Looking for some great vacation ideas in the U.S.? What about California Arizona Nevada road trip? My California Arizona Nevada California road trip is on my list of the best road trips I have ever taken.
Want to find out more about a perfect California Arizona Nevada road trip?! Read how to do the best California-Arizona Nevada road trip ever, where to go, what to see, what places to visit, and how to plan your California Arizona Nevada road trip itinerary.
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If you have never been to the American West and you want to visit Los Angeles, San Francisco, Las Vegas and the world-famous USA southwest landmarks like Grand Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, and Antelope Canyon, this California Arizona Nevada road trip is for you.
The USA is one of the best countries to visit. And, California, Arizona, and Nevada have some of the most amazing sites in the USA!
So, a California Arizona Nevada road trip is a must-take once in a lifetime!
Here’s a practical guide on how to do a California Arizona Nevada road trip with the guidelines: where to go, how to plan the trip route, how to see the main southwest attractions in one road trip, the top things to do, and what are must-have adventures on a California Arizona Nevada road trip.
Contents
- USA SOUTHWEST California Arizona Nevada TRIP ITINERARY
- Day 1-3 of CALIFORNIA ARIZONA NEVADA ROAD TRIP: LOS ANGELES
- Day 4-5 OF CALIFORNIA ARIZONA NEVADA ROAD TRIP: PALM SPRINGS and SEDONA
- Day 6 OF CALIFORNIA ARIZONA NEVADA ROAD TRIP: PAGE, HORSESHOE BEND, and ANTELOPE CANYON
- Day 7 OF CALIFORNIA ARIZONA NEVADA ROAD TRIP: GRAND CANYON
- Day 8-9 OF CALIFORNIA ARIZONA NEVADA ROAD TRIP: LAS VEGAS
- Day 10 of ARIZONA NEVADA CALIFORNIA ROAD TRIP: DEATH VALLEY
- Day 11-12 OF NEVADA TO CALIFORNIA ROAD TRIP: MARIPOSA GROVE OF GIANT SEQUOIAS and YOSEMITE NP
- Day 13-14 OF ARIZONA NEVADA CALIFORNIA ROAD TRIP: SAN FRANCISCO
- USA SOUTHWEST ROAD TRIP ROUTE: CALIFORNIA ARIZONA NEVADA ROAD TRIP ROUTE
- MAP OF USA SOUTHWEST ROAD TRIP
USA SOUTHWEST California Arizona Nevada TRIP ITINERARY
This California Arizona Nevada trip goes from Los Angeles to Palm Springs in California and takes you through the desert to magical Sedona and the town of Page with spectacular Horseshoe Bend and surreal Antelope Canyon in Arizona.
The trip continues to the unearthly Grand Canyon in Arizona and amusing Las Vegas in Nevada, to fascinating Death Valley, majestic Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoia and breathtaking Yosemite NP, and utterly unique San Francisco in California.
This California Arizona Nevada trip starts in Los Angeles and ends in San Francisco.
For this southwest USA road trip, you can hire a car at LAX Airport and return it at SFO Airport. Or if you prefer to give back the car in LA, you need to know that the fastest route takes about 6 hours from SF to LA.
But you can also do this California Arizona Nevada road trip in the opposite direction too, starting in San Francisco and finishing in Los Angeles.
You can hire a car at SFO Airport and return it to LAX Airport. Check out car rentals at LAX , and car rentals at SFO
California Arizona Nevada road trip:
The first leg of this California Arizona Nevada trip goes from Los Angeles.
The first leg is actually the California-Arizona road trip, the second leg is the Arizona-Nevada road trip, and the last leg is the Nevada-California road trip.
Day 1-3 of CALIFORNIA ARIZONA NEVADA ROAD TRIP: LOS ANGELES
This California Arizona Nevada itinerary starts in Los Angeles.
Rent a car at LAX airport and spend the first 3 days of your trip getting familiar with the City of Angeles. I would not recommend planning less than 3 days in Los Angeles.
