From the Las vegas to the jaw-dropping beauty of the national parks, this scenic route packs amazing sights and tastes right into a manageable itinerary.
If you're looking for a holiday that includes warm sun, gorgeous desert landscapes, snow-covered mountains, and big-city stye, the American Southwest is really a go-to option. Here, you'll discover the 24/7 excitement, of Vegas, the otherworldly landscapes of national and state parks (think humanoid-like cacti and red rocks), and the vibrant communities and culinary scenes of Phoenix and El Paso. Here, a step-by-step affordable itinerary which includes wallet-friendly lodging, as well as the best places to grab a taste of Southwestern flavors.
Las Vegas, Nevada
Start your engine in Las Vegas, in which the legendary Strip beckons with endless neon and who-has-time-to-sleep gaming, food, and drink. The grandest hotels here typically offer reasonable nightly rates – rooms at Circus Circus Hotel, Casino, and Amusement park, for instance, can begin as low as $25/night, but remember that taxes and standard charges can also add a minimum of another $40/night to your stay.
See the full list: 51 affordable discoveries across America 2022
Before striking the road, you might want to catch a concert, theater performance, or stand-up comedy, and remember that Vegas offers lots of quirky off-the-beaten-path delights like the Neon Museum using its incredible array of bright lights and kitschy designs, and the surprisingly riveting National Museum of Organized Crime and Police force, more commonly known as the Mob Museum. Food options, from shockingly affordable buffets to $700 burgers deliver something for every culinary preference. (Have a Taste Buzz Food Tour for a taste of the little bit of everything.)
Valley of fireside State Park, Nevada
Less than an hour's drive from Las Vegas along Route I-15 North, Valley of fireside State Park, within the Mojave Desert, seems like a world away. While you enter the park, you'll remain on Valley of Fire Scenic Byway, the only main road, which runs about 11 miles, connecting the east and west entrances. Pull over for one from the park's exceptional hikes, where one can explore the iconic red Aztec sandstone formations that provide the park its name – timing your visit to include a minumum of one sunset is really as must, as the combination of golden light and deep red from the rocks creates the namesake “fire” display.
In accessory for its geological wonders, Valley of Fire can also be the place to find remnants of prehistoric communities, such as roadside petroglyphs and ancient rock art. Look out for wildlife like antelope, bobcat, coyote, and Nevada's state animal, the desert bighorn sheep.
Arrive with picnic foods and snacks and lots of water, and pack layers of clothing: winter temperatures can veer from the mid-70s to freezing; summer temps vary from more than 100 degrees within the day to chilly during the night. You can treat Valley of Fire like a day trip from Vegas, or book among the park's 70+ campsites for the night.
Phoenix, Arizona
From the Vegas/Valley of Fire area, you'll want to set aside each day for the 300-mile drive along US 93 South to Phoenix, Arizona; if a lot more than four hours in the car feels like an extended trip (westerners reckon driving distances differently from those visiting from back east), plan an end in Kingman, Arizona, where a visit the Alpacas of the Southwest ranch will delight kids of every age group.
Once in Phoenix, you will want to spend a minimum of a full day discovering America's fifth-largest city (having a population of more than 1.6 million). Hike the trails on Camelback Mountain for the best vistas; visit Papago Park using its red rock buttes, botanical garden, and zoo just minutes from downtown; and drop by architect Frank Lloyd Wright's former winter home, Taliesin West, a Unesco World Heritage site, because of its beautiful synthesis of contemporary design and desert-inspired rooms and gardens. Don't miss the Heard Museum, celebrating the history and culture of Native United states citizens with an extensive collection of art and artifacts. Fuel up in the award-winning Pizzeria Bianco, in Heritage Square, and when it's time to rest your head, Phoenix provides an variety of affordable lodging such as the stylish Cambria Hotel Downtown Phoenix.
Saguaro National Park, Arizona
From Phoenix, you'll hit I-10 East for the two-hour drive to Saguaro National Park. Prepare to satisfy the gigantic, humanoid types of Saguaro cacti, some up to 50ft so that as old as 200 years. Some visitors swear the cacti take on a truly human appearance and personality, which only increases the otherworldly quality of this Southwestern road trip. The park can also be home to 8000ft mountains and unique desert wildlife for example javelinas, desert tortoises, and the Mexican spotted owl.
Start at one of the park's visitor centers for maps and advice about hikes, museum exhibits, a cactus garden, and ranger-led programs. Lodging choices for visiting Saguaro range from posh digs in nearby Tucson, like the University Inn to camping in the backcountry of the Rincon Mountain District (check in using the park's visitor center for up-to-date camping options).
El Paso, Texas
From Tucson, you'll get back on I-10 East for any four-hour drive across Boise state broncos before you decide to use the western corner of Texas, where El Paso awaits. This vibrant city is prepared for its closeup. A construction boom in recent years has led to exceptional hotel bargains, for example comfy and reliable stays at the Doubletree or Holiday Inn Express, and a renaissance of community spirit.
Catch a minor-league baseball game and cheer for the hometown Chihuahuas, sip an exceptional local craft beer, and hop a ride on the newly restored streetcar line. Set aside a minimum of a day to get at know this important border city's art museum and gorgeous Franklin Mountains State Park.
Carlsbad Caverns National Park, New Mexico
Hit US-62 East for that two-hour drive from El Paso to 1 of America's most extraordinary nature, Carlsbad Caverns. Aboveground, the park hosts beautiful grassland, the lovely Guadalupe Mountains, and canyons. Below, you'll explore the initial cave system that rivals any on earth for its scale and visual impact – at 250ft high and 4000ft long, it's truly like nothing you have ever seen before.
Ranger-led tours of the caverns, guided hikes one of the mountains and canyons, along with other hands-on programs keep every family member engaged. Reliable lodging is available about a half-hour's drive from the park, in Carlsbad, NM, ranging from roadside chain motels to Quality Inn & Suites.
