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13-Day Southwestern Panoramas Self Drive Tour

Customisable Itinerary
4.8 • (1 review)

Trip Overview

This self-drive tour starts in San Francisco, where you can explore landmarks like the cable cars, Alcatraz Island, Chinatown, and Golden Gate Park. From there, drive to Yosemite National Park to see granite cliffs, waterfalls, sequoia groves, and hiking trails.

Next, travel through Death Valley National Park’s desert landscapes before arriving in Las Vegas, where you can enjoy nightlife, casinos, and attractions along the Strip. Then visit Zion National Park for hiking among sandstone cliffs and the Virgin River.

At Bryce Canyon National Park, explore hoodoo rock formations with options for walking trails or horseback riding. Continue to Capitol Reef and Canyonlands National Parks, including the overlook at Dead Horse Point State Park.

In Arches National Park, see thousands of sandstone arches like Delicate Arch. Then head to Durango, a historic mining town, and Canyon de Chelly on the Navajo Reservation to view ancient cliff dwellings.

Take a jeep tour of Monument Valley’s red mesas, then visit Lake Powell, Horseshoe Bend, and Antelope Canyon. Experience the Grand Canyon’s vastness before exploring Sedona’s red rock landscapes and Montezuma Castle ruins. End the day in Scottsdale’s Old Town, known for art galleries and southwestern cuisine.

Finally, drive through Palm Springs, including the Aerial Tramway to Mt. San Jacinto, and finish in Los Angeles with stops in Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Venice Beach, and Disneyland. Optional activities are available throughout to customize your journey.

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Itinerary

Day 1

Arrive in San Francisco

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Arrive in San Francisco

Welcome to San Francisco! Arrive at SFO, collect your rental car, and make your way to your hotel. Get ready to explore the city’s iconic steep streets, breathtaking bay views, colorful Victorian houses, and bustling Chinatown - one of the largest outside China. San Francisco’s unique charm and cultural diversity make it an urban jewel waiting to be discovered!

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Hotel Fusion

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Self-Driving from San Francisco International Airport to Hotel Fusion

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    San Francisco

Day 2

Free Day in San Francisco

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Free Day in San Francisco

Today is all about soaking in the vibrant spirit of San Francisco! Hop on a classic cable car from Fisherman’s Wharf and glide through the city’s iconic hills. Don’t miss a visit to Alcatraz Island — explore the eerie former prison with captivating ranger-led tours full of history and mystery. Then, dive into the lush beauty of Golden Gate Park, where you can wander through the Conservatory of Flowers, relax in the serene Japanese Tea Garden, and even spot the local buffalo herd! Cap off your day with a delicious dinner in one of San Francisco’s unique neighborhoods—whether it’s the rich flavors of Chinatown or the charming Italian vibe of North Beach, your taste buds are in for a treat.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Hotel Fusion

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Free Day in San FranciscoOptional Activity

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    San Francisco

Day 3

Yosemite National Park

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Yosemite National Park

Depart the vibrant city of San Francisco and journey toward the breathtaking Yosemite National Park! Get ready to be awed by Yosemite Valley’s stunning contrasts—the flat valley floor framed by towering granite giants like El Capitan, Glacier Point, and the iconic Half Dome. Marvel at cascading waterfalls and explore vast wilderness filled with peaks, rivers, meadows, and majestic giant sequoias. At Yosemite Village, dive into the park’s rich history with films, exhibits, and self-guided trails. Don’t miss Mirror Lake and the famous Tunnel View at Wawona Tunnel for picture-perfect moments. A cozy overnight stay in the Yosemite area awaits, giving you time to soak in all this natural wonder!

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Yosemite Cedar Lodge

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Yosemite National ParkOptional Activity

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Self-Driving from Hotel Fusion to Yosemite National ParkOptional Activity

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    San Francisco

    California

    El Portal

Day 4

Travel to Vegas via Death Vallery

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Travel to Vegas via Death Vallery

Leave the peaceful beauty of Yosemite behind and head toward Nevada. Consider a detour through Death Valley National Park, a land of extremes with sweeping sand dunes, snow-capped peaks, and vibrant rock formations. Known as the hottest and driest place in the U.S., it still supports over 900 resilient species. Stop at Father Crowley Vista Point and Zabriskie Point for incredible views, and grab a light lunch at Furnace Creek. Then, roll into Las Vegas, where the energy never fades! This evening, take a stroll down The Strip and enjoy the dazzling lights, themed hotels, and nonstop entertainment that make Vegas unforgettable.

