No Trace:

The desert is a particularly vulnerable environment, so please practice Leave No Trace principles. Stay on trail, pack out all of your trash including human waste, and when there is no trail, look for where there are already footprints to minimize your impact. You can read more here .

Did you know that California had so many beautiful hidden places? This is one of my favorite road trips in California, particularly if I want to get away from it all.

At the beach it’s all about the ocean, in the forest it’s about the trees, but in the desert it’s about the land. The way it all changes depending on how the sun hits it blows me away every time. There’s nothing like the quiet, and colors, and incredible landscape of the desert.

Pin me for later:

The Perfect Pacific Coast Highway Itinerary

An alabama hills guide, the best american southwest road trip itinerary.

*This post was brought to you in partnership with Visit California . Itinerary and opinions of the inanely gorgeous California desert are my own. 

About Kristin Addis

Kristin Addis is the founder and CEO of Be My Travel Muse, a resource for female travelers all around the world since 2012. She's traveled solo to over 65 countries and has brought over 150 women on her all-female adventure tours from Botswana to the Alaskan tundra.

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Anna Mountain says

02/11/2019 at 2:36 pm

03/24/2020 at 2:18 am

That was really good list of places to visit in California . The images are amazing too, with Amboy carter being favorite from all. The blog will be really helpful for all the travelers planning for a California trip. There is so much to explore in US and California is an perfect example of it. Thanks for sharing!

Alexandra says

08/28/2020 at 9:21 am

Do you have a breakdown of how long you sir take at each stop? Super interested in making this trip a reality for me very soon! Thank you so much for the inspiration!!

08/28/2020 at 9:22 am

Kristin says

08/31/2020 at 10:35 pm

In most cases just a night or two 🙂

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The Best California Desert Road Trips To Take

If you're in the mood for a desert adventure, set your sights on Southern California's iconic getaways and take a road trip.

March 21, 2024

For all the adventurous souls out there, we’ve got plenty of national parks, rugged hiking trails, and scenic views coming your way. Not feeling the au naturel scene this weekend? No worries, we’ve got you covered with accommodations (it’s totally okay to skip the camping), trendy boutiques, and fabulous restaurants. So, create your road trip playlist and get ready to cruise over to SoCal’s hottest desert destinations. 

San Diego to Palm Springs

Distance:   158 miles

From the bustling downtown San Diego scene to the gorgeous villas of Palm Springs , this trip will have you feeling all the Southern California vibes. Hop in the car and head to the exquisite Cleveland National Forest for your first pit stop. The forest is a haven for wildlife and plants, featuring various wild shrubs and tree-covered mountains, which are now remnants of the landscape that used to cover most of SoCal. Until the arrival of Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo, the lands within Cleveland National Forest were known only to the desert and coastal Indians, and you’ll have a hands-on experience as you traipse across many of the historic trails first used by these early inhabitants.

Wander your way through the majestic forest, and get lost in its magnificent beauty as you follow the gorgeous trails. (You can even explore a portion of the famed Pacific Crest Trail .) For those who have their camping gear in the trunk, now’s the time to pull it out; Cleveland National Forest offers several notable campgrounds . Target shooting, horseback riding, fishing, and ATV riding are also available here, so you’ll love every second of this adventure. After enjoying a couple of lovely nights in the forest, it’s time to go to trendy Palm Springs. Wash off the dirt and dust at the luxurious Hotel Paseo, Marriott Autograph Collection or the Westin Mission Hills Resort Villas . 

Luxury knows no limits in this hot desert town, so if you’re dying to go on a shopping spree, make sure to check out the El Paseo Shopping District , which is on par with Beverly Hills’ Rodeo Drive. If you’re looking for great deals on clothing and accessories from the world’s hottest designers, then the Desert Hills Premium Outlets is the place for you. Although it’s a short drive from Palm Springs, you’ll want to carve out time from your busy day for this. From Burberry and Fendi to Ted Baker and Alexander McQueen, the outlets have everything you need for your new summer outfit. 

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Palm Springs to Joshua Tree National Park

Distance:  66 miles

If your type of vacation is part relaxation, part roughing it, then you’re going to love Palm Springs. This destination is home to elegant villas, posh resorts, naturally healing hot springs, and rugged desert terrain. You can rid your body of environmental toxins , heal your skin, and bathe in the hot mineral springs before dozing off into a deep, blissful sleep at an all-inclusive resort. We recommend the El Morocco Inn and Day Spa , Miracle Manor Boutique Hotel and Spa (located in Coachella Valley), and The Spring Resort and Spa . (If a beautiful Airbnb has stolen your heart, then you can purchase a one-day spa pass to these resorts.) 

When in Palm Springs, there’s no reason to rush around. Stop by the Palm Springs Art Museum , and take the time to admire the exquisite beauty of the Faye Sarkowsky Sculpture Garden, Bill Anderson’s photography, and more. Then, leisurely stroll around the streets of downtown before heading to Integratron — the out-of-this-world sound bath — for further relaxation. (Make sure to book your time in advance, as Integratron fills up quickly.) 

Integratron stands as a unique blend of artistry, scientific curiosity, and an enchanting touch of the mystical, offering visitors an otherworldly experience. George Van Tassel, its creator in 1954, envisioned this all-wooden dome as a homage to an eclectic mix of inspirations: the biblical architecture of Moses' Tabernacle, the innovative ideas of Nikola Tesla, and even otherworldly guidance claimed to be from extraterrestrials. Originally intended as an electrostatic generator for rejuvenation and even time travel, the dome has since transformed into a sanctuary for sound healing. In these 60-minute sessions, participants are immersed in the harmonious vibrations of crystal singing bowls, each note tuned to resonate with the body's chakras, facilitating a deep sense of relaxation and well-being.

You’ll leave incredibly rejuvenated and energized for your next stop: Joshua Tree National Park . Located less than 20 miles away from Integratron, this national park is an easy and unforgettable stop on your trip. Joshua Tree is where the ecosystems of the Mojave and Colorado Deserts become one, resulting in surreal geological features, starry night skies, and a fascinating array of plants and animals. 

If you’re an avid camper, you may want to consider camping here instead of returning to your gorgeous resort in Palm Springs, so you can enjoy an enchanting night out in nature. In the morning, you can grab your climbing gear and conquer one of many obscure rock formations before heading home. A combination of deep relaxation and adventure, your trip from Palm Springs to Joshua Tree will be a trip to remember for a lifetime.

Los Angeles to Death Valley National Park

Distance:   214 miles

Welcome to the country’s hottest, driest, and lowest national park. Death Valley National Park is definitely a park of extremes. T he continual drought and summer heat along with towering, snow-capped peaks offer a striking contrast. Due to its remote location and vast expanse of dry, arid desert, this national park is a designated International Dark Sky Park, which means it’s a phenomenal place to scope out constellations and unobstructedly gaze at the gorgeous Milky Way. 

Death Valley is also the largest national park in the continental U.S., so you should plan accordingly when hiking throughout its vast landscape. Popular day hikes i nclude Zabriskie Point, Golden Canyon, Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, Badwater Basin, and Telescope Peak (if you’re up for a bigger challenge)—make sure to come prepared with plenty of water. 

Given the intense heat, it’s also best not to camp here during the summer season since temperatures can be well above 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Instead, come in the fall months to experience the park at its best. Contrary to its reputation, Death Valley is home to a variety of fish, wildflowers, and wildlife, so start planning your trip and prepping your gear.

Los Angeles to San Bernardino National Forest

Distance:   117 miles

For adventurers who would like nothing more than to turn off their phones and plunge headfirst into nature, this trip is for you. So grab your trusty hiking boots, plenty of water, and best outdoor gear —the mountains are calling. 

As you leave the urban jungle of L.A., the concrete buildings give way to the forests, rugged slopes, and rocky canyon of the Angeles National Forest —your first stop on the way to San Bernardino National Forest. When you arrive at the verdant expanse within the San Gabriel Mountains, park by the Gabrielino National Recreation Trail and gather your belongings before hiking up to the Gould Mesa Trail Camp. This hike-in campground is easily accessible; follow a short section of the 28.8-mile Gabrielino trail along the sycamore-shaded Arroyo Seco.

Gould Mesa is the perfect home base for exploring the 700,176-acre Angeles National Forest, which offers many miles of hiking trail s. Challenge yourself by climbing the roughly 9,400-foot Mount Baden-Powell. Your reward? A gorgeous, 360-degree view of the Mojave Desert. 

After enjoying a relaxing evening under the stars at Gould Mesa, pack up your belongings in the morning and hike back to your car. But before heading to the San Bernardino National Forest to spend more time in nature’s sanctuary, check out the Grizzly Cafe , located right off of the Pacific Crest Trail, to satisfy your hunger. Treat yourself to that big, juicy burger and crispy french fries to fuel your excursions in the San Bernardino National Forest. Here, the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument provides a stunning backdrop to the Coachella Valley communities. 

The forest is divided into eight Wilderness Areas: San Gorgonio, San Jacinto, Santa Rosa, Bighorn Mountain, Cucamonga, Cahuilla Mountain, South Fork San Jacinto, and Sheep Mountain. So, pick your place and explore. No matter which area you choose, you definitely won’t be bored. Get on your mountain bike, spend the day fishing, go for a hike, or tour the forest on horseback. The grandiose beauty of the park will have you mesmerized, and you’ll be planning your return trip before you know it.

Which desert road trip will you go on first? Let us know in the comments below.

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5 Days 440 Miles

Explore California’s Desert Country & 2 National Parks

The Pacific

California Desert Country is like nowhere else on the planet. Get ready to drive through naturally carved landscapes, answer the call of calderas, have your nerves rattled by rattlesnakes and bow among canyons during spiritual sunsets. This is your itinerary for five days in the California desert without boundaries.

Cross into the desert gateway by flying into Joshua Tree National Park by way of Palm Springs International Airport (PSP). The airport also offers access to plenty of car rentals for your California road trip. The distance from the airport to the park entrance is about 37 miles.

Day 1 – Joshua Tree National Park

The ecosystems of the Mojave Desert and the Colorado Desert merge in Joshua Tree National Park . Save yourself the hassle of being disoriented when you first arrive by purchasing your digital park entrance passes ahead of time online. You can also download the National Park Services App on your phone to get great tidbits for your visit. There’s a lot to see in the 800,000 acres that cover this park.

Considered the main portion of the park, Park Boulevard is a great starting point for those visiting Joshua Tree for the first time. In fact, driving along this route offers the best way to see most of the splendor of Joshua Tree in just a few hours. Along the way, spot Skull Rock, Hidden Valley and Cap Rock.

You can extend your Park Boulevard Drive with a few additional detours, hikes and viewpoints. One of the best detours is Barker Dam. Check out the large reservoir, the surrounding yucca trees and even a few Native American petroglyphs. Another great addition to your Park Boulevard adventure is Pinto Basin Road. Explore more of the Colorado Desert, including incredible spots like Cholla Cactus Garden and Cottonwood Spring.

Where to Eat & Stay Near Joshua Tree National Park

At the end of your first day of your California Desert Country road trip, pop by Pappy & Harriet’s in Pioneertown for some delicious food and live music. Then, head to the Pioneertown Motel , Fairfield Inn & Suites Twentynine Palms , or Best Western Joshua Tree Hotel & Suites for a night of rest.

Day 2 – Black Rock Canyon

If you’ve been dreaming of seeing the spiny, dagger-fringed Joshua trees that make Joshua Tree National Park so adored, Black Rock Canyon is the place to go on the second day of your road trip. Tucked into the Yucca Valley in the northwestern corner of the park, you’ll find a robust Joshua tree forest that is the perfect spot for taking pictures.

On top of that, Black Rock Canyon is one of the prime spots for wildlife sightings in Joshua Tree. Keep your eyes peeled for jackrabbits, cottontails, cactus wrens, horned owls and roadrunners. Some lucky visitors are privy to sightings of bighorn sheep, bobcats, mountain lions and desert tortoises.

Where to Eat Near Joshua Tree National Park

When you need a bite to eat, head to La Copine for some New American-inspired dishes. Then, spend another night at your hotel of choice to rest up for your next adventure-filled day.

Day 3 – San Bernardino National Forest

Savor the experience as 823,816 acres of desert-meets-mountain beauty stretch out before you in San Bernardino National Forest! The best things to do here comes down to the time of year you’ll be visiting.

Spring & Summer

During the warmer months, hiking is the obvious activity. If covering a portion of the Pacific Crest Trail is on your bucket list, follow Lower Deep Creek Canyon. This route leads you to a secluded pair of hot springs called Deep Creek Hot Springs. If you’d like to get to Big Bear Lake, Cougar Crest Trail offers views of the lake and surrounding mountains after a trek through a wildflower-lined route in the summer. Last but not least, Grand View Point Hike is a good choice when you want to avoid the crowds of the more popular San Gorgonio Mountain without missing out on an ounce of Santa Ana and San Bernardino views.

Fall & Winter

In the colder months, the best things to do in San Bernardino National Forest change a bit. The Forest Service provides some great routes for snowmobiling , skiing and snowshoeing within if you’re visiting in the winter.

Where to Eat & Stay Near San Bernardino

San Bernardino offers many chain hotel choices, including Hilton Garden Inn and Days Inn . However, if you’re looking for a more unique accommodation, this California town is also home to one of the last three operating Wigwam Motels in the country. These cement teepees have been drawing visitors since the 1930s.

As for where to grab a bite to eat, The Cutting Board in San Bernardino has some of the best burgers and comfort foods we’ve ever tried in a lovely modern setting.

Day 4 – Mojave National Preserve

Wander through mountains, canyons and woodlands in the Mojave National Preserve on the next day of your adventure. To start, stop at the Kelso Depot Visitor Center to get some park information and tour a 1920s railroad station.

Kelso Sand Dunes

If hiking sounds like music to your ears, definitely follow Kelbaker Road to head to the famed Kelso Sand Dunes . Considered the most popular hiking spot in the Mojave National Preserve, the majestic dunes sing to hikers through an audible vibration phenomenon caused by small avalanches moving up and down the faces of the dunes.

From there, make your way to Cima Doma. As the most iconic section of the park, Cima Dome boasts 35 gorgeously preserved volcanic cinder cones and lava flows dating back up to 7.6 million years ago. If you love the topography in this area, continue to weave along Ailken’s Mine Road until you reach Cima Cave, Aiken Mine and Cima Cinder Mine. You can even check in at Cow Cove, the park’s most prolific Native American petroglyph site.