Most likely you will be jet-legged if you are flying to LA from a distant place, and in addition, LA is an extremely spread-out city. That’s why plan to stay 3 days in LA.
On your first day in LA, visit LA Downtown, Rodeo Drive, and Beverly Hills. And in the late afternoon visit Griffith Park and Griffith Observatory.
The next day head to Hollywood, walk on the Walk of Fame, and visit the Chinese Theatre.
Drive to Hollywood Hills to see the iconic Hollywood Sign, and take a drive on Mulholland Drive along the top of Hollywood Hills, and if you are taking this trip with your kids definitely visit Universal Studios. Visiting Universal Studios is one of the most fun things to do with kids in LA!
On the third-day visit old Culver City, J. Paul Getty Museum Centre, and Getty Villa in Malibu.
Stroll Malibu beaches and try some Californian seafood in Malibu. Or simply, go to Santa Monica and visit the original Farmers Market and have some beach time on Venice Beach.
Take a fantastic Privately Customized Tour of Los Angeles to make the most of your time in LA in a short time span!
Book your stay in Los Angeles:
The Los Angeles Athletic Club (downtown LA)
Best Western Royal Palace Inn & Suites (west LA)
Elaine’s Hollywood Bed, and Breakfast (Hollywood)
Sunset Marquis Hotel (West Holywood)
Ramada Inn Marina Del Rey, Hotel Erwin (Venice Beach)
RELATED: 20 Absolutely Best Airbnbs in Los Angeles
On the 4th day, you are hitting the road on your California Arizona Nevada road trip.
On the 4th day get up early in the morning and head to Palm Springs as early as possible to avoid crazy LA traffic. About a 2-hour drive takes from Los Angeles to Palm Springs.
Next stop: Palm Springs
Day 4-5 OF CALIFORNIA ARIZONA NEVADA ROAD TRIP: PALM SPRINGS and SEDONA
| Driving distance | Driving time | |
| Los Angeles to Palm Springs | 107 mi (172 km) | 2 h |
The distance from Los Angeles to Palm Springs is 107 mi (172 km).
About a 2-hour drive following the I-10 E route will take you from Los Angeles to Palm Springs.
The desert oasis of Palm Springs with the San Jacinto Mountains in the background is a perfect break before heading further to Arizona.
Palm Springs has been a weekend getaway and retreat of many Holywood stars for centuries and it is famed for its mid-century architecture, hot springs, and gourmet restaurants.
Make a quick stop in Palm Springs and refresh yourself in one of the fine restaurants in Palm Springs before you hit the road again.
Besides that, The Legends & Icons Tour of Palm Springs could serve your sightseeing appetite in Palm Springs well.
Take the fabulous The Golden Days Tour-the 40’s,50’s 60’s, if you admire the mid-century modern architecture,
RELATED: Best Vrbo Palm Springs Rentals
Next stop: SEDONA
| Driving distance | Driving time | |
| Palm Springs to Sedona | 380 mi (605 km) | 5 h 30 min |
The distance from Palm Springs to Sedona is about 380 mi (605 km).
About 5 hours and a half drive following the I-10 E route across the desert will take you from Palm Springs to Sedona
It means, on the 4th day when you reach Sedona, most likely it’s going to be late afternoon. You will be driving almost 8 hours from Los Angels to Sedona and you will drive through the desert the entire day. Therefore, plan 2 nights in Sedona to be able to enjoy the whole one day in Sedona to make the most of it.
Magical Sedona is famous for its sublime setting among red mountains with pine forests and steep canyons, but also for art galleries and spas.
When in Sedona, don’t miss to check out the main sites to see in Sedona: Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, Devil’s Bridge, and Chapel of Holly Cross. Or, if you are an outdoor lover like me, definitely check out some of the famous trails in Sedona like Red Rock Crossing, Cathedral & Bell Rock, and Boynton Canyon.
In case you didn’t know, Sedona hikes are widely known as some of the best in the world!