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    Accommodation

    Alexis Park Resort

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Death ValleyOptional Activity

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Self-Driving from Yosemite Cedar Lodge to Las VegasOptional Activity

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    El Portal

    California

    Las Vegas

Day 5

Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon

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Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon

Leave behind the buzz of Las Vegas and head into the natural wonder of Zion National Park. Towering sandstone monoliths and the peaceful Virgin River welcome you. Hike through The Narrows, Zion’s famous slot canyons, carved over time into colorful, striped rock walls—a true paradise for hikers. Trails and paved paths cater to all skill levels, and the free shuttle system makes it easy to access highlights like Emerald Pools, Weeping Rock, and Angels Landing. Stop by the Visitor Center for trail info and guided tour options. After a day of exploration, continue on to Bryce Canyon for an overnight stay.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Bryce View Lodge

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Zion National ParkOptional Activity

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Self-Driving from Alexis Park Resort to Zion National Park

    Self-Driving from Zion National Park to Bryce Canyon National Park

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Las Vegas

    Utah

    Bryce Canyon City

Day 6

Bryce Canyon onto Capitol Reef National Park, Canyonlands and finally Moab

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Bryce Canyon onto Capitol Reef National Park, Canyonlands and finally Moab

Start the day at Bryce Canyon, where colorful hoodoos fill natural amphitheaters—best seen on foot or by horseback. Then head to Capitol Reef, driving Hwy 24 to explore scenic viewpoints and short trails. Continue to Canyonlands National Park, where the Island in the Sky district offers jaw-dropping overlooks like Grand View Point. Before reaching Moab for the night, stop at Dead Horse Point for sweeping canyon views from 6,000 feet up.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    MainStay Suites Moab near Arches National Park

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Bryce Canyon National ParkOptional Activity

    Capitol Reef National ParkOptional Activity

    Canyon Lands National ParkOptional Activity

    Dead Horse Point State ParkOptional Activity

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Self-Driving from Bryce Canyon National Park to Capitol Reef National ParkOptional Activity

    Self-Driving from Capitol Reef National Park to Canyonlands National ParkOptional Activity

    Self-Driving from Canyonlands National Park to MoabOptional Activity

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Bryce Canyon City

    Utah

    Monticello

    Moab

Day 7

Arches National Park and Durango

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Arches National Park and Durango

Start your morning at Arches National Park, home to over 2,000 natural sandstone arches, including the iconic Delicate Arch—best seen by hiking the trail up close. Watch for desert bighorn sheep and stop by the Visitor Center for ranger-led talks. After your visit, head straight to Durango, a charming town in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado, rich in mining history and surrounded by scenic beauty.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Hampton Inn

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Arches National ParkOptional Activity

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Self-Driving from Arches National Park to Hampton Inn DurangoOptional Activity

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Moab

    Utah

    Durango

Day 8

Canyon De Chelly and Monument Valley

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Canyon De Chelly and Monument Valley

Start the day in Durango and travel west to Canyon de Chelly, located within the Navajo Nation. Stop at the Visitor Center, then follow the South Rim Drive for incredible views of Anasazi ruins, cliff dwellings, and petroglyphs preserved in the canyon walls. Don’t miss Spider Rock, the striking 800-foot sandstone spire rising from the canyon floor.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Kayenta Monument Valley Inn

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Canyon de ChellyOptional Activity

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Self-Driving from Hampton Inn Durango to Canyon de ChellyOptional Activity

    Self-Driving from Canyon de Chelly to Kayenta Monument Valley InnOptional Activity

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Durango

    Arizona

    Kayenta

Day 9

Monument Valley, Page and the Grand Canyon

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Monument Valley, Page and the Grand Canyon

Begin the day in Monument Valley, where a jeep tour takes you past iconic red rock formations and into the heart of Navajo culture. Continue to Cameron Trading Post for lunch and handmade crafts, then head to Page to see Lake Powell, Glen Canyon Dam, and hike to Horseshoe Bend for epic views. If time allows, take a guided tour of Antelope Canyon, famous for its glowing sandstone walls. End the day at the Grand Canyon South Rim, with stops at Desert View, Mather Point, and Bright Angel Lodge for unforgettable vistas.

