Explore the rugged and diverse landscapes of southwestern United States with this comprehensive itinerary that covers three different states, six national parks, and over 2,000 miles of road! From the mountains to the deserts, you’ll get to visit all the iconic destinations while enjoying stunning terrain everywhere you turn.

This full two-week itinerary (16 days including the bookend weekends) is focused on road-tripping adventures in the great outdoors, with a heavy amount of hiking. Trekking through these different landscapes on foot is one of the best ways to experience the nature of this region. Whether you’re an avid hiker or just getting started, many of the trails and activities are highly flexible, where you can do as little or as much as you’d like!

So grab your hiking gear, get your playlists ready, and let’s go! 

---

Jump to Section…

Trip Description

When to Go

Itinerary Overview

The Details

Trip Description

Type: Small Group
Style: Adventure/Nature
Pace: Fast
Flexibility: High
Scope: Best of the Best

For more information on our descriptors, visit our FAQ page!

---

When to Go

We took this trip in mid-August amid the sweltering heat. While it was an amazing trip, you’ll get a lot more out of it if you visit during cooler temperatures. We’d recommend this itinerary for the September to October timeframe.

---

Itinerary Overview

*Day #	Weekday	Daytime Destination	Overnight
0	Fri	N/A	Denver, CO
1	Sat	Denver, CO	Denver, CO
2	Sun	Denver, CO	Denver, CO
3	Mon	Colorado	Grand Junc., CO
4	Tues	Arches NP	Moab, UT
5	Wed	Canyonlands NP	Moab, UT
6	Thurs	Capitol Reef NP	Bryce, UT
7	Fri	Bryce Canyon NP	Springdale, UT
8	Sat	Zion NP	Springdale, UT
9	Sun	Zion NP	Springdale, UT
10	Mon	Zion NP / Southern UT	Page, AZ
11	Tues	Northern Arizona	Grand Canyon
12	Wed	Grand Canyon NP	Grand Canyon
13	Thurs	Sedona, AZ	Sedona, AZ
14	Fri	Sedona, AZ	Sedona, AZ
15	Sat	Scottsdale, AZ	Scottsdale, AZ
16	Sun	Scottsdale, AZ	Fly Home

---

The Details

Day 0 – Depart

It’s time to sign-off from work and embark on the epic journey ahead! Book your flight on Friday evening and you’ll land in Denver at night time. Pick up your rental car and head over to the hotel. Make sure to get a good night’s sleep so you can start acclimating to the altitude.

We recommend staying in the Lo-Do (Lower Downtown), Union Station, or Central Business District neighborhoods as a good base to explore.

Day 1 – Denver

Start your morning off with brunch at Snooze Cafe. 

Afterward, take a stroll over to the RiNo Art District and take in the colorful displays of street art everywhere you turn. If you don’t feel like walking, Lime Scooters are a great way to zip through town. Be sure to check out Denver Central Market for some lunch or a snack in the afternoon (depending on what time you had brunch).

Next, explore the LoDo neighborhood and enjoy walking around the shops in Larimer Square. It’s especially beautiful in the evening when the string lights begin to shine. If you’re interested in checking out the dispensaries in Colorado, now might be a good time to make a pit-stop!

One great way to spend an evening is going to a concert at the Red Rocks Amphitheatre– it’s a bucket list-worthy stop while in Denver! Be sure to take a look at the events calendar before your trip and reserve tickets in advance. 

Otherwise, hit the town and take advantage of the City’s nightlife.

Day 2 – Denver

Grab an earlier breakfast at Stoneway Kitchen. After you’re fueled up, it’s time to hit some of the city’s museums, such as the Aquarium or the Art Museum.

Once you’ve got your fill of culture, it’s time to go brewery hopping! LoDo and RiNo are packed with craft breweries that will make for some great afternoon stops. A few famous ones in the area are Great Divide Brewing, Wynkoop Brewing, and Denver Beer Co. Make a day out of it and visit them all!

For dinner, head over to the Highland District. Our group had some picky eaters, so we stayed on the safer side and went with Italian. We loved the food Bar Dough. 

