Deserts may seem barren, but they hide otherworldly landscapes—from Joshua Tree’s twisted trees to Great Sand Dunes’ soaring ripples. These five routes deliver unforgettable vistas without scorching your budget. Each route pairs must‑see highlights with entrance passes and campsite rates to keep costs in check.

1. Joshua Tree National Park: Hidden Valley Loop

Why Visit?
Joshua Tree merges two distinct deserts: the Mojave’s iconic “Joshua” trees and the Colorado’s blooming cactus fields. Rock climbers flock here, while stargazers marvel at dark‑sky vistas.

Route & Budget Tips

• Entrance Pass: $30 per vehicle (7‑day pass)

• Camping Fee: Hidden Valley (first‑come, first‑served) or nearby BLM sites starting around $15/night

• Best Leg: Cruise Park Blvd, stopping at Barker Dam and Skull Rock. Plan for cooler early‑morning hikes.

2. Death Valley National Park: Furnace Creek Circuit

Why Visit?
Home to the continent’s lowest and hottest point, Death Valley’s salt flats, dunes, and colorful canyons feel like another planet—especially serene in spring and early summer.

Route & Budget Tips

• Entrance Pass: $30 per vehicle (7‑day pass)

• Camping Fee: Furnace Creek Campground around $30/night

• Timing: Arrive at dawn to explore Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes and Badwater Basin before midday heat.

3. Arches & Canyonlands Doubleheader

Why Visit?
From the delicate stone arches of Arches National Park to Canyonlands’ sweeping river canyons, this combined loop showcases Utah’s red‑rock splendor in one epic itinerary.

Route & Budget Tips

• Arches Pass: $30 per vehicle (7‑day pass)

• Camping Fee: Devils Garden Campground $25/night

• Canyonlands Pass: $30 per vehicle (7‑day pass)

• Route: Enter Arches via Moab, then head south along Highway 191 to Island in the Sky district of Canyonlands.

4. Capitol Reef: Scenic Highway 24

Why Visit?
Often overlooked, Capitol Reef’s Waterpocket Fold cliffs, historic orchards, and striped canyon walls offer solitude away from Utah’s busier parks.

Route & Budget Tips

• Entrance Pass: $20 per vehicle (7‑day pass)

• Camping Fee: Fruita Campground $25/night

• Highlights: Stop at Chimney Rock, Hickman Bridge, and the historic Gifford Homestead.

5. Great Sand Dunes: Piñon Flats & Medano Pass

Why Visit?
With dunes rising over 750 feet against a backdrop of forested mountains, Great Sand Dunes National Park delivers dune hiking, creek splashing, and primitive 4×4 thrills on Medano Pass Road.

Route & Budget Tips

• Entrance Pass: $25 per vehicle

• Camping Fee: Piñon Flats Campground $20/night

• Insider Tip: Drive Medano Pass early in the morning when the sand is firmest.

Tips to Travel Cheap in Summer 2025

• Map your route with Roadtrippers, monitor fuel prices via GasBuddy, and book campsites on Recreation.gov to lock in rates and avoid sold‑out spots.

• Alternate tent camping with budget motels or backcountry permits for a comfortable, cost‑effective mix.

Final Thoughts

From Joshua Tree’s surreal silhouettes to the rolling ripples of Great Sand Dunes, these Summer 2025 desert road trips prove rugged beauty needn’t come with a hefty price tag. Fuel up smart, reserve early, and set your GPS for some of the Southwest’s most affordable—and unforgettable—drives.