I have to admit, I fell in love with Sedona. You might too! 😉
Check out the magical 2.5-hour Scenic Sedona Tour, or explore Sedona outback with a 1.5-hour Diamondback Gulch Jeep Tour from Sedona , or take an adventurous 3-hour Sedona Off-Road Jeep Tour to Ancient Ruins.
Book your stay in Sedona:
Arabella Hotel Sedona,
Cozy Cactus Bed and Breakfast,
The Penrose Bed & Breakfast
On the 6th day early in the morning head to the town of Page in Arizona.
Next stop: Page.
Day 6 OF CALIFORNIA ARIZONA NEVADA ROAD TRIP: PAGE, HORSESHOE BEND, and ANTELOPE CANYON
| Driving distance | Driving time | |
| Sedona to Page | 163 mi (262 km) | 3 h |
The distance between Sedona and Page is 163 mi (262 km). A non-stop 3-hour drive following the US-89 route will take you from Sedona to Page.
The town of Page is a small town in Arizona and there’s not much to see in it. Still, it is one of the best spring break destinations for families in the USA. On the outskirts of Page, you can find several most photographed sites in the U.S. and must-sees in the USA: Horseshoe Bend, Antelope Canyon, Glen Canyon Dam, and Lake Powel.
Oh, yes, they will capture your heart and you will cherish the memory of those sites in your heart for the rest of your life.
Remember, the American southwest holds the best nature spots in the USA. And, Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon are some of the best southwest nature spots!
Horseshoe Bend is only 4 mi southwest of Page.
Just 5 5-minute drive south of Page following Route 89 you will see the sign ‘Horseshoe Bend Overlook’. Park your car in the parking lot and in a few minutes walk you will reach spectacular Horseshoe Bend.
You will be in awe when you see the horseshoe-shaped mander of mighty Colorado!
Read more: Hiking Horseshoe Bend in Arizona
Antelope Canyon is only 5 mi southeast of Page, on US Highway 98, close to the border of Arizona and Utah.
There are Upper Antelope Canyon and Lower Antelope Canyon and both of them are of striking beauty. They are on the Navajo Land, and visiting them is possible only by taking a guided tour.
Whatever Antelope Canjoy you choose to see, you need to book a tour in advance. (Read: Antelope Canyon Tips – Things You Should Know Before Visiting Antelope Canyon)
| Driving distance | Driving time | |
| Page to Horseshoe Bend | 4 mi (7 km) | 8 min |
| Page to Antelope Canyon | 5 mi (8 km) | 20 min |
Plan to sleep one night in Page Arizona.
To visit Upper Antelope Canyon, buy Upper Antelope Canyon Ticket. And, for visiting Lower Antelope Canyon, buy Lower Antelope Canyon Admission Ticket.
If you fancy bird eye views, this incredible 40 min Arizona Desert Helicopter Tour Including Tower Butte Landing from Page with stunning views of Navajo Land could suit your taste.
Book your stay in Page AZ:
Hyatt Place Page Lake Powell,
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson,
Next stop: Grand Canyon National Park
Day 7 OF CALIFORNIA ARIZONA NEVADA ROAD TRIP: GRAND CANYON
| Driving distance | Driving time | |
| Page to Grand Canyon | 137 mi (220 km) | 2 h 30 min |
The distance from Page, Arizona to Grand Canyon is 137 mi (220 km).
It takes 2 hours and a half drive following the US-89 route from Page to Grand Canyon.
Of course, no one wants to miss visiting Grand Canyon on their USA Southwest trip!
Spectacular Grand Canyon is one of the most famous landmarks of the U.S. and a must-see in the US! Many people across the world dream to see Grand Canyon.
The best way to see the magnificent Grand Canyon is to take a 45-minute Helicopter Flight Over the Grand Canyon. But if a helicopter ride is no option for you, simply check out some of the striking Grand Canyon viewpoints or do some hiking in the Grand Canyon.
The 6-hour Bright Angel Trail Day Hike Tour will show you the other-worldly sights of the Grand Canyon!