A short walk away from there is Happy Camper Pizza, which also is a great outdoor place for casual grub. Across the street from there is the Avanti Eatery, which features a great rooftop and an outdoor beer garden. 

This whole area is an awesome base for happy hours! Top off your night with dessert from Little Man Ice Cream.

Day 3 – Hiking in Colorado

Today you’ll begin the first major leg of the road trip as you depart Denver and make your way across Colorado on I-70.

If there weren’t any shows that piqued your interest, it might be worth starting the morning off with a “Yoga on the Rocks” class at Red Rocks Amphitheatre. The Amphitheatre is only ~20 min west of the city, so it’s an easy stop to make as you embark on the journey ahead.

Once you get on the road, roughly 4 hours of driving lies ahead until you reach Grand Junction. We recommend breaking it up with a hike to keep your legs moving. 

Shrine Ridge Pass is a great option, about 1 hour and 45 minutes west of Denver. This 4-mile round-trip hike takes you up to 12,000 ft elevation where you can view the beautiful mountains and wildflowers. It took our group a little over two hours to complete the trek.

Hanging Tree Lake is another great choice about 2 hours and 45 minutes west of Denver, however, you’ll need a permit for this hike that must be booked in advance. Unfortunately, we didn’t get to visit this lake as it was closed due to wildfires.

Depending on the time you reach Grand Junction, there’s a beautiful winery called Twin Rivers Vineyard with a picturesque view of the Colorado National Monument that’s worth a stop. Otherwise, settle in, grab a nice bite to eat (we went to Taco Party), and relax!

Day 4 – Arches National Park

Depart Grand Junction in the morning and aim to reach Arches before 9 am to avoid the crowds. Once you pass the front entrance, you’ll be greeted with jaw-dropping views of giant mesas and red rocks that surround you.

There are two must-see hikes at Arches: Devil’s Garden (6 miles out and back) and Delicate Arch (3 miles out and back). Other shorter trails worth a stop include The Windows and Balanced Rock. Devil’s Garden takes you past all the amazing natural arch formations that the Park is famous for.

Plan your day accordingly to try and fit these in, but remember that you’re in Moab for two nights–so don’t stress! There’s plenty of time to work all of the hikes into your schedule before you leave. We did Devil’s Garden in the morning and Delicate Arch at sunset, and we were exhausted from the heat despite having a solid break in between.

We stayed at UnderCanvas Moab and loved our glamping experience! The campsite had grills where we got to barbecue every night and enjoy the fresh air. They provided us with two cots, so the four of us were able to sleep comfortably.

Please note that there is no Wi-Fi or AC in the tents, and be sure to bring a cooler to store food! When temperatures soared above 100 degrees Fahrenheit during the day, it was difficult to find a place to cool off. This is why we think September/October would be a more comfortable timeframe.

Arches National Park is considered an International Dark Sky Park, so the lack of light pollution in Moab enables you to take in epic views of the Milky Way.

Day 5 – Canyonlands National Park

Rise and Shine! This morning we are going on a sunrise hike at Mesa Arch (note you can always do this tomorrow morning if you need some extra zzz’s after your day at Arches). 

Drive to Canyonlands National Park and take a short hike to the viewpoint. Try to get there a little before sunrise to get a good position, because it does tend to get crowded. The best position to stand for photography when facing the arch is towards the right. The sun will rise right under the arch with the beautiful canyon in the background.

Depending on your energy level, either go back and take a nap (what we did) or continue exploring the rest of Canyonlands. There are a few hikes to check out, in addition to many drivable viewpoints around the rim if you need a breather (perks of the “canyon” national parks which I’ll touch on later!)

Day 6 – Capitol Reef National Park

Take time this morning to cover any hikes or activities you didn’t get to do in the two National Parks near Moab. If you’ve already checked everything off your list, then kick off the drive through Capitol Reef National Park.

There is a 17-mile scenic drive that offers stunning views. There are also some shorter hikes if you want to take a driving break and stretch your legs. We took this opportunity to have a rest day.

