The Southwest is one of the best places to embark on a road trip. This region is rich in iconic landmarks, national parks and glorious scenery, with unbelievable landscapes. We’ve compiled a list of some of the more prominent Southwest road trip destinations, peppered with enchanting hidden gems and less-traveled spots to add to your travel route. Now what are you waiting for? Pack your bags, fill up the gas tank and hit the road.

Need more? Read more: 10 best places to go glamping in the Southwest

Must-visit Southwest road trip routes and stops

Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, Arizona/Utah 

Why stop here: Cinematic views and cultural enrichment

Monument Valley, a Navajo Tribal Park on the Utah-Arizona border, is renowned for its iconic sandstone buttes and mesas. This road trip wonder has been featured in movies “Forrest Gump” and “Back to the Future Part III.” Visit The Mittens, Three Sisters, Yei-bi-chai, North Window, and the Totem Pole, and don’t miss out on learning about the rich cultural heritage of the Diné.

For more information, check out navajonationparks.org/navajo-tribal-parks/monument-valley

White Sands National Park, New Mexico

Why stop here: Dreamy dunes, playful energy and frameable photos

It has some of the most prolific gypsum sand dunes on the planet and invites visitors to stop for sledding, hiking and playing in the soft, snow-like sand. Other considerations for a White Sands National Park road trip: Camping and picnicking. The area is also known as a photographer’s paradise, so cameras are welcome.

For more information, check out https://www.nps.gov/whsa

Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado

Why stop here: Towering dunes and starry night skies

If you can’t get enough of sand dune road trips, you’ll appreciate the Great Sand Dunes National Park nestled in the San Luis Valley. This locale has the tallest dunes in North America — some rising over 750 feet. Visitors can slide down the slopes, splash in Medano Creek during spring runoff and marvel at the star-filled skies (this is a designated Dark Sky Park). 

For more information, check out nps.gov/grsa

Marfa, Texas

Why stop here: Art meets desert cool. It’s weird — in the best way

One of the most famous permanent installations is Marfa’s seemingly out-of-place Prada store, which was erected in 2005. After taking a detour to Prada Marfa, roadtrippers can stroll through town to discover “Wrong Store,” a quirky outpost and gallery inside a former church and Building 98 (a historic art space). 

For more information, check out visitmarfa.com
 

Arches National Park, Utah

Why stop here: Mind-blowing, surreal rock formations

This Southwest National Park is a stunner, housing more than 2,000 natural stone arches and other unique rock formations like fins, pinnacles and balanced rocks. On a road trip, don’t miss the Devil’s Garden Trail, Balanced Rock, and The Windows District with its North Window and South Window. 

For more information, check out, nps.gov/arch

Sedona, Arizona

Why stop here: Healing hikes, positive energy and stunning scenic drives

Some people say it’s mystical, others healing — but almost everyone agrees that Sedona is one of the most captivating Southwest regions with its red rock formations and desert-scapes. Road trip hotspots include energy vortexes, spiritual shops and divine dining options including all of Lisa Dahl’s restaurant concepts.

For more information, check out visitsedona.com
 

Santa Fe, New Mexico

Why stop here: Culture, creativity and the Meow Wolf “experience”

Throughout your drive, stop by the Bandelier National Monument to explore ancient Puebloan cliff dwellings. Also on the itinerary: Taos Pueblo, a living Native American pueblo and UNESCO World Heritage Site for a firsthand look at compelling culture and architecture. For a fun twist, make time to visit Meow Wolf, an interactive, immersive experience you have to see to believe.

For more information, check out santafe.org

Bisbee, Arizona

Why stop here: Retro charm, boho vibes and ghost stories for the road

This historic mining town is recognized for attractions such as the Queen Mine Tour and Lavender Pit Mine. But, this eclectic locale also offers road trip guests a downtown full of Victorian-style houses, art galleries and unique shops. What Bisbee is probably most known for, however, is its slightly haunted reputation. Among its “haunts” is the Copper Queen Hotel.

For more information, check out discoverbisbee.com

Genoa, Nevada

Why stop here: Old West charm with a modern twist filled with boutique shops, cozy cafes and a few (or many) good ghost stories

Here’s another road trip with historic and spine-tingling stories. During your adventure, be sure to experience the Genoa Bar, known as the “oldest thirst parlor in Nevada,” and enjoy the many boutique shops and spooky tales amidst the locale’s relaxing backdrop of lush meadows and mountain peaks.

For more information, check out genoanevada.org

Center Point, Texas

Why stop here: Fresh art and tiny-town charm

Those road-tripping through Texas will want to take a detour alongside the Guadalupe River and head about eight miles southeast of Kerrville in the Texas Hill Country to find the tiny town of Center Point. The town has been undergoing an art-focused revival thanks to the popularity and rise of interior and architecture designer Sara Story. In 2023, Story and her family opened Center Point Art (CPA), a gallery and artist residency in a nineteenth-century bank building. It’s full of treasures for art enthusiasts to enjoy. 

For more information, check out centerpointart.org

Joshua Tree National Park, California

Why stop here: Starry skies, spiritual resets and boulder-studded beauty

Joshua Tree National Park has long been a road trip favorite, known for its iconic Joshua trees and expansive desert landscape. Here, travelers can hike, boulder climb and stargaze to their heart’s content. Popular stops include Skull Rock where a short loop trail invites visitors to a rock formation that resembles a skull and Hidden Valley, offering a short, easy hike through a boulder-filled, unique landscape.

For more information, check out nps.gov/jotr

Corsicana, Texas

Why stop here: Murals, makers and a side of Texas you didn’t expect 

Take a detour east, between Dallas and Waco, to reach the small community of Corsicana. The quaint town boasts a thriving arts scene with venues like the Warehouse Living Arts Center, the Historic Palace Theatre and the Navarro Council of the Arts, as well as a consistent rotation of art exhibits and festivals hosted throughout the town, among so much more. Stroll downtown to see Art Alley, which features a growing collection of murals that highlight local history, personalities and inspirational messages. 

For more information, check out corsicanamainstreet.org

Taos, New Mexico

Why stop here: Culture, color and crisp high desert air

Taos, New Mexico, is renowned for its vibrant art scene, rich Native American and Spanish colonial history, and stunning natural landscapes. Road trip favorite destinations include the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge and the High Road to Taos, Taos Pueblo, San Francisco de Asis Church and the charming town of Chimayo.

For more information, check out taos.org

Great Basin National Park, Nevada

Why stop here: Stargazing, solitude and ancient trees

One of the most remote and less frequently visited national parks, Great Basin is home to bristlecone pines — some of the oldest living trees in the world. Road trippers will want to stop in at the spellbinding Lehman Caves and experience unmatched views of the Milky Way.

For more information, check out nps.gov/grba

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Colorado

Why stop here: Photography, stunning views and low crowds

Known for its sheer cliffs and dramatic drops, this park features some of the steepest and most rugged canyon walls in North America. Great for hiking, photography and those looking for a quieter road trip stop with a major “wow” factor, this is a must-experience road trip stop to mark on your map. 

For more information, check out nps.gov/blca