The Best 2 Week Road Trip Itinerary For The American Southwest

The Southwest is a haven, with a romantic blend of big city culture, national parks, and stunning natural landscapes.The best way to explore this beauty is to take a road trip.

The Southwest is one of the best road trip options in the United States. In this post, I’ve handpicked some of the best stops on a 2 week Southwest road trip itinerary, with tips on what to see/do/eat/stay.

This road trip takes you from Arizona to New Mexico and on to Utah. Naturally, you’ll visit the Grand Canyon along the way.

If you have more than 14 days to road trip, I also suggest some beautiful day trips from the Grand Canyon and other places.

I suggest starting the trip in either Tucson or Phoenix. You can use one of these two cities as a launchpad, destination, or both. Both cities provide a fantastic introduction to the scenery and overall laid back attitude of Southwest USA.

I’ve written this two week Southwest itinerary with lots of options for extending legs. You can easily customize it or make it shorter or longer, depending on your own interests or schedule.

American Southwest Road Trip Itinerary

Here’s what to do and see on a two week road trip in the American Southwest:

Day 1-2: Start Your Road Trip in Phoenix or Tucson

Choose between Phoenix or Tucson to get your Southwest road trip off to a fantastic start. Both cities are cool in their own right.

Phoenix is definitely easier to fly into. I’m partial to Tucson because my mom lives there.

Choose Phoenix if you like the big city. Phoenix is loaded with cultural/artistic/historic venues and landmarks, and a hip downtown.

In terms of its foodie scene, Phoenix has dozens of ethnic restaurants and James Beard award-winning eateries from hole in the wall to luxe.

downtown Scottsdale Arizona
downtown Scottsdale Arizona

Chose Tucson if you prefer smaller cities with a slower pace and rich cultural heritage.

Tucson is beautiful, has amazing views, rugged mountains, ample outdoor adventure options, and some of the best Southwest food in the country.

Tuscon is also a designated UNESCO World City of Gastronomy. The town is a mini mecca for the arts — with regional museums, art venues, and its own ballet, symphony, opera and theater companies.

Phoenix cityscape
Phoenix cityscape

Things To Do and See in Phoenix

If you’re starting your Southwest road trip in Phoenix, here are some of my favorite things to do and see in Phoenix:

1. Head to Roosevelt Row

Roosevelt Row is Phoenix’s art district. This artsy area is a mix of indie shops, restaurants, and art galleries.

Fancy galleries like Modified Arts and Eye Lounge share the area with street artists, pop up shops, and festivals. Dozens of murals dot the buildings.

Phoenix cityscape
Phoenix cityscape
2. Hit The Hive

Located in the fabulous Coronadao neighborhood, the Hive is a collective that combines visual arts, performing arts, and indie businesses.

You’ll find coffee shops, art studios, boutiques, and galleries.The Bees Knees is one of the best retro vintage shops you’ll ever find.

3. Hike in Papago Park

The lush and verdant Papago Park is a hiking and biking dream. It’s got winding trails for every level of experience and all sorts of geological formations.

For the full park experience, take the 2.3 mile Double Butte Loop. And don’t miss the iconic Hole in the Rock on the park’s east side.

Papago Park
Papago Park
5. Desert Botanical Park

Spread out over 140 acres in Papago Park, Phoenix’s Desert Botanical Garden is definitely worth a visit for nature lovers.

Native birds chirp as you explore different ecosystems, native plants, and cactus and agave collections.

In addition to its permanent exhibits, the garden hosts temporary exhibits and a night-light show Las Noches de Las Luminaries.

Phoenix Desert Botanical Park
Phoenix Desert Botanical Park
5. Museums: Heard Museum & Phoenix Art Museum

The renowned Heard Museum showcases the art and history of American Indian cultures in the Southwest.

It displays 40,000 objects in 12 galleries. You’ll find baskets, textiles, blown glass, ceramics, and sculptures.

The Phoenix Art Museum is a surprisingly good museum, the largest museum in the Southwest.

It has both traditional and contemporary pieces on display in a beautiful setting. The museum houses over 20,000 art works and hosts world class exhibitions.