After passing through Capitol Reef, make your way to Bryce. The whole journey should take roughly three hours. Enjoy the evening exploring the downtown area or even hit up the local rodeo!

Day 7 – Bryce Canyon National Park

If this itinerary hasn’t tired you out yet, wake up early and watch the sunrise at either Sunrise Point or Sunset Point. But, if you’re not feeling as ambitious this morning, I would try to arrive at Bryce Canyon National Park around 8-9am to beat some of the crowds.

Start with the Navajo Loop/Queen’s Garden Trail. This hike is around 3 miles round trip and takes you into the canyon for a closer look at the famous hoodoos. The end of the hike finishes around Sunset Point, so you can take in that view if you didn’t get a chance to hit it in the AM. 

Other great viewpoints include Lower, Middle, and Upper Inspiration Point, Rainbow Point, and Yomipava Point. If you’d like to spend more time in Bryce and want to take on a longer hike, the Fairyland Loop is an 8-mile hike that has great views of the canyon.

The beauty of national parks centered around canyons is that you can make hiking as difficult or as easy as you’d like. Since you’re starting at the top rim of the canyon, you already are rewarded with the amazing viewpoints from the get-go, without having to hike up a steep mountain to get there. 

Bryce Canyon National Park features a ton of beautiful viewpoints that you can drive to and require minimal hiking, similar to Canyonlands. 

After your day at Bryce, drive 15 minutes over to i.d.k. barbecue for lunch. This was one of our favorite meals of the trip!

Next, head over to your Zion NP home base in Springdale, UT. The trip should take about 1.5 hours. Rest up because you have some epic hikes ahead!

Day 8 – Zion National Park

Start the morning off with Angel’s Landing hike. This difficult five-mile trail will take you up 20+ switchbacks and through the famous chain section, which is a steep ledge about 4 feet wide where hikers keep their balance by holding onto a chain. 

Needless to say, this trail isn’t for the faint of heart or those afraid of heights. If that applies to you, stop at Scout’s Lookout before the chain section. However, if you are feeling like a daredevil, the views at the end are well worth the arduous journey.

If you have any energy left, you can walk over to the Emerald Pools trail that features some waterfalls, and then break for lunch in Springdale. Take the afternoon to relax and organize yourself for tomorrow’s hike through The Narrows with the right gear.

Day 9 – Zion National Park

The Narrows was by far one of the most unique hikes I’ve ever been on and the highlight of our entire trip! Hikers are engulfed by the canyon walls while trudging through the Virgin River over rocks of all shapes and sizes. In some spots, the river can be chest-deep, so proceed with caution and be mindful of flash flood warnings.

The bottom-up hike to Big Springs and back is roughly 9 miles in its entirety. Try to get there as early as possible to avoid crowds, but sometimes this can be difficult in areas where the canyon gets more narrow. The crowds begin to thin out the farther into the canyon you go, rewarding you with more seclusion.

This hike easily takes 6+ hours depending on your speed, so make sure you are well-prepared with food, water, and the appropriate gear (such as a hiking stick to help you balance).

Some people even reserve special permits to take on the top-down version of the trail, which allows them to hike down from Chamberland Ranch for a multi-day hike.

Day 10 – Zion / Southern Utah

If you still haven’t had your fix of hiking after two rather intense hiking days, you can partake in more trails like Canyon Overlook Trail, Watchman trail, or Observation Point. But there are also many other activities Southern Utah has to offer!

If you want to switch things up, drive over to Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park and rent some ATV’s or go sandboarding.

Head to Lake Powell afterward for some further relaxation after all the hiking. There’s a ton of different landmarks and beaches to explore on both the Utah and Arizona side of the lake. On the Utah side, there’s a sandy beach called Lone Rock that’s perfect for laying out. Otherwise, the best way to explore the lake is by boat, kayak, or paddle board.

After a full day, drive into Page, Arizona, which will be your base for some other great activities along the Utah/Arizona border.

Day 11 – Northern Arizona

There are many great things to see in this part of Arizona, the highlight being Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, or The Wave. 

