My Perfect Summer Road Trip Route in the Southwest

The most popular part of the Grand Canyon is undoubtedly the South Rim, which receives nearly 5 million visitors yearly. If you prefer a less crowded Grand Canyon experience, I suggest going to the West Rim. Only around 700,000 visitors experience this part of Arizona's world-famous natural wonder, home to the Grand Canyon Skywalk. While not part of the Grand Canyon National Park, it's on the Hualapai Reservation, and you must pay a fee at the entrance. A National Parks Pass is not accepted here.

The Grand Canyon Skywalk has been on my bucket list for quite a while. Hanging out over the Grand Canyon, the 70-foot, horseshoe-shaped bridge has a glass bottom for some of the most incredible canyon views below. In addition to the Skywalk at Grand Canyon West, there are other activities you can participate in, like ziplining, shopping, and more.

Sitting on the border of Arizona and Nevada, the Hoover Dam is an iconic landmark and a marvel of engineering in the U.S. Construction of the dam along the Colorado River was completed in 1935, and it was named after Herbert Hoover, who was involved in the project. The dam's purpose was irrigation, flood control, hydroelectric power, and providing water to Southern California.

Construction of the dam proved to be quite challenging. Before it could be built, the Colorado River had to be rerouted, and canyon walls had to be blasted with dynamite. Over the course of 5 years and the labor of around 21,000 workers, the dam was finished. Today, it remains an awe-inspiring man-made wonder that created Lake Mead, the largest reservoir in the U.S.

The last stop on the first day of this two-day Southwest road trip is in The Neon City! Check into your hotel, walk along the Strip, see a show, grab dinner, check out an indoor botanical garden, and relax for the night. But if there's one attraction you must see for yourself, it's the Sphere, a massive event and entertainment venue that's the first of its kind. Its advanced technology and spherical shape create one of the most immersive experiences, whether seeing a movie or a concert. And that's just inside. The Sphere's LED-lit exterior is aglow at night with images and animations that can be seen from many different angles throughout the city.

Spend the night at the Waldorf Astoria Las Vegas to get the most out of your city experience. Nestled in the heart of the Las Vegas Strip, this AAA Five-Diamond-awarded Hilton property offers luxurious accommodations and premium amenities. Book a treatment at the 27,000-square-foot spa, lounge by one of three hotel pools, or indulge in a gourmet meal at one of the on-site restaurants before turning in for the night. Rest up because tomorrow is another busy day of exploring the great Southwest.

It's time to leave Las Vegas behind and head to Valley of Fire State Park. Nevada's oldest and largest state park is known for red sandstone formations, petroglyphs, and petrified trees. While it gets quite hot here in the summer, it's not advisable to go hiking. However, there are other things you can do, such as stopping by the Visitor Center to view exhibits and learn about the park's history, geology, and ecology, or taking a leisurely drive along the 10.5-mile Valley of Fire Scenic Byway.

After exploring Valley of Fire State Park, make your way to St. George, a small, underrated city along the border of Utah and Arizona. St. George is the ultimate Utah city for those who love the great outdoors. You'll find ample opportunities to go hiking, kayaking, or mountain biking here. Visit St. George's historic downtown and discover shops, restaurants, museums, and more. If you have time, check out the St. George Dinosaur Discovery Site, where you can see thousands of dinosaur footprints.

The last stop on my perfect summer road trip in the Southwest may be my favorite. There's something so special about Zion National Park. Yes, it's beautiful. Yes, there are many ways to explore this treasure of a national park. And yes, I have been here and will visit again. With sandstone cliffs and rock formations towering above, the serene Virgin River flowing through the park, and its variety of flora and fauna, Zion is awe-inspiring. For you adventure seekers out there, there are over 90 miles of trails like the iconic Narrows hike, E-bike tours, canyoneering, rock climbing, camping, and so much more. I can't wait to go back!

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