There are so many incredible landscapes waiting for you in the desert Southwest. Before hitting the road on your next road trip adventure, be sure to have your car checked out by your local mechanic. The desert can be a hostile and grueling place, and one where you definitely don’t want to find yourself stranded by car troubles. If you need help finding a trustworthy mechanic for a quick inspection, head over to Cars.com and use the handy service center locator for mechanics near you. Once you’ve checked that off your list, the fun part begins. With so many great route options, in which direction should you head?
The Grand Canyon is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. If people from other countries travel so far to see it, shouldn’t you see what all the fuss is about too? For a perfect Southwest road trip, consider traveling the Grand Canyon Loop. This route will take you north from Flagstaff, Ariz. on a 200 mile loop that runs right through the heart of the Grand Canyon. This route is also in red rock country and the dramatic landscape will take your breath away and remind you that the magic is in the journey, not just the destination.
Another great option for a desert road trip would be Scenic Byway 12 in Utah. The 120 mile route travels through Bryce Canyon National Park and offers up countless jaw-dropping vistas as you meander through the barren landscape. Your trip plans can start with a fuel up in Panguitch, Utah before hitting one of the least traveled roads in the country to get away from it all.
The Native American influence can be felt and seen throughout the Southwestern part of the country. Probably nowhere as much as the Jemez Mountain Trail in New Mexico which offers a spectacular road trip opportunity. The 140 mile route offers a rich history of Native American culture to explore including cliff dwellings, pueblos, petroglyphs and stunning mesas. Start the drive in White Rock, New Mexico, which is just outside of Santa Fe, and end with a soak in the Spence Hot Pools near Jemez Springs.