Antelope Canyon is a picturesque slot canyon on Navajo lands that you can only visit by guided tour. We recommend booking a tour in the afternoon, if possible, so the light will shine through and illuminate the canyon walls. 

Unfortunately, the Canyon was closed during our trip, but Upper Canyon tends to be a bit more popular as the canyon walls begin to narrow towards the top, creating jaw-dropping beauty when the slim streams of light shine through– it’s a photographer’s dream. The Lower Canyon is also a lot of fun to climb through, given the tighter walls at the bottom.

The Wave is another amazing sandstone landscape that only allows 20 permits daily. They are very difficult to come by, however, on February 1, 2021, they began to offer 64 daily permits, increasing your chance to see this amazing structure. You must enter the permit lottery four months prior to your trip in order for a chance to visit. You can read more about the permitting process here.

Prioritize whatever you can get a reservation for, and then fit a visit to Horseshoe Bend around that schedule. There’s a pretty short walk from the parking lot to the main viewpoint.

If you didn’t get to Lake Powell yesterday, be sure to make a stop today. Then drive an hour and 45 min to the Grand Canyon for the night.

Day 12 – Grand Canyon

The Grand Canyon features many hikes around the rim that visitors can drive to easily. Watch the beautiful sunrise over the canyon at Mather Point, and then take a breakfast or nap break afterward. 

Head back out around 8 am for a short hike day hike into the canyon to Ooh Aah Point (1.7 miles out and back). 

If you feel more ambitious, you can continue on past Ooh Aah to Cedar Ridge (2.8 miles out and back), which is the farthest point recommended for just a day trip. Remember as far as you go down, you will eventually have to return entirely uphill!

If you want to spend more time in the Grand Canyon, there are many multi-day hikes that allow you to trek from the Rim to Rim. We chose to focus on day hikes, but these options are worthwhile for avid hikers!

Day 13 – Sedona

After soaking in the views around the Grand Canyon, take the two-hour drive down to Sedona in the morning. Here you’ll be greeted by beautiful red rocks rising from the Earth as you approach the town center. 

Stop and climb up to Cathedral Rock (1.8 miles out and back), one of the four prominent vortexes in Sedona. A vortex is a center of energy conducive to healing and self-exploration, where the Earth feels particularly alive. This makes the summit of Cathedral Rock a great place to meditate, reflect, and get inspired.

After the hike, have lunch at the Pump House Station Urban Eatery. Then take a stroll around town, which is brimming with art galleries and gemstone/jewelry stores – perfect for souvenirs! Some of our favorite stops were the Center for New Age and the Tlaquepaque Arts and Shopping Village.

Check-in to your accommodation and relax for the rest of the afternoon. Get ready for dinner at Mariposa Latin Inspired Grill that features amazing views of the red rocks. We’d recommend making a reservation in advance.

Day 14 – Sedona

Start the morning with Devil’s Bridge Hike (4.2 miles round trip)– the earlier the better to beat the crowds!

Then treat yourself to an afternoon of well-earned relaxation. We recommend checking out The Hudson for dinner afterwards.

Day 15 – Scottsdale

Grab breakfast at Wildflower Bread. Then take the 2-hour drive down to Scottsdale. This suburb of Phoenix offers many great activities to top off your road trip. 

We recommend starting your day with a hike up Camelback Mountain, or if you’re done with hiking after this trip, perhaps a round of golf would be better! Scottsdale hosts many renowned courses throughout the city. 

The rest of the time should be filled with brunching, shopping, and bar hopping as you celebrate the culmination of this trip! Some of our favorite restaurants were:

• The Henry for brunch
• Sumomaya for brunch
• The Mission for dinner
• EVO for dinner

Day 16 – Scottsdale / Fly Home

Your last day should be spent relaxing and packing up (depending on what time your flight is).

Fly home.

---

If you’ve made it this far, congratulations! You’re seriously committed to making the most of your time in the Southwest! I hope you’ve gotten some good inspiration for your next road trip. Comment below with your recommendations or other places to stop in the Southwest!

xx

Kristen