The Southwest USA is full of natural beauty and great places to explore. A road trip is the best way to see it all – from deep canyons and desert landscapes to forested valleys and mountain views. Last year, we did this 2-week USA road trip in autumn, starting in Los Angeles, stopping in Las Vegas, and finishing in San Francisco. Along the way, we visited some of the most famous national parks in the country: Grand Canyon, Monument Valley, Bryce Canyon, Zion, Death Valley and Yosemite.
This itinerary covers a lot in two weeks (including sights in California, Nevada, Utah and Arizona states), but it’s easy to adjust depending on your interests and how much time you have. You could add a day or two to explore LA or San Francisco, or change the order of the stops to suit your route. It’s a flexible plan that works well for families, especially if you enjoy nature, scenic drives and a mix of city and outdoor experiences.
2-Week Southwest USA Itinerary at a Glance:
- Day 1 – Los Angeles, California
- Day 2 – Los Angeles to Las Vegas
- Day 3 – Las Vegas, Nevada and around (Red Rock Canyon, Hoover Dam)
- Day 4 and 5 – Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
- Day 6 – Monument Valley, Utah, Page and Horseshoe Bend, Arizona
- Day 7 – Bryce Canyon and Red Canyon, Utah
- Day 8 – Zion National Park, Utah
- Day 9 and 10 – Valley of Fire, Nevada and Death Valley National Park, California
- Day 11 and 12 – Yosemite National Park, California
- Day 13 and 14 – San Francisco, California
Day 1 – Los Angeles
Our 2-week USA road trip began in Los Angeles, where we flew in directly from Auckland, New Zealand. It was our first time in LA, so we spent three days exploring the city and visiting some of its most famous sights. If you have time, we recommend checking out a few of the following:
Griffith Observatory and Park – A great park with scenic views over the city. Entry to the observatory is free, and our boys really enjoyed it. Even if you’re travelling without kids, it’s well worth a visit.
Hollywood Boulevard – Walk along the famous Walk of Fame, see the TCL Chinese Theatre and spot the stars along the pavement.
Beverly Hills – Wander through the leafy suburbs, visit Beverly Gardens Park, stroll down Rodeo Drive, and stop by the Beverly Wilshire Hotel.
Downtown LA – Walk at Gloria Molina Grand Park, see Walt Disney Concert Hall, stop at One California Plaza, take Angels Flight Railway, see Bradbury Building, Los Angeles City Hall and park, and Union Station. It’s a good way to see the mix of architecture and city life.
California Science Center – This was a highlight for our boys and a hit with the whole family. The Endeavour space shuttle, military aeroplanes, space capsules and other exhibits were fascinating.
Santa Monica & Venice Beach – Visit the Santa Monica Pier and Route 66 sign, walk through Palisades Park, browse Santa Monica Place (a three-storey open-air mall), and enjoy the shops and street performers along 3rd Street Promenade. Venice Beach is nearby and a must-visit too.
Museums in Los Angeles
Other museums worth considering, depending on your interests:
Petersen Automotive Museum – One of the largest car museums in the world.
Battleship USS Iowa Museum – A historic naval ship with interactive exhibits.
Academy Museum of Motion Pictures – A modern museum dedicated to film history.
LA Brea Tar Pits – The tar pits and grounds are free to visit; the museum has an entry fee.
B. Gerald Cantor Sculpture Garden – Located near the Tar Pits and La Brea.
The Getty – A free art museum with beautiful gardens and views.
Day 2 – Lost Angeles to Las Vegas
After a few days in LA, it was time to hit the road. We picked up our rental car from Union Station in downtown Los Angeles and left around 9:30am, just after the morning traffic. The drive to Las Vegas takes about 4.5 hours, but there are a few interesting stops along the way if you want to break up the journey.
Optional stops between LA and Las Vegas:
Mormon Rocks – Just outside LA, a short and easy 1.6 km loop walk among rock formations.
Calico Ghost Town – A small restored Wild West-style town with a few old buildings to explore.
Baker – A quirky desert town with alien-themed shops. We stopped for food and visited the Alien Fresh Jerky store.
Just before entering Las Vegas, don’t miss the Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign – a fun photo stop and a classic way to mark your arrival.
We arrived in the afternoon and checked into our hotel. It was our first time in Las Vegas, and we wanted to make the most of it – plus impress the boys with something fun – so we stayed at Excalibur on the Strip. It had plenty of sparkle, entertainment, and outdoor pools, which were perfect in the warm weather. If you’re looking for something more budget-friendly or practical, there are lots of hotel options off the Strip too.
