The Southwestern United States is lauded for its rugged terrain, sweeping desert landscapes, and jaw-dropping national parks. On this unforgettable road trip, you’ll hike along the rim of the iconic Grand Canyon, gaze out at the Painted Desert in the Petrified Forest, and step back in time as you explore the ancient dwellings of Mesa Verde National Park. 

Round out your southwest adventure with a visit to the crimson buttes of Monument Valley, followed by a relaxing dip in the refreshing waters of Lake Powell. Beginning from Escape Camper Vans’ Las Vegas hub, this is the ultimate 7-day southwest national parks road trip!

Travel Time from Las Vegas to the Southwest National Parks

This epic Southwest road trip begins and ends at Escape Camper Vans’ Las Vegas hub, and travels through Nevada, Arizona, and Colorado. Overall, the drive would span about 1,256 miles and take a total of twenty hours and thirty minutes to complete. To fully immerse yourself in the sweeping desert landscapes and breathtaking national parks along this itinerary, we recommend allotting at least one week to complete your trip.

Best Time of Year for a Southwest National Park Road Trip

Between pleasant weather, available campgrounds, and ideal hiking conditions, the spring and fall are considered the two best seasons to embark on a southwest road trip. 

Spring

March through May is generally considered the best time of year to travel through the southwest, and for good reason. The temperature is often perfect for long days spent outside, vibrant wildflowers are in full bloom, and most campgrounds are open for the season. Since this is an especially popular time to venture on an Arizona road trip, it’s best to book your campsites well in advance, especially if your trip coincides with Spring Break.

Summer

While summer is a popular time to visit the southwest, the extreme heat throughout the region can put a major damper on your plans. During midday, temperatures can reach 100 degrees Fahrenheit, making it both unpleasant and dangerous to go on long hikes. Plan your outdoor adventures for early mornings and evenings, or consider opting for a summer road trip along the California coast instead.

Fall

Similarly to the spring, the fall is a wonderful time to embark on a southwest national parks road trip. The weather will have cooled off from the summer and the daytime temperatures will be perfect for exploring. This is also a less busy time to visit, so you’ll be able to explore some of the most popular areas of the parks with minimal crowds.

Winter

December through February is definitely the quietest time to visit the national parks of the southwest. While witnessing the Grand Canyon under a blanket of snow is pretty magical, there’s a big risk that heavy snowstorms could derail your plans. If you do choose to brave the cold temperatures and unpredictable weather, then be sure to add snow chains to your camper van rental!

Preparation for a Southwest Road Trip

Since this road trip crosses through three national parks and a number of southwest states, it’s imperative that you do a bit of pre-trip planning. Book campsites in advance, reserve any mandatory tours that interest you, and gather all of the supplies that you’ll need for spending a week in the desert!

Planning Ahead

Campgrounds: Many popular campgrounds on this itinerary fill up very quickly, especially in the Grand Canyon. Try to book your sites a few months in advance if possible, or check out the many dispersed campsites in the area. 

Tour Reservations: In both Mesa Verde and Monument Valley, guided tours are required for exploring certain areas of the parks. During high season, spots can book up quickly, so try to reserve yours tours well in advance. The same goes for any popular tour activities in the Grand Canyon, such as mule rides along the South Rim.

Food and Water: While some of the national parks along this route feature plenty of restaurants, others are void of any eatery options. Before leaving Las Vegas, it’s a good idea to stop by a local grocery store and stock up on easy-to-make camper van meals for your trip. Since you’ll be spending hours driving through desolate desert landscapes, you’ll also need to ensure that you pack plenty of water to stay hydrated!

Supplies: In addition to a kitchen kit and an extra bedding kit for chilly desert nights, be sure to also grab a national park pass from our array of extra add-ons. Add in a door canopy as well to account for the strong sun, along with plenty of SPF.

Navigation

Smartphone: Since you’ll be driving through areas with little to no reception, be sure to download Offline Maps if you’re using your phone as a GPS. You’ll also need to pack a portable charger so you can stay connected even when your camper van is turned off.

