Do you only have a week for a Southwest road trip? Worry not! Even though the Southwest is enormous and has tons of amazing sights and things to do, a week is enough to get a pretty good feel of some of the best that it offers if you’re able to maximize your time and don’t mind a bit of a challenge. If you’re currently struggling to put together a perfect one-week itinerary through the Southwest, here’s the ultimate one-week itinerary that will get you in touch with the enchanting Southwest of the USA, taking you from the Mars-like landscapes of Arches and Canyonlands in Utah to the historical jewel of Mesa Verde National Park in Colorado.
The Ultimate One-Week Itinerary through the Southwest USA
Day 1 and Day 2: Moab
Stunning red rock formations that look like they belong on Mars, gorgeous canyons with sweeping vistas, and sandstone spires that pierce the skies are only a few of the highlights this enchanting region of Utah has to offer. Although a whole week can be devoted to visiting the Moab region, the main sights can be seen in two days in both Canyonlands National Park and Arches National.
Begin your road trip by checking out the iconic Delicate Arch, one of the most famous landmarks in the state (so much that it’s depicted on their license plates!). Next, get a pretty good feel of what hiking in the desert is like by doing the Landscape Arch trail, which leads to the largest natural arch in the USA.
Hop back in your car and drive down the Arches Scenic Ride, which will have you taking some of the best viewpoints in the park in no time. Put your trail shoes back on and prepare for an epic sunset by hiking the Double Arch trail and finishing at the Windows, where you can find a cozy spot to watch the sun go down and think back on the first day of your road trip!
Day 2 will be about visiting the main highlights of the Island in the Sky district at Canyonlands. Even though Canyonlands is huge, one day is enough to see some of the best it has to offer if you focus your attention on this district. The reason for that is that it boasts the most iconic sights at the park while also offering relatively short and easy trails, which means you can cover a ton in just a few hours.
To start an unforgettable day, set an early alarm and hike up to the emblematic Mesa Arch for an epic sunrise you won’t soon forget.
Afterward, pick a few hiking trails to follow (don’t worry, Island in the Sky’s trails are pretty short and gentle). A few must-do hikes include the Delicate Arch trail as well as the Landscape Arch trail, where you’ll get to see the longest natural arch in the United States.
For a stunning sunset with sweeping views of the canyons, you can head to Green River Viewpoint, where the sun shines over the walls of the canyons and makes the rocks come alive with color.
Day 3: Mesa Verde National Park
The third day is about driving to Colorado to visit one of the most intricate areas of the Southwest! Nestled deep in the cliffs, ruins of complex structures and dwellings built way back by ancestral Puebloans are today open to visitors.
Nobody quite knows why this ancestral society collapsed, but you’re welcome to come up with a theory or two while walking through the site!
Days 4 and 5: Grand Canyon National Park
No Southwest itinerary would be complete without a visit to Grand Canyon National Park.
Day Four will be for driving your way from Mesa Verde to Grand Canyon (5-6 hours), so take things slowly today. You should have enough time to drive a section of the viewpoints and might even be able to fit in a short hike below the rim. A top one here is the trail that leads to Ooh Aah Point, which is only a 1.8-mile round trip and provides sweeping vistas of the canyon.
On day 5, you can challenge your desert hiking skills by braving the Bright Angel Trail, a 9.5-mile hike that will have you going past some of the most alluring views of the Grand Canyon. Although doing the complete hike out and back in a day is not recommended, there are many milestones where you can turn around and get back to the trailhead. It’s completely up to you and your skill level when to get back. As a tip, bring plenty of water (that means more than you think you’ll need).
Day 6: Zion National Park
Another day spent hiking in the desert in search of awe-inspiring views? Yes, please!
Before taking on the trails, be sure to visit the Zion Human History Museum, where you’ll learn about the indigenous Pauite people who once inhabited the region. Once you’re acquainted with Zion’s past, set off to conquer a few more desert trails. A lot of the trails in Zion are short, relatively easy, and absolutely stunning, so you can do several of them in just a few hours.
A few of the must to hikes include Emerald Pools, Canyon Overlook (perfect for families), and The Narrows, which will take you through canyon walls and wading through the river. Note that The Narrows hike is 16-miles long and not exactly doable in just a day, but you can turn back any time in order to maximize your time at Zion!