We spent a couple of hours relaxing by the pool, then headed out to explore the Strip in the evening.
Tip: If you’re planning to visit several places along the Strip, be prepared for a lot of walking – comfortable shoes are a must!
Exploring The Strip
Over two evenings in Las Vegas, we visited a mix of family-friendly sights, free shows and themed hotels. Here are some of the highlights:
Luxor Hotel – Pyramid-shaped hotel with Egyptian-themed decor.
New York New York – NYC-style skyline, roller coaster and themed interiors.
Paris Las Vegas Hotel – Eiffel Tower light show every 30 minutes after sunset, plus a viewing deck.
The Venetian Hotel – Venice-themed hotel with canals, gondolas and painted ceilings.
Circus Circus Hotel – Family-friendly hotel with indoor theme park and circus acts.
Miracle Mile Shops – Indoor mall with shops, restaurants, and free Rainstorm and Fountain shows.
Bellagio Fountains – Famous water show set to music, great in the evening.
Caesars Palace & The Forum Shops – Roman-themed hotel and shopping centre with the free Fall of Atlantis show.
Flamingo Wildlife Habitat – Free mini zoo with flamingos, parrots and small ponds.
Volcano Show at Mirage Hotel – Fire and water show with music, runs in the evenings.
Lake of Dreams Show at Wynn Hotel – Night-time light and water show with music and projections.
Day 3 – Las Vegas and Around
In the morning, head out to explore a few sights near Las Vegas.
Red Rock Canyon
Start with Red Rock Canyon, just a short drive from the city. The Scenic Loop Drive is a one-way route that takes about an hour, with plenty of stops along the way for photos and views. It’s a great way to see the desert landscape without straying too far from town.
Hoover Dam
Next, drive to Hoover Dam. Stop at the Boulder Dam Bridge parking area and walk across the bridge – the views are impressive and it’s free. Then drive to the other side of the dam and stop at a couple of lookouts there.
On the way to Hoover Dam, I asked my son if he’d heard of Hoover Dam. He said, “Sure – the one, where they kept Megatron from the Transformers movie!” 🙂
Evening in Las Vegas
In the afternoon, return to Las Vegas and explore more of the Strip. You could visit Fremont Street, the oldest street in the city, or check out the High Roller – a giant ferris wheel with great views. The Sphere is another new attraction worth seeing. And if you’re tired of walking, the Las Vegas Monorail is a handy way to get around.
Spend another night in Las Vegas, and the next morning, it’s time to head out and explore some of the Southwest USA’s most scenic national parks.
Day 4 – From Las Vegas to Grand Canyon
Leave Las Vegas early and drive to Grand Canyon National Park. It’s about 4.5 hours from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon Village, so it’s worth making a stop or two along the way to stretch your legs or grab a coffee – towns like Kingman or Williams are good options.
We arrived at our hotel – Grand Canyon Plaza Hotel – in the afternoon, checked in, got changed and headed straight out to explore the park.
Start by parking at the Grand Canyon Visitor Center and taking a short walk to Mather Point, then continue to Yavapai Point. Both are excellent viewing spots and popular places to catch the sunset.
To see more of the park, use the free shuttle service. We took the Hermit Road (Red) Route, which is an 80-minute round trip. We parked just before the entrance to Hermit Road and hopped on the bus from there. Outbound buses stop at all nine overlooks, while the return buses stop at just four: Hermits Rest, Pima Point, Mohave Point, and Powell Point. You can hop on and off as much as you like to explore the viewpoints. Keep in mind, the last shuttle bus leaves 30 minutes after sunset, so keep an eye on the time.
Finish the day watching the sunset at Mather Point or Yavapai Point.
Day 5 – Grand Canyon National Park
Spend the day exploring more of Grand Canyon National Park. There are plenty of options – from longer hikes down into the canyon to shorter walks and scenic viewpoints accessible by shuttle or car.
Grand Canyon Viewpoints
If you’re short on time or travelling with kids, we recommend focusing on a few key spots along the South Rim.
Along Hermit Road (Red Route):
Powell Point – Wide views and a historic marker.
Hopi Point – One of the best spots for sunset.
Pima Point – Great views of the Colorado River.
These stops are all part of the Hermit Road shuttle route, which you can hop on and off throughout the day.
Along Desert View Drive (by car):
Duck on a Rock Viewpoint – A rock formation that looks like a duck.
