Southwest Travel

Planning a trip to the Southwest? Start here for practical travel tips, national park information, itineraries, hiking and safety resources, and my favorite places to explore across the Southwest.

The Wave in Coyote Buttes North, Arizona
The Wave in Coyote Buttes North, Arizona

Planning a Southwest trip can feel overwhelming once you start piecing together national parks, routes, hikes, timing, permits, and everything else that goes into a trip. I've spent more than a decade exploring the Southwest, and this is where I've organized my best trip-planning resources in one place.

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SOUTHERN UTAH

Get My Free Southern Utah Travel Guide

Planning your first trip to Southern Utah? I've put together a free guide to help you start planning, from choosing where to go to understanding the logistics of exploring Utah's national parks.

Get My Free Southern Utah Travel Guide

Southern Utah Travel Guide for First-Time Visitors

Your comprehensive starting point for planning a Southern Utah trip, including how many days you need, where to fly, how to structure your route, where to stay, timing, and important logistics.

Southern Utah Travel Guide for First-Time Visitors

Southern Utah Travel FAQs

Answers to common questions about planning a Southern Utah trip, including when to visit, how long to stay, national parks, routes, permits, fees, hiking, and other practical considerations.

Southern Utah Travel FAQs

When to Visit

Best Time to Visit Southern Utah (Month-To-Month Guide)

When NOT to Visit Southern Utah (Brutal Truth From A Local)

Itineraries & Routes

Best Route for Visiting Utah National Parks in One Trip

7 Day Utah National Parks Itinerary (Las Vegas → Salt Lake City)

Hiking

Southern Utah Hikes Requiring Permits (Full List + How to Apply)

Permits, Fees & Reservations

Do You Need Reservations for Utah National Parks? 2026 Guide

Utah National Park Entrance Fees 2026: Cost for All 5 Parks

America the Beautiful Pass 2026: Cost, Changes & What to Know

Is the America the Beautiful Pass Worth It in 2026?

U.S. National Park Fees for International Visitors 2026: What to Know

Southern Utah Hikes Requiring Permits (Full List + How to Apply)

Practical Tips & Safety

Common Mistakes First-Time Visitors Make in Southern Utah

Slot Canyon Safety Guide: Flash Flood Risks & How to Stay Safe

How Much Water Do You Need To Drink Hiking in Southern Utah?


ARIZONA


Plan Your Southwest Adventure With Me

I've spent more than a decade exploring the Southwest, and I created my Southwest Adventure Guide to make planning easier. It includes 350+ personally vetted locations, including hikes, scenic drives, overlooks, hidden gems, and 7 pre-built itineraries, all organized so you can spend less time researching and more time exploring.

Southwest Adventure Guide

My digital guide is designed to help you build your own Southwest adventure without starting from scratch. You'll get:

  • 350+ personally vetted locations
  • Hikes, scenic drives, overlooks, and hidden gems
  • 7 pre-built itineraries
  • Exact trailheads and map pins
  • Searchable locations by activity, destination, or map
  • Clickable maps
  • The ability to filter and plan your trip in real time
  • Lifetime updates
  • Offline access through the Rexby app

The guide is completely digital, so there's no physical book or PDF to keep track of. You can download it for offline use, which is especially helpful when you're exploring areas with little or no cell service.

Use code ROAM15 for a discount on the Southwest Adventure Guide.

Want Me to Plan Your Trip for You?

If you'd rather have someone else figure out the route, timing, and logistics, I also offer custom Utah itineraries.

I'll build your itinerary around your travel dates, priorities, and pace, personally mapping out your route and helping you maximize your time without overpacking your schedule.

Book a custom Utah itinerary.

Roaming the Southwest: A Local's Guide

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Explore My Southwest Adventure Guide