Vincent and his girlfriend toured the American Southwest in a rented camper van from San Francisco to viva Las Vegas. Their one-month itinerary included vibrant cities, wild landscapes, pristine lakes and legendary places such as the Grand Canyon and Yosemite. Take a look at their travel plan and get inspired for your next southwest USA road trip adventure!
Let’s start our Southwest USA roadtrip!
Day 1-4: San Francisco
Things to do: China Town, Fisherman’s wharf, cable car, Golden Gate bridge, Alcatraz island, War Memorial Opera House, Walt Disney Family museum, Pier 39 and Japan town!
Drive to Big Sur (407 miles, estimated travel time 9 hours)
Day 4-6 Big Sur
Things to do in Big Sur and surroundings: Monterey peninsular, Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
Drive to Yosemite (154 miles, estimated travel time 4 hours)
Day 6-8 Yosemite
Things to do in Yosemite and surroundings: Glacier Point, Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, Mono Lake & the Mammoth Lakes.
Drive to Great Basin (356 miles, estimated travel time 7 hours)
Day 8-9 Great Basin
Things to do in Great Basin and surroundings: Great Basin, Old Iron Town.
Drive to Zion National Park (250 miles, estimated travel time 4 hours)
Day 9-11 Zion National Park
Things to do in Zion and surroundings: Observation Point, Angels Landing, Dodge City, Kolob Canyon
Drive to Bryce National Park (100 miles, estimated travel time 2 hours)
Day 11-13 Bryce National Park
Things to do: Sunrise Point, Sunset Point, Navajo loop trail, Highway 12, Old Bryce Town.
Drive to Moab National Park (200 miles, estimated travel time 4 hours)
Day 13-18 Moab
Things to do: Arches National Park, Dead Horse Point National Park, Canyonlands, Bluejohn Canyon, Robber’s roost, Horseshoe canyon.
Drive to Monument Valley (200 miles, estimated travel time 3 hours)
Book your USA hotels through Hostelworld.com or Booking.com
Day 18-24 Monument Valley
Things to do in Monument Valley and surroundings: Mexican Hat, Muley Point, Antelope Canyon, Vermillion Cliffs, Gooseneck State Park, Navajo tribal park and the Wave Arizona.
Drive to Grand Canyon National Park (200 miles, estimated travel time 3 hours)
Day 24-28 Grand Canyon National Park
Things to do: Grand Canyon.
Drive to Red Rock Canyon (300 miles, estimated travel time 5 hours)
Day 28-29 Red Rock Canyon
Things to do: Valley of Fire State Park, Havasu Falls
Drive to Las Vegas (50 miles, estimated travel time 1 hours)
Day 29-31 Las Vegas
Things to do: Gambling.
– The end of a spectacular southwest USA road trip!-
How much did this road trip cost? Check out the costs of this USA road trip here!
As an American, I am ashamed that I have not been to many of these places but this plan, while maybe just a little ambitious that I could handle, has really inspired me for summer coming up. I am in Europe at the moment but I think some good old fashioned road trips may be the best cure for those post-trip blues. Antelope looks un. real.
Pretty epic trip, hey :)! I’ve been to some of these places (such as Bryce, Zion, San Fran, Vegas and Grand Canyon), but I feel it’s time to head back. It’s funny that stories on my own blog inspire me! But Vincent’s trip looks amazing and I’d really love to see the Wave and explore Great Basin. If you’ll head there this summer, let me know! Would love to follow your photos and stories!
Awesome itinerary! Zion is unreal. I’d add Sedona to the list!
The road trip in the USA has long been considered as an expression of freedom and adventure. It is very interesting blog and good to read. Great content