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By Plane
Tucson International Airport (www.airtucson.com/airlines.htm) is served by 11 airlines, including United, Delta, and American, as well as smaller, budget airlines such as Southwest and America West. Non-stop service is available from more than a dozen cities, which are primarily located in the Western US, with connecting service available to over 120 destinations. Allow 1.5 hours from Los Angeles; 3.5 hours from Chicago; close to 4 hours from Atlanta; and about 6.5 hours from New York, with a layover.

Booking a round-trip flight is typically your cheapest option, but if you follow this road trip itinerary through to its Las Vegas terminus, you'll have to set aside time for the more than seven-hour drive back to Tucson from Las Vegas. When factoring in the time involved and the price of gas, the more logical option is to fly into Tucson and to fly out of Las Vegas – it's no problem to book two one-way tickets, but anticipate paying somewhat higher rates.

Car Rental
Unfortunately, there's no real viable alternative to having a car on this trip, as there is much to be desired in the public transportation systems in these parts, even in major metropolitan areas like Phoenix. Car rentals are available from major agencies in Tucson including Alamo, Avis, Budget, Thrifty, Dollar, and Hertz, among others, so finding a car to rent won't be very difficult. If possible, however, try to avoid renting one from the airport, as these car rental agencies usually tack on increased taxes and fees. Also, book well in advance, and shop around, to ensure that you lock in on the best rates. Some companies, for instance, will charge a drop-off fee for returning the car to a different location than the one you picked it up from. This must be considered if you're not planning on a round-trip journey.

WHEN TO GO:
Overall, when planning to visit many parts of the Southwest, spring and fall are your safest bet for ensuring that you won't melt in the desert or dodge snowstorms by the Grand Canyon.

Tucson and Phoenix can be downright treacherous in the summer heat, and although everybody from locals to in-the-know visitors will say, “But, it's a dry heat,” the truth of the matter is that standing under the sun in 105+ degrees weather is swelteringly hot, nonetheless. These areas are therefore best enjoyed from January to March, although spring and fall are quite lovely, as well. June through August will have you panting and seeking out AC – not the best way to explore the nature that you came to see. The desert is also prone to dramatic thunderstorms in late summer, which, while breathtakingly beautiful to observe, can be nail-bitingly frightful to drive through. Desert climates are known for changing dramatically between night and day, so be prepared for much cooler evenings.

As you move north, into more highly-elevated regions of Arizona, the weather cools off quite a bit. In Sedona, for instance, there's plenty of sunshine year round, but summers can be quite hot and winters have even seen snow. Spring is ideal, with the forest and desert plants in full bloom. Meanwhile, in the mountains that surround Flagstaff, peak season is exactly the opposite of that in the Phoenix desert area – summer is the most popular time to visit, when visitors arrive in droves to take on the outdoor pursuits offered by the nearby Grand Canyon. Bryce Canyon in Southern Utah experiences similar weather patterns.

Peak season in Las Vegas is generally spring and fall, when the weather is best. You'll get the biggest hotel discounts in off season – summer – when a USDA prime Porterhouse would broil on the sidewalk.

WHERE TO STAY
Keeping with the rugged Wild West atmosphere, you shouldn't expect too many bells and whistles when it comes to accommodations in the Southwest. Lodging, for the most part, is reasonably-priced and practical – if you want luxury you'll have to enjoy it sparingly, in the more metropolitan areas of Tucson, Scottsdale, or Las Vegas. As for the rest, you're looking at a lot of middle-of-the road chain hotels.

Tombstone/Tucson
If you're content with chain, the two good, reliable choices in Tombstone are the Holiday Inn Express (1001 N. AZ-80; 520/457-9507 or 800/465-4329; www.holidayinntombstone.com), one of the newest properties in town and styled with a bit of Southwest and Spanish-colonial flair, and the Best Western Lookout Lodge (801 N. AZ-80; 520/457-2223; www.bestwestern.com), where large guest rooms have views of the surrounding desert and mountains; both hotels offer complimentary breakfast, as well.

For hotels with character, you should consider staying overnight in Tucson, where there is a much wider and impressive variety of lodging options, including the charming 1930s-era Arizona Inn (2200 E. Elm St.; 520/325-1541 or 800/933-1093; www.arizonainn.com), situated on a 14-acre sanctuary in the midst of the city. This family-owned deluxe property exudes Old Arizona elegance, and boasts fine touches, like a piano bar, afternoon high tea in the library, and meticulously landscaped grounds. Another fine choice is the moderate 6-room Royal Elizabeth (204 S. Scott Ave.; 520/670-9022 or 877/670-9022; www.royalelizabeth.com), an intimate bed-and-breakfast set in a historical mansion on a quiet side street in downtown Tucson; the antique-filled rooms showcase traditional 19th-century Tuscon décor and rates also include full breakfast.

