easy road trips from phoenix

20 Best Road Trips from Phoenix, Arizona

If you live in Phoenix - or are just visiting the Valley of the Sun - a road trip out of town could be the next thing on your action-packed agenda. Hitting the road in the southwest United States can open up a world of new adventures and luckily, you won't be short of amazing adventures to choose from.

From short day drives through the cacti-dotted Sonoran Desert to longer road trips exploring some of America's most beloved national parks, awe-inspiring national monuments, inspiring scenic byways and fantastic city breaks, we've got you covered.

The following is our list of the 20 best road trips from Phoenix starting with the shortest and working our way up in terms of the time it takes to get there. Make sure you look all the way down - some of the best destinations are that little bit further away!

Best road trips from Phoenix

Day trips from Phoenix (under 3 hours each way)

1. Tucson, AZ

1 hour 40 minutes from Phoenix (110 miles)

Why you should visit: The Old Pueblo as the locals affectionately call it is "the other big city" in Arizona although Tucson is also commonly known as America's biggest small town and is famous for its saguaro cacti.

How to get there: As you drive down the I-10 to Tucson, Saguaro National Park will be to your right as you approach. The famous huge cacti of the Sonoran Desert are everywhere here and can reach heights of over 40 feet (12 m) over their lifespan which can last 150 years or longer.

Our highlights: Make a stop at the (very good) Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum which has a botanical garden and various animals including birds of prey.

Then, just before you enter the city, you'll get to Old Tucson. This is a classic Western movie set that is open to visitors as a family theme park when it's not being used as a movie backdrop.

Tucson itself is a rich mix of architecture and culture. There are a lot of old colonial buildings that make Tucson feel almost European, but the Pueblo-style architecture and the unique local mix of Mexican and traditional Apache-influenced food styles are unmistakably Arizona.

2. Rim Country, AZ

2 hours from Phoenix (110 miles)

Why you should visit: A road trip from Phoenix to Mogollon Rim, which is a 2,000-foot tall ridge that runs for some 200 miles through Arizona, is one of the most scenic drives that is close to the city.

How to get there: To get to see the rim and the nature around it, head up the Beeline Highway (Route 87) to the town of Payson.

Our highlights: It's only going to take a couple of hours to get there, but you'll notice a lot of change as the dusty Sonoran Desert makes way for lush pine forests and rivers the closer you get to Rim Country.

The area is part of the Tonto National Forest. Remember that it's going to be much cooler on top of the ridge than it may be in Phoenix and even below the ridge, the plateau is at a height of 5,000 feet (1,500 m) above sea level which is a lot higher than the Phoenix metro area.

Once you've stopped in Payson, keep on driving up towards the towns of Pine and Strawberry. The Tonto Natural Bridge State Park is on the way and has some great hiking options - bring your boots and water.

Bonus: Look out for javelinas that live here - these small animals look a little like wild boars and are impossibly cute. If you see one, the rest of the family is usually somewhere about too!

3. Sedona, AZ

2 hours from Phoenix (120 miles)

Why you should visit: If you're in Arizona, it is almost compulsory to go to Sedona and see the amazing red rocks that dominate the landscape. This road trip from Phoenix will take you to an oasis in the middle of Arizona's desert landscapes.

How to get there: The drive up to Sedona from Phoenix is simple - the I-17 will take you most of the way before you turn off onto Highway 179 for the last stint.

Our highlights: There are a few things you can see on the way - two junctions before your turn is the Montezuma Castle National Monument (see #4 below).

As you approach Sedona, you might want to visit the very unusual Chapel of the Holy Cross that is built into a red rock cliff - it looks spectacular from the bottom and has even better views from the top.

Once you get to Sedona, you can go in virtually every direction and find the amazing red rocks. Slide Rock State Park is to the north of the city, Red Rock State Park to the southwest and a large wilderness area with the Devil's Bridge to the northwest.

Red Rock Scenic Byway is the highway you've driven to get from Phoenix to Las Vegas. Some of the best-known rock formations, such as Cathedral Rock and Bell Rock, are right along the Highway and you can see them from the road or follow a short hiking trail to get closer.

READ MORE - Road Trip from Phoenix to Sedona

4. Prescott and Jerome, AZ

2 hours 50 minutes from Phoenix (150 miles)

Why you should visit: A relatively short drive out of Phoenix, the towns of Prescott and Jerome are a great road trip if you want to mix seeing spectacular nature, a few historic sites and local culture.

How to get there: Start off by taking the I-17 out of Phoenix and come off 90 minutes later in Camp Verde to make a stop at the Montezuma Castle National Monument.

Our highlights: Montezuma Castle is a ruin of an old fort that was built into the sheer rock cliff by the Sinagua people in the 12th century. It's a relatively easy hike up to see the ruins and a great start to the trip.

From there it's a half hour drive up to Tuzigoot National Monument along the Verde River. This is another historic ruin of a large pueblo construction that had over 100 rooms sitting on top of a mountain ridge.

The small town of Jerome is the next step along Route 89A with an optional stop at the Verde Canyon Railroad for a trip on a classic train.

