7-Day Tour across Los Angeles,Phoenix, Sedona, and Las Vegas

Experience a 7-Day Road Trip through the Southwest’s Most Iconic Destinations

If you’re dreaming of exploring the American Southwest with its vivid deserts, historic towns, and natural wonders, this 7-day tour across Los Angeles, Phoenix, Sedona, and Las Vegas offers an intriguing blend of sights and experiences. Priced at $1,575 per person, it provides a well-structured itinerary packed with visits to national parks, cultural landmarks, and offbeat attractions.

The highlights include a visit to Salvation Mountain, the surreal White Sands National Park, and the historic Santa Fe Plaza. Plus, you’ll get to explore the Arizona Capitol Museum, see Biosphere 2, and experience the UFO capital—Roswell. The tour features six nights of hotel accommodations and entrance fees to major parks, all within a manageable group size that keeps things personal and engaging.

We love the way this tour balances nature, history, and quirky roadside attractions. The stops at Salvation Mountain and Biosphere 2 are particularly memorable, offering insights into creative outsider art and scientific ingenuity. It’s also great that the tour includes breakfasts and entry to five national parks, making it easier to budget and plan meals.

A possible drawback? The schedule is quite packed, which means some days involve a lot of driving and relatively short visits at each stop. If you’re someone who prefers to linger longer at particular sites, this might feel rushed. Still, if you’re eager to see a wide swath of sights in a short time, this trip hits many of the southwest’s best-known spots.

This experience suits travelers who want a comprehensive, guided overview of the American Southwest’s highlights, especially those who enjoy a mix of natural beauty, cultural history, and quirky roadside stops. It’s perfect for those with a sense of adventure and a desire to maximize their sightseeing without the hassle of planning every detail.

Key Points

• Diverse Destinations: Combines urban sights, national parks, and offbeat attractions.
• All-Inclusive Entry Fees: Saves you time and money on major parks and museums.
• Comfortable Accommodation: Six nights in well-located hotels, with flexible bed arrangements.
• Knowledgeable Guides: Expect informative commentary and local insights.
• Balanced Itinerary: Mix of scenic drives, cultural visits, and nature exploration.
• Time Management: Short stays at some sites to maximize the number of stops.

A Closer Look at the 7-Day Southwest Adventure

This tour offers a detailed journey through some of the most captivating spots in the American Southwest, providing a good balance between sightseeing and travel logistics. As seasoned travelers, we appreciate that the tour is designed to give you a taste of everything—from iconic landscapes to historic landmarks—without the stress of planning each detail yourself.

Day 1: The Journey Begins in Los Angeles and Phoenix

Starting in Los Angeles, the first day is a whirlwind. After leaving the city early, you’ll head to Sunnylands Center & Gardens in Rancho Mirage. The estate, built in 1963, once hosted famed art collectors and political figures. We loved the opportunity to stroll past eucalyptus and olive trees, imagining the high-profile gatherings that once took place there.

Next, you’ll visit Shields Date Garden, known for its date palms and delightful snack shop. It’s a peaceful stop that offers a glimpse into California’s agricultural heritage. The highlight for many is Salvation Mountain, where Leonard’s colorful, biblical-themed art is both amusing and inspiring. Expect lots of photo opportunities and a chance to see outsider art at its most vibrant.

In the evening, you arrive in Phoenix, staying at a hotel near the airport. The stay includes breakfast, making mornings easier, and the hotel’s location is convenient for the next day’s adventures. We found the hotel comfortable and well-suited for travelers who want a restful base.

Day 2: From Biosphere 2 to Saguaro National Park

Day two continues with Biosphere 2, a sprawling research facility that was meant to be a self-contained ecological system. It’s a fascinating stop that gives insight into Earth sciences and human efforts to understand our planet. Expect to spend about an hour here, absorbing the science behind this ambitious project.

Then, it’s time to admire Saguaro National Park, home to the iconic giant cacti. Seeing these majestic plants up close is a highlight for many, especially for those interested in desert flora. The park’s vast vistas and towering cacti make for memorable photos and peaceful moments.

Next, the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum offers a mix of zoological and botanical displays, giving you a well-rounded picture of desert life. It’s a top-rated zoo and botanical garden, especially appreciated for its accessible design and engaging exhibits.

The day concludes with a visit to Mission San Xavier del Bac, a perfectly preserved Spanish colonial mission that transports you to the 18th century. The mission’s architecture and history give a tangible sense of the area’s early European influence.

Overnight in Deming, New Mexico, where the hotel provides comfort for the next day’s long drive.

