Living out west has completely changed how I think about weekend getaways. When friends from back home in Ohio ask me about life in Boise, I tell them the best part is having so many amazing destinations within driving distance. “The West is like a bunch of different countries packed together,” my hiking buddy Tom likes to say. “You can be in the desert one weekend and standing in a rainforest the next.”
As a digital nomad who’s spent the last few years exploring every corner of the western states, I’ve learned that you don’t need a long vacation to have a real adventure – just a tank of gas and a couple of days off. From my current home base in Idaho, I’ve made it my mission to check out as many weekend-worthy spots as possible.
For anyone looking to make the most of their precious weekends out west, I’ve put together this list of destinations that are perfect for a quick escape. Whether you’re based in Boise like me, or somewhere else in the western states, these spots are worth the drive.
Sedona, Arizona
Sedona stands out as one of the most unique places I’ve explored in the American Southwest. The town sits surrounded by massive red rock formations that seem to glow orange and crimson as the sun moves across the sky. Hikers and mountain bikers come from all over to tackle the 200+ miles of trails that wind through the desert landscape, while spiritual seekers visit the famous energy vortexes scattered among the rocks. It’s not just an outdoor paradise – the town itself offers a perfect mix of Southwest art galleries, local restaurants, and Native American culture. While the secret’s definitely out about Sedona these days, those who venture beyond the main tourist spots can still find plenty of quiet corners to connect with the remarkable desert scenery.
Cool Fact:
Did you know that Sedona’s iconic red rocks get their color from iron oxide (basically rust) that formed over millions of years of geological processes? The area is also considered one of the Earth’s “vortex sites” – places with supposed spiritual energy that draws thousands of meditation enthusiasts and New Age believers each year.
Jackson Hole, Wyoming
I first visited Jackson Hole on a summer road trip through Wyoming back in 2018. Nestled in the heart of the Teton Valley, this mountain town sits at the doorstep of both Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks. Local ranches and wooden boardwalks make up much of the historic downtown, while the famous antler arches frame the town square. The Four Seasons Jackson Hole resort claims prime real estate at the base of Teton Village, where the ski slopes of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort draw powder hounds in winter. The property’s outdoor hot tubs offer front-row seats to watch skiers carve down the mountain while moose and elk graze in the valley below.
Park City, Utah
Ever seen a moose stroll down Main Street? It’s just another day in Park City, a charming mountain town just 35 minutes from Salt Lake City’s airport. In winter, this former silver mining hub transforms into a snow sports paradise, with two major ski resorts offering endless runs for all skill levels. When summer rolls around, the mountains become a playground for hikers and mountain bikers, while the historic downtown buzzes with art galleries, local shops, and restaurants. You can catch independent films at the famous Sundance Film Festival in January, or escape the heat at Utah Olympic Park, where you might spot athletes training on the same jumps used in the 2002 Winter Games.
Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada
Lake Tahoe holds a special place among Western vacation spots, straddling the California-Nevada border like a jewel nestled in the Sierra Nevada mountains. This massive alpine lake draws visitors year-round with its clear blue waters in summer and world-class ski resorts in winter. It’s where outdoor enthusiasts come to play, whether that means hitting the slopes at Heavenly, paddling along the shoreline, or hiking the Tahoe Rim Trail with views that stretch for miles. While tourist hotspots like South Lake Tahoe buzz with casinos and nightlife, the quieter North Shore offers a more laid-back vibe with hidden beaches and small mountain towns. It’s not exactly a secret destination, but with 72 miles of shoreline to explore, you can always find your own piece of paradise here.
Santa Fe, New Mexico
Just a three-hour drive north of Albuquerque sits Santa Fe, New Mexico’s charming capital city. Like other cities in the Southwest, Santa Fe has its share of art galleries, adobe buildings, and Mexican restaurants. But unlike the others, it feels like you’ve stepped into a different era altogether. Look up at the earthy brown buildings against the bright blue sky, and you’ll see what makes this place special. Thanks to Santa Fe’s role as a historic trading post, Native American, Spanish, and Anglo cultures have mixed here for centuries, and you’ll find this blend everywhere – from the local food to the architecture of the Plaza. The city sits at 7,000 feet, making it a perfect escape from summer heat, while its 300 days of sunshine keep winters mild enough for year-round exploring.
