Filed Under:   Sample Itineraries

7-Day Southwest Adventure: New Mexico, Colorado & Arizona

By Jeff Lowe • December 6, 2025

7-Day Southwest Adventure: New Mexico, Colorado & Arizona

A weeklong road trip through the Southwest is one of the best ways to experience the region’s landscapes, cultures, and small-town charm in a single loop.

This itinerary blends major national parks with quieter local gems, so the journey never feels repetitive. You’ll go from desert mesas to high mountain passes to sandstone canyons, all without rushing constantly between stops.

This 7-day route through New Mexico, Colorado, and Arizona creates a circle that’s easy to follow and full of variety. It’s perfect if you want sweeping views, hands-on history, and those glowing desert sunsets everyone talks about.

Let’s break it down day by day with practical tips and can’t-miss highlights, so you can easily scan, plan, and make the most of your Southwest adventure.

Day 1: Arrive in Albuquerque, New Mexico

So your adventure starts in Albuquerque, a relaxed and welcoming gateway to the Southwest. The city mixes Native, Hispanic, and modern influences in a way that gives you a little bit of everything. Plus, it’s easy to navigate after a long flight or drive, which always helps.

Top Things to Do in Albuquerque

  • Sandia Peak Tramway – Panoramic views from above the city

  • Old Town Albuquerque – Walkable, historic, and full of little shops

  • Indian Pueblo Cultural Center – Exhibits and cultural presentations

  • Petroglyph National Monument – Short trails with ancient rock carvings

Don’t Miss

  • Ordering green or red chile (or Christmas-style) on at least one meal

  • Watching the sunset from the Sandia foothills — the colors here really pop

Take this day slow, enjoy the desert air, and get ready for a scenic week ahead.

Day 2: Santa Fe & the High Road to Taos

Heading north, the scenery changes fast. Santa Fe’s adobe buildings, vibrant markets, and artsy atmosphere feel instantly different from Albuquerque. It’s one of those cities that’s fun to explore even if you have no plan at all.

What to See in Santa Fe

  • Santa Fe Plaza – The heart of downtown

  • Georgia O’Keeffe Museum – Focused, inspiring, easy to enjoy in under two hours

  • Canyon Road – Dozens of art galleries in a single stretch

  • Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis – Historic landmark with beautiful architecture

After lunch, take the High Road to Taos, a scenic route through rural villages and forested hills.

Stops Along the High Road

  • Santuario de Chimayó – A famous pilgrimage site

  • Truchas – Small, quiet mountain village with great photo spots

  • Las Trampas – Historic adobe church and classic Northern New Mexico scenery

When you reach Taos, the pace slows again — in the best way possible.

Don’t Miss

  • Popping into a local Taos café for a pastry or hot drink

  • Wandering Taos Plaza during golden hour

Day 3: Taos Pueblo, Rio Grande Gorge & Into Colorado

Day 3 packs a lot into a fairly short distance. Wake early, because Taos mornings feel crisp, quiet, and almost cinematic.

Essential Stops

  • Taos Pueblo – UNESCO World Heritage Site with centuries of living history

  • Rio Grande Gorge Bridge – One of the highest bridges in the U.S.; unbelievable views

  • Earthship Community (optional) – Off-grid sustainable homes made from earth and recycled materials

Once you explore the area, head north toward Colorado. You can overnight in Alamosa for a simple stop or continue to Pagosa Springs if you want hot springs and mountain scenery.

If You Choose Pagosa Springs

  • Soak in natural mineral hot springs

  • Walk along the river trail

  • Grab dinner at one of the casual local breweries

Don’t Miss

  • Taking a few minutes to walk across the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge

  • Pulling over for photos — the high desert views here are spectacular

Day 4: Mesa Verde National Park & Durango

Mesa Verde is one of the most impressive archaeological sites in the country, and it’s a completely different experience from the natural wonders on this loop.

Best Things to See in Mesa Verde

  • Cliff Palace Overlook – Iconic and easy to reach

  • Spruce Tree House Viewpoint – Great for quick photos

  • Mesa Top Loop Road – Several viewpoints, minimal walking required

  • Ranger-led cliff dwelling tours – For travelers who want a more immersive experience

Keep in mind: some tours involve ladders, narrow passages, and uneven stone steps.

