scorecardThe best American road trip across the Southwest includes national parks, scenic hikes, and views galore. Here's where to stop.
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The best American road trip across the Southwest includes national parks, scenic hikes, and views galore. Here's where to stop.

Joey Hadden   

The best American road trip across the Southwest includes national parks, scenic hikes, and views galore. Here's where to stop.
I think a road trip across the Southwest offers some of the most spectacular views of America.Google Maps, Joey Hadden/Insider
  • I love the Southwest, and I planned a road trip through all my favorite destinations.
  • The trip starts in Texas and ends in Colorado, covering 3,000 miles of forests, deserts, and mountains.
  • My years of road-tripping through the American West inspired this perfect itinerary.

There's something about the American Southwest that I just can't seem to get enough of.

There
Me on different road trips across the American Southwest.      Joey Hadden/Insider

I've taken at least 10 road trips around western America. I've visited eight states, seven national parks, and several state parks and national forests.

I
A sign somewhere in New Mexico.      Joey Hadden/Insider

From Texas to Colorado, I made a dream itinerary for the most epic southwestern road trip adventure.

From Texas to Colorado, I made a dream itinerary for the most epic southwestern road trip adventure.
Big Bend National Park in Texas and the Rocky Mountains in Colorado.      Joey Hadden/Insider

Every time I traveled west, I was on a tight budget. I used freecampsites.net to find campsites like this one each night, and I highly recommend it.

Every time I traveled west, I was on a tight budget. I used freecampsites.net to find campsites like this one each night, and I highly recommend it.
A campsite at Locust Point in Kaibab National Forest in northern Arizona.      Joey Hadden/Business Insider

These are some of the most beautiful campsites I've ever seen. Using this site will decrease the cost of your trip without compromising your experience.

These are some of the most beautiful campsites I
Me in a tent at a campsite at Gila National Forest in western New Mexico.      Joey Hadden/Business Insider

The trip would include five states and cover approximately 3,000 miles of incredibly diverse terrain, including forests, deserts, red rocks, mountains, and valleys.

The trip would include five states and cover approximately 3,000 miles of incredibly diverse terrain, including forests, deserts, red rocks, mountains, and valleys.
Google Maps/Joey Hadden/Business Insider

Start in Austin, the easternmost point on the trip. I think it's the best city in Texas. Austin has a great sense of community and plenty of outdoor activities that are cheap or free.

Start in Austin, the easternmost point on the trip. I think it
Me in Hope Outdoor Gallery in Austin, Texas.      Joey Hadden/Business Insider

Some of my favorite free hiking spots are Spicewood Springs and the cliffs next to the Pennybacker Bridge in West Austin.

Some of my favorite free hiking spots are Spicewood Springs and the cliffs next to the Pennybacker Bridge in West Austin.
Spicewood Springs on the left and cliffs on the right.      Joey Hadden/Insider

Cool off from a hike at Barton Springs Pool, a gigantic 3-acre pool fed by natural springs that's typically 68-70° Fahrenheit, according to the City of Austin.

Cool off from a hike at Barton Springs Pool, a gigantic 3-acre pool fed by natural springs that
Barton Springs Pool at night.      Joey Hadden/Insider

It takes about seven hours to get from Austin to the first stop: Big Bend National Park.

It takes about seven hours to get from Austin to the first stop: Big Bend National Park.
Big Bend is on the border of Texas and Mexico.      Google Maps

According to Texas Monthly, Big Bend is one of the least-visited national parks in the US, so it's quiet and peaceful. While many parks are overcrowding, Big Bend looks mostly empty in recent photos posted on Instagram.

According to Texas Monthly, Big Bend is one of the least-visited national parks in the US, so it
Big Bend is quieter than more popular national parks.      Joey Hadden/Business Insider

The last time I went to Big Bend, I started off the trip with a sunset hike on the Chihuahuan Desert Nature Trail.

The last time I went to Big Bend, I started off the trip with a sunset hike on the Chihuahuan Desert Nature Trail.
A landscape on the Chihuahuan Desert Nature Trail.      Joey Hadden/Business Insider

This half-mile hike with almost no elevation made it really easy to relax and enjoy the sunset ...

This half-mile hike with almost no elevation made it really easy to relax and enjoy the sunset ...
My travel mates hiking on the Chihuahuan Desert Nature Trail.      Joey Hadden/Business Insider

... and to take some beautiful golden-hour landscapes, of course.

