There’s nothing like a good road trip—the open highway, the random roadside stops, and that perfect mix of adventure and snacks.
If you’re starting in Los Angeles and heading toward the Grand Canyon, get ready for some of the best desert scenery, quirky small towns, and stunning national parks you’ll ever see.
One minute, you’ll be surrounded by palm trees and traffic, and the next, you’ll be in the middle of nowhere, staring at landscapes that look straight out of a movie.
From old ghost towns to places that feel like another planet, this trip has it all—so strap in, cue up your best road trip playlist, and let’s get going!
1. Los Angeles, California
Los Angeles is a huge, sprawling city in Southern California, famous for Hollywood, beaches, traffic, and some of the best tacos you’ll ever eat.
If you live here, you might want to skip this part, but if you’re coming from out of town, there’s plenty to check out—like the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Griffith Observatory for epic city views, and Santa Monica Pier for classic SoCal vibes.
LA is also home to theme parks like Universal Studios, plus neighborhoods like Venice Beach, where you can watch skateboarders pull off amazing tricks at the skatepark.
It’s a city of sunny days, palm trees, and plenty of In-N-Out drive-thru lines, but hey, that’s part of the charm.
2. Joshua Tree National Park, California
Leaving the city behind, it’s time to swap skyscrapers for giant boulders and unique-looking trees—welcome to Joshua Tree National Park.
Located about two hours east of LA, this desert wonderland is filled with massive rock formations, winding hiking trails, and the famous Joshua trees that look like something straight out of a Dr. Seuss book.
You can climb, hike, or just chill and watch one of the most breathtaking sunsets, followed by a night sky full of stars and appreciate how peaceful it is at night.
If you’re up for an adventure, check out Hidden Valley for an easy hike through tall rocks, or if you’re feeling brave, try scrambling up Skull Rock—it’s exactly what it sounds like.
3. Castle Dome Landing, Arizona
Crossing into Arizona, it’s time for something a little different—a reconstructed ghost town called Castle Dome City, where you can learn about the area’s mining past.
Once a booming mining town, this place is now a mix of abandoned buildings, rusty equipment, and a museum that gives you a sense of the Wild West.
You can wander through over 50 restored structures, check out antique tools left behind by miners, and even peek inside an old saloon that probably saw its fair share of bar fights.
It’s a little eerie, pretty cool, and definitely worth the stop if you’re into history, quirky roadside attractions, or just need a break from driving through endless desert.
4. Saguaro National Park, Arizona
Next up is Saguaro National Park, where the cacti are so tall they make you feel like a tiny desert critter.
Located just outside Tucson, this park is full of thousands of giant saguaro cactuses, some reaching up to 40 feet tall with arms stretching out.
You can cruise the scenic Bajada Loop Drive, hike trails like Signal Hill (which has ancient petroglyphs carved into the rocks), or just pull over and snap a photo with a cactus that’s been around for a long time.
If you’re here around sunset, stick around—watching the sky turn pink and orange behind a field of enormous cactuses is pure desert magic.
5. Prescott, Arizona
After all that desert, Prescott feels like a total change of scenery with its pine trees, cool mountain air, and Old West charm.
This former Arizona capital is at 5,400 feet, which means milder temperatures and plenty of outdoor activities.
Have a go at kayaking at Watson Lake (those giant rock formations in the water are unreal) or go for a hike at Thumb Butte for epic views.
Downtown, you’ll find Whiskey Row, a historic stretch of saloons that once catered to cowboys and outlaws—now, it’s the perfect spot for a cold drink and some live music.
Whether you’re here to hit the trails, wander through the historic streets, or just enjoy the break from the desert heat, Prescott is a great place to stop on your journey.
6. Sedona, Arizona
Leaving the cool pines of Prescott behind, it’s time for red rock country—welcome to Sedona, where the landscapes are stunning.
Surrounded by towering red rock formations, this place is known for its hiking trails, vortex energy spots (if you’re into that kind of thing), and spectacular views at every turn.
You can hike Cathedral Rock for an unbeatable sunset, take a Pink Jeep Tour for a fun off-road adventure, or just wander through the artsy shops in town while sipping on a prickly pear margarita.
With awesome trails, stunning views and good vibes, Sedona is one of those places that makes you want to stay way longer than planned.
7. Williams, Arizona
As you head north, Williams is where Route 66 nostalgia comes to life, with neon signs, old-school diners, and a real love for the road trip spirit.
This small town is known as the “Gateway to the Grand Canyon” since it’s the last big stop before heading into the park, but it’s worth more than just a quick gas break.
