A 2-Week Southwest Road Trip Through Arizona and Nevada

Day 1: Arrival In Phoenix

Arrive at the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, where you will meet your private guide. Check into your hotel and later venture out to explore Arizona's vibrant capital city. Visit the Arizona State Capitol Museum, where you can learn about Arizona's territorial days. In the evening, you can enjoy some of Phoenix's famous southwestern cuisine at one of the city's many restaurants or explore the downtown nightlife scene, before returning to your hotel for rest.

Where to stay in Phoenix

When it comes to finding accommodations in Phoenix, there are plenty of options to choose from. Here are a few areas that offer great places to stay:

• Downtown Phoenix: This area offers easy access to many of the city's top attractions, including the Arizona Science Center, Phoenix Art Museum, and Chase Field, home of the Arizona Diamondbacks.
• Scottsdale: Located just east of Phoenix, Scottsdale is known for its upscale resorts, spas, and golf courses. This area is also home to the popular Old Town Scottsdale, which features numerous shops, galleries, and restaurants.
• Tempe: Located southeast of Phoenix, Tempe is home to Arizona State University and offers a lively college-town atmosphere. This area also features numerous outdoor recreation options, including Tempe Town Lake and Papago Park.
• Camelback East: This neighborhood is located near the Phoenix Zoo and the Desert Botanical Garden, making it a great option for those interested in nature and wildlife. It also offers easy access to the hiking trails of Camelback Mountain.

Day 2: Drive to Sedona

After breakfast, hop into your comfortable car and begin the two-hour drive to Sedona.  Once you arrive in Sedona, you'll be greeted by the stunning red rock formations that make this area so famous. Start your exploration by hiking on the Devil's Bridge Trail.

Enjoy a picnic lunch and then take a scenic drive along Oak Creek Canyon, which offers stunning views of the red rock cliffs and the lush greenery of the canyon floor. Take a tour of the area's famous vortexes, which are believed to have healing and spiritual energy. In the evening, visit the famous Chapel of the Holy Cross and then check into your hotel for dinner.

Where to stay in Sedona

When it comes to accommodations, Sedona offers a variety of options to suit every traveler's needs. Here are a few areas to consider:

• Uptown Sedona: This area is located near the main shopping and dining district and offers easy access to many of the area's top attractions, including the Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Village and the Sedona Heritage Museum.
• West Sedona: This area is located on the western side of Sedona and offers easy access to the hiking trails of Thunder Mountain and Coffee Pot Rock. It's also home to the Sedona Arts Center, which features exhibitions and classes in a variety of mediums.
• Oak Creek Village: This area is located just south of Sedona and offers a quieter, more laid-back atmosphere. It's home to many bed and breakfasts and vacation rentals, as well as easy access to the scenic Oak Creek Canyon.

Day 3: Witness the Grand Canyon & Travel to Flagstaff

Head north for another two hours to the Grand Canyon, one of the seven natural wonders of the world. You can spend the day exploring the canyon's many viewpoints, such as Mather Point, Yavapai Point, and Desert View Watchtower. Have a picnic lunch before hiking the trails and taking in the stunning views of the layered rock formations and the Colorado River below. Further, drive one more hour to Flagstaff. You'll arrive in the late evening and have time to explore the downtown area, which is full of shops, galleries, and restaurants.

Where to stay near Grand Canyon

There are a few different areas to consider when it comes to finding accommodations near the Grand Canyon:

• Tusayan: This small town is located just outside the park's South Entrance and offers a variety of hotels and restaurants, as well as easy access to the park's shuttle system.
• Williams: This historic Route 66 town is located about an hour's drive from the Grand Canyon and offers a charming downtown area with shops, restaurants, and entertainment options.
• Flagstaff: This larger city is located about an hour's drive from the Grand Canyon and offers a wide range of accommodations and dining options. It's also home to the Lowell Observatory, which offers stargazing tours and other astronomy-related activities.

Day 4: Exploring Flagstaff

After breakfast, take a full-day tour of the Lowell Observatory and learn about astronomy and even take part in stargazing tours. The observatory has a long history of astronomical discovery, including the discovery of Pluto in 1930. In the evening, you can relax and enjoy dinner at one of Flagstaff's many restaurants before retiring for the night.