If you head to Grand Canyon from Page early in the morning, you will have one day in Grand Canyon. I would recommend planning to sleep for one night in Grand Canyon, and on the next day going to Las Vegas.
Another option is to head forward from Page to Las Vegas and from McCarran Airport in Las Vegas to take a spectacular Grand Canyon All-American Helicopter Tour!
Book your stay in Grand Canyon:
The Grand Hotel at the Grand Canyon (Tusayan)
Arizona Luxury Expeditions – Grand Canyon (Grand Canyon Village)
Next stop: Las Vegas
Day 8-9 OF CALIFORNIA ARIZONA NEVADA ROAD TRIP: LAS VEGAS
| Driving distance | Driving time | |
| Grand Canyon to Las Vegas | 276 mi (445 km) | 4 h 30 min |
The distance from Grand Canyon to Las Vegas is 276 mi (445 km).
It takes four hours and a half drive following the I-40 route from Grand Canyon to Las Vegas.
Plan to stay two nights in Las Vegas.
Stroll the Las Vegas strip (Las Vegas Boulevard), watch the Bellagio Fountain show, enjoy Cirque d’ Soleil show at the Bellagio, go to the Top of the World Restaurant at the Stratosphere Hotel, Casino & SkyPod, try your luck in some of the world-famous Las Vegas casinos … have fun and keep in your mind: ‘Whatever happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas’.
Check out the one-hour-and-a-half-long Las Vegas Super Saver: Madame Tussauds with Gondola Boat Ride and Meal Upgrades tour that comes up with much fun in Las Vegas!
And, Las Vegas Hot Air Balloon Ride provides lifelong memories of Las Vegas from the air.
Book your stay in Las Vegas:
The Venetian® Resort Las Vegas,
The Palazzo at The Venetian®,
Trump International Hotel Las Vegas
Day 10 of ARIZONA NEVADA CALIFORNIA ROAD TRIP: DEATH VALLEY
| Driving distance | Driving time | |
| Las Vegas to Death Valley | 123 mi (198 km) | 2 h 30 min |
The distance from Las Vegas to Death Valley is 123 mi (198 km). Death Valley from Las Vegas is reachable in a pleasant 2 hours and half drive.
One someone mentions Death Valley, most likely you are horrified. But you know what?! Don’t be surprised if you get mesmerized by the surreal beauty of the landscapes of Death Valley.
The Death Valley Nation Park is characterized by incredible geological and biological diversity, sand dunes, salt flats, mud, soil, volcanic craters,… and elevations going below sea level!
Plan to spend one day in Death Valley to see all of the main sites in Death Valley: Zabriskie Point, Badwater Basin, Artist’s Drive, Artist’s Palette, Devil’s Golf Course, and Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes. (READ: Death Valley Must-See Places)
Take a night in Death Valley. A night sky full of stars in the desert landscape of Death Valley Nationa Park is something you will remember for the rest of your life.
Book your stay in Death Valley:
The Inn at Death Valley,
The Ranch At Death Valley
The next day a long drive awaits you. In the morning you are heading to one of the most incredible U.S. national parks: Yosemite NP with a quick stop in Mariposa Grove.
Next stop: Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias.
Day 11-12 OF NEVADA TO CALIFORNIA ROAD TRIP: MARIPOSA GROVE OF GIANT SEQUOIAS and YOSEMITE NP
‘The Big Tree (Sequoia gigantea) is Nature’s forest masterpiece, and, so far as I know, the greatest of living things.’ John Muir
| Driving distance | Driving time | |
| Death Valley to Mariposa | 325 mi (520 km) | 7 h |
The distance from Death Valley National Park to Mariposa is about 325 mi (520 km).
A 7-hour drive following the CA 120 route will take you from Death Valley National Park to Mariposa.
The next stop on my California Arizona Nevada itinerary was Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoia.
I wanted to see giant sequoias on my trip, and the roads to Sequoia NP were closed. So, I chose Mariposa Grove as an alternative to Sequoia NP.
