This itinerary offers a blend of Southwest music festivals alongside visits to historic and national parks. From Coachella and Stagecoach to EDC and Lightning in a Bottle, you'll dance through desert landscapes while exploring gems like Joshua Tree, the Grand Canyon, and Petrified Forest. Highlights include the glitz of Palm Springs, Route 66 nostalgia in Flagstaff, and adventures at Lake Havasu and Death Valley. A perfect mix of vibrant culture and breathtaking natural beauty!
Travel
5 weeks
Route
Los Angeles → Coachella → Joshua Tree → Stagecoach → Palm Springs → Lake Havasu → Phoenix → Petrified Forest → Flagstaff → Grand Canyon → Las Vegas (EDC) → Death Valley → LIB → LA.
2,000 miles
Best Time of the Year
April - May
Highlights
Joshua Tree
Palm Springs
Grand Canyon
Petrified Forest
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April 19–21: Coachella Weekend 2
Begin your journey with the second weekend of the iconic Coachella music festival! Pick up your rental at our LAX branch and drive 2.5 hours to the Coachella grounds. Immerse yourself in incredible performances, art installations, and the vibrant festival atmosphere.
April 22–24: Joshua Tree National Park
After the excitement of Coachella, head to Joshua Tree National Park to explore its desert beauty. Known for its dark skies, swap festival lights for shooting stars. Visit rock formations like Arch Rock, Skull Rock, Penguin Rock, Heart Rock, and Cap Rock.
April 25–27: Stagecoach Festival
Dive into Stagecoach, another desert music festival, for a weekend of country tunes and good vibes!
April 28–30: Palm Springs
Unwind in Palm Springs, a desert oasis favored by Hollywood stars. Explore luxury resorts, golf courses, and iconic mid-century modern architecture. Don’t miss landmarks like Frank Sinatra's and Marilyn Monroe's homes.
May 1–3: Lake Havasu
Travel to Lake Havasu and enjoy jet skiing, fishing, swimming, and the historic London Bridge. Its sparkling waters offer a refreshing retreat.
May 4–6: Phoenix
Continue east into Arizona to Phoenix, rich in Southwestern culture and history. Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with the Phoenix Festival, featuring live performances, lucha libre wrestling, delicious food, and family-friendly activities.
May 7–9: Petrified Forest National Park
Discover surreal landscapes and ancient history at Petrified Forest National Park. Walk trails like Blue Mesa and Crystal Forest, or explore petroglyphs and ruins that tell the stories of Indigenous peoples.
May 10–11: Flagstaff
Take an overnight stop in Flagstaff, a city steeped in history. Drive along Route 66 and visit landmarks like the Route 66 Historical Marker celebrating the highway's legacy.
May 12–14: South Rim of the Grand Canyon
From Flagstaff, journey to the Grand Canyon, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Marvel at its grandeur, carved by the Colorado River over millions of years.
May 15: Las Vegas
Drive 5 hours from the Grand Canyon to Las Vegas, the “Entertainment Capital of the World.” Consider stopping at Hoover Dam, or head straight to the city to prepare for the next adventure.
May 16–18: EDC
Experience Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC), one of the world’s largest electronic dance music festivals.
May 19–20: Death Valley National Park
After EDC, reconnect with nature in Death Valley National Park. Explore Badwater Basin, the lowest point in North America, and try sandboarding at Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes.
May 21–25: Lightning in a Bottle Festival
Immerse yourself in Lightning in a Bottle, a unique music and arts festival. Take yoga classes, join workshops, and enjoy its magical atmosphere.
May 26: Los Angeles
Return to Los Angeles to conclude your adventure. If you'd like one last nature escape, stop by Angeles National Forest on your way back to the city.
