The Ultimate Southwest Road Trip Itinerary (13 Days + 6 National Parks + Scenic Stops)
Planning the perfect Southwest road trip itinerary? This 13-day route covers the best of the American Southwest, including six national parks, two national monuments, and unforgettable scenic stops across New Mexico, Arizona, and Colorado.
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Starting from North Texas, this itinerary is ideal for travelers who want to experience iconic landscapes like the Grand Canyon, White Sands, and Mesa Verde—all in one epic road trip.
Whether you’re visiting for the first time or planning a return trip, this guide helps you map out a realistic, efficient, and adventure-packed Southwest journey.
What is the best Southwest road trip itinerary?
The best Southwest road trip itinerary includes destinations like Carlsbad Caverns, White Sands, Saguaro, Petrified Forest, Grand Canyon, and Mesa Verde National Parks. A 10–14-day trip allows enough time to explore these iconic locations while also visiting scenic stops like Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend.
Why This Is the Best Southwest Road Trip Itinerary
This isn’t just another list of stops. This itinerary is designed to:
- Maximize your time across New Mexico, Arizona, and Colorado
- Combine iconic landmarks + underrated stops
- Balance hiking, scenic drives, and kid-friendly activities
- Work as a family-friendly Southwest road trip
Southwest Road Trip Route Overview
- Start/End: North Texas
- Duration: 13 Days
- Total Distance: ~3,200+ miles
- States: Texas → New Mexico → Arizona → Colorado → New Mexico → Texas
- National Parks: 6
- National Monuments: 2
- Best For: Families, first-time park hoppers, and scenic road trip lovers
National Parks Covered
- Carlsbad Caverns National Park
- White Sands National Park
- Saguaro National Park
- Petrified Forest National Park
- Grand Canyon National Park
- Mesa Verde National Park
Map of This Southwest Road Trip Route
13-Day Southwest Road Trip Itinerary (Day-by-Day Guide)
Day 1: North Texas to Whites City, New Mexico
Drive: 454 miles | ~7 hours (time zone change)
Place Visited
Carlsbad Caverns National Park
We arrived in the afternoon, too late to enter via the Natural Entrance. Instead, we took the elevator from the Visitor Center to explore the Big Room Self-Guided Trail. Later that evening, we returned for the famous Bat Flight Program, which, unfortunately, was canceled due to lightning.
Entrance Fee
- Free with National Park Pass
- $15 per person (ages 16+)
- Free for ages 15 and under
- Timed-entry reservation required
- Valid for three days
Accommodation & Meals
We stayed at the Rodeway Inn and ate dinner at the Velvet Garter Saloon and Restaurant near the park entrance. Honestly, neither was great—but we came for the caverns.
For better options, consider staying in Carlsbad, about 30 minutes away.
RV travelers should check out Carlsbad RV Park & Campground—clean, well-maintained, and dog-friendly.
Tip: Guadalupe Peak, the highest peak in Texas, is about a 30-minute drive west of Carlsbad Caverns. Consider hiking to Guadalupe Peak on a cool day.
Day 2: Whites City to Alamogordo, New Mexico
Drive: 166 miles · ~3 hours
Places Visited
- Carlsbad Caverns NP (Morning)
We entered through the Natural Entrance, which is steep and strenuous. The elevation change is about 750 feet—equivalent to climbing a 75-story building. This route is not recommended for visitors with heart or respiratory conditions. - New Mexico Museum of Space History (Alamogordo)
Highly recommended—especially if you’re traveling with kids interested in space. - White Sands National Park
One of the world’s great natural wonders. The gypsum sand stays cool and doesn’t stick to your skin—perfect for hiking, walking, or sledding.
Entrance Fees
- Museum: Adults $8 | Seniors $7 | Children $6 | Under 3 free
- White Sands NP: Free with National Park Pass or $25 per vehicle (7 days)
Accommodation & Meals
Plenty of hotel and dining options in Alamogordo. Some hotels even provide snow saucers for use at White Sands.