Moab, Utah
The outdoor wonderland of Moab draws adventure seekers year-round to its red rock playground. Sandwiched between two national parks – Arches and Canyonlands – this desert town serves as the perfect base for hiking, mountain biking, and off-road exploring. The surrounding landscape features towering sandstone formations, winding canyons, and natural stone arches that look like they belong on another planet.
Bend, Oregon
Pack your bags for Bend, a laid-back mountain town where outdoor adventures come standard. The Deschutes River flows right through downtown, making it easy to hop on a paddleboard or kayak between craft brewery visits. Take a short drive to Mt. Bachelor for skiing in winter or mountain biking in summer, with over 800 miles of trails to explore. For a change of pace, head to Smith Rock State Park, where you can watch rock climbers tackle towering cliffs or hike the scenic Misery Ridge Trail. Beer lovers will feel right at home with more than 20 local breweries dotting the city, including the famous Deschutes Brewery where you can tour the facility and sample fresh brews.
Big Sur, California
Big Sur represents everything that makes California’s coast magical. This 90-mile stretch of rugged shoreline winds along Highway 1, where towering cliffs drop straight into the deep blue Pacific and old-growth redwoods reach toward the sky. It’s a place where you can watch sea otters float on their backs in hidden coves, wander through state parks filled with ancient trees, and end your day watching the sun sink into the ocean from a cliffside restaurant. The drive itself is an adventure – you’ll grip the steering wheel a bit tighter as you curve along edges of mountains, but each bend reveals another postcard-worthy view that makes it worth every white-knuckle moment.
Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
Of all the national parks I’ve explored out west, none quite matches the raw natural power of Yellowstone. This 3,500-square-mile wonderland in Wyoming is home to half of the world’s geothermal features, including the iconic Old Faithful geyser that erupts like clockwork every 90 minutes. It’s not just a quick stop-and-go destination – you’ll want at least three days to properly explore the rainbow-colored hot springs, bubbling mud pots, and roaming herds of bison that call this place home. The park’s size can be overwhelming at first, but those who take the time to venture beyond the main attractions find themselves in a landscape that feels almost prehistoric, where steam rises from the earth and wildlife roams freely across wide-open valleys.
Aspen, Colorado
Many visitors head to Aspen for its world-class ski runs, but this Colorado mountain town offers much more than just winter sports. The surrounding Elk Mountains provide endless opportunities for hiking and mountain biking in warmer months, while the downtown area mixes high-end boutiques with laid-back coffee shops and art galleries. In summer, the Aspen Music Festival brings classical performances to the outdoor amphitheater, but you’ll find plenty to do here any season – from photographing the golden aspen trees in fall to snowshoeing through silent winter forests on the Maroon Bells trails.
Sun Valley, Idaho
Many travelers come to Sun Valley for its famous ski slopes, but this Idaho resort town offers much more than just winter sports. The area boasts over 400 miles of single-track trails that make it a paradise for mountain biking and hiking during the warmer months. In summer, the Sun Valley Music Festival brings classical performances to the outdoor pavilion, while the town’s arts scene keeps visitors entertained year-round. Whether you’re hitting the slopes at Bald Mountain, fly fishing in nearby Wood River, or exploring the charming downtown shops, Sun Valley manages to maintain its laid-back, small-town feel despite its reputation as a celebrity getaway spot.
