Arizona is home to three national parks and some of the most breathtaking rock formations in North America. The 48th state is also steeped in the history of the Old West. What better way to explore than by taking a road trip in Arizona?
If you’ve been thinking about visiting the Grand Canyon State, start by making a road trip checklist and choosing a highway.
When you’re ready to head out, this guide will help you choose between 5 of the best road trips in Arizona (or, if you have time, add all of them to your list!).
No matter which route you choose to take, it’s important to remember to be a responsible traveller — pack out what you bring in, don’t disturb any wildlife, or deface any of the ancient sites,
Buckle up, and let’s go. Here are 5 stops you should make on an Arizona road trip.
1. The Grand Canyon
As the inspiration for the state’s nickname, the Grand Canyon came in at the top of this list. The canyon is 277 miles long, up to 18 miles wide, and over a mile deep at its lowest point.
Because of its sheer size, visitors generally have to choose between the North Rim and the South Rim of the canyon.
The South Rim offers the quintessential Grand Canyon experience, including guided burro rides, paved paths, luxury hotels, savory restaurants, and a terrifying glass skywalk.
It’s also easy to access from major cities, making it a great road trip from Phoenix and Los Angeles.
The North Rim of the canyon is far quieter than the tourist-filled South Rim, and it has fewer man-made attractions.
On the other hand, the higher elevation offers a decidedly different view of the Grand Canyon. Instead of dramatic sunlit vistas, the North Rim offers quiet forests and secluded hikes.
The North Rim’s atmosphere is less concerned with tourism and more focused on the natural beauty of the canyon. Some popular North Rim destinations include North Kaibab Trail and Ribbon Falls.
2. Sedona – A Desert Village
There are plenty of things to do in Phoenix, but every time someone visits me, they ask the same thing: “When can we go to Sedona?”
Located north of Phoenix, this desert town is surrounded by red-rock cliffs, steep canyons, and dense pine forests — making it a highlight of any Arizona road trip.
When you’re ready to set out, head north on Interstate 17.
Along the way, you’ll pass Montezuma Castle National Monument, a group of preserved cliff dwellings that housed the Sinagua people more than 1,000 years ago.
You’ll also pass the V-Bar-V Heritage Site, the largest “rock art site” in Red Rocks Country.
The hiking in Sedona is legendary, so make sure you pack your boots and don’t miss these top desert hikes: Cathedral Rock, Devils Bridge, The Birthing Cave, and Soldiers Pass — to name a few.
Sedona itself is known for its thriving arts community and quaint, small-town vibe. Start your day off at the Coffee Pot Restaurant, a bustling café with an all-day-breakfast and 101 different types of omelet.
When you’ve had your fill, spend the day shopping for artisan goods at the Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Village. This beautiful, outdoor shopping district features cobblestone streets, hand-blown glass, and gorgeous artisan jewelry.
For dinner, make a reservation at Heartline Café. My two favorite dishes are the bacon-hugged petit filet mignon and the pistachio-crusted chicken breast.
3. Tombstone – The Town Too Tough to Die
Wyatt Earp was a notorious gambler and sheriff who took part in the famous O.K. Corral shootout. Every Memorial Day, Tombstone honors his legacy with the Wyatt Earp Days celebration.
This two-day festival features staged gunfights, mock hangings, and a massive chili cookoff. Tombstone’s affinity for the Old West is apparent in everything from architecture to tourist attractions. It’s also the reason Tombstone was nicknamed “The Town Too Tough to Die.”
USA Today put it perfectly when they called Tombstone “the perfect blend of historical and tacky.” The O.K. Corral is just one of Tombstone’s historic landmarks, though.
History buffs should also visit the Bird Cage Theatre Museum, a former brothel that was preserved to show the honest nature of the premises.
Last, but not least, pay a visit to Boot Hill Graveyard, Tombstone’s first cemetery. This historic site was said to be the graveyard for people who “died with their boots on.”
You can reach Tombstone from Phoenix in about 3 hours, or from Tuscon in just a little over an hour.
4. Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park
Monument Valley is located along the border between Arizona and Utah — so close that it’s featured on Utah’s official travel website. Nice trick, Utah, but you’re not fooling anyone!
Monument Valley is one of the Copper State’s most valuable treasures.
This towering, sandstone rock formation has set the stage for so many westerns that one travel writer said, “Its five square miles have defined what decades of moviegoers think of when they imagine the American West.”
There are plenty of day trips from Sedona or Flagstaff, and guided tours, but I prefer to drive along the 17-mile road at my own pace. Admission to the park is $20 per vehicle, but there is no time limit.
If it’s in your budget, you should also consider staying the night at the View, the only hotel in Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park. These luxury accommodations offer unparalleled views of the entire valley, especially at sunset and sunrise.
Another option is to stay in a unique “earth house” just a 10-minute drive to the park. These accommodations are stunning. Click here to take a look.
Before you leave, pay a visit to the Navajo-run trading post. Inside, you can find several John Wayne souvenirs and a wide selection of Navajo arts and crafts.
5. Antelope Canyon and Lake Powell
This list will finish the same way it began — with a stunning rock formation created by millions of years of water erosion. Antelope Canyon is a magnificent slot canyon located to the east of Page in northern Arizona and is definitely one of the most incredible places to visit in the USA.
The canyon’s wavy corridors have been featured in several nature documentaries, including Louie Schwartzberg’s Moving Art series.
Throughout the day, sunshine illuminates the canyon’s 120-foot walls and throws shadows around every corner.
If you’re thinking about visiting, you should know that guided tours are the only way to explore the canyon.
A short drive away, Lake Powell offers hiking, climbing, and rappelling in gorgeous sandstone canyons. While Lake Powell is actually located in Utah, the closest lodging is located in Page, Arizona.
Come to think of it, Lake Powell isn’t even a lake, it’s a reservoir. Oh well! You won’t be thinking about semantics when you’re boating, swimming, and waterskiing in the Glen Canyon National Recreation area.
If you’re planning a visit to both Antelope Canyon and Lake Powell, make sure to set aside at least two days. One day isn’t enough time to experience everything these natural wonders have to offer.
Ready for Your Arizona Road Trip?!
As you can see, it’s all about the natural beauty here in Arizona. With so many things to see and do, you could spend months here and not experience it all.
Exploring the state with your own vehicle will give you the independence and freedom to see as many sites and natural attractions as you want. Enjoy all of these epic road trips in Arizona!
Have you been on a road trip in Arizona? What did we miss?! Share your favourite road-tripping spots in Arizona in the comments below.
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