Here are the desert destinations in the USA, chosen for American travellers. Red rocks, dunes and starry skies: America’s deserts are spectacular from fall to spring.
Desert destinations in the USA
1. Sedona
Sedona is surrounded by red-rock buttes, canyons and trails, known for hiking, jeep tours, spas and spiritual retreats. Read our Sedona travel guide.
- Best time: March to May and September to November
- Getting there: About 2 hours to the Grand Canyon South Rim
- Don’t miss: Cathedral Rock, Devil’s Bridge and Bell Rock
- Mid-range hotels: $260–450 a night
2. Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree is where two deserts meet, with spiky Joshua trees, giant boulders and some of the best stargazing in Southern California. Read our Joshua Tree National Park travel guide.
- Best time: October to April
- Getting there: About 2.5 hours from Los Angeles; 1 hour from Palm Springs
- Don’t miss: Hidden Valley, Cholla Cactus Garden and Keys View
- Mid-range hotels: $180–300 a night
3. Moab (Arches and Canyonlands)
Moab is the gateway to Arches and Canyonlands national parks, with red-rock arches, mesas and world-class mountain biking and off-roading. Read our Moab (Arches and Canyonlands) travel guide.
- Best time: March to May and September to October
- Getting there: About 4 hours from Salt Lake City; 1.5 hours from Grand Junction
- Don’t miss: Delicate Arch, Arches timed entry and Mesa Arch
- Mid-range hotels: $180–300 a night
4. Zion National Park
Zion is a canyon of soaring sandstone walls in southern Utah, famous for Angels Landing, The Narrows and its shuttle-only scenic drive. Read our Zion National Park travel guide.
- Best time: March to May and September to November
- Getting there: About 2.5 hours from Las Vegas; 1.5 hours to Bryce Canyon
- Don’t miss: Angels Landing, The Narrows and Zion Canyon Scenic Drive
- Mid-range hotels: $180–300 a night
Gear up for the trail
- Best hiking and camping gear BuyrSkip
Trekking poles, headlamps, hydration packs and layers for park trails. - Smartwatches with GPS and altitude tracking VerdictFox
GPS, altitude and heart-rate tracking are genuinely useful on big park hikes. - Outdoor gear picks Buyzello
Headlamps, multi-tools and camping essentials for park trips.
Partner links: these go to our sister review sites, which may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
5. Santa Fe
Santa Fe, founded in 1610, is the oldest state capital in the US, known for adobe architecture, art galleries and New Mexican cuisine. Read our Santa Fe travel guide.
- Best time: September to October; December for festive luminarias
- Getting there: About 1 hour from Albuquerque
- Don’t miss: Santa Fe Plaza, Canyon Road and Georgia O’Keeffe Museum
- Mid-range hotels: $180–300 a night
6. Scottsdale
Scottsdale is a sunny desert resort city near Phoenix, known for golf, spas, Old Town nightlife and Sonoran Desert hikes. Read our Scottsdale travel guide.
- Best time: October to April
- Getting there: About 2 hours to Sedona
- Don’t miss: Old Town Scottsdale, Camelback Mountain and Taliesin West
- Mid-range hotels: $260–450 a night
7. Grand Canyon National Park
The Grand Canyon is a mile-deep, 277-mile-long gorge carved by the Colorado River, one of the most awe-inspiring sights on Earth. Read our Grand Canyon National Park travel guide.
- Best time: March to May and September to November
- Getting there: About 1.5 hours from Flagstaff; 4.5 hours from Las Vegas; 3.5–4 hours from Phoenix
- Don’t miss: South Rim viewpoints, Bright Angel Trail and Desert View Watchtower
- Mid-range hotels: $180–300 a night
8. Las Vegas
Las Vegas is the entertainment capital of the world: mega-resorts, headline shows, celebrity-chef restaurants and round-the-clock energy on the Strip. It is also a superb base for desert day trips to Red Rock Canyon, Hoover Dam and the Grand Canyon. Read our Las Vegas travel guide.
- Best time: March to May and September to November
- Getting there: About 4–5 hours from Los Angeles; 4.5 hours from the Grand Canyon South Rim
- Don’t miss: The Strip, Fremont Street Experience and Sphere
- Mid-range hotels: $180–300 a night
9. Death Valley, California
The hottest, driest national park; visit in winter.
10. White Sands, New Mexico
Gypsum dunes.
Desert safety
Carry plenty of water and avoid midday summer hikes.
How to choose
Start with when you can travel and how you like to spend your days. Some destinations on this list shine in summer, others in shoulder season; some suit active travellers, others are made for slow days and good food. Pick one or two that match your style rather than trying to see everything, and read the linked guides for timing, costs and where to stay.
How we chose
We picked destinations that consistently impress first-time and returning visitors, balanced famous names with lesser-known gems, and considered access, value, seasonality and the quality of the experience on the ground. Prices, opening dates and reservation rules change, so confirm the details before booking.
Planning tips for your trip
- ID for flights: Domestic flights require a REAL ID-compliant licence or another accepted ID such as a passport. See our guide to REAL ID and TSA rules.
- Money: Sales tax is added at the register and varies by state and city; tipping 18–20% at sit-down restaurants is expected.
- Insurance: Your health plan may have limited out-of-network cover in another state, and trip-cancellation cover is worth having for expensive bookings, especially in hurricane season.
- Driving: Most visitors drive; rental cars are widely available, and a US licence is all you need. Gas prices vary widely by state; California and Hawaii are usually the most expensive.
- Saving money: our budget vacation and cheapest places to travel guides have dozens of practical ideas.
What a trip costs
Typical spending per person per day, excluding flights:
| Travel style | Per person per day | Covers |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $120–$180 | motel or hostel, casual meals, self-drive or transit |
| Mid-range | $250–$400 | good hotel, sit-down meals, some tours |
| Luxury | $600–$1,200 | resort or boutique hotel, fine dining, private tours |
Prices rise in peak season and on holiday weekends, and fall sharply in the shoulder seasons.
Travelling responsibly
Follow Leave No Trace principles: stay on marked trails, pack out everything you bring in, and never feed wildlife. Support locally owned restaurants, guides and shops, and visit popular places early or late to spread out the crowds. In busy parks, use shuttles where they exist to cut traffic and parking pressure.
Safety basics
Carry water and layers on outdoor outings, check weather and road conditions before long drives, and tell someone your plans in remote areas, where mobile coverage can be patchy. In cities, use normal precautions with valuables at night. The emergency number is 911.
Travel tech we recommend
- Best travel cameras BuyrSkip
Canyons, coastlines and city skylines reward a camera with great dynamic range. - Best action cameras for adventure travel BuyrSkip
Film snorkelling, ziplines and mountain biking hands-free.
Partner links: these go to our sister review sites, which may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best choice on this list?
It depends on your travel style, but Sedona is a standout for most travellers.
When should I go?
Most of these destinations are best in spring and fall, when crowds are lighter and prices lower.
How many days do I need?
Plan at least two to three days per destination.
Are these good for families?
Most are; check each guide for family tips.
How much should I budget?
Mid-range travellers typically spend $250–$400 per person per day.
Plan the rest of your trip
- Sedona Travel Guide: Red Rock Hikes and Vortex Sites
- Joshua Tree Travel Guide: Hikes, Climbing and Stargazing
- Moab Travel Guide: Arches, Canyonlands and Adventures
- Zion National Park Travel Guide: Angels Landing, The Narrows and Tips
- How to Plan a Budget Vacation in the USA: 25 Money-Saving Tips