Grandview Point – Panoramic views and a quieter spot.
Moran Point – Another beautiful viewpoint with layered canyon views.
Navajo Point – The highest viewpoint on the South Rim.
Desert View Watchtower – Open 9am to 5pm, free to enter. Climb to the top for a different perspective.
Longer hikes and trails down into the canyon:
South Kaibab Trail to Cedar Ridge – A popular half-day hike with stunning views. It’s about 4.8 km return and takes around 2-3 hours. The trail is steep and exposed, so bring water and sun protection.
Bright Angel Trail to Indian Garden – A more challenging option, around 14.5 km return and takes 6-9 hours. It’s well-maintained and has water stations (seasonal), but still requires good fitness and preparation.
Rim Trail – If you prefer staying on top, this mostly flat trail runs along the South Rim with great views. You can walk short sections between shuttle stops.
Day 6 – Monument Valley, Page and Horseshoe Bend
Monument Valley
On Day 6 of our 2-week USA road trip, we drove to Monument Valley – famous for its dramatic desert scenery and iconic views from old Western films.
Start by heading to the Monument Valley Tribal Park Visitor Center, where you pay the entrance fee and begin the loop drive. Note: Monument Valley isn’t part of the National Park system, so the entry fee isn’t covered by the National Parks Pass.
Tip: There’s an option to take a guided tour in an open-air truck, but we wouldn’t recommend it if you’re visiting in a hot month. It gets extremely hot and dusty, and the loop road is often sandy and bumpy – not the most comfortable experience.
Driving the full loop takes around 1.5 hours, depending on how many stops you make. Be sure to visit the famous John Ford Point – a great photo spot, and there’s a small kiosk where you can try Navajo fry bread.
We made several stops along the loop for sightseeing and photos, but even in September it was very hot and sunny. We didn’t do any long walks and stayed close to the air-conditioned car.
After finishing the loop and leaving the Monument Valley park, consider a short detour to Forrest Gump Point – about a 20-minute drive one way from the visitor center – to take a photo at the spot made famous by the movie.
Page
After visiting Monument Valley, continue on to Page, a small town near Lake Powell with a few great spots worth seeing.
Start with a short stop at the Glen Canyon Dam Overlook – an easy walk from the car park with views over the dam and the Colorado River.
Next, visit Horseshoe Bend. There’s a small entrance fee, and the walk from the car park is about 2.5 km return. It’s a well-maintained trail with a gentle incline, and the views at the end are impressive – a dramatic curve in the river surrounded by steep canyon walls.
Finally, stop at Navajo Mountain Viewpoint, where you’ll get wide views over the rocky desert landscape and the deep blue waters of Lake Powell.
Spend the night in Page before continuing your road trip the next morning.
Day 7 – Bryce Canyon and Red Canyon
Red Canyon
In the morning, drive towards Bryce Canyon City. The journey takes about 2.5 hours, and it’s worth making a stop at Red Canyon along the way.
Pull over at Red Canyon Arch, right by the roadside, for a quick photo. Then stretch your legs on the Photo Trail – a short and scenic 0.5 km out-and-back walk that climbs to a ridge with views over Red Canyon to the east and the Sevier River Valley to the west.
Bryce Canyon National Park
Continue on to Bryce Canyon City, where you can stop for lunch before heading into the park.
Bryce Canyon National Park is a truly unique place – full of colourful rock formations, narrow spires (called hoodoos), and sweeping views. We absolutely loved it!
Start with a visit to Inspiration Point, a short but steep walk up to a viewpoint with dramatic scenery. Then drive the park road to Rainbow Point, stopping at several lookout points along the way.
Be sure to walk the Sunset Point and Navajo Loop Trail – a 1-2 hour loop with moderate difficulty. It takes you down into the canyon among the hoodoos and then back up to the rim. It’s one of the best ways to experience the park up close.
Spend the night in Bryce Canyon City or nearby.
Day 8 – Zion National Park
It’s just under a 2-hour drive from Bryce Canyon City to the entrance of Zion National Park – another highlight of our trip and a place full of dramatic views and great walking tracks.
There are many trails and viewpoints to explore in Zion, but you should be able explore at least the following within one day:
Checkerboard Mesa Viewpoint – A quick roadside stop with views of the unique striped rock formations.
Canyon Overlook Trail – A 1.5 km return walk with steep sections and fantastic views. Coming from Springdale, you’ll find the parking lot just after the tunnel on the right; the trail starts across the road.