The Ghost King Mine and Ghost Town just above Jerome is a little kitsch but still an awesome stop with a number of old rusted out pickup trucks and derelict buildings. The road that leads up to it is a great drive too - you can keep on going up the twists and turns if you like a scenic drive.

Last but not least is Prescott - this is a much bigger city than Jerome but there is a lot going on with frequent events in the historic district around Courthouse Square.

5. Flagstaff and Meteor Crater National Monument

2 hours 50 minutes from Phoenix (190 miles)

Why you should visit: Flagstaff is known to be one of the best places to base yourself in as you explore some of the most famous national parks (think Grand Canyon!) and monuments like Meteor Crater,

How to get there: Flagstaff is all about the outdoors and to get there from Phoenix, all you have to do is jump on the I-17 north in Phoenix and follow it until the interstate ends and merges with the Historic Route 66 in Flagstaff a little over 2 hours later.

Our highlights: The city is vibrant and young - 1 in 3 of the residents are students or staff at Northern Arizona University and you can feel the vibe as you walk around the historic Downtown or stop at one of the dozens of coffee shops for a drink.

Flagstaff sits on the edge of the Colorado Plateau and is 6,910 feet (2,106 m) above sea level which is a lot higher than Phoenix so expect the weather to be very different too.

The huge Meteor Crater is about 30 minutes drive out of Flagstaff. It was formed 50,000 years ago when a meteorite crashed into the Earth creating a 3,900 ft (1,200 m) wide and 560 ft (170 m) deep crater. You have to scale a 148 ft (45 m) tall rim just to peek inside - well worth the detour before heading back to Phoenix.

Bonus: If you want to climb even higher, the Arizona Snowbowl is just outside Flagstaff to the north. You can drive right up to it and take a chairlift up Agassiz Peak to get a great view. In the winter, the whole area unsurprisingly becomes a ski resort so it's a great destination all year round.

Click here to skip back to the top.

Weekend trips from Phoenix (3-5 hours each way)

6. Mount Lemmon and the Sky Island Scenic Byway, AZ

3 hours from Phoenix (150 miles)

Why you should visit: The Sky Island Scenic Byway can be found in the hills just outside Tucson but the drive up and the views down are so spectacular, it really had to have its own entry on this list.

How to get there: If you don't want to visit Tucson on the way, it is well worth driving down the I-10 just to scale Mount Lemmon.

Our highlights: The road goes by many names - officially called the Catalina Highway, you might find it referenced as the General Hitchcock Highway or the Mt Lemmon Highway as well.

The Sky Island name comes from the unique mountains that stand in the middle of the desert, seemingly not part of a mountain range with no other major peaks nearby.

The route up Mount Lemmon is long and challenging so strap in. You'll be climbing 6,000 feet (1.8 km) on the way up and the road is 27 miles long which will take some time given the constant twists and turns.

You might be surprised by the fact that the road is also free - there's no tolls to pay unless you're planning to camp.

Our travel tips: Make sure you're prepared for the changing conditions - the huge difference in elevation will mean that you pass through different weather on the way up and the saguaro cacti at the bottom get replaced by pine forests.

While daytime temperatures in the summer may be in the 100 degrees Fahrenheit at the bottom, it can fall below 70 degrees in Summerhaven at the top of Mount Lemmon.

7. Lake Havasu, AZ

3 hours 10 minutes from Phoenix (190 miles)

Why you should visit: Lake Havasu is an artificial lake that was created in the Mojave Desert when the Colorado River was dammed in the 1930s. Driving over the London Bridge is an experience in itself!

How to get there: To get to Lake Havasu from Phoenix, you'll need to follow the I-10 west, cut across to the Colorado River from Hope along Route 72 and then follow Route 95 north along the river to Lake Havasu City.

Our highlights: The lake has all the typical water-based activities and is particularly well known as a fishing destination. The large amount of bass in the lake attracts fishermen from far and wide and it holds regular big fishing contests.

One highly unusual sight in Lake Havasu City is the London Bridge. This is the old London Bridge that was dismantled in London in 1968 when it began sinking into the riverbed clay to be replaced with a newer structure. Out of all the bidders in the world, Lake Havasu City won an auction to buy the bridge.

After every single brick was carefully dismantled and labelled, the entire bridge was shipped to Arizona and carefully reconstructed - it certainly looks out of place but that's exactly why you should go and see it!

8. Joshua Tree National Park, CA

3 hours 10 minutes from Phoenix (220 miles)

Why you should visit: Joshua Tree is one of two National Parks (along with Grand Canyon) that are a little further away from Phoenix and both take a little over 3 hours to get to. Other than the small Saguaro National Park just outside Tucson (see #1 above), these are the closest two to Phoenix.

How to get there: Getting to Joshua Tree National Park from Phoenix is mighty easy - follow the I-10 for 220 miles right out of Phoenix heading west and then turn off towards the Cottonwood Visitor Center a few miles off the interstate.

Our highlights: Joshua Tree National Park is named after the unique trees that grow across the Mojave desert. These trees that can survive the extreme heat of one of the hottest deserts in the world have thick "arms" that stretch upwards and make them look like people - hence the name.

