The American West is one of the coolest destinations for a road trip. I’ve written up so many travel plans for ourselves and others to do road trips through National Parks and roadside attractions that I feel like I could navigate Colorado, Utah, Arizona and New Mexico without a map. This road trip plan has been built out as a loop so you get to experience the best of nature and Route 66 as you explore from Denver to Las Vegas and back. I love this drive and even if the kids have done it five times already, it’s still something we all enjoy.
As you look at our road trip plan for Denver to Las Vegas, remember that it’s done as a loop so that you can have completely new experiences on the way back from the first part. This American West road trip can always be extended to include more time in the different destinations, and if you want to turn it into a more nature-centric trip, you’ll probably want longer visits to the National Parks, so have fun with our plan and make it your own! If you have any questions about building out an itinerary to include some other stops or want more specific advice, please leave a comment or send us a note. We’re always happy to share more and help you plan an awesome adventure!
Highlights of an American West Road trip from Denver
What really makes this road trip through the American West so great is the combination of natural wonders and Americana. The road trip around Colorado is amazing on its own, but getting to combine these sites with the beauty and intrigue of New Mexico, the epicness and history of Arizona, the fun of Las Vegas and then Utah’s National Parks in one grand trip? That’s amazing!
And yes, I’m calling this an American West road trip because you’re getting the epic landscapes of western movies (cowboys) with the nature and geology the western National Parks are known for. True, you can add a leg of a Wyoming road trip to this and then it would be even more American West, but this road trip loop does a great job of giving a diverse snapshot of the region. You’ll love it.
You might look at our road trip plan from Denver to Las Vegas and think that it’s got too much crammed in there, but think about it: a lot of people drive between the two destinations and if you can make a really fun vacation out of it, why wouldn’t you? There is a lot of ground to cover, so you can tackle it quickly or just meander through the West and it’s good either way. The landscapes of the actual drive are some of the prettiest in the USA, so even if you’re on a time crunch and can’t make all of the stops we recommend, you’ll still have a great drive.
Weather When you Visit the Rockies and Southwest
I’m all about spring and fall road trips, especially for an American west road trip loop. You can enjoy fall colors and cooler temperatures in the desert, or you’re exploring as the snow is melting and the earth is waking up. These off-season times have fewer people out on the highways, better hotel rates and the same amount of fun. Yes, if you’re going in early spring, the road trip from Denver to Las Vegas will take you through some potentially snowy places, so just be properly prepared and bring the right clothes for the cold. I LOVE the Grand Canyon in the snow, and it really is worth experiencing. Utah when the snow is melting can be muddy, but it’s so much more fascinating and manageable than when you’re hiking in the scorching sun.
If you’re planning your Denver to Las Vegas road trip loop for summertime, know that it’ll be hot and dry that whole time, maybe with a little rain but not much. You’ll be in the mountains a lot, but in the summer months they don’t get a ton of variation in weather. I’ve had the most variety in summer weather in Zion National Park with cloudbursts, but still very hot. Just be prepared for the whole gamut and you’ll be good to go.
Where to Stay on your American West Road Trip
I know that a lot of people like to find vacation rentals and AirBNBs when they travel, but on a road trip it just doesn’t make sense unless you’re visiting someplace that’s remote without hotel options. You’ll spend more per night with these types of stays than booking hotels due to all of the fees, and if you’re just one or two nights in a place, you’ll rack up a lot of cleaning and rental fees that you just don’t have with hotels. Also, hotels are more flexible and less stressful than staying in a vacation rental. I say this as somebody who’s owned several vacation rentals. Keep things easier and more low key by doing hotels and roadside motels, which there are some cool ones on this road trip route.
When you get to Las Vegas, I absolutely prefer staying on the Strip. It’s convenient, you get the Las Vegas experience, and you can usually find pretty good deals. The Park MGM is my favorite Vegas hotel because it’s beautiful and 100% smoke free. It’s in a great location too, making it my #1 pick.
As you complete the American west road trip loop we’ve designed you’ll see that you have several National Parks to visit. There are some cool National Park lodges you can stay at, so if that’s within your budget and they have availability, book ’em!!!