Paper Maps: It’s a great idea to grab a paper map of the Grand Canyon as well as the other national parks on this itinerary. Not only do these make fun souvenirs, but they’re also essential for navigating remote trailheads and campgrounds.

Which Camper Van is Best for a Southwest National Park Loop?

Escape Camper Vans offers a suite of five different vehicle models to choose from, all of which feature handy kitchenettes and are available from our Las Vegas depot. The Del Mar, Mavericks, and Mesa are great for larger groups, as they each sleep up to five campers. For smaller groups, our Jeep Camper and Santa Cruz each fit up to two people. Spend some time comparing the camper vans on our website to determine which is the best fit for your southwest adventure!

7-Day Southwest Road Trip Itinerary Stops

Day 1-2: Las Vegas to Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

Your week-long sojourn to some of the Southwest’s most notable national parks begins at Escape Camper Vans’ Las Vegas hub. From here, you’ll embark on a four hour drive to the iconic Grand Canyon National Park. After picking up your camp van rental in Las Vegas, head towards Route 93 South to make a pit stop at the famous Hoover Dam. 

Once you arrive at Arizona’s most popular national park, you’ll be met with sweeping views of its eroded landscape and breathtaking geological formations. The massive park is divided into four sections, with the South Rim being the most popular area for first time visitors. To make the most of your time at the Grand Canyon, we suggest focusing your visit on the magnificent hikes and viewpoints along the South Rim.

Things to do in Grand Canyon National Park

Hike the Rim Trail: This well-paved path stretches approximately 13 miles and is a wonderful way to begin getting acquainted with the Grand Canyon’s extraordinary landscape. The scenic hike spans from the South Kaibab Trailhead to Hermits Rest, though you can easily choose to walk only a small portion of this trail if you prefer.

Bright Angel Trail: The Grand Canyon’s most popular trail leads hikers deep inside the canyon walls and reaches all the way down to the Colorado River. While the trek down may not feel overly strenuous, be prepared for the steep incline as you make your way back up!

Ride a Mule: Mule rides are an incredibly popular way to explore the canyon’s depths, and a great way to immerse yourself in nature without overexerting yourself. There are several tour options along the South Rim, all of which tend to book up quickly.

Desert View Watchtower: For an awe-inspiring view of the Grand Canyon’s eastern area, ascend to the top of this historic watchtower. Marvel at an expansive view of the Colorado River as it weaves through the canyon’s eroded landscape, a particularly phenomenal sight at sunset. 

Places to Eat near Grand Canyon National Park

Fred Harvey Tavern: Not far from the Bright Angel Trailhead, you’ll find this inviting locale, known for their juicy burgers and laid back atmosphere. The western style eatery is adorned by historic murals and often features performances by talented folk musicians, so your meal may be accompanied by some live entertainment!

Yavapai Tavern: This casual eatery serves up classic pub fare and local craft beers from a wonderfully scenic patio. Plus, this is one of the few establishments in the park that is dog-friendly, so it’s perfect for anyone road-tripping with their pup! 

Grand Canyon Chocolate Factory: After a long day of hiking through the canyon, refuel with a delicious sugar boost at this decadent chocolate factory. Specialty treats, mouthwatering gelato, and hot chocolate are some of the most popular menu items you’ll find at this family run sweet shop. 

Campgrounds near Grand Canyon National Park

Mather Campground: This expansive campground on the South Rim is open all year and its varied list of amenities include a camp store, hot showers, a dump station and campfire rings. Most of the campsites must be reserved from March through November, though they become first come, first served the rest of the year. 

Desert View Campground: This seasonal site within the park operates from April through mid-October and mandatory reservations can be made up to six months before your stay. Amenities at this campground include flush toilets, potable water during high season, and a camp store.

Grand Canyon Village RV Park & Campground: If all the sites inside the park are booked, this convenient campground is just a mile from the park entrance. Facilities at this year-round site include token-operated showers, picnic tables, fire rings, and a small camp store.

Day 3: Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona

You’ll find Arizona’s most underrated national park less than three hours away from the Grand Canyon. Petrified Forest National Park contains a startling amount of petrified wood that dates back over 200 million years, along with the mesmerizing hills of the Painted Desert. In stark contrast to the Grand Canyon, the Petrified Forest is quite small, and its highlights can easily be explored in a day. 