Last but not least, if you’ve done a ton of hiking up until this point in your road trip, you can give your muscles a break with an ATV ride! ATV tours are very popular in Mojave National Preserve, because the area is a bit clearer and flatter than the surrounding desert parks.

Where to Eat & Stay Near Mojave National Preserve

It is important to note that Mojave National Preserve doesn’t have any spots where you can get food, so be sure to pack your snacks accordingly. If you’re ready to poke your head into civilization, Barstow is the closest city to Mojave National Preserve.

Barstow, California offers many of the same hotel brands as San Bernardino, including the Best Western Desert Villa Inn and Home2 Suites by Hilton Barstow , so there will be no trouble finding a clean, comfortable room from a name you trust. Barstow also has lots of great restaurants, including Peggy Sue’s 50’s Diner , Pit Stop Bar & Grill and Lola’s Kitchen .

Day 5 – Death Valley National Park

Famed for being home to North America’s hottest and lowest points, Death Valley National Park is one stop you don’t want to miss in California’s Desert Country. The views are every bit as sharp as the bites of the rattlesnakes that etch into the dusty terrain here. Prepare accordingly for this leg of your trip because you’re entering the country’s lowest and driest National Park.

If you’re here for the views, Dante’s View is the best place to visit. From this spot, you can see incredible views of the Panamint Mountain Range and the famous salt flats of Badwater Basin. After catching a glimpse of Badwater Basin from above, you’ll inevitably want to make it your next stop. Also known as the lowest point in North America, Badwater Basin is a surreal landscape that creates some epic photography opportunities.

Badwater Basin isn’t the only place to find salt flats in Death Valley National Park though. Devil’s Golf Course is also home to a terrain of lumpy salt flats. Just watch out for the sharp edges of these spiky formations as you explore. If you’re coming with little ones, skip this precarious spot in favor of visiting a spot like the plush playground of sand known as the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes.

Next, meander along Artist’s Drive to admire the pink and aqua hills that make up a park known as Artist’s Palette . Take some time to explore the obscure, brightly hued canyons in the area.

To round out your day at Death Valley National Park, consider hiking the two-mile trek to Darwin Falls. Many people are surprised to discover that there’s a waterfall in Death Valley, so you’ll definitely have to see this 18-foot cascade with your own eyes to believe it.

If you’re still looking for some items to pad your itinerary, consider walking the rim of Ubehebe Crater to see an active caldera, taking a 27-mile detour to check out the mysterious sailing stones at Racetrack Playa, or hiking the park’s highest point at the 11,043-foot Telescope Peak for jaw-dropping views of Badwater Basin and Mount Whitney.

Where to Eat & Stay Near Death Valley National Park

After all of that activity, you’ll likely want to find the closest place to eat and sleep. Within the park, there’s the convenient Stovepipe Wells Village Hotel , which also happens to be home to the well-rated Toll Road Restaurant .

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The Perfect 10-Day American Southwest Road Trip Itinerary (14+ Gorgeous Desert Stops!)

Post Summary: Everything you would ever want to know about planning and executing an epic Southwest road trip itinerary.

The American Southwest.

This classic American road trip is packed full of iconic Southwest locations, Instagram-worthy stops , and incredible natural wonders.

We’d even go far enough to say that it’s a must-do for all Americans at least once in their lifetime!

Planning a route this large and complex can get a little crazy and overwhelming. That’s why we’ve created the ultimate American Southwest road trip itinerary to help set your plans in motion.

We’re sharing the best route to take and even breaking it down into smaller bite-sized trips.

No matter how many days you have for your Southwest US road trip itinerary, we’re sharing how you can still have the maximum amount of fun!

The Ultimate American Southwest Road Trip

This post is a compilation of many trips we’ve taken to some of our American Southwest bucket list destinations . We’re constantly updating this post as we explore more, so keep coming back for more Southwest USA inspiration in the future!

Where Is The American Southwest?

The American Southwest area is a broad term with borders that depend on the person you are talking to!

In a large, encompassing stroke, it would cover Southern California, Southern Nevada, Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, and sometimes even Western Colorado.

It’s a unique area of the United States that showcases vast deserts, red rocks, cool ecological formations, and so many unique and natural landscapes.

Covering all these areas on an American Southwest road trip would require weeks off of work and tons of planning. Stay tuned as we tell you how you can break up your trip into smaller loops for a more manageable trip!

What’s The Best Way To Get Around On My Southwest Road Trip?

The best way to plan and execute a Southwest Road Trip itinerary is certainly by car. Traveling around the Southwest by car will give you the most freedom, and the ability to change plans on a whim if you feel like it! Being one of the most famous west coast road trips , you’ll want to have the freedom to change plans on a whim and drive were you wish.

Our favorite way to get around the Southwest is by renting a campervan. If you are wanting to try our van life, we recommend renting a campervan through Outdoorsy , because it’s kind of like Airbnb but for campervans! You can pick anything from Airstreams to Sprinter Vans to Vintage VW Westfalias. There are so many to choose from, and they come fully insured so you can worry less and explore more!

Finding Camping Spots In The American Southwest

Are you planning to go camping on your Southwest road trip route? Make sure you download the #1 camping app, The Dyrt ! The Dyrt is one of the best road trip planner tools , with tons of features to help you find the perfect camping spots on your trip!

The pro membership unlocks essential tools like their Road Trip Planner (to find the best campsites along your route) and the offline search features to find camping spots without cell service. Try the pro membership for 30 days free!   Click here and use the code  Mandagies  to unlock your 30-day free trial .

Where Do I Start My Southwest Road Trip?

There are many potential starting points for a southwest road trip , and we’ve created ours to be in an enormous loop so you can really start wherever is most convenient for YOU!

However, you may not have time for a mega trip like this one. That’s why we’ve split our route into many smaller routes, to target more specific areas of the American Southwest if you choose to do so.

Here are a few options below to help you pick the best southwest road trip that’s right for you!

The Utah National Parks Trip

Starting Point:  Las Vegas, Nevada.

Total Driving Time:  19 Hours there and back – 1,082 miles

Highlights include locations like Temple of the Sun and Moon, Delicate Arch , Angeles Landing hike (Zion National Park), and more!

This trip includes five US National Parks , lots of hiking, and red rock landscape.

Don’t want to drive back the way you came? Make it a loop and make your way south through Monument Valley and Page, Arizona. This way you can see Horseshoe Bend and even Antelope Canyon!

Click here to see our full detailed road trip route to all five Utah National Parks.  

The Southern California Loop

Starting Point: Los Angeles or San Diego, California

Total Driving Time:  35 hours in a loop drive – 1,200 miles total

This Southern California road trip route includes driving parts of the iconic Highway 395 route , visiting at least two US National Parks (Death Valley and Joshua Tree).

There is also a potential extension to three more (Yosemite, Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Park)!

This trip will bring you through major cities, scorching deserts, and incredible views of the Eastern Sierras. Best driven in the springtime to avoid super-hot days, it’s an iconic area to explore in the Southwest USA.

If you are hoping to begin your southwest road trip from Los Angeles, this route is a great place to start!

The Grand Canyon / Desert Loop

Starting Point: Las Vegas, Nevada

Total Driving Time:  18 hours 30 minutes hours in a loop, 1,100 miles total

This route is perfect for lovers of the red landscape of the American Southwest.  Some of the most popular adventures in this area are road trips to the Grand Canyon, so you’re in good company if you like this southwest road trip route!

The red rocks of Valley of Fire State Park, the deep crevasses of the Grand Canyon , and amazing hikes in Sedona are any outdoor enthusiast’s dream.

Driving the Grand Canyon and Desert Loop will have you spending a lot of time outside.

Make sure to know some camping essentials like where to find free camping spots , how to sleep in your car , and easy meals to make on the road !

The Mega American Southwest Road Trip

Total Driving Time:  37 hours in a loop, 2,144 miles total

***This is what we’ll be covering below. Keep reading!***

In this post, we’re going to cover a Southwest road trip route that covers every ‘major’ stop. (Note: We really can’t cover EVERY SINGLE STOP, so we’re trying out best to cover the highlights! 

Every major desert, national park, and hidden place we can think of will be included!

If you spent one day in each of these included locations, this Southwest USA trip would take you a little over two weeks.

We’re sharing the largest itinerary so that you can see all your options, and custom fit your route to however long and far you’d like to travel!

All The Best Stops On A Mega Southwest Road Trip Itinerary

Again, this American Southwest road trip guide below includes ALL the stops.

If you are hoping to break it down into a more in-depth trip around just one area, scroll back up to see examples of our bite-sized itineraries!

1. Alabama Hills

Alabama Hills Recreational Area is an area east of the Sierra Mountains in Southern California. It’s managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), and its sole purpose is to be for the enjoyment of the people. Yay!

This place is chock-full of amazing rock climbing, desert hikes, interesting natural arches, and so much more. There are even free camping spots pretty much anywhere and everywhere, so you can sleep and play all in one place.

Alabama Hills is also the site for over 150 movie filming locations including American Westerns like Round-Up and The Long Rangers, and more recent films like Django Unchained and Iron Man.

Note: Alabama Hills is mainly dirt roads, so 4-wheel drive vehicles are recommended for travel.

Movie Flat Road is generally in acceptable condition for all vehicles, but take caution after heavy rainfall. The rain may cause ruts in the road or even wash it away completely. Check the weather before you venture out!

Read More: Exactly How To Find Movie Road – (That Famous Instagram Spot In Alabama Hills)

2. Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park is not only the largest national park in the US , but it’s also the hottest, driest, and lowest elevation one too!

Despite its morbid name, Death Valley is actually home to many species of wildflowers, desert animals, and plants that can withstand the harsh environment. The Death Valley NPS Website even has a calendar for blooming wildflowers and the best times to visit to see them.

We recommend spending a night or two in the park. You can reserve traditional camping spots at Recreation.Gov or pop into the Furnace Creek Visitor Center and ask for free backcountry roads for camping.

Highlights of Death Valley National Park:

• Badwater Basin  – The lowest point in North America.
• Zabriskie Point – Colorful hills in all directions.
• Devil’s Golf Course – Rough, rocky terrain as far as the eye can see.
• Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes – The quintessential view people expect at Death Valley. A vast area of sand dunes as tall as 100 feet, perfect for wandering in the evening.
• The Racetrack – Death Valley’s most peculiar site. Stones seem to move and make tracks in the dirt.

Read More: 24 Hours in Death Valley – How To See Death Valley in One Day

3. Valley of Fire State Park

You thought Nevada was just casinos and bright lights? Think again!

Directly around Nevada (in all directions!) are incredible desert landscapes and opportunities to get outside and enjoy nature.

This part of the Southwest is particularly popular for rock climbers, so if you fancy that you should plan more time in your trip to hang around Las Vegas. Las Vegas actually has a large rock climbing community, so if you wanted to train for rock climbing in a controlled environment, this would be the place to try it!

Have a little bit more time? Consider spending a few extra days in Sin City! There are tons of adventurous  things to do in Las Vegas for couples , including romantic hot air balloon rides, attending shows, and experiencing some fine dining! You deserve it after all that time hanging out in the desert dirt!

One of these amazing state parks near Las Vegas is Valley of Fire State Park – an outcrop of fiery red Aztec sandstone jetting out of the earth. The park covers over 40,000 acres of land and is at its best and brightest during sunrise and sunset.

Some of the best attractions at Valley of Fire State Park include:

• Rainbow Vista – color-streaked rocks with a great view
• Atlatl Rock – ancient petroglyphs
• Elephant Rock – natural arch shaped like said animal
• Mouse Tank Road – epic road with surrounding red rocks (that road you see all over social media!)
• White Domes Trail – beautiful view, best at sunrise
• Fire Canyon/Silica Dome – great sunset views
• Arch Rock – natural arch, conveniently on the side of the road
• Fire Wave – beautiful streaks of color on a short, easy trail

If you find yourself driving through Las Vegas on your Southwest road trip, we highly recommend visiting Valley of Fire State Park! The entry fee per day is $10.00 per vehicle, and $20.00 for overnight camping.

4. Zion National Park

Zion National Park is one of the most popular Utah national parks to visit on any Southwest road trip.

This is because it’s usually the closest to any starting point you may have (especially if you’re starting in Las Vegas, Phoenix, or California).

With over 4.5 million visitors per year, there are tons of activities to do like biking, hiking, cave exploring, and camping!

Planning out your days in Zion National Park are of the utmost importance. Because cars aren’t allowed in the park, you’ll be riding around on scheduled shuttles with all the other crowds in the park.

If you are visiting during a busy season or busy time of day, it’s important to arrive early and avoid long queues for the buses.

Zion National Park HACK: If you want to hike in a location before the shuttle begins for the day, we know of friends who have rented bikes for the week in Zion.

Bikes will give you more freedom to come and go from trailheads without waiting for the busy shuttle times and dealing with crowds. You can easily rent bikes at Zion Outfitter.

Travelers Tip: Stay outside of the park at hotels in Hurricane, UT for a budget-friendly stay. You’ll need to drive into the park every day, but it’s not too far of a drive, and the views are great!

If you really want to stay closer to the park, we highly recommend booking accommodations in Springdale, Utah  at least 6 months in advance or booking your camping spots very early. Accommodations near the park fill up FAST in high season!

Best Hikes and Attractions In Zion National Park:

• Angels Landing Hike (Difficult To Challenging)
• The Narrows (Canyon hike)
• Emerald Pools Trail
• Canyon Overlook Trail
• Kolob Canyons
• Weeping Rock
• Riverside Walk
• West Rim Trail

Best (And Scariest) Hike in Zion National Park: Angels Landing

5. Bryce Canyon National Park

Bryce Canyon is located in Utah, one of the “Mighty Five” Utah National Parks . It’s often paired with Zion National Park because of their proximity to one another.

This park is unique for its bright orange hoodoos,  which are tall skinny spires that form at the bottom of a dried up basin after thousands of years of erosion.

