Are you visiting the United States for a major event—like the World Cup in Los Angeles—and wondering what to do with your downtime? The West Coast cities are incredible, but to truly experience the raw, untamed beauty of the USA, you need to head into the American Southwest.
If you have two weeks, you can comfortably loop through Nevada, Utah, and Arizona. This itinerary is built for a balanced vibe. By spending at least two nights at the major stops, you’ll have the time to do longer trail hikes and immerse yourself in the landscape, rather than just snapping photos from crowded parking lot viewpoints.
The easiest way to start? Take a quick, one-hour flight from Los Angeles (LAX) to Las Vegas (LAS), rent a car, and let the ultimate American West road trip begin.
Stop 1: Las Vegas, Nevada (The Starting Line)
The perfect launchpad for your desert adventure.
Las Vegas is an international hub, making it the absolute best place to pick up a rental car or campervan. Spend a couple of days shaking off your jet lag (or post-match celebrations) before hitting the wilderness.
- What to Do: Walk the Las Vegas Strip, catch a world-class Cirque du Soleil show, or check out the neon-soaked Fremont Street Experience in Downtown Vegas.
- Where to Stay: For the classic Vegas experience, stay center-Strip at The Cosmopolitan or the Bellagio. For a quieter, non-gaming stay, try the Vdara.
- Where to Eat: Grab incredible, authentic tacos at Tacos El Gordo or indulge in a high-end steakhouse experience at Bazaar Meat by José Andrés.
Stop 2: Zion National Park, Utah (The Crown Jewel)
Drive time from Las Vegas: 2.5 Hours
Cross the border into Utah and prepare to have your breath taken away. Zion National Park is a massive canyon of towering red and white sandstone cliffs.
A guided slot canyon adventure with Rock Odysseys offers international travelers a unique way to experience the landscapes surrounding Zion National Park.
- What to Do (The Highlights):
- Hike The Narrows: Wade through the Virgin River inside a towering slot canyon.
- Angels Landing: A world-famous, thrilling hike along a sheer ridge (Note: This requires a pre-booked permit!).
- Go Canyoneering with Rock Odysseys: You can’t visit Zion without experiencing its hidden slot canyons. Join the local guides at Rock Odysseys for a half-day or full-day canyoneering adventure. You’ll learn to rappel down sheer rock faces, navigate narrow sandstone corridors, and experience the backcountry of Zion in a way that standard hiking just can’t match. No prior experience is necessary!
- Where to Stay: Base yourself in Springdale, the charming town located right at the park entrance. Or for a more affordable option, Virgin, Utah is still a 15 minute drive from the park!
- Where to Eat: Oscar’s Cafe in Springdale for massive, satisfying burgers and Mexican food after a long day of rappelling.
Stop 3: Moab, Utah (Arches & Canyonlands)
Drive time from Zion: 5 Hours
Continuing east, the landscape opens up into the otherworldly high desert of Moab, home to two stunning national parks.
- What to Do:
- Arches National Park: Hike to the iconic Delicate Arch at sunset (the arch featured on the Utah license plate).
- Canyonlands National Park: Hike the short trail to Mesa Arch at sunrise, then spend the day exploring the vast, canyon-carved viewpoints of the Island in the Sky district.
- Where to Stay: Red Cliffs Lodge, situated beautifully along the Colorado River just outside of town, or a boutique hotel in downtown Moab like the Hoodoo Moab.
- Where to Eat: Moab Garage Co. for fantastic sandwiches and salads, and Antica Forma for authentic wood-fired Neapolitan pizza.
Stop 4: Monument Valley, Arizona/Utah Border
Drive time from Moab: 2.5 Hours
This is the quintessential American West you’ve seen in countless classic Hollywood movies. Located within the Navajo Nation, this valley is defined by its massive sandstone buttes rising from the desert floor.
- What to Do: Drive the 17-mile Tribal Park Loop (a scenic, unpaved road). To truly experience the area and access restricted sites, book a guided Jeep tour with a local Navajo guide.
- Where to Stay: The View Hotel. It is exactly what it sounds like—every room features a private balcony overlooking the iconic mittens.
- Where to Eat: The restaurant at The View Hotel offers Navajo Tacos (frybread topped with chili and traditional taco fixings).
Stop 5: Sedona, Arizona (Red Rock Relaxation)
Drive time from Monument Valley: 3.5 Hours
After days of rugged adventuring, Sedona is the perfect place to slow down, relax, and soak in the “balanced vibe” of your trip. Known for its spiritual vortexes, pine forests, and mild climate, it’s a true oasis.
- What to Do: Hike the Cathedral Rock trail or the Bell Rock pathway. Afterward, soothe your sore hiking muscles with a massage at one of Sedona’s world-renowned spas.
- Where to Stay: Enchantment Resort for luxury nestled directly inside Boynton Canyon, or the Sky Rock Sedona for a boutique feel.
- Where to Eat: Elote Cafe (make sure to get reservations well in advance!) for upscale, incredible Southwestern/Mexican cuisine.
Stop 6: The Grand Canyon & Back to Las Vegas
Drive time from Sedona to Grand Canyon: 2 Hours. Grand Canyon to Vegas: 4 Hours.
You can’t do an American West road trip without seeing the Grand Canyon. On your way back to Las Vegas to catch your flight out, stop at the South Rim.
- What to Do: Walk the paved Rim Trail, or hike down the South Kaibab Trail to Ooh Aah Point for a wider perspective of the canyon’s immense depth.
- Where to Stay: If you choose to stay a night here rather than pushing through to Vegas, El Tovar Hotel right on the canyon rim is historic and beautiful.
- Where to Eat: The Arizona Room at the South Rim offers great food with a view.
Ready to Build Your Itinerary?
Two weeks is the perfect amount of time to get a taste of the diverse, dramatic landscapes the United States has to offer.
If you are planning your trip to Zion National Park and want to step off the crowded, paved paths and into the real wilderness, contact Rock Odysseys to book your private guided canyoneering or rock climbing trip. It will be the highlight of your American road trip!