Taliesen West
Taliesen West
6. Taliesen West

Want to see a rare UNESCO site in the United States? Head to Taliesen West. It’s a stunning heritage property in nearby Scottsdale designed by Americas’s most famous architect, Frank Lloyd Wright.

Taliesen West is one of only 24 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the United States. Designed by Wright, Taliesen West been described as a campus, a desert laboratory, and a historic landmark. 

It’s a a complex of low-slung buildings made of rock and glass in the Sonoran Desert. The beautiful building served as Wright’s winter home and the home of his utopian architectural school.

Here’s my complete guide to visiting Taliesen West.

church in downtown Phoenix
church in downtown Phoenix
Where To Stay In Phoenix

Phoenix has some amazing hotels. You can stay in high style in the desert.

The Arizona Biltmore is Phoenix’s most iconic hotel, a luxury hotel with an award winning spa. It underwent a massive renovation in 2020. The Hilton Phoenix Resort is a sprawling resort that has it all. has it all.

The Kimpton Hotel Palomar is one of the coolest hotels in Phoenix. The beautifully decorated Kimpton says it’s “all about the extras,” including in room yoga mats.

The Royal Palms Resort & Spa is another historic hotel nestled at the base of Camelback Mountain. It’s posh, yet also charming and intimate.

skyline of Tucson Arizona
skyline of Tucson Arizona

Things To Do and See in Tucson

If you’re starting your 2 week Southwest itinerary with the laid back charms of Tucson, here are some of my favorite Tucson experiences:

1. Hike Mount Lemmon

Mount Lemmon is a (supposedly, seems longer) 9.5 mile trail. It’s an uncrowded out and back rocky hike with beautiful wildflowers and saguaros. There are fantastic views all along the trail.

You can also just drive up the mountain on the Mt Lemmon Highway. It takes about 1.5 hours. There are many lookouts where you hop out and check out the stunning views.

cacti in the Sonoran Desert Museum Tucson
cacti in the Sonoran Desert Museum Tucson
2. Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum

The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum is a fun museum that interprets the Sonoran Desert. 

It’s a bit of everything rolled into one. The museum combines a zoo, a botanical garden, and a natural history museum.

The museum challenges the traditional concept of what a museum is by creating a mutually symbiotic relationship with the desert.

The desert museum is set on 21 acres with 2 miles of walking paths through various animal habitats. You can find 1,200 plant varieties and 56,00 individual specimens.

Sunset in Saguaro National Park near Tucson
Sunset in Saguaro National Park near Tucson
3. Saguaro National Park

Saguaro National Park was created specifically to protect its prickly green saguaro cacti, which only grow in the Sonoran Valley.

The beautiful park is a hiker’s paradise. But you can also come just for a scenic drive or picnic.

Saguaro is made up of two separate areas — the Tucson Mountain District (West) and the Rincon Mountain District (East). Within the two parks are some of the finest example of Sonoran Desert landscape in the entire Southwest region.

There are countless things to do and see Saguaro National Park. Here’s my complete guide to visiting the park.

me in Saguaro National Park East
me in Saguaro National Park East
4. San Xavier del Bac

San Xavier del Bac is a beautiful mission church just south of Tucson in the Sonoran desert. It’s a National Historic Landmark known as the “White Dove of the Desert.”

Posing akin to a European artifact, San Xavier is a historic Franciscan mission church on a peaceful Indian reservation in the desert.

Built in the 1700s, this recently restored church is a lovely example of Spanish colonial architecture. Inside, it boasts colorful frescos (deep ochre and red), sculptures, and paintings.

Here’s my complete guide to San Xavier.

red landscapes in Sedona
red landscapes in Sedona

Day 2-3: Sedona

Melt into those wind-in-your-hair vibes and drive the 2 hours from Phoenix or 3.5 hours from Tucson to the breathtaking majesty of Sedona.

Sedona is an adorable New Age town and healing paradise, smack in the middle of the Arizona desert. It may be the hottest weekend destination in Arizona.

