Western USA road Trip: The Perfect 3-Week Road Trip Itinerary (California, Nevada, Arizona, Utah)
The western part of the USA has some of the most beautiful landscapes in the entire country. From towering mountains to vast deserts, vibrant cities and ancient canyons, there is so much variety in this part of the United States. We were lucky to go on multiple road trips through the region and this time allowed us to see the highlights as well as some lesser known destinations. In this travel guide, we’ll share the ideal 3-week road trip itinerary for the Western USA, from San Francisco to Las Vegas or vice versa. This itinerary is designed to give you a taste of it all while keeping in mind travel distances, so you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy the outdoors.
Check out our video about the Western USA to see these fascinating places to visit through our camera!
The Perfect 3-Week Western USA Road Trip Itinerary (California, Nevada, Arizona, Utah)
Day 1-2: San Francisco
Highlights: North Beach (Little Italy), Alcatraz, Mission District, Marin Headlands, Bike ride to Sausalito, Presidio viewpoints of Golden Gate Bridge, Golden Gate Park, Fisherman’s Wharf, Ferry Building Marketplace, the Painted Ladies
Where we stayed: Francisco Bay Inn ($$)
Our journey begins in the iconic city of San Francisco, located in Northern California. It’s a great destination to start a road trip since it has a large international airport with lots of worldwide flight connections and many car rental agencies.
San Francisco is worth spending a few days in as it’s home to some of the most iconic US landmarks, like the Golden Gate Bridge and the prison of Alcatraz, which is situated on a small island. Besides these attractions, The City boasts a hilly terrain dotted with beautiful Victorian style houses and stunning natural beauty. You’ll also find a diverse culture here that blends bohemian spirit with modern sophistication. Some of our favorite neighborhoods to soak in the atmosphere include the Mission District and North Beach.
Day 3-4: South Lake Tahoe
Driving distance: 302 km / 188 miles (3-5 hours depending on traffic)
Highlights: Emerald Bay State Park, Sand Harbor, Mount Tallac trail, Eagle lake trail, Angora Lake, Eagle Rock, Cave Rock sunset, Logan Shoals Vista Point
Where we stayed: Postmarc Hotel and Spa Suites ($$)
Escape the city and head to Lake Tahoe, a pristine gem nestled in the Sierra Nevada mountains. Known for its crystal-clear waters and stunning natural beauty, this alpine lake offers year-round recreation. In the winter, it’s a haven for skiers and snowboarders, while summer brings opportunities for boating, hiking, and beach relaxation. Highlights include Emerald Bay State Park, the South Lake Tahoe downtown scene and casinos, as well as the secluded coves around the lake, such as Sand Harbor. Our favorite hike in the Tahoe area is to the majestic Mount Tallac.
Day 5-7: Yosemite National Park
Driving distance: 300 km / 186 miles (4-5 hours via either Big Oak Flat Entrance or Tioga Pass Entrance).
Highlights: Yosemite Falls, El Capitan, Half Dome, Bridalveil Falls, Cloud’s Rest hike, Vernal and Nevada Falls hike, Glacier Point view, Tenaya Lake, Horsetail Falls, Mariposa Grove, Tuolumne Meadows
Where we stayed: Yosemite Valley Lodge ($$$) or National Park Campgrounds
From Lake Tahoe, it’s a 4 to 5 hour drive over some beautiful mountain passes to the world-famous Yosemite National Park. Drive east over Tioga Pass if you’re visiting during summer. This pass has spectacular views but is usually closed from November through late May or June due to snow. Alternatively, drive west to the Big Oak Flat Entrance.
Yosemite has breathtaking wilderness consisting of towering granite cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and ancient sequoia groves. Most of its highlights are found in the Yosemite Valley, home to the Half Dome, El Capitan, the Vernal Falls, Nevada Falls, and the majestic Yosemite Falls, one of the tallest waterfalls in North America. All can be explored by hiking trails, ranging from short to long ones. However, there is much more to see beyond the valley. Our favorite view is from Glacier Point, which is accessible by car during the summer months. Another must-see is the Tuolumne Meadows, a serene zone in the eastern region of the park.