Where to stay in Flagstaff

Flagstaff has a variety of accommodation options, from budget-friendly motels to luxurious resorts. Here are a few areas to consider when looking for a place to stay:

• Downtown Flagstaff: This area is ideal if you want to be within walking distance of restaurants, bars, and shops. There are several hotels and motels in the downtown area, as well as vacation rentals and bed and breakfasts.
• Route 66: If you want to stay on historic Route 66, there are several hotels and motels along the route that offer convenient access to the highway and the surrounding attractions.
• North Flagstaff: If you're looking for a quieter location away from the hustle and bustle of downtown, North Flagstaff is a great option. This area offers a variety of accommodations, including hotels and vacation rentals, and is still within easy driving distance of the town's attractions.

Day 5: Flagstaff to Page

After a relaxing day in Flagstaff, it's time to hit the road again. You'll drive two hours north to Page. The town is known for its stunning natural beauty and outdoor activities, making it a popular destination for adventurers and nature lovers.

Once you arrive in Page, take a scenic boat tour of Antelope Canyon and marvel at the otherworldly sandstone formations. Next, visit the Glen Canyon Dam, which offers spectacular views of the surrounding area. Check into your hotel for dinner and overnight rest.

Where to stay on Page

The page has a variety of accommodations, including hotels, motels, and vacation rentals. Here are a few areas to consider when looking for a place to stay:

• Lake Powell Boulevard: This area is near the center of town and offers easy access to restaurants and shops. There are several hotels and motels along Lake Powell Boulevard, as well as vacation rentals.
• Near Antelope Canyon: If you want to be close to Antelope Canyon, there are a few hotels and motels located near the entrance to the canyon. This is a great option if you want to be within walking distance of the canyon.
• Near Lake Powell: If you want to be close to the lake, there are several hotels and vacation rentals located near the marina. This is a great option if you plan on spending a lot of time on the water.

Day 6: Page to Monument Valley

Begin a two hours journey to the east from Page to Monument Valley. Take a guided tour of the valley with a Navajo guide and explore the most scenic spots including the famous Mittens and Merrick Butte.

After your tour, visit the Monument Valley Visitor Center, which has exhibits and information about the region's geology, history, and culture. Head to a premium restaurant for lunch before beginning a hike in the area that offer stunning views of the valley.

Where to stay in Monument Valley

There are a few options for accommodations in Monument Valley, including lodges and hotels, however, the best areas to consider when looking for a place to stay are:

• Campsites: There are several campsites located in and around Monument Valley. If you enjoy camping, this is a great way to experience the area's natural beauty up close.

Day 7: Monument Valley to Moab

Drive three hours north from Monument Valley to Moab. Moab is a lively town surrounded by two national parks: Arches and Canyonlands. Both parks offer stunning rock formations and landscapes to explore.

Visit the visitor center at Arches National Park. Embark on one of the most popular hikes in the park is the Delicate Arch Trail, which takes you to a stunning natural arch that has become an iconic symbol of the Southwest. After exploring Arches National Park, you can head over to Canyonlands National Park, which is just a short drive from Moab. This park offers a variety of hiking trails and scenic drives, as well as opportunities for backcountry camping and stargazing.

Where to stay in Moab

Moab has a variety of accommodations to choose from, including hotels, motels, and campgrounds. Here are a few areas to consider when looking for a place to stay:

• Downtown Moab: This area offers easy access to shops, restaurants, and other amenities, as well as several hotels and motels.
• Arches National Park: If you want to be close to the park, there are several campgrounds located just outside the park entrance. You can also find hotels and motels in the nearby town of Moab.
• Canyonlands National Park: While there are no accommodations inside the park, there are several campgrounds located nearby. You can also find hotels and motels in the nearby town of Moab.

Day 8: Moab to Bryce Canyon

Drive four hours southwest to Bryce Canyon, a national park known for its colorful hoodoos and spires. The drive will take you through some stunning scenery, including the scenic byway of Utah State Route 12. Upon arrival, you can explore the park's natural amphitheaters and hike along the rim for breathtaking views. For a more immersive experience, venture down into the canyon on one of the park's hiking trails. In the evening, enjoy stargazing at the park's designated Dark Sky areas.

