Ultimate Trips Out West Itinerary: 14-Day National Parks Road Trip Guide

Trips out west are on almost every road tripper’s bucket list—and for good reason. Who doesn’t dream of hiking to Delicate Arch in Utah or watching Old Faithful shoot steaming water high into the air?

Our family finally made that dream happen during a summer road trip in 2015. Since then, we’ve returned to the region more than once—including a memorable drive from Denver to Moab—and still, we feel like we’ve barely scratched the surface.

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That’s the thing about the American West:
no matter how many times you go, there’s always more waiting.

This itinerary is based on that first big adventure—complete with real-life travel hiccups, last-minute planning stress, and a few “let’s just see where the road takes us” moments.

If you’re planning your own trips out west, this guide will help you do it smarter (and with fewer headaches than we had).

Before You Go: A Quick Reality Check

One thing we learned the hard way?

Not everyone travels the same way.

Part of our trip included meeting friends in Utah—but coordinating schedules, expectations, and energy levels wasn’t always easy. Add in last-minute accommodation booking for two families… and let’s just say, it wasn’t exactly relaxing.

By the final stretch of the trip, we ditched reservations altogether and leaned into spontaneity.

And honestly? That’s when the trip got really fun.

👉 Takeaway:
If you’re traveling with others, make sure you’re aligned on:

• Travel pace
• Budget
• Activity level
• Flexibility

It can make or break your trip.

Our Route: Texas to the American West

Starting from North Texas, we crossed New Mexico and looped through:

• Utah
• Idaho
• Wyoming
• Colorado

This 14-day road trip hits multiple national parks, scenic byways, and hidden gems—with plenty of flexibility to adjust based on your timeline.

Highlights:

• Arches National Park
• Canyonlands National Park
• Yellowstone National Park
• Grand Teton National Park
• Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
• Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve

Map of This Trips Out West Route

14-Day Trips Out West Itinerary

Day 1: North Texas → Albuquerque, New Mexico

Drive: ~9.5 hours

Start your journey west with a long but rewarding drive into New Mexico.

Stops:

• Tinkertown Museum
  A quirky, one-of-a-kind museum filled with handmade miniatures and Old West scenes.
• Sandia Peak
  Drive up for sweeping views—but watch for summer storms (we learned that fast).

Fees:

• Tinkertown Museum Adults $7 | Kids (4-16) $3 | Kids under 4 free | Visitors in wheelchairs free
• Sandia Peak Parking is $5 at the top

Where to Stay:

• Camp: Turquoise Trail Campground and RV Park
• Or choose from plenty of hotels in Albuquerque

For future road trips from North Texas to the Texas Panhandle, check out these best stops on the Dallas to Amarillo road trip. If you make another drive to Albuquerque, don’t miss these cool stops between Dallas and Albuquerque.

Day 2: Albuquerque & Santa Fe

Highlights:

• Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument
  A stunning hike through slot canyons to panoramic mesa views—100% worth the climb.
• Loretto Chapel
  Famous for its mysterious spiral staircase.
• Turquoise Trail National Scenic Byway
  Don’t miss Madrid, a funky artist town (and filming location for Wild Hogs).

Food Stop:

• Cowgirl BBQ
  Try the green chile cheeseburger—New Mexico classic.

Fees:

• Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument Adults $20 | Kids (2-16) $10 | Under 2 free
• Loretto Chapel Adults $5 | Seniors (65+) $4 | Youth (7-17) $3 | Chidlren under 7 free

Day 3: Albuquerque → Moab, Utah

Drive: ~6 hours

Stops:

• Wilson Arch
  Quick roadside stop—but surprisingly impressive. Address: Highway 191 south of Moab on BLM land. Less than a mile south of La Sal Junction.
• First glimpse of Arches National Park
  Evening light here is magical—even if you only have time for a short visit.

Fees:

• Wilson Arch free
• Arches NP Free with National Park Pass | $30 per vehicle standard pass | $55 annual pass 

Where to Stay:

• South Gate Village condo
• Or choose from plenty of hotels in Moab

Note: It’s the first day that we met our friend and his family for this trip out west.