After the park, continue to Durango, a lively Western town with plenty of food and nightlife.

Fun Things to Do in Durango

  • Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad (seasonal)

  • Durango Hot Springs (optional alternative if you skipped Pagosa)

  • Main Avenue shops and restaurants

  • Local breweries with patio seating

Don’t Miss

  • Driving Mesa Top Loop around late afternoon — the lighting on the cliff dwellings is amazing

Day 5: Monument Valley & Navajo Nation Scenery

Today brings classic desert scenery as you cross into the Navajo Nation. You’ll notice the shift in terrain almost immediately — wide open, red, and dramatic.

Top Highlights Around Monument Valley

  • The 17-mile Valley Drive – Self-guided route with major viewpoints

  • Navajo-guided tour – Access to restricted areas and deeper stories

  • Forrest Gump Point on Highway 163 – Iconic roadside photo stop

  • Mystery Valley (guided only) – Less crowded, equally beautiful rock formations

Photography Tips

  • Monument Valley is best early morning or late afternoon

  • Dust can be part of the experience — bring a lens cloth

  • Wide-angle lenses work best for the towering buttes

Choose lodging in Kayenta, Mexican Hat, or near the valley depending on your pace.

Don’t Miss

  • Staying out for sunset — the rock formations catch fire with color

  • Trying fry bread or Navajo tacos at a local café

Day 6: Grand Canyon National Park

No matter how many photos you’ve seen, nothing prepares you for the first real look at the Grand Canyon. The scale is unreal.

Best South Rim Viewpoints

  • Desert View Watchtower – Excellent arrival point from the east

  • Mather Point – Popular but stunning

  • Lipan Point – Great for photography

  • Yavapai Point – Good mix of views and nearby facilities

Easy Trails

  • South Rim Trail – Flat, accessible, and scenic anywhere along it

  • Trail of Time – Educational markers and canyon views

More Challenging Option

  • South Kaibab Trail to Ooh Aah Point – Steep but manageable with plenty of water

Don’t Miss

  • Arriving at Desert View early — sunrise here feels almost otherworldly

  • Checking the shuttle schedule if you want to hop between viewpoints

Spend the night in Tusayan or Williams for an easy departure the next morning.

Day 7: Route 66, Meteor Crater & Back to Albuquerque

Your final day winds across northern Arizona with a few fun, quirky stops before closing the loop.

Optional Stops Along the Way

  • Historic Route 66 in Williams – Neon signs, diners, vintage charm

  • Meteor Crater – Massive impact site with a dramatic rim overlook

  • Twin Arrows Trading Post Ruins – Quick roadside photo stop (if desired)

  • Winslow – Popular “Standin’ on the Corner” photo spot

From here, the highway takes you back toward Albuquerque through open desert and volcanic landscapes.

Don’t Miss

  • One last look at the high desert before you descend toward Albuquerque

  • Picking up a bag of roasted green chile if it’s harvest season

By the time you roll back into town, you’ll have covered three states, several ecosystems, and some of the most iconic scenery in the Southwest.

Extra Tips for a Smooth Southwest Loop

Here’s where a little planning goes a long way:

Packing Essentials

  • Layers for daytime heat and cool nights

  • A refillable water bottle

  • Sunscreen and a hat

  • Comfortable walking shoes

  • A backup phone charger

  • Lip balm and lotion (the air is incredibly dry)

Driving & Safety Tips

  • Fuel up before long stretches

  • Watch for wildlife at dawn and dusk

  • Download offline maps — cell service can drop unexpectedly

  • Keep snacks handy (you’ll thank yourself in Monument Valley)

Cultural Respect

  • Follow posted guidelines at sites like Taos Pueblo

  • Ask before photographing people

  • Support local artisans when possible

Final Thoughts Before You Hit the Road

This 7-day Southwest loop blends natural wonders with cultural depth, scenic drives with slow moments, and famous parks with lesser-known gems. By building a flexible pace and adding in a few optional stops, you get a route that feels full without ever feeling rushed. The best part? Every day brings something visually different, so the trip stays fresh from start to finish.

And who knows — after seeing so many landscapes and historic sites packed into one loop, you might already be planning your return. Would you change anything about the route, or does this seem like your kind of road trip?