Southwest USA Road Trip Itinerary - September 2025

Day 1: Arrival in Denver & City Exploration

Morning: Arrive in Denver, Colorado and check into your hotel. Begin with a leisurely stroll through Larimer Square.

Afternoon: Visit the Denver Art Museum and explore the nearby 16th Street Mall for shopping and dining.

Evening: Dine at a local brewpub and enjoy views of the city skyline from Confluence Park.

Day 2: Denver to Santa Fe

Morning: Drive from Denver to Santa Fe, New Mexico (approx. 6 hours). Check into your accommodation.

Afternoon: Explore the historic Santa Fe Plaza and visit the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum.

Evening: Enjoy southwestern cuisine at a traditional Santa Fe restaurant and take an evening stroll along Canyon Road.

Day 3: Santa Fe Local Sights

Morning: Visit the Loretto Chapel and its famous spiral staircase, then stop by the New Mexico Museum of Art.

Afternoon: Relax at Bandelier National Monument exploring ancient cliff dwellings.

Evening: Return to Santa Fe and enjoy live music or a cultural show near Santa Fe Plaza.

Day 4: Santa Fe to Taos

Morning: Drive to Taos (approx. 1.5 hours), check into your hotel, and visit the Taos Pueblo.

Afternoon: Explore the Kit Carson Home & Museum and the historic downtown Taos shops and galleries.

Evening: Dinner at a local Taos restaurant and enjoy sunset views at Rio Grande Gorge Bridge.

Day 5: Taos Exploration and Drive to Durango

Morning: Hike in Carson National Forest or visit the Taos Ski Valley area.

Afternoon: Drive to Durango, Colorado (approx. 3 hours). Check in and relax.

Evening: Stroll Durango’s Main Street and have dinner at a local eatery.

Day 6: Durango & Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad

Morning: Take a scenic ride on the historic Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad.

Afternoon: Explore Durango’s Animas River Trail or visit the Powerhouse Science Center.

Evening: Enjoy a relaxed dinner at a riverside restaurant in Durango.

Day 7: Durango to Page, Arizona

Morning: Drive from Durango to Page, Arizona (approx. 4.5 hours). Check into your accommodation.

Afternoon: Visit the stunning Horseshoe Bend overlook for iconic views.

Evening: Relax and have dinner in Page near the lake.

Day 8: Antelope Canyon & Lake Powell

Morning: Tour the breathtaking Upper or Lower Antelope Canyon.

Afternoon: Enjoy a boat tour on Lake Powell exploring slot canyons and beaches.

Evening: Sunset views and dinner at a lakeside restaurant.

Day 9: Page to Zion National Park

Morning: Drive from Page to Zion National Park, Utah (approx. 2 hours). Check into nearby lodging.

Afternoon: Hike the famous Emerald Pools Trails.

Evening: Relax in Springdale and enjoy dinner with views of the canyon walls.

Day 10: Zion National Park Adventures

Morning: Challenge yourself with a hike to Angel’s Landing or the Riverside Walk.

Afternoon: Explore the less crowded Kolob Canyons section of Zion.

Evening: Return to Springdale for a restful evening.

Day 11: Zion to Bryce Canyon National Park

Morning: Drive to Bryce Canyon National Park (approx. 1.5 hours). Visit the Visitor Center.

Afternoon: Take a hike along the Queens Garden Trail or Navajo Loop to see hoodoos up close.

Evening: Witness sunset at Sunset Point.

Day 12: Bryce Canyon to Moab, Utah

Morning: Early morning sunrise at Bryce Amphitheater.

Afternoon: Drive to Moab, Utah (approx. 4 hours), check into your hotel.

Evening: Walk around downtown Moab and enjoy a hearty dinner.

Day 13: Arches National Park

Morning: Explore Arches National Park, visiting Delicate Arch, Windows Section, and Double Arch.

Afternoon: Continue exploring lesser-traveled trails or visit the Arches Visitor Center.

Evening: Stargaze in the dark skies near Moab.

Day 14: Canyonlands National Park

Morning: Visit Canyonlands National Park (Island in the Sky district) with stops at Mesa Arch and Grand View Point.

Afternoon: Optional jeep tour or short hikes around the park.

Evening: Return to Moab for dinner and rest.

Day 15: Moab to Denver

Morning: Early departure from Moab and begin the drive back to Denver (approx. 6 hours).

Afternoon: Stop for lunch and short breaks along the way.

Evening: Arrive in Denver, check in, and enjoy a farewell dinner downtown.

Day 16: Departure from Denver

Morning: Depending on flight time, visit a local market or park such as Washington Park.

Afternoon: Travel to Denver International Airport for your departure.

Evening: N/A

Time and Cost Estimates

• Denver Art Museum: 2-3 hours, $15 admission
• Santa Fe Plaza & Georgia O’Keeffe Museum: 3-4 hours, $20 admission
• Bandelier National Monument: 3 hours, $25 per vehicle
• Taos Pueblo: 2 hours, $16 admission
• Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad: 6-8 hours, $130 round trip
• Horseshoe Bend: 1 hour, free
• Antelope Canyon Tour: 2 hours, $60 per person
• Lake Powell Boat Tour: 2-3 hours, $50 per person
• Zion National Park: Full day, $37 per vehicle
• Bryce Canyon National Park: Full day, $35 per vehicle
• Arches National Park: Full day, $30 per vehicle
• Canyonlands National Park: Half to full day, $30 per vehicle

Total Estimated Cost: $458 (Park fees and tours, excluding meals, lodging, and gas)

Tips

To extend the trip, consider adding extra days in Santa Fe or Moab to explore additional cultural sites or hike more trails. Alternatively, include a day trip to Chaco Canyon or Monument Valley.

To reduce the trip length, prioritize must-see parks like Zion, Bryce Canyon, and Arches by limiting city stops to 1-2 nights and cutting time in Santa Fe or Taos.