Zion Canyon Visitor Center – Park your car here and use the free shuttle to explore the main canyon. It’s also a good spot for a snack or lunch before heading out.
Easy walks from shuttle stops:
Riverside Walk – 3 km return (about 45 minutes), flat and scenic. Shuttle stop: Temple of Sinawava.
Weeping Rock Trail – 0.5 km return, short and easy. Shuttle stop: Weeping Rock.
Lower Emerald Pools Trail – 2.3 km return, gentle walk with views of waterfalls and pools. Shuttle stop: Zion Lodge.
After a full day in Zion, stay the night in one of the nearby towns. We stayed in St. George, which worked well for continuing the trip early the next morning.
Day 9 – Valley of Fire and Death Valley National Park
Valley of Fire
Start the day with a drive to Valley of Fire State Park – just over an hour from St. George or Zion National Park. While it’s not as well-known as Zion, Bryce or the Grand Canyon, Valley of Fire absolutely amazed us with its otherworldly landscapes, deep red rocks and dramatic formations. If you’re travelling in the area or staying in Las Vegas (less than an hour away), it’s definitely worth a visit.
Drive along the Valley of Fire Highway and make stops at a few key spots:
Elephant Rock – Visible from the car park, or take a short walk for a better view.
Seven Sisters – A cluster of striking rock formations.
Fire Wave Trail – A 2.4 km return walk (about 30 minutes) across smooth sandstone with wavy red and white stripes – truly unique scenery.
Arch Rock – A natural stone arch, easy to access.
Tip: It can get extremely hot here, even in shoulder seasons. Stop at the Visitor Center to cool down, grab a drink and take a short break.
Death Valley National Park
After exploring Valley of Fire, continue your drive to Death Valley National Park. Unfortunately, when we visited, the park had just experienced major flooding and was closed – despite careful planning, we weren’t able to see it. But here’s what we had planned for the first day:
Badwater Basin Salt Flats – The lowest point in North America. You can walk out as far as you like; to reach the pristine salt flats, it’s about a 20-minute walk one way. It’s also a great spot for stargazing.
Artist’s Palette – Colourful hills and rock formations, visible from the car park. A short 15-minute walk gets you closer. This stop is on a one-way road, so it’s best visited after Badwater Basin, on the way back.
Spend the night at one of the few hotels in or near Death Valley – options are limited, so it’s worth booking ahead.
Day 10 – Death Valley National Park
Spend most of the day exploring Death Valley National Park, one of the most extreme and fascinating landscapes in the USA. Depending on your time and interests, here are a few places we recommend:
Badwater Basin Salt Flats and Artist’s Palette as described above.
Dante’s View – A high viewpoint with dramatic views over the valley.
Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes – A 2-3 km loop, depending on how many dunes you climb. Especially beautiful around sunset.
Father Crowley Overlook – A viewpoint near the western entrance to the park. It’s known as “Star Wars Canyon” or “Rainbow Canyon,” where military pilots sometimes train. There’s also a short 2 km return walk if you want to explore further. This was a must-stop for us – my older son is a fan of both Star Wars and American fighter jets, so it ticked all the boxes.
Tip: Be well prepared when visiting Death Valley. Hotel and food options are limited, and daytime temperatures can be extremely hot – even in shoulder seasons. Bring plenty of water, sun protection, and dress appropriately. Nights can be surprisingly cold, so pack layers.
After exploring the park, head out in the direction of Yosemite National Park. There are several towns along the way where you can stop for the night, such as Lone Pine or Bishop as good options.
Day 11 and 12 – Yosemite National Park
We spent two full days exploring Yosemite National Park, and it was well worth it – there’s so much to see, from glacier lakes and waterfalls to giant sequoias and panoramic viewpoints.
Along Tioga Road
If you’re arriving from the east entrance, start with the sights along Tioga Road:
Olmsted Point – A short 0.6 km out-and-back walk (about 10 minutes) with wide views of Half Dome, Clouds Rest, and Tenaya Lake.
Tenaya Lake – Stop at the Picnic Area on the south side, then drive around to the north side for more views of this peaceful glacier lake.
Yosemite Valley Vista Point – A good roadside stop for a first glimpse of the valley.
Yosemite Valley
Next, explore the area around Yosemite Valley Village. Follow Southside Drive (one-way):
Yosemite Valley Vista Point and Big Oak Flat Road Vista Point – Both offer great views of the valley.