Besides that, I was on my way to Yosemite, and visiting Mariposa Grove which is in the southernmost part of Yosemite National Park was a convenient choice. And, I wasn’t disappointed by my choice at all. On the contrary!
So, I assure you, you won’t be disappointed either.
Mariposa Grove is home to over 500 giant sequoias, among which probably is best known Grizzly Giant. The Grizzly Giant is a 1,880-year-old sequoia tree that stands almost 210ft.
If you prefer to visit nearby Sequoia National Park to Mariposa Grove, you should check out if the roads are open and the conditions of the roads depend on the time of year you are taking your California Arizona Nevada trip. In winter, the roads are often under snow and closed.
Next stop: Yosemite National Park
| Driving distance | Driving time | |
| Mariposa Grove to Yosemite Valley | 33 mi (53 km) | 1 h |
The distance from Mariposa Grove to Yosemite Valley is 33 mi (53 km). One hour’s drive following Wawona Road will take you to Yosemite Valley.
Yosemite NP is a UNESCO World Heritage site in the U.S. covering more than 300,000 hectares of distinctive wilderness.
It is especially appreciated for the biological diversity, untouched nature, thousands of lakes and ponds, valleys of unspoiled beauty, mind-blowing granite cliffs, heart-stopping waterfalls (the five highest waterfalls in the World are in Yosemite NP!), and about 800 mi (1287 km) of thrilling hiking trails.
Yosemite Valley is the center of Yosemite NP and all roads in Yosemite lead to Yosemite Valley.
Driving in Yosemite Valley is a 7-mile one-way loop along which you can see many viewpoints, waterfalls, camping areas, and tiny villages.
When in Yosemite every visitor undeniably wants to explore the main sites in Yosemite NP like Yosemite Valley, El Captain, Half Dome, Glacier Point, Yosemite Falls, Bridalveil Falls, Vernal Fall, Nevada Falls, and Tenaya Lake.
There’s no doubt you want to see them all!
To see the best of Yosemite, take a marvelous Full-Day Small-Group Yosemite & Glacier Point Tour – with Hotel Pickup. And for unforgettable moments choose glamourous glamping in Yosemite.
Book your stay in Yosemite:
Rush Creek Lodge at Yosemite,
Evergreen Lodge at Yosemite
Or check out The Best Yosemite Cabins For Rent
Next stop: San Francisco
Day 13-14 OF ARIZONA NEVADA CALIFORNIA ROAD TRIP: SAN FRANCISCO
| Driving distance | Driving time | |
| Yosemite to San Francisco | 190 mi (307 km) | 3 h 40 min |
The distance from Yosemite to San Francisco is 190 mi (307 km).
A 3 hour and 40 min drive following the I-580 W route will take you to San Francisco from Yosemite NP.
Spend two or three days in SF to get insight into the town.
There is much to love about San Francisco: from diverse cultures and interesting history to good food and excellent wine from the nearby Napa Valley and Sonoma County, exquisite architecture and amazing parks, and more.
If you are visiting SF for the first time, most likely you don’t want to miss visiting San Francisco landmarks like Golden Gate Bridge, SF Pier, Fisherman’s Wharf, Lombard Street, Alcatraz, The Castro neighborhood, Golden Gate Park and Promenade, Palace of Fine Arts Theatre, Filbert Steps, and China Town.
Book a 4-hour long San Francisco Grand City Tour Including Free Walking Tour to get the most out of your time in San Francisco.
Book the 3-hour San Francisco Combo: Ferry Building Food Tour and Alcatraz to visit the iconic Alcatraz.
And choose the 3-hour San Francisco Urban Hike: Castro and Twin Peaks tour to see some of the unique views of San Francisco.
