Ready for an epic road trip packed with towering red rock formations, massive canyons, steaming geysers, and some of the most incredible views you’ve ever seen?
That’s exactly what you’ll find on this Arizona to Montana road trip, which takes you through some of the most jaw-dropping landscapes in the western United States.
One day, you could be hiking through narrow canyons surrounded by 2,000-foot cliffs, and the next, watching geysers erupt or spotting bison roaming across wide-open valleys.
Whether you love hiking, wildlife watching, scenic drives, or discovering cool little towns, this itinerary has something exciting around every corner, so keep reading.
1. Sedona, AZ
Kick off your road trip in Sedona, where towering red sandstone formations, scenic desert landscapes, and amazing hiking trails make for an unforgettable first stop.
First, hike the 1.4-mile round-trip Cathedral Rock Trail, which climbs roughly 708 feet and rewards you with breathtaking views of the rugged scenery below.
For something more challenging, try the 4.6-mile Devil’s Bridge Trail, where steep rocky steps and a short scramble lead to the area’s largest natural sandstone arch.
You can also visit the Chapel of the Holy Cross, drive the 7.5-mile Red Rock Scenic Byway, or stop by Airport Mesa to admire more landmarks like Courthouse Butte.
2. Grand Canyon National Park, AZ
Next up is Grand Canyon National Park, about 2.5 hours from Sedona, where one of America’s most famous natural wonders stretches 277 miles long and up to 18 miles wide.
To take in its incredible size, head to the South Rim for breathtaking views from Mather Point, Yavapai Point, Desert View Watchtower, Hopi Point, and Pima Point.
For a more adventurous experience, tackle the 9.5-mile Bright Angel Trail, which winds downhill past soaring cliffs, colorful rock formations, and ancient rock layers.
There’s also the 23-mile Desert View Drive, where you can stop for a picnic, explore historic sites, and capture stunning photos of the canyon and the Colorado River.
3. Zion National Park, UT
After exploring the Grand Canyon, drive 4 hours and 50 minutes to Zion National Park, where sandstone cliffs rise 2,000 feet above the narrow canyon floor.
One of the coolest experiences here is hiking The Narrows, where you’ll wade through the Virgin River between rock walls, with some passages just 20 to 30 feet wide.
If you’re up for an easier adventure, tackle the 3-mile Emerald Pools Trail loop to see sparkling waterfalls, natural pools, and beautiful desert plants along the way.
Don’t miss the 5.4-mile Angels Landing trail, which features steep switchbacks and a thrilling chain-assisted climb, but you’ll need a permit to reach the summit.
4. Bryce Canyon National Park, UT
Just 2 hours from Zion, Bryce Canyon National Park is known for its thousands of colorful hoodoos, tall, slender rock spires that rise throughout Bryce Amphitheater.
Start at Sunrise Point and hike the 2.9-mile Queen’s and Navajo Combination Loop, which takes you down into the amphitheater through switchbacks and canyon walls.
Afterward, drive the 15-mile Southern Scenic Drive to Rainbow Point, stopping at Natural Bridge and other scenic spots for incredible views of the rugged landscape.
To learn more about the park’s history, stop by the Visitor Center Museum, where exhibits explore its geology, wildlife, Native American heritage, and incredible night skies.
5. Salt Lake City, UT
Continue your road trip for about 4 hours to Salt Lake City, Utah’s capital, where the impressive Wasatch Mountains rise behind the bustling downtown area.
Here, you can visit Temple Square, a 10-acre landmark home to the famous Salt Lake Temple, then swing by the Utah State Capitol for gorgeous city views.
You can also stroll through Liberty Park, relax by the scenic pond, enjoy a picnic beneath shady trees, or visit Tracy Aviary to see birds from around the world.
For a change of pace, head to the Natural History Museum of Utah to see dinosaur skeletons, sparkling minerals, and exhibits that bring the prehistoric era to life.
6. Grand Teton National Park, WY
From Salt Lake City, drive about five hours to Grand Teton National Park, where towering peaks rise above Jackson Hole, with Grand Teton reaching 13,775 feet.
The highlight here is Jenny Lake, where you can take a scenic boat ride across the water before exploring nearby trails to the 100-foot Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point.
To see more of the park, drive the 42-mile Scenic Loop Drive, stopping at Oxbow Bend, Snake River Overlook, and Mormon Row for breathtaking views of the Tetons.
Along the way, watch for chipmunks, red squirrels, moose, elk, bison, and even grizzly bears, and keep your camera ready in case you spot one.
7. Yellowstone National Park, WY
Up next is Yellowstone National Park, about 65 minutes from Grand Teton, where geysers, mud pots, and hot springs dot over 2 million acres across Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho.
Head straight to Old Faithful, the park’s first named geyser, where you can watch powerful eruptions from nearby boardwalks about every 92 minutes.
Afterward, visit Grand Prismatic Spring, the largest hot spring in the U.S. at 370 feet wide, known for its bright blue center and rings of orange, yellow, and green.
Don’t skip the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, a 20-mile-long canyon where you can admire colorful rock walls and the 308-foot Lower Falls from scenic overlooks.
8. Bozeman, MT
A 2.5-hour drive from Yellowstone brings you to Bozeman, Montana, a mountain town known for outdoor adventures, a historic downtown, and the Bridger Mountains.
Begin your visit at the Museum of the Rockies to see one of the country’s largest dinosaur fossil collections, including a fully mounted Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton.
For outdoor fun, hike the 2.4-mile round-trip Drinking Horse Mountain Trail, which climbs about 712 feet and rewards you with sweeping views of the Gallatin Valley.
Back in town, stroll along Main Street to browse local shops and restaurants, or soak in one of the 12 indoor and outdoor pools at Bozeman Hot Springs.
9. Flathead Lake, MT
Roughly four hours from Bozeman, you’ll reach Flathead Lake, a freshwater lake covering 197 square miles, with the Mission Mountains rising along its eastern shore.
One of the best places to enjoy it is the town of Polson, where you can rent kayaks or paddleboards to explore its clear blue waters and 185 miles of shoreline.
If you love wildlife, take a boat to Wild Horse Island State Park, a 2,160-acre island where you can hike among bighorn sheep, mule deer, and a herd of only five wild horses.
For a different kind of fun, head to Flathead Lake Alpine Coaster in Lakeside to ride Montana’s only alpine coaster and take in lovely views of the surrounding mountains.
10. Glacier National Park, MT
Your road trip ends at Glacier National Park, about 45 minutes from Flathead Lake, where over 700 miles of hiking trails lead to lakes, waterfalls, and mountain peaks.
One of the best experiences here is driving the 50-mile Going-to-the-Sun Road, which winds past Lake McDonald, Logan Pass, and scenic overlooks with amazing mountain views.
Another highlight is the 2.8-mile round-trip Hidden Lake Overlook Trail, where you can enjoy stunning alpine scenery and watch for mountain goats and bighorn sheep.
You can also explore the 15.2-mile Highline Trail, a challenging hike from Logan Pass to the historic Granite Park Chalet, with an optional detour to Grinnell Glacier Overlook.
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