This Southwest family road trip was one of those trips that packed in completely different experiences almost every day. We explored caves, sledded down white sand dunes, stopped for alien photos in Roswell, rode horses in the desert, hiked through red rocks, and ended with a waterpark resort stay.
It felt adventurous, but still doable with kids—which is basically the family travel sweet spot. If you’re looking for a Southwest road trip with national parks, unique stops, fun hotels, and a little bit of “wait, are we actually doing this?” energy, this itinerary is a great one to save.
🌵 Southwest Road Trip Itinerary Overview
Here’s the route we followed for our Southwest family road trip:
- El Paso, Texas
- Carlsbad Caverns National Park, New Mexico
- Roswell, New Mexico
- White Sands National Park, New Mexico
- Tucson, Arizona
- Saguaro National Park, Arizona
- Phoenix, Arizona
- Sedona, Arizona
Planning your own Southwest road trip? Start here:
🕳️ Stop 1: El Paso to Carlsbad Caverns
The entrance alone makes this stop worth it.
We flew into El Paso and started the trip with Mexican food, which honestly felt like the perfect kickoff. From there, we drove toward Carlsbad Caverns National Park, one of the most unique national park experiences we’ve done with kids.
Walking into the cave felt dramatic right from the start. The entrance alone is impressive, and once you’re inside, the formations make the whole place feel massive and otherworldly.
The scale of Carlsbad Caverns is hard to describe until you see it in person.
We stayed at Embassy Suites by Hilton El Paso in El Paso before starting the drive toward Carlsbad Caverns. It worked well as a comfortable first-night stop after flying in and gave us an easy place to reset before the road trip officially began.
👽 Bonus Stop: Roswell, New Mexico
Roswell was one of those quirky road trip stops that ended up being more fun than expected. It breaks up the drive, gives kids something silly to look forward to, and adds a little bit of unexpected personality to the trip.
Between the alien-themed signs, photo ops, and roadside stops, it’s a quick but memorable addition—especially if you’re already passing through.
It was silly, quick, and exactly the kind of random road trip stop kids remember.
🤍 Stop 2: White Sands National Park
White Sands was the stop that completely stole the show. The white dunes are beautiful in photos, but they feel even more unreal in person. The kids loved running, climbing, and sledding down the sand dunes.
We also had family photos taken here at sunset, and it was one of the best decisions of the trip. The light, the dunes, and the open space made it feel like a movie scene.
The kids loved climbing, running, jumping, and sledding down the dunes.
🏨 Where We Stayed Near White Sands
We stayed at Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Alamogordo Hwy 54/70 by IHG near White Sands National Park. This was a convenient base for visiting the dunes, especially since sunset was one of the most beautiful parts of the entire trip. One thing we loved was that they had sleds available to borrow, which made it really easy for the kids to jump right into sledding without needing to bring or buy anything extra.
🐎 Stop 3: Tucson, Arizona
After White Sands, Tucson gave us a totally different kind of Southwest experience. This part of the trip felt like the perfect mix of desert adventure and resort downtime.
We stayed at Westward Look Wyndham Grand Resort & Spa, and it ended up being such a great family stop. The mountain views, desert landscaping, pools, and space to relax made it feel peaceful without being boring for the kids.
🏨 Where We Stayed in Tucson: Westward Look Wyndham Grand Resort & Spa
🌵 Why Westward Look Worked Well for Our Family
This resort had the kind of relaxed Southwest feel that made us want to slow down for a bit. The kids could swim, play, and explore, while we still had pretty mountain views and that classic Tucson desert scenery everywhere around us.
- Beautiful mountain views
- Family-friendly pool areas
- Desert landscaping and walking paths
- Plenty of space to relax after busy travel days
- Close to horseback riding and Saguaro National Park
Pool time at the resort was exactly what we needed between adventure days.
🐎 Horseback Riding in the Desert
One of our favorite Tucson experiences was horseback riding through the desert. The scenery felt completely different from the rest of the trip, with cactus views, rocky trails, mountains, and that wide-open Arizona sky.
The kids loved this because it felt adventurous without being too intense. It was one of those activities that instantly became a core memory from the trip.
This was such a fun way to experience the desert beyond just looking at it from the car.
🦎 Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum (Surprisingly One of Our Favorite Stops)
While we were in Tucson, we also visited the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, and this ended up being one of the most unexpectedly fun parts of our time there.