There are many opportunities to hike down in the basin and next to these towering hoodoos. Some of the most iconic hikes in Bryce Canyon National Park include:

• Queen’s Garden Loop  (most iconic Bryce features) – 2.6-mile loop
• Rim Trail (Best for sunrise and sunset) – entire length is 5.5-miles with multiple stopping points
• Mossy Cave Trail  – 0.9 miles out-and-back trail
• Navajo Trail  – 1.3-mile loop
• Swamp Canyon Loop – 4.1-mile loop
• Tower Bridge Trail – 3.4-mile out and back trail
• Fairyland Loop Trail – 8.0-mile loop
• Riggs Springs Loop Trail – 8.5-mile loop
• Peek-A-Boo Loop Trail – 5.5-mile loop

Because of its high elevation (8,000 to 9,000 feet depending on your location), Bryce Canyon stays cold nearly year round.

In January, temperatures barely rise above freezing at 15-37 degrees Fahrenheit, and its hottest month (July) sits between 53-80 degrees Fahrenheit.

That being said, we suggested earlier that the best time to make a southwest road trip itinerary would be between March/April or October/November. We still think this is true, but you should definitely add warm clothes to your southwest USA packing list.

If you’re packing light, here’s what we suggest you bring for warm clothes at the very minimum for visiting Bryce Canyon:

• Lightweight Down Jacket
• Thin, e-tip gloves (trust us, these are a lifesaver)
• Down-filled throw blanket

6. Capitol Reef National Park

Capitol Reef National Park is a hidden gem on any adventurous southwest road trip. Located in central Utah, this park’s unique feature is a wrinkle in the earth called the “ Waterpocket Fold “, which runs north to south for nearly 100 miles.

This formation has created some interesting details in the area. Deep canyons, monoliths, and rocky reefs are waiting to be explored here!

To take your trip to the next level , we suggest reading our post about getting to Cathedral Valley to visit the Temple of The Sun And Moon . It’s a journey you won’t soon forget.

These towering twin rock monoliths are a two-hour drive down a dirt road – but well worth the detour! Just make sure to have a high-clearance 4×4 vehicle, and/or very confident driving skills.

It also doesn’t hurt to stop by the ranger’s office before heading out –  the rangers can tell you about the current road conditions.

Around Cathedral Valley is also a great place to camp. BLM land surrounds most of the park, so you can find a free camping spot just outside the national park borders and wake up in the valley!

(Just remember that camping IN the park is not permitted unless you have a backcountry permit or are in a designated camping spot!)

Here are some iconic things to do in Cathedral Valley:

• Hike The Grand Wash
• Drive The Backroads to Cathedral Valley
• See The View At Gooseneck Overlook

In Capitol Reef National Park, you’ll get a good perspective of the landscape of the American Southwest!

READ MORE: What To Expect On Your Trip To Capitol Reef National Park

7. Canyonlands National Park

Canyonlands National Park is the sister park to Arches National Park . Canyonlands and Arches are right next to one another, so travelers usually come to the Moab area and visit both parks in one trip.

This park is divided up into three sections: The Island In the Sky, The Needles, and The Maze areas. Island In The Sky is the most accessible for all cars, has amenities like bathrooms and water, and has some of the park’s best overlooks.

If you’re hoping to spend one day in Canyonlands, we suggest coming to the Island In The Sky and leaving the other sections for a longer trip. There is plenty to see in this section, with tons of overlooks, short hikes, and attractions.

This part also includes the famous Mesa Arch , which looks incredible during sunrise!

It’s also important to note that there is little if any cell service in the park. Make sure to pick up a park map, or download an offline map from Google to help you get around.

Camping? Moab can be a good home base if you’re searching for an Airbnb or a hotel. However, if you want to rough it a little bit, there is tons of BLM land around the area where you can camp for free!

Read our complete guide to finding the perfect free camping spot in the USA . We’re sharing researching tips, best practices and so much more!

Highlights of Canyonlands (Must-See Spots In The Park):

• Candlestick Tower
• Grand View Point
• Green River Overlook
• Shafer Canyon Overlook
• Upheaval Dome
• Buck Canyon Overlook
• Dead Horse Point (Outside of the park but accessible from the same main road!)

Click here to find the best spot to watch the sunset in Canyonlands National Park!

8. Arches National Park

Arches National Park is one of the most visited of the “Mighty Five” Utah national parks. We also think it’s an essential stop on your Southwest road trip itinerary!

Here, you can experience iconic American landmarks like Delicate Arch, Double Arch, and the Windows Loop.

It’s possible to experience this park’s main attractions in a day, and the highway is set up to show you all the highlights. We wrote a post about the 10 best hikes to take in Arches National Park, and they are easily accessible and doable in 24 hours!

We suggest coming to this park early – the entrance line can get extremely long starting at 9:00 am!

Best Hikes In Arches National Park (See here for the complete list!) :

• Delicate Arch (least crowded during sunrise)
• Fiery Furnace (permit required)
• Double Arch
• Windows Loop
• Devil’s Garden Loop

Read More: How To Spend One Day In Arches National Park

9. Monument Valley

Monument Valley will be nearly everyone’s iconic assumption of what the landscape of the American Southwest looks like.

Want to reach that famous Forrest Gump Road? It’s a bit outside the official Oljato-Monument Valley area.

Starting from the town of Mexican Hat, drive west on Highway 163 towards Monument Valley to catch a glimpse of the towering pinnacles in the distance.

There are a few spots to pull over and snap a few pics of the road. Just be sure to look out for traffic both ways!

Camping Tip: There is BLM land all around Monument Valley, but do your research before heading out to search for your next spot. Read up on any specific rules for Native American reservation land, and what is allowed in these specific areas.

Read More:  Exactly How To Find Free Camping In The USA

10. Horseshoe Bend & Antelope Canyon

Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon are often coupled together because of how close they are to one another!

The town of Page was just a quick stop on our Southwest Road trip itinerary, but if you’re looking to spend more time here, check out these amazing things to do in Page, Arizona !

It’s important to note the time zone change from Page, Arizona. It’s very confusing – especially if you have tours reserved in the area.

Be sure to confirm any scheduled events or reservations you may have. As a last resort, consider arriving an hour early (rather than being an hour late!).

Antelope Canyon

Antelope Canyon is a slot canyon in Page, Arizona. It’s split into two sections: “Upper Antelope Canyon” and “Lower Antelope Canyon”.

This place is growing in popularity, so it’s important to book Antelope Canyon tours online and reserve your spot in advance.

You can take a sightseeing tour, or spend a little more time in the canyon on a Photographer’s tour. The route is the same, the only difference is that the photography tour is longer.

Horseshoe Bend

Horseshoe Bend is an extremely picturesque bend in the Colorado River, located just outside of the city of Page, Arizona.

There is lots of grief about the Horseshoe Bend area being overcrowded. Yes, in recent years this place has received a lot of social media attention, thus creating a large and fast influx of visitors before the state could build proper infrastructure.

Regardless, we still think it’s an incredible place to see with your own eyes.

We recommend coming during sunset, even though this is by far the most popular and crowded time.

Just know that you will be sharing it with a lot of other people, and arm yourself with patience and grace. And remember, they are coming to experience its beauty just like you!

11. Grand Canyon National Park

Grand Canyon National Park is the quintessential activity for any adventurous southwest road trip.

Spanning 277 miles long and 18 miles wide at some points, the Colorado River has been carving this canyon for thousands of years!

If you are looking to see the highlights of the Grand Canyon, we recommend visiting the South Rim. This area is the most accessible to all vehicles and includes campgrounds, visitors centers, and more accommodations nearby.

Here are some of the best viewpoints in the South Rim of the Grand Canyon:

• Mather Point
• Mohave Viewpoint
• Moran Point
• Desert View Point
• Yavapai Point

Want to stay longer in this amazing part of the southwest? Try planning an unforgettable trip to Havasu Falls ! This incredible backcountry area in the southwest requires permits and quite the hike in, but in the end you’ll be rewarded with some of the most beautiful waterfall views on earth!

Read More: Experience a Grand Canyon National Park Sunset

12. Sedona, Arizona

Love hiking in the desert? This eclectic town in the middle of Red Rock State Park is a perfect place to reconnect with your mind, body, and soul.

We’ve written an incredibly in-depth guide to hikes in Sedona and what to expect on these beautiful trails!

Soldier’s Pass Trail : This hike features lots of interesting attractions. Some highlights include the Seven Sacred Pools, Devil’s Kitchen sinkhole, and cave entrances.

Cathedral Rock Hike : One of the most popular hikes in Sedona, Cathedral Rock trail is a popular location to watch the sunset. Towering spires, sharp cliff edges, and a little climbing will bring you to some of the most incredible desert views!

Devil’s Bridge Trail : Devil’s Bridge is a natural sandstone arch that’s accessible by a 4.2-mile hike. The best time to visit is during sunrise and sunset when the red landscape glows!

The Birthing Cave Trail : This short hike leads you to one of Sedona’s beautiful caves on the side of a mesa!

Trail Tip: These southwest hikes can get really hot in the middle of the day! We recommend taking on these trails in the early morning, or during sunset/late evening for some cooler weather. See our Sedona packing list for seasonal tips and tricks!

Read More: 5+ Incredible Hikes In Sedona, Arizona You Need To Experience

13. Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree National Park has it all – desert vibes, interesting landscape, beautiful cholla gardens, and so much more.

It’s located east of Los Angeles, neighboring with the resort town of Palm Springs.

It’s most well known for its namesake, the Joshua Tree , which cover much of the park’s landscape. Unique boulder piles like Skull Rock (see photo below) combined with the high desert shrub make this place a unique part of any southwest road trip.

There are several types of accommodations near Joshua Tree National Park.

You can find tons of free camping spots around the park, wilderness areas within the park (with the proper permits) and campgrounds to be as close as possible to the attractions.

If you are into glamping, you’ve got to check out the insta-famous Joshua Tree House by Sara and Rich. Their picture-perfect home is close to the park, with all the luxurious amenities of a desert oasis. (Also, get $40 off your first booking with this code!)

Read More: Gorgeous Places To See In The American Southwest

14. San Diego, California

Oh, the options are endless in San Diego! This is where we began our Southwest road trip itinerary, but this is not where we ended it. However, if you want to drive all the way up the coast on a California Coast road trip , this is a great place to start that journey.

With the endless cafes, ice cream shops and restaurants to discover, there’s also a ton of amazing natural beauty to explore around San Diego .

Here are a couple of spots we were lucky to see on our latest trips:

Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve (La Jolla, California)

With over 8-miles of trails in this park by the ocean, you can explore as much or as little as you’d like. Torrey Pines is a preserved site with rugged cliffs, rare pine trees, and incredible views of the Pacific Ocean.

You can come to join a 1-hour ranger-guided tour of the park on weekdays from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm at the Visitors Center. Spaces are limited to 10 people per day!

California State Beaches

What’s a trip to sunny California without visiting the Pacific Ocean? Below are some of our favorite beaches to explore. Call it a last hurrah or celebration on finishing your epic Southwest road trip! Congratulations, you!

• Moonlight State Beach
• Cardiff State Beach
• Torrey Pines State Beach (North and South Shore)
• South Carlsbad Beach
• Coronado Beach and Dog Park

Nearby: How To Spend A Fun Weekend In West Hollywood, California

Our 10-Day Southwest Road Trip Route

Looking for a day-by-day itinerary through the southwestern region of the US? Here’s what our exact southwest road trip itinerary looked like during our last journey around this corner of the USA.

Again, driving around the southwest US can be as short or as long as you want it to be! There are endless things to explore, so if your time is limited here’s a 10-day southwest road trip itinerary we suggest you follow.

This way, you can dip your toes in a ton of different areas, and then return to your favorites on a future trip!

Day 1: Alabama Hills, California

Day 2: Death Valley National Park (See our 24 Hours In Death Valley Itinerary !)

Day 3: Valley of Fire, Nevada

Day 4: Zion National Park

Day 5: Bryce Canyon National Park

Day 6-8: Sedona, Arizona

Day 9: Joshua Tree National Park

Day 10: Torrey Pines, San Diego, California

Frequently Asked Questions About Driving Around The Southwest USA

Still have questions about your upcoming road trip? Here are some of the most common questions around planning a southwest road trip itinerary:

How Do I Get Around On A Trip In The American Southwest?

Unfortunately, we don’t live in any of those Southwest cities listed above. If you’re like us, you’ll probably be flying into the cheapest airport you can find, which will depend on the type of route you want to take!

If you need help finding cheap flight deals, you can track destinations with Skyscanner and buy when tickets are the cheapest!

We suggest flying into large airports to get the best deals on flights. Large airports mean there are more flights coming in per day, which means more people can book and they won’t be in such high demand.

Here are the major cities this mega Southwest itinerary will pass through – all are great starting points for your road trip around the American Southwest.

• Phoenix, Arizona (Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport – PHX)
• Las Vegas, Nevada (McCarran International Airport – LAS)
• Los Angeles, California (Los Angeles International Airport – LAX)
• San Diego, California (San Diego International Airport – SAN)

RENTAL CARS:

Looking to go camping during your Southwest road trip? We did too! There are TONS of areas in the southwest perfect for free camping , so you can have an epic trip on an epic(ly cheap) budget!

To make your car camping adventure as cozy as possible, we’d suggest renting a car that can fold the backseats down completely flat.

That way, you can pack your sleeping bag and sleeping pad and snuggle up in the back for a cozy (and free) place to sleep on your southwest road trip.

Looking For A Camper Van or RV?

One of our favorite places to look for RVs for rent is a place called Outdoorsy . It’s kind of like Airbnb for recreational vehicles. People will lend their camper vans, mobile homes, and more for travelers like you!

It’s fully insured, and an awesome way to save money on the road and get the full road trip experience. Click here to browse their huge selection!

What’s The Best Time Of Year For A Southwest Road Trip?

In our opinion, we think the best time of year for a perfect Southwest road trip would be between the months of March and April.

This is when most of the snow has melted in the spring (except for in Bryce Canyon !) but the desert weather is not yet too hot.

We also think that between October and November is a good time to plan your southwest road trip itinerary.

The weather is getting cooler from the summer, and most families have children back in school, so crowds are less than the peak summer season.

This Isn’t The End…

Didn’t see your favorite American southwest destination in this blog post? That’s because we haven’t explored there yet!

We can’t wait to do some more driving around the Southwest US. As we explore more destinations, we’ll be updating this post with more information. Keep coming back!

Are you planning your own amazing Southwest road trip? Tell us about the stop you are looking forward to the most!