Next up, drive to Kolob Canyon, which is the less visited part of Zion. Park your car and hike Timber Creek Overlook at Kolob View Point, where you’ll get a 360-degree vista of the landscape (on clear days, you might even catch glimpses of the Grand Canyon’s North Rim!)
Day 7: Valley of Fire State Park
Finish an action-packed itinerary with a visit to Valley of Fire State Park, a place that will transport you into a world of epic red Aztec sandstone outcrops, petrified trees, ancient petroglyphs, and landscapes colored in all shades of red, orange, and pink.
While at Fire State, gear up for another day of hiking in search of out-of-this-planet landscapes. Two must-do hikes are Fire of Wave and Rainbow Vista trails, both of which are relatively easy to follow and provide some of the most incredible views in the park.
If you prefer to relax on your last day, though, you can opt to explore Valley of Fire from the comfort of your car by taking Mouse’s Tank Road, which will have you going past some of the most breath-taking viewpoints you can calmly gaze at while bidding goodbye to the desert!
I hope this itinerary helped you plan a perfect one-week in the Southwest! Even though there’s a humongous array of incredible things to do in this part of the United States, these 4 destinations are a great place to get started exploring the best it has to offer.
Have you ever visited the Southwest? What are some other incredible places everyone’s got to visit at least once in their life? Let me know all about them in the comment section below!
It’s no secret that road-tripping the Southwest is considered a love affair for desert lovers. Home to a vast array of varried landscapes and drool-worthy scenery, this region of the United States has a little bit of everything to offer visitors.
If you’re currently planning your first visit to this stunning region, it might be overwhelming to plan the process. Seriously, with so many astounding destinations to choose from, how do you even begin narrowing down where to go?
Here’s a little reality check for you: One single trip to the Southwest isn’t enough to even start scratching the surface. The good, news, though? You’ll become addicted to traveling the region. And will definitely start plotting a return as soon as you get back home. Which is how I ended up moving from Indiana to Arizona back in 2013 :).
From Moab’s awe-inspiring desert charm to the never-ending sand dunes of White Sands National Parks, these are the 6 places you need to visit in Southwest USA to tackle on your road trip!
6 Places You Need to Visit in Southwest USA
1. Moab, Utah
Ever wondered what a trip to Mars would look like? Even though visiting outer space isn’t a possibility (yet), a visit to Moab is as close as you can get to it. Think enormous sandstone spires towering high above the sky, weird rock formations lining the panorama, and red rock canyons decorating the scenery to get a pretty good idea of what visiting Moab’s national parks is like.
Whether you’re keen to tackle easy trails to get a taste of what hiking in the desert is like or you want to challenge your legs on a serious backpacking adventure, what makes Moab one of the best destinations for first-timers in the Southwest is the fact that it’s got a little something for everyone to enjoy.
From going in search of natural arches at Arches National Park to doing some serious backcountry hiking in The Needles District at Canyonlands or trying your hand at rock climbing, there is no shortage of bucket-list-worthy things to do at this magical desert haven.
2. Valley of Fire State Park, Nevada
Ancient petroglyphs spread all over the place, red sandstone rock formations illuminating the valley, and an epic landscape coated in hues of pink, red, and orange? Yes, please!
Set in the heart of the Mojave Desert, Valley of Fire is home to 46,000 acres of red Aztec sandstone. Which make the entire landscape look almost like it’s, well… on fire.
Even though its name may not make it sound like the friendliest place to visit, Valley of Fire State Park actually happens to be one of the best destinations for first-timers hiking in the desert. That’s because most of the trails here are short and sweet.
Choosing what trails to take depends on your interests. But for the best petroglyph sightings, the Atlatl Rock Trail and Mouse’s Tank Hike are superb options. If you’re feeling more up in the mood for some seriously striking vistas, the Fire Wave Hike and the Rainbow Vista Trail are both guaranteed to get your mouth dropping right to the ground.
If you’re not too keen on hiking, though, that’s cool! You can always check out the park’s main highlights by driving down Mouse’s Tank Road. Which provides some of the top viewpoints in the park so you can check out the highlights without having to break a sweat.
