The Best 5 Hikes on a Southwest USA Road Trip 🥾🌵

The Best 5 Hikes on a Southwest USA Road Trip 🥾🌵

 

A Southwest USA road trip isn’t complete without hiking. From narrow canyon ridges to desert arches and granite waterfalls, this region offers some of the most iconic hikes in the United States—many of them perfectly doable within a road trip itinerary.

To keep this guide practical, we selected one must-do hike from five legendary national parks. Every hike listed below is available on AllTrails, making it easy to check trail conditions, download offline maps, and plan safely on the road.

🚏 Table of Contents

  • Zion National Park — Angels Landing Trail 🏔️
  • Bryce Canyon National Park — Navajo Loop & Queen’s Garden 🧡
  • Arches National Park — Delicate Arch Trail 🌅
  • Yosemite National Park — Mist Trail to Vernal Fall 💦
  • Joshua Tree National Park — Hidden Valley Trail 🌵

 

1. Zion National Park — Angels Landing Trail 🏔️

📍 Park: Zion National Park

🥾 Trail: Angels Landing (via West Rim Trail)

📏 Distance: ~5.4 miles (round trip)

⏱️ Time: 4–5 hours

⚠️ Difficulty: Hard

Angels Landing is one of the most famous hikes in the USA, and for good reason. The final section follows a narrow ridge with chain-assisted climbs and jaw-dropping views into Zion Canyon.

Why it’s special:

  • Panoramic canyon views
  • Iconic ridge walk
  • True bucket-list hike

💡 Important: A permit is required to hike the final section.

👉 Check Angels Landing on AllTrails to view recent trail conditions, permit tips, and download the offline map before you go.

Two people walking on a trail through a desert landscape with red rock formations.

2. Bryce Canyon National Park — Navajo Loop & Queen’s Garden 🧡

📍 Park: Bryce Canyon National Park

🥾 Trail: Navajo Loop + Queen’s Garden Combination

📏 Distance: ~2.9 miles

⏱️ Time: 2–3 hours

⚠️ Difficulty: Moderate

This loop takes you straight into Bryce Canyon’s famous hoodoos, towering orange rock spires that feel almost unreal—especially at sunrise.

Why it’s special:

  • Walk among the hoodoos
  • Short but incredibly scenic
  • One of the best payoff-to-effort hikes in the Southwest

💡 Tip: In winter and early spring, check for icy conditions.

👉 View the trail on AllTrails to see seasonal reviews and download navigation for offline use.

Navajo/ Queens Garden Loop Trail

3. Arches National Park — Delicate Arch Trail 🌅

📍 Park: Arches National Park

🥾 Trail: Delicate Arch Trail

📏 Distance: ~3.2 miles

⏱️ Time: 2–3 hours

⚠️ Difficulty: Moderate

Delicate Arch is Utah’s most iconic landmark—and hiking to it is a must on any Southwest road trip.

Why it’s special:

  • The most photographed arch in the park
  • Stunning sunset colors
  • Wide-open desert views

💡 Tip: Start late afternoon for golden light, but bring water—there’s little shade.

👉 Find Delicate Arch on AllTrails for heat warnings, parking tips, and recent trail updates.

Hike to Delicate Arch in Arches National Park, Utah during a South West USA Road Trip.

4. Yosemite National Park — Mist Trail to Vernal Fall 💦

📍 Park: Yosemite National Park

🥾 Trail: Mist Trail to Vernal Fall

📏 Distance: ~3 miles (round trip)

⏱️ Time: 2–3 hours

⚠️ Difficulty: Moderate

The Mist Trail is one of Yosemite’s most classic hikes, taking you past roaring waterfalls and granite cliffs.

Why it’s special:

  • Up-close waterfall experience
  • Incredible spring flow from snowmelt
  • Iconic stone staircases

💡 Tip: Expect wet conditions in spring—hiking shoes with grip are essential.

👉 Check this hike on AllTrails to monitor seasonal closures and trail safety updates.

People hiking up a stone staircase towards a waterfall in a mountainous area.

5. Joshua Tree National Park — Hidden Valley Trail 🌵

📍 Park: Joshua Tree National Park

🥾 Trail: Hidden Valley Nature Trail

📏 Distance: ~1 mile

⏱️ Time: 30–45 minutes

⚠️ Difficulty: Easy

Short, scenic, and surrounded by massive boulders, Hidden Valley is perfect for stretching your legs during a desert drive.

Why it’s special:

  • Unique rock formations
  • Classic Joshua Trees
  • Great intro hike for all levels

💡 Tip: Go early morning or near sunset to avoid extreme heat.

👉 View Hidden Valley Trail on AllTrails to plan the best time of day and avoid crowded periods.

Desert landscape with rocky formations and sparse vegetation under a blue sky.

Why AllTrails Is Essential for a Southwest Road Trip 📱

Cell service is unreliable in national parks. AllTrails helps you:

  • Download offline maps
  • Check recent trail reviews
  • Monitor weather, closures, and conditions
  • Navigate safely in remote areas

👉 Start your AllTrails Peak free trial to unlock offline maps and real-time trail updates—perfect for road trips through the Southwest.

 

🌄 Plan the Ultimate Southwest Adventure with the 25 Day Southwest USA RoadBook

Want to connect these hikes into one perfectly paced road trip?

The 25 Day Southwest USA RoadBook includes:

✨ Logical driving routes

✨ National park planning tips

✨ Hiking-friendly itineraries

✨ Google Maps routes

✨ Time & money-saving advice

👉 Get the 25 Day Southwest USA RoadBook and turn these hikes into one unforgettable road trip—planned, balanced, and stress-free.

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