10 Amazing Destinations in the American Southwest

The Ultimate Utah National Parks Road Trip

How To Spend One Day In Death Valley National Park

5 Amazing Hikes In Sedona, Arizona You Need To Explore

How To Find Movie Road In Alabama Hills, California

The Ultimate Pacific Coast Road Trip Itinerary

How To See Big Sur, California In One Day

After way too many years of working and raising children I have the opportunity to do something I love and travel the country. All back roads and amazing places. Just found your blog and most of my planning is very similar to what you do. After reading about your adventures, my biggest concern is being shut out of places I want to see because my trip will be fluid and I really don’t want to rush to a place. There is no way I can set something up six months in advance. Maybe a month would work do me. I plan on going for two years. Entire country except for the heartland. Any advice? Below you ask for a website. I’m just getting to it.

Hi Eric! Thanks for the comment! What do you meaning being shut out of places?

We are planning on doing part of this in September. So so excited! One thing we did notice is a lot of campsites close from mid/late September for the winter.

Hi Nicola! I hope you have the best time! And depending on the parks, the campsites are generally open through October, especially in the warmer southwest climates. You could also try apps like iOverlander that show you forest roads to camp for free, year-round if the road conditions permit!

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Joshua Tree To Death Valley: 9 Stops On The Perfect Desert Road Trip

• Activities and Interests
• Death Valley
• Destinations
• Joshua Tree
• National Parks
• Road Trips In The U.S.
• Types of Travel
• United States
• United States National Parks

A road trip from Joshua Tree National Park to Death Valley National Park will take you from the hot to the hottest of California’s national parks — passing through Joshua Tree’s high-desert terrain dotted with its twisty, bristled namesake yucca trees, before heading north to Death Valley, home to sizzling sand dunes and salt flats.

Both bucket list-worthy destinations, the two national parks are less than four hours apart and can easily be combined in a splendid desert road trip.

Along the way, you will pass through the awesomely isolated Mojave National Preserve, towns known to be among the hottest on earth, and a classic historic train depot.

With Los Angeles , California, about two hours to the west of the southern entrance to Joshua Tree, and Phoenix , Arizona, three hours to the east, a convenient road trip itinerary begins in Joshua Tree and heads north toward Death Valley.

Of course, the route could easily be reversed. I recently did the road trip from northern Arizona via Las Vegas , continuing west to Death Valley , and then heading south to Joshua Tree — a great option for those starting in Nevada or northern Arizona.

Here are nine stops on an amazing desert road trip from Joshua Tree to Death Valley.

1. Joshua Tree National Park

Bridging the Mojave Desert’s stacked boulders and plentiful cactus life in the west and the creosote and ocotillo cactus of the Colorado Desert in the east, Joshua Tree National Park offers a one of a kind experience in southeastern California.

As the park’s name implies, the spiny, wide-armed Joshua tree is among the main attractions. The good news on a visit to the massive national park is that examples of the signature tree (actually a yucca plant) can be seen all along the scenic drives, the rugged trails, and the streets of the adjacent towns.

A few stellar spots to experience the distinctive trees and unique rock formations are Barker Dam Trail , Skull Rock , Arch Rock Trail, and the Cholla Cactus Garden – all considered easy nature hikes . I also loved the stunning panorama visible at Keys View , accessible by a winding drive on a paved road and a short staircase climb.

Although not as hot as Death Valley, Joshua Tree’s summers still tend to be hot as well, with average highs approaching the 100-degree F mark throughout June, July, and August. The park is perhaps at its best from about October to May, when average high temperatures range from the 60s in the winter months to the 80s in the fall and spring.

A stay of two to three days would allow you to take Joshua Tree’s scenic drives, hike several of its iconic trails, and soak up the high-desert ambience. Five beautiful campgrounds allow RVers and tent campers to get right in the middle of the action.

Pro Tip: Joshua Tree has three convenient entrances, each with informative visitor centers . If you are approaching from Interstate 10 in the south, the Cottonwood Visitor Center is the most logical. If you’re coming from Highway 62 in the north, either the Oasis Visitor Center in Twentynine Palms or the Joshua Tree Visitor Center in the Joshua Tree Village entrances are convenient.

2. Keys Ranch

For a unique perspective on the region, try to get reservations in advance for a tour of the Keys Ranch , a remarkably well-preserved ranch that offers a frozen-in-time look at the isolated life of the Keys family in the first half of the 20th century.

Listed as a National Historic Site, the ranch is located within the Joshua Tree National Park boundaries, and the tour is definitely worth the time (about 90 minutes) and the small fee. The informative tours guides will walk you through the ranch’s history from 1910 to 1969.

Pro Tip: Tickets are limited and go fast. They can be booked 60 days in advance at Recreation.gov .

3. Twentynine Palms

As you approach the park’s northern boundary, you will pass through the cool little town of Twentynine Palms , where among the first things you’re likely to notice are the outdoor murals that tell the story of the region.

In fact, the town has a number of art-focused attractions, including the 29 Palms Art Gallery , the 29 Palms Creative Center & Gallery , and the Desert Art Studio . Murals also shine in Twentynine Palms, and a tour brochure on the Oasis of Murals is available in this PDF .

If you are not camping in the park, Twentynine Palms makes a good base for exploring Joshua Tree. A two-night stay would allow you to explore the park during the day and take in the town’s attractions in the evenings.

Twentynine Palms is also home to a number of fast-food spots and regional restaurants that serve everything from farm-to-table fare to Mexican cuisine to Mediterranean and Thai food.

4. Joshua Tree Village

For another accommodation and dining option on the north side of the national park, head to the bustling little unincorporated community of Joshua Tree.

Located about 15 miles west of Twentynine Palms on Highway 62, Joshua Tree Village features the popular Joshua Tree Saloon , as well as a number of quirky shops and markets.

5. Kelso Depot Visitor Center And Sand Dunes

A true oasis in the middle of the desert, the palm tree-lined grounds of the Spanish Mission Revival-style Kelso Depot can be seen for miles as you approach from the north or south.

While the Bureau of Land Management visitor center has been closed temporarily in 2021, the depot still makes for a nice stop for a brief walk amidst the billowing palm trees and graceful walkway arches. When I visited, some visitor services were still available, including restrooms and interpretive signs and brochures.

The interpretive signs direct visitors to a number of natural attractions in the preserve area, including the Kelso Dunes , located about 12 miles southwest of the depot. The sand dunes site features a three-mile round-trip trail to the top of the cream-colored dunes.

6. Mojave National Preserve

Much of a national park road trip from Joshua Tree to Death Valley will be through the Mojave National Preserve , which sprawls for 1.6 million acres between Interstates 15 and 10.

Featuring singing sand dunes, cinder cone volcanoes, a Joshua tree forest, and carpets of spring wildflowers, the preserve has countless opportunities for exploring on off-pavement scenic routes and rugged trails.

Pro Tip: The terrain is remote, and temperatures can get extremely hot, so travelers should plan ahead by filling up with gasoline whenever possible and having plenty of water and snacks on hand.

About a 40-minute drive northwest of the Kelso Depot, travelers will arrive at the little desert outpost of Baker, where a number of gas stations and fast-food spots allow for a convenient break and fill-up.

Baker is perhaps best known for two things: its record high temperature of 134 degrees F, and the World’s Largest Thermometer , which commemorates that scorching feat. The 134-foot-high thermometer, which is capable of displaying a maximum temp of 134 degrees, features a gift shop at its base that is billed as serving the “coolest shaved ice on the planet.”

8. Shoshone

As one of the closest gateway towns to Death Valley National Park, the little village of Shoshone offers a cool, shady spot for refreshments, tourist information, gas, and accommodations.

The village along Highway 127 combines railroad and mining history, a shady setting amidst a grove of mesquite trees, and a western vibe. In addition, Shoshone is known as the home of the Crowbar Café & Saloon , a rustic restaurant famous as a stopping off point for motorcyclists, RVers, and other travelers. I stopped on my trip from Death Valley to Joshua Tree and thoroughly enjoyed sitting on the breezy outdoor patio, breakfasting on fluffy fruity pancakes, and watching the traffic roll by.

Pro Tip: Shoshone Village also features an inn, a campground, an RV park, and vacation rentals, making it a convenient base for exploring Death Valley.

9. Death Valley

Its ominous-sounding name aside, Death Valley National Park is a wonderfully lively spot for lovers of sand dunes, big views, and long, remote drives.

Of course, visitors must take care while visiting the eastern California park because of the extreme temperatures. When I visited in late May, the famous thermometer at Furnace Creek Visitor Center was already clocking in at 110 degrees F. In fact, from May through September, Death Valley’s average highs regularly exceed 100 degrees, with July reaching an average high of 116.

The park’s website doesn’t mince words, noting that Death Valley is the hottest, driest, and lowest national park. At below sea level, the park experiences steady drought conditions and record summer heat, making for a land of extremes.

But if you can visit between about November through March, you’re likely to enjoy temperatures in the 60-to-80-degree range — perfect for checking out the many natural phenomena that the park is famous for.

Along with the Furnace Creek Visitor Center, which should be your first stop for its informative rangers and the well-stocked store, other not-to-be-missed spots in the park include the Badwater Basin , Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, Dante’s View, Zabriskie Point, and the Natural Bridge Trail. All are considered easy hikes .

I especially loved the otherworldly feeling you get while walking far out into the Badwater Salt Flat or hiking along the spiny ridge at Dante’s View.

To be able to get to the various corners of the park and stop along the way for hikes and viewpoints, I suggest allowing two to three days at Death Valley National Park.

Pro Tip: As with most road trips, there are multiple ways to get between Joshua Tree and Death Valley. Another interesting route would be to take Highway 247 northwest from Joshua Tree to Highway 395 heading north, with stops in the California Route 66 Museum in Victorville , the Mojave Desert outpost of Kramer Junction, and the Searles Valley-area Trona Pinnacles .

Cindy Barks is an Arizona-based newspaper reporter, freelance travel writer, and travel blogger. Her blog, NearandFarAZ gives readers an insider's view of the wonders of the U.S. Southwest, and a traveler's take on far-off locales from Panama to Hong Kong to the Czech Republic. Regardless of the destination, her goal is to find the perfect scenic hike, city walk, beach stroll, or road-trip jaunt, and bring it to life in her blog. Cindy's articles about outdoor adventures have appeared in numerous regional and national publications.

Southern California Road Trip Itinerary: Los Angeles to San Diego (Through the Desert) in One Week

Sure, you could just drive Interstate 5 south for 120 miles from LA to San Diego. But what fun would that be? 

For a true taste of Southern California culture and adventure, take the long way east and south, through the Coachella Valley desert to bask in a wild, free-spirit ethos uncovered nowhere else in America. From the hippie music vibes of Joshua Tree and the nude resorts of Palm Springs to the off-the-grid artist enclave of Slab City and an under-the-radar state park brimming with giant metal animal sculptures, here’s how to travel across Southern California right.

Bypass tourist-clogged Universal Studios and the Hollywood Walk of Fame in favor of some of the many under-the-radar delights that await visitors to diverse Los Angeles. The essential thing you’ll want to do is head to one of the city’s many gorgeous beaches: Venice Beach is offbeat and arts-heavy while Manhattan Beach, closer to the airport, is slightly more buttoned-up. Get a birds-eye view of sunset over the Pacific at Hotel Erwin ’s rooftop cocktail bar in Venice or race turtles at Brennan’s Irish pub in Marina del Rey before making your way to the rest of the city.

West Hollywood sports a lively, diverse post-collegiate party scene and laughs galore at the famous  Comedy Store —the same buidling used to be Ciro's, the exclusive nightspot favored by Marilyn Monroe, Humphrey Bogart, and countless other stars of Hollywood's golden era. Meanwhile, in neighborhoods like Silver Lake and Los Feliz, northwest of downtown, you'll find neighborhood-friendly dive bars like Ye Rustic Inn  (people love its chicken wings) and trendy, romantic restaurants including Mirate . Bask in the California sunshine with a drive north up the coast to Point Dume State Beach in Malibu, stopping along the way to relax in the hippie ‘60s vibes of peaceful mountainside communities like Laurel Canyon and Topanga. Pass the evening California-style with entertainment at outdoor venues like the Rooftop Cinema Club (in Downtown Los Angeles), the outdoor Greek Theatre (in Los Feliz) or the natural amphitheater of the Hollywood Bowl (in the hills north of Hollywood; the southern view from the Hollywood Bowl Overlook is pictured above).

Drive east on I-10 to reach an oasis of rock and roll in the middle of the desert. Our next stop is Pappy + Harriet’s , a road house-style joint that’s part of a former Western movie set called Pioneertown. Many evenings, there’s live music on an intimate indoor stage (pictured above; and as proof that this place is more important that you might guess from appearances, Paul McCartney once did a surprise gig here) plus another large outdoor venue packed with friendly vibes and smiling patrons dressed in colorful desert fashions. Get there early, especially on weekends and holidays, if you want to enjoy some of Pappy’s fine BBQ, and you do. 

You could sleep in an Airstream at AutoCamp Joshua Tree (yes, it is air-conditioned) before heading into the otherworldly Mad Max-style Joshua Tree National Park the next day (although, if that day is a weekend, be prepared for long car lines, especially at the western entrance.) From Thursday to Sunday, you can take a stress-relieving “sound bath” (reservations required) for some unique spiritual desert healing at the UFO-resembling, wooden dome Integratron , built in the 1950s to supposedly harness geomagnetic forces for human health benefits.

In a sign of the spirit of social freedom that drenches every corner of the sprawling Coachella Valley, the leisure-oriented town of  Palm Springs is home to not one, not two, but 11—yes, 11, and that’s a conservative count—nudist resorts, including the swingers-friendly Sea Mountain Inn , which comes complete with its own 24-hour nude dance floor (naturally). Meanwhile, those looking for a more modest place to hang their hat should seek out the endlessly cute and romantic Paloma Resort in neighboring Cathedral City.

Yet some of the most interesting experiences here are to be found off the grid. About 85 miles east of Palm Springs off CA-111, free spirits have painted the landscape itself in the post-apocalyptic squatters’ community of Slab City, home of the 30-acre, Burning Man-esque outdoor art installation East Jesus. A massive mountain of trash and adobe brick welcomes visitors at the brightly colored folk art landmark Salvation Mountain  (pictured above), a psychedelic-styled artist’s tribute to God littered with Bible quotes and roamed by friendly cats. Try to comprehend what you’ve just experienced over a drink and bar food at locals-friendly dive bar Ski Inn , in the barren yet eerily enchanting cement-block hamlet of Bombay Beach, beside the slowly dying Salton Sea —an inland lake created by accident more in 1905 that has been withering away ever since.