Denver to Las Vegas Road Trip Loop Itinerary
Okay, let’s dig in and roll with this awesome road trip plan. Remember, this route can also be done as a loop from Las Vegas to Denver, or even you can start in Los Angeles or Palm Springs and it just adds a day. You have the freedom to add and subtract, linger or reroute. That’s what makes a road trip through the American west so much fun. As you read through and see our pictures, you’ll see that we’ve done this trip with the kids at several different ages, from toddler to teen. It’s a great family trip!
Note: this same road trip plan can be adjusted to make it so you start in St Louis or Kansas City, Missouri, or you can do it in reverse from Los Angeles or San Diego. This road trip loop through the American West is very flexible if you need to start somewhere different or have more time.
Road Trip Start: Denver to Santa Fe
If you’re flying into Denver, you may want to spend a few days here before starting your road trip to Las Vegas. There is so much to do in the Mile High City and we always have fun here. When you’re done in Denver, begin your drive south. Our road trip plan has two options for how to tackle Day 1: Pike’s Peak and all the cool towns and roadside attractions on the way to Santa Fe or Great Sand Dunes National Park.
If you choose Pike’s Peak, you’ve got the cool train ride (the cog railway), there are museums, you’ve got mining history and much more. When you cross into New Mexico, consider stopping at Fort Union National Monument if time allows. This is your longest driving day of the whole trip, so plan your stops sparingly.
The other route you could take on this day is via Great Sand Dunes National Park. This unusual National Park is really like another world in comparison with the rest of the Colorado landscapes you’ve been driving through. When you visit you can just take in the sights, you can hike the dunes (several hours), or even go sand boarding. It’s a park unlike any other, and is epic for landscape photography.
Sleep in: Santa Fe, New Mexico – you’ll arrive here pretty late in the day so find some dinner and check into your hotels. You’ll get to wake up in Santa Fe and explore tomorrow. Santa Fe hotel search here
Day 2: Santa Fe to Gallup, New Mexico
I think the red rocky hills of New Mexico are some of the prettiest landscapes in the USA. The driving today is some of my favorite on the road trip from Denver to Las Vegas and really showcases the stark beauty of the American West. Begin your day by exploring Santa Fe on foot. The downtown / old town area is pretty cool and there are some wonderful indigenous galleries and shops. This is such a artful, historic town that you may find you need to plan a longer visit next time.
While you’re here, or on your way out of Santa Fe, stop at Pecos National Historical Park. You know me, I’m always trying to work educational stops into every trip we go on, so this is a great one, especially with kids. Don’t linger too long though, as you’ll also have a chance to check out downtown Albuquerque today, which also has a cool Old Town. This is a great spot to have a nice lunch and fall in love with New Mexico a little bit more with each step. When you’re ready get back on the road to Gallup.
Route 66 goes through Gallup so you know you’ll have some cool roadside stops and attractions. I really enjoy Red Rocks State Park for hiking. This is the landscape that Radiator Springs in the CARS movies is fashioned after, and you’ll really see it as Carburetor Canyon as you drive past. Gallup has a wonderful Navajo culture present all through town, and the people are really wonderful.
Sleep in: Gallup – there are lots of hotel options in Gallup, but for a really cool, historic stay, check out the El Rancho Hotel downtown. It’s the perfect American West hotel experience! Gallup hotel search here
Day 3: Gallup to the Grand Canyon
If the weather, timing and budget work out in your favor, Gallup, New Mexico is an awesome place for hot air ballooning! This was the first place I ever went up in a hot air balloon and it was stunning. After your done with your morning activities, hit the road and head to Page, Arizona. Page is a really cool place because it’s where you start to get into the more famous landscape features along the Colorado River.
Antelope Canyon is AMAZING. This is one of the coolest geologic features I’ve ever gotten to explore. The tours are quite an operation, but it’s well worth it to get to enjoy these fascinating corkscrew canyons. Your next stop is the Glen Canyon Dam overlook, which is really cool and the canyon is beautiful, but it’s also sad because you see what lays below the surface of nearby Lake Powel, which is just flooded canyons. From here, head to Horseshoe Bend. It’s another jaw dropping sight on the Colorado River and the photos ops are pretty cool.