There's no shortage of National Forests near Phoenix - Coconino, Apache-Sitgreaves, Tonto, and Prescott National Forests are all within a 2-hour drive of the city, so you can stop by any of these on your way to Joshua Tree National Park.

There are some good and not very strenuous hiking trails to explore and in spring the desert has a desert flower bloom which is worth seeing - especially as the temperatures are a lot milder.

Our travel tips: If you're coming in the summer, you should aim to do your hikes before 9 or 10am as the daily temperatures will get hot - June to August average highs are over 100 degrees Fahrenheit!

9. Grand Canyon National Park, AZ

3 hours 20 minutes from Phoenix (230 miles)

Why you should visit: Grand Canyon is not just Arizona's but probably America's best-known natural feature and with only a short road trip keeping you from seeing it for yourself, how can you not go and see the huge crack in the desert?

How to get there: The routes up past Sedona and Prescott both take about the same amount of time - you might want to head up one way and come back another with halfway stops in Prescott and Jerome (see #4 above) on the way up and Flagstaff (#5) or Sedona (#3) on the way back down.

Our highlights: Although there is a fair few places you can go to see the Grand Canyon, the Grand Canyon National Park is probably your best option and not only because it is the closest.

The views from Grand Canyon Village are some of the best and there are good facilities and places to eat there as well.

South Kaibab and Grand Angel Trails allow you to descend into and cross the Canyon and others follow the rim in either direction to get to a different viewpoint.

Bonus: If you do want to drive a little further to the North Rim, you can do so via Route 89 and you'll get to visit the spectacular Vermillion Cliffs National Monument on the way, but it'll take twice as long to get there so you'll need to plan for a much longer road trip!

READ MORE - Road Trip from Phoenix to the Grand Canyon

10. Palm Springs, CA

4 hours 10 minutes from Phoenix (280 miles)

Why you should visit: Palm Springs is known as a place where the sun always shines - sitting on the edge of the Mojave Desert in the Coachella Valley, the weather is bright and sunny virtually every single day.

If you fancy spending some time by the pool and quickly moving through the intense heat from one air-conditioned place to another, you can get to Palm Springs in a little over 4 hours.

How to get there: The directions for the road trip from Phoenix to Palm Springs are simple - get on the I-10 headed west in downtown Phoenix and come off 260 miles later as you're passing right through Palm Springs. Simple enough!

Our highlights: If you want to get out and about and escape the heat, the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway will take you up to Mount San Jacinto State Park. It's a rotating tramcar which means every seat gets all the views in turn and at the top, you'll find a bar and a restaurant with views down into the valley.

There are two trails that lead from here - the Long Valley Discovery Trail (which is actually a short loop) and the Round Valley Trail which (together with other trails further along) can take you all the way up to the peak of Mount San Jacinto.

Our travel tips: Remember that it's a big difference in height and the temperature at the top can be 30 degrees cooler than down in the valley - if you're visiting in spring or fall, you might want to bring a light jacket with you.

The combination of it being the hottest desert in the world and being sunny means that summers tend to be seriously hot - we're talking daily highs of 108 degrees Fahrenheit on average through the months of July and August.

READ MORE - Road Trip from Phoenix to Palm Springs

11. Salton Sea, CA

4 hours 10 minutes from Phoenix (270 miles)

Why you should visit: If you want your road trip from Phoenix to come with a big serving of weird, you need to drive to the Salton Sea in southern California.

How to get there: Getting to the Salton Sea from Phoenix is extremely easy - simply follow I-10.

Our highlights: This large lake was created by accident when engineers working on an irrigation project on the Colorado River made a few miscalculations and water began flowing out of the river and into the Salton Basin. By the time they fixed the problem 2 years later, a huge lake was formed.

As the land where the lake was created was a dried-out salt flat (the area used to have a large salt mine industry), the water is saline and has almost twice the salt concentration of the Pacific Ocean.

The Salton Sea was a popular resort destination until the 1950s but quickly fell out of favor and today you can find lots of abandoned resorts, abandoned beaches and rusted-out infrastructure.

One of the main local sights is Salvation Mountain, which was built by a local resident with various verses from the Bible inscribed on it to spread the word of Jesus.

Another is the Borrego Springs Sculptures a little further away towards San Diego - these are giant metal structures depicting a huge serpent, fighting dinosaurs and other scenes in the middle of the desert.

We did warn you about the weird factor!

12. Las Vegas, NV

4 hours 30 minutes from Phoenix (300 miles)

Why you should visit: Everybody has got to visit Sin City at least once and given it's just a jaunt across the desert from Phoenix, it's a great option for a road trip, especially if you want to try your luck at the tables or admire the glitzy neon signs of this city that never sleeps.

How to get there: Many doing this drive from Phoenix to Las Vegas go for the Interstate option going north along the I-17 and I-40 - the roads are good and there's plenty of places to stop.

Our highlights: US Route 93 is definitely the way you should go and it might just be one of our favorite stretches of road of all time. Not that it is particularly exciting to drive - it mostly goes completely straight through the desert that gradually changes from the saguaro cactuses and red dust of the Sonoran Desert to the more rocky and yellow hues of the Mojave.

But the towns along this stretch show exactly how bored the people building the highway were. Along with Bagdad and the town of Santa Claus, you'll pass through a town called Nothing. There is literally Nothing there - here's me trying to do a scenic photo.