Days 4–5: Moab (Arches + Canyonlands)

Moab is one of those places where your plans might not go as expected… especially with kids.

We had grand hiking plans. The kids? Not so much.

Still, we made it work.

Must-See Spots:

• Delicate Arch
  Early morning hike = fewer crowds (and less complaining… maybe). Do it on the second day in Moab.
• The Windows
• Balanced Rock
• Courthouse Towers
• Park Avenue
• Mesa Arch (Canyonlands NP)
• Grand View Point (Canyonlands NP)

A few years later, we went back to Moab with my family, and we could do more. Check out how we spent two days in Arches National Park.

Skip It:

• Hole N” The Rock
  Honestly? Not worth your time.

Fee:

• Canyonlands NP Free with National Park Pass | $30 per vehicle standard pass | $55 annual pass 

Tip: Stop at Moab Rock Shop for a cool break from the afternoon heat.

Day 6: Moab → Salt Lake City

Drive: ~3 hours 45 minutes

Stop:

• Antelope Island State Park
  Floating in the Great Salt Lake sounds fun… until you meet the smell and the flies 😅

Fee:

• $15 per vehicle  

Where to Stay:

• Plenty of hotels in Salt Lake City

Note: We spent a night in Salt Lake City while our friends drove straight home to Logan, north of Salt Lake City, from Moab.

Day 7: Salt Lake City → Logan

Drive: ~1.5 hours

Highlights:

• Temple Square
  Peaceful, educational, and free to visit. If you are there on Thursday, visit the world-famous Tabernacle Choir practice at 7.30 p.m. for free.

Food Stop:

• Lunch at the Garden Restaurant on the 10th floor of Joseph Smith Memorial Building with a view of Temple Square. 

Where to Stay:

Plenty of hotels in Logan.

Day 8: Logan, Utah

Nature Escape:

• Tony Grove Lake
  Alpine scenery that feels like Switzerland (at least in my imagination).

Fee:

• Free

Day 9: Yellowstone Begins

Drive: ~4.5 hours

Destination:

• Yellowstone National Park

Highlights:

• Old Faithful
• Upper Geyser Basin
• Mammoth Hot Springs
• Tower Fall
• Grand Canyon of Yellowstone

Fee:

• Free with National Park Pass | $35 standard pass 

Where to Stay:

• Plenty of hotels on the West Entrance of Yellowstone NP

👉 Pro tip: Book Yellowstone lodging months ahead.

Food:

Bring a picnic lunch. You won’t know whether you’ll be around a restaurant around lunchtime.

Day 10: Yellowstone → Grand Teton → Wyoming

Drive: ~4.5 hours

Stops:

• Yellowstone between the West Entrance and the South Entrance
• Grand Teton National Park
• Jackson Hole

Fee:

• Free with National Park Pass | $35 standard pass

Where to Stay:

• Rock Springs, Wyoming

Note: our friends went back to Logan, Utah, and we continued to Colorado.

Day 11: Wyoming → Colorado

Drive: ~5.5 hours

Stops:

• Flaming Gorge Dam
• Dinosaur National Monument
  See a wall of approximately 1,500 dinosaur bones at the Quarry Exhibit Hall, Utah side. Location: 11625 E 1500 S Jensen, Utah.

Fees:

• Flaming Gorge Dam is free
• Dinosaur National Monument is free with a National Park Pass | $25 standard pass

Where to Stay:

• Delta, Colorado

Driving Tip:

You will drive through Douglas Pass between Rangely and Loma. It is notably steep in some areas and features hairpin turns.

Day 12: Delta → Alamosa

Drive: ~4 hours

Hidden Gem:

• Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
  One of the least visited national parks—and one of the most underrated.