Phoenix/Scottsdale
Phoenix and Scottsdale abound with spectacular oasis-in-the-desert accommodations, some of which are so downright fabulous that you half expect them to be a mirage. Scottsdale's extensive repertoire of luxurious hotels comes complete with on-site spas, tennis courts, and golf courses – many of which are ideally situated in breathtaking natural settings. If you're able to splurge on some extravagant creature comforts, head straight to the swank Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain (5700 E. McDonald Dr.; 480/948-2100 or 800/245-2051; www.sanctuaryoncamelback.com), situated on a 53-acre property in the northern reaches of the area's iconic Camelback Mountain. 98 quaint casitas provide personal quarters designed to blend in with their desert environment; there's also a mountain-side pool and an Asian-inspired spa. Another good luxury option is The Phoenician (6000 E. Camelback Rd.; 800/888-8234; www.thephoenician.com), arguably the king of local resorts, sprawling over 250 acres of landscaped grounds at the foot of Camelback Mountain, with a magnificent marbled lounge, bubbling fountains, a multi-million dollar painting collection, and some truly unforgettable views of the surrounding Valley of the Sun.

For value lodging, don't overlook the Doubletree Guest Suites Phoenix-Gateway Center (320 North 44th St.; 602/225-0500; www.doubletree.com), a centrally-located, modern property with guest rooms on lovely grounds, a complimentary breakfast buffet, and free 24-hour shuttle service from the airport. Scenesters may be more inclined to check out the uber-trendy Scottsdale-based James Hotel (7353 E. Indian School Rd.; 480/308-1100 or 888/500-8080; www.jameshotel.com), where lots of high-tech goodies like plasma TVs, DVDs, and Wi-Fi complement the happening on-site lounge and restaurant. The James is just a short stroll from the arts district and surrounding nightlife, for those who want to be near the action.

If you prefer to dish out your bucks somewhere other than your hotel, there are some comfortable and clean budget choices, as well. Try the studio-style rooms at Phoenix's Extended Stay Deluxe Phoenix/Biltmore (5235 N. 16th St.; 602/265-6800; www.extendedstaydeluxe.com), where discounts are offered to those planning lengthy stays. The Sleep Inn Airport (2621 S. 47th Pl; 480/967-7100; www.choicehotels.com) is also a remarkably cost-efficient option, located near the airport, and offering up such perks as free airport shuttle service and complimentary breakfast.

Sedona
The Enchantment Resort (525 Boynton Canyon Rd.; 928/282-2900 or 800/826-4180; www.enchantmentresort.com) is the ultimate accommodation for those seeking a luxurious getaway in the midst of Sedona's red-rock bliss. Situated at the mouth of the Boynton Canyon, it offers individual pueblo-style casitas, fine on-site restaurants, and the world-class Mii Amo spa.

A good value option is the Amara Creekside Resort (310 N. Hwy. 89A; 928/282-4828 or 866/455-6610; www.amararesort.com), featuring terrific views of the surrounding red-rock country and the nearby Oak Creek – best of all, all guest rooms have balconies or terraces to take it all in from. As a relative newbie on the scene (opened in the summer of 2003), this boutique hotel has attracted a hip clientele, drawn by its modern and artsy interior, astounding views, and prime location. Another fine choice is The Lodge at Sedona (125 Kallof Pl; 928/204-1942 or 800/619-4467; www.thelodgeatsedona.com), a distinctive mission-style, luxury B & B, equipped with 15 rooms on 3 secluded acres with spectacular views, trickling fountains, a meditative labyrinth, and massage therapy on-site.

Budget travelers should consider a stay at the comfortable Matterhorn Inn, (230 Apple Ave.; 928/282-7176 or 800/372-8207; www.matterhornlodge.com), conveniently located near shops and restaurants, and offering panoramic views from its Uptown Sedona location. Also noteworthy is the charming Forest Houses Resort (9275 N. Hwy. 89A; 928/282-2999; www.foresthousesresort.com), built along the banks of Oak Creek, just outside of town. Set up camp in one of these artistically designed cabins and enjoy peace and quiet (there are no phones or TVs here), and terrace canyon views.