Tip: During peak season, an online reservation is required to drive through Yosemite National Park
Day 8: Death Valley National Park
Driving distance: 482 km / 300 miles (6 hours from the Yosemite Valley to Furnace Creek Visitor Center)
Highlights: Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, Zabriskie Point, Dante’s View, Badwater Basin, Artists Palette & Artists Drive
Where we stayed: The Ranch - Furnace Creek ($$)
From Yosemite Valley, it’s a 6 hour drive to the next destination: Death Valley National Park. This park straddles eastern California and Nevada and is a land of extremes. In fact, it’s the hottest, driest, and lowest national park in the entire United States and one of the hottest places on earth. But in spite of its harsh conditions, Death Valley is also home to towering mountains, barren salt flats (Badwater Basin), interesting rock formations (Artists Palette), and shifting sand dunes (Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes). Drive to the various viewpoints and take in the beauty.
Day 9: Valley of Fire State Park
Driving distance: 290 km / 180 miles (3 hours)
Highlights: Seven wonders trail & Fire Wave, White Domes Loop, Rainbow Vista, Mouse’s Tank Road, Fire Canyon Overlook, Atlatl Rock, Elephant Rock, Arch Rock, Seven Sisters
Where we stayed: Campgrounds inside the park
The Valley of Fire State Park is located in Nevada's southern region, about 180 miles or 290 kilometers to the east of Death Valley National Park. It’s the oldest and largest state park in Nevada and is known for its bright red sandstone formations that appear to be on fire during sunset. Spend one day here exploring its beautiful panoramic vistas, short hiking trails, and petroglyphs. The highlight here is definitely the Fire Wave, one of the most majestic rock formations we’ve come across in our travels so far.
Fact: The Fire Wave Trail is usually closed from June 1 - October 1 due to excessive heat. Check Nevada State Park website to confirm exact closure dates for the year you are visiting.
Day 10–11: Zion National Park
Driving distance: 219 km / 136 miles (2.5 hours)
Highlights: Angels Landing, the Narrows, Canyon Overlook sunset, Observation Point trail, Emerald Pools trail, Zion-Mount Carmel Highway, Watchman trail
Where we stayed: Holiday Inn Express (Springdale)
Next, head to Zion National Park, located in the southwest corner of Utah. This desert wonderland is characterized by towering sandstone cliffs, deep canyons, and vibrant red rock formations. Zion Canyon is the main highlight that attracts most visitors, with highlights including the Emerald Pools, Canyon Overlook, and the Narrows. Angel’s Landing is another top attraction of the canyon and is a thrilling hike that takes you on a narrow ridge high above the valley floor. It’s important to always hold the chains on this hike and wear proper footwear to stay safe. Keep in mind that you need to take a shuttle from the visitor center to get into the Canyon for most of the year since there is limited space. Some hiking trials might also require permits or reservations, so make sure to check out the park’s website. If you’re looking for a less busy hike in the area that still has amazing views, we recommend the Watchman Hike.
Day 12–13: Bryce Canyon National Park
Driving distance: 136 km / 85 miles (2 hours)
Highlights: Bryce Amphitheater, Sunset from Bryce Point, Queens Garden & Navajo Loop hike, Mossy cave trail, Fairyland Loop Trail, Peekaboo Trail, and the Tower Bridge Trail
Where we stayed:
Best Western PLUS Ruby’s Inn (hotel to stay)
Ruby’s Inn Campground (where we stayed)
Next, drive 2 hours to Bryce Canyon National Park, made up of a series of natural amphitheaters that are carved into the edge of a high plateau. These amphitheaters are filled with colorful eroded spires of rocks called “hoodoos”, which is what makes Bryce Canyon so unique. The best way to explore this environment is by hiking one of the many trails. We really enjoyed the scenic views along the Queens Garden and Navajo Loop Trail. Other things to do in Bryce Canyon include watching the sunset from Bryce Point, driving the scenic road towards Bristlecone Point, and simply taking in the views from the canyon's edge.