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    Accommodation

    Grand Canyon Plaza Hotel

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Monument ValleyOptional Activity

    PageOptional Activity

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Self-Driving from Oljato-Monument Valley to PageOptional Activity

    Self-Driving from Page to Grand CanyonOptional Activity

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Kayenta

    Oljato-Monument Valley

    Page

    Tusayan

Day 10

Grand Canyon to Sedona, Montezuma Castle and finally Pheonix

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Grand Canyon to Sedona, Montezuma Castle and finally Pheonix

Today, marvel at the breathtaking Grand Canyon, one of the seven natural wonders of the world. Then, drive through stunning Oak Creek Canyon to Sedona for a scenic lunch amid striking red rock formations. Continue to Montezuma Castle National Monument to explore ancient cliff dwellings built by the Sinagua people. End the day in Phoenix or Scottsdale, where you can stroll through Old Town Scottsdale - filled with galleries, shops, and Southwestern cuisine - perfect for a relaxing evening.

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    Accommodation

    DoubleTree by Hilton Phoenix Mesa

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Grand CanyonOptional Activity

    SedonaOptional Activity

    Montezuma Castle National MonumentOptional Activity

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Self-Driving from Grand Canyon to SedonaOptional Activity

    Self-Driving from Sedona to Montezuma Castle National MonumentOptional Activity

    Self-Driving from Montezuma Castle National Monument to PhoenixOptional Activity

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Tusayan

    Arizona

    Sedona

    Mesa

Day 11

Phoenix to Palm Springs and on to Los Angeles

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Phoenix to Palm Springs and on to Los Angeles

Leave Scottsdale and travel west through scenic desert landscapes to the upscale oasis of Palm Springs. Nestled at the base of Mt. San Jacinto, Palm Springs offers lush golf courses, luxury resorts, and the famous Aerial Tramway, which lifts you from the desert floor to mountain heights. At the top, enjoy hiking trails, panoramic views, and cozy dining options. Then continue to Los Angeles for a two-night stay in the heart of America's entertainment capital—home to movie stars, diverse neighborhoods, and iconic sights like the Hollywood Sign.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Best Western Plus Dragon Gate Inn

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Palm SpringsOptional Activity

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Self-Driving from DoubleTree by Hilton Phoenix Midtown to Los AngelesOptional Activity

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Mesa

    Palm Springs

    Los Angeles

Day 12

Free Day in Los Angeles

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Free Day in Los Angeles

Explore Los Angeles today! Walk the Hollywood Walk of Fame and see the celebrity stars. Visit the iconic Mann’s Chinese Theater with its famous handprints and footprints. Drive through glamorous Beverly Hills and shop on Rodeo Drive. Enjoy lunch at Venice Beach, known for its lively boardwalk and Muscle Beach. Alternatively, visit Disneyland in Anaheim for a day of fun with classic characters. End the day with dinner in one of LA’s diverse ethnic neighborhoods, savoring authentic flavors.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Best Western Plus Dragon Gate Inn

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Disneyland ParkOptional Activity

    Hollywood Walk of FameOptional Activity

    Rodeo DriveOptional Activity

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Los Angeles

    Anaheim

    Beverly Hills

Day 13

Departure Day

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Departure Day

When you’re ready, head to the airport to return your rental car before catching your flight. Safe travels!

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Self-Driving from Best Western Plus Dragon Gate Inn to Los Angeles International AirportOptional Activity

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Los Angeles

Share With Your Partners

Download this trip itinerary as a PDF and start planning your next trip offline!

What’s included?

  • 12 nights accommodation

What’s not included?

  • Airport transfer
  • Alcohol beverages
  • Domestic flights
  • Entrance fees
  • Entry visas / airport departure tax
  • Gratuities
  • Ground transportation
  • International flights
  • Laundry
  • Licensed English speaking guides
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Trekking permits

Notes

Please note that car rental is not included but can be booked upon request

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