3. White Sands National Park, New Mexico
Although small, White Sands National Park is home to a vast array of epic sights and fun things to do. Set in the heart of the Tularosa Basin, this national park is home to 275 square miles of wave-like dunes of gypsum sand. This makes it the world’s largest gypsum dune field. Fun fact: Unlike regular sand, gypsum sand doesn’t get very hot. Which means it’s perfectly comfortable to walk barefoot on the dunes at White Sands!
During your visit, make sure to walk on the Interlude Boardwalk to discover the flora and fauna of the area (yep, you wouldn’t expect it in the desert. But lots of animals and plants call White Sands their home, including foxes, bobcats, and porcupines).
Another super fun thing to do while visiting is to buy a sled and host a sliding competition with your travel buddies. Before you leave, make sure you also book a spot at the Sunset Stroll. Which is a ranger-guided walk where you’ll get to learn all about White Sands’s unique geology. As an added bonus, the program is timed to finish at sunset. Which will give you the chance to get a breath-taking view of the sun disappearing into the mountains.
4. Sedona, Arizona
A long, long time ago, geological forces cut rifts deep into what we now know as the Colorado Plateau. As a result, Sedona’s incredible landscape was formed. Desert spires piercing right through the clouds, striking river canyons. And labyrinths of red rock formations are just a few of the sights that make Sedona such an awe-inspiring place to witness.
During your visit, don’t miss out on ticking off a few of the hiking trails on the menu (there are more than a hundred of them on offer), camping (or glamping, of course) under a billion stars, and get your nerd on by visiting a few of the museums in town to learn all about Sedona’s history and heritage (The Sedona Heritage Museum is an absolute must in your itinerary!)
5. Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado
Tucked high above in the cliffs of western Colorado, Mesa Verde National Park is one of the most unique destinations to visit in the Southwest, especially if you’re keen on learning about the native history of the area.
Even though no one really knows what led to the collapse of the area’s society way back in time, today, you can learn all about Ancestral Puebloans by exploring the ruins they left behind.
Don’t let its small size fool you. Bryce Canyon may be one of the tiniest national parks in the United States, but it still has plenty of wonderful things to see and do.
Hoodoos (also known as fairy chimneys) are the staple of Bryce Canyon, and the best way to see them is by bearing the famous Queen’s Garden to Navajo Loop trail. Even though it’s not actually very long, this hiking trail will have you winding your way through rock tunnels that look out of this world, pine forests so beautiful you won’t believe, and the iconic sandstone hoodoos that look as though they belong on an entirely different planet.
If you’re not too keen on going on a hike, though, Bryce Canyon can also be explored from the comfort of your car. Grab your keys and drive all the way down to Rainbow Viewpoint. On the way back, go slowly and stop at the 13 viewpoints on offer, all of which are guaranteed to leave ooh-aah-ing.
I hope this list of the best destinations in the Southwest helped you plot the perfect itinerary for your visit. Honestly? An entire lifetime would not be enough to tick off every place in your bucket list, but these destinations are a wonderful way to start getting acquainted with the area (trust me on this one: you’ll definitely be back for more Southwest adventures!)
If you’re looking for a great place to eat with your family, look no further than Jacy & Dakota in Downtown Phoenix! This new restaurant offers a wide variety of food options that will please everyone in your group. They also have a great kid’s menu that is sure to keep the little ones happy. Plus, Jacy & Dakota is located in the heart of Downtown Phoenix, so you can enjoy all the sights and sounds this vibrant area has to offer!
My family’s favorite places to dine in Downtown Phoenix | Jacy & Dakota
Jacy & Dakota
Location: The Westin Hotel Downtown Phoenix
333 N Central Ave, Phoenix AZ
Phone: (602) 407-1114
Hours of Operation:
Breakfast
Mon–Fri 6:00 am–10:30 am
Sat, Sun 7:00 am–12:00 pm
Bar
Mon–Thu, Sun 4:00 pm–10:00 pm
Fri, Sat 3:00 pm–11:00 pm
Happy Hour
Daily 4:00 pm–6:00 pm
Dinner
Daily 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
Kid’s Menu? Yes! Kids are welcome at Jacy & Dakota with their parents or guardians. They can order off our menu for $12 per child. There are plenty of great options, including a grass-fed burger, chicken fingers, fries, mac & cheese, and more!