A clearly marked road weaves through the entire park, guiding visitors to twelve fascinating points of interest. Hike among the vibrantly colored badlands of the Blue Mesa trail, gaze at crystalized wood logs from millions of years ago, and even drive along Route 66, as this is the only national park that the famous Mother Road cuts through! 

Things to do in Petrified Forest National Park

Blue Mesa Trail: This quick, well-paved trail veers through an otherworldly landscape of badlands, naturally draped in hues of blue and purple. While only one-mile long, this easy hike is the perfect way to get up close to the colorful sandstone mounds of the Painted Desert.

The Crystal Forest: Thousands of stunning crystal logs dating back over two hundred million years surround this short loop trail. This is the best area of the park to witness a high concentration of petrified wood, and as you explore the area you’ll find countless mystifying logs in a variety of sizes and colors.

Newspaper Rock: More than 650 ancient petroglyphs are etched into several rocks at this fascinating archeological site. Created by ancestral Pueblans along the Puerco River, some of the carvings are said to date back nearly 2,000 years.

Places to Eat near Petrified Forest National Park

The Painted Desert Diner: While there aren’t any food establishments inside Petrified Forest, this popular diner is located just outside of the park entrance. In addition to an extensive menu, the diner also carries a grab and go section if you prefer to picnic inside the park.

Bienvenidos Restaurant: The area’s most popular restaurant serves breakfast all day, along with a robust barbecue menu for dinner. While the eatery offers plenty of meat-heavy dishes, they also have a number of options for vegetarian and vegan customers.

Studio 66 Cafe: This charming, industrial-style cafe serves the best coffee in town, along with a number of delicious pastries and breakfast sandwiches. If you stop by in the afternoon, you’ll also find a wide array of lunch options to choose from.

Campgrounds near Petrified Forest National Park

McHood Park Campground: This basic site is situated along a serene reservoir and offers flush toilets, picnic tables, and showers. All campsites are first come, first served and operate year-round.

Holbrook/ Petrified Forest KOA: Conveniently located just outside of the park, this full-service campground is open all year, and reservations are highly encouraged. The property offers ample amenities, including laundry services, a camp store, firepits, and a seasonal pool.

Day 4: Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado

After an early wake-up at your campsite, make the four-hour drive up to Colorado to explore your final national park of the trip. Renowned for housing 600 Ancestral Pueblan cliff dwellings, Mesa Verde National Park is a wonderland for both nature lovers and history buffs. Marvel at the incredibly well-preserved dwellings while receiving an immersive history lesson in the lives of the Pueblos and Tribes that once lived here.

Continue to step back in time as you embark on the park’s six-mile scenic loop drive, which weaves past twelve fascinating ancestral sites.

Things to do in Mesa Verde National Park

Visit Cliff Palace: This 150-room structure is North America’s largest cliff dwelling and the park’s most popular site. Built by Ancestral Pueblans in the 1200s, this historic structure can only be explored by signing up for a ranger-led tour. 

See the Far View Sites: Step back in time as you explore what was once the most popular area of the mesa. Learn about the history of the Ancestral Pueblans while hiking past a number of excavated sites, including the Far View Tower, Pipe Shrine House, and Coyote Village. 

Hike Spruce Canyon Trail: This stunning, 2.4-mile trail weaves through Mesa Verde’s striking canyon, and is a prime location for spotting birds and local wildlife. Hikers also have the option to detour off this trail and trek towards Petroglyph Point, where a number of chiseled rock carvings can be found.

Places to Eat near Mesa Verde National Park

The Metate Room: This award-winning restaurant is the place to be if you’re looking for an elevated culinary experience within the park. Lined by floor-to-ceiling windows, this scenic eatery features a varied menu of fresh fish, wild game, and organically sourced produce.

Knife Edge Cafe: If you sleep inside the park, enjoy breakfast at your campground at this conveniently located cafe. The laid-back establishment remains open until 7 pm every day, making it a great place to stop for a quick bite after a long day of exploring.