On the way to the SOUTH RIM of the Grand Canyon in Grand Canyon National Park, make a stop at the Moenave Dinosaur Tracks. This is a cool site and a great way to support the local Navajo people who are very gracious with visitors. From here, head to Grand Canyon National Park. Enter at the Desert View area and make stops along the South Rim as you head to your lodging for the night. Enjoy dinner at the El Tovar dining room, and then be sure to head out to the canyon’s edge for stargazing. It’s astounding!
Sleep in: Grand Canyon National Park – there are several National Park lodges here and they are actually the most affordable in-park lodging we’ve found in ANY National Park (we love the Yavapai Lodge!). Here are some booking links to see what works with your budget: Yavapai Lodge El Tovar Hotel Grand Canyon hotel search here
Day 4: Grand Canyon to Las Vegas
Waking up at the Grand Canyon is one of the most unforgettable experiences in the USA, and going to the rim for sunrise is going to be a highlight of your road trip through the American West. Check to see what time sunrise is, and then bundle up for a cold and windy morning. Head to Yavapai Point or nearly anywhere else on the South Rim before sunrise and watch as the light pours across the canyon. I’m not a cheesy person, but watching sunrise on the Grand Canyon is one of the most moving things I’ve ever done.
After you’ve had some breakfast, either drive through the parts of the South Rim you haven’t gotten to see yet (the road is open to vehicles in the off season) or catch the shuttle bus to tour the many view points. There are a few visitor centers, museums and galleries, so take them in and then continue on your journey. Head south from Grand Canyon National Park to hit the halfway point of your road trip, making your way towards Route 66.
TIP: if you have LOTS of time and want to explore more of Arizona before you continue onto Las Vegas, check out our Arizona Road Trip plan. It includes time in Sedona, Phoenix and Saguaro National Park.
When you get to I-40 you’ll have the option to do the interstate or you can begin Route 66. I love the town of Williams, so I vote to drive the slower Route 66 from here to Kingman, making all the stops you like along the way. As you get closer to Las Vegas, you’ll get to divert to the Hoover Dam if you like. It’s pretty cool, but if you’re itching to get to the city, proceed to Vegas and have fun!
Sleep in: Las Vegas – I 100% think it’s worthwhile to stay on the Strip, but you do you based on your plans and budget. My top pick is the Park MGM because it’s 100% smoke free, but there are lots of good choices. Park MGM Hotel Las Vegas hotel search here
Enjoying Las Vegas
I’ve come to really enjoy Las Vegas. It’s a great place to either go all in and fall for the spectacle of it all, or there are tons of awesome things to do all around town for the people who really aren’t into Vegas. Check out our Guide to Vegas for People Who Don’t Like Vegas.
If you’re planning your Denver to Las Vegas road trip because you have a show to see or you’ve got an event, be sure to not get too distracted so you don’t miss whatever it is, but you can easily plan some fun things to do to fill your time. Las Vegas has some really cool museums and art features, so add a little culture to your time in Sin City. Here are our picks for worthwhile Las Vegas museums to consider:
- Neon Graveyard Museum
- Shelby Heritage Center (small but amazing car museum)
- Las Vegas Mob Museum
- FlyOver Las Vegas
- Bellagio Galleries
- the Sphere
- Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay
Las Vegas is a different experience for everyone, so build out your time as you see fit. There are so many restaurants and shows here that you’ll not be bored or without ideas. Between the residency shows and the Cirque du Soleil options, it’s an incredible entertainment experience.
Sleep in: stay another night here in Las Vegas before you continue your road trip and loop back towards Denver.
Las Vegas to Zion National Park
I would suggest starting this day’s drive a bit early. You’ve got some really cool places to visit today, so you might as well get moving! You first stop as you depart Las Vegas on return loop of the road trip is Valley of Fire State Park. Whether you’re a geology geek like me or if you just want to experience a different version of the Nevada desert, you’ll love the Valley of Fire. It’s full of wildlife (lots of bighorn sheep) and the coolest rock formations. It’s gorgeous!
From here, continue your drive up into Utah, because our next stop is Zion National Park. You can easily spend several days here at Zion NP, but for our American West road trip we’ll keep it concise with just a day visiting the main Zion Valley area. In the off season you can drive all the way to the end of the valley in your own vehicle, but in the spring and summer months you’ll need to use the free shuttle system. There are lots of easy and difficult hikes here in the valley, so choose one or two and have fun. Our favorite is the Zion Canyon Overlook hike, and it’s very doable with kids.