Vibe: Feels like you escaped the desert to Tulum
The atmosphere at Jacy & Dakota is laid-back and beachy, with white walls, wood accents, and string lights. It’s the perfect place to relax after a long day of sightseeing or shopping in Downtown Phoenix. You don’t realize you are blocks away from the sporting venues, across the street from the Tram, or even right next to the city bus stop. It’s incredible once you step inside the walls of
Braised Pork Shank — the presentation is amazing!
Jacy & Dakota!
Price Range: $11-30
Jacy & Dakota offers something for everyone when it comes to a price point. You can find a great meal for under $30, or splurge on something special. No matter what you choose, you won’t be disappointed!
Dress Code: Casual Chic and Family Friendly
Menu: Made Sharable and Bite-Sized to be enjoyed by many or by yourself
Beef Tip Tostadas with vegetarian and dairy free options
The menu at Jacy & Dakota is designed to be sharable. You can order a bunch of small plates and share them with your friends, or order a couple of larger plates and have your own feast! The menu is also bite-sized, so you can try lots of different items without getting full too fast. The menu is also designed to be gluten-free and vegetarian friendly, so there’s something everyone can enjoy! If you have an allergy, make sure to tell your server and the kitchen will accommodate the best possible or the service staff can make recommendations based on your dietary needs.
Don’t forget, you can host your parties with Jacy & Dakota, they can create a special menu for you, or you can pick and choose off of their menu. A few times a year, the menu is switched up to accommodate the local fresh fruits and vegetable offerings as well as the seasons.
On our visit, we enjoyed the Beef Tip Tostadas (Which Chef Brady made vegetarian and dairy-
Roasted Bone Marrow and Fried Green Tomatoes and Burrata
free for me), Roasted Bone Marrow and Oxtail (Steve LOVED this one!), Fried Green Tomatoes and Burrata, Braised Pork Shank (the girls enjoyed the presentation of this one as well as Leila couldn’t get enough of it!), Three Sister’s Bowl off of the Eat Well Menu (Chef Brady created this recipe at Jacy & Dakota and now it’s served on all Westin menus nationwide!), and Apple Pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
If you would like to take a peek at their full menu options, they serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner, which you can see here.
Blankets: Available for cooler winter nights and for cuddling by fire pits
Jacy & Dakota offers cozy blankets for guests to use on cooler winter nights. You can also enjoy a fire pit while you eat! What better way to keep warm than with delicious food and drinks? Such a fun, unique experience!
If you choose to not sit outside, indoor seating is also available. We chose to sit outside and the
Three Sisters Bowl
girls thoroughly enjoyed being able to sit on a long couch and cuddle with a blanket. Not to worry — if you wondered if the blankets were cleaned, I also had the same concern and Chef Brady assured me they bring out clean, sanitized blankets to each guest and don’t put them back in rotation until they have been cleaned and sanitized again!
Desserts: Made in House by a Pastry Chef
The desserts at Jacy & Dakota are also made in-house by a pastry chef, and they are delicious! We enjoyed the house-made apple pie with a scoop of local Vanilla Ice Cream. The pie was just like my grandma used to make growing up, complete with the lattice crust!
Jacy & Dakota offers a wide variety of sharable, gluten-free, and vegetarian-friendly dishes as
Housemade Apple Pie and local AZ ice cream
well as delicious desserts. You can enjoy your meal outside at one of the fire pits or inside in the restaurant. No matter what you choose, Jacy & Dakota is an excellent choice for family dining downtown! Would you consider going to Jacy & Dakota when you visit Downtown Phoenix with or without your family?
When it comes to awe-inspiring desert scenery, Arizona pretty much takes the cake.
Boasting some of the most iconic national parks in the country, six national forests, and a whopping thirty one state parks, it makes perfect sense if you’re feeling a bit defeated while plotting your Arizona itinerary. Seriously – How do you even choose where to go in a state that is pretty much a mecca for unparalleled views?