What you end up doing in Las Vegas famously stays in Las Vegas, but on a serious note - there are a lot of options!

If you like a flutter, this is the undisputed gambling capital of the world and from endless rows of slot machines to huge poker rooms, there's something for everyone.

Other than gambling, you've got a big selection of evening shows and some of the country's best restaurants. Be careful to pick one that matches your budget - some of the prices can escalate quickly!

Bonus: If you do a slight detour, you can check out Lake Mead and the Hoover Dam as you approach Las Vegas and if you set off early on the way back, you could go via the Grand Canyon (#9 above) or visit the red rocks of Sedona (#3) on your way.

Our travel tips: We personally prefer staying at the newer end of the Strip - hotels like Aria and Cosmopolitan have a much more modern feel at reasonable rates (you'll pay a big premium at the Bellagio) and there's slightly less focus on gambling (the Cosmo unusually doesn't have a casino).

READ MORE - Road Trip from Phoenix to Los Angeles

13. Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, UT

Why you should visit: This part of south Utah wilderness was the last to be mapped in the United States and still remains almost completely untouched with amazing landscapes and unique rock structures perfect for exploration.

It was declared a National Monument only in 1996 and later scaled down in size by ex-President Trump, but there is still a lot within the National Monument area to see and do.

How to get there: Head north via Flagstaff to the town of Page in northern Arizona. Here you can stop to take a look at the Grand Canyon's Horseshoe Bend which is an incredible 180-degree bend in the canyon with an overlook that has the perfect view.

Our highlights: You will enter the Monument as you cross the border into Utah and approach Big Water but to reach some of the best sights, you'll need to loop all the way around to the town of Escalante and drive south from there.

Stop off at the Toadstool Hoodoos just off Highway 89 as you're going around.

Although Bryce Canyon sits right on the edge of the National Monument and Zion Park is just outside (see #19 below), those are best kept to a separate road trip unless you really have a lot of time o your hands to combine them all into one big wilderness adventure.

As you drive down from Escalante, you'll come across the Zebra Slot Canyon, Devil's Garden, Peek-a-Boo Slot Canyon and the Jacob Hamblin Arch all along the same road.

Our travel tips: Although it'll take you about four and a half hours to enter the National Monument, it'll take you the same amount of time on top to loop all the way around and drive down to the Jacob Hamblin Arch so plan your visit based on how long you've got to spend on the road.

Long weekend trips from Phoenix (5-8 hours each way)

14. Monument Valley, AZ and UT

5 hours from Phoenix (320 miles)

Why you should visit: Monument Valley is a spectacular desert valley with huge distinctive sandstone buttes that is about 5 hours away from Phoenix.

How to get there: Located on the Arizona-Utah border, Monument Valley is located to the north of Phoenix, so head out of the city on I-17 and keep on US-89 and then US-160 to reach there.

Our highlights: Unlike many of the other options on this list, Monument Valley is not a National Park because it is located within the Navajo Nation Reservation and the land cannot be Federally owned and managed.

Although the Grand Canyon, Death Valley and Zion National Parks are all within reach of Phoenix and all on this list, Monument Valley might just top them all for the sheer otherworldly feel that you get when you see these rocks for the first time.

If time is on your hands, you can take a slightly slower but much more scenic route up to Monument Valley and make more stops along the way.

Take the Beeline Highway up to Payson in the Tonto National Forest (#2 above) and then drive through the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest towards the Petrified Forest National Park. This is not so much of a forest as a barren rocky landscape, but it has some really fascinating fossils and remains of a forest that once stood here which you can explore.

Then keep on driving north to Canyon de Chelly which is also on the Navajo Nation territory. It may not be well known as the Grand Canyon or other landmarks in Arizona, but it is a really beautiful canyon with many sheer cliffs and rocks that you can go hiking through.

15. San Diego, CA

5 hours 20 minutes from Phoenix (360 miles)

Why you should visit: If you want to go to the Pacific Coast to spot some sea lions and spend some time enjoying the beach along with the mild weather that comes with it, San Diego is the closest and easiest option to get to.

How to get there: Once you get out of Phoenix along the I-10, follow the I-8 that runs south through Yuma and close to the border with Mexico all the way into San Diego.

Our highlights: The scenery along this drive is pretty spectacular even though you're following an interstate route - you'll pass through saguaro groves, rocky desert landscapes and even sand dunes that make you feel like you've driven into the Sahara.

When we were doing this drive, we were amazed at the variance in the different types of desert and the gradual change as you approach San Diego.

San Diego boasts a moderate climate all year round which is exactly why so many people who live in Phoenix flock to America's Finest City during the impossibly hot summer months.

You can take a stroll through the historic Gaslamp District, spend some time in Coronado or see the sights of Balboa Park that include the world-famous San Diego Zoo, botanical gardens and a few top museums.

The beaches on Point Loma are great for an afternoon walk all the way to the Cabrillo National Monument with its historic lighthouse and views back over San Diego and down to Tijuana in Mexico.

Bonus: Make sure you go see the La Jolla neighborhood and the La Jolla Cove that is home to a group of sea lions - you'll be able to see them most days relaxing on the rocks.

