3-Day Amazing Southwest USA Road Trip Itinerary: Petrified Forest, Mesa Verde, and Sedona in December
Planning a Southwest road trip? Here’s everything you need to know about visiting Arizona’s most stunning national parks and landmarks in winter – from ancient petrified logs to red rock magic!
Have you ever wondered what it’s like to explore the American Southwest when most tourists have gone home? Last December, we discovered something amazing: winter might actually be the BEST time to visit these incredible places.
Our 3-day Southwest USA Road trip Itinerary took us from Phoenix through some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the country. We walked among 225-million-year-old petrified trees, explored ancient cliff dwellings, stood in four states at once, and felt the mystical energy of Sedona’s red rocks – all with hardly any crowds.
If you’re thinking about a Southwest road trip, keep reading. I’ll share everything we learned, including some unexpected surprises that made this trip unforgettable.
👉 Planning a road trip from Las Vegas instead? I’ve also written about another amazing 10 day Southwest USA Road Trip-Itinerary, filled with desert adventures and unique stops!
Trip Overview: What This 3-Day Southwest USA Road Trip Itinerary Covers
Before we dive into the details, here’s a quick overview of what we experienced:
Day 1: Phoenix to Petrified Forest National Park (Arizona)
- Flew into Phoenix and drove to Petrified Forest
- Hiked Blue Mesa Trail for incredible badlands views
- Explored Crystal Forest Trail and saw our first petrified logs
- Discovered the historic Route 66 section (Highway of Dreams)
- Found an amazing historic gas station with great prices
Day 2: Mesa Verde National Park (Colorado) and Four Corners
- Visited Mesa Verde’s Soda Canyon Overlook Trail
- Learned about ancient Puebloan cliff dwellings (winter access limited)
- Stopped at Four Corners Monument to stand in four states at once
Day 3: Sedona Red Rock Country (Arizona)
- Started before sunrise for the best experience
- Hiked three incredible trails: Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, and Courthouse Butte Loop
- Felt the famous “spiritual energy” of Sedona’s red rocks
- Returned to Phoenix for our flight home
Southwest USA Road Trip Itinerary
Day 1: Petrified Forest National Park & Historic Route 66
We flew into Phoenix early in the morning and drove straight to Petrified Forest National Park, located in northeastern Arizona. It was our first time visiting, and we were amazed by the unique landscape and colorful petrified logs.
Blue Mesa Trail: Stunning Views Made Easy
Our first stop was the Blue Mesa Trail, and wow! The landscape here looks like something from another planet. The trail isn’t super short, but it’s definitely easy to walk. Even if you’re not a serious hiker, you can handle this one.
What makes December so special? We practically had the entire trail to ourselves! No fighting for photo spots, no waiting behind slow groups. Just us and these incredible blue-gray badlands stretching as far as we could see.
Pro tip: Bring your camera and take your time. The lighting in winter is absolutely perfect for photos.
Crystal Forest Trail: Our First Look at Petrified Wood
This was the moment we’d been waiting for – seeing actual petrified logs for the first time. And let me tell you, pictures don’t do them justice.
These aren’t just pieces of wood that turned to stone. They’re massive logs with the most beautiful surface patterns I’ve ever seen. Some looked like regular rocks, but others had these amazing colors and designs that took my breath away.
The trail is super easy, which is great because you’ll want to stop every few feet to examine these natural treasures. We spent over an hour here, just marveling at how nature created something so unique 225 million years ago.
Highway of Dreams: A Route 66 Surprise
Here’s something cool we didn’t expect: Petrified Forest is the only National Park in America with a piece of the famous Route 66 running through it!
The “Highway of Dreams” section has some neat exhibits, but what really got me was seeing the actual Route 66 markers on the ground. If you’re a fan of American road trip history (like we are), this will give you serious chills.
Even if Route 66 isn’t your thing, it’s worth a quick stop. The nostalgic feeling of standing on this legendary highway is something you won’t forget.
The Historic Gas Station Discovery
Okay, this was totally unexpected. We spotted this old-looking gas station and stopped just out of curiosity. Turns out, it’s a real, working gas station that’s been there for decades!
Usually, tourist area gas stations charge crazy high prices. But this place? Super reasonable! We didn’t even plan to fill up, but the prices were so good we couldn’t resist.
Day 2: Mesa Verde National park and Four Corners
Day two took us to Colorado for Mesa Verde National Park and then to the famous Four Corners Monument.
Mesa Verde National Park: Winter Limitations Worth Knowing
Here’s the honest truth: if you visit Mesa Verde in December, you can’t access everything. Some areas are closed for the season, and you’ll miss some of the most famous cliff dwellings.
My recommendation: If seeing all the ancient ruins is your main goal, visit in summer. But if you’re flexible, winter still offers some amazing experiences.
Soda Canyon Overlook Trail: Ancient Ruins from Afar
We chose the Soda Canyon Overlook Trail, and it was perfect for winter. The trail is easy – anyone can do it – but the payoff is huge.