There are over 200 hiking trails in the greater Sedona area. Slide Rock State Park is a great place for hiking. If you’re a camper, it can also double as your camping base. Just be sure to reserve in advance.

I’ve written a 2 days in Sedona itinerary and a guide to the top attractions in Sedona. Here are some of my favorite things to do and see in Sedona:

a towering vortex in Sedona
a towering vortex in Sedona

1. Vortexes of Sedona

Looking like another planet, Sedona is renowned for its red rock buttes and canyon walls. Some of the town’s most famous hiking trails — Cathedral Rock, Devil’s Bridge, and Bell Rock — travel through Sedona’s famed geological vortexes.

Devil’s Bridge is my favorite. Don’t be afraid or intimidated by the name “Devil” This wonderful hike is exceedingly popular because it’s an easy (short but steep) hiking trail with mesmerizing rock scenery. 

Vortexes are believed to be locations where a swirling condensed center of spiritual energy projects out of the earth. The Native Americans recognized the power of these places and often used them for sacred ceremonies. Now, Sedona has a never ending fascination.

Aside from hiking to the vortexes, you can experience these natural wonders through yoga and meditation classes out on the red rocks. Or soar from above in a sunrise hot air balloon ride.

Here’s my guide to the vortexes of Sedona. You can take an organized jeep tour to explore the vortexes. If you don’t want to go in a group, you can book a private vortex tour.

red rock canyons in Sedona
red rock canyons in Sedona

2. Downtown Sedona

Don’t forget to carve out some time to wander around the strip of funky downtown stores, which has this same mystical vibe. Cute (sometimes cheesy) shops display gorgeous crystals in the windows.

Sedona Candle Magic is always packed. There are spiritual healers available for hire, from psychic mediums to reiki healers.

If the spirituality thing isn’t your jam, I’d recommend popping into a hidden gem called Blackbird Vintage, right off the main drag in Sedona.

downtown Sedona, a beautiful stop on a Southwest road trip itinerary
downtown Sedona

3. Sedona’s Art Scene

If you want to browse some local art, head to Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Village. It will blow you away with its galleries, fine arts, and stunning jewelry and ceramics.

The village is designed along the architectural lines of a Colonial Mexican village, with vintage adobe buildings and quaint courtyards. It’s been a Sedona landmark since 1970.

The village is home to dozens of exclusive shops, restaurants, boutiques, and art galleries. You’ll find jewelry, basketry, pottery, weavings, Navajo rugs, wine, etc. One of my favorite galleries was Azadi.

Founded in 1958, the Sedona Art Center is the central focus of the town’s creative spirit. The venue mounts exhibitions featuring painting, sculpture, and fine crafts from regional and national artists.

Chapel of the Holy Cross
Chapel of the Holy Cross

4. Chapel of The Holy Cross

If you love architecture, you’ll should next drive out to the Chapel of the Holy Cross. It’s an unmissable attraction in Sedona that’s super easy to find and close to Uptown.

Built in 1956, it’s a striking landmark designed by Marguerite Brunswig Staude, a pupil of Frank Lloyd Wright.

The building looks like a concrete spaceship jutting out of craggy boulders. It blends a 90 foot cross, magnificent stained glass windows, and a modern design. 

my Pink Jeep
my Pink Jeep

5. Jeep Tours

Another iconic thing to do in Sedona is take a jeep tour.

There are so many options to choose from. I went on this Pink Jeeps tour, which goes into the red rocks range. 

This tour takes you to the ancient ruins, including the Palatki Heritage site. This tour takes you to Diamondback Gultch for red rock views.

Another jeep tour takes you to beautiful Oak Creek Canyon. More adventurous types can do an off road jeep tour.

peaks around Flagstaff
peaks around Flagstaff

6. Day Trip to Flagstaff

Flagstaff is jam packed with beauty and history. And it’s just 50 minutes north of Sedona.

An unusual alpine beauty 7000 feet high in the San Francisco Peaks’ foothills, this historic town is worth a day trip, if you have time in your Southwest itinerary. It may be one of Arizona’s best kept secrets.

