National Parks in the Southwest: Guides & Itineraries

Planning a trip to one of the Southwest's National Parks? I've put together my travel guides, itineraries, and planning resources to help you figure out where to go, what to see, and what you need to know before visiting.

After more than a decade exploring Utah, Arizona, Colorado, and New Mexico, I've learned that planning a National Park trip involves a lot more than just deciding which parks to visit. Between entrance fees, permits, reservations, seasonal closures, and figuring out how much time you actually need, there's plenty to consider.

You'll find resources for all of that here, along with hiking recommendations, scenic drives, and individual park guides as I continue adding them.

And while this page focuses on National Parks, I'm also including other National Park Service sites, such as National Monuments, National Recreation Areas, and National Historic Sites.

Explore National Parks of the Southwest

Looking for information about a specific National Park? Find my individual park guides, including things to do, hiking recommendations, scenic drives, photography locations, and tips for planning your visit.

I'll continue adding more National Parks and other National Park Service sites as I publish new guides.

Southwest Travel Guides & Interactive Maps

Use code ROAM15 to save on my digital travel guides.

National Park Road Trip Itineraries

Planning to visit multiple National Parks on the same trip? These itineraries cover routes, driving distances, and how much time to spend at each destination so you can make the most of your trip without trying to fit too much into one day.

Best Hikes in Southwest National Parks

I'm sharing my favorite hikes, detailed trail guides, and tips for tackling some of the most popular trails throughout the Southwest's National Parks. I'll continue adding more hikes and recommendations as I publish new articles.

National Park Passes, Entrance Fees & Reservations

Before visiting a National Park, it's important to understand the entrance fees, reservation requirements, and permits that may apply. Requirements vary by park and can change from year to year.

America the Beautiful Pass (National Parks Pass)

Entrance Fees & Reservations

National Park Permits & Safety

Some of the Southwest's most popular hikes require advance permits, while others have seasonal restrictions or hazards that are important to understand before visiting.

These resources cover hiking permits, trail planning, and safety considerations.

National Park Trip Planning Tips

National Parks throughout the Southwest can have very different conditions depending on the season, elevation, and location. From extreme desert heat to snow-covered mountain roads, knowing what to expect can make a big difference.

Before visiting, check current park conditions, seasonal closures, permit requirements, entrance fees, and available services.

I also recommend checking the official National Park Service website for current alerts and updates before your trip.

Bookmarks

U.S. National Parks in the Southwest