Fee:

• Free with a National Park Pass | $30 standard pass

Where to Stay:

• Plenty of hotels in Alamosa
• Camp: Base Camp Family Campground

Day 13: Alamosa → New Mexico

Stops:

• Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve 
  Great time sledding on sand, just like in White Sands National Park.
• Red River
• Philmont Scout Ranch

Fee:

• Free with a National Park Pass | $25 standard pass

Where to Stay:

• Plenty of hotels in Raton, NM
• Camp: Capulin RV Park, Capulin, NM

Note: We brought our tent, just in case we needed it. Our son decided we had to stay in a tent on our last day of the trip. “Let’s go camping! What’s the point of bringing a tent if we don’t use it?” he said.

Day 14: Capulin → Home

Final Stop:

• Capulin Volcano National Monument
  We’ve been here multiple times—and it never gets old.

Fee:

• Free with a National Park Pass | $20 standard pass

Tips for Planning Your Trips Out West

1. Buy the America the Beautiful Pass

Covers most parks for $80—and pays for itself quickly.

2. Book Early (Especially Yellowstone & Moab)

Last-minute planning = stress (trust me on this one).

3. Stay Flexible

Some of our best memories came from:

• Weather detours
• Random stops
• Unplanned destinations

4. Expect the Unexpected (Especially with Kids)

Your “perfect itinerary” might turn into:

• Snack breaks
• Meltdowns
• Unexpected wins

And that’s okay.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Booking too late
• Overpacking your itinerary
• Underestimating drive times
• Not downloading offline maps
• Traveling with mismatched expectations

FAQ: Trips Out West Road Trip Itinerary

What is the best itinerary for trips out west?

The best trips out west itinerary is a 10–14 day road trip covering Utah’s Mighty 5, Yellowstone National Park, and Grand Teton National Park. A popular route from Texas includes stops in New Mexico, Moab (Arches and Canyonlands), Salt Lake City, Yellowstone, Wyoming, and Colorado before looping back.

How many days do you need for a West Coast or western U.S. road trip?

You need at least 10 to 14 days for a well-paced trips out west road trip. This allows time to explore major national parks like Arches, Canyonlands, Yellowstone, and Grand Teton without feeling rushed. Shorter trips (5–7 days) should focus on just one region, like Utah or Colorado.

What are the must-see national parks on a trips out west itinerary?

The most popular national parks to include are:

• Arches National Park
• Canyonlands National Park
• Yellowstone National Park
• Grand Teton National Park
• Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve

These parks offer a mix of iconic landscapes, hiking trails, and unique geological features.

When is the best time to take a trips out west road trip?

The best time for trips out west is late spring through early fall (May to September). Summer offers full access to national parks, but expect crowds. Late spring and early fall are ideal for fewer people, cooler temperatures, and better availability for accommodations.

Do you need reservations for national parks out west?

Yes—some national parks now require reservations, especially during peak season. Parks like Arches National Park may require timed entry tickets. Lodging near Yellowstone National Park should be booked months in advance.

Is the America the Beautiful Pass worth it?

Yes, the America the Beautiful Pass ($80) is worth it if you visit 3 or more national parks. It covers entrance fees for national parks and monuments, saving money on a multi-stop trips out west itinerary.

Where should you start a trips out west road trip?

Common starting points include Texas, Denver, Las Vegas, or Salt Lake City. Starting from Texas is ideal for a loop through New Mexico, Utah, Wyoming, and Colorado—just like this itinerary.

What should you pack for a western road trip?

For trips out west, pack:

• Layers for changing weather
• Plenty of water and snacks
• Hiking shoes
• Offline maps (cell service is limited in parks)
• A cooler for long driving days

Is a trips out west road trip good for families?

Yes, trips out west are great for families. Many national parks have easy trails, scenic drives, and educational visitor centers. Just plan flexible days—especially if traveling with kids—to balance hiking and downtime.

Can you do a trips out west itinerary without booking everything in advance?

You can, but it’s risky during peak season. Popular areas like Moab and Yellowstone fill up quickly. A mix of pre-booked stays and flexible nights (like we did toward the end) can give you both security and freedom.

Final Thoughts: Is This Trip Worth It?

Absolutely.

This trip out west gave us:

• Bucket-list hikes
• Surprising discoveries
• A few travel lessons we’ll never forget

And even now, years later, we’re still planning our next return.

Because once you experience the American West…

you’ll always find a reason to go back.