Flagstaff has pretty Victorian mansions to admire. If you want a dose of Southwest art, head to the Museum of Northern Arizona, Old Main Gallery, or the Beaver Street Gallery. If you fancy a hike, take the low key Viet Springs loop.

Cathedral Rock Vortex
Cathedral Rock Vortex

Where To Stay In Sedona

On my last visit, I stayed in a beautiful Air Bnb in Oak Creek Canyon. I liked it since it was incredibly scenic and away from the crowds of Uptown. 

But Sedona also has some wonderful resorts — Sky Ranch LodgeAmara ResortL’Auberge de Sedona, and Enchantment Resort.

Enchantment Resort is in Boynton Canyon. It has one of the area’s best spas Mii Amo, plus a yoga studio. There’s so many things to do in Sedona that you may need some R&R.

Grand Canyon, North Rim
Grand Canyon, North Rim

Day 4-5: Grand Canyon: What To Do At This Landmark

America’s geological marvel, the Grand Canyon, is about two hours north of Sedona. It’s an absolute must do on a Southwest road trip. If you didn’t day trip to Flagstaff, you could stop there on the way.

Unless you’re a look-and-go tourist, you should budget 2 full days to explore the Grand Canyon. And even that isn’t much time.

The Grand Canyon is massive. It’s the largest canyon in the world at 277 miles long and over a mile deep from the river to rim.

Because the canyon hikes are out-and-back, it’s sort of a reverse mountain. You end up with a hard, uphill battle after you’ve already burned through half the trail. For that reason, the rangers discourage hiking from the rim to the river and back in a single day.

Grand Canyon

Plan on hiking down to the river and staying somewhere in the canyon overnight.

Alternatively, hike only a portion of the trail and then head back up to the rim. There are plenty of stop off vistas with water sources and bathrooms. These make for excellent turnaround points.

If you only have time for one Grand Canyon hike, take the Kaibab Trail to Cedar Ridge (3 miles).

For a more ambitious hike, try the strenuous Bright Angel Trails, which ends at a great outlook over the Colorado River. For some solitude below the rim, take the Grandview Trail.

Skywalk observation point at Grand Canyon West Rim
Skywalk observation point at Grand Canyon West Rim

There quite a lot of tours you can book for the Grand Canyon. You can:

Another cool thing to do in the Grand Canyon is the Skywalk. It’s a glass bottomed observation deck that extends 70 feet over the canyon. You can see the canyon floor 4,000 feet below you. 

Click here for a Grand Canyon West admission ticket. If you don’t want to drop below the rim yourself (I don’t blame you), you should book one of the tour above.

Day Trips from the Grand Canyon

More time on your American Southwest itinerary? If so, before leaving northern Arizona, there are some amazing day trips from the Grand Canyon.

Havasu Falls
Havasu Falls

1. Havasu Falls

Off the grid Havasu Falls is an incredibly beautiful spot with turquoise pools, one of the most famous hiking destinations in the US. It’s part of a series of waterfalls on the Havasupai Indian Reservation. 

Be forewarned, no day trips are permitted. You must apply in advance for a camping permit. It’s a 20 mile round trip trek.

The trek to Havasu Falls is really difficult. Depending on your fitness level, the hike can be extremely strenuous.

It begins and ends with switchbacks that change in elevation by 1,800 feet in the first two miles. The difficulty is compounded by heat in the summer.

swirling formations of Antelope Canyon
swirling formations of Antelope Canyon

2. Antelope Canyon

Antelope Canyon is a world famous slot canyon that’s on everyone’s Arizona bucket list. This otherworldly spot was created by water and winds over thousands of years. 

It’s a magical orangish rock formation. You can explore the Upper Antelope, the Lower Antelope, or Canyon X.

All of the local slot canyons are on Navajo land. So you must have a guide to access them. 

Click here for an admission ticket and guided tour. You can also combine the lower canyon with Horseshoe Bend on a guided tour.

You can also get a ticket and tour for just the lower canyon or for the upper canyon.

