America’s Southwest is a treasure trove of natural beauty, history, and adventure, and there’s no better way to explore it than by a fantastic road trip. This 7 day road trip is best done in a campervan that gives a traveler a wide range of options. To be able to wake up anywhere and go with the flow was exactly why I chose the camper van for this trip in particular. Check out everything to do for the ultimate itinerary from Las Vegas to Arizona and back.
Read more: 7-Day Campervan Road Trip Adventure: Exploring Las Vegas, Grand Canyon and Beyond SoloDisclosure: This post contains affiliate links. This means that if you make a purchase or booking, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.Travels of Sarah Fay is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to amazon.com and affiliated sites at no cost to you. All opinions are my own and honest, I was given the use of the Travellers Autobarn Van for this trip.
Where to rent a camper van in Las Vegas?
I ended up renting a campervan with Traveller’s Autobarn on the shoulder season so I could have the ease of traveling to some destinations that are usually packed during the high season with reservations gone months in advance for campgrounds. Traveling solo, I crafted an itinerary that blended iconic Las Vegas, landmarks like the Grand Canyon, offbeat discoveries on Route 66, and breathtaking hikes in Flagstaff and Sedona, for anyone including those with families or friends.
Starting in Las Vegas (read about Vegas in my separate article), I rented a fully equipped campervan from Travellers Autobarn, ideal for navigating national parks, backroads, and city alike. Since I left in the late fall, I added in the Winter Package which included a heater and a warm sleeping bag and heated blanket to make the journey cozy. Then I was on my way. This seven-day journey is perfect for both solo adventurers and families seeking a flexible and unforgettable road trip. While cities like Las Vegas have many hotels, not all areas have that availability or are cost effective for some folks, so I opted to show you how to get the best of both worlds seeing the city as well as the surrounding areas.
Before You Go On Your Campervan Journey
I suggest heading to the grocery store to get supplies. Load up on your favorite food and snacks for your trip. Vegas has so many options and grocery shops. I like to have a mix of meals and coffee in the places I visit, but I also have food so that if I park remotely or go hiking I don’t have to take time to shop or go out to eat. The van has everything you need a stove, microwave, kettle, and all the cooking ware you need. However, I also took my portable AeroPress coffee maker with me (the best way to start my day– coffee). Once you get your supplies, just hit the road!
Day 1: From Las Vegas to Route 66 – via Seligman and Kingman, Arizona
The journey began with a scenic drive from Las Vegas, NV to get to Route 66’s historic heart. But first I must get to my first stop at the border of Nevada and Arizona, the Hoover Dam. It is a great sight to see this massive project. Given my timing, I wanted to get to the Grand Canyon as soon as possible, so I took some pics and headed on to my next stop.
Next I stopped on Route 66 Kingman, Arizona, a city deeply rooted in Route 66 lore. If you love history, then you may want to take a break at the Route 66 Museum – Kingman. Great place to maybe stretch your legs. For $3 or less you can immerse yourself in the road’s history, learning how it became the “Main Street of America”. This route is a great symbol of cross-country travel.I also stopped here to eat at the famous Mr. D’z Route 66 Diner where I got a really good burger and home made root beer!
Seligman, Arizona
Day 1 is coming to a close and you are probably tired. I suggest heading to Seligman on Route 66 about 1.5 hours away,
A lot of what happens on the road trip depends also on your driving style, preferences, and gems along the way. You can stay in Kingman, but my big goal was to get to the Grand Canyon. So as the sun dipped below the horizon, I decided to stop in at the Seligman, Arizona Campground | Seligman / Route 66 KOA Journey. The quiet, well-maintained site offered both safety and comfort, ideal for solo travelers and families alike. I ate dinner in the camper since I wanted to get up early to get onto the Grand Canyon.
Day 2: Exploring Williams, the Gateway to the Grand Canyon
Leaving Seligman behind, I headed toward Williams, Arizona, a town that captures the nostalgic essence of Route 66. Known as the “Gateway to the Grand Canyon,” Williams has a lively downtown filled with antique shops, diners, and galleries.I experienced Route 66’s revival. This vibrant town, with its retro storefronts and vintage cars, feels like a living postcard. I made time to have a coffee at Brewed Awakenings. Stopping in these towns is seeing a piece of Americana history.
At Brewed Awakenings Coffee Co., I enjoyed a rich cup of their Dirty Chai and soaked in the town’s relaxed vibe. While in Williams, I was able to see so many cute stores and then stopped in at the Williams Depot to see the Grand Canyon Railway. While I didn’t take a ride, this is an option. Both the Williams Depot and the Grand Canyon Depot were built over 100 years ago. The railways were a great way for expansion of the USA.
Williams is more than a pit stop—it’s a destination offering a glimpse into small-town Americana. That night, I camped nearby in the Grand Canyon at Mather Point near the Grand Canyon Visitor Center, preparing for the highlight of my trip: the Grand Canyon.
