Ultimate Southwest Sojourn: A 7-day Road Trip from Utah to Arizona

This road trip begins from Salt Lake City, Utah. Get to Salt Lake City in the afternoon and check into the Kimpton Hotel Monaco. If you are flying there, make sure to pick up rental car first. Once you're settled, head out for the evening. I recommend grabbing dinner at Eva, conveniently located down the street from your hotel. If you're up for it, after dinner grab drinks at Bodega.

Pro tip: The Rest is a speakeasy in the back but definitely make reservations as they fill up quick! Once you had a few libations, head over to Quarters to play some nostalgic arcade games.

Start the day by grabbing coffee and avocado toast at Public Coffee Roasters. Then drive about an hour north of the city to Antelope Island State Park. If you're looking for a longer hike I would recommend Frary Peak Trail which will give you 360 degree views of The Great Salt Lake from the peak. If you are looking for a more casual hike, Buffalo Point trail is another great option for the views!

Once you are back in town and rested from your hike, head to Oquirrh for dinner which serves up some delicious local fare.

Head out in the morning to Bryce Canyon. It will be about a four-and-a-half hour drive from SLC. I recommend stopping at the Desert Grill in Panguitch for lunch. It might not look like much from the outside, but it's a quaint diner serving up some delicious burgers with the kindest staff.

Once you reach Bryce Canyon, I would recommend the Queen's garden/Navajo combination loop to descend into the Amphitheater and hike amongst the hoodoos. If you stay in the park through the evening, definitely add Sunset Point trail to your list. Make sure to check the time of the sunset for that day!

Lodging options are somewhat limited if you are not a camper, so I would recommend getting a one night stay at Ruby's Inn.

This is by far the most ambitious day, and you might feel a little rushed at Zion National Park. Keep in mind Zion could be it's own seven-day itinerary and this is only meant to give you a taste of it's beauty.

Head out of Bryce Canyon in the morning and head to Zion which is about an hour and a half. Take the park shuttle to The Grotto (stop number six) and hike the Keyenta Trail to the Lower and Upper Emerald Pools.

Leave Zion around lunch time to head to Antelope Canyon which is about a two-hour drive. Make sure to reserve your time slot into the Canyon and you can time your departure from Zion to ensure a timely arrival. Once finished at Antelope Canyon, drive 15 minutes over to Horseshoe Bend. The walk down to the viewpoint is about a half mile, so this is an easy way to end your busy day!

After checking into your one night stay at the Lake Powell Resort, head over to BirdHouse for some delicious fried chicken, mac n cheese and a cold beer to celebrate completing the day!

Another early morning departure to get you to the Grand Canyon before all the crowds. Aim to get their before 9am. Start your day by walking to Mather Point for a great view point of the south rim. Then take the park shuttle to the South Kaibob Trailhead and hike down to ooh ahh point. This trail is one of the hardest on this trip due to the steep incline on your way back up, but definitely worth it! You will be thankful you started early so the heat and crowds don't bother you too much.

Once you are finished, take the shuttle back to the visitors center for a bite to eat. Next, walk the Trail of Time over to Hopi House to learn about the native culture and to purchase some wares.

Check into the Grand Canyon Squire Inn for your one night stay. A trip out west isn't complete without a steakhouse dinner so grab a delicious meal at Big E Steakhouse & Saloon.

Finally a relaxing day! Feel free to depart at your leisure, and head to Sedona which 2 hours away. A must stop for brunch is at the Pump House Station Urban Eatery. Then make your way to the Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village for some shopping! Clothes, jewelry, art, you name it they have it. I loved this area not only for the shopping but for the aesthetic.

Check into Ambiente A Landscape Hotel for relaxation at the pool or spa. There is an abundance of places to choose for dinner, but here are just a couple:

• Pizza at Pisa Lisa

• Mariposa Latin Inspired Grill
  
  

On the final and last day, we're heading to Phoenix. This will be the destination you drop the rental car off and fly out of. You can really opt to stay in Phoenix if you have longer for the trip.

If you decide to stay, I would recommend the Arizona Biltmore. You can also check out the Scottsdale area, where you can dine at Maple + Ash, Olive & Ivy or Toca Madera.