From iconic landmarks to hidden gems that come in all shades of colors, these are the 7 destinations in Arizona you need to put on your travel bucket list. Not only will visiting these places give you a pretty well-rounded glimpse into the best this magical state has to offer, but they will also get you inspired to come back for more.
7 Bucketlist Destinations to Visit in Arizona
1. Sedona
Way, way back in time, geological forces created deep rifts into the Colorado Plateau and Sedona’s majestic landscape was formed. With enormous desert spires lining the landscape, river canyons as far as the eye can see. And a maze of red rock formations, a visit to Sedona is as awe-inspiring as it can get.
The best part? Sedona can be explored in a million ways. For many, this region of Arizona is the ideal spot to get a pretty good introduction to desert hiking. But if you’re more into culture and heritage, there’s a wide array of museums and centers ready to be explored, too!
A big plus of Sedona is its very close driving distance for those visiting the Phoenix valley. You can travel to Sedona and back to the valley in a day. And have ample time to explore, hike, eat, and come home without feeling like you have to rush!
2. The Wave
The Wave is probably one of the most intriguing places in the United States. Located right on the border of Arizona and Utah, it may just be one of the most sought-after hiking trails in the entire world.
What makes The Wave so unique, you ask? A rainbow of orange and rusty tone plastered all over the rocks. Which make the landscape resemble a sea of shimmering desert hues.
The Wave hike is only 6.4 miles long. But due to the conditions of the area and heat, it can get pretty strenuous even for expert hikers. Moreover, due to its popularity, it’s pretty difficult to snag permits to hike The Wave. So make sure you start planning your visit as early as possible as this is not a hike you can do spontaneously!
3. White Pocket
If you’re keen on checking out a hidden Arizona gem, White Pocket is just the hike you’re after!
If you couldn’t snag a permit to hike The Wave, White Pocket is a pretty good alternative (or addition) to your itinerary. Made up of whacky-looking Navajo sandstone formations, White Pocket is a sea of pink, orange, and red hues that will have you wondering if you were transported right into the heart of Mars.
4. Havasupai
7 Bucketlist Destinations to Visit in Arizona
Turquoise-colored water cascading down from bright red rocks is what make Havasupai one of Arizona’s most stunning places. Seriously, getting to swim in the turquoise blue waters with the road of the waterfalls echoing on the canyon walls will make you feel as though you’ve been transported into the movie Avatar.
The Havasu Canyon boasts five waterfalls in total: Mooney Falls, Beaver Falls, Havasu Falls, New Navajo Falls, and Fifty Foot Falls. Each one more strikingly gorgeous than the last. The best way to see them? By going on a hike! Even though hiking in the desert is quite a challenge, you’ll be able to stop at each waterfall to get refreshed. Which isn’t too shabby, if you ask me!
As a note, keep in mind that Havasupai is set on Native Land and is kept by the Havasupai Tribe. This means it’s extremely important to be respectful of their culture. And, if possible, learn a bit about their heritage. So you can better understand the land you’re walking on during your visit. Moreover, visiting Havasupai requires a permit that isn’t very easy to get. So try applying for it as early as possible to try to snag yours!
** Havasupai hasn’t been reopened after the Pandemic. And probably won’t until at least summer of 2022 so take note of this when looking at this destination.**
5. Grand Canyon National Park’s North Rim Section
Visiting the Grand Canyon may sound a little cliché. But the fact that it’s one of the most iconic sights in the USA. And a natural wonder if the world makes it a must-see in your Arizona bucket list.
If you’re the type of traveler who likes to do things a little differently and would much rather avoid the crowds, you’ll be delighted to know that you can totally visit the Grand Canyon and do things a little differently than most travelers do. While most visitors focus on the South Rim of the canyon, there are actually a ton of off-the-beaten-path trails and activities on the lesser-visited North Rim. This region of the park is considered a bit more adventurous and is often overlooked by tourists. Which means you’ll get to experience the Grand Canyon in a more secluded way!
If you visit Arizona in the winter and want to take a visit to the Grand Canyon, make sure to pack winter clothes. The elevation is much higher and winter happens quite a bit more than other areas of the state.
