14-Day Southwest USA Road Trip Itinerary: Starting and Ending in Denver, Colorado

Day 1: Denver to Moab, Utah

Morning: Depart from Denver early and enjoy the scenic drive towards Moab.

Afternoon: Arrive in Moab and explore the famous Arches National Park, marveling at iconic formations like Delicate Arch.

Evening: Relax in downtown Moab with local dining and strolls along the Colorado River.

Day 2: Canyonlands National Park & Dead Horse Point

Morning: Visit the Canyonlands National Park – Island in the Sky District for breathtaking overlooks like Mesa Arch.

Afternoon: Head to Dead Horse Point State Park to view dramatic canyon vistas and enjoy a short hike.

Evening: Return to Moab and consider a stargazing session under the clear desert night sky.

Day 3: Moab to Monument Valley, Arizona/Utah Border

Morning: Depart Moab and drive southwest to Monument Valley, famous for its stunning sandstone buttes.

Afternoon: Take a guided jeep tour through Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park to learn about Navajo culture and history.

Evening: Stay at a lodge with views of the valley or enjoy sunset from the visitor center overlook.

Day 4: Monument Valley to Page, Arizona

Morning: Drive south to Page, Arizona. Stop at Horseshoe Bend for spectacular river views.

Afternoon: Explore the mysterious and photogenic Antelope Canyon with a guided tour.

Evening: Dine in Page and enjoy sunset views over Glen Canyon Dam.

Day 5: Page to Grand Canyon South Rim, Arizona

Morning: Depart for the Grand Canyon South Rim, stopping at viewpoints along the way.

Afternoon: Explore the Grand Canyon Visitor Center and take a short hike along the Rim Trail.

Evening: Watch the sun set over the canyon from Mather Point.

Day 6: Grand Canyon South Rim Exploration

Morning: Take a sunrise walk on the South Kaibab Trail to Ooh Aah Point.

Afternoon: Visit the historic Grand Canyon Village and Bright Angel Lodge.

Evening: Enjoy dinner with canyon views or attend a ranger program.

Day 7: Grand Canyon to Sedona, Arizona

Morning: Drive south to Sedona, passing through stunning red rock landscapes.

Afternoon: Explore Sedona's Red Rock State Park or take a scenic drive through Oak Creek Canyon.

Evening: Enjoy Sedona’s vibrant arts scene and sunset from Airport Mesa.

Day 8: Sedona Adventure

Morning: Go on a Jeep tour or hike the Cathedral Rock Trail for breathtaking views.

Afternoon: Visit the unique Chapel of the Holy Cross built into red rocks.

Evening: Relax with dinner at a local restaurant with views of the red rocks.

Day 9: Sedona to Albuquerque, New Mexico

Morning: Depart for Albuquerque, enjoying scenic stops along Historic Route 66.

Afternoon: Explore Old Town Albuquerque with its Pueblo-style architecture and shops.

Evening: Visit the Sandia Peak Tramway for panoramic sunset and night views.

Day 10: Albuquerque to Santa Fe

Morning: Drive to Santa Fe and visit the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum.

Afternoon: Explore the historic Santa Fe Plaza and unique adobe architecture.

Evening: Enjoy Southwestern cuisine paired with traditional music performances.

Day 11: Santa Fe to Durango, Colorado

Morning: Travel to Durango, a charming mountain town in Colorado.

Afternoon: Explore Downtown Durango and possibly visit the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad station.

Evening: Enjoy local dining and stroll along the Animas Riverwalk.

Day 12: Durango and Mesa Verde National Park

Morning: Take a day trip to Mesa Verde National Park to explore ancient cliff dwellings.

Afternoon: Continue discovering archaeological sites and visitor center exhibits.

Evening: Return to Durango and relax after the full day of exploration.

Day 13: Durango to Colorado Springs

Morning: Drive east towards Colorado Springs, stopping for photo ops in scenic mountain towns.

Afternoon: Visit Garden of the Gods and hike among stunning rock formations.

Evening: Explore downtown Colorado Springs and dine at a local restaurant.

Day 14: Colorado Springs to Denver - Departure

Morning: Visit Pikes Peak via the scenic highway or cog railway for spectacular views.

Afternoon: Drive back to Denver, stopping at any local attractions or shopping.

Evening: Departure or rest in Denver after an epic Southwest adventure.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Arches National Park: 3-4 hours, $30 per vehicle
• Canyonlands National Park: 3-4 hours, $30 per vehicle
• Dead Horse Point State Park: 2 hours, $20 per vehicle
• Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park jeep tour: 3 hours, approximately $60 per person
• Horseshoe Bend: 1 hour, $10 parking fee
• Antelope Canyon guided tour: 2 hours, $70 per person
• Grand Canyon National Park: Full day, $35 per vehicle
• South Kaibab Trail: 3-4 hours, included in park entry
• Sedona Jeep Tour: 3 hours, $80 per person
• Sandia Peak Tramway: 1.5 hours, $30 per person
• Georgia O’Keeffe Museum: 1-2 hours, $15 per person
• Mesa Verde National Park: Full day, $30 per vehicle
• Garden of the Gods: 2 hours, free entry
• Pikes Peak Cog Railway: 3 hours, $65 per person

Total Estimated Cost: Approximately $500 - $650 per person (excluding lodging, food, and gas)

Tips

For travelers wishing to extend the trip, consider adding days in Sedona or Grand Canyon for deeper hikes or cultural activities and extra time in Santa Fe to explore its art galleries and nearby pueblos. For those wanting to condense the itinerary, focus on highlights such as Denver to Moab, Monument Valley, Grand Canyon, and Sedona, skipping Albuquerque and Durango to save travel time and maximize sightseeing in fewer days.