Day 3: Alamogordo to Tucson, Arizona
Drive: 349 miles · ~5 hours · Time zone change
Places Visited
- White Sands NP (morning return)
- The World’s Largest Pistachio at McGinn’s Farm (fun roadside stop)
- Saguaro National Park (late afternoon or evening visit recommended)
Tip: Summer temperatures at Saguaro NP often exceed 110°F—plan accordingly.
Entrance Fee
- Free with National Park Pass or $25 per vehicle (7 days)
Accommodation & Meals
We stayed at a Hilton near the park for just $69/night (including tax)—the cheapest stay of our trip—plenty of restaurants nearby.
Day 4: Tucson to Holbrook, Arizona
Drive: 237 miles · ~4.5 hours
Place Visited
Petrified Forest National Park
Expect colorful badlands, the Painted Desert, and petrified wood ranging from tiny fragments to massive fossilized trees. This is also the only national park that includes a section of Historic Route 66.
Entrance Fee
- Free with National Park Pass or $25 per vehicle
Accommodation & Meals
Roadside hotels and diners are easy to find in Holbrook.
Day 5: Holbrook to Grand Canyon National Park (South Rim)
Drive: 182 miles · ~3 hours
Places Visited
- Meteor Crater (Winslow)
The best-preserved meteor impact site on Earth. Note: privately owned—National Park Pass not accepted. It was an unexpected stop—and it turned out to be one of the biggest surprises of the trip. - Grand Canyon National Park (South Rim)
Enter via the East Entrance and drive from Desert View to the Village, stopping at viewpoints along the way.
Entrance Fees
- Meteor Crater: Adults $29 | Seniors $27 | Juniors $25 | Kids free
- Grand Canyon NP: Free with pass or $35 per vehicle (7 days)
Accommodation & Meals
We stayed at Yavapai Lodge and dined in the village. On later trips, we also enjoyed camping at Mather Campground.
Day 6: Exploring Grand Canyon National Park
Highlights
- Mather Point
- Rim Trail to Bright Angel Trailhead
- Hermits Rest
- Junior Ranger-led programs
- Sunset at Yaki Point
Tip: Park once and use the free shuttle system. Food inside the park is expensive—consider simple meal prep options.
Day 7: Grand Canyon to Page, Arizona
Drive: 131 miles · ~2.5 hours
Places Visited
- Ooh Aah Point via South Kaibab Trail (morning hike—highly recommended)
- Antelope Canyon (one of the most photographed places in the Southwest. Must book in advance)
Entrance Fee
Upper Antelope Canyon tours start around $92 for adults, plus an $8 Navajo Park fee.
Accommodation & Meals
Page is a major tourist hub near Lake Powell, with many hotels and restaurants.
Tip: You will have time to do the laundry.
Day 8: Page to Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado
Drive: 245 miles · ~4 hours
Places Visited
- Horseshoe Bend Overlook – quick, easy, stunning (parking fee required)
- Four Corners Monument – fun, but not essential unless you’re passing through
- Mesa Verde National Park – home to incredible cliff dwellings
Tip: Reserve cliff dwelling tours immediately. Reservations open 14 days in advance.
Entrance Fees
- Horseshoe Bend Overlook is free. Parking: $5 – motorcycle | $10 – passenger vehicles
- The Four Corners: Adults $8
- Mesa Verde NP: Free with National Park Pass or $30 per vehicle (7 days)
Accommodation & Meals
We stayed at Far View Lodge inside the park—quiet, scenic, and unplugged (no TVs).
Day 9: Exploring Mesa Verde National Park
Highlights
- Cliff Palace ranger-guided tour (must-do)
- Soda Canyon Overlook Trail
- Chapin Mesa Archeological Museum
- Mesa Top Loop Road
- Far View Sites
It’s a completely different experience from the desert parks—more cultural, more historical.
Day 10: Mesa Verde to Santa Fe, New Mexico
Drive: 294 miles · ~5 hours
Places Visited
- Step House (Wetherill Mesa, still in Mesa Verde)
- Evening stroll through downtown Santa Fe
Accommodation & Meals
Lots of hotels and restaurants that will match your budget in Santa Fe.