... and to take some beautiful golden-hour landscapes, of course.
A landscape on the Chihuahuan Desert Nature Trail.      Joey Hadden/Business Insider

For a more adventurous hike, check out the Lost Mine Trail. It's 4.8 miles in total, but many people turn around after the one-mile mark, where there are stunning views of Juniper Canyon.

For a more adventurous hike, check out the Lost Mine Trail. It
A landscape on the Lost Mine Trail.      Joey Hadden/Business Insider

Source: Planet Ware

But if you have the whole day, I highly recommend making the trek all the way to the top.

But if you have the whole day, I highly recommend making the trek all the way to the top.
A view from the end of the trial.      Joey Hadden/Business Insider

Source: Planet Ware

When I made it up there, I spent about an hour reflecting on this peaceful summit, and I was proud that I didn't turn around earlier. It felt good to work hard for this view.

When I made it up there, I spent about an hour reflecting on this peaceful summit, and I was proud that I didn
Cheerful me at the top of the trek.      Joey Hadden/Business Insider

The last time I was in Big Bend, I ended the trip at the Santa Elena Canyon Trail. This hike features some of the grandest sites I've seen at Big Bend.

The last time I was in Big Bend, I ended the trip at the Santa Elena Canyon Trail. This hike features some of the grandest sites I
A landscape at Santa Elena Canyon Trail.      Joey Hadden/Business Insider

Featured in the 2014 film "Boyhood," this trail is absolutely gorgeous. There are stunning 360-degree views throughout the entire hike.

Featured in the 2014 film "Boyhood," this trail is absolutely gorgeous. There are stunning 360-degree views throughout the entire hike.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider

After Big Bend, I would drive into New Mexico for a handful of epic sites - the first of which is Carlsbad Caverns National Park.

After Big Bend, I would drive into New Mexico for a handful of epic sites - the first of which is Carlsbad Caverns National Park.
Google Maps

This drive will take about five hours, but the route is scenic. Be sure to make a reservation at the caverns before heading there.

This drive will take about five hours, but the route is scenic. Be sure to make a reservation at the caverns before heading there.
My friend driving us from Texas into New Mexico.      Joey Hadden/Business Insider

Carlsbad Caverns National Park is comprised of more than 119 limestone caves found underground below the Chihuahuan Desert. You can take an elevator down to the caverns.

Carlsbad Caverns National Park is comprised of more than 119 limestone caves found underground below the Chihuahuan Desert. You can take an elevator down to the caverns.
A ladder I found in the caves.      Joey Hadden/Business Insider

It's cool and humid inside the caves. Although mostly dark, there are lights placed around the caves, so patrons can see the different shapes, colors, and textures.

It
Inside the caves.      Joey Hadden/Business Insider

The caves are inherently ominous and spooky thanks to the shapes found in the limestone and overall darkness down there.

The caves are inherently ominous and spooky thanks to the shapes found in the limestone and overall darkness down there.
Inside the caves.      Joey Hadden/Business Insider

The best way to experience this surreal site is to have no agenda.

The best way to experience this surreal site is to have no agenda.
Inside the caves.      Joey Hadden/Business Insider

Just get down there with your pals and get lost.

Just get down there with your pals and get lost.
Inside the caves.      Joey Hadden/Business Insider

About three hours west of the caverns, you'll find yourself in a place that is the complete opposite of these dark caves: White Sands National Monument. Some areas of the park are currently closed, according to the National Park Service.

About three hours west of the caverns, you
White Sands National Monument.      Joey Hadden/Business Insider

This area is very bright, and the sand feels like no other. It is soft and silky to the touch, and even on a warm day, the sand was cool.

This area is very bright, and the sand feels like no other. It is soft and silky to the touch, and even on a warm day, the sand was cool.
Laying in the sand was so refreshing.      Joey Hadden/Business Insider

After an afternoon in the sand, it's only a 90-minute drive to the next destination.

After an afternoon in the sand, it
My friend sitting shotgun on a road trip.      Joey Hadden/Business Insider

Lincoln National Forest is a great place to set up camp.

Lincoln National Forest is a great place to set up camp.
A campsite with my friends at Lincoln National Forest.      Joey Hadden/Business Insider

This forest has views that overlook south-central New Mexico ...