6. Antelope Canyon
Arizona is home to some seriously stunning slot canyons. And Antelope Canyon might just be the king of them all. This stunning canyon was created by harsh floods flowing into the cracks of sandstone in the area. Which created a spectacular swirl of colors that brim to life when light reflects off the rocks. With light beams brimming from high canyon walls, Antelope Canyon may just be one of the most photogenic sights in entire Arizona.
Plus, if you want to get off-the-beaten-path during your visit, you can also check out the lesser-visited adjoining canyon, Lower Antelope Canyon, which is just as stunning but is made up of narrower passageways, so you’ll find yourself twisting and turning to get through the walls.
7. Petrified Forest National Park
7 Bucketlist Destinations to Visit in Arizona
Some 225 million years ago, heavy floods brought trees into the area. Time passed, volcanic eruptions covered the dead trees in silica-rich ash. And the logs were petrified and buried for centuries to come. Today, the logs have been exposed again. Making the entire scene looks like a rainbow of sparkly colors that will have your jaw dropping right on the ground.
A few must-dos while visiting Petrified Forest include checking out Crystal Forest, where colorful logs adorn the path, walking along the rim to check out the stunning views of the park’s Painted Desert, and hiking the alluring Blue Mesa Trail, where you’ll get to walk through badlands that look as they belong in a completely different planet. If you’re keen on a really spectacular sight, make sure you also walk down the Giant Logs Trail. Which does get a bit crowded but boasts a display of the largest logs in the park.
Moreover, if you’re interested in learning more about the region’s Native American heritage, make sure to pay Newspaper Rock a visit. While here, you’ll get to see a display of over 600 petroglyphs, some of which are as old as two thousand years!
I hope this list of the best destinations in Arizona helped you come up with the perfect road trip itinerary! Even though Arizona is home to a vast array of things to see, these seven spots are the perfect place to start getting a taste of Arizona’s desert magic.
Have you ever visited Arizona? I can’t lie, there are a few places on this list still on my own bucketlist! What are some other incredible destinations that are musts in everyone’s itinerary? Let me know your favorite spots in the comments section below!
sandstone spires that pierce the skies are only a few of the highlights this enchanting region of Utah has to offer. Although a whole week can be devoted to visiting the Moab region, the main sights can be seen in two days in both Canyonlands National Park and Arches National.
the cliffs, ruins of complex structures and dwellings built way back by ancestral Puebloans are today open to visitors. 
should have enough time to drive a section of the viewpoints and might even be able to fit in a short hike below the rim. A top one here is the trail that leads to Ooh Aah Point, which is only a 1.8-mile round trip and provides sweeping vistas of the canyon. 
Pauite people who once inhabited the region. Once you’re acquainted with Zion’s past, set off to conquer a few more desert trails. A lot of the trails in Zion are short, relatively easy, and absolutely stunning, so you can do several of them in just a few hours. 
orange, and pink.
as close as you can get to it. Think enormous sandstone spires towering high above the sky, weird rock formations lining the panorama, and red rock canyons decorating the scenery to get a pretty good idea of what visiting Moab’s national parks is like. 
coated in hues of pink, red, and orange? Yes, please! 
Tularosa Basin, this national park is home to 275 square miles of wave-like dunes of gypsum sand. This makes it the world’s largest gypsum dune field. 
incredible landscape was formed. Desert spires piercing right through the clouds, striking river canyons. And labyrinths of red rock formations are just a few of the sights that make Sedona such an awe-inspiring place to witness.
in the Southwest, especially if you’re keen on learning about the native history of the area. 
plenty of wonderful things to see and do.
majestic landscape was formed. With enormous desert spires lining the landscape, river canyons as far as the eye can see. And a maze of red rock formations, a visit to Sedona is as awe-inspiring as it can get.
border of Arizona and Utah, it may just be one of the most sought-after hiking trails in the entire world. 
king of them all. This stunning canyon was created by harsh floods flowing into the cracks of sandstone in the area. Which created a spectacular swirl of colors that brim to life when light reflects off the rocks. With light beams brimming from high canyon walls, Antelope Canyon may just be one of the most photogenic sights in entire Arizona.
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