If you have extra days in Santa Fe, check out the old churches in town, take the scenic drive to Taos, or visit some of the interesting places around Santa Fe & Albuquerque.
Day 11: Santa Fe to Los Alamos, New Mexico
Drive: 34 miles · ~40 minutes
Places Visited
- Loretto Chapel (famous spiral staircase)
- Canyon Road (art galleries + local cultures)
- Bandelier National Monument (walk through the archeological sites and climb into cavates–small human-carved alcoves)
Climbing the ladders to Alcove House was both thrilling and intimidating—I didn’t even attempt to take photos!
Entrance Fees
- Loretto Chapel: Adults $5 | Seniors $4 | Youth $3 | Children under 7 free.
- Bandelier NM: Free with National Park Pass or $25 per private vehicle (7 days)
Accommodation & Meals
We moved to Albuquerque to get closer to the places we visited the next day. Lots of hotels and restaurants that will match your budget. In Santa Fe, we had lunch at Cowgirl BBQ.
Day 12: Santa Fe to Albuquerque, New Mexico
Drive: 64 miles · ~1 hour
Places Visited
- Petroglyph National Monument (do Junior Ranger Program–finding petroglyphs on volcanic rocks)
- Explora Science Center (science center and children’s museum, hands-on activities)
- New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science (take a journey through billions of years of New Mexico’s natural history)
Perfect stops for families and curious minds of all ages; a balance after several intense hiking days.
Entrance Fees
- Petroglyph NM: Free with paid parking.
- Explora: Children under 1 free | Children $7 | Adults $11 | Seniors $8 | Students or Military (with ID) $8.
- New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science: Adults $14 | Seniors $12 | Youth $12 | Children $10 | Tots free.
Tip: Check with Explora and the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science to see if they accept your local children’s or science museum membership card.
Day 13: Albuquerque to North Texas
Drive: 644 miles · ~9.5 hours · Time zone change
Total Cost Breakdown (Realistic Budget)
Estimated costs for a family:
- National Park Pass: $80
- Gas: $700–$900
- Hotels: $1,200–$2,500
- Food: $500–$1,000
- Tours (Antelope Canyon, etc.): $500–$700
Tips for Planning a Southwest Road Trip
- Buy a National Park Pass ($80)—it pays for itself quickly
- Book lodging early, especially near the Grand Canyon
- Reserve tours (Antelope Canyon, Mesa Verde) in advance
- Start outdoor activities early in summer to avoid extreme heat
- Use shuttle systems where available
- Stay flexible—this is a long but incredibly rewarding trip
- Mix nature + fun stops (kids won’t burn out)
Best Time for a Southwest Road Trip
- Spring & Fall: Ideal weather
- Summer: Extremely hot (especially at Saguaro National Park)
- Winter: Fewer crowds, but snow possible in Colorado
Packing List for a Southwest Road Trip
- Reusable water bottles (essential in desert heat)
- Sunscreen + hat
- Lightweight hiking shoes
- Sand sled (or buy at White Sands National Park)
- Offline maps
What We’d Do Differently
- Add an extra night at Grand Canyon National Park
- Stay in better lodging near Carlsbad
- Spend less time driving, more time exploring
Is This Southwest Road Trip Worth It?
100% yes.
From the surreal dunes of White Sands National Park to the ancient cliff dwellings of Mesa Verde National Park, every stop offers something completely different.
This is not just a road trip.
It’s an experience that stays with you.
FAQs About Southwest Road Trips
How many days do you need for a Southwest road trip?
Ideally, 10 to 14 days allows you to visit multiple national parks without rushing.
What is the best time for a Southwest road trip?
Spring and fall offer the best weather. Summer is doable but extremely hot, especially in Arizona.
Do you need a National Park Pass?
Yes. If visiting multiple parks, the $80 pass quickly pays for itself.
Is this itinerary family-friendly?
