We picked up our rental car at the Port of Los Angeles at 10 a.m. and didn’t stop moving for ten days. In March 2025, we covered 3,000 miles through desert, canyon, neon lights, and redwood forests — from LA through Arizona, Nevada, and back up the California coast. By the time we returned the car — slightly late, slightly stressed, and completely satisfied — it had cost us roughly $3,800 for four people including flights from Riga.
Here’s exactly how we did it, what surprised us, and what we’d skip next time.
Quick Trip Overview
| Duration | 10 days |
| Total distance | ~3,000 miles |
| Travelers | 4 adults |
| Car | 2023 Chevrolet Tahoe (rented via Turo) |
| Flights | Riga → Istanbul → Los Angeles (Turkish Airlines) |
| Best time to go | March (crowds manageable, weather good except Sequoia) |
| Total cost (4 people) | ~$3,800 + €610 flights |
Day 1: Los Angeles to Kingman, Arizona
We picked up the car from the Port of Los Angeles — we’d just finished a Mexican Riviera cruise — and immediately stopped at the first big-box store outside the city. Water, snacks, dry food, road essentials. Prices were noticeably cheaper than back home in Latvia.
The drive to Kingman took us through Joshua Tree National Park and across open desert, where cattle herds appeared from nowhere on the roadside. We took a detour onto Route 66 — the old highway that runs parallel to the interstate. The speed limits are lower, but the authentic diners and roadside Americana are worth the extra time.
Kingman is a classic small Route 66 town. We found a motel with a four-person room (two king beds), walked around to see the old trains, and called it an early night.
💡 In the US, always book a four-person room instead of two double rooms. The price is often the same, but you get significantly more space for your money.
Day 2: Kingman → Grand Canyon West Rim → Flagstaff
Up at 7, on the road by 8 — this became our rhythm for most of the trip.
Grand Canyon West Rim: What to Know Before You Go
The Grand Canyon West Rim is about 90 minutes from Kingman. One important thing to know: this is not a national park. It’s privately operated by the Hualapai Tribe, which means your America the Beautiful pass is not valid here. Entrance costs $69 per person. The Skywalk (the glass-bottomed bridge) is an extra $20 — we skipped it based on advice from friends, and we don’t regret it.
We toured the rim by shuttle bus. The views of the canyon and the Colorado River far below are genuinely impressive, even if the West Rim is the less dramatic of the two.
💡 The America the Beautiful pass ($80/vehicle for up to 4 adults) is only valid in federally managed national parks — not at the Grand Canyon West Rim, Horseshoe Bend, or similar privately managed sites.
Day 3: Flagstaff → Grand Canyon South Rim → Page
South Rim vs West Rim: Which Is Better?
The South Rim is the version most people picture when they think of the Grand Canyon — and for good reason. This is where we used our America the Beautiful pass for the first time. We left the car in the main lot and took the shuttle bus system, which has four routes covering the whole accessible rim. Since it was early March, the northern section was still closed for the season. We took the bus to the farthest open point, then walked back along the rim trail with our hiking poles.
Horseshoe Bend: Worth the $10?
Just before Page, we stopped at Horseshoe Bend — the famous spot where the Colorado River curves back on itself into a near-perfect circle. There’s a $10 per car fee. It’s worth every cent. The drive itself from the South Rim to Page is half the experience — the landscape shifts constantly through vast, strange terrain completely unlike anything in Europe.
💡 Arrive at South Rim early — the parking lots fill up fast, even in early spring.
Day 4: Page to Las Vegas
Four hours of driving, and then suddenly: casinos. The transition from desert emptiness to the Las Vegas Strip is genuinely disorienting in the best possible way.
We stopped at an outlet mall on the way in — honestly, prices were unremarkable and we didn’t buy anything. Our accommodation, however, was a genuinely good find: Las Vegas GetAways at the Jockey Club, an apartment right on the Strip. It has a full kitchen, reasonable pricing compared to the big hotels, and it’s steps from the fountain show at the Bellagio
💡 Las Vegas GetAways at the Jockey Club — great value for the location and kitchen access. Much better than Strip hotels for a two-night stay.
Day 5: Las Vegas + Hoover Dam
A slower morning. We had breakfast at the apartment using groceries from the large supermarket we’d found outside the city — American big-box stores outside downtown areas are consistently cheaper and better stocked than anything near the Strip.
