The ultimate road trip through the southwestern USA

Day 1-2: Las Vegas

You begin your road trip adventure in the "Entertainment Capital of the World," Las Vegas. Try your luck in the casinos, stroll among the luxurious hotels along the Las Vegas Strip, or catch a Broadway musical in a theater. In the evening, dive into the city's nightlife, where it seems like no one ever slows down, or head to bed early to get a fresh start for tomorrow’s adventures in nature.

^{Photo: Grant Cai / Unsplash}

Day 2-4: Grand Canyon South Rim

Trade the hustle and bustle of Las Vegas for the iconic Grand Canyon. You’ll view the canyon from the South Rim, where you’ll find viewpoints like Pima Point, Yaki Point, and Grandview Point. The views are even more spectacular during the golden hour around sunrise and sunset. There are beautiful hiking opportunities, including the Bright Angel Trail and the South Kaibab Trail.

_{Photo: Omer Nezih Gerek / Unsplash}

Day 4-7: Zion National Park

For the next three days, explore Zion National Park, known for its stunning red rock formations. Enjoy the views from the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. Admire the impressive Zion Canyon, a deep gorge carved by the Virgin River. If you’re not afraid of heights, hike the Angels Landing Trail along a narrow ridge. Craving some greenery after all that dryness? Take a hike on the Emerald Pools Trail.

^{Photo: sterlinglanier Lanier / Unsplash}

Day 7-9: Tecopa

Spend two nights in Tecopa in the Mojave Desert. You’ll reach the village via Route 66 through the desert. During your stay, enjoy hiking or biking trips through the surrounding landscape. Bring your nature guide to identify the desert flora. Then, relax in the hot springs that the area is famous for.

^{Photo: Mojave Desert / Will Truettner / Unsplash}

Day 9-12: Three Rivers

From the town of Three Rivers in the Sierra Nevada mountains, discover Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park. This area is known for its tall and wide giant sequoias, particularly in Giant Forest. Hike to the General Sherman Tree, the largest tree in the world. Also, visit Kings Canyon, which is deeper than the Grand Canyon, and enjoy the views over the Sierra Nevada from the lookout points.

^{Photo: Seqoia National Park / Zachary Tan / Unsplash}

Day 12-15: Yosemite National Park

A road trip through the Southwestern USA wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Yosemite National Park. The lush Yosemite Valley was carved by a glacier and is surrounded by steep granite cliffs. The most famous of these cliffs is El Capitan, a challenge even for the world’s best climbers. Looking for a challenge? Climb to the top of the iconic granite dome, Half Dome. You’ll also visit the 740-meter-high Yosemite Falls.

^{Poto: Dave Herring / Unsplash}

Day 15-17: San Francisco

Spend two nights in the vibrant city of San Francisco. You can choose to explore the culture of the city or seek tranquility by the ocean. Enjoy the sun on the beach or go out on the water with a guide to spot marine animals. For example, take a boat trip to the Farallon Islands to see whales and dolphins.

^{Poto: Maarten van den Heuvel / Unsplash}

Day 17-20: Moss Landing

During your stay in Moss Landing, a picturesque Californian coastal town, you can also spot marine life. In the deep, nutrient-rich trench along the coast, you can see whales and other marine animals year-round. Hop into a kayak to closely observe sea otters and seals or join a larger boat tour with a guide to search for whales.

Day 20-22: Morro Bay

You’ll overnight in the coastal town of Morro Bay, from where you can visit the volcanic hill Morro Rock. The large rock in the sea resembles a turtle's shell and is over 21 million years old. Along the coastline and in the wetlands of Morro Bay, you can spot many species of birds. Want to see the coast from a new perspective? Get on a surfboard and take on the waves.

^{Poto: Luke Dahlgren / Unsplash}

Day 22-25: Santa Barbara

In the final days of your trip, enjoy a Mediterranean-style experience in Santa Barbara. Here you’ll find houses reminiscent of the Côte d'Azur and paradise-like beaches. Enjoy a picnic on the sand or dance on a surfboard in the waves. This way, you can return home with a sun-kissed glow.

^{Poto: OC Gonzalez / Unsplash}

This article was written in collaboration with Little America. Is a road trip through the Southwestern USA on your bucket list? Check out their website for more travel inspiration >