It’s not a traditional museum—it’s more of a mix between a zoo, botanical garden, and outdoor nature experience. You walk along desert paths and see animals, plants, and exhibits all set right into the natural environment.
It felt more like exploring the desert than visiting a museum—which made it perfect for kids.
🌵 Bonus Stop: Saguaro National Park
While we were in Tucson, we also visited Saguaro National Park. Seeing the giant cacti in person is one of those classic Arizona moments that feels completely different from the rest of the trip.
This was an easy add-on while staying in Tucson, and it gave our itinerary another national park stop without making the trip feel complicated. If your kids have never seen giant saguaros up close, this is absolutely worth building into your Tucson day.
The cactus views made this feel like a true Arizona stop.
☀️ Phoenix Stop: Arizona Grand Resort & Spa (Waterpark Break)
Before heading to Sedona, we made a stop in Phoenix—and this ended up being one of the most fun “reset days” of the entire trip.
If you’re flying into Arizona or road-tripping through, this is such a great place to recharge before jumping back into hiking and exploring.
The vibe here is relaxed, easy, and exactly what you want after a travel day—sun, water, and zero pressure to do anything except enjoy it.
The water park is massive—slides, a lazy river, wave pool—and the kids could have stayed here all day (and honestly… so could we).
• Massive on-site waterpark
• Perfect break between travel days
• Kid-approved (which matters most 😄)
• Easy, relaxing, and fun for everyone
At night, everything slows down. The palm trees, the warm air, the sunset—it’s one of those moments where you realize this stop wasn’t just convenient… it was part of the experience.
🍳 Where to Eat in Phoenix: The Brunch Snob
One of our favorite food stops in Phoenix was The Brunch Snob. After all the travel and activity, this was such a fun, relaxed place to sit down and enjoy a really good meal together.
The menu had a great mix of classic brunch favorites and more creative options, so it worked really well for both kids and adults. It’s one of those places where everyone finds something they love, and the portions are generous enough that no one leaves hungry.
• Family-friendly and relaxed atmosphere
• Great variety for picky and adventurous eaters
• Large portions (perfect after a travel day)
• Fun vibe that feels casual but still special
📍 Phoenix, Arizona
🌄 Sedona, Arizona with Kids: Red Rocks, Adventure & Unexpected Favorites
Sedona completely surprised us—in the best way. It’s one of those places where every turn looks like a postcard, but it’s also packed with things that actually keep kids engaged (which is not always the case with “pretty places”).
This ended up being one of our favorite stops on our Southwest road trip because it had the perfect mix of adventure, downtime, and those unexpected moments you don’t plan but end up remembering the most.
🥾 Kid-Friendly & Teen-Friendly Hikes in Sedona
Sedona is one of those places where the views show off almost immediately, which is exactly what you want when hiking with kids. You do not always need a long, intense trail to get the red rock magic. Some hikes are better for younger kids, while others are great for tweens and teens who can handle more climbing, uneven rocks, or longer distances.
Here are some of the Sedona hikes I would look at for families, depending on your kids’ ages, energy level, and how much adventure everyone is willing to tolerate before snacks become a personality trait.
Easy Sedona Hikes for Kids
🌵 Bell Rock Pathway
Best for: Families, younger kids, first-time Sedona visitors
Bell Rock Pathway is a great starter hike because you get big red rock views without needing to commit to a difficult climb. Kids can explore, take photos, and feel like they are “really hiking” without the trail becoming too much.
Why families like it: Easy access, great views, flexible distance, and lots of space to turn around whenever needed.
🌄 Fay Canyon Trail
Best for: Families wanting shade and an easier walk
Fay Canyon is a good option if you want a calmer trail with pretty scenery and less of a “scramble up rocks” feeling. It is one of the easier Sedona hikes to consider with kids.
Why families like it: More shade than many Sedona trails, beautiful canyon views, and a less intense hiking feel.
🧭 Baldwin Trail / Red Rock Crossing Area
Best for: Families wanting views without a huge climb
This area gives you beautiful red rock scenery and classic Sedona views without needing to tackle one of the harder trails. It is also a nice option if you want something scenic but not overly ambitious.
Why families like it: Pretty views, flexible exploring, and a good “low-stress” Sedona option.