Hoover Dam: Free to Visit and Worth Every Minute
In the afternoon, we drove 40 minutes to Hoover Dam. No entrance fee to walk across and around the dam itself — just pay for parking. The scale of it is hard to grasp until you’re standing on it: the Colorado River, the canyon walls, the sheer wall of concrete holding it all back. Back in Las Vegas in the evening, we tried our luck at the Paris Casino. I’m not usually lucky at casinos. This time I won $15, which felt like a personal milestone
Day 6: Las Vegas → Death Valley → Kernville
Is Death Valley Worth the Drive?
Long driving day — about 6 hours total. Death Valley is exactly what it sounds like: flat, vast, and relentlessly brown. Some of the lookout points were closed due to road conditions. We stopped at a few viewpoints and kept moving. Honestly? We wouldn’t go back. If you’re driving through, it’s worth a look, but it’s not a destination in itself.
⚠️ Never drive through Death Valley in summer. Temperatures regularly exceed 120°F (49°C) and breakdowns in that heat can be life-threatening.
As the elevation rose toward Sequoia, everything changed — greener, cooler, more familiar. We followed the road along Lake Isabella, which is genuinely scenic. We ended the night in Kernville, a small fishing town with a river running through it. Unexpectedly charming.
Day 7: Kernville → Sequoia National Park → Morro Bay
The Honest Truth About Sequoia’s Mountain Roads
Sequoia is 2.5 hours from Kernville — not because of the distance, but because the road twists upward relentlessly through hairpin after hairpin. On the way up, we passed enormous orange groves and couldn’t resist stopping to pick a couple. They were extraordinary.
We showed our America the Beautiful pass at the gate and continued climbing. This is where things went sideways. The road never stops winding. Our large SUV was burning through fuel at an alarming rate on the ascent, and one of us started feeling genuinely carsick. We made a group decision: turn around. We didn’t see the giant sequoias. We’re not going to pretend otherwise.
Since we were ahead of schedule, we pushed through to Morro Bay on the Pacific coast — about three hours away. We watched the sunset from the beach, had dinner at a local tavern ($15 per person — the cheapest sit-down meal of the trip), and slept well.
Day 8: Morro Bay → Santa Barbara → Los Angeles
The Pacific Coast Highway: One of the Best Drives in the US
The coastal highway between Morro Bay and Los Angeles is one of the most beautiful drives we’ve ever done. Four hours along the Pacific, with the ocean on one side and rolling hills on the other. We stopped in Santa Barbara to walk out on the pier — worth the 20-minute detour.
As we got closer to LA, the lanes multiplied and the traffic thickened. An accident had blocked three of five lanes, and we hit a serious jam. We were 30 minutes late returning the rental car. Everything worked out, but build buffer time into your LA driving plans. That evening, we settled into our rental cottage in Redondo Beach — one of the safer, cleaner, more pleasant neighborhoods in the LA area. Friday night on the pier: bars busy, fresh oysters at $4–8 each. No regrets.
Days 9–10: Los Angeles
Honest Assessment: Is Los Angeles Worth Extra Days?
Public transport here isn’t practical or safe for tourists — you need a car for everything. We ticked off the Hollywood Sign and the Walk of Fame in a single morning. The city center is forward-looking in a specific way: in the space of five minutes we spotted a driverless taxi, a food-delivery robot, and a Cybertruck. But it doesn’t add up to a place that rewards slow exploration on foot.
Redondo Beach was the highlight of our LA days — good beaches, friendly locals, and the best oysters of the entire trip ($4–8 each, eaten at the pier).
Full Cost Breakdown: 10-Day Southwest Road Trip for 4 People
| Expense | Cost | Notes |
| Flights (Riga → LA return, Turkish Airlines) | €479/person | Via Istanbul |
| Car rental — 2023 Chevrolet Tahoe (Turo) | $1,216.50 | 10 days |
| Travel insurance | €130.59 | For the group |
| Hotel — LA, Studio 6 San Pedro (1 night, 4p) | €126.24 | Near the port |
| Hotel — Kingman, Arizona Inn (1 night, 4p) | $91.60 | |
| Hotel — Flagstaff, Budget Inn (1 night, 4p) | $81.05 | |
| Hotel — Page, Clarion Inn with breakfast (1 night, 4p) | $120.47 | |
| Apartment — Las Vegas Strip, Jockey Club (2 nights, 2p) | $234 | With kitchen |
| Hotel — Kernville, Sequoia Lodge (1 night, 4p) | $161.70 | |
| Hotel — Morro Bay, Holland Inn & Suites (1 night, 4p) | $153.54 | |
| Cottage — Redondo Beach (2 nights, 4p) | €707.11 | |
| Gas (10 days) | ~$450 | $6/gal CA, $3/gal AZ |
| Grand Canyon West Rim entry (per person) | $69 | NOT covered by ATB pass |
| America the Beautiful pass | $80 | Per vehicle, up to 4 adults |
| Horseshoe Bend entry | $10 | Per car |
| Dinners (average) | $15–30/person | |
| Oysters, Redondo Beach pier | $4–8 each |
Approximate total for 4 people: ~$3,800 + €1,916 in flights (€479 × 4). Per person: roughly $950 + €479 in flights.
