October 2‑17 2025 Southwest USA Road Trip Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Las Vegas & Drive to Lake Havasu

Morning: Arrive at Harry Reid International Airport, collect your pre‑booked rental car and pick up a few snacks for the road.

Afternoon: Depart Las Vegas and enjoy the scenic 3‑hour drive along I‑15 to Lake Havasu City, where you’ll check into your hotel.

Evening: Stroll the waterfront and admire the illuminated London Bridge as the sun sets over the lake.

Day 2: Lake Havasu Exploration

Morning: Rent a kayak or paddleboard to explore the crystal‑clear waters of Lake Havasu and photograph the London Bridge from the lake.

Afternoon: Picnic at Lake Havasu State Park and take a short hike to the historic Havasu Falls viewpoint.

Evening: Dine at a lakeside restaurant and enjoy a sunset cruise.

Day 3: Lake Havasu – Outdoor Adventures

Morning: Join a guided off‑road tour of the surrounding desert mesas, spotting the Desert Tortoise Preserve.

Afternoon: Relax on Rotary Park Beach for swimming and beach volleyball.

Evening: Experience live music at a downtown venue.

Day 4: Lake Havasu – Leisure Day

Morning: Play a round of golf at the Lake Havasu Golf Club with stunning lake views.

Afternoon: Explore the Lake Havasu Museum of History to learn about the bridge’s relocation.

Evening: Enjoy a barbecue dinner on your hotel patio.

Day 5: Lake Havasu – Water Sports

Morning: Join a jet‑ski tour around the lake’s most scenic coves.

Afternoon: Bike the Lake Havasu Bike Trail that circles the water.

Evening: Watch the stars from the beach while sipping a nightcap.

Day 6: Lake Havasu – Day Trip to Oatman

Morning: Drive 2 hours to the historic mining town of Oatman, Arizona and see the famous wild burros.

Afternoon: Walk Main Street, visit the Oatman Museum and enjoy a short cowboy show.

Evening: Return to Lake Havasu and relax at your accommodation.

Day 7: Lake Havasu – Relaxation

Morning: Treat yourself to a spa session at the hotel’s wellness center.

Afternoon: Free time for shopping at the Lake Havasu Marketplace.

Evening: Sunset dinner cruise on the lake.

Day 8: Lake Havasu – Hiking

Morning: Hike the Quarry Trail for panoramic views of the lake and desert.

Afternoon: Picnic at the trailhead and optional rock‑climbing.

Evening: Return to the hotel for a relaxed night.

Day 9: Lake Havasu – Cultural Day

Morning: Visit the Lake Havasu Art Center to view local artworks.

Afternoon: Take a guided tour of the historic London Bridge engineering exhibit.

Evening: Enjoy a dinner show at a local venue.

Day 10: Lake Havasu – Free Day

Morning: Optional sunrise yoga on the beach.

Afternoon: Free to repeat a favorite activity or simply unwind.

Evening: Pack for the next day’s drive.

Day 11: Lake Havasu – Final Day & Drive to Williams

Morning: Take a final walk along the London Bridge promenade.

Afternoon: Begin the 4‑hour drive toward Williams, Arizona, stopping at scenic overlooks.

Evening: Arrive in Williams, check into a historic Route 66 hotel, and dine at a classic diner.

Day 12: Williams & Grand Canyon

Morning: Board the Grand Canyon Railway for a scenic ride to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.

Afternoon: Explore Grand Canyon Village, visit the Yavapai Geology Museum, and walk a portion of the Rim Trail.

Evening: Return to Williams by train, then drive to Sedona, arriving late night and checking into a cozy lodge.

Day 13: Sedona Exploration

Morning: Hike the iconic Catalina Trail to experience the red‑rock formations of Cathedral Rock.

Afternoon: Visit the Chapel of the Holy Cross and enjoy lunch at a vineyard overlooking Red Rock State Park.

Evening: Stroll Sedona’s downtown art galleries and dine on southwestern cuisine.

Day 14: Sedona to Las Vegas

Morning: Relax with a spa treatment or a short bike ride on the Bell Rock Trail.

Afternoon: Depart for Las Vegas (≈4 hrs), stopping at the Hoover Dam for photos.

Evening: Arrive in Las Vegas, check into a Strip hotel, and experience the bright lights of the Las Vegas Strip with a dinner show.

Day 15: Las Vegas

Morning: Explore the Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens and the Fountains of Bellagio.

Afternoon: Visit the Neon Museum and shop at the Fashion Show Mall.

Evening: Enjoy a world‑class performance at a casino venue and finish the night at a rooftop bar.

Day 16: Las Vegas – Departure

Morning: Leisurely breakfast and last‑minute souvenir shopping on the Strip.

Afternoon: Return the rental car at the airport and prepare for your flight home.

Evening: Flight departs from Harry Reid International Airport.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Harry Reid International Airport (arrival & departure) – 2 hrs total, $0 (flight included)
• Car rental (12 days) – 12 days, $600
• London Bridge (Lake Havasu) – 2 hrs, $0
• Lake Havasu State Park – 3 hrs, $15 entry
• Desert Tortoise Preserve tour – 2 hrs, $40
• Lake Havasu Golf Club – 4 hrs, $80
• Jet‑ski tour – 3 hrs, $120
• Oatman day trip – 5 hrs, $30 fuel
• Quarry Trail hike – 3 hrs, $0
• Williams historic hotel – 1 night, $150
• Grand Canyon Railway round‑trip – 4 hrs, $100
• Grand Canyon South Rim entry – 4 hrs, $35 park fee
• Drive to Sedona (night) – 2 hrs, $20 fuel
• Catalina Trail hike – 4 hrs, $0
• Chapel of the Holy Cross donation – 1 hr, $5
• Hoover Dam parking – 1 hr, $15
• Las Vegas Strip activities (shows, gambling) – 6 hrs, $150
• Bellagio Conservatory & Fountains – 2 hrs, $0
• Neon Museum – 2 hrs, $25
• Meals (average $60/day) – 16 days, $960
• Accommodations (average $180/night) – 15 nights, $2,700

Total Estimated Cost: $5,885

Tips

If you need more time, consider adding an extra day in Sedona for a guided jeep tour or extending your stay in Las Vegas for a day‑trip to Death Valley. To shorten the trip, you could skip the Oatman day trip and combine some Lake Havasu activities, heading to Williams a day earlier.