The adventure continues a 70-mile drive west on CA-78 in the criminally underrated Anza-Borrego Desert State Park , one of America’s largest state parks, where you might just stumble upon a series of massive bronze animal sculptures scattered around the desert—look for more than 130 gargantuan metal animals by artist Ricardo Brecada scattered around more than 1,500 acres of empty desert. The working class community of Borrego Springs (pictured above in the spring wildflower season), with a permanent population that's less than 3,000, is also home to the surprisingly posh La Casa del Zorro Resort , where you would be wise to make one of their roomy “casitas” your own.

Finally it’s time to end your excursion, via CA-78 and CA-79 west, in oft-overlooked San Diego, a modern and thoroughly beautiful city whose energy revolves around its gorgeous beaches. From the hippie vibes of Ocean Beach to the lively nightlife of Pacific Beach, this is a city that knows how to integrate its laid-back sand-between-your-toes spirit into all areas of life. Catch a ferry to the seafront area of Coronado and explore the pristine beaches before heading off to the windswept hiking trails of Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve (pictured above) to marvel at jaw-dropping cliffside vistas overlooking the ocean.

After a mandatory beach sunset (the tiramisu martini is a popular drink of choice among locals at Flamingo Deck , by the water), raise some tiki cocktails, a San Diego specialty, at  The Grass Skirt  or Bali Hai, which has terrific views of the city. You’re going to want to spend most of your time in San Diego outside enjoying the best weather in America. Clearly, everyone else you see does.

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• County Route S2

Historic County Route S2

Take a delightful desert road trip.

Formerly the Great Overland Stage Route of 1849, County Route S2 stretches more than 65 miles from the small desert town of Ocotillo to the Historic Highway 79  junction near Warner Springs in San Diego’s rural East County . Along this desert roadway, a dramatic landscape unfolds with popular hot springs, campgrounds, parks and photo-worthy roadside attractions to discover.

1. Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

Take in the vast expanse and natural beauty of the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park , California’s largest state park, encompassing 640,000 acres. The park features many miles of hiking trails, palm groves, cacti, desert wildlife, seasonal spring wildflowers and sweeping desert landscapes.

2. Anza-Borrego Desert State Park Visitors Center

Where: 200 Palm Canyon Dr, Borrego Springs, CA 92004 Stop in at the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park Visitors Center, located on the desert floor, featuring informative exhibits and the award-winning 15-minute film, A Year in the Desert . The Desert Garden outside the center provides a quick look at some of the vegetation typical of the 640,000-acre park, with the species identified.

3. Agua Caliente County Park

Relax in soothing waters of geothermally heated mineral springs at the Agua Caliente County Park, with three naturally fed pools including two outdoor pools and an indoor spa heated to 102 degrees. The park also features camping, picnic and play areas, and miles of trails to hike through scenic canyons and hillsides.

4. Vallecito County Park

Relive local history at Vallecito County Park, a 71-acre oasis, built around a reconstruction of the Historic Vallecito Stage Station. Vallecito, Spanish for "little valley," has been a campsite for hundreds of years beginning with the native Kumeyaay.

5. Fossil Canyon and the Painted Gorge

Check out the unique natural wonders in Ocotillo. The walls of Fossil Canyon hold 50 million years of shell fossils, while three kinds of rock have been exposed to heat and movement over millions of years at the Painted Gorge, causing remarkable coloration of the mountains.

6. San Felipe Valley Wildlife Area

View wildlife at the 17,800-acre San Felipe Valley Wildlife Area in San Felipe. The area features a unique blend of diverse habitat types including chaparral, oak woodland, native grassland and acacia shrub, and supports a tremendous diversity of species including bobcats, gray fox, Southern mule deer, golden eagles and more.

7. "Rancheti" Bigfoot

Where: 37552 Montezuma Valley Rd, Ranchita, CA 92066 Take a unique photo with the “Rancheti” Bigfoot statue, a massive 11-foot, 300-pound white yeti statue built by local resident Joe Rauh that keeps watch over the Ranchita Country Store, a short distance from San Felipe. For years, the imposing beast has supposedly been spotted in the region by residents and visitors.

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Florida Man on the Run

The ultimate desert road trip playlist.

• August 14, 2020
• Travel Tips

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Every good road trip needs a playlist. That’s especially true if your driving through a desert, where the miles may seem endless. This desert road trip playlist is one I used to help tick off the countless miles across Utah and Nevada a few years ago. The 50 songs on this desert road trip playlist come from a variety of eras and should help you navigate hot desert days or cool desert nights. When deciding on the songs I wanted to put on this list, I used the following criteria:

• No more than two songs by any artist
• Songs from many different eras
• Not required to mention cowboys, horses, deserts, the wild west, etc

The first two weren’t very controversial when I introduced my mom (the traveling partner on this desert road trip) to the list. However, there was a bit of back and forth over whether a song needed to mention something related to our topic. Since I was the creator, my argument won out. Ultimately, I wanted songs which felt right or flowed well with the other songs. Now, I did include songs on this desert road trip playlist that mentions those mainstays. So if you came here looking for desert songs which have cowboys, horses, deserts, etc, then you’ll find some of those too.

Overall, I think this playlist hits all of my requirements and came out fantastic. That doesn’t mean it is perfect by any means. When you finish reading, let me know in the comments what songs I missed or what your favorite song on this list is! If you trust me, then you can download the entire desert road trip playlist on YouTube Music !

1960s and Earlier: The First Desert Road Trip Songs

The desert songs found in this section all come from the 1960s or earlier. The earliest ones on the list are clearly your cheesy, themed songs. However, there are some absolute classics on this list. Hopefully you’ll enjoy the nine songs from this time period that made my list.

Route 66 – Bing Crosby

I’m not sure how you could start with any other song than Route 66. Originally written in 1946 by Bobby Troup and recorded by Nat King Cole, I prefer this cover by Bing Crosby. The sound is more in line with what a desert road trip needs.

Jingle, Jangle, Jingle – Tex Ritter

Jingle, Jangle, Jingle is a fun little song from way back in the 1940s again. For those looking for a desert road trip playlist song including some spurs, I’ve got you covered. I found this song while playing Fallout: New Vegas which features a pretty great soundtrack of its own.

Long Lonely Highway – Elvis Presley

It would be wrong to include songs from the 60s and earlier and fail to include some Elvis. I had considered Viva Las Vegas, but felt that Long Lonely Highway felt more appropriate to on this desert road trip playlist. Since you’ll be driving many long miles, Long Lonely Highway fits right in.

Big Iron – Marty Robbins

This is my favorite song from this era. Big Iron is classic song of the fight between an outlaw and the ranger coming to collect his bounty. There were quite a few songs by Marty Robins I though about including on this list including El Paso. If you’re looking for a whole album of western songs, you can’t go wrong with Gunfighter Ballads by Marty Robins .

Up Around the Bend – Creedence Clearwater Revival

Creedence Clearwater Revival is one of my favorite bands from the 60s. Up Around the Bend is a quick little jam that definitely brings to mind a constant thought I had while driving through the desert. What could be around that bend, or over that hill? Who really knows, but you’ll find out soon enough.

The Sound of Silence – Simon and Garfunkle

The first draft of this desert road trip playlist didn’t initially include this song. However, as we drove across the Nevada desert we recalled all the moments of absolute silence we had experienced so far. My mom had suggested this song and I added it when I got a quick moment of LTE. Silence is ever present across the desert, so I think it was a good addition.

Nights in White Satin – The Moody Blues

Unlike the previous song, this one was a bit more controversial with my mom. Strong discussions were had about it being a song that fit the desert theme at all. To me it was all about the feeling of driving across the emptiness late at night. Make sure to let me know in the comments if you me or my mom are right about it being on this playlist!

Born to Be Wild – Steppenwolf

Picking up the pace some with Born to Be Wild. Hitting the open road, escaping expectations, finding something new are all embodied in this classic hit by Steppenwolf. Can’t go wrong with rolling down the windows and blasting this to all the scrub brush around you.

Sympathy for the Devil – The Rolling Stones

One of the Rolling Stones absolute classics, Sympathy for the Devil is a fitting end to the 1960s era of these songs. The rolling piano, cuts from the guitar, and Jagger’s voice all combine into a song that you can easily listen to as you cut across the desert.

1970s: Desert Road Trip Playlist’s Greatest Era

The 1970s is full of amazing hits that would be right at home on any desert road trip playlist. In fact, there were so many songs that I wanted to include on this list and couldn’t because I needed to spread it out across the eras. No other band on this playlist embodies the desert road trip better than the Eagles, and yet I still limited them to just two songs. This is the heart of the playlist, so sit back and enjoy.

A Horse With No Name – America

To me this is the most iconic of desert songs, A Horse With No Name is known by pretty much everyone. There is no better way to enter the 1970s than with this absolute classic. There was no way that this song could have been left off of this list.

Peaceful Easy Feeling – Eagles

There are any number of stellar Eagles which could be on this desert road trip playlist. While the other song I included was a must have (see it later on the list), this one was a much harder choice. Take It Easy, Life in the Fast Lane, Desperado, the list truly does go on. The Very Best of Eagles is perhaps the perfect album if you’re wanting a single collection that embodies the vastness of the American West.

Long Hard Ride – The Marshall Tucker Band

Long Hard Ride is a song that needs to be played loud, so don’t be afraid to turn it up. Put your foot on the accelerator and let this instrumental track take you put some of the long miles behind you.

Gimmie Three Steps – Lynyrd Skynyrd

Lynyrd Skynyrd was originally represented on this playlist with Free Bird. My mom felt that was a little overdone (and she had heard it a million times), so I sought out another Skynyrd track. Gimmie Three Steps fit the bill ideally, telling the tale of a man with the wrong woman at the wrong time and his quick escape into the night.

La Grange – ZZ Top

Songs about small Texas towns are certainly fitting on this playlist and none is better than La Grange. Inspired by the same brothel that later would be subject of The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, La Grange embodies the ZZ Top sound and is perfect for unwinding on the highway.

Highway to Hell – AC/DC

If any band knows about deserts, its AC/DC who hail from the land of the outback. Highway to Hell is one of those songs that lends itself perfectly to rocking out as your burn across the desert.

Runnin’ with the Devil – Van Halen

The second appearance of the devil on this playlist comes courtesy of David Lee Roth-era Van Halen. If you’re crossing the desert in the summer, you’re certainly going to feel like your running with the devil. Just be careful you don’t get burnt and stay hydrated in that heat!

Over the Hills and Far Away – Led Zeppelin

I don’t think any playlist is complete if it doesn’t include at least one Led Zeppelin track. I decided on Over the Hills and Far Away because of the mellow intro to the song that eventually picks up the pace and really drives you forward and down the road.

LA Woman – The Doors

LA Woman is the longest song on the entire playlist and easily one of the best. Perfect for those long hours on the road, LA Woman asks you begs you to just enjoy the journey and not worry about the final destination. It’s simply a perfect song for a desert road trip playlist.

Ramblin’ Man – The Allman Brothers

One of those songs that encompass the spirit of hitting the road like no other, Ramblin’ Man by The Allman Brothers is a must for just about any road trip playlist. To me that is especially true when riding through the desert where that open spirit is even more prevalent. Not to mention the guitar across the entire song is simply sublime.

Ventura Highway – America

America makes its second appearance on this playlist with Ventura Highway. Though the eponymous highway doesn’t actually exist, the song invokes the desire in everyone to travel west and see what is available for you out there. It’s a feeling that encompasses everything about taking a road trip through the desert.

After Midnight – Eric Clapton

This is another one of those desert songs that best fits the theme if you’re driving late into the night. Just follow Clapton’s advice and let it all hang down. Not need to be all buttoned up out on the road.

Travelin’ Prayer – Billy Joel

I have always been a big fan of Piano Man, yet somehow had never heard this song until just recently introduced to it by my mom. This was one of her favorite traveling songs and I think you’ll find it fits perfectly in this desert road trip playlist.

Renegade – Styx

Renegade speaks to a life being lived on the run, always being wanted. For the better part of a century, that was a life lived by many across the deserts of the American West. Styx nailed that feeling of being wanted with this song and it deserves its spot on this playlist.

Hotel California – Eagles

Perhaps no song on this list is more well known than Hotel California. While the other Eagles song was a bit more difficult, this was one of those desert songs which was a lock for this playlist. No song better captures the ideas of being lost on the highway and finding a respite. Yet, like many things such an oasis isn’t all its cracked up to be. It’s a fitting way to leave the 70s behind.

1980s: Heart of the Desert Road Trip Playlist

The 1980s marked a transition period for much of the world including the music scene. That’s no different here with this playlist. While there are still plenty of hard rock songs that wouldn’t have sounded out of place in the 70s, the beginning of a musical transition are taking place. Not to mention, the 80s portion of this playlist starts off in the best way possible.

Wanted Dead or Alive – Bon Jovi

If you want to feel like an outlaw, just put on Wanted Dead or Alive by Bon Jovi. While this isn’t a song about the old west, the idea of being on the road and riding hard are relevant. At times in the desert, you’re going to feel like a wanted man or woman. Be sure to turn it up when it comes on and rock out.

Sharp Dressed Man – ZZ Top

ZZ Top makes their second appearance on this list with Sharp Dressed Man. Perhaps their most iconic song, it is one that just fits this playlist well. Hard to go wrong with the boys from Texas.

Paradise City – Guns N’ Roses

After a while driving through the desert, you’re gonna wanna find your own Paradise City. Just make sure you don’t lose your mind in the desert before you get there. Guns N’ Roses were one of the defining bands of the 1980s and Paradise City one of the most memorable songs of the era.

Viva Las Vegas – The Dead Kennedys

The other reason I didn’t use Viva Las Vegas by Elvis is because the version by The Dead Kennedys is better. The up tempo and hard driving version is perfect for speeding across the desert tarmac. Even if you aren’t heading to the neon lights of Las Vegas, you’ll enjoy this version of the song.