Day 3-4: Grand Canyon National Park – Awe-Inspiring Adventure
The Grand Canyon is a marvel that exceeds all expectations, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. This is my second trip to the Grand Canyon’s South Rim, last time I stayed at the Bright Angel Lodge when I was in high school. This time I camped at Mather Campground, Grand Canyon National Park – Recreation.gov. Little did I know that when I woke up, there was a great sprinkling of snow, surrounded by towering pines, with easy access to the South Rim’s iconic overlooks and trails. What a great surprise, since last time I came in the heat of the summer. Just make sure you make reservations and check on the open times for the parks and campgrounds, since some do close with the season.
On my first day I stopped at Grand Canyon Visitor Center. While the Bright Angel Trail was closed for renovations, I tackled the Rim Trail, a must-do hike that provides panoramic views of the canyon’s layer rock formations. Stops at Yavapai Point and Hopi Point revealed the immense height and geology of the canyon. These trails, well-marked and accessible, are ideal for solo travelers or any hiker looking for a safe yet immersive experience.
The next morning, I “elevated” the adventure quite literally, with a Maverick Helicopters tour at the Grand Canyon. This was such a unique experience seeing the Grand Canyon from above offered a perspective that ground-level exploration can’t match.
Dine and Explore The Historic Grand Canyon Lodges
Later, I explored the historic Bright Angel Lodge and El Tovar Hotel, where the lodge’s rich history and rustic elegance added a touch of luxury to my visit. Wrapping up my Grand Canyon stay and I had a fantastic meal at the El Tovar Restaurant.
After eating I stayed out to see the stars with a Ranger Guided talk about the sky and stars. Check the park schedule to see what talks and when they are given. It was so dark you could see so many stars in the sky and it was great for a stargazer like me. (Just remember to have a flashlight or headlamp since it can be quite dark at night.) Then, it after the tour I headed back to the campground.
Day 5-6: Flagstaff – History, Astronomy, and Scenic Hikes
Leaving the Grand Canyon behind, I drove to Flagstaff, a city that combines outdoor adventure, a unique place with cultural significance. To take a break, I stayed at the Bespoke Inn Flagstaff that provided a comfortable retreat while I explored this Route 66 hub. This historic hotel gave me time to relax indoors for a few days.
Flagstaff is actually the highest elevated city on Route 66. It is also an interesting city for those that love a variety of climates since you can enjoy a snowy mountain one minute and head down to the high dessert the next. Flagstaff is such a unique place with its high altitude, ponderosa pine trees, and yes, they have all 4 seasons with snow while I visited (read my Flagstaff blog article).
Downtown Flagstaff
Flagstaff’s historic downtown buzzes with energy, featuring artisan shops, breweries, and cafes (cafes are my favorite). There are so many great coffee shops and cafes, like The Toasted Owl. The food scene was great and I had some great dinners at Atria and Cafe Stella. One fun and unique thing to do was the city’s Underground Tour with Flagstaff Underground. You get to walk under this amazing historic tour, a unique perspective.
No visit to Flagstaff is complete without a trip to the Lowell Observatory, where Pluto was discovered and astronauts trained. However, while it was closed when I visited for a massive renovation, it has since reopened. The observatory’s exhibits and telescopes offer a fascinating look at the cosmos. One day I shall return to see more of it. Flagstaff is also the first Dark Sky city making it a great place to stargaze, with its reduced light pollution.Another option to learn more about the area is a trip to the Museum of Northern Arizona. This museum will share the story of the indigenous people to the area, share geological information about the area, and will they also have a pretty sweet gift shop with items from local indigenous artists. If you want to learn more check out my full guide to Flagstaff, Arizona.
Visit Flagstaff’s 3 National Monuments
While the observatory was closed there were some great parks and cliff dwellings to explore in the nearby parks, like Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument, Wupatki National Monument, and Walnut Canyon National Monument. See my article on Flagstaff to learn more about these wonderful parks with their unique hikes. I loved my hikes while there and learning more about the cliff dwellers and history of this unique area of the country.
Day – 7: Sedona – Red Rock Wonders and Peaceful Retreat
The drive to Sedona was breathtaking and about 30-45 minutes from Flagstaff, with every curve revealing another view of its iconic red rock geological formations as you drive down from the Colorado plateau into Sedona through the Oak creek canyon. Known for its natural beauty and artistic culture, Sedona is a must-visit for hikers and nature lovers.
Hiking in Sedona
I explored two standout destinations: Red Rock State Park | Arizona and Coconino National Forest – Home. Two must do hikes for me were the following:
Hiking to Subway Cave and Devil’s Bridge offers a stunning exploration of nature’s diverse wonders. Subway Cave, a fascinating lava tube in Northern California, invites adventurers to traverse its cool, dark passages formed by ancient volcanic activity. The experience is both educational and exhilarating, with its rugged walls and unique textures providing a glimpse into geological history.