Bridalveil Fall – A short 1.9 km return walk (about 25 minutes) to the base of this 189-metre waterfall.
Sentinel Beach Picnic Area – A quiet spot by the river with lovely views.
Swinging Bridge Picnic Area – Another nice stop for a break or a short walk.
Sentinel Bridge Parking Area – Good views of Half Dome from the bridge.
From here, walk the Mirror Lake Trail. Park at the trailhead and choose between the short loop (about 50 minutes return) or the longer loop past Tenaya Creek Bridge if you’re up for more walking.
Return via Northside Drive (also one-way):
Lower Yosemite Falls – A short 0.8 km return walk (about 15 minutes) to the viewpoint. It’s the tallest waterfall in North America, but it can be dry in autumn – so check conditions before you go.
Yosemite Valley View – A final stop with classic views of the valley and river.
Along Glacier Point Road
Next, explore the sights along Glacier Point Road:
Sentinel Dome – A 3.5 km return walk with 360-degree views from the top.
Taft Point – Another 3.5 km return walk to a dramatic cliff-edge viewpoint.
Washburn Point – Just off the road, with about 20 stair steps to reach the lookout.
Finish with a visit to Mariposa Grove, home to some of the world’s oldest and largest giant sequoias:
Mariposa Grove Trail – A 3.5 km return walk past the Tunnel Tree and other impressive sequoias.
Yosemite has countless trails, viewpoints and picnic spots, so we dedicated two full days to exploring it – and still felt there was more to see.
Day 13 and 14 – San Francisco
It’s roughly a 4-hour drive from Yosemite Valley to San Francisco. We spent the final two days of our 2-week USA road trip exploring this vibrant city before flying home to New Zealand.
Depending on your interests and how much time you have, here are a few places we recommend:
Yerba Buena Gardens – A small urban park near the shopping mall, with fountains, sculptures and space to relax.
Transamerica Pyramid – The tallest building in San Francisco. You can walk closer for a photo, or admire it from a distance.
Coit Tower – Located on Telegraph Hill, offering panoramic views over the city and bay.
Lombard Street – Known as one of the most crooked streets in the world, with tight turns and flowerbeds.
Cable Car Ride to Powell Street – A fun way to travel through the city and enjoy the views.
California Academy of Sciences – A family-friendly museum with an aquarium, planetarium and natural history exhibits, located in Golden Gate Park.
Painted Ladies – A row of colourful Victorian houses near Alamo Square. Great photo spot and nice area for a walk.
Piers and Waterfront
Rincon Park – A waterfront park with views of the Bay Bridge and the famous bow-and-arrow sculpture.
Ferry Building – Historic terminal with food stalls, local produce and great views of the bay.
Pier 35 – Stop by to see the USS O’Brien, a restored World War II ship turned museum.
Sea Lion Viewing Area (Pier 39) – Watch the sea lions lounging and barking on the docks – fun for kids and adults alike.
USS Pampanito Museum – A WWII submarine docked at Fisherman’s Wharf, open for tours. Our boys loved exploring the old submarine!
Hyde Street Pier – A historic pier with several old ships you can explore.
Pier 39 – A lively area with restaurants, shops and street performers. We stopped there for lunch at one of the cafes serving fresh sea food (with French fries on a side).
Ghirardelli Square – A historic square with shops and the famous chocolate store, a good spot for a treat.
Golden Gate Bridge – Iconic landmark. You can walk part of it or view it from several lookout points. A must see for any first-time visitor to San Francisco.
Wrapping Up: Our 2-Week USA Road Trip Itinerary
This brings us to the end of our 2-week USA road trip – a journey packed with unforgettable landscapes, iconic sights, and plenty of family memories. We covered a lot of ground in two weeks, but it felt like a well-balanced itinerary: full enough to make the most of our time, yet flexible enough to enjoy each stop without rushing. From scenic drives and photo stops to walking trails and national parks, we found a rhythm that worked for us.
Of course, there were places we could have easily spent twice as long – and we’ll save those for next time. We’d love to return to explore more national parks near Los Angeles, hike deeper into the Grand Canyon when our boys are older, or visit Yosemite in spring to see snow capped peaks.
We hope this itinerary helps you plan your own USA road trip – whether you’re visiting for the first time or looking for fresh ideas and inspiration. Feel free to adapt it to suit your pace, interests and travel style. The Southwest of USA has so much to offer, and every journey will be a little different.
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This trip looks great, with so much sightseeing packed in two weeks!