Danger Zone – Kenny Loggins

From one of the classic movies of the 80s, Danger Zone is a perfect fit for a desert road trip playlist. Top Gun was one of my favorite movies as a kid and listening to Danger Zone is full of nostalgia and a trip down memory lane. Make sure you’re strapped in tight as you speed off into the Danger Zone.

Panama – Van Halen

This song was written about a car that David Lee Roth saw at a race in our favorite little desert town of Las Vegas. The imagry from the lyrics help put you in that desert state of mind, seeing the heat coming off the road as you get comfortable in your seat. No playlist at all should be without Panama.

Taking a road trip is often about getting away from the day to day grind. The ability to make choices as they come to us and grab a hold of our freewill. That’s what makes this classic from Rush such a perfect song for this playlist.

Free Fallin’ – Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers

Tom Petty hails from near my hometown and was a big favorite of my mom. Free Fallin’ is a perfect song about being out west and escaping to Los Angeles. After the previous up tempo songs, Tom Petty brings us back to a slower pace where you can take some time to enjoy the scenery around you.

Road to Nowhere – Talking Heads

Keeping the pace a bit more mellow, you might be inspired to follow the advice of the Talking Heads and jump on that Road to Nowhere. A desert road trip is all about the journey in the end, not necessarily the destination.

1990s: Modern Desert Road Trip Songs

The 1990s offers a change of pace from much that has come before on this list, yet you’ll still understand and feel the connections. The 1990s were a time of growth across the country and especially the American west. While I was raised on the 70s and 80s, it’s the 1990s where my own personal musical tastes begin to take root.

I’ve Been Everywhere – Johnny Cash

No road trip playlist can be missing I’ve Been Everywhere by Johnny Cash. While not an original of his, this is the version I’m most familiar with. It also serves as a great interlude between the 80s and 90s since it’s sound is unlike either.

The Way – Fastball

This is probably one of the earliest songs that I associated with escaping your life and hitting the road. The cd we had got constant play when I was younger and is still something I put on when I want to dive into the 90s sound. Fastball was never a huge hit, but this song captures the essence of escaping better than just about any other.

Walkin’ on the Sun – Smashmouth

On this list as much for its title (walking through the desert will feel like your walking on the sun) as it’s relevance to society’s changes and greater commercialization through the 90s. If you’re looking to escape, why not include a song talking about all the reasons why you need to drive off into the desert.

Turn the Page – Metallica

This is another song where I had multiple options for inclusion. At the end of the day, I think Metallica’s version is just a superior song. This hard charging number about life on the road is a must have for this playlist.

Scar Tissue – Red Hot Chili Peppers

The Red Hot Chili Peppers are one of my favorite bands, so it pains me that it takes so long to get to them on this playlist. There were a ton of songs I considered for this spot, including Californication, but ultimately felt like this song was more in line with the sound I wanted. It also helps that the music video features the band driving across the emptiness on a lonely road, much like you will.

The Distance – Cake

Cake is another band that defines the 1990s. No other song embodies the idea of driving off into the unknown than The Distance. The singular focus of the driver and his ceaseless obsession is understandable. This song also happens to be my anchor song for when I run 5Ks, driving me home to the finish line.

Life is a Highway – Tom Cochrane

One hit wonders can be found across the musical landscape of the 1990s. Tom Cochrane is no exception to this rule. Life is a Highway was a massive hit, but didn’t lead to great success in the US for Tom. It did, however, lead to a spot on this playlist, so he’ll have that!

Into the Great Wide Open – Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers

Tom Petty was a master storyteller with his songs. The story of Eddie (played by a young Johnny Depp in the video) could have been the story of any number of people who took a shot at heading across the deserts of the southwest to Hollywood. It’s not all glitz and glamour, but it is life.

Cars – Fear Factory

I think this song is perhaps the most left field choice on this playlist. I absolutely love this remix/cover that Fear Factory did with Gary Numan. Like a lot of songs from the 90s, this song is strongly associated with one of the first racing games I ever owned. It gets me pumped everytime I hear it.

Drive – Incubus

Drive is the first Incubus song I heard and it brought me into the wonderful world of their music. Make Yourself is a stellar record in its own right with Drive leading the way. The idea of being ready for what tomorrow has in store, or what is over the horizon, is exactly the thoughts I have when riding down a desert road.

2000s and Beyond: The End of the Desert Road Trip Playlist

Of all the eras featured on this playlist, this twenty year span features the least amount of songs. This is a combination of the 70s featuring a ton of classics and the fact that desert themed or inspired songs just aren’t as common as they used to be. Still, there are some great hits to round out your playlist.

Old Town Road – Lil Nas X (ft. Billy Ray Cyrus)

The monster hit of 2019 is the best way to dive into the music of the 2000s and beyond. Old Town Road was everywhere and for good reason. It crosses genres, has catchy lyrics, and a fun music video to go with it. As an added bonus for this desert road trip playlist, it features outlaws, horses, and cowboys too!

Long Road to Ruin – Foo Fighters

While the Foo Fighters have a massive catalog dating back into the 90s, I felt this song was the most fitting for this playlist. Hopefully while your exploring the desert landscape, there are no dead ends in sight.

Dani California – Red Hot Chili Peppers

Dani California is the full story of a girl RHCP front man has written about twice before (Californication and By The Way). Telling the story of a hard life that took her across the country, she spent plenty of time driving through the desert. Hopefully, you avoid the fate she met in the Badlands.

I Am The Highway – Audioslave

Chris Cornell is one of the best lyricists and singers of my generation of musicians. Combing with Tom Morello of Rage Against the Machine to form Audioslave, lead to one of the defining hits of the 2000s. For those who have spent enough time on the road, you’ll certainly feel like you’re becoming one with the highway.

Howlin’ For You – The Black Keys

So many songs from The Black Keys albums Brothers and El Camino could have made an appearance on this list but I think Howlin’ For You is the best of the bunch. Auerbach’s lyrics and voice combine perfectly with the sparse guitar and steady drum beats to bring you closer to the end of your trip.

Go With The Flow – Queens of the Stone Age

When thinking of songs I wanted to end this desert road trip playlist, I immediately thought of Queens of the Stone Age. Go With The Flow is a great cap because getting out on those wide open roads are really all about going with the flow. This becomes the perfect send off to keep on going until you finally find what it is you’re looking for.

Where to Listen to This Desert Road Trip Playlist

So now you’ve got 50 great songs to enjoy while you speed along hot desert roads. “But Zack,” I hear you asking, “Where should I go while listening to this epic playlist?” The answer is really anywhere you want, but the best place would be heading across the American Southwest. I recently took a trip from Colorado to California through Utah and Nevada. The vast country you’ll drive through is the perfect place to break out these songs and put your foot down on the gas. I wish I had come up with this list as we sped between Arches National Park , Canyonlands National Park , and Capitol Reef National Park in Utah . It’d also work great with this epic trip to Yellowstone via Zion National Park or a trip like this one from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon .

If you’ve made it this far, then I encourage you to let me know what you think in the comments below. What songs did I miss the mark on or leave off? Or let me know where you’re going to be listening to this awesome mix!

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16 responses.

Cracking playlist! ?

Wow you took some time compiling this list! It’s true every road trip needs a great playlist. We have some differences, but I have to agree there are some good songs on here.

I love your criteria! ALSO — I love that you added The Black Keys and QOTSA. Those two bands especially make me think of desert driving! I totally approve of your playlist!

LOVE this!! Some great classics, a good dose of country and everything that seems like it would be a perfect soundtrack to a road trip in a movie 🙂 Need to plan a desert road trip now haha!

This is a nice collection of songs for the forthcoming road trip. Though my collection includes, few Arabic songs, Alan Walker, Ellie Goulding, Adele, and few more. Different people different choices. But few of the songs mentioned in the collection, I definitely love.

I have never set up a road trip playlist. But it is a great idea. I have an eclectic taste in music so I would have no trouble including different eras. Some great songs on your playlist. Lots that I could sing to. To the eternal regret of hubby!

No road trip is complete without good music! Love all the 80’s songs!

Love this Ultimate Desert Road Trip Playlist you came up with. We must be kindred souls cause I love the selections of alternative rock and classic rock mixed in. I think the only switch I would make is your Metallica & Doors choices. For Metallica, I would swap it to Fuel & for the Doors I would switch to Riders on the Storm!

There are some fun songs on the list, and a great variety too! Wanted Dead or Alive is perfect for a desert road trip, as is Old Town Road. I’ll download a few of these!

This is a great list! Music always makes a road trip so much better. I too often relay on the radio for entertainment, and that never turns out the greatest. I really need to work on creating some playlists for my next trip. Some of these songs, like Life is a Highway and Free Fallin’ are some of my favorites and would make for a great drive!

So cool to have a songlist easy to refer to on my next road trip. I confess, there are several songs here that i have never heard but that’s good because I now have new music to listen to! I usually like peppy songs while I am on the road, to make sure I can focus and stay awake during the journey!

This is an excellent playlist, Zach, though I have to say I prefer Disturb’s version of “Sound of Silence” to Simon & Garfunkel’s. Some songs on here I’ve not heard of and need to check out!

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Really appreciated this list as we are about to embark on a roadtrip through the 4 corners! I added many of these to my playlist!

I hope you have an epic Four Corners trip!

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18 Scenic Drives Near Phoenix, Arizona

• There are plenty of scenic roads near Phoenix, Arizona; take a beautiful drive through South Mountain Park for panoramic city views and desert landscapes.
• Drive along the Gila-Pinal Scenic Road to experience picturesque desert vistas and historic towns.
• Explore breathtaking landscapes on the East Rim Drive, which is another one of the many scenic drives around Phoenix, which includes the Grand Canyon and various historic sites.

Arizona is famous for its rugged terrain, towering red rocks, and stunning desert landscapes. Arizona is considered to have some of the best US national parks to visit in winter when the intense heat isn't quite as stifling.

Although hordes of visitors are drawn in by the state's national parks, there are plenty of other incredible places to visit in Arizona outside of these popular spots. Some of these places are accessible via beautiful drives, too, which is especially the case when it comes to the abundance of scenic Arizona drives near Phoenix.

Whether a seasoned road tripper or a first-time adventurer, there's no better way to explore the beauty of Arizona than on a scenic drive near Phoenix. Buckle up, roll down the windows, and get ready to take in some of the most breathtaking scenery in the Southwest on these awesome scenic drives near Phoenix, Arizona.

From iconic Route 66 to lesser-known back roads, each drive will take travelers through unique landscapes, offering a glimpse into the diverse natural beauty of Arizona.

UPDATE: 2024/02/05 17:40 EST BY MARIA BOU INK

Discover The Beauty Of Arizona On These 18 Scenic Drives Near Phoenix

Although the charm of Phoenix is unbeatable, the surrounding area also possesses its own beauty. Therefore, this list was updated to include additional scenic drives near Phoenix to explore Arizona's splendor.

South Mountain Park Scenic Drive

Panoramic city views, desert landscapes, and winding mountain roads.

South Mountain Park, among the largest municipal parks in the US, invites visitors to embark on a picturesque drive featuring multiple pullouts showcasing breathtaking views of the Phoenix metropolitan area.

Ascending along the road leads to Dobbins Lookout, a vantage point offering a sweeping panorama of the city and the expansive Valley of the Sun. This scenic journey through the park allows for a captivating experience, where the beauty of the natural landscape and the urban sprawl harmoniously converge, creating an unforgettable vista for those exploring this expansive municipal haven.

• Length: 5.5 miles
• The South Mountain Park Scenic Drive Highlights: Dobbins Lookout, Sonoran Desert views

Gila-Pinal Scenic Road

Picturesque desert vistas, tonto national forest, historic towns, and mountainous terrain.

Vacationers can go on a captivating journey through Tonto National Forest from Florence Junction near Phoenix to Miami, Arizona, immersing themselves in the enchanting allure of the desert landscape.

The scenic drive on the Gila-Pinal Scenic Road seamlessly weaves through this vast expanse, offering a harmonious blend of rugged mountainous terrain and expansive desert panoramas, with forest views blending in as well.

As drivers traverse the winding roads, the ever-changing scenery unfolds, revealing the beauty of the desert with its unique flora and captivating rock formations. This Arizona scenic drive from Phoenix provides a glimpse into the diverse ecosystems of the Tonto National Forest.

• Length: 26 miles
• The South Mountain Park Scenic Drive Highlights: Tonto National Forest, Roosevelt Lake, Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Park

East Rim Drive

Canyon views, winding roads, and striking rock formations prevail.

One of the more beautiful natural landmarks Arizona has to offer is the Grand Canyon. Therefore, people wanting a scenic drive around one of the natural wonders of the world can embark on a journey along the East Rim Drive. It is commonly referred to as the “Desert View” Drive and is what many people heading to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon try to do while there.

This should be about 26 miles each way, taking a couple of hours, depending on the driver's speed. Of course, there may be wildlife and other road blockages along the East Rim Drive, especially during winter, so keep that in mind. We'd suggest leaving early in the morning or afternoon, driving to the Eastern side of the Grand Canyon, and even staying the night.

• Length : 26 miles
• East Rim Drive Highlights : Desert View Watchtower, Mather Point, Bright Angel Point, Little Colorado River Gorge, Historic Cameron Trading Post, Marble Canyon, Navajo Bridge, Horseshoe Bend, Antelope Canyon, Rainbow Bridge

There are also plenty of other canyons to see in Arizona besides the Grand Canyon .

Fredonia Vermillion Cliffs Scenic Road

Red rock formations, dramatic cliffs, and expansive desert landscapes unfold.

The Vermillion Cliffs Scenic Highway, also known as Fredonia-Vermillion Cliffs Scenic Road, is a 92-mile highway along magnificent towering cliffs and Arizona desert landscapes. Here, people can explore the 1-2 hour drive, witnessing Northern Arizona to the great meadows and forests and back to the sparse desert.

This is one of the lesser-known drives, even among Arizona residents, and is known to be incredibly peaceful. Especially if others aren't on the road, the Fredonia Vermillion Cliffs Scenic Road can be the perfect day trip from cities like Flagstaff or even the Grand Canyon.

Moreover, this road traverses along SR 89A between mileposts 525 and 607. It's a pretty easy drive and should not encounter closures unless there is imminent weather.