READ MORE - Road Trip from Phoenix to San Diego

16. Los Angeles, CA

5 hours 30 minutes from Phoenix (370 miles)

Why you should visit: If you have more time or want to explore the neighborhoods, beaches and amazing sights of a big city, Los Angeles is only marginally further away than San Diego.

How to get there: The road trip from Phoenix to Los Angeles is incredibly simple even if it's the best part of 400 miles' worth of driving - hop on the I-10 and sit there until you cross the Los Angeles River and find yourself in downtown L.A.

Our highlights: You can spend a weekend in the City of Angels or 2 weeks and still have only seen a fraction of what this city has to offer.

Although many cities claim to cover a big area, the combined urban area around Los Angeles might just be the largest we've ever come across as neighborhoods, towns and cities from Pasadena all the way to Laguna Beach all seamlessly merge into each other.

Tick off the compulsory visit to the Hollywood sign (great views across Los Angeles from up there) and see the stars on the Walk of Fame along Hollywood Boulevard.

Then go see Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, the Sunset Strip and get lunch in Santa Monica if you want to see where the rich and famous of the city spend their time.

Culver City is a vibrant neighborhood that is not as popular as it should be, and Venice Beach is amazing for people watching from the Boardwalk and relaxing to the sound of the waves rolling in.

If you have kids, Disneyland in Anaheim and Universal Studios in Hollywood are perfect for a day out and to get away from the hustle and bustle, you can drive further up the coast to Malibu to enjoy a morning on a quiet beach followed by a hike in the Santa Monica Mountains right behind you.

17. Death Valley National Park, CA and NV

6 hours 40 minutes from Phoenix (410 miles)

Why you should visit: If you thought Phoenix was hot in the summer, a road trip to the Death Valley National Park in California may change your perspective on what really hot means.

How to get there: The route from Phoenix to Death Valley will take you right past Las Vegas - it's about 2 more hours on the road after you've left Vegas in the rearview mirror.

Our highlights: Although it's a hot and arid desert, there are a lot of different landscapes and parts of Death Valley. It's the largest National Park in the United States if you don't count Alaska and there are dried-out lake beds, mountains and even sand dunes.

If you get to the Racetrack Playa (large dried-out lake), you might see the phenomenon of sailing rocks. These are large and very heavy rocks that appear to move around the basin on their own leaving a track behind them.

The truth is that they actually do move themselves during the winter months when Death Valley gets to freezing point overnight but despite the physics, it still looks odd.

Bonus: We actually would recommend not visiting Death Valley in the summer - the daily highs from June to August average out at 120 degrees Fahrenheit - you won't be able to do much hiking in the afternoon.

18. Albuquerque and Santa Fe, NM

7 hours 30 minutes from Phoenix (480 miles)

Why you should visit: The cities of Albuquerque and Santa Fe in northern New Mexico are a long drive, but a really interesting destination for a week-long road trip from Phoenix.

How to get there: The best route from Phoenix to Albuquerque is to head up Beeline Highway through Tonto National Forest towards Payson (See #2 above if you want to stop here) and then drive through the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest to Holbrook.

Our highlights: Albuquerque has a big city feel to it - there's a busy downtown with businesspeople in suits going about being busy. You'll find a small Old Town, but there's not a huge amount there and it feels a little too touristy for my liking.

Although Santa Fe is only an hour away from Albuquerque, you'll notice it feels very different. As an old colonial city, the layout is more traditional, there's more of an art and culture scene from the Wheelright Museum of the American Indian (a little drive out of downtown) to the endless art galleries along Canyon Road.

Our travel tips: The pretty forest-covered hills will make way for dry desert for the rest of the journey along I-40 - bring bottled water in the car with you!

Longer trips from Phoenix (Over 8 hours each way)

19. Bryce Canyon and Zion National Parks, UT

8 hours 20 minutes from Phoenix (480 miles)

Why you should visit: Yes, it's a long way to drive to these two National Parks, but Zion might just be my personal favorite among the National Parks in Southwestern United States and that's quite a feat given the competition from the likes of Yosemite, Death Valley and Grand Canyon.

How to get there: Zion National Park sits in the southwestern part of Utah and you'll have to drive right past the Grand Canyon (#9 above) and along the edge of the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument (#13).

If you can stretch your road trip, we'd definitely include those in the itinerary. Sedona (#2) and Flagstaff (#5) are also en route and great for a halfway stopover point.

Our highlights: Not only is Zion National Park spectacular with its green canyon scenery, but the trails here are outstanding - you'll have paths that have been carved through sheer rock cliffs and overlooks that will leave you speechless.

For the more adventurous hikers, there are routes that will really challenge - the Narrows is a 16-mile one-way trek that will take you up through a tough canyon and includes wading chest-deep in the cold river water and squeezing through narrow cracks between rock faces!

Bryce Canyon is just over an hour further north. It's a small National Park that is famous for having a unique type of rock formation which has created large amphitheaters with many tall rock hoodoos that are densely packed inside that look like an audience.