Sleep in: Springdale, UT or Zion National Park – you’ll find lots of lodge, cabin and hotel options in Springdale or you can even stay at the Zion Park Lodge within the park if you like. There are lots to choose from based on your budget. Springdale hotel search here
Zion to Bryce Canyon National Park
Let’s head to another of Utah’s amazing National Parks! On the way to Bryce Canyon National Park you’ll have the chance to stop into Cedar Breaks National Monument. This is an awesome geologic feature where the erosion of the sandstone has created an enormous amphitheater type canyon that’s simply astounding. Well, it’s astounding until you make your way to Bryce Canyon itself.
Bryce Canyon National Park is freaking awesome. The hoodoos that have been carved out are just the coolest, and the photography opportunities are insane. It’s open all year, but in the summer you need to use the free shuttle system for exploring the main part of the park. Bryce Canyon is up there, at around 9,000 feet elevation, so hiking can feel heavy if you’re not used to it. Also, it’s super dry any time of year, so you’ll want to be well stocked with water and snacks, no matter what your plan is for visiting.
If you’re not big into hiking and just want to see the sights, that’s fine. You’ll have more time to fill on this day of your road trip if you like, so you can pop to some of the state parks in the area. Kodachrome Basin State Park is simply WOW, and then Grand Staircase-Escalante is jaw-dropping, especially at Devil’s Garden. You’ll love it all.
Sleep in: Tropic UT or Bryce Canyon National Park – the area around Bryce Canyon is developed enough to offer quite a few hotel options. If you don’t find a place you want to stay at the main gate of Bryce Canyon NP, just a few minutes down the highway in Tropic you’ll find more options. Tropic hotel search here
Bryce to Moab UT
This day can take many shapes and it all depends on what’s most important to you on your road trip. You can leave really early and visit three different National Parks in one day or you can just pick one and roll with it. The most simple plan is to drive from Bryce Canyon National Park to Moab, making a stop at Goblin Valley State Park or just getting to Arches and exploring a bit. If you want to really see and do a lot though, here’s what you do:
- get up before sunrise and drive through Capitol Reef National Park
- from here head to Canyonlands National Park Island in the Sky district
- stop into Dead Horse Point State Park
- Continue onto Arches National Park
At each of these destinations, just choose one simple hike or take in the sights from the many viewpoints and visitor centers. You’ll be able to enjoy each stop by keeping the plan simple and loose, but if you really want to dig into these AMAZING places, give yourself an extra day in Moab. You can easily spend a week here if you really wanted to.
TIP: in Arches National Park, the hike to Delicate Arch is wonderful at sunset, and it’s one of the most popular things to do in the park. The Landscape Arch / Devil’s Garden Trail or the Windows Loop Trail are great alternatives if it’s too busy.
Sleep in: Moab UT or continue onto Glenwood Springs if you’re pressed for time. We’ve stayed several places in Moab, but our absolute favorite is the Hoodoo Moab Hotel, which is luxe and lovely. Moab hotel search here
Moab to Glenwood Springs
I’m sorry, but at some point you have to leave Moab to finish your Denver to Las Vegas loop road trip. It’s beyond beautiful and unique here, but you have more to do and see. Luckily today’s drive is a short one, with less than three hours drive time to Glenwood Springs, Colorado or you can continue onto Denver if you need to. Since you have an easy driving day, take your time leaving Moab and either head back into Arches National Park or Canyonlands.
If you were able to visit the Island in the Sky District of Canyonlands on the previous day, today you could do the drive down to the Needles District of the park. It’s very different and totally worth the visit if you can carve out the time. Also, Newspaper Rock is here, which is the most incredible collection of petroglyphs we’ve seen anywhere in the Southwest.
When you’re ready, head towards Colorado an arrive in Glenwood Springs. It’s a cute town and is a great opportunity to relax since you’ve been so busy. Have a nice dinner and walk around town, enjoying your final night of your road trip through the American West.