• Length : 92 miles
• Fredonia Vermillion Cliffs Scenic Road Highlights : Marble Canyon, Navajo Bridge, Le Fevre Overlook, Horseshoe Bend, Antelope Pass Vista

Chiricahua's Pinnacle Balanced Rock Is The Most Impossible Rock Formation In Arizona (& Here's How To Safely See It)

The apache trail scenic drive, desert canyons, apache lake, roosevelt lake, and the superstition mountains.

The Apache Trail Scenic Drive from Apache Junction to Roosevelt Lake is around a 40-mile route that winds through Tonto National Forest, showcasing Arizona's most breathtaking landscapes (in fact, Tonto Natural Bridge State Park boasts the world's largest travertine arch bridge !). The Superstition Wilderness Area, towering mountains, and sparkling lakes are just a few of the additional stunning sights to encounter.

Meanwhile, a driving section toward Roosevelt Lake traverses the Sonoran Desert and the shores of Arizona's vast Roosevelt Lake. The drive begins at State Route 188 and winds through rugged mountains, towering saguaro cacti, and crystal-clear lake waters. The route offers plenty of viewpoints for soaking up the scenery and exploring the Tonto National Monument, which boasts ancient ruins and cliff dwellings dating back to the 13th century.

• Length: 40 miles
• The Apache Trail Scenic Drive Highlights : Sonoran Desert Views, Apache Lake, Tonto National Monument, Roosevelt Lake, Saguaro Cacti, Mountain Vistas

Historic landmarks, desert landscapes, iconic roadside attractions

There are tons of interesting facts about historic Route 66 , also known as the Main Street of America, one of which is that it spans over 2,400 miles from Chicago to Santa Monica, passing through eight states, including Arizona.

The Arizona stretch of Route 66 enters the state from the west in the town of Needles, California, starting in Kingman, Arizona, before ending near Seligman on Interstate 40 at exit 123.

Road-trippers on U.S. Route 66 in Arizona go through picturesque areas like the Petrified Forest National Park, the Grand Canyon, and the Painted Desert. Drivers can also experience vintage diners, historic buildings, and roadside attractions, offering a nostalgic glimpse into the 1950s and 1960s.

• Length: 620 miles through Arizona (2,400 miles fully)
• Route 66 Highlights : Petrified Forest National Park, Painted Desert, Grand Canyon, vintage diners, historic buildings, roadside attractions

10 Affordable Yet Highly-Rated Arizona Resorts To Enjoy Luxury Without Breaking The Bank

The bartlett lake scenic drive, bartlett lake views, sonoran desert landscapes, tonto national forest mountains.

The Bartlett Lake Scenic Drive is a 20-mile journey that runs through the Sonoran Desert and along the shores of Bartlett Lake. Starting at Bartlett Dam Road, the route winds through Tonto National Forest's rugged mountains, showcasing towering saguaro cacti and mesquite trees.

As travelers approach Bartlett Lake, the road goes past crystal-clear waters, surrounded by towering mountains. The lake offers water sports, fishing, hiking, picnic areas, and campgrounds. If visitors prefer luxury to camping, Phoenix features a wide selection of top-rated resorts around 1 hour and 20 minutes away from Bartlett Lake. That said, there is no lack of budget-friendly hostels in Phoenix as well.

• Length: 20 miles
• The Bartlett Lake Scenic Drive Highlights: T onto National Forest mountains, Sonoran Desert views, towering saguaro cacti, mesquite trees, Bartlett Lake, water sports, fishing, hiking, picnic areas, and campgrounds

The Tonto National Forest Scenic Drive

Salt river canyon, lush tonto forestry, historic mining towns.

The Tonto National Forest Scenic Drive is around a 39-mile journey that passes through some of the most rugged and remote landscapes in Arizona. The drive starts in the town of Globe, which is about 90 miles east of Phoenix, and takes visitors through Tonto National Forest, the fifth-largest national forest in the United States and home to some of the best scenic drives near Phoenix.

As travelers go on the route, they'll be able to see stunning canyons, rushing rivers, and towering mountains. Travelers will also pass by several historic mining towns that were once booming during the mining boom of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Along the way, stop at several viewpoints to take in the stunning scenery, including the Salt River Canyon Vista, which offers breathtaking views of the Salt River Canyon. Also, explore the Tonto National Monument, which is home to cliff dwellings and ancient ruins dating back to the 13th century.

• Length: 39 miles
• The Tonto National Forest Scenic Drive Highlights : Salt River Canyon, Tonto National Monument, historic mining towns

U.S. Route 163 Really Is The Most Scenic American Southwest Drive Through Monument Valley

The sonoran desert scenic drive, saguaro cacti, vast deserts, and vibrant sunsets unfold majestically.

The Sonoran Desert Scenic Drive is a 27-mile journey that takes visitors through the heart of the Sonoran Desert in Arizona. The route begins in the city of Goodyear and ends at Estrella Mountain Regional Park.

As the route unfolds, travelers will be surrounded by stunning desert landscapes, towering saguaro cacti, and rugged mountain vistas.

There's also the opportunity to explore several scenic pullouts and trails, including the Skyline Regional Park, which offers panoramic views of the valley below. Along the way, various species of wildlife can be encountered, including coyotes, javelinas, and desert tortoises.

• Length: 27 miles
• The Sonoran Desert Scenic Drive Highlights : Sonoran Desert views, towering saguaro cacti, wildlife, Estrella Mountain Regional Park, Skyline Regional Park

The Verde Valley Scenic Drive

A captivating blend of landscapes: the verde river, red rocks, and vineyards.

The Verde Valley Scenic Drive is a 90-mile journey that goes through some of the most picturesque parts of Arizona. The route begins in the town of Camp Verde, located about 70 miles north of Phoenix, and winds through the scenic Verde Valley.

The drive offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape, including towering red rocks, rushing rivers, and the stunning Sedona landscape. Along the way, take the time to stop at various viewpoints, picnic areas, and hiking trails to fully experience the beauty of the area. If visitors are looking for the most beautiful hikes in the US, this Arizona scenic drive should be on their list.

• Length: 90 miles
• The Verde Valley Scenic Drive Highlights : Red rocks, Verde Valley views, Sedona, rivers

Springtime in Arizona: Experience These Top 10 Things Before the Summer Heat

The salt river canyon scenic drive, deep canyons, rugged landscapes, and the salt river.

The Salt River Canyon Scenic Drive is a 45-mile road that journeys through the heart of the Salt River Canyon Wilderness Area in Arizona. The drive offers stunning views of the rugged canyon terrain, towering mountains, and rushing rivers, making it one of the most scenic drives in Arizona.

The route starts at the top of the canyon and winds down to the bottom, offering breathtaking views of the 2,000-foot-deep canyon walls as it descends. Along the way, there will be a lot of stunning rock formations, such as the famous " hoodoos " that are unique to the area.

• Length: 45 miles
• The Salt River Canyon Scenic Drive Highlights: Hoodoos, rugged canyon terrain, towering mountains, rushing rivers, stunning rock formations

The Carefree Highway Scenic Drive

Mountain views, desert landscapes, and carefree journey attractions.

The Carefree Highway Scenic Drive is a 28-mile journey that goes through some of the most stunning parts of the Sonoran Desert in Arizona. Given its drive-by vistas, it could even be the most scenic drive Phoenix has in store for those with less time since it's only short.

The drive starts in the town of Phoenix and continues northward along State Route 74 toward the town of Wickenburg. The whole route is filled with breathtaking views of the rugged mountain landscapes and the iconic saguaro cacti that are native to the region.

The route also passes through Tonto National Forest, offering a glimpse of the lush vegetation that thrives in this arid region. All this is more than enough to make it one of the best scenic drives Phoenix has to offer.

One of the highlights of the drive is the scenic overlook at the Carefree Highway and 7th Street. This viewpoint provides panoramic views of the surrounding desert and mountains, including the iconic landmark of Black Mountain.

• Length: 28 miles
• The Carefree Highway Scenic Drive Highlights: Rugged mountains, saguaro cacti, lush vegetation, a scenic overlook at the Carefree Highway and 7th Street, Tonto National Forest

The Old West Highway Scenic Drive

Historic charm, desert landscapes, and the spirit of the west.

The Old West Highway Scenic Drive is a 60-mile journey that goes through some of the most historic parts of Arizona. The route starts in the town of Globe and heads east along Highway 60, passing through several small communities and historic mining towns along the way before ending in the town of Show Low.

Travelers should be on the lookout to spot the towering red rocks, rushing rivers, and historical landmarks that offer a glimpse into the state's rich cultural heritage. The drive also goes through Tonto National Forest, offering stunning views of the rugged mountains, towering pine trees, and expansive desert landscapes.

• Length: 60 miles
• The Old West Highway Scenic Drive Highlights: Several small communities, historic mining towns, towering red rocks, rushing rivers, historic landmarks, Tonto National Forest

The Lake Pleasant Scenic Drive

Lake vistas, desert beauty, and a serene nature escape.

The Lake Pleasant Scenic Drive is among the numerous short scenic drives near Phoenix; it's situated approximately 35 miles north of Phoenix, Arizona, and is a 10-mile drive that winds through the beautiful desert scenery surrounding Lake Pleasant.

Starting from Lake Pleasant Regional Park, the drive provides awe-inspiring vistas of the lake and the nearby mountains along its twisting road.

• Length: 10 miles
• The Lake Pleasant Scenic Drive Highlights: Desert scenery, mountains, Lake Pleasant

Arizona Route 89A

Captivating arizona landscapes unfold: see the sedona red rocks and oak creek canyon.

Passing next to breathtaking landscapes formed by huge mountains and a kaleidoscope of wildlife, State Route 89A grants first-hand views of the wild and natural side of Arizona by going from the charming town of Sedona to the quaint city of Flagstaff .

Spanning 84 miles, the route is one of the many scenic drives near Phoenix to complement a vacation in the city and break from the normal path for a more adventurous destination.

One of the route's landmarks, Vermilion Cliffs, serves as a unique (and smaller) version of a scenic drive along the Grand Canyon, granting visitors the opportunity to admire The Wave at Coyote Buttes, which is one of the many bucket list hikes in the US that requires a very hard-to-get permit granted via a lottery system.

• Length: 84 miles
• The Arizona Route 89A Highlights: Slide Rock State Park, Vermilion Cliffs, Oak Creek Canyon, The Wave Trail

The drive can be turned into a whole vacation by taking advantage of the many things to do and additional scenic drives in and near the town of Sedona, including Sedona's Red Rock Loop drive . There's also a very scenic drive from Sedona to the Grand Canyon !

Agua Caliente Scenic Drive

Admire sonoran desert landscapes while heading to see the gillespie dam bridge.

A trip through the desert might not sound great to some, but being able to gaze upon the sunset over the Sonoran Desert, the icon of the Wild West , is a wonderful experience that's best lived on the Agua Caliente Scenic Drive.

This is one of the most scenic road trips near Phoenix; however, it goes through old dirt roads, gravel, and the old Gillespie Dam Bridge, so it's advisable to have the car in peak condition to avoid any breakdowns along the way. Plus, avoid making the drive during the summer, as temperatures can be close to unbearable.

• Length: 54 miles
• The Agua Caliente Scenic Drive Highlights: Sonoran Desert, Yellow Medicine Hills, Gillespie Dam Bridge

10 Of The Most Scenic Highways In The U.S. (Perfect For A Road Trip)

Old u.s. highway 80, historic landmarks, rural landscapes, and nostalgic american charm prevail.

Also known as the " mother of Arizona highways ," this massive route spans nearly 500 miles in Arizona (out of its total 1000 miles from Georgia to California)

This scenic route passes by historic sites like the Gillespie Dam and Gila River, as well as charming towns like Yuma, Florence, and Pantano, with Phoenix being the middle point for the journey. As such, this route, even if not traveling the whole length, can easily be one of the most scenic drives from Phoenix for those who start from there.

• Length: 500 miles
• The Old U.S. Highway 80 Highlights: Gila River, Gillespie Dam, Allen Street (at Tombstone), Best Western Space Age Lodge

Desert Foothills Scenic Drive

Desert foothills, winding roads, and panoramic views of pinnacle peak and lone mountain.

Lastly, this short but sweet drive is perfect for those who don't have much time on their schedules but still want to take one of the many scenic road trip routes near Phoenix and stroll through Arizona's arid scenery. The Desert Foothills Scenic Drive is only 6 miles long but manages to encapsulate all the wild charm that Scottsdale Road has to offer.

The landscape is filled with endemic vegetation accompanied by dozens of informative signs to stop and learn about each species, as well as great views of landmarks like Pinnacle Peak, Lone Mountain, and plenty of other sights near Scottsdale.

Plus, travelers taking this short scenic drive in Arizona can make a full day out of it by enjoying any number of the top-rated attractions in Scottsdale , too.

• Length: 6 miles
• The Desert Foothills Scenic Drive Highlights: Pinnacle Peak, Lone Mountain

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‘desert road’ review: kristine froseth stars in a spellbinding and rewardingly disorienting head trip.

Writer-director Shannon Triplett’s feature debut revolves around a lone traveler caught in a seemingly endless spiral after an accident in the Mojave.

By Sheri Linden

Sheri Linden

Senior Copy Editor/Film Critic

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The central character is “stuck in a loop,” as she puts it in a phone conversation with her encouraging mother (Rachel Dratch). She’s talking about her stalled career dreams as a photographer, and their talk takes place while the Woman, as she’s called in the credits, waits for a tow truck. She’s on her way back to her native Iowa from Los Angeles, and her sedan holds all her earthly possessions. In a wise and loving pep talk, her mom advises against giving up — a refreshing change of pace from all those undermining movie mothers. The daughter’s response is tearful, terse and despairing. She’s defeated, and her car won’t budge. Hello, inflection point.

Among these is a towering and weathered sign for a long-defunct roadside restaurant, one of the ghost-town relics of Route 66’s heyday, before an interstate left it in the dust. At the isolated gas station where she stops to refuel, the Woman meets a weirdly nervous and inquisitive clerk, played to off-putting perfection by Max Mattern. It’s moments after their initial exchange that, in an instant of cellphone distraction, she has her fateful confrontation with a roadside rock and begins her wait for Steve (Hurst), apparently the only tow-truck driver for miles around. Steve says he can’t be there for hours, and he insists on prepayment over the phone.