Olympic National Park, Washington
If you’re hoping to experience three completely different ecosystems in a single weekend, Olympic National Park should be at the top of your list. This million-acre wilderness stretches across Washington’s Olympic Peninsula, where you can hike through temperate rainforests dripping with moss in the morning, catch waves at rugged Pacific beaches by afternoon, and end your day among alpine meadows and glaciated peaks. The park’s diversity makes it a year-round destination – you might spot Roosevelt elk wandering through old-growth forests, watch whales breaching offshore, or trek along Hurricane Ridge’s snow-covered trails, depending on when you visit. It’s not the easiest park to fully explore in just a weekend – you’ll spend a good chunk of time driving between its distinct regions – but even a short visit here gives you a taste of the Pacific Northwest’s wild character.
Scottsdale, Arizona
Many travelers head to Scottsdale for its world-class golf courses and spa resorts, but this desert destination offers much more than just relaxation. The city sits at the edge of the Sonoran Desert, where the McDowell Mountains provide a natural playground for hiking and mountain biking through landscapes dotted with saguaro cacti. In the spring, the Desert Botanical Garden comes alive with wildflowers and native blooms, and the weekly ArtWalk draws crowds to the galleries of Old Town, but you can find plenty to do in Scottsdale no matter when you visit, from exploring Frank Lloyd Wright’s winter home to sampling the Southwest’s growing food scene.
Napa Valley, California
Wine lovers flock to Napa Valley for its world-class vineyards and tasting rooms, but this Northern California destination offers much more than just great wine. The 30-mile stretch of rolling hills features over 400 wineries nestled between charming small towns like St. Helena and Yountville, where you’ll find excellent restaurants and boutique hotels. Beyond wine tasting, visitors can float above the valley in hot air balloons, cycle through vineyard-lined country roads, or hop aboard the Napa Valley Wine Train for a scenic meal through the countryside. While summer and fall harvest season draw the biggest crowds, Napa’s mild climate makes it an appealing weekend escape any time of year.
Zion National Park, Utah
I first discovered Zion National Park on a spring road trip through Utah back in 2018. One of the most impressive canyons in the American Southwest, Zion cuts through towering sandstone cliffs that glow red and orange in the morning light. Narrow slot canyons and rushing rivers make up much of the landscape here, along with the famous Angels Landing trail that winds its way up to panoramic views of the valley below. The park’s Watchman Campground sits perfectly positioned at the base of the massive rock formations, offering front-row seats to the golden light show that happens each evening as the sun sets behind the canyon walls.
Telluride, Colorado
Escape to a charming mountain town when you visit Telluride, nestled in a box canyon surrounded by the San Juan Mountains. The free gondola connects the historic downtown with Mountain Village, offering some of Colorado’s best skiing in winter and excellent hiking trails in summer. Stop by New Sheridan Hotel’s historic bar, which has been serving drinks since 1895, for a taste of the Old West. For outdoor enthusiasts, the Bear Creek Falls trail leads to a 325-foot waterfall, perfect for a half-day adventure just steps from downtown.
San Juan Islands, Washington
Ever spotted an orca breaching while sipping your morning coffee? That’s just another day in the San Juan Islands, a cluster of emerald isles scattered between Seattle and Vancouver. These peaceful Pacific Northwest gems are where locals go to escape city life, trading traffic for quiet roads and busy restaurants for farm-to-table cafes tucked into small harbor towns. From May to September, you can hop on a whale-watching tour to see resident pods of orcas gliding through the straits, or paddle a kayak along the rocky shoreline where harbor seals lounge in the sun. Friday Harbor, the islands’ main hub, feels like stepping into a maritime storybook, with its wooden boardwalks and family-run shops selling local lavender and fresh-caught salmon.
Palm Springs, California
Have you ever lounged by a pool in the middle of the desert while gazing up at snow-capped mountains? That’s a typical winter afternoon in Palm Springs, where mid-century modern architecture meets palm tree-lined streets just two hours east of Los Angeles. This desert oasis became famous as a playground for Hollywood stars in the 1950s, and today it draws visitors with its natural hot springs, world-class golf courses, and year-round sunshine. You can ride the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway up into the San Jacinto Mountains for hiking trails and cooler temperatures, or spend your days browsing vintage shops and sipping cocktails at retro-cool hotels like the Ace Hotel & Swim Club.
