Originally Posted On: https://creators.yahoo.com/lifestyle/story/10-most-beautiful-places-to-go-for-a-southwest-road-trip-in-the-spring-125818961.html?guccounter=1

Get ideas to plan an incredible road trip through the American Southwest. Here are some of our favorite destinations!

Spring is just around the corner, and the Southwest is one of the most beautiful regions in the US to explore. From a cozy ski trip in the mountains to sightseeing and hiking through the desert, this part of the country is perfect for a sunny getaway.

If you’re in the mountains skiing and snowboarding, you can get lucky with fantastic spring skiing conditions – temperatures in the 30s and 40s, soft snow, and blue sky days. You might only need light layers for those warm, clear days if you're sightseeing and hiking around national parks.

1. Grand Junction, Colorado

Independence Monument in Monument Canyon at Colorado National Monument in Colorado

This high desert city has over 300 days of sunshine and is surrounded by red rock canyons, mesas, and monuments. During the spring, daytime temperatures range from the 30s to the high 70s, making it great for sightseeing, hiking, rock climbing, and mountain biking.

I lived in Grand Junction for over 10 years, so I might be biased when I say it’s a paradise for outdoor lovers. You can drive the 23-mile scenic Rim Rock Drive through the Colorado National Monument or go hiking and camping on over one million acres of BLM Land.

After the day’s adventures, grab a microbrew and burger at Trail Life Brewing, sushi at Suehiro, or farm-to-table American food at Bin 707 Foodbar downtown.

2. Moab, Utah

Arches National Park

Moab is less than two hours from Grand Junction and about a four-hour drive from Salt Lake City. Like Grand Junction, Moab has fantastic spring weather, making it a playground for outdoor enthusiasts.

While there, plan to visit Arches National Park, Canyonland National Park, and Dead Horse Point State Park. After sightseeing, grab burgers at the Moab Brewery or pizza and salads at Zax Restaurant and Watering Hole.

3. Salt Lake City, Utah

Ariel tram gondola at Snowbird

Several ski resorts are within an hour of Salt Lake City. You can ski, snowboard, and resort hop, or just pick one and stay for a few days. Utah takes pride in its powder days and has some of the best snow on earth.

Snowbird is known for its world-class snow conditions and is a top place for powder. Park City Mountain is a massive resort with lots of parks. Alta Ski Area is another favorite, but snowboarders cannot go there. For a luxury skier-only experience, Deer Valley Resort is the place.

4. Telluride, Colorado

Alpine ski resort in Telluride, Colorado

Having lived in Colorado for over a decade, one of our favorite weekend getaways was a road trip to Telluride in the southwest part of the state.

The town sits in a box canyon surrounded by towering mountain peaks. It has shops to browse and local restaurants along the main street. When we’re there, we always grab a pizza at Brown Dog Pizza and swing by the Patagonia and Jagged Edge Mountain Gear stores.

The Telluride Ski Resort surrounds the town, and you can stay at the Peaks Resort & Spa or the Inn at Lost Creek, both gorgeous ski resort properties. In Telluride, you can hit the slopes or hang out in a cozy lodge, enjoying the epic views.

5. Tucson, Arizona

Scenic view of field against sky during sunset. Tucson, Arizona

It’s okay if you’re not in the mood for a ski trip. How about a semi-warm sunny getaway to Tucson? February weather boasts sunny days and temperatures from the 40s to the 70s. It’s probably not warm enough to hit the outdoor pools (unless they are heated), but it’s a nice time to hike in the area and take a road trip through Saguaro National Park.

The national park has an east and west district to explore. Spring flowers start to bloom the last week of April through early June. Don’t forget your camera — the sunrises and sunsets are breathtaking.

One of the best parts about planning a getaway to Tucson are the dreamy resorts to stay at, like the Hacienda del Sol Guest Ranch Resort, Canyon Ranch Tucson, and Tanque Verde Ranch.

6. Las Vegas, Nevada

Valley of Fire State Park, Nevada

Las Vegas makes the list because of its proximity to fantastic state and national parks. If you are not from the Vegas area, flying there and renting a car is easy.

Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, Lake Meade, and the Hoover Dam are 30 minutes from the city. Valley of Fire State Park is 45 minutes away, and Death Valley National Park and the Grand Canyon's West Rim are two hours away (in different directions).

7. Grand Canyon West, Arizona

Grand Canyon West Rim

Speaking of the West Rim, Grand Canyon West invited me to go rafting in the Grand Canyon last April, and it was amazing!

A few colleagues and I flew into Las Vegas, rented a car, and drove east to Peach Springs, Arizona. Peach Springs is off the historic Route 66 on the Hualapai Reservation.

We spent the night at the Hualapai Lodge and met our guides for an unforgettable two-day river trip the following day. The weather was a little chilly early in the morning, but in the afternoons, temperatures were in the 80s with plenty of sunshine. We floated along the Colorado River, paddled through whitewater, camped, and took in unforgettable views of the Grand Canyon.

If you’re not up for rafting, there are other things to do at Grand Canyon West, such as the skywalk or a helicopter ride over the desert landscape.

8. Springdale, Utah

 Scenic road trip in mountains in Zion National Park

Zion National Park is wonderful to visit this time of year. At higher elevations, you might even see snow.

There are great places to stay in Springdale with views of the park. We’ve stayed at the Red Cliffs Lodge Zion and loved that we could walk around to grab dinner. For burgers, you might like the Zion Brewery or Porter’s.

Road-tripping through Utah this time of year can include mild, sunny, and dry road conditions or icy and snowy conditions. Be sure to watch the weather before planning your adventure.

9. Monument Valley, Arizona

Monument Valley

Monument Valley is iconic to Southwest road trips. If you’re a millennial like me, you might have seen it for the first time in “Forest Gump.” Located in the northeast part of Arizona, you can drive a 17-mile scenic loop through the Navajo Nation to see the famous sandstone formations.

While you’re in this part of the country, add another road trip stop an hour and 45 minutes away at the Four Corners Monument, where Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, and Utah meet.

10. White Sands National Park, New Mexico

White Sands National Park New Mexico

White Sands National Park is in the Chihuahuan Desert, and visiting it in the spring means you’ll likely encounter milder daytime temperatures in the 60s, 70s, and 80s. If you travel there from late April into May, the Desert Sand Verbena wildflowers bloom, and it's lovely to see their pink and purple flowers across the white sand landscape.

The national park is closest to Alamogordo, which is 15 minutes away. Las Cruces is roughly 50 minutes away. El Paso is about an hour and 30 minutes away. If you’re not from the area, fly into El Paso, rent a car, and drive there.

Once you get to the park, stop by the visitor center and pick up a park map. Then, take the scenic drive. You can also walk on the dunes or go sledding. Plan to see the sunset, too. You won’t be disappointed. It’s one of the most unique national parks in New Mexico.