This forest has views that overlook south-central New Mexico ...
A viewpoint off the road in Lincoln National Forest.      Joey Hadden/Business Insider

... and there are some lush trails around the campsites to explore.

... and there are some lush trails around the campsites to explore.
My travel mates stopping for a break while hiking in Lincoln National Forest.      Joey Hadden/Business Insider

After camping in Lincoln, there's only one more stop in New Mexico, and it's a pretty long drive to get there.

After camping in Lincoln, there
A Bulbasaur plush guides my friends and me through New Mexico.      Joey Hadden/Business Insider

The next stop of the trip is approximately six hours from Lincoln in another New Mexican forest called Gila National Forest.

The next stop of the trip is approximately six hours from Lincoln in another New Mexican forest called Gila National Forest.
Gila National Forest is right on the edge of New Mexico and Arizona.      Google Maps

While it's pretty during the day...

While it
A view from my campsite at Gila National Forest in July 2018.      Joey Hadden/Business Insider

... the awe of this place doesn't come until nightfall. Inside Gila, there is an International Dark Sky Sanctuary, according to the USDA Forest Service. This means it's one of the best places to view the night sky.

... the awe of this place doesn
A long exposure shot of the night sky over Gila.      Alan Dyer/Stocktrek Images/Getty Images

In the morning, head to Sedona, Arizona.

In the morning, head to Sedona, Arizona.
A road in Arizona between Gila and Sedona.      Joey Hadden/Business Insider

It's seven hours northwest of Gila.

It
Sedona is in central Arizona.      Google Maps

Once you get close to Sedona, you'll start to see houses surrounded by cliffs and trees.

Once you get close to Sedona, you
The road to Sedona.      Joey Hadden/Business Insider

Sedona is a beautiful town embedded in red rocks.

Sedona is a beautiful town embedded in red rocks.
A bridge in Sedona.      Joey Hadden/Business Insider

It almost feels like being on another planet ...

It almost feels like being on another planet ...
Rock formations surrounding Sedona.      Joey Hadden/Business Insider

... until you get to the town, which has a downtown area full of shops and restaurants.

... until you get to the town, which has a downtown area full of shops and restaurants.
A street in Sedona.      Joey Hadden/Business Insider

Just a few minutes from town, there are areas to camp.

Just a few minutes from town, there are areas to camp.
A free campsite in Sedona.      Joey Hadden/Business Insider

The next stop after Sedona is the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park.

The next stop after Sedona is the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park.
The North Rim of the Grand Canyon.      Joey Hadden/Business Insider

It's four and a half hours from Sedona.

It
Northern Arizona.      Joey Hadden/Business Insider

The drive is this long because you have to drive north of the rim and then down to it.

The drive is this long because you have to drive north of the rim and then down to it.
The route to the rim requires you to backtrack.      Google Maps

But it will be worth it when you see this.

But it will be worth it when you see this.
The North Rim viewed from Rainbow Trail.      Joey Hadden/Business Insider

There is plenty to love about the North Rim, and the best views don't even require you to go inside the park ...

There is plenty to love about the North Rim, and the best views don
A landscape I took from outside of the park.      Joey Hadden/Business Insider

... but you'll want to pitch a tent.

... but you
Me pitching a tent at Locust Point.      Joey Hadden/Business Insider

Kaibab National Forest, which surrounds the North Rim, is home to my favorite free campsites.

Kaibab National Forest, which surrounds the North Rim, is home to my favorite free campsites.
A campsite at Locust Point.      Joey Hadden/Business Insider

The fire pits are so close to the edge that you can feel the heat from a campfire while your feet hang over the side of the canyon.

The fire pits are so close to the edge that you can feel the heat from a campfire while your feet hang over the side of the canyon.
My travel mate at a campsite at Locust point.      Joey Hadden/Business Insider

There are trees all around this area - perfect for setting up a hammock.

There are trees all around this area - perfect for setting up a hammock.
A hammock in Kaibab.      Joey Hadden/Business Insider

The campsite is on Rainbow Trail, which is an ideal hike for finding spots to sit down and enjoy the view.

The campsite is on Rainbow Trail, which is an ideal hike for finding spots to sit down and enjoy the view.
A campsite at Locust Point.      Joey Hadden/Business Insider

Sitting on the edge of the Grand Canyon makes me feel small. While staring into such a vast, epic site, it's easy to live in the moment and forget about pretty much everything else.

