Milton, TN → Santa Fe → Grand Canyon → Monument Valley → Moab → Zion → Home
TN → AR → OK → TX → NM → AZ → UT
A spectacular 13-day journey through some of America's most iconic national parks and landscapes. Experience world-class scenery from the artistic galleries of Santa Fe to the breathtaking Grand Canyon, the otherworldly Monument Valley, the red rock canyons of Moab, the towering cliffs of Zion Canyon, and the unique geology of Bryce Canyon. This route balances iconic destinations with scenic drives and ample time for exploration.
Hotels range from charming southwestern inns to modern resort properties ($200–$400/night). Dining features authentic New Mexican cuisine, regional specialties, and fine dining in select locations. Activities emphasize scenic drives, overlooks, helicopter tours, hiking accessible trails, and stargazing in dark sky areas.
Route states highlighted · Red line shows driving path · Dashed line = optional extension
4–5 hrs driving I-40 West toward Arkansas
🕖 Depart 7:00 AM · Arrive Little Rock ~12:00 PM
Depart Milton early morning, heading west on I-40. Optional stop in Memphis (Graceland, Beale Street) or continue straight into Arkansas. Arrive in Little Rock or continue further toward Oklahoma border.
Settle into hotel. Dinner at a local Arkansas or Memphis spot.
6–7 hrs driving I-40 West through Oklahoma and into Texas Panhandle
🕖 Depart 7:00 AM · OKC lunch ~11:00 AM · Arrive Amarillo ~4:00 PM
Continue west on I-40 through Oklahoma and into the Texas Panhandle. Grab lunch in Oklahoma City or a small panhandle town. Amarillo is a good overnight stop before heading into New Mexico.
Explore Amarillo (Cadillac Ranch, Old Route 66 sites). Dinner at a Texas BBQ spot.
6 hrs driving I-40 & US-285 through New Mexico high desert
🕖 Depart 7:00 AM CT · Arrive Santa Fe ~1:00 PM MT (gain 1 hr)
Drive west toward Santa Fe. Spectacular views of New Mexico landscape. Arrive in historic Santa Fe by late afternoon.
Explore the Plaza, gallery district, and historic downtown. Dinner at a fine New Mexican restaurant (Chile is king here).
National Park Full days for art, culture, and drive to Albuquerque
🕘 No rush — start exploring ~9:00 AM · Day 5: Depart Santa Fe 9:00 AM · Arrive ABQ ~10:30 AM
Full day in Santa Fe. Explore art galleries, Georgia O'Keeffe Museum, Canyon Road. Take a scenic drive to nearby pueblos or hiking spots. Sunset at one of the scenic overlooks.
Drive to Albuquerque (1 hour). Visit the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center. Explore the historic Old Town. Enjoy the Rio Grande Valley views at sunset.
National Park Drive to one of America's most iconic wonders
🕖 Day 6: Depart ABQ 7:00 AM · Arrive South Rim ~1:00 PM · Day 7: Full day at canyon, start ~7:00 AM
Depart Albuquerque early (5–6 hours to Grand Canyon South Rim). Arrive in afternoon, settle in Tusayan or inside the park. Sunset views from Grand Canyon Village area.
Scenic drives along the rim (Desert View Drive is spectacular). Optional helicopter tour (book in advance). Hiking Bright Angel or other rim trails. Evening stargazing (minimal light pollution).
Scenic Drive US-89 North through iconic desert landscape
🕗 Day 8: Depart Grand Canyon 8:00 AM · Arrive Monument Valley ~2:00 PM · Day 9: Full day, sunrise ~6:00 AM
Scenic drive north through Marble Canyon and Vermilion Cliffs. Arrive at Monument Valley by late afternoon. Iconic red rock formations. Explore Valley Drive (17-mile loop). Sunset photography.
Sunrise at Monument Valley. Optional horseback tour or 4x4 tour with Navajo guides. Explore Arizona/Utah border. Visit historic Goulding's Lodge area.
4 hrs driving US-191 North into Utah's canyon country
🕗 Depart 8:00 AM · Arrive Moab ~12:30 PM · Afternoon at Arches NP
Drive north to Moab. Arrive by early afternoon. Explore downtown Moab galleries and shops. Visit Arches National Park (rock formations and natural arches). Sunset at Delicate Arch.
Dinner in Moab. Stargazing or evening scenic drive.
3–4 hrs driving Scenic Utah 12 & US-89 through red rock country
🕗 Depart 8:00 AM · Arrive Bryce ~12:00 PM · Afternoon rim exploring
Drive toward Bryce Canyon. One of the most scenic drives in America (Utah 12 section). Arrive by afternoon at Bryce Canyon National Park. Explore the rim and hoodoos.
Sunset at Bryce Point or Inspiration Point. Stargazing (excellent dark skies, designated Dark Sky Park).
2 hrs driving Scenic drives through southern Utah's high country
🕗 Bryce sunrise ~6:30 AM · Depart 9:00 AM · Arrive Zion ~11:30 AM
Explore Bryce Canyon one last time (sunrise or scenic viewpoints). Drive to Zion. Arrive by early afternoon. Explore Zion Canyon (shuttle system required).
Walk the Paved Path or easier trails. Sunset in Zion Canyon. Dinner in Springdale.
8–10 hrs driving I-15 South, then US-70 East through Arizona & New Mexico
🕕 Final Zion walk ~7:00 AM · Depart ~10:00 AM · Drive toward home (overnight stop or push through)
Final walk in Zion (Riverside Walk or Angels Landing if time/fitness allow). Late morning departure.
Long drive east. Stop in Amarillo or Canton, Texas (outlet shopping) for dinner. Continue or overnight if needed.
| Category | Daily Average | Trip Total (13 days) |
|---|---|---|
| Hotels (12 nights, avg $260/night) | $260 | $3,120 |
| Meals & Dining | $85 | $1,105 |
| Gas & Vehicle (fuel, tolls) | $120 | $1,560 |
| National Parks & Activities | $120 | $1,560 |
| Guides & Tours (helicopter, horse, etc.) | $50 | $650 |
| Miscellaneous (coffee, snacks, parking) | $30 | $390 |
| Daily Total | $665 | $8,385 |
Estimated Trip Cost: $6,400–$7,100 (depending on hotel choices and activities selected)