14-Day Southwest USA Road Trip Itinerary
Starting and Ending in Denver, Colorado
September 2025

Day 1: Arrival in Denver & Local Exploration

Morning: Arrive in Denver International Airport and pick up your rental car. Check into your hotel and freshen up.

Afternoon: Explore Denver's LoDo Historic District, visit Union Station and grab lunch.

Evening: Enjoy dinner and drinks at a rooftop bar with views of Downtown Denver.

Day 2: Denver to Moab, Utah

Morning: Drive from Denver to Moab (~6 hours). Stop for snacks and photo ops along the way.

Afternoon: Check into your hotel and explore Arches National Park focusing on the iconic Delicate Arch viewpoint.

Evening: Dinner in Moab with a chance to stroll around town and browse local shops.

Day 3: Exploring Arches National Park

Morning: Early hike through Devils Garden Trail, visiting Landscape Arch and other notable formations.

Afternoon: Visit the Windows Section and take a scenic drive along the park’s main roads.

Evening: Relax with a sunset view from Park Avenue Viewpoint.

Day 4: Moab to Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado

Morning: Drive to Mesa Verde National Park (~2.5 hours). Check in at the park lodge or nearby accommodations.

Afternoon: Tour the famous Cliff Palace and learn about ancestral Puebloan culture.

Evening: Enjoy stargazing and dinner inside the park area.

Day 5: Mesa Verde to Monument Valley, Utah

Morning: Early drive to Monument Valley (~3 hours). Visit the Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park Visitor Center.

Afternoon: Take a guided jeep tour to explore iconic valley buttes such as Mitten Buttes.

Evening: Watch the sunset over the valley from Artist’s Point.

Day 6: Monument Valley to Page, Arizona

Morning: Drive to Page, Arizona (~2 hours). Stop at Horseshoe Bend viewpoint.

Afternoon: Book an afternoon tour of the mesmerizing Antelope Canyon.

Evening: Dinner in Page with views of the Lakeside Marina.

Day 7: Lake Powell and Glen Canyon

Morning: Rent a boat or join a guided tour on Lake Powell, discovering Glen Canyon Dam and hidden water coves.

Afternoon: Relax at Lone Rock Beach or hike around Glen Canyon National Recreation Area.

Evening: Sunset dinner overlooking the lake.

Day 8: Page to Grand Canyon South Rim, Arizona

Morning: Drive to Grand Canyon South Rim (~2.5 hours). Check into nearby accommodations.

Afternoon: Explore Mather Point and the Grand Canyon Visitor Center.

Evening: Catch sunset at Hopi Point and dinner nearby.

Day 9: Grand Canyon Hiking & Exploration

Morning: Hike the Bright Angel Trail for stunning canyon views.

Afternoon: Visit Desert View Watchtower and enjoy the scenic drive.

Evening: Relax with an evening program at the Visitor Center or lodge.

Day 10: Grand Canyon to Sedona, Arizona

Morning: Drive to Sedona (~2 hours), famous for its red rock formations.

Afternoon: Explore Cathedral Rock and wander Sedona’s vibrant art galleries downtown.

Evening: Enjoy dinner with a view at a restaurant overlooking the red rocks.

Day 11: Sedona Outdoor Adventure

Morning: Jeep tour or hike at Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte.

Afternoon: Visit Chapel of the Holy Cross and relax in uptown Sedona.

Evening: Sunset at Airport Mesa viewpoint.

Day 12: Sedona to Flagstaff to Durango, Colorado

Morning: Drive to Flagstaff (~45 mins), quick exploration of historic downtown, then continue to Durango (~3.5 hours).

Afternoon: Check in and stroll Durango Historic District.

Evening: Dinner in Durango with local Southwestern cuisine.

Day 13: Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad

Morning: Take the scenic Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad.

Afternoon: Explore Silverton town and return by train.

Evening: Relax and enjoy your last night in Durango.

Day 14: Return to Denver

Morning: Drive back to Denver (~6 hours), stopping for breaks and scenic photos.

Afternoon: Arrive in Denver, return rental car and check into hotel.

Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner at a top Denver restaurant or brewery.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Denver International Airport: 2 hours arrival & pickup, $50 (car rental deposit)
• Arches National Park: Full day, $30 per vehicle
• Mesa Verde National Park (Cliff Palace Tour): 3 hours, $20 per person
• Monument Valley Jeep Tour: 3 hours, $80 per person
• Antelope Canyon Tour: 2 hours, $70 per person
• Lake Powell Boat Tour: 4 hours, $100 per person
• Grand Canyon South Rim Entry: 2 days, $35 per vehicle
• Sedona Jeep Tour: 3 hours, $90 per person
• Durango & Silverton Train Ride: Half day, $120 per person
• Accommodation (14 nights average): $150 per night, $2100 total
• Food and Miscellaneous: Approx. $50 per day, $700 total

Total Estimated Cost: Approximately $4,415

Tips

To extend your trip, consider adding side day trips around Sedona such as Slide Rock State Park or an extra day in Zion National Park (about 3 hours from Page). For a shorter itinerary, focus on either Colorado/Utah highlights by skipping Arizona stops or reduce time in each national park by prioritizing only key points of interest.