Day 14-15: Lake Powell, Antelope Canyon & Horseshoe Bend
Driving distance: 241 km / 150 miles (2 hours 40 mins)
Highlights: Kanab, Paria Canyon, the Wave, Buckskin Gulch slot-canyon, White Pockets, Wahweap Overlook, kayaking on Lake Powell, Lower Antelope Canyon, Upper Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend
Where we stayed: Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Page Lake Powell
Depart Bryce Canyon and head towards the city of Page in Arizona. This drive is very scenic and there are a few stops you can make along the way, such as the old western town of Kanab, White Pockets, and Paria Canyon. The latter two require a small detour on a dirt road which would be best with a high clearance vehicle, but don’t require a 4x4.
Right before entering into Page, you’ll get a glimpse of the immense Lake Powell (Wahweap Overlook). This massive reservoir on the Colorado River is known for its stunning red rock canyons, crystal-clear waters, and endless water sport opportunities.
Don’t miss out on a visit to Antelope Canyon, located on Navajo land just east of Page. This slot canyon has narrow passageways and colorful sandstone walls. The two main sections are the Lower Antelope Canyon and the Upper Antelope Canyon. We visited the upper one and found it to be absolutely breathtaking. But make sure to book your visit in advance as capacity is limited.
Another popular sight in this area is Horseshoe Bend, offering stunning views of the Colorado River as it winds through a canyon. We highly suggest visiting here around sunset as it’s more quiet and beautiful.
Day 16-17: Grand Canyon National Park
Driving distance: 170 km / 106 miles (2 hours)
Highlights: Desert view, Grandview Point, Yaki Point, Hopi Point, Mohave Point, Bright Angel trail
Where we stayed: Squire Resort ($$$)
From Page, it takes about 2 hours to get to the South Rim entrance of Grand Canyon National Park, one of the most spectacular natural wonders in the entire world. To take in the beauty, drive along the south rim towards Grand Canyon Village and make stops at a number of stunning viewpoints, such as the Desert View and Yaki Point. If you want to get down into the canyon, the Bright Angel trail is a good option. But keep in mind that it gets very hot down there so bring lots of water if you intend on doing the whole trail. Alternatively, you can walk a short way down to at least get a feel of being under the canyon walls. But our favorite thing to do in the park is watch the sunset from Mohave Point.
Day 18-19: Sedona
Driving distance: 177 km / 110 miles (2 hours)
Highlights: Lover’s Knoll, Devil's Bridge, the 7 Sacred Pools, Bell Rock, the Birthing Cave, and Cathedral Rock
Where we stayed: The Views Inn Sedona ($$$)
Continue south to the small town of Sedona, located in the heart of Arizona. Renowned for its stunning red rock formations and spiritual vortexes, Sedona offers an escape from the ordinary. Here, hiking trails wind through landscapes of towering cliffs and vibrant canyons, leading to some amazing views. Our favorite hikes include Devil's Bridge, the 7 Sacred Pools, Bell Rock, the Birthing Cave, and Cathedral Rock. The latter is also known for its incredible sunsets. Consider a small detour to Montezuma Castle National Monument, an ancient cliff dwelling built nearly a thousand years ago. It’s a great place to get a glimpse into Native American history.
Day 20-21: Las Vegas
Driving distance: 450 km / 280 miles (4.5 hours)
Highlights: walk the Strip, gamble at casinos, gondola ride at the Venetian, Bellagio fountain show, LINQ high roller, Welcome To Vegas Sign, Fremont Street Experience
Where we stayed: The Luxor on the Strip ($$)
End your road trip in Las Vegas, a city that is synonymous with entertainment. The Strip is a must-see, a dazzling boulevard lined with massive hotels, casinos, and well-known shows. With its neon lights and vibrant energy, walking is an experience in itself and is the best way to take in the atmosphere in our opinion. Beyond the glitz and glamor, you can also check out Fremont Street Experience, offering a more historic ambience.
Map Western USA
Find all the places to go, eat, drink, and stay along the Western USA on a Google Maps. To follow and save the list, do the following:
Tap on the link to open it (click button below)
Tap Follow. This list will now be added to the group of lists you follow.
Optional: To unfollow a list someone shared with you, tap the list Saved.
If you follow the list we made, all our saved places of the Garden Route will show up in Your Places. The places will also appear as suggested locations in Google Maps.
Use These Websites To Save Money On Your Trip To The Western USA
Booking.com for places to stay
Skyscanner for cheap flights
GetYourGuide for local tours
Rentalcars.com for affordable car rentals
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