Yes. This route includes kid-friendly stops like White Sands, museums, and Junior Ranger programs.
This sounds like a great road trip in the southwest. You sure did see a lot in 13 days. But I can see why the trip was memorable. You have added a few National Parks to my list for when we are in that area next. We did not book a slot in advance for Antelope Canyon so missed out on that treat. A good reason to go back.
Antelope Canyon is worldly famous now. It’s getting harder to get a spot. So, a better planning for next visit.
Wow! You really did pack SO MUCH into your 13-day Southwest itinerary! And, as always, you’ve provided such thorough information as well. I’ve managed to hit a few of these places (the beautiful Grand Canyon, Antelope Canyon, Saguaro National Park, and the Petrified Forest), but there’s still so much to see of the incredible geological diversity in these regions of the US. I am keen to head to Horseshoe Bend and White Sands National Monument — especially after reading your post. Thanks for sharing!
Friends always thought we’re crazy to do all that in 13 days. But, we’re not the type who likes to stay or swim in the hotel during vacation. I will go back again and again to this region since there are so much to see and do!
Can you belivebit people travel the world to find the worlds wonders and it is right here in the USA. I need to make this a new aroundbtge USA trip soon.
Haha… You got it right!
Hi Amy! I’m not sure whether White Sands looks like silicon, but it didn’t stick to your body at all. There are still lots of nature in the southwest that we need to explore. I think the whole summer won’t be enough.
Have always been amazed by the sheer range and beauty of the National Parks of USA. The parks of the Southwest all seem to have a wild sort of beauty that looks so spectacular. You must have had a great experience visiting these Parks. I have read a lot about Grand Canyon and Antelope Canyon, but many of the others are relatively lesser known gems.
It still amazes me until today, Sandy. I still want to revisit those parks, again and again. Hope one day you will get a chance to visit these parks.
This looks like a great road trip. I love the US National parks but I haven’t been to any of them in the south west. I’m keeping this itinerary because we may be visiting the US again next year.
I’m glad you found this itinerary helpful. Hope it will help you a lot for your next visit.
This is my dream vacation! I would love to take my family on this road trip. Thanks for the great itinerary – it will be so helpful!
Good! I’m glad you found it helpful!
The Grand Canyon and Horseshoe Bend has always been high on our list of places to stay in the USA. We don’t really have anything like this in Australia except for Uluru in the Northern Territory. Thanks for sharing this great information. Now, we just have to book flights and travel.
I hope one day you will make it to Grand Canyon and Horseshoe Bend, like I want to visit Uluru.
We’re big fans of the National Parks, so this is something we’d love to do. I’ve been to most of the Arizona places you listed (we live in Phoenix) except for Saguaro National Park. That’s on my list for this year. My boyfriend has never been to the Grand Canyon, so that might be on our list for this year too.
I wish Texas has more NP or NM like Arizona, so we can use America the Beautiful pass all the time in a year.
Wow! This is such a gorgeous part of our diverse landscape of the U.S. This is one area I’ve haven’t been to yet. Thanks for all the info and details! 😉
shan
The How-to Guru
You are welcome! I hope you will make the trip there in the future.
Aww… Make sure you put Antelope Canyon in your `next trip.
You are welcome!
Ah we have been to some of the same places! I loved White Sands!
White Sands was fun, but visitors have to make sure they follow the rules.
There are so many places here that I wish I visited when I was in the US. Adding to the bucketlist! Thanks so much! Looks wonderful.
I hope you can make it next time you come.
I always love your photos!
The South West is a bit far from me (we live in Canada and didn’t buy a car yet…) but if we ever do a US road trip, i’d love to visit these parks! You have such stunning wilderness in the US.
I hope one day you will make a visit there. On the other hand, visiting national parks in Canada is in our list. I wonder how many weeks do we need?
Wow, this trip looks awesome! The itinerary is so helpful too because I wouldn’t even know where to begin. I’d love to do this though!
Thank you! I hope it will help you when it’s time to make the trip there.