10‑Day Southwest Road Trip: Los Angeles → Phoenix → Sedona → Grand Canyon → Lake Havasu → Las Vegas (12/26/25 – 01/04/26)

Day 1: Los Angeles → Phoenix (Arrival)

Morning: Depart Los Angeles early and enjoy the scenic I‑10 drive through the Mojave Desert. Stop at the historic **Calico Ghost Town** for a quick stroll and photo ops.

Afternoon: Arrive in Phoenix, check into your hotel, and freshen up. Take a leisurely walk in downtown and sip a craft cocktail at the **Wright Spur**.

Evening: Dine at **The Gladly**, known for its modern American fare, then unwind with a sunset view from the rooftop of the **Arizona Biltmore**.

Day 2: Phoenix Exploration

Morning: Wander the **Desert Botanical Garden**, marveling at the unique cactus collections and desert art installations.

Afternoon: Visit the **Heard Museum** to explore Native American art and cultural exhibits, followed by a light lunch at **Postino**.

Evening: Stroll through the vibrant **Roosevelt Row Arts District**, sampling street food and checking out mural art before heading back to the hotel.

Day 3: Phoenix → Sedona (Scenic Drive)

Morning: Pick up a rental car and head north on AZ‑179, dubbed “the Red Rock Canyon Highway,” stopping at **Montezuma Pass** for panoramic views.

Afternoon: Arrive in Sedona, check in, and enjoy a lunch of Southwestern cuisine at **The Hideaway House**.

Evening: Watch the sunset over **Red Rock State Park**, then explore Sedona’s lively downtown with its art galleries and boutiques.

Morning: Hike the iconic **Cathedral Rock** trail, offering stunning vistas and photo opportunities at the summit.

Afternoon: Take a guided Jeep tour to **Bell Rock** and **Slide Rock**, learning about the region’s geology and history.

Evening: Dine at **Cress on Oak Creek**, then enjoy stargazing at **Red Rock State Park** where the night sky is exceptionally clear.

Day 5: Sedona → Grand Canyon (South Rim)

Morning: Depart early for the Grand Canyon, traveling via AZ‑64 with a quick stop at **Wupatki National Monument**.

Afternoon: Check into your lodge on the South Rim, then explore the **Grand Canyon Village**, visiting the historic **El Tovar Hotel** and **Kolb Studio**.

Evening: Capture the sunset at **Hopi Point**, one of the most photographed spots on the rim, before enjoying dinner at **El Tovar Dining Room**.

Day 6: Grand Canyon Exploration

Morning: Walk the **Bright Angel Trail** down to the 1‑mile point for breathtaking canyon views.

Afternoon: Take the free **Rim Trail** to **Yavapai Point**, stopping at the **Geology Museum** for interpretive displays.

Evening: Attend a ranger‑led **Sunset Program** and enjoy a quiet dinner at the lodge, reflecting on the day’s vistas.

Day 7: Grand Canyon → Lake Havasu

Morning: Depart the canyon and drive southwest via US‑93, crossing the iconic **Hoover Dam** for a quick photo stop.

Afternoon: Arrive in Lake Havasu City, check in, and have lunch at **Barley Bros. Restaurant & Brewery**.

Evening: Stroll the **London Bridge** area, watching the bridge lights sparkle over the water, then dine waterfront at **Barley Bros. Grill**.

Day 8: Lake Havasu Recreation

Morning: Rent a kayak or paddleboard to explore **Lake Havasu**, enjoying calm waters and scenic shoreline.

Afternoon: Visit **Lake Havasu State Park** for a beach picnic, swimming, and a short hike to the **Island Pier**.

Evening: Take a sunset cruise around the **London Bridge** and enjoy live music at the **Havasu Landing** venue.

Day 9: Lake Havasu → Las Vegas

Morning: Depart early and drive north on I‑15, stopping at **Bonnie Springs Ranch** for a quick Western‑themed photo op.

Afternoon: Arrive in Las Vegas, check into your hotel on the Strip, and grab lunch at **In‑N‑Out Burger**.

Evening: Experience the dazzling lights of **The Strip**, watch the **Bellagio Fountains**, and enjoy a show‑time dinner at **Gordon Ramsay Hell’s Kitchen**.

Day 10: Las Vegas – Departure

Morning: Relax with a spa treatment at your hotel or explore the **Neon Museum** for a glimpse of vintage Vegas signage.

Afternoon: Have a farewell lunch at **Eataly**, then stroll through the **Fremont Street Experience** for street performers and vintage casinos.

Evening: Return the rental car and catch your flight home, carrying memories of desert sunsets and canyon grandeur.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Desert Botanical Garden – Estimated time: 2 hrs – Estimated cost: $25
• Heard Museum – Estimated time: 2 hrs – Estimated cost: $20
• Red Rock State Park – Estimated time: 1.5 hrs – Estimated cost: $10
• Cathedral Rock (hike) – Estimated time: 2 hrs – Estimated cost: $0
• Jeep Tour (Sedona) – Estimated time: 3 hrs – Estimated cost: $85
• Grand Canyon Entrance (South Rim) – Estimated time: 1 day – Estimated cost: $35
• Bright Angel Trail – Estimated time: 3 hrs – Estimated cost: $0
• Hoover Dam – Estimated time: 1 hr – Estimated cost: $15
• London Bridge (Lake Havasu) – Estimated time: 1 hr – Estimated cost: $0
• Lake Havasu State Park – Estimated time: 3 hrs – Estimated cost: $10
• Bellagio Fountains – Estimated time: 30 min – Estimated cost: $0
• Neon Museum – Estimated time: 1 hr – Estimated cost: $20
• Car Rental (10 days) – Estimated time: — – Estimated cost: $500
• Gas & Mileage – Estimated time: — – Estimated cost: $200
• Accommodation (9 nights) – Estimated time: — – Estimated cost: $1,350
• Meals (average $50/day) – Estimated time: — – Estimated cost: $500

Total Estimated Cost: $2,700

Tips

To extend the adventure, add an extra night in Sedona for a sunrise hot‑air‑balloon ride or spend a full day exploring the less‑crowded North Rim of the Grand Canyon. If you need to shorten the trip, consider skipping Lake Havasu and driving directly from the Grand Canyon to Las Vegas, saving a day of travel and lodging while still enjoying the major highlights.