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3,000 Miles of Rocky Mountains, Great Basin & Beyond
April 10, 2025
3,000 Miles of Rocky Mountains, Great Basin & Beyond
April 10, 2025

If you’re planning a summer road trip, a campervan journey through the American Southwest is a great way to see its top sights. In just a few weeks, you’ll visit national parks, desert landscapes, and scenic landmarks. Pack up and hit the road with TopoTerra for an adventure you won’t forget.

Days 1-2: Phoenix, AZ to Sedona, AZ

Starting your journey in Phoenix, head north on I-17 for about 120 miles to reach the stunning landscapes of Sedona. You can camp in the beautiful Coconino National Forest or Red Rock State Park. Once there, explore the iconic red rock formations and take hikes such as Cathedral Rock, Devil’s Bridge, and Bell Rock.

Days 3-4: Sedona, AZ to Grand Canyon National Park

Traveling approximately 115 miles via AZ-89A to US-180, you’ll arrive at one of the natural wonders of the world: the Grand Canyon. Camp at Mather Campground or enjoy dispersed camping in the surrounding forest. Spend your time exploring the South Rim, hiking Bright Angel Trail or South Kaibab Trail, and witnessing unforgettable sunrises or sunsets over the canyon’s vast landscape.

Days 5-6: Grand Canyon to Page, AZ (Lake Powell)

Drive 130 miles north on US-89 to Page, home to Lake Powell. Camp at Wahweap Campground or Lone Rock Beach for great waterfront views. Explore Antelope Canyon, kayak or take a boat tour on Lake Powell, and hike to Horseshoe Bend for stunning river views.

Days 7-8: Page, AZ to Zion National Park, UT

Continuing north on US-89 and west on UT-9 for approximately 120 miles, you’ll reach Zion National Park. Camp at Watchman Campground or opt for dispersed camping nearby. Zion offers some of the most diverse hikes in the U.S., including Angels Landing, The Narrows, and Observation Point. The towering rock formations and dramatic landscapes make this park a must-see destination.

Days 9-10: Zion to Bryce Canyon National Park, UT

Traveling 85 miles east on UT-12, you’ll arrive at the otherworldly Bryce Canyon National Park. Set up camp at North Campground or Ruby’s Inn. Here, you can hike the scenic Navajo Loop and Queens Garden Trail, and take in the panoramic views from Sunset Point. For a fun, scenic drive, head up the back way from Zion to Bryce through Cedar City on the 14. If you have time, stop at Navajo Lake for some beautiful, high elevation lake camping. 

Days 11-12: Bryce Canyon to Moab, UT (Arches & Canyonlands)

A longer 250-mile journey southeast via US-12 and US-191 brings you to Moab, a gateway to both Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. Camp at Devil’s Garden Campground in Arches or within Canyonlands. Spend time exploring the iconic Delicate Arch, hiking the Fiery Furnace, and taking in the landscapes and rock formations unique to this region.

Days 13-14: Moab to Colorado National Monument, CO

Heading east on US-191 and I-70 for 110 miles, you’ll reach Colorado National Monument, a hidden gem featuring deep canyons and towering red rock cliffs. Camp at the park’s designated campground and spend your time hiking Serpents Trail, exploring Rim Rock Drive, and soaking in the views of the Colorado River.

Days 15-16: Colorado National Monument to Denver, CO

Driving 240 miles east on I-70, you’ll arrive in the vibrant city of Denver. Set up camp in Rocky Mountain National Park or near Golden Gate Canyon State Park. While here, hike scenic trails like Bear Lake or Longs Peak, explore alpine lakes, and take in the mountain views of the Rockies.

Days 17-18: Denver to Colorado Springs, CO

A short 70-mile drive south on I-25 brings you to Colorado Springs. Camp at Cheyenne Mountain State Park or Pikes Peak Campground and visit the famous Garden of the Gods, hike the Pikes Peak Trail, and explore the charming town of Manitou Springs, known for its natural mineral springs.

Days 19-20: Colorado Springs to Albuquerque, NM

Continue south on I-25 for 330 miles to reach Albuquerque, where you can camp at Santa Fe National Forest or Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument. While here, explore the fascinating rock formations of Tent Rocks and hike its scenic trails, or take a trip to the Sandia Mountains for panoramic desert views.

Days 21-22: Albuquerque to Petrified Forest National Park, AZ

Heading west on I-40 for 200 miles, you’ll arrive at Petrified Forest National Park. Set up camp within the park or nearby and explore one of the world’s largest deposits of petrified wood. Visit the stunning Blue Mesa and the Agate Bridge for unique and colorful landscapes.

Days 23-24: Petrified Forest to Phoenix, AZ

On the final leg of your journey, drive 200 miles west on I-40 and then south on I-17 back to Phoenix. If you have extra time, camp at Tonto National Forest or McDowell Mountain Regional Park. Spend the last couple of days exploring the desert landscapes, relaxing, and reflecting on an incredible adventure before heading home.

Topoterra Now Open in Arizona!

Traveling in the Southwest just got a whole lot easier. With Topoterra now open in Arizona, we’re offering one-way delivery and pickup services, so you can start your adventure where it makes the most sense for you.

Here’s what that means for your trip:

  • Pick up your fully outfitted campervan in Phoenix, Sedona, or another AZ location.
  • Drop it off somewhere else—no need to loop back if you don’t want to.
  • Expert route planning & gear recommendations to keep your trip seamless.

Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a month-long expedition, we’ve got the vehicles, maps, and know-how to get you into the wild without all the stress. Book with us today!

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