Day 3: White Sands, Carlsbad, and UFO Capital

A highlight of this trip is White Sands National Park, with its glistening gypsum dunes. The landscape is surreal, perfect for walks and photography. Expect to spend about 45 minutes here, soaking in the vast whiteness.

Next, you’ll explore Carlsbad Caverns, a spectacular underground world. Large stalactites and stalagmites hang from the caverns’ ceilings, creating a mysterious atmosphere. The tour takes about 90 minutes, giving plenty of time to marvel at these natural formations.

In the evening, the tour takes you to Roswell, known worldwide as the UFO capital. It’s a fun, quirky stop that adds a dash of pop culture to the itinerary.

Day 4: From Roswell to Santa Fe and Albuquerque

The day kicks off with a visit to Santa Fe Plaza, a hub of Native American, Spanish, and Mexican cultures. The plaza is a lively spot with markets, art, and music—perfect for soaking up Santa Fe’s unique vibe. The tour allows about an hour here, enough to browse and enjoy the local atmosphere.

Next, the journey continues to Albuquerque. The highlight is the Hot Air Balloon Museum, which offers insights into the history of ballooning—an apt choice given Albuquerque’s world-famous balloon festivals.

We loved how this day combines cultural history with scenic drives, making the most of the Southwest’s colorful heritage.

Day 5: Petrified Forest and Meteor Crater

Traveling to Gallup and beyond, today features the Petrified Forest National Park, home to giant fossilized trees. The park’s colorful badlands and fossil beds provide a striking landscape with meaningful geological history.

Then, Meteor Crater offers a close-up look at one of the largest impact craters on Earth. Its well-preserved structure and visitor center make it a fascinating stop for science buffs and curious travelers alike.

Overnight in Sedona offers a lovely base before exploring the red rock formations.

Day 6: Sedona and Route 66 to Vegas

In Sedona, you’ll find the Church of Santa Croce, a site known for its powerful electromagnetic fields and stunning architecture. The red rocks provide a dramatic backdrop for this spiritual site.

The drive along Route 66 is a nostalgic highlight, with plenty of photo opportunities of classic Americana scenery. Passing by the Hoover Dam adds a touch of engineering marvel to the day.

Arriving in Las Vegas in the evening, you’ll have the chance to experience the city’s electric nightlife and bright lights.

Day 7: The Wonders of Death Valley and Return to LA

The final day takes you to Death Valley National Park, the lowest point in North America. Despite its harsh name, it’s a land of incredible contrasts: snow-capped peaks, blooming wildflowers, and vast salt flats. Expect about 2.5 hours of exploration, with plenty of opportunities for photos and short walks.

Afterward, the tour concludes with a return to Los Angeles. The schedule is designed so you can comfortably catch evening flights or continue your California adventure.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This trip is ideal for adventure-seeking travelers eager to see a broad spectrum of sights without the hassle of logistical planning. It suits those interested in natural landscapes, cultural landmarks, and quirky roadside attractions. If you enjoy guided tours that blend education with entertainment, and don’t mind a packed schedule, this is a great fit.

While some days involve a lot of driving, the tour’s efficiency means you’ll cover a lot of ground—perfect for visitors with limited time or those wanting a rundown of the Southwest.

FAQs

Is transportation provided throughout the tour?
Yes, the tour includes professional vehicle transportation in a comfortable coach, with a dedicated driver and guide.

How many hotel nights are included?
You’ll stay in hotels for six nights, with accommodations based on double or king/queen beds, depending on availability.

Are entrance fees included?
All entry fees for five national parks, Biosphere 2, the Sonora Desert Museum, and the Pima Air & Space Museum are included in the price.

What should I bring?
Pack comfortable shoes, sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen), and some cash or credit for personal expenses. The tour is mostly outdoors, so be prepared for desert climates.

Can I customize my accommodation preferences?
If traveling with more than four guests or wanting separate rooms, you should make separate bookings and provide all confirmation numbers for group coordination.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, but children under 18 require adult supervision. Pregnant women under 24 weeks can join, but safety is always a consideration.

What if I want to leave the tour early?
It’s best to inform the guide if you plan to leave early. No refunds are provided for unused portions, and arrangements for transportation back will be your responsibility.

How flexible is the itinerary?
The operator may adjust the schedule due to weather or traffic, but core sites are generally guaranteed.

In brief, this 7-day tour offers a well-rounded peek into the Southwest’s spectacular scenery, fascinating history, and roadside oddities. It’s a good choice for travelers who want to see a lot in a short time, with knowledgeable guides and all major entrance fees covered. Just be ready for a busy schedule, and you’ll come away with plenty of stories to tell.