Sleep in: Glenwood Springs or continue onto Denver if you need to wrap things up. Glenwood Springs has some good options that can be the perfect last night on your road trip loop. Glenwood Springs hotel search
Ending your Denver to Las Vegas Road Trip Loop
And today you finish your epic road trip loop. It’s been an amazing journey and we’ve gotten to see so many beautiful places, unique towns and 5+ National Parks. Before you are done though, if you like you can enjoy a day in Breckenridge. I know, a lot of people think of Breckenridge as a winter ski destination, but if you’re here in the fall or summer you will LOVE walking around downtown or hiking. You can do the tram to the top of the ski runs or go for an epic hike at Tomahawk Lakes.
I know when I’ve been on the road for more than a week I’m excited to get home, so make this final day whatever you need it to be. If Denver is your home or final destination, enjoy your amazing city. We love Colorado and Denver is so much fun.
Printable American West Road Trip Itinerary
For your convenience, you can print this itinerary for your own use. Either COPY the plan below and paste it into your own spreadsheet or print the PDF linked here. The PDF is set up with extra lines for you to add your own stops and make notes about the American West roadside attractions and stops you either are planning or that you discover along the way. Enjoy!!
| Denver to Las Vegas American West Road Trip Loop | ||
| Location | Activity | |
| Day 1 | ||
| Depart | Denver | Drive from Kansas City to Santa Fe, NM |
| Activity | Great Sand Dunes NP | Explore Great Sand Dunes National Park as main activity this day OR |
| Activity | Pikes Peak CO | Visit Pikes Peak and more roadside attractions on this route |
| Stay In | Santa Fe NM | Santa Fe hotel search |
| Day 2 | ||
| Activity | Santa Fe NM | Explore downtown Sante Fe on foot |
| Activity | Santa Fe NM | Visit Pecos National Historical Park |
| Activity | Gallup NM | check out Red Rocks State Park and the town of Gallup |
| Stay In | Gallup NM | Gallup hotel search |
| Day 3 | ||
| Drive to | Page AZ | Antelope Canyon and Glen Canyon, Horseshoe Bend |
| Drive to | Grand Canyon NP | South Rim for sunset, check into lodging |
| Stay In | Grand Canyon NP | Yavapai Lodge El Tovar Hotel Grand Canyon hotel search |
| Day 4 | ||
| Activity | Grand Canyon NP | South Rim Viewpoints, self drive |
| Drive to | Las Vegas NV | travel via Route 66 @ Seligman, stop in Kingman, stop at Hoover Dam |
| Stay In | Las Vegas NV | Park MGM Hotel Las Vegas hotel search |
| Day 5 | ||
| Activity | Las Vegas NV | Neon Graveyard Museum, Shelby American Museum |
| Activity | Las Vegas NV | Mob Museum, FlyOver LV, Bellagio Galleries |
| Activity | Las Vegas NV | Roam the Las Vegas Strip and take it all in |
| Stay In | Las Vegas NV | Park MGM Hotel Las Vegas hotel search |
| Day 6 | ||
| Activity | Las Vegas NV | Wizard of Oz or current show @ Sphere, morning or afternoon showing |
| Drive to | Springdale UT | Stay outside of Zion National Park, visit park for sunset |
| HOTEL | Springdale UT | Springdale hotel search |
| Day 7 | ||
| Activity | Zion NP | Simple visit to Zion Canyon, option to add a full day here |
| Activity | Bryce Canyon NP | Simple visit to Bryce Canyon for sunset or easy hiking |
| Stay In | Tropic UT | Tropic hotel search |
| Day 8 | ||
| Drive to | Green River/Moab | Stop at Goblin Valley State Park, Canyonlands NP or Arches NP |
| Activity | Simple visit to 1 or 2 parks or add a bigger hike and arrive late to hotel | |
| Stay In | Glenwood Springs CO | Glenwood Springs hotel search |
| Day 9 | ||
| Activity A | Breckenridge CO | Check out this beautiful historic town for a half day |
| Drive to | Denver CO | End of your American West road trip loop! |
Well, I hope you’re excited for this amazing road trip through the American West. The road trip from Denver to Las Vegas really does cover some of the most beautiful parts of the USA and definitely showcases why the Southwest is so special. If you have any questions about planning your road trip or need additional recommendations, please leave a comment or send us a note. We’re always happy to share more and help you plan unforgettable adventures!