All of which might make a seasoned driver wonder, “What, no Triple-A?” But, that reality check aside, the spell cast by Triplett’s story is so strong that potential holes in logic barely dent its surface and definitely don’t weaken its hold. (Nor does the odd way the Woman and everyone else in the movie calls the highway where the action takes place “CA-190” rather than just “190” or, in SoCal fashion, “the 190”; unless this is a clue to the puzzle that I didn’t get, it strikes a rare false note in the stripped-down dialogue.)

Like many a lone movie driver before her, the Woman has landed in a kind of purgatory, and there’s a noir pulse to the surreal world that writer-director Triplett has conjured (with aptly understated contributions by designers Matt Rumer and Nadine Sondej-Robinson). But there’s mercy too. Against the uncommon topography and the sense of terror in free fall, something vital and insistent pushes through, propelled in moments by the gentle passages in Anna Drubich’s low-key score and the glorious use of Harry Nilsson’s high-spirited “Jump Into the Fire.”

Explanations, when they arrive in such meltdown tales, can be the drama’s undoing, or at least a serious letdown. Here, though, Triplett’s space-time continuum, or dis-continuum, not only sustains its momentum in riveting fashion, but it also strikes unexpected emotional notes in the brief, sharp turns by Fisher, Bridges and Hurst. (The first two play characters best left undefined here in the interest of discovery and surprise.)

As the heart of this folding and unfolding origami of irreality, trapped in an unforgiving place and reliving moments from different angles, Froseth is magnetic every retraced step of the way. Desert Road will surely invite repeat viewings to discern its hints and untangle its logic. More than that, within its very specific subgenre, this unlikely intersection of Memento and It’s a Wonderful Life just might prove an enduring classic.

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Washington State University Athletics

WSU Opens Desert Road Trip Wednesday at Grand Canyon

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WSU Opens Desert Road Trip Wednesday at Grand Canyon

WASHINGTON STATE (17-17, 7-11 Pac-12) at GRAND CANYON (19-16, 11-4 WAC) Brazell Field at GCU Ballpark | Phoenix Wednesday, 7 p.m. |  April 17, 2024 WATCH | ESPN+

WSU OPENS DESERT ROAD TRIP WEDNESDAY AT GRAND CANYON Washington State opens a four-game road trip to the desert with a Wednesday night nonconference matchup at Grand Canyon. First pitch is set for 7 p.m. in Phoenix.

FOLLOW ALONG Wednesday's game will be webstreamed on ESPN+ and will have live stats.

ON DECK The Cougars will head to Tucson for a weekend series at Arizona.

THIS WEEK IN COUGAR BASEBALL PODCAST Every Wednesday a new episode of This Week in Cougar Baseball Podcast presented by Coors Light will be released featuring head coach Nathan Choate, a member of the Cougar Baseball program and the host, Matt Chazanow.

ABOUT WASHINGTON STATE Washington State enters the week with a 17-17 overall record including a 7-11 mark in Pac-12 Conference play. The Cougars enter the week fourth in the league in hitting (.282), fifth in doubles (64) and second in fielding percentage (.975). Outfielder Nate Swarts comes into the week second in the Pac-12 in hitting (.360) while third baseman Cole Cramer is tied for 11th in the league in doubles (11).  Head coach Nathan Choate is in his first season at WSU after five seasons at Loyola Marymount.

COUGAR BASEBALL TO JOIN MOUNTAIN WEST AS AFFILIATE MEMBER Washington State University Athletics entered into a conference affiliation agreement to have their baseball and women's swimming programs participate in the Mountain West Conference, it was announced Tuesday. The agreement will begin July 1, 2024. "Finding a home for our baseball and women's swimming programs has been a top priority for our athletic department and we appreciate the efforts of so many to get to this point," said WSU Interim Director of Athletics Anne McCoy. "This agreement offers both programs a competitive schedule in a west coast-based conference while providing a championship path for coming seasons. "We are grateful for the patience shown by our student-athletes and coaches as we have navigated this process," McCoy added. Affiliate status through the NCAA allows for member affiliates to compete for conference and national championships. Cougar Baseball has a long and storied history, including four College World Series, 16 regional appearances, and its 2,801 all-time wins rank 13th in NCAA Division I history entering the 2024 season. Swimming is another program on the rise at Washington State, as the past two seasons, multiple teammates have qualified for the NCAA Championships in back-to-back seasons for the first time in program history. After breaking multiple schools records at this year's NCAA Championships, Emily Lundgren became WSU's first All-American since 2007. In December of 2023, Washington State Athletics entered into a football scheduling agreement with the Mountain West Conference to provide six games, three home and three road, for the 2024 season. That same month, WSU entered into an affiliate agreement with the West Coast Conference for 10 of its athletic programs. Those 10 include men's and women's basketball, men's and women's cross country, men's and women's golf, rowing, soccer, tennis and volleyball.

ABOUT GRAND CANYON Grand Canyon enters the week with a 19-16 overall record including 11-4 record in the WAC after taking two of three at UT Arlington last weekend. GCU will host Arizona Tuesday evening.

SERIES HISTORY Grand Canyon leads the all-time series 3-2-1 against Washington State while the Cougars have won the last two meetings including the 2018 matchup in Phoenix, 5-4. The meetings prior to 2018 came when GCU took two of three in a series played in Phoenix in 1996.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS 2801 - WSU entered the season with 2,801 all-time wins, 13th in NCAA history, 5th in the Pac-12 2014 - WSU won 12-5 at UCLA March 16, the Cougars first win in Westwood since 2014 29 - WSU's 29 wins last season were the most in 2015, notched fourth straight winning season 17 - Grant Taylor struck 17 Huskies in a 1-hit shutout in Seattle March 28 16 - WSU will play 16 games on the Pac-12 Networks this season, the most since 2017 13 - Chase Grillo's 13 career saves are tied for 4th-most in WSU history 2 - WSU swept Arizona State for the 2nd time in program history, each of last 2 series in Pullman 2 - 2 Cougars finished last season in the Major Leagues;        RHP Ian Hamilton (Yankees), RHP Ryan Walker (Giants)

GRANT TAYLOR NAMED NATIONAL PITCHER OF THE WEEK AFTER 17-STRIKEOUT GAME Senior righthander Grant Taylor was named the NCBWA Dick Howser Trophy National Pitcher of the Week, National Co-Pitcher of the Week by Perfect Game and Pac-12 Conference Pitcher of the Week after his 17-strikeout one-hit shutout win at Washington March 28. Taylor broke the previous WSU modern day record of 16 strikeouts set by John Olerud against Eastern Washington in 1988. It was the first shutout by a Cougar since Taylor shut out Arizona State in 2022 and the first one-hitter since Taylor and three relievers one-hit No. 15 Oregon State in Corvallis last season. The senior did not walk or hit a batter and allowed just a first-inning two-out infield single before retiring the next 25 Husky hitters. Fifteen of the 17 strikeouts were swinging, 17 strikeouts tied for the second-most by a pitcher in the country this season and are the most by a Pac-12 pitcher this season. Taylor struck out 10 straight hitters at one point after striking out the final hitter in the first inning and then struck out the side in the second, third and fourth innings before the first UW batter flew out to center to start the fifth inning. Taylor retired the next two hitters in the frame before striking out the side for a fourth time in the sixth inning, recorded two more strikeouts in the eighth inning and worked a perfect ninth with a strikeout, flyout to right field and a popout to shortstop to clinch the 4-0 Cougar win, WSU's first shutout against Washington since 1995 and first in Seattle since 1989.

IN THE CLASSROOM, IN THE COMMUNITY - Last fall, WSU posted a semester team GPA (3.32) the highest team GPA in program history and has set a program record with a 3.23 cumulative team GPA - This past fall, WSU partnered with WSU ROAR to host a Lentil Cookoff for third straight year. WSU ROAR is a two-year postsecondary education program for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

WSU WINS ROUND ROCK CLASSIC, KRAMER NAMED TOURNAMENT MVP Washington State won the 2024 Karbach Round Rock Classic in Texas after defeating No. 24 Kentucky, 6-4 Friday and Kansas, 5-4 Saturday before dropping the tournament finale to Texas State Sunday evening. Kentucky also went 2-1 on the weekend but WSU won the head-to-head matchup while Kansas and Texas State each went 1-2. It was Washington State's first tournament title since sweeping all four games to win the 2010 Brooks Wallace Memorial Classic hosted by Texas Tech. Four Cougars earned Round Rock Classic All-Tournament Team honors led by first baseman Joey Kramer who was named the Tournament MVP. Outfielder Alan Shibley, starting pitcher Grant Taylor and reliever Kaden Wickersham were also named to the All-Tournament Team. Kramer collected three hits, scored three times and drove in three runs as his biggest hit of the weekend was the go-ahead three-run home run in the eighth inning of Saturday's 5-4 comeback win over Kansas. 

NATHAN CHOATE NAMED COUGAR BASEBALL HEAD COACH Nathan Choate was named the 18th head baseball coach in program history this past June. Choate arrived at WSU after leading Loyola Marymount to a 2023 West Coast Conference title. Choate was named the 2023 WCC Coach of the Year after leading LMU to their first outright regular season title in 25 years. He coached a pair of Lions to All-America honors while five players earned All-WCC honors in addition to the WCC Pitcher of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year and Freshman of the Year. Choate's 2023 LMU club tallied road wins at Vanderbilt and Oklahoma State while in the classroom, the Lions posted a 3.18 team GPA including 24 players with a 3.0 or higher. Throughout his coaching career, Choate has accumulated 28 players selected in the MLB Draft, seven of which went in the top-10 rounds, 10 All-Americans, two College World Series appearances, three Team USA pitchers, four Fresh[1]man All-Americans, two Big West Freshman Pitchers of the Year, two WCC Pitchers of the Year and nine All-Conference Pitchers.

COUGAR COACHING STAFF Joe Perez begins his first season as the Cougars Assistant Coach/Recruiting Coordinator and will serve as the infield coach and assist with the hitters after working the previous eight seasons as the Associated Head Coach and Recruiting Coordinator at Central Arizona College, one of the premier junior college programs in the country, where worked with the infielders and hitters. Perez, the 2021 ABCA National Assistant Coach of the Year, helped the Vaqueros to a pair of Junior College National Championships, three Western District titles, two Region I Championships and three ACCAC Conference Championships. Prior to his time at Central Arizona, Perez spent four seasons at Grand Canyon University where he worked with Choate for Head Coach Andy Stankiewicz assisting with Infielders.

Quinn Hawksworth begins his first season as a assistant coach and will work with the Cougar hitters and assist with recruiting, after working the past three seasons at CSU Bakersfield competing in the Big West Conference. Hawksworth joined CSU Bakersfield Baseball prior to the 2021 season where he worked with hitters, infielders and recruiting before being promoted to recruiting coordinator following the 2022 season. Hawksworth went to Bakersfield after spending the 2020 season in a volunteer position at Big West Conference power, UC Santa Barbara where he coached hitters and infielders for the Gauchos, helping UCSB to a 13-2 mark during the shortened 15-game season on the strength of 37 extra-base hits and ten home runs.

Eric Hutting begins his first season as the Cougars Assistant Coach and will work with the catchers while assisting with the pitchers and hitters after working the past two seasons with Choate at Loyola Marymount as an assistant coach, working with the catchers and assisting with the LMU hitters. Hutting helped Loyola Marymount to a 2023 West Coast Conference title last season while  the Lions captured the West Coast Conference Pitcher of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year, Freshman of the Year and Choate was named WCC Coach of the Year. LMU claimed its first outright regular season title in 25 years with a 29-24 mark including an impressive 21-6 record in conference play while a pair of Lions earned All-America honors with five players receiving All-WCC honors. 

Brandon Vial begins his first season as the Cougars Director of Player Development after working the past two seasons as an assistant coach at Lewis-Clark State College, helping coach the pitchers and catchers as the Warriors reached the NAIA National Championship game in 2022 and 2023. The 2022 LC pitching staff finished the season second in the NAIA with a 3.21 ERA. In the summer of 2022, Vial was the head coach of the Walla Walla Sweets in the West Coast Summer League while in the 2021 summer, Vial was named the Northwoods League Coach of the Year after leading the St. Cloud Rox pitching staff to a record-setting summer.   Austin Ames begins his first season as the Director of Baseball Operations after working the 2023 summer as an operations intern at Team USA in North Carolina and as an operations intern for Major League Baseball at the Jackie Robinson Training Complex in Vero Beach, Florida. Prior to working with MLB, Ames was a ticket sales associate for the St. Louis Cardinals during the 2022 season and worked in a number of roles for the Southeast Missouri State Athletic Department (2020-22). 

JOHN OLERUD NAMED PAC-12 PLAYER OF THE CENTURY The Pac-12 Conference inducted Coug legend John Olerud into the Pac-12 Hall of Honor in 2019. Olerud was named the Pac-12 Conference's Baseball Player of the Century in 2016. During his three seasons in a Cougar uniform, Olerud (1987-89) had one of the finest careers of any Cougar student-athlete, in any sport, in Washington State history, rewriting the WSU record books and becoming the only Cougar baseball athlete ever to be named College Athlete of the Year. In 1988, Olerud became the only player in NCAA history to win 15 games on the mound and hit 20 home runs in the same season, going 15-0 with 23 home runs that year. Olerud went 26-4 overall with a 3.17 ERA over 241.1 innings during his three seasons, hitting .434. He set two Pac-10 records and 10 Pac-10 North marks, highlighted by his sophomore season when he was named Athlete of the Year by Baseball America. In January prior to his junior year at WSU, Olerud suffered a subarachnoid hemorrhage, a type of brain seizure. He missed the first 28 games of the spring season, but returned to hit .359 for WSU over the final 27 games. Prior to his senior season, Olerud signed a contract with Toronto and went directly to the Major Leagues. In 1993, he became the first Blue Jay to win a batting title, hitting .363. Olerud played for Toronto, the New York Mets and Yankees, Seattle and Boston during his 17-year career, winning back-to-back World Series titles with Toronto in 1992 and 1993. In 2001 he joined his father, John Sr., in the WSU Athletics Hall of Fame, and is a member of the College Baseball, State of Washington and Inland Northwest Sports Halls of Fame. The John Olerud Two-Way Player of the Year Award, given annually by the College Baseball Hall of Fame, was named in his honor and in 2016, he was named the Pac-12 Conference Player of the Century.

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