Book your stay in San Francisco:
Hotel Nikko San Francisco (5-min away from Union Square),
Inn San Francisco (in the Mission),
Courtyard by Marriot Fishermans Wharf (in Fisherman’s Wharf)
Or check out the best Airbnbs in San Francisco
USA SOUTHWEST ROAD TRIP ROUTE: CALIFORNIA ARIZONA NEVADA ROAD TRIP ROUTE
| Stops on USA Southwest road trip | Driving distance | Driving time |
| Los Angeles to Palm Springs | 107 mi (172 km) | 2 h |
| Palm Springs to Sedona | 380 mi (605 km) | 5 h 30 min |
| Sedona to Page (Antelope Canyon + Horseshoe Bend) | 163 mi (262 km) | 3 h |
| Page to Grand Canyon | 137 mi (220 km) | 2 h 30 min |
| Grand Canyon to Las Vegas | 276 mi (445 km) | 4 h 30 min |
| Las Vegas to Death Valley | 123 mi (198 km) | 2 h 30 min |
| Death Valley to Mariposa | 325 mi (520 km) | 7 h |
| Mariposa Grove to Yosemite Valley | 33 mi (53 km) | 1 h |
| Yosemite to San Francisco | 190 mi (307 km) | 3 h 40 min |
MAP OF USA SOUTHWEST ROAD TRIP
Southwest road trip planner map
Please press button ‘+’ on the map to enlarge it
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This is actually my next plans for the road trip in the states and I cant wait to get out there. Not to worry about the cities, I just want to get into the national parks and see all those amazing views.
Thanks for commenting, Danik. Exactly, USA southwest is all about stunning nature, amazing national parks, and breathtaking landscapes. Cities are lovely, but nature in the southwest of the US is unparalleled.
This was the first trip I took with my husband, then-boyfriend, over 20 years ago. He was working for Marriott as a very junior Chef back then and somehow managed to get us free stays and upgrades in every town we visited. We got free stays long before I was a travel blogger! We didn’t get to Antelope Canyon or Horseshoe Bend, I don’t think we’d even heard of them. I remember San Diego was my favourite place and we had a ball at Disney and there were elephant seals on a beach. We just spotted them as we drove up the coast. Great trip!
Hi Alyson,
nice to read my post took you down memory lane.
What a pity you missed visiting Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend. They are one of the most surreal places on Earth. But, Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon are always a good reason to go back to Arizona.
I haven’t made to visit San Diego. Not yet. And, I can’t wait to visit it!
xoxo Milijana
We are heading to Arizona in the fall. So this was a very timely post. The Antelope Canyon has been on my travel wish list for a long time. Thanks for saying that we need at least 2 days in Sedona. We are excited to visit Page and use it as a base to explore Horseshoe bend. Thanks for getting me excited about our fall trip. Your photos were a great tease.
Great itin. If you added Big Sur and Joshua Tree NP, there would absolutely be no need to come back!
I have been to so many of these locations and so absolutely love this itinerary! I am just sad to have missed Death Valley and Yosemite – those Sequoias are incredible!
I absolutely love the southwestern part of the United States. All of the different colors of the desert and some of the oddest plants. I haven’t been to Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon, but would really love to go sometime. Also Yosemite is on my list for sure. I want to hug a giant tree. Love your photos.
This is so amazingly detailed!! I’ve done a version of this trip (SF to LA with a loop around big sur, sequoia, yosemite etc) but never made it as far as Arizona and Nevada. Planning on doing it in the fall though, but probably will start in Las Vegas – but I’ll for sure modify parts of this itinerary as you hit a lot of the places I want to go. Thanks for sharing!!
This was a wonderful trip! You’ve been to some of the most astounding parts of the west. My favorite is Sequoia Park and Yosemite. I live in Los Angeles and did this itinerary many times before, but somehow I’ve always missed Antelope Valley. I’ve been told that place is always crowded, but somehow every picture I see the canyon seems deserted. Were you just lucky to find it empty?
Wow! That is one epic road trip. I can’t imagine doing all of this on one trip but certainly each destination is worth a visit on its own. I just recently went to Death Valley for the first time — so amazing! Grand Canyon and Zion are also among my favorites.
Wow, you covered a lot on this road trip! I grew up in California so all of the California things you mentioned here are very familiar to me. I think I’ve driven only as far out to Utah and Las Vegas on one road trip. No arguments from me with your recommendations here 🙂