Our travel tips: You can hike around the perimeter and look down but remember to bring an extra layer - the rim gets up to 9,000 feet high (2,700 m) and it can be much cooler than Phoenix even at the peak of the summer.

If you'd like to hike up to Angels Landing, you will need a permit and will need to make a reservation. Check the Zion National Park's website for more details.

20. Canyonlands and Arches National Parks, UT

9 hours 30 minutes from Phoenix (550 miles)

Why you should visit: Canyonlands and Arches National Parks are the furthest road trip destination on our list and it will probably take you a couple of days' worth of driving to get there.

How to get there: But the route up from Phoenix offers so many amazing places to stop on the way up and down, that this might just be the perfect option - Prescott & Jerome (#4 above), Sedona (#3), Flagstaff (#5), Grand Canyon (#9) and Monument Valley (#14) are all along the fastest route and a slightly different route down can lead through Tonto National Forest (#2 in our list).

Our highlights: Arches and Canyonlands are on either side of the small city of Moab. It's not a big place and can get very busy during the summer months when tourists from across the United States come to stay when visiting the National Parks.

If you do come in the summer, check for camping options as an alternative - it also stops you from having to do the long drive in the morning to get into Canyonlands if you're already staying there!

Arches is the smaller park and much closer to Moab. It also has a few fairly easy trails where you can park close to the rock formations and this means there are a lot more visitors here.

Our travel tips: You might need to make a reservation for a timed-entry permit while visiting Arches National Park. Please check the national park's website for up-to-date information.

If you're coming all this way, definitely go visit both with America the Beautiful National Parks pass and if you have a decent 4x4 vehicle, spend a day driving around the Rim Road that circles Canyonlands and can get you to parts that most other visitors never see.

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Road tripping from Phoenix? Here are 6 destinations to set your sights on

With its dry, sunny weather and picturesque surroundings, Phoenix, Arizona , is a popular year-round destination with plenty of fun attractions. For travelers eager to get out of the capital, though, there are also many great spots within driving distance of the Valley of the Sun.

Explore the surrounding trails, incredible natural landscapes and smaller cities just beyond Phoenix. They offer iconic views and plenty of history — if you're anything like me, learning the backstory of a destination is an important part of any trip.

Whether you want to discover a new favorite destination, or you're itching for a scenic escape after spending too much time inside over the past two years, here are six of our favorite road-trip destinations for a day trip or weekend getaway from Phoenix.

For more TPG news delivered each morning to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter.

1. Gold Canyon, Arizona

Distance from Phoenix: 1 hour

What to do in Gold Canyon

If you're interested in getting some exercise while discovering the region's history, head to the Hieroglyphic Trail. This moderate trail, located in the Superstition Mountains, measures 1.5 miles each way. It leads to a steep valley where you can take in sweeping views of the landscape, as well as ancient petroglyphs from Hohokam natives who called the region home about 1,500 years ago. After you work up an appetite, pop into Wahoo's Restaurant & Bar, located on Topaz Drive in Gold Canyon, for beer-battered mushrooms and the namesake three-pound burger with house-made jalapeño cream cheese and bacon.

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Where to stay in Gold Canyon

Gold Canyon has a few places to bed down, but one of our favorites is Gold Canyon Golf Resort & Spa. The hotel features two 18-hole golf courses, Dinosaur Mountain and Sidewinder, and offers beautiful views of the Superstition Mountains. Rooms start at $265 per night. You can easily relax and unwind here after a day of hiking and golfing — just be sure to book with a credit card that will help you maximize your travel purchases, such as the Chase Sapphire Reserve (3 points per dollar) or the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card (2 points per dollar).

Related: Why the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card is a great pick for golf fans

2. Flagstaff, Arizona

Distance from Phoenix: 2 hours

What to do: Located northeast of Phoenix, this town is popular among hikers. It's the perfect place to spend an afternoon or a long weekend thanks to its cool breweries (grab a pint at Lumberyard Brewing Company) and coffee shops (refuel at Kickstand Kafe). Travelers can also use Flagstaff as a comfortable overnight stop before venturing on to the Grand Canyon, which is only about two hours away.

Like Gold Canyon, Flagstaff is surrounded by trails. Head east to Walnut Canyon, with its sheer, vertical cliffs, to see endemic plants and animals, such as mountain firs, canyon wren and elk. It's the perfect place to enjoy meaningful time outdoors if you've been working from home.

Related: 10 tips for anyone taking a road trip this summer

W here to stay: To get a taste of downtown Flagstaff, stay at the Hotel Monte Vista . Open since the mid-1920s, the Hotel Monte Vista sits just off historic Route 66. Guests can grab a drink at the cocktail lounge which was disguised as a newspaper publishing house during Prohibition. Room rates start around $100 per night.

If you'd prefer to book a stay with points, Marriott has four properties located right in Flagstaff. Just be sure to compare the cash rates before emptying your points balance, since rates start at $139.

Related: How to redeem points with the Marriott Bonvoy program

3. Palm Springs, California

Distance from Phoenix: 4 hours

What to do in Palm Springs

Honestly, who doesn't want to escape to California for a long weekend these days? Quirky Palm Springs is the perfect road-trip destination for travelers seeking a sunny escape with excellent golfing, great food and stunning midcentury modern architecture. Tee up at the reopened Escena Golf Club, where you can also elbow up for California-fusion fare.