Monument Valley
Monument Valley

3. Monument Valley

Monument Valley is a classic symbol of the American West, with its beautiful red sandstone buttes and mesas. Monument Valley is a desert region of the Colorado Plateau.

You can take an easy self guided tour by car of the scenic 17 mile unpaved loop. The only place to hike without a guide is Wildcat Trail.

Where To Stay In The Grand Canyon

There are quite a few good hotel near the Grand Canyon. You can check out the Little American Flagstaff, the charming Canyons Boutique Hotel in Kanab, or The Grand Hotel at the Grand Canyon near the south rim.

Day 6: Drive to Sante Fe With Stops

The drive from the Grand Canyon to Santa Fe is lengthy. Clocking in at around 7 hours, you’ll need to allocate a full day of travel to it. But there are plenty of interesting pit stops along I-40.

Meteor Crater
Meteor Crater

1. Meteor Crater

The Arizona Meteor Crater is a popular attractions just outside Winslow. The 4,000 feet diameter hole was created 50,000 years ago. 

It’s touted as “the most well known, best preserved meteorite crater on Earth.”

Space enthusiasts come in huge numbers to see the crater each year but you do not have to be interested in space to be impressed with it. The lookout point allows you to look across the entire crater.

Winslow
Winslow

2. Winslow Arizona

Winslow is a town of just under 10,000 people in Navajo County, on the famous Route 66. Winlsow was made famous from the 1972 Eagles’ hit Take it Easy.

Many tourists come to Winslow purely to take a selfie beside the statue on the corner made famous in the Eagles’ song. When you’re done, head to the Relic Road Brewing Company for burgers and a cowboy atmosphere.

Just a short distance outside Winslowis Homolovi State Park. This park protects ancient ancestral sites of the Hopi people. 

They lived there before moving north to where the Hopi lived. Three trails provide 2 miles of hiking, where you’ll spot plenty of petroglyphs.

Petrified Forest
Petrified Forest

3. Petrified Forest

Petrified Forest is one of Arizona’s lesser known national parks. It’s a great stop on a road trip along I-40, a road which cuts right through the park.

The Painted Desert is on the north side. It offer breathtaking badlands views at several points along the road. It’s most beautiful in the summer. 

As you follow the road, you’ll enter the Petrified Forest area. You’ll see petroglyphs, Puebloan homes, and several areas with a concentration of petrified wood. 

There are plenty of short hikes and trails along the way. You cannot take any petrified wood out of the park. But there is some for sale in the nearby town of Holbrook.

sunset in Santa Fe
sunset in Santa Fe

Day 7-8 Explore Sante Fe and Taos, New Mexico

Welcome to New Mexico! From the moment you pull into Santa Fe and cast your eyes on its beautiful Pueblo-style architecture, you know you’re somewhere special.

The town is very unique, rich with Mexican and Native American culture. The first time I saw Santa Fe and Taos on a work trip, I was stunned.

1. Things To See and Do in Santa Fe

At the foothill of the majestic Sangre de Cristo Mountains lies the US’s oldest capital, Sante Fe. It’s a must visit destination on a Southwest road trip.

Start your day in Santa Fe at the Sage Bakehouse, where you can pair delicious artisan bread loaves, pastries, sandwiches, and quiches with a coffee or espresso.

There are some really good walking tours you can take in Santa Fe. You can take history walking tour, a yummy New Mexico food tour, a guided architecture tour, or a private tour with admission to the O’Keefe Museum.

You could spend hours wandering, admiring, and shopping on the tiny streets and shops of Santa Fe. There are plenty of souvenir and gift ideas — unique Mexican blankets, local salsas, hand painted silk scarves, and ceramics.

downtown Santa Fe New Mexico, a beautiful stop on your 14 day American Southwest itinerary
downtown Santa Fe New Mexico

Santa Fe is also an art lover’s dream. with several local galleries and museums, including the Museum of International Folk Art and the Georgia O’Keefe Museum.

The O’Keefe Museum is a Santa Fe gem and must visit site for art lovers. O’Keefe was one of the most important artists of the 20th century.