Loungin Lizard: Outside of Mesa Verde, head to the nearby town of Cortez for a night of delicious Southwestern cuisine. This popular restaurant offers a variety of inventive dishes and signature cocktails in a chic indoor space and an inviting patio setting.

Campgrounds near Mesa Verde National Park

Morefield Campground: As the only campground inside Mesa Verde, this is the top choice for any campers who want to get an early start in the park. Operating from the end of April until November, reservations are not required though they are encouraged. Site amenities include picnic tables, fire pits, seasonal showers and laundry facilities.

Bright Star Campground: Situated twenty minutes away from Mesa Verde’s entrance, this scenic campground offers full hookups, showers, and picnic tables. The property typically runs from April through mid-October, and advanced reservations must be made by phone.

Day 5: Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, Arizona

Since Mesa Verde National Park is nearly nine hours away from Las Vegas, break up the drive back with a couple more breathtaking stops along the way! About three hours south of Mesa Verde, you’ll arrive at Monument Valley, a desert oasis that straddles the Arizona-Utah border. Used as the setting for countless western films, Monument Valley’s iconic landscape has become symbolic with the American Southwest.

Explore this rugged terrain’s imposing sandstone buttes, mesas, and plateaus by driving along a 17-mile loop road. While this is the only self-guided drive permitted through the park, you can take several guided tours for an even more captivating experience. 

Things to do in Monument Valley

The 17-Mile Valley Drive: The most common way to explore Monument Valley is to drive along the 17-mile loop road that circles the entire park, leading visitors to eleven main points of interest. John Ford Point, The Mittens, and the Three Sisters are some of the most famous sites, though each stop is mesmerizing and worth taking time to enjoy. 

Hike Wildcat Trail: This 3.2-mile loop trail is the only self-guided hike available in the park, rewarding visitors with a close up look at the imposing buttes and plateaus of Monument Valley. The desert path loops around the towering West Mitten Butte, allowing hikers to feel fully immersed in the park’s enchanting scenery.

Forrest Gump Point: For an outstanding view of Monument Valley from a distance, drive to this popular point just off Scenic Highway 163. Not only is this the perfect spot for marveling at the valley’s spectacular landscape, but film buffs will also recognize this as the very place where Forrest Gump decided to end his cross country trek!

Places to Eat near Monument Valley

The View Restaurant: Dine with a view at the only restaurant within the park. Expansive windows allow you to look at one of the most notable viewpoints of Monument Valley while you enjoy a variety of local, filling dishes.

Linda’s Red Trailer: If you get hungry while driving the classic 17-mile loop road, head to Linda’s famous fry bread stand, located just beside John Ford Point. In addition to traditional Navajo fry bread, you can also purchase delicious Navajo tacos or an array of other local dishes.

Amigo Cafe: About thirty minutes outside of the park, you’ll find this inviting Mexican eatery in the small town of Kayenta. Dine on authentic cuisine in a relaxed setting, or swing by in the morning to fuel up at their popular coffee bar.

Campgrounds near Monument Valley

The View Campground: As the only campground inside Monument Valley, you won’t find a better view of the site’s legendary terrain than right here. Located on the cliff-side of the park, this year-round campground features picnic tables, showers, and drinking water, but not does not offer any hookups. Reservations are strongly encouraged and can be made by phone or online.

Goulding’s Resort RV & Campground: Just outside of Monument Valley, this scenic campsite offers stunning views of the valley and its surrounding desert landscapes. Restrooms with hot showers, picnic tables, and grills are available, as well as an indoor pool if you need to cool off after a day spent under the desert sun! Reservations are mandatory at this year round site, and can be made via the property’s website.

Day 6: Page, Arizona

Wake up to the vibrant sandstone cliffs of Monument Valley, and then embark on a scenic, two hour drive to the picturesque city of Page, Arizona. Set along the spectacular Lake Powell, a visit to Page is filled with unforgettable outdoor adventures. Traverse through spellbinding slot canyons, admire sweeping views of the Colorado River, and of course spend a day splashing around in the refreshing waters of the city’s jaw-dropping reservoir.

