🌵 5 Must-See Stops on a South West USA Road Trip (From the RoadBook!)

The American Southwest is a place like no other. Think Martian landscapes, towering red rocks, endless desert skies, and some of the most mind-blowing national parks in the world. If you’re dreaming of a road trip that’s high on freedom and low on stress, this is your sign to hit the road.

But here’s the thing: the South West is HUGE. Planning it right is the difference between a magical road trip and hours of aimless driving. That’s where my 25 Days South West USA RoadBook comes in — it’s a fully optimized itinerary with must-sees, detours worth taking, booking links, map routes, and travel hacks I’ve learned from hitting the road myself.

Below, I’m sharing 5 absolute must-see stops straight from the RoadBook — the kind of places that make you pull over, stare in awe, and say, "Is this even real?"

And yes — you can download this exact guide for FREE at the end of the post! 🤠

 

🚏 Table of Contents

• 🌄 Monument Valley, Arizona–Utah Border
• 🏜️ Antelope Canyon & Horseshoe Bend, Page, AZ
• 🏞️ Zion National Park, Utah
• 🌋 Death Valley National Park, California
• 🎰 Las Vegas, Nevada
  

 

🌄 Monument Valley, Arizona–Utah Border

Welcome to a place that defines the word iconic. Monument Valley is one of the most recognizable landscapes in the world — and when you're driving into it, it literally feels like entering a postcard. Towering red sandstone buttes rise from the desert floor like ancient giants.

Why it’s a must-see:

Because it’s unlike anywhere else on earth. The colors shift with the sun, the silence is powerful, and the views are endless.

From the RoadBook:

Plan your arrival around sunset for maximum magic — the rocks glow in deep reds and oranges that don’t even look real. Drive the 17-mile Valley Loop Road for the full experience (you can do this with your own car — no 4x4 needed if it’s dry).

Don’t Miss:

📍 Forrest Gump Point — made famous in the movie, this is where Forrest stops running.

📸 Photo Tip: Shoot at golden hour with the buttes backlit for dramatic shadows and glowing rock textures.

🏜️ Antelope Canyon & Horseshoe Bend, Page, AZ

Page, Arizona is home to two of the Southwest’s most photographed spots — and for good reason. If you only see them online, they almost look too perfect. But trust me, they’re the real deal.

Why it’s a must-see:

You're getting two natural wonders in one place:

🔸 Antelope Canyon – surreal slot canyons carved by flash floods.

🔸 Horseshoe Bend – a dramatic 270° bend in the Colorado River, best seen from a cliff-edge viewpoint.

From the RoadBook:

Book a tour for Upper Antelope Canyon well in advance — it’s the one with the famous light beams. For Horseshoe Bend, head there early in the morning or late afternoon to skip the crowds and catch great lighting.

Insider Tip:

📷 Use a wide-angle lens and shoot vertically in Antelope Canyon to capture the wave-like rock textures.

💡 Horseshoe Bend gets hot — bring water and wear good shoes, even though it’s a short hike.

🏞️ Zion National Park, Utah

Zion will take your breath away. Literally. Whether you’re hiking steep cliffs, wading through river canyons, or just cruising through the scenic drive — Zion is a South West road trip essential.

Why it’s a must-see:

Zion is where adrenaline meets beauty. The massive canyon walls make you feel tiny, the colors change throughout the day, and there are hikes for every level of adventure.

From the RoadBook:

Get an early shuttle to The Grotto and tackle the Angels Landing hike before the sun gets intense. Not into heights? Go for The Narrows instead — a magical river hike through a canyon that feels like a different planet.

Where to Stay:

Camp inside the park if you can (book Watchman Campground early), or stay in Springdale right outside the gate for easy access.

Photo Tip:

Sunrise over Zion Canyon is unbeatable. Position yourself at Canyon Overlook Trail for an easy hike and a perfect shot.

🌋 Death Valley National Park, California

This place is intense. Wild. Beautiful. Brutal. And if you plan it right — totally unforgettable.

Why it’s a must-see:

Death Valley is home to the lowest point in North America (Badwater Basin), massive sand dunes, psychedelic-colored mountains, and salt flats that look like ice from afar.

From the RoadBook:

Visit Zabriskie Point at sunrise for one of the most surreal views on the planet. Then cruise to Badwater Basin to walk across dried salt flats. For epic dunes, hit Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes just before sunset.

Caution:

This is not a park to underestimate. Summer temps often hit 120°F (49°C) — so plan carefully, bring plenty of water, and avoid hiking in the afternoon.

Fun Fact:

Despite its harsh name, spring brings colorful wildflowers after winter rains — a rare desert bloom.

🎰 Las Vegas, Nevada

After all that nature, why not dip into the weird, wild fun of Las Vegas? It's a great start or end point for your Southwest loop, with killer food, shows, and nightlife — plus it’s surprisingly close to natural beauty.

Why it’s a must-see:

Because no other city lets you gamble, see world-class performances, and stargaze in the desert — all in one day.

From the RoadBook:

Use Vegas as a launchpad or recovery spot. Book at least one night here to shower, recharge, and eat something decadent.

Not Just the Strip:

🎭 Fremont Street offers a vintage Vegas vibe with neon lights, ziplining, and free nightly concerts.

🌄 Need more nature? Red Rock Canyon is just 30 minutes away for a quick escape into scenic trails and climbing.

🗺️ Ready to Hit the Road?

These 5 spots are just the beginning. Our 25 Days South West USA RoadBook includes the full route, daily breakdowns, detours worth taking, Google Maps links, best apps to use, budget tips, local recommendations, and all the booking links you need — saving you hours of planning.

👉 Grab the full South West USA RoadBook here

Perfect if you want to turn this dream road trip into a stress-free reality.

 

🎁 Want This Guide for FREE?

You can download this “5 Must-See Stops” guide as a free PDF to take offline on your phone or tablet.

📥 Click here to download the FREE guide

Perfect if you’re still figuring out your route or want to share it with your travel partner.