You can hop on the historic Grand Canyon Railway for a scenic ride to the South Rim, grab a burger at Cruiser’s Café 66, or check out Bearizona, a drive-through wildlife park where you might spot bison, wolves, and bears.
If you’re into classic cars, fun roadside attractions, and that vintage Americana vibe, Williams is the perfect place to take in some history before heading to the Grand Canyon.
8. Grand Canyon, Arizona
And finally—the Grand Canyon, the kind of place that makes you stop, stare, and wonder how something this massive even exists.
Stretching 277 miles long and over a mile deep, this natural wonder is all about epic views, awesome overlooks, and trails that take you right into the heart of the canyon (if you’re up for the challenge).
You can stick to the South Rim for easy access to spots like Mather Point and Desert View Watchtower.
If you’re feeling more adventurous, hike down the Bright Angel Trail—just remember, going down is optional, but coming back up is mandatory.
Whether you stay for a quick look or spend a few days exploring, the Grand Canyon is the ultimate road trip destination, and trust me, no photos will ever do it justice.
9. Zion National Park, Utah
If the Grand Canyon blew your mind, just wait—Zion National Park takes rock formations to another level.
Located in southern Utah, Zion is known for huge red cliffs, lush canyon trails, and hikes that range from peaceful river walks to full-on adrenaline rushes.
You can wade through the Narrows, a slot canyon hike where you walk in the Virgin River, or challenge yourself with Angel’s Landing—a steep climb with chains to hold onto and amazing views.
With its mix of dramatic scenery and exciting adventures, Zion is a place you’ll remember long after the trip.
10. Valley of Fire State Park, Nevada
Just when you think you’ve seen every shade of red rock possible, Valley of Fire State Park shows up and cranks the color dial to the max.
Located an hour outside Las Vegas, this place is packed with bright red sandstone formations, petroglyph-covered rocks, and winding roads that make you feel like you’re driving on Mars.
You can hike through the Fire Wave Trail for swirling pink and orange rock patterns, squeeze through the famous Slot Canyon at White Domes, or just pull over and climb around the otherworldly landscape.
It’s a quick stop compared to some of the bigger parks, but trust me, the scenery here is so wild you’ll be pulling over every five minutes just to take it all in.
11. Hoover Dam, Arizona/Nevada
Leaving the wild red rocks behind, it’s time to check out something just as big—but this one was built by humans.
Straddling the Arizona-Nevada border, Hoover Dam is a jaw-dropping feat of engineering, holding back the Colorado River and creating the enormous Lake Mead.
You can walk across the top for dizzying views straight down the concrete wall, take a tour inside to see the giant turbines, or head up to the Mike O’Callaghan–Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge for the best panoramic shot of the whole thing.
Whether you’re into history, engineering, or just want to stand on a state line with one foot in Arizona and one in Nevada, Hoover Dam is an easy but impressive stop on the way to the final stretch of the trip.
12. Death Valley National Park, California
From the depths of a huge dam to the lowest, hottest, and driest place in North America—welcome to Death Valley National Park.
This landscape is all extremes, with rolling sand dunes, jagged mountains, and salt flats that stretch for miles (Badwater Basin sits 282 feet below sea level!).
You can drive up to Dante’s View for an unreal panorama, walk across the white salt flats, or catch the sunset at Zabriskie Point, where the golden badlands glow.
Just be prepared—if you’re here in the summer, the heat is no joke, so bring extra water, and maybe save the long hikes for cooler months.
13. Calico, California
After the wild landscapes of Death Valley, it’s time to step into the past at Calico, a former silver mining town turned ghost town with an Old West twist.
Located off I-15 in the Mojave Desert, Calico was booming in the 1880s before the silver prices dropped and people packed up, leaving behind dusty streets, old wooden buildings, and plenty of legends.
You can stroll through the restored town, take a quick ride on the Calico & Odessa Railroad, or explore Maggie Mine, one of the few mines you can actually walk through.
It’s touristy, sure, but it’s also a fun stop—especially if you’re into history, ghost stories, or just want an excuse to buy some old-fashioned sarsaparilla.
14. Los Angeles, California
And just like that, the road trip comes full circle, rolling back into Los Angeles with a car full of dust, snacks, and way too many photos.
After all the deserts, canyons, and ghost towns, the city feels almost surreal.
Whether you’re heading straight home or making one last stop for tacos, there’s nothing like that mix of exhaustion and satisfaction after an unforgettable trip.
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