Related: 9 great restaurants for families in Palm Springs

If golfing isn't your thing, venture out to Cabazon Outlets, a sprawling shopping paradise perfect for travelers looking to snag a deal at a bevy of shops ranging from Oakley and Merrill to Tommy Bahama and Brighton.

Related: 6 tips for surviving a road trip with a large family

Where to stay in Palm Springs

Spend the night at the Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs Hotel , where rates can get as low as 31,000 IHG points or less than $300 per night. Guests will enjoy spaces filled with midcentury furnishings, though the rooftop pool is the property's crown jewel.

For Marriott loyalists, the Triada Palm Springs, Autograph Collection has a central location and rates from $275 or 40,000 points on off-peak nights. Just beyond Palm Springs, the clifftop Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage will set you back 50,000 points on off-peak nights. Cash rates can drop as low as $250, but can exceed $600 per night.

4. San Tan Valley, Arizona

What to do in San Tan Valley

For a family-friendly adventure, visit Schnepf Farms, an organic farm where you can pick your own fruits and vegetables. With 300 acres, Schnepf Farms is the perfect place to enjoy fresh air and naturally grown, pesticide-free produce (peppers, cucumbers, kale and green onions, among others). They are especially known for their peaches, and picking season is usually in May.

Related: Farm to flight: Korean Air grows its cabin food from its own Jedong Ranch

If you're into clean eating, check out the Queen Creek Olive Mill. You can tour the grounds and learn how to make extra virgin olive oil, the best uses for it in the kitchen and why it's so healthy.

Related: 10 airlines that let you get your regional foodie fix

San Tan Valley also has incredible trails and peaks to explore, including the Goldmine Trail. The trail is relatively steep and takes you to the highest point in San Tan Mountain Regional Park, Goldmine Mountain.

Where to stay in San Tan Valley

Schnepf Farms offers several RVs and Airstreams available for rent for travelers searching for a weekend glamping trip. Some rentals come with outdoor seating and uninterrupted mountain views. Most rentals start at $198 a night, and you can't beat the location.

5. Coyote Buttes North, Utah-Arizona border

Distance from Phoenix: 5.5 hours

What to do in Coyote Buttes North

Though quite a ways north of Phoenix, this stunning area is worth the drive — and a far cry from your home office. Visitors will be drawn to The Wave , a natural phenomenon in the Coyote Buttes North area along the Utah and Arizona border. This copper-and-tan-banded rock formation attracts photographers from around the globe.

Expect a six-mile round-trip hike to and from The Wave. You can hike there with a guide, but if you plan to navigate the trail on your own, a map and compass or GPS is recommended. Only a certain number of permits are available each day to hike to The Wave, so it's important to plan in advance.

Related: 8 survival tips for wilderness hikes

You can also explore around Kanab, Utah , while you're in the area. As the name implies, Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park features vibrant sand dunes known to move as much as 50 feet per year. So even if you've been before, the view will be slightly different every time you return.

Related: The best U.S. state parks

Where to stay in Coyote Buttes North

The Grand Circle Bed and Breakfast is a charming place to stay, with easy access to beautiful trails in the area. Rates start at $120. This is just one of multiple hotels in the Canyon Collections group. Others include the Canyons Boutique Hotel, Canyons Lodge and Quail Park Lodge. There's also a Holiday Inn Express and Suites in Kanab for IHG loyalists. Rates start around $120 and IHG members can redeem a reward night for as low as 20,000 points.

Related: Transferring ultimate rewards points to IHG

6. Tucson, Arizona

What to do in Tucson

The West is full of beautiful national parks , but one of the most iconic symbols of the West is the cactus — and Saguaro National Park is full of them. Declared a national monument in 1933 by Herbert Hoover, the park has a long history. Learn about cacti in the gardens on the east and west sides of the visitor center, and take in beautiful sunsets on the Tanque Verde Ridge Trail (a half-mile hike) from the Javelina Rocks pullout on the east or from the Gates Pass on the west side. Sample Sonoran hot dogs (bacon-wrapped franks) which are a Tucson staple, or head to The Neighborhood for their award-winning Michelada.

Where to stay in Tucson

Camping at the Saguaro National Park is an option, but plan ahead because it's first come, first served. Vehicles cannot access the campsites, so visitors must hike there. Camping permits start at $8 per campsite per night.

Looking for something a bit more upscale? Stay at the Westin La Paloma Resort and Spa, located in the middle of the Sonoran Desert. With views of the Santa Catalina Mountains, this Westin property has an ideal location with even better views. For a standard room, Marriott Bonvoy members would need 30,000 points per night during off-peak dates, and cash rates may be an even better value, starting as low as $189.

Related: The best hotel credit cards for 2022

• National Parks
• Tiny Houses

11 Epic Weekend Road Trips from Phoenix, Arizona

Posted by D.T. Christensen April 29, 2019 Updated January 08, 2024

We research, evaluate and select travel destinations based on a number of factors, including our writers’ experience, user reviews and more. We may earn a commission when you book or purchase through our links. See our editorial policy to learn more.

