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Las Vegas → Southwest National Parks → Texas → Louisiana It all started with a dream. To visit all 50 states before 50: So it wasn’t a surprise when I asked my husband… “What if we turned our anniversary into the ultimate American road trip adventure?” No fancy resort, no tropical beach escape—just the two of us, an open road, jaw-dropping landscapes, and twelve days to chase the wild heart of the Southwest together. No surprise, he was down for it, as long as he didn’t have to plan it because he’s just along for the ride. We wanted a little of everything. The buzz of Las Vegas lights, the vastness stillness of the Grand Canyon at sunrise, hidden slot canyons carved by time, classic Route 66 quirks, and finally the long, adventurous drive home to Louisiana. To keep it simple, I kept the itinerary simple, yet informative for you. I did all the legwork for you and just like my husband, you just get to enjoy all the good parts: the ride, the adventures and fantastic memories. Extra goodies at the end to estimate expenses for the trip and helpful planning tips. This can work for anyone even if your end destination isn’t Louisiana. Just look up some top sights along the way home to your hometown. Once you pick ideal cities to stop at, look up some fantastic restaurants to eat at and attractions. I like to keep at least 2-3 items for both so you can easily adapt for unexpected changes. This itinerary is ideal for travelers who want a mix of hiking, sightseeing, scenic drives, and classic roadside stops. It begins in Las Vegas and moves through Nevada, Arizona, Utah, New Mexico, and Texas before returning toward Louisiana. Overnight: Las Vegas Strip Overnight: Garland Prairie Dispersed Camping Travel Time: ~4–5 hours Overnight: Coconino Rim Road or Mather Campground Travel Time: ~ 2-3 hours Overnight: Lake Powell Campground (full hookups) Travel Time: ~3 hours Overnight: North Campground, Bryce Canyon Travel Time: ~4-5 hours Overnight: Old Highway 89 Dispersed Camping Travel Time: ~ minimal Overnight: Desert RV Resort Travel Time: ~2 hours Overnight: Phoenix Airbnb Travel Time: ~6-7 hours Overnight: Albuquerque Airbnb Travel Time: ~7 hours Overnight: Amarillo Airbnb Travel Time: ~5-6 hours Overnight: Amarillo Travel Time: ~1-2 Hours Overnight: Fort Worth hotel Travel Time: ~5 hours Travel Time: ~6-7 hours depending on final destination Optional Extension Day Return rental car and continue home Crown Hill Memorial Gibsland, Louisiana Alexandria, Louisiana These are averages and will vary by season, booking time, and travel style. $2,300 – $3,500 This can be reduced by: I hope this helps you start planning your own adventure. I am working on getting a printable version for you to add your own adventures to, so stay tuned. Need more travel ideas? Go here Want fun date ideas? Go here Feeling hungry? Go here Ready to shop? Go here Save for Later.12-Day Grand Circle Road Trip Itinerary
Day 1: Fly to Las Vegas, Nevada
Hotel: Excalibur Hotel & Casino
A manageable travel day that allows arrival in Las Vegas by afternoon or evening.
A centrally located, castle-themed hotel on the Strip that is affordable and easy to access.
Walkable area filled with landmarks and attractions.
A free, choreographed water show set to music, best viewed after dark.
A half-scale replica offering great photo opportunities.
Another iconic Vegas landmark representing the city’s over-the-top style.
Easiest way to move around the Strip without a rental car.
Day 2: Las Vegas → Hoover Dam → Northern Arizona
Picking up the campervan early allows time for errands and sightseeing.
Stock up on easy meals, snacks, water, and camping essentials before leaving the city.
A quick stop for a classic road-trip photo.
Walk across the overlook to see this massive engineering landmark and the Colorado River below.
The landscape changes from desert to pine forest as elevation increases.
A quiet, free camping area surrounded by forest, perfect for a first night on the road.
Day 3: Williams, Arizona → Grand Canyon National Park
A relaxed stop where visitors can walk among deer and other animals in a wooded setting.
A historic Route 66 town with shops, diners, and classic Americana.
Known for hearty comfort food and homemade pies—ideal before a day of exploring.
First views of the canyon are dramatic and overwhelming, with expansive overlooks.
Camping near the canyon allows for early morning and sunset views.
Day 4: Grand Canyon Hiking → Page, Arizona
A mostly flat trail offering continuous canyon views without steep elevation change.
Take time to enjoy the scenery and rest at viewpoints.
Scenic desert drive following the Colorado River region.
Full hookups, showers, and easy access make this a comfortable overnight stop.
Day 5: Page → Bryce Canyon National Park
Guided tour through narrow sandstone corridors known for light beams and smooth walls.
Short hike to a viewpoint overlooking a dramatic bend in the Colorado River.
Elevation increases and temperatures drop as you head into Utah.
Easy rim walk showcasing Bryce’s hoodoo formations.
Conveniently located near trailheads and scenic overlooks.
Day 6: Bryce Canyon National Park
A narrow slot-style trail descending into the canyon between tall rock walls.
One of the most popular Bryce hikes, offering close-up views of hoodoos.
A slightly more challenging trail with expansive canyon views.
Quiet and scenic, ideal for campfires and stargazing.
Day 7: Bryce Canyon → Zion National Park
Parking and shuttle access fill quickly, especially during peak seasons.
Required to access most trailheads within the canyon.
A moderate hike with elevated views of Zion Canyon and the Virgin River.
A comfortable place to stay near the park after a busy hiking day.
Day 8: Zion Area → Phoenix, Arizona
Transition from camper travel to rental car for long highway drives.
More fuel-efficient and comfortable for city and interstate travel.
A classic roadside diner with retro charm.
Long desert drive with wide open views and mountain backdrops.
Day 9: Phoenix → Albuquerque, New Mexico
Free museum offering insight into local law enforcement history.
Scenic overlook with panoramic views of Phoenix and surrounding desert.
Popular spot known for quality breakfast and coffee.
Landscapes shift from desert to high plains.
Easy and convenient after a long drive.
Day 10: Albuquerque → Amarillo, Texas
Often canceled due to wind but iconic to the region.
Casual spot with classic breakfast options.
A scenic tram ride to the top of the Sandia Mountains.
Drinks with views overlooking Albuquerque.
Educational museum focusing on atomic history and science.
Classic Route 66 diner stop before continuing to Texas.
Day 11: Amarillo and Palo Duro State Park
Interactive art installation where visitors can spray-paint buried Cadillacs.
Quick coffee stop before sightseeing.
Private car collection showcasing vintage vehicles.
Free museum highlighting the history of recreational vehicles.
Expansive canyon park with hiking trails and scenic overlooks.
Day 12: Amarillo → Fort Worth, Texas
Transition from open landscapes to a larger metropolitan area.
Comfortable overnight stop before the final leg home.
Relaxed evening meal after a full travel day.
Day 13: Fort Worth → Louisiana
Final resting place of Bonnie Parker.
Site of the Bonnie and Clyde shootout.
Stop for food and rest before returning home.Estimated Budget Breakdown (Per Person)
Flights
Campervan (6 nights)
Rental Car (5–6 days)
Fuel
Lodging (Hotels & Airbnbs)
Camping Fees
Park & Activity Fees
Food
Estimated Trip Total (Per Person):
4. Helpful Planning Tips
Best Time to Go
Park Strategy
Camping Tips
Navigation
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