💧 West Fork Trail
Best for: Families who want trees, shade, and a different Sedona vibe
West Fork feels different from the open red rock hikes because it has trees, shade, creek crossings, and a cooler canyon setting. It can be a great family hike if you want something scenic but less exposed to the sun.
Why families like it: Shade, water, canyon scenery, and a nice change from the desert heat.
Best Sedona Hikes for Tweens & Teens
🏜️ Devil’s Bridge Trail
Best for: Tweens, teens, and families who want the iconic photo
Devil’s Bridge is one of the most famous hikes in Sedona, and it is popular for a reason. The views are incredible, but it is also busier and more of a commitment than some of the easier family trails.
Good to know: Go early, bring plenty of water, and expect crowds near the bridge photo spot.
⛰️ Cathedral Rock Trail
Best for: Older kids and teens who like climbing
Cathedral Rock is beautiful, but it is more of a steep rock scramble than a casual walk. This is better for families with older kids or teens who are comfortable with climbing, heights, and uneven rock.
Good to know: Skip this one if your crew is tired, nervous with heights, or not wearing good shoes.
🌅 Airport Mesa / Airport Loop
Best for: Sunset views and older kids who can handle rocky paths
Airport Mesa is a great option for views, especially around sunset. You can keep it simple with the overlook area or make it more of a hike depending on how much time and energy you have.
Why teens like it: Big views, dramatic sunset potential, and great photo spots.
🪨 Soldier Pass Trail
Best for: Tweens and teens who want variety
Soldier Pass has a little bit of everything: red rocks, interesting formations, and a more adventurous feel. It is a good pick if your kids are past the “easy walk only” stage and want a trail that feels more memorable.
Good to know: Parking can be tricky, so plan ahead and go early.
Our Family Hiking Tips for Sedona
Family Travel Tip: Sedona hikes are gorgeous, but the sun, rocks, parking, and crowds can sneak up on you fast. Go early in the morning or later in the day, wear real shoes, pack more water than you think you need, and do not be afraid to choose the “short but scenic” option. With kids, the best hike is usually the one everyone finishes still speaking to each other.
🌵 Things to Do in Sedona with Kids
Slide Rock State Park was hands down one of the most fun stops of the entire trip. It’s basically a natural rock water slide carved into the red rocks.
It’s cold. It’s fast. It’s a little chaotic. And kids LOVE it.
We also loved exploring the creek areas and easy hiking trails. These were perfect for letting the kids climb, splash, and just explore without it feeling like a “serious hike.”
Sedona has a totally different kind of energy too. We stopped at a peaceful garden area with this huge Buddha statue, and it was such a quiet, unexpected break from all the activity.
And yes… we even ran into wildlife. This little guy showed up out of nowhere and instantly became one of those “only on vacation” moments.
🏨 Where to Stay in Sedona with Kids
We stayed at Hilton Vacation Club Los Abrigados Resort & Spa Sedona, and this ended up being such a great choice for our family.
After long days of hiking and exploring, it was the kind of place where the kids could keep having fun and we could actually relax a little—without planning another activity.
The built-in activities made this such an easy and fun place to stay with kids.
• Pool and hot tub for relaxing after hikes
• Mini golf and outdoor games on-site
• Walkable, spacious grounds for kids to explore
• Great central Sedona location
• Felt like more than just a place to sleep
Sedona ended up being one of those places we didn’t expect to love as much as we did. It had adventure, it had downtime, and it had those little moments—like random wildlife sightings and creek exploring—that ended up being the most memorable parts.
It’s definitely one of those “collect moments, not things” kind of stops.
🎒 What to Pack for This Southwest Road Trip
- Sunglasses and hats
- Reusable water bottles
- Comfortable hiking shoes
- Sand-friendly clothes for White Sands
- Swimsuits for resort days
- Light jackets for cooler evenings
- Phone chargers and road trip snacks
Ready to plan your own trip? These are the exact tools we use:
✨ Final Thoughts
This Southwest road trip surprised us in the best way. It wasn’t just one highlight—it was a mix of completely different experiences that somehow worked together perfectly.
One day we were walking deep inside caves, another day we were sledding down white sand dunes, and by the end we were hiking through red rocks and relaxing poolside.
If you’re looking for a family trip that blends national parks, unique stops, outdoor adventure, and a little resort relaxation, this Southwest route is absolutely worth considering.
Collect Moments 