Think the Southwest is all bolo ties and vortex crystals? Well, bolos frame your face and your chi needs a boost. This road map is full of more good news.

L.A. to Death Valley
Drive time: Six hours
Get your film camera and walk out to the dunes just a few hours away. Stay the night in a tepee, then wake up and bathe at the Tecopa natural hot springs.

Death Valley to Grand Canyon
Drive time: Eight hours
Pit stop at El Tovar on the southern rim of the canyon and eat lunch or stick it out for the night for about $180. Dark wood and animal heads will make you feel like a hunter, so layer the flannel (as if you weren’t already). Back-up plan for room and board: The Red Garter in Williams, Arizona. It’s an old bordello. Enough said.

Grand Canyon to Sedona, Arizona
Drive time: Two hours
Go into hiding at the Forest Houses, where you can have a quiet little place of your own for about $110 a night, or go posh at the new L’Auberge de Sedona. Wherever you wake, hike your mornings away. Head to the trailhead of Cathedral Rock for a drum circle with the locals; proceed to blame the full moon. Dine and drink at El Portal, then share a scoop of ice cream that could feed an army at Black Cow Cafe (229 North Highway 89a; 928-203-9868). Make your way down to Arcosanti to spend a night on the grounds in a beautiful modern room with views for $40.

Sedona to Taos, New Mexico
Drive time: Eight hours
Break up the haul with a visit to the Petrified Forest before you check into the Willa Cather bedroom at the historic Mabel Dodge Luhan House. Read D.H. Lawrence beneath a window painted by the author and discover details about his torrid love affair with Ms. Mabel herself. Amazing breakfast; cookies and coffee are available all day as you sit on the quiet grounds and high-five life. See what Ansel Adams saw at Taos Pueblo. At night, walk down to the plaza and have a seasonal meal at Joseph’s Table. Make time for a little jaunt to Ojo Caliente.

Now, pop in that Fleetwood Mac album, tie a feather in your hair, and remember how much you love a man in topaz.

Photos: Frank Kehren / Flickr; dental ben / Flickr; rockcreek / Flickr

We’ve got more great driving getaways for every destination. Warning: Pack your bags now.

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