5 Practical Tips for a Southwest USA Road Trip
1. Plan the route, but stay flexible. Distances are long, road closures happen, and some of the best moments come from unplanned stops (hello, Kernville). Leave space in your itinerary.
2. Know where your America the Beautiful pass works. It covers federally managed national parks and recreation areas — but NOT the Grand Canyon West Rim, Horseshoe Bend, or other privately operated sites. Buy it at your first national park stop.
3. Don’t overthink motels. Clean, cheap, and perfectly functional for a road trip. Four-person rooms (two king beds) are common and cost the same as a double — always ask for one if you’re a group of four.
4. Book accommodation same-day where possible. Outside Las Vegas and peak season, we booked every motel on the day we needed it and always got a fair rate. Las Vegas is the exception — book ahead.
5. Fill up with gas in Arizona, not California. We paid $3/gallon in Arizona and $6/gallon in California. In a large SUV over 10 days, that difference adds up to a significant amount. Fill the tank before crossing into California.
FAQ: Southwest USA Road Trip from Los Angeles
How much does a 10-day road trip from Los Angeles cost for 4 people?
For our group of four, the total came to roughly $3,800 plus flights. That includes car rental, all accommodation, gas, entrance fees, and food. The biggest single cost was the car rental ($1,216 for a large SUV via Turo for 10 days). Per person, budget around $950 in-trip costs plus your flights.
Is the America the Beautiful pass worth it for this route?
Yes, if you’re visiting the Grand Canyon South Rim and at least one other national park. The pass costs $80 per vehicle and covers up to 4 adults — it paid for itself on the first stop. Just remember it does not cover the Grand Canyon West Rim or Horseshoe Bend.
Grand Canyon West Rim vs South Rim — which should you visit?
Both if you can. The West Rim is closer to Las Vegas and Kingman, has fewer crowds, and offers a different perspective. The South Rim has more dramatic views, better infrastructure, and a full shuttle system. We preferred the South Rim. If you only have time for one, go South.
Is Death Valley worth visiting on a road trip?
As a drive-through, yes — the landscape is surreal and unlike anywhere else. As a destination in itself, probably not, unless you’re a desert enthusiast. Never visit in summer; temperatures regularly exceed 120°F (49°C).
What’s the best area to stay in Los Angeles?
For a road trip ending in LA, we’d recommend Redondo Beach — it’s safe, walkable, close to the beach, and much more relaxed than central LA. Don’t rely on public transport.
Is Sequoia National Park accessible in a standard road trip itinerary?
It depends on your vehicle and your tolerance for mountain roads. The access road involves relentless switchbacks, and a large SUV burns fuel fast on the climb. If anyone in your group is prone to motion sickness, factor that in. We turned around — and we’re telling you honestly so you can decide.
Verdict: Is a Southwest USA Road Trip Worth It?
Yes — with realistic expectations.
This isn’t a trip where you linger. You’re covering serious ground every day, and the distances are genuinely long. But the variety is extraordinary: canyon, desert, neon city, redwood forest, ocean coast — all in ten days, all reachable from a single rental car pickup in Los Angeles.
The Grand Canyon South Rim and the coastal drive from Morro Bay to LA were the clear highlights. Las Vegas delivered exactly what it promised. Death Valley and Sequoia were honest misses for us — though Sequoia was our own fault for underestimating the road.
Budget realistically: around $950 per person in-trip costs, more if you’re flying from far away. Book the Las Vegas apartment in advance. Fill up on gas in Arizona. And leave one day unplanned — the best stop of our trip (Kernville) wasn’t on the original itinerary at all.
Featured photo from Pexels