Flagstaff/Route 66
If Flagstaff has struck your fancy, there's no better place to linger overnight than in the Little America Hotel and Towers (2515 East Butler Ave.; 800/865-1401; www.flagstaff.littleamerica.com), a moderately priced property with a lot to offer: 500-acres of surrounding pine forest, a rustic lodge, rooms with small balconies, and one of the town's better restaurants. Following Route 66 through to Winslow, you may opt to pull off to one of the state's top historic hotels, La Posada Resort (303 E. Second St.; 928/289-4366; www.laposada.org), a Spanish hacienda-style 1930s hotel, that once hosted a slew of important guests (including Einstein and Howard Hughes who now have guest rooms named after them). For the ultimate in kitsch Route 66, bed down in a concrete teepee at the WigWam Motel (811 W. Hopi Dr.; 928/524-3048; www.galerie-kokopelli.com/wigwam), in Holbrook; this relic from the Mother Road's glory days has unique, albeit clean and basic accommodations with somewhat lumpy beds that are worth sleeping in just for boasting privileges.

Navajo Nation
The amazing natural beauty found on the Navajo reservation often persuades travelers to stick around a while. While there aren't any luxurious accommodations to speak of, there are some more-than-comfortable lodging options located in close proximity to several of the major sights. For plans that include a stay over in the Canyon de Chelly vicinity, hit up the Thunderbird Lounge (800/679-2473; www.tbirdlodge.com), an adobe-style building in Chinle, at the mouth of the breathtaking canyon – and the closest hotel to it. For lingerers in the Monument Valley area, the irrefutable first choice is the Goulding's Lodge (435/727-3231 or 800/679-2473; www.gouldings.com), the only property actually located within the valley: the Southwest-themed rooms offer private balconies with sweeping views. Just a few miles to the south of Monument Valley, you can also find comfortable and mid-priced rooms in some big-name chain hotels in the town of Kayenta; a recent newcomer is Hampton Inn (Hwy. 160; 928/697-3170; http://hamptoninn.hilton.com).

Bryce Canyon
Bryce Canyon Lodge (435/834-5361; closed Nov-March; www.brycecanyonlodge.com) is the only lodging option situated within the park itself. The lodge's motel units provide simple accommodations with a tasteful Southwest motif, while the suites offer a bit more luxury – there are also some historic, rustic cabins with working fireplaces. Just at the park's entrance, the large Ruby's Inn (1000 S. UT-63; 435/834-5341 or or 866/866-6616; www.rubysinn.com), is a bustling property jam-packed with amenities; a fireplace crackles in the lobby, hikers congregate throughout the day, and indoor and outdoor swimming pools are at your disposal. Book early, because reservations tend to book up well in advance for both highly-convenient properties.

Grand Canyon Village
The best lodging choices for your Grand Canyon visit are found right along the South Rim, where the Grand Canyon Village plays host to some truly charming and rustic accommodations. Our favorite and, happily, highly economical choice is the Bright Angel Lodge (South Rim; 928/638-2631; www.grandcanyonlodges.com), built by the legendary Fred Harvey Company and designed by renowned canyon architect Mary E. J. Colter. Lodge accommodations are clean and comfortable, but you may have to share bathrooms; quaint cabins also can be rented. If you're planning to hike to the canyon floor or head out on a Colorado River rafting trip, the only non-camping accommodation at the base of the massive gorge is the legendary Phantom Ranch (888/297-2757; www.grandcanyonlodges.com) that tends to get booked more than a year ahead of time – plan ahead. If you can't get a room within the Grand Canyon Village itself, or prefer more modernized amenities, some accommodations are available a few miles south of the national park in the town of Tusayan; try the Grand Canyon Squire Inn (Hwy. 64; 928/638-2681 or 800/622-6966; www.grandcanyonsquire.com), replete with large guest rooms, tennis courts, and even an on-site bowling alley.

For where to stay in Las Vegas see the Making it Happen section of our Las Vegas Spotlight.

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High Season
Tucson: January–March
Phoenix: January–March
Sedona: March–May; September–October
Grand Canyon: June–August
Bryce Canyon: June–August
Las Vegas: March–May; September–October

Low Season
Tucson: June–August
Phoenix: June–August
Sedona: June-August
Grand Canyon: January–March
Bryce Canyon: January–March
Las Vegas: June–August

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• Touring Sedona by Jeep

• The scenic drive in Petrified Forest National Park

• Monument Valley at sunset

• Hiking the Queen’s Trail at Bryce Canyon

• Looking over the Grand Canyon

• Strolling “The Strip” in Las Vegas

See Phoenix Travel Guide | See Las Vegas Travel Guide | See Sedona Travel Guide | See Utah Travel Guide | See Grand Canyon Travel GuideSee American Southwest Travel Guide