There’s something special about a road trip that takes you through several states, national parks and unforgettable landscapes. We spent nearly two weeks exploring out West, driving thousands of miles and making memories we will never forget. From the red rocks of Sedona to the granite cliffs of Yosemite and the beaches of Southern California, this itinerary combined some of the most beautiful places we’ve ever visited.
If you’re planning a similar adventure, here’s the exact route we took along with a few highlights from each stop.
Day 1: Memphis, Tennessee to Amarillo, Texas
Approximate drive time: 11 hours
Our adventure began with a full day of driving from Memphis to Amarillo. While it was one of our longest travel days, it positioned us perfectly to continue west the following morning.
Highlights:
- Cadillac Ranch
- The Big Texan Steak Ranch
- Overnight in Amarillo
Day 2: Amarillo, Texas to Sedona, Arizona
Approximate drive time: 9 hours
Sedona quickly became one of our favorite stops of the trip. The red rock scenery is unlike anywhere else, and we loved exploring the hiking trails, scenic overlooks and charming downtown.
Things to Do:
- Chapel of the Holy Cross
- Bell Rock
- The Airport Mesa
- Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village
- Scenic Red Rock Drive
- Dinner at Mariposa Latin Inspired Grill
Recommended Stay:
Day 3: Explore Sedona
We spent another full day enjoying everything Sedona has to offer. Giving yourself an extra day here is absolutely worth it so you don’t feel rushed. There is so much good shopping, dining and hiking.
Day 4: Sedona to Death Valley National Park
Approximate drive time: 7½ hours
Death Valley was one of the most unique places we visited. From colorful mountains to salt flats and dramatic desert landscapes, it feels like another planet. View our itinerary here.
Things to See:
Recommended Stay:
Day 5: Death Valley to Yosemite National Park
Approximate drive time: 7 hours (seasonally dependent)
Driving into Yosemite was one of the highlights of the entire trip. Seeing El Capitan, Half Dome and Yosemite Falls for the first time is something we’ll never forget.
Days 6-8: Yosemite National Park
We spent several days exploring one of America’s most iconic national parks. View our Yosemite itinerary here.
Don’t miss:
- Tunnel View
- Glacier Point
- Yosemite Falls
- Bridalveil Fall
- El Capitan
- Half Dome
- Mirror Lake
- Mariposa Grove
Day 9: Yosemite to Newport Beach, California
Approximate drive time: 7 hours
After several days in the mountains, we headed to the California coast. Newport Beach was the perfect place to relax and enjoy the ocean before beginning our trip home. View my full hotel reivew here.
Things to Do:
Recommended Stay:
Day 10: Newport Beach to Joshua Tree National Park
Approximate drive time: 3 hours
Joshua Tree has some of the most unique landscapes we’ve ever seen. The famous Joshua trees, giant rock formations and beautiful sunsets make it a must-visit.
Things to Do:
Day 11: Joshua Tree to Tucson, Arizona
Approximate drive time: 5½ hours
Tucson offered a relaxing overnight stop with beautiful desert scenery and incredible Southwestern food. View my hotel review here.
Things to Do:
- Saguaro National Park
- Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
- Downtown Tucson
Recommended Stay:
Day 12: Tucson to Fort Worth, Texas
Approximate drive time: 13 hours
This was another long driving day, but it helped break up the trip home before our final drive back to Memphis.
Day 13: Fort Worth, Texas to Memphis, Tennessee
Approximate drive time: 8 hours
After thousands of miles on the road, we finally made it home with incredible memories, hundreds of photos and several new favorite destinations.
Our Road Trip out West at a Glance
- Memphis, Tennessee
- Amarillo, Texas
- Sedona, Arizona
- Death Valley National Park
- Yosemite National Park
- Newport Beach, California
- Joshua Tree National Park
- Tucson, Arizona
- Fort Worth, Texas
- Memphis, Tennessee
Tips for Planning This Road Trip
- Plan for several long driving days.
- Book national park passes and lodging well in advance.
- Download offline maps before entering the parks.
- Pack layers since temperatures vary dramatically between the desert, mountains and coast.
- Bring plenty of snacks and water, especially for Death Valley and Joshua Tree.
- If Tioga Road is open, the drive into Yosemite from the east is one of the most scenic routes in the country.
Final Thoughts
This Western road trip quickly became one of mine and Matt’s favorite vacations ever. Every stop offered something completely different, from towering granite cliffs and giant sequoias to desert landscapes, beautiful beaches and charming mountain towns. While it covered a lot of miles, the variety made every day feel like a brand-new adventure. If you’ve been dreaming about exploring the American West, I can’t recommend this itinerary enough. It was the perfect combination of national parks, scenic drives, attractions and unforgettable memories that we will never forget.