You’ll see ancient Puebloan ruins, but here’s the thing: they’re pretty far from the trail. I’m so glad we brought binoculars! If you have a camera with a good zoom lens, bring that too.
Even from a distance, seeing these 700-year-old structures built right into the cliff face is mind-blowing. It makes you wonder how people lived in such challenging places so long ago.
Four Corners Monument: A Fun Geographic Novelty
Next stop: Four Corners, where you can literally stand in four states at once. Colorado, Utah, Arizona, and New Mexico all meet at this exact spot.
Heads up: There’s an $8 entrance fee, which surprised us. We thought it would be free, but hey, it’s still a unique experience.
The monument itself is pretty simple – just markers showing where the state lines meet. Lots of families were there taking the classic “one hand and foot in each state” photos. It’s touristy, sure, but also kind of fun.
Time tip: You don’t need to spend more than 30 minutes here unless you really want to soak it in. Get your photos and move on to the next adventure.
Day 3: Sedona – Red Rock Magic and Spiritual Energy
This was our second time in Sedona, and there’s a good reason we came back. Our first visit was rushed, and we knew we’d missed something special. This time, we were determined to experience the famous red rock hiking.
The Early Bird Strategy That Changed Everything
We left our hotel before sunrise and arrived in Sedona just as the sky was getting light. Best decision ever!
The air was crystal clear, there were hardly any other people around, and – most importantly – we found parking easily. In Sedona, parking at popular trailheads can be a nightmare, but early morning in December? No problem at all.
Smart tip: Start your Sedona day as early as possible. You’ll beat the crowds and see the rocks in the most beautiful light.
Cathedral Rock Trail: Spiritual Power You Can Feel
Cathedral Rock is one of Sedona’s most famous formations, and now I understand why. This trail gives you an up-close experience with the red rocks that’s hard to describe.
As we climbed, I started feeling something different. Call it spiritual energy, call it the power of nature – whatever it is, it’s real. The red rocks here have this presence that makes you feel both tiny and connected to something bigger.
The trail has some challenging spots, but nothing too crazy. If you’re reasonably fit, you can handle it. And the views? Absolutely incredible.
Bell Rock Trail: Easier But Equally Magical
Bell Rock is another famous Sedona landmark, and the trail here is more accessible than Cathedral Rock. It’s perfect if you want the red rock experience without the challenging climb.
People say Bell Rock is one of Sedona’s “vortex” sites – places where the earth’s energy is especially strong. I’m usually skeptical about stuff like that, but something about this place just feels special.
The 360-degree views of red rock country from here are some of the best you’ll find anywhere.
Courthouse Butte Loop Trail: The Perfect Finale
Our last hike was the Courthouse Butte Loop, and it was the perfect way to end our Sedona experience. This trail loops around the base of Courthouse Butte, giving you constantly changing views of the red rocks.
It’s not too difficult, but it’s long enough to feel like a real adventure. Every turn reveals new rock formations and new perspectives on this incredible landscape.
By the time we finished, I felt completely recharged. There’s something about Sedona that just fills you with energy and peace at the same time.
What We Learned: Essential Tips for Your Southwest Road Trip
December is Actually Perfect
Forget what you’ve heard about winter travel in the Southwest. December gave us:
- Hardly any crowds at popular spots
- Perfect hiking weather (not hot! not too cold!)
- Crystal clear air and amazing visibility
- Reasonable prices at hotels and restaurants
Yes, some attractions have limited access, but the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks.
Bring the Right Gear
Must-haves for this trip:
- Binoculars (essential for Mesa Verde)
- Good camera or phone with zoom
- Comfortable hiking shoes
- Layers for changing temperatures
- Plenty of water
Budget Surprises
Some things cost more than expected (Four Corners entrance fee), while others were cheaper (that historic gas station). Budget for entrance fees, but don’t assume everything will be expensive.
The Magic is Real
I know it sounds cheesy, but there’s something truly special about the Southwest. Whether it’s the ancient history at Mesa Verde, the geological wonders at Petrified Forest, or the spiritual energy in Sedona, these places have a way of changing you.
Planning Your Own Southwest Adventure
Best Time to Visit
- December-February: Fewer crowds, cooler weather, some closures
- March-May: Great weather, moderate crowds
- June-August: All attractions open, hot weather, big crowds
- September-November: Good weather, moderate crowds
How Long Do You Need?
Our 3-day trip was perfect for getting a taste of everything, but you could easily spend a week or more exploring each area in depth. We can’t take so much time for traveling because we are office workers and we have to get back to work, but you can take time, I recommend taking 2-3 days for Sedona. This place is amazing!
Getting Around
A rental car is essential. The drives between locations are beautiful and part of the experience. Make sure you have a reliable vehicle and keep your gas tank full.
Would I Recommend This Itinerary? Absolutely!
This 3-day road trip gave us a taste of the Southwest’s incredible diversity—from prehistoric forests to ancient dwellings, from state-crossing photo ops to energy-filled red rock hikes. It’s doable, memorable, and full of adventure.
If you’re planning a trip and have questions about any of the stops, feel free to leave a comment!