In contrast, Devil’s Bridge, a natural sandstone arch near Sedona, Arizona, is renowned for its breathtaking views and heart-pounding photo opportunities. The trail to the arch takes hikers through vibrant red rock landscapes dotted with junipers and cacti, culminating in a dramatic, awe-inspiring view from the bridge itself. Together, these destinations combine geological intrigue and scenic beauty, making them unforgettable stops for hiking enthusiasts.
Enjoy the food and art of Sedona
After a day of hiking, I wandered through Sedona’s charming downtown, visiting art galleries and boutiques before going to the highly acclaimed Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Village. This is where I found two of my favorite foodie spots in Sedona The Chai Spot with a cute cafe design, and also The Secret Garden Cafe. I camped out in Sedona under the night stars since the trip was coming to an end and had to head back to return the campervan to Las Vegas.
Notably, this was a free stop off one road that was on BLM lands and the temps here are warmer than Flagstaff due to the lower elevation. Just be aware since Sedona is a small town, there is no parking for campers in town so either reserve a campground along Oak Creek Canyon, or find BLM land just outside of the city limits. I used the Dyrt App provided by Travellers Autobarn for a week when you rent with them. Be sure to download some maps ahead of time via AllTrails as well as it will help you not getting lost on the trail when hiking solo since cell reception can be rather limited in many of these areas.
Day 8: Journey Back to Las Vegas (with a stop in Boulder City)
Time to get up and head back for the four hour plus journey back to Las Vegas. It is the final stretch driving back, so break it up with a stop in in Boulder City, Nevada. It’s known as the town that built Hoover Dam. Boulder City offers a mix of history and small-town charm. I enjoyed strolling the main street and stopping in the shops before having a great meal.
If you like a great cafe and food, called the Coffee Cup Cafe – Boulder City, also known as the World’s Famous Coffee Cup Cafe. I highly recommend it, but so you know it has been on the show Diners Drive Ins and Dives. The town also has the Nevada State Railroad Museum, where vintage trains and exhibits highlighted the area’s role in connecting the region. After a relaxing stroll through the town, I jumped in the van to swing by Hemenway Valley Park to see the famous Bighorn Sheep that roamed freely around the park.
This was such an amazing sight, I never saw them in the “wild”. Then I headed back to the highway after a great unexpected town stop and completed the drive back to Las Vegas. That is something I love about road trips, is that it literally can take you to the most surprising places you never thought of visiting. It is how I constantly learn about new places to add to my USA road trip bucketlist.
Returning the campervan at Travellers Autobarn was seamless, capping off an incredible journey through this wonderful region.
Traveller’s Autobarn Campervan
I must say that you, hitting the road with a Travellers AutobarnCampervan in Las Vegas for the ultimate adventure! With unlimited miles, explore iconic destinations like the Grand Canyon, Zion, and Yosemite without limits. This fully equipped campervan had a cozy sleeping space, cooking essentials, and plenty of storage for your gear. The one I drove also was a good size that made it easy to park. Given the time of year, I had the Winter Package that came with a sleeping bag and heater to stay warm.
Enjoy the freedom to camp almost anywhere, from stunning national parks to hidden gems. This allowed me to skip hotels in some areas that may not have them or priced higher than one can afford, while waking up to incredible views, and embrace the thrill of the journey. This allowed me to travel at my pace. Travellers Autobarn Campervan let me travel at my own pace.
What van did I rent from Travellers Autobarn?
I rented the Kuga Campervans and here are 3 Benefits of Renting this van with Travelers Autobarn:
- Spacious Interior Design
The Kuga campervan is designed with a high ceiling and ample headroom, and is comfortable for tall travelers to move around without feeling cramped. You can stand up fully and enjoy a more pleasant experience inside the campervan. - Comfortable Sleeping Arrangement
The Kuga campervan features a large, cozy bed designed to accommodate taller individuals. This ensures a good night’s sleep without your feet hanging off the edge or feeling constrained, even if you’re over six feet tall. - Cost-Effective Travel Solution
- With its all-in-one design, the Kuga campervan eliminates the need for separate accommodation and transportation costs. Plus, its fuel efficiency helps keep travel expenses low.
Summary: A Flexible Southwest Road Trip
This solo campervan road trip covered approximately 450 miles one way, taking me through the best of the Southwest’s historic, cultural, and natural attractions. From the grandeur of the Grand Canyon to the artistic charm of Flagstaff and Sedona, every stop offered a unique experience.
This itinerary is highly adaptable—you can expand or condense it depending on your schedule and travel preferences. Each destination is well-suited for both solo travelers and families, ensuring a safe and enriching adventure.
For those seeking dramatic landscapes, vibrant history,wildlife, and the freedom of the open road, this journey promises memories to last a lifetime. Remember, enjoy the journey.
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November 28, 2024