Sitting on the edge of the Grand Canyon makes me feel small. While staring into such a vast, epic site, it
Me enjoying the view from Rainbow Trail.      Joey Hadden/Business Insider

Leaving this campsite is the hardest part of every trip ...

Leaving this campsite is the hardest part of every trip ...
My tent from inside of the car.      Joey Hadden/Business Insider

... but it gets easier once you're back on the road headed towards Zion National Park. It only takes about two hours to get to Zion, which is a national park in southwestern Utah.

... but it gets easier once you
On the road.      Joey Hadden/Business Insider

The free campsites just outside of the park offer starry nights.

The free campsites just outside of the park offer starry nights.
A campsite outside of Zion on a hot July night.      Joey Hadden/Business Insider

Unlike other national parks on this trip, Zion has public transportation that goes through the park. Because of this, a day in Zion requires a little more planning.

Unlike other national parks on this trip, Zion has public transportation that goes through the park. Because of this, a day in Zion requires a little more planning.
A view from the Narrows.      Joey Hadden/Business Insider

If I had only one day in Zion, I would hike the Narrows trail.

If I had only one day in Zion, I would hike the Narrows trail.
A view from the Narrows trail.      Joey Hadden/Business Insider

The Narrows is a trail that leads you into the river. The river gets deeper and deeper as you go ...

The Narrows is a trail that leads you into the river. The river gets deeper and deeper as you go ...
The Narrows in July 2018.      Joey Hadden/Business Insider

... and the canyons come closing in ...

... and the canyons come closing in ...
Looking up from the Narrows.      Joey Hadden/Business Insider

... and that's why it's called the Narrows!

... and that
Me hiking the Narrows in July 2018.      Joey Hadden/Business Insider

After a day in Zion, another national park in Utah is certainly worth the stop. Bryce Canyon National Park is about 90 minutes northwest of Zion, and it's one of the most other-worldly destinations on this entire trip.

After a day in Zion, another national park in Utah is certainly worth the stop. Bryce Canyon National Park is about 90 minutes northwest of Zion, and it
A viewpoint at Bryce Canyon.      Joey Hadden/Business Insider

Hike the one-mile Bristlecone Loop for spectacular views like this one, as Trip Advisor suggests ...

Hike the one-mile Bristlecone Loop for spectacular views like this one, as Trip Advisor suggests ...
The view at the end of the trail.      Joey Hadden/Business Insider

Source: Trip Advisor

... or just drive around and catch the viewpoints.

... or just drive around and catch the viewpoints.
Me smiling at a viewpoint.      Joey Hadden/Business Insider

Just like Zion, the campsites outside of Bryce Canyon offer a gorgeous view of the night sky.

Just like Zion, the campsites outside of Bryce Canyon offer a gorgeous view of the night sky.
A starry night at a campsite just outside of Bryce Canyon in July 2018.      Joey Hadden/Business Insider

After spending some time in awe of Bryce Canyon, it's time for the final leg of the trip, which just happens to be the longest.

After spending some time in awe of Bryce Canyon, it
Making sandwiches for myself and my travel mate on the road in 2016.      Joey Hadden/Business Insider

The final stop of the trip is Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado, where you'll need to make a reservation through October 11, according to the National Park Service.

The final stop of the trip is Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado, where you
Rocky Mountain National Park is about 8.5 hours from Bryce Canyon by car.      Google Maps

The coolest thing about this park is that it includes four different ecosystems.

The coolest thing about this park is that it includes four different ecosystems.
Rocky Mountain tundra.      Joey Hadden/Business Insider

That means there are four different groups of animals, plants, geological components, and naturally occurring cycles that work together to sustain their respective systems all in one park.

That means there are four different groups of animals, plants, geological components, and naturally occurring cycles that work together to sustain their respective systems all in one park.
Rocky Mountain views.      Joey Hadden/Business Insider

Seeing this herd of elk grazing the tundra in the Rocky Mountains was an unforgettable experience ...

Seeing this herd of elk grazing the tundra in the Rocky Mountains was an unforgettable experience ...
The tundra in July 2018.      Joey Hadden/Business Insider

... and it would be a great way to end your epic road trip through America's Southwest.

... and it would be a great way to end your epic road trip through America
A view from the Colorado tundra.      Joey Hadden/Business Insider

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