Where to stay in Bryce Canyon

Bryce Canyon has several accommodation options available near the park, including campsites, lodges, and cabins. Here are some popular areas to consider when looking for a place to stay:

• Bryce Canyon City: This is the closest town to the park's entrance and offers a range of lodging options, including hotels and motels. In addition, you will find several restaurants and shops in the area.
• Tropic: This town is located about 12 miles from the park and offers a more laid-back atmosphere. You will find several cabin rentals, vacation rentals, and bed and breakfast options.
• Panguitch: Located about 24 miles from the park, this historic town offers a range of accommodation options, including hotels, motels, and bed and breakfasts. It is a good option if you are looking for a quieter place to stay outside of the park.

Day 9: Bryce Canyon to Zion National Park

Begin the day with a two-hour drive south to Zion National Park, known for its awe-inspiring natural beauty. The park features towering sandstone cliffs, narrow slot canyons, and a diverse array of plant and animal life.

Once you arrive, you can take a scenic drive through the park to take in the stunning views. Enjoy a picnic lunch and then head for a hiking trip, from easy walks along the Virgin River to more challenging hikes up to Angel's Landing.

Day 10: Zion National Park to Las Vegas

Drive two hours west to Las Vegas, the entertainment capital of the world. Explore the iconic Strip at leisure and indulge in some world-class dining and entertainment at Las Vegas's best casinos.

Where to Stay in Las Vegas

Las Vegas has an abundance of accommodation options, ranging from budget-friendly hotels to luxury resorts. Here are a few areas to consider when looking for a place to stay:

• The Strip: This is the main tourist area and offers a plethora of hotels, resorts, and casinos. Staying in the best hotels on the Strip puts you in the heart of the action, with easy access to dining, shopping, and entertainment.
• Downtown: Downtown Las Vegas is known for its vintage charm and offers a more affordable alternative to the Strip. You can find a range of accommodations here, from budget-friendly motels to upscale hotels.
• Off-Strip: If you want to stay away from the hustle and bustle of the Strip, there are several hotels and resorts located off the main drag. These areas offer a quieter atmosphere and often feature amenities like pools and spas.

Day 11: Exploring Las Vegas

Take a break from driving and spend the day exploring Las Vegas top attractions. Take a full-day tour of the Red Canyon to see the stunning rock formations, desert landscapes, and unique wildlife. Spend the evening, checking out one of the famous shows Cirque du Soleil to magic acts on the iconic Vegas strip. Enjoy the delicious flavors of Las Vegas for dinner before returning to your hotel.

Day 12: Hoover Dam and Lake Mead

Drive one hour east to Hoover Dam and Lake Mead, two engineering marvels that offer stunning views and recreational activities. Take a tour of the dam and go boating or hiking in the surrounding area.

Day 13: Las Vegas to Phoenix

Drive four hours south to Phoenix, where your road trip began. Check into your hotel. Later, visit the Desert Botanical Garden and the Heard Museum, which features a vast collection of Native American art and artifacts. Return to your hotel for dinner

Day 14: Departure

After breakfast, take some time to reflect on your unforgettable journey through the American Southwest as your private guide drives you to the airport to catch a flight back home.

This two-week road trip through Arizona and Nevada offers a perfect blend of natural wonders, vibrant cities, and cultural experiences. From the breathtaking beauty of the Grand Canyon to the neon lights of Las Vegas, this itinerary has something for everyone. Don't forget to pack plenty of sunscreen, water, and comfortable shoes for all the hiking and exploring you'll be doing!

FAQs

What is the best time for this road trip?

The best time to embark on this road trip is from late spring to early fall (April to October) when the weather is mild and ideal for outdoor activities. Keep in mind that temperatures can still be quite hot in the desert regions, so be sure to bring plenty of water and sun protection.

What is the total distance of the road trip?

The total distance is approximately 1,500 miles.

Do I need a special vehicle for this trip?

 No, all transfers are included when you book an itinerary with Leisure.

However, if you plan to visit on your own, check out these car-renting options in Vegas: https://www.leisure.com/travel-accessories/best-accessories/19117-top-7-car-rental-services-in-las-vegas-for-an-exciting-road-trip

What should I pack for this trip?

Be sure to pack plenty of sunscreen, water, and comfortable shoes for all the hiking and exploring you'll be doing. It's also a good idea to bring layers, as temperatures can vary depending on your location and altitude. Don't forget your camera to capture all the stunning views and memorable moments!