Road Trip Itinerary: Portland, OR → Phoenix, AZ (Nov 20‑23) → Return

Day 1: Portland → Boise → Salt Lake City

Morning: Depart Portland early and head south on I‑84, stopping at the Columbia River Gorge for spectacular waterfall views and a quick coffee break.

Afternoon: Continue to Boise, Idaho, where you can stretch your legs at the Boise River Greenbelt and grab lunch at a downtown eatery before hitting the road again.

Evening: Arrive in Salt Lake City, check into your hotel, and enjoy a relaxed dinner near Temple Square, soaking in the city’s historic ambiance.

Day 2: Salt Lake City → Phoenix

Morning: Explore a quick visit to the Great Salt Lake and the Utah State Capitol before departing for the desert drive.

Afternoon: Cruise through the scenic red rock landscape of southern Utah, stopping at the iconic Monument Valley viewpoint for photos.

Evening: Cross into Arizona and arrive in Phoenix around sunset; settle into your accommodation and enjoy a casual dinner in the vibrant Downtown Phoenix area.

Day 3: Phoenix Exploration

Morning: Start with a stroll through the Desert Botanical Garden, marveling at the unique cacti and desert flora.

Afternoon: Head to the Heard Museum to experience Native American art and culture, followed by a leisurely lunch at a local taco shop.

Evening: Catch the sunset at South Mountain Park, then dine at a rooftop restaurant with views of the city skyline.

Day 4: Phoenix Outdoor Adventure

Morning: Drive up to the McDowell Sonoran Preserve for a gentle hike on the Tom’s Thumb Trail, offering panoramic desert vistas.

Afternoon: Visit the historic Roosevelt Row Arts District to explore murals, galleries, and boutique shops.

Evening: Enjoy a relaxed evening at the Arizona Science Center or catch a live music show at a downtown venue.

Day 5: Phoenix to Grand Canyon Day Trip

Morning: Depart early for a day trip to the Grand Canyon South Rim, arriving at the Grand Canyon Village for breathtaking views.

Afternoon: Walk along the Rim Trail, stop at iconic viewpoints like Mather Point and Yavapai Observation Station, then grab a quick lunch at the El Tovar Dining Room.

Evening: Return to Phoenix, stopping for dinner in Flagstaff before completing the drive back to the city.

Day 6: Phoenix → Las Vegas

Morning: Leave Phoenix and travel north on I‑15, making a brief stop at the historic Hoover Dam for photos and a short walk.

Afternoon: Continue to Las Vegas, checking into your hotel and exploring the famous Las Vegas Strip with its dazzling lights and themed resorts.

Evening: Experience a signature Las Vegas show or try your luck at a casino, followed by dinner at a celebrity chef restaurant.

Day 7: Las Vegas → Portland (Arrival 11/25)

Morning: Take a leisurely breakfast on the Strip, then begin the long drive north on I‑15 and I‑84.

Afternoon: Stop for a quick lunch and stretch in Salt Lake City, revisiting any missed attractions if time allows.

Evening: Arrive back in Portland by nightfall, concluding the road‑trip adventure.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Columbia River Gorge – 1 hour – $0 (parking fee $5)
• Boise River Greenbelt – 1 hour – $0
• Salt Lake City (Temple Square) – 2 hours – $0 (optional tour $10)
• Great Salt Lake – 1 hour – $0
• Monument Valley viewpoint – 30 min – $0 (parking $5)
• Desert Botanical Garden – 2 hours – $25
• Heard Museum – 2 hours – $18
• South Mountain Park – 2 hours – $0
• McDowell Sonoran Preserve (Tom’s Thumb Trail) – 3 hours – $0
• Roosevelt Row Arts District – 2 hours – $0
• Grand Canyon South Rim (Mather Point, Yavapai Station) – 5 hours – $35 (park entry)
• Hoover Dam – 1 hour – $0 (parking $10)
• Las Vegas Strip & Show – 4 hours – $120 (show ticket)
• Fuel (round‑trip ~2,400 mi) – – – $300
• Accommodation (6 nights) – – – $720
• Meals (average $45/day) – – – $315
• Miscellaneous (snacks, tolls) – – – $80
• Total Estimated Cost – – – $1,660

Tips

If you’d like to shorten the journey, consider flying to Phoenix and renting a car for the local days, cutting the driving legs to just the return leg. To extend the adventure, add an extra day in Utah to explore Arches National Park and Zion National Park, or spend a full night in Las Vegas to enjoy more shows and nightlife. Adjust daily drive times based on your comfort level, and always keep a flexible schedule for weather or spontaneous stops.