Things to do in Page, AZ

Antelope Canyon: You can’t come to Page without visiting the most well known slot canyon in the world! Whether you choose to explore the Upper or Lower Canyon, you’ll need to be accompanied by a guide and a basic tour will typically last about ninety minutes.

Horseshoe Bend: This stunning overlook is situated in Glen Canyon and reached by an easy, 1.5-mile roundtrip hike. Once you arrive, you’ll find a striking view of the Colorado River tracing along a horseshoe-shaped canyon. Because of the overlook’s increasing popularity, the crowds can get quite intense during the high season, especially at sunset. 

Lake Powell: It’s hard to beat a day spent in the water at this gorgeous reservoir. Admire the desert’s rugged landscape as you kayak through narrow canyons, sign up for a magnificent boat tour, or simply go for a refreshing swim in the tranquil lake.

Places to Eat in Page, AZ

Big John’s Texas BBQ: This retro gas station-turned-lively barbecue restaurant is a must when you’re in Page! Grab a seat at one of their communal picnic tables and dig into your hearty plate of slow-cooked meats while a live honky-tonk band performs.

BirdHouse: Refined comfort food is served in a fun ambiance at this trendy eatery, which offers both indoor and outdoor dining. Their entire menu revolves around fried chicken, which is served with a rotating selection of locally brewed beers.

Campgrounds in Page, AZ

Lake Powell Campground: Wake up to serene views of Lake Powell at this lovely year-round site. Advanced reservations are strongly encouraged, and amenities include showers, full hookups, a laundry facility, and lake access.

Beehives Campground: Located within the majestic Glen Canyon, this year-round campground contains picnic tables but is otherwise quite minimal. All campsites here are first come, first served and spots tend to fill up quickly. 

Day 7: Drive to Las Vegas, Nevada

Soak in one last glimpse of Lake Powell before packing up the van and heading towards Sin City. The drive back to Escape Camper Vans’ Las Vegas depot will take about four and a half hours, so we recommend getting an early start on the road! Remember to keep in mind that you’ll need to bring your camper van back by your pre-scheduled drop off time. 

Why Rent a Camper Van for a Southwest National Park Road Trip?

Cruising down the vast desert roads of the southwest evokes an undeniable feeling of freedom. Compared to a traditional RV, a camper van allows you to fully embody that sense of adventure and exploration. From added flexibility to way less stress on the road, these are just a few of the reasons why a camper van may be a better choice than an RV for your southwest road trip:

Mobility: Compared to a cumbersome RV, our compact camper vans can more easily drive along the winding roads of the Grand Canyon, reach remote trailheads, and fit into tighter parking spaces. This allows you to venture off-the-beaten-path far more than with a bulky RV.

Ease of Use: A large RV can be intimidating to drive, which would make the long stretches of time on the road during this trip way more stressful. Instead, our camper vans are similar to a family-sized vehicle, allowing you to easily get behind the wheel without worry!

No Electric or Water Hookups: While RV’s often require campgrounds with hookups, our self-contained camper vans allow for much more flexibility. Enjoy the freedom to camp wherever you please- including dispersed camping spots in secluded locations and sites that are typically meant for tents. 

Fun Design: Each Escape Camper Van is decked out in a colorful design by talented artists. Not only does this ensure that you’ll never have to worry about spotting your van in a crowded parking lot, but it’s also a great conversation starter with fellow campers!

Renting a camper van in Las Vegas is a guaranteed way to start your southwest road trip off the right way! Avoid the necessary logistics of a traditional RV and instead embrace the freedom and flexibility of driving down the open road in your camper van.

Reserve With Escape Camper Vans for your Southwest National Parks Road Trip

Ready to embark on the Grand Canyon’s Bright Angel Trail, gawk at 200 million-year-old crystalized wood in the Petrified Forest, and get an immersive history lesson in Mesa Verde? This week-long Southwest National Parks road trip is the perfect getaway from Las Vegas for nature lovers and desert seekers. Now that we’ve outlined the perfect itinerary for your unforgettable adventure, all that’s left is to reserve your dream Escape Camper Van!