Phoenix’s central location in Arizona makes it the perfect hub for weekend road trips across the Southwest. Here’s a look at our favorite routes.

For Phoenicians, escaping the city is an annual rite of passage. In the spring we trade the rising heat for cooler temps up north. Over summer we cool off by swimming at Oak Creek or paddling around Woods Canyon Lake.

And when we forget what the seasons actually look like during fall and winter, we head to other parts of the state in pursuit of amber leaves and snow flurries.

Fortunately there are no shortage of options for weekend road trips in Phoenix, from exploring abandoned mining towns down south to enjoying high-elevation weather in Northern Arizona.

Related read: 17 Refreshing Arizona Swimming Holes for Summer Fun

Road Trip Planning

For each itinerary, we’ve explored some of the best things to do, where to stay and how to get there. To learn more about what you can see on each route, we’ve included links to extra resources. Each trip offers all kinds of options and side trips to fit your days and nights accordingly.

Before you hit the road, consider the seasonality of each trip and how you want to stay in each place. Some of the things we’ve covered include:

Airbnbs and hotels . Most of these routes includes nearby towns and cities with Airbnbs and hotels. You may need to start planning months ahead of time if you’re looking to reserve somewhere popular like Joshua Tree or Zion. If you’re here from out of town, here are some of the best Phoenix Airbnbs or pet-friendly cabins in Arizona .

You can also find some of the most unique places to stay in Arizona if you’re open to any type of lodging.

Campgrounds . We’ve included some popular camping options for each trip, from basic, primitive campgrounds to RV parks and family-friendly KOA campgrounds . You can also research some of the best camping in Arizona ahead of time.

For a classic road trip experience, check out the slick van rentals over at Escape Campervans . They sleep 2 to 5 travelers and free you up to stay wherever you’d like: campgrounds, hotels or dispersed camping areas along the way. You can pick one up at their Phoenix Depot , located near Sky Harbor and open 7 days a week. You can also research more of the best Phoenix campervan rental companies for other options.

No matter how you explore Arizona and beyond, the important part is to remember the journey is the destination, even if that sounds like a fortune cookie cliché. Still true.

1. Grand Canyon

This one’s a no-brainer, sure, but there are ways to avoid the more touristy version of Grand Canyon’s South Rim.

For killer sunrise views, check out Moran Point  — it’s accessible by car, offers great views to the east, and has smaller crowds than Mather Point. For sunsets, our resident Grand Canyon expert and former tour guide Jake Case says Lipan Point is the place to be.

“I’ve done tons of sunsets, and for me a big part of it is being able to avoid the sunset crowds,” he says. “Like Moran, Lipan Point is accessible by car year-round, has good views to the west, usually isn’t crowded and has a lot of room to safely explore beyond the railings of the viewpoint.”

Related Read:  14 Vanlife Hacks: How to Make Van Living Easier

Easy hikes in the park include taking the Bright Angel Trail to Mile-and-a-Half Resthouse for a three-mile round trip, or hiking South Kaibab to Ooh-Aah Point for a 1.8-mile trip. More experienced hikers can take Bright Angel to Three-Mile Resthouse, or South Kaibab to Cedar Ridge.

For more challenging day hikes, take Bright Angel to Indian Garden for a 9-mile trip, or South Kaibab to Skeleton Point for a 6-mile hike. It goes without saying, but remember to plan your hike ahead, bring plenty of water, and keep in mind the hike out is tougher than the way in, and can often take twice as long as the hike in.

Related read : 15 Native American Ruins in Arizona that Offer a Historic Glimpse into the Past

Scenic Drives

If you’re visiting for the day, take Desert View Drive out to The Watchtower , and be sure to go upstairs for a 360° view from 70 feet up. Hit the main viewpoints on the way back to get a variety of looks at the Canyon.

For a multi-day trip, check out viewpoints on Hermit Road  — it’s closed to private vehicles March 1st to November 20th, but you can take a shuttle or walk stretches of the Rim Trail between viewpoints.

Explore the historic buildings in Grand Canyon Village, including El Tovar Hotel and Lookout Studio, and visit the Yavapai Geology Museum , which offers guided park ranger talks on the geology of the area.

According to the Park Service, only 10% of Grand Canyon visitors make it to the North Rim . It’s a 4.5-hour drive from the South Rim, but it can be worth the extra effort for a quieter experience.

The season here is May 15th through October 15th, and the roads are closed to all vehicles from December 1st to May 15th. You’ll find fewer visitor services, but fewer tourists as well.

If you go : Plan Your Grand Canyon Visit

Where to Stay

• Lodging: El Tovar is one of five lodging options in the park. Hotels abound in Tusayan , and here’s a list of our favorite Airbnbs near the Grand Canyon . If you’re bound for the North Rim, it’s the Grand Canyon Lodge or bust. That’s not a bad thing, though it does book far in advance, so you’ll need to plan ahead.
• Camping : Mather Campground and Desert View Campground offer in-park camping on the south rim. Dispersed camping is allowed in the Kaibab National Forest outside of the park, but you must be a quarter-mile away from Highway 64. The lone North Rim campground operates from May to October.

2. Sedona to Flagstaff

If for some hypothