There’s nothing quite like hitting the open road through the American Southwest. Endless skies, towering red rock formations, winding canyon passes, and remote desert valleys — this region is made for driving adventures. It’s this spirit of discovery and love of awe-inspiring landscapes that fuels our own guided tours from Las Vegas, many of which visit some of the US Southwest’s most iconic sights.
At Incredible Adventures, we’ve traveled dusty backroads and sweeping byways across Utah, Arizona, and Nevada — and we’re here to share five of our favorite routes! These drives offer a perfect combination of scenery, storytelling, and Southwest spirit. And remember, even if some routes aren’t currently part of our pre-planned itineraries, we provide customizable private tours that we can adapt to suit most needs.
So, here are the can’t-miss scenic drives that belong on your bucket list! If you have any questions for our team as we go, please just get in touch!
Las Vegas to Death Valley: A Dream Desert Drive!
Just a couple of hours from the buzz of Las Vegas lies one of the most surreal and otherworldly landscapes in North America. The drive from Vegas to Death Valley takes you across a stark desert expanse where distant mountains shimmer on the horizon and time seems to slow down.
This route is more than just a road — it’s a transition from neon to nature. Along the way, you’ll pass ghost towns, sweeping salt flats, and geologic wonders that defy expectation. Once inside the park, don’t miss iconic stops like Zabriskie Point, Badwater Basin (the lowest point in North America), and Dante’s View, where the entire valley opens up beneath your feet.
Our Death Valley Day Tour offers a hassle-free way to experience this route. You’ll explore the park’s highlights with an expert guide, skip the navigation worries, and return to Las Vegas with a camera full of surreal desert scenes.
Monument Valley via Highway 163: The Iconic Route
Few places capture the spirit of the Southwest like Monument Valley. This is the real Wild West! The drive along Highway 163, especially heading southwest from Mexican Hat into the valley, is the stuff of postcards and classic road movies. This stretch, with its straight ribbon of road leading to the world-famous towering sandstone buttes, is pure cinematic magic.
The most famous spot on this bucket list road? It’s got to be “Forrest Gump Point,” where the road seems to stretch forever into the red horizon. But beyond the visuals, this land holds deep cultural meaning. It’s part of the Navajo Nation, and the towering monoliths are sacred.
Incredible Adventures’ Southwest Highlights Tour (7 Days) journeys into Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, where our guests have the honor of exploring the stunning surroundings with a local Navajo guide. It’s a richer, more respectful way to connect with the landscape and its stories.
Zion Scenic Byway: Towering Cliffs and Winding Roads
Utah’s Route 9, also known as the Zion Scenic Byway, offers an unforgettable entrance into one of the Southwest’s most majestic parks. The drive takes you through the towns of Rockville and Springdale (as well as Grafton Ghost Town) and directly into Zion Canyon. Here, towering cliffs rise on both sides as the Virgin River carves its way through red rock.
The real thrill comes just after passing through the historic Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel. From there, the road winds through slickrock domes, high plateaus, and narrow canyons in a kaleidoscope of reds and oranges. This drive is short in miles (around 57), but huge in views.
Zion is featured in both our Best of the Southwest Tour (6 Days) and Southwest Highlights Tour, giving guests the opportunity to drive the byway, hike canyon trails, and soak in the natural grandeur without the stress of managing park logistics.
Do you have less time to explore the US Southwest? We also offer an unforgettable Zion Canyon Day Tour from Las Vegas!
Potash Road – Lower Colorado River Scenic Byway (U-279)
Just outside Moab, Utah, Potash Road (U-279) is one of the most rewarding detours in the Southwest. Hugging the banks of the Colorado River, the road winds beneath sheer red cliffs, past ancient petroglyphs, and toward the edges of Canyonlands National Park.
This route isn’t as famous as Monument Valley or Zion, but that’s part of the appeal. It offers a quieter, more intimate driving experience. Watch for rock climbers scaling the cliffs or bighorn sheep grazing near the riverbanks. Highlights include Jug Handle Arch and views of “Thelma and Louise Point”.
While Potash Road isn’t currently on our standard itineraries, we do operate tours in the area. For example, the Southwest Highlights Tour visits Arches National Park near Moab. This makes this drive a great candidate for a custom tour. If you’re looking to explore Utah’s hidden corners without navigating on your own, let us build a bespoke itinerary just for you.
Scenic Byway 12 – Utah’s All-American Road
If you only drive one byway in Utah, let it be Scenic Byway 12. This 122-mile route, officially designated an All-American Road, connects Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef National Parks, passing through some of the most diverse and jaw-dropping terrain in the Southwest.
Expect red rock tunnels, alpine forests, slot canyons, and exposed ridgelines like the famous Hogback — a section of road that runs along a razor-thin spine with steep drop-offs on either side.
Byway 12 is ideal for those seeking an extended adventure. We already offer a Bryce Canyon Day Tour, and the same national park features in some of our multi-day tours, too. So, while this drive isn’t part of our current tour lineup, it’s easily added to a private trip. If you’re interested in seeing Bryce, Capitol Reef, and everything in between, we can create a custom route that includes this incredible drive and all the best stops along the way.
Tips for Planning Your Scenic US Southwest Road Trip
- Timing is key: Aim for early mornings or late afternoons to avoid traffic and get the best light for photos.
- Stay flexible: Weather and road conditions can shift quickly, especially at higher elevations.
- Plan your stops: Gas stations and food options can be scarce, so stock up when you can.
- Join a guided tour: With Incredible Adventures, you don’t need to worry about driving, permits, or navigation. Our small-group tours from Las Vegas handle the logistics so you can focus on the views.
- Think custom: Want to build your own itinerary around famous drives and iconic scenery? We offer custom private tours across the Southwest tailored to most interests and schedules.
Book Your Southwest US Tours from Las Vegas!
The American Southwest is made for the open road. Whether you’re chasing iconic vistas, hidden trails, or just the thrill of wide, wild space, these five scenic drives deliver. And these are only the beginning! There are many more awe-inspiring road trips to enjoy in this remarkable part of our country.
With Incredible Adventures, you don’t have to do it alone. From day tours to multi-day getaways and custom road trip itineraries, we’re here to help you explore the best drives in Utah, Arizona, Nevada, and beyond.
Browse our range of tours from Las Vegas and let the road lead you to your next great adventure. Have any questions for us? Please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