She created paintings expressing the “wideness and wonder of the world as I live it.” The museum constantly changes the works on view. An 18 minute video fills you in on O’Keefe’s life and artistic objectives.

If you like immersive art, you may want to stop in at Meow Wolf Santa Fe, The Eternal House. Funded by George R.R. Martin, the Eternal House is a trippy sci-fi space loaded with fine art, interactive exhibits, and a spellbinding mystery.

O'Keefe Museum
O’Keefe Museum

After a long day of walking around, you’re probably wondering where to have happy hour. Grab a cocktail and a seat with a view at The Bell Tower Bar, a rooftop bar inside La Fonda hotel near the main square.

Then hit one of Santa Fe’s great restaurants. Alternatively, you can take an evening food tour with wine pairings at three restaurants.

Where To Stay In Santa Fe

For a splurge, you can check into the Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado, the Inn of the Five Graces, or the Rosewood Inn of the Anasazi.

My favorite is the Inn of the Five Gracie’s with its unique decor. Each luxury room has a kitchenette and fireplace.

You can also check out The Hacienda and Spa, The Eldorado Hotel and Spa, or the La Posada De Santa Fe.

Ancient City of Taos, New Mexico
UNESCO-listed Taos Pueblo

2. Things to See and Do in Taos

Just 70 miles from Santa Fe, this New Mexico haven is known for its artsy vibe and ski scene, so it’s a year round destination.

The Taos Society of Artists staked the town’s claim as an art colony in the early 20th century. To this day, you can explore the galleries around the plaza and shop local art.

You’ll have fantastic shopping, endless art galleries, and excellent eateries. The shops on Bent Street are incredibly eclectic and creative.

The Taos Pueblo is a must do in Taos. It’s both a designated UNESCO site and a National Historic Landmark.

Taos Pueblo is an active Native American community in multi-storied adobe buildings. The pueblo has been continuously inhabited for 1000 years.

Where To Stay in Taos:

In Taos, you can check out Cielo Taos. It’s a magical retreat set on 30 acres with mountain views. For a cute B&B, check out the Dreamcatcher B&B.

 Arches National Park, a must visit stop on your 2 week American Southwest itinerary
Arches National Park

Day 9: Drive to Moab

The 6 hour drive from Santa Fe to Moab is another long day of road tripping. You can leaven the drive with stops at various ancient ruins along the way.

Try the Pueblo settlements of Bandelier National Monument, the beautiful Puye Cliff Dwellings, and/or Mesa Verde National Park.

Closer to Moab, check out Newspaper Rock. It has one of the largest collections of prehistoric petroglyphs in the U.S.

Day 10-11: Explore Moab

With a Mars-like red rock landscape, two national parks, and tons of adventurous off road activities, the town of Moab is a must do destination in the American Southwest.

Arches National Park in Utah
Arches National Park

Before hitting the trails, fuel up with a flat white or egg sandwich at Moab Garage Co. You’ll need a full day to explore Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park.

Arches National Park has over 2000 natural arches created by erosion, the world’s largest collection. It’s one of the most popular parks in the US and often crowded. You can see a lot from the car.

But there are plenty of great hiking trails too — Delicate Arch Hike (world’s most famous arch), Landscape Arch Hike, the Windows and Turret Arch Hike, Double Arch Hike, and Sand Dune Arch Hike.

You can also book a 4 x 4 jeep tour.

Canyonlands National Park
Canyonlands National Park

Canyonlands National Park is massive, but oh so beautiful. It’s chock full of arches, buttes, mesas, and canyons. The most visited area, close to Moab, is the Island in the Sky district.

Hike up to Mesa Arch. From there, drive down Grand View Point Road to a spectacular viewing point. If you have more time, you can hike the White Rim Overlook or Gooseberry Trail.

To maximize your day, you can book an 8 hour combined tour of Arches and Canyonlands. Or book a 9 hour 4x 4 adventure tour.

Canyonland National Park
Canyonland National Park

This town of Moab is also famed for its off road trails. ATVs casually troll down the main street alongside cars.

Popular off road terrain includes the bumpy terrain at the Merrimack and Monitor Buttes. Other popular off road trails nearby include Hell’s Revenge and Fins & Things.

If you want to extend this leg of the trip, consider adding on Great Sand Dunes National Park. There, you you can sled down the sand dunes of the Four Corners Monument and step into 4 states at the same time.

Where To Stay in Moab:

You could opt for an Airbnb with desert vista backyards.

For a hotel, check out the beautiful Hoodoo Moab Curio Collection By Hilton, the Moab Springs Ranch, or The Sunflower Hill Inn.

Salt Lake City County Building
Salt Lake City County Building

Day 13-14: Explore Salt Lake City

After all that nature, you land back in the city. Underrated Salt Lake City has so much to offer.

Depending on what time of year you visit, you can spend your days skiing in nearby Park City or dipping your toes into the cool waters of the Great Salt Lake.

The city is set alongside the mountains. There are hiking trails, nature activities, plus a trendy foodie scene. There’s scooter sharing all over Salt Lake City, which is a fun way to breeze through the different neighborhoods.

Here are some amazing things to do and see in Salt Lake City:

the Mormon Temple
Chstimas lights at the Mormon Temple

1. Temple Square

Temple Square is the holy place of the Mormons. You’ll find four spectacular Mormon buildings — The Mormon Temple, the Mormon Tabernacle, the Temple Annex, and the Assembly Hall. Two information centers at the entrance to the square hand out info on the Morman religion.

The Mormon Temple is Salt Lake City’s most iconic monument. At each end of the huge granite building are three towers with spires. Atop the highest one is the gilded figure of the angel Moroni.

You’ll find the Neo-Classical domed State Capitol just a short stroll from Temple Square. Admire the marble rotunda, read up on Utah history, and take in the view of the city from the top of the main exterior staircase.

aerial view of Temple Square
aerial view of Temple Square

2. Liberty Park

Spread out over 80 acres, Liberty Park is the city’s largest public park. If you need some green space, this is a lovely place to picnic. The park is also home to Trace Aviary, one of the world’s oldest aviaries.

3. Utah Olympic Park

Built for the 2002 Winter games, this playground park offer summer and winter activities — skiing, tubing, rope courses, rock climbing, and zip lining.

Capitol Building in Salt Lake City
Capitol Building in Salt Lake City

4. Art Scene

Salt Lake City isn’t just about the outdoors. Its citizens are also obsessed with art. The Utah Museum of Fine Art displays works broadly covering art history.

The Urban Arts Gallery and Utah Museum of Contemporary Art focus on modern works and are both free. Nestled in the atrium of the city’s public library is the Art at the Main Gallery displaying regional art in a striking space.

4. Ensign Peak Trail

Just north of Capitol Hill, Ensign Peak Trail is a lovely way to get the lay of the land and see Salt Lake City from above. From the trailhead in back of the church parking lot, take the well maintained trail to the top of the peak.

summit of Ensign Peak in Salt Lake City
summit of Ensign Peak

5. Bonneville Salt Flats

The Bonneville Salt Flats offer one of the most unique landscapes in the country. The flats are made of hard white salt crust as far as the eye can see.

Access to the Bonneville Salt Flats is free via a rest stop on I-80. You can even drive on the flats.

6. Great Salt Lake Park

Utah’s Great Salt Lake is the largest saltwater lake in the western hemisphere and the eight largest in the world. Like visitors can revel in this geographical masterpiece. But can also snap photos, go boating or admire the animals.

You can book a guided tour to the lake from Salt Lake City. Or go on a 45 minute boat ride on the lake.

Dead Horse Point, Utah
Dead Horse Point, Utah

Where to stay in Salt Lake City:

For hotels in Salt Lake City, check out the Grand America Hotel, Kimpton Hotel Monaco Salt, or the Radisson Hotel Downtown.

I hope you’ve enjoyed my 2 week itinerary for the American Southwest. You may these other US road trip itineraries:

I hope you’ve enjoyed my 2 week itinerary for the American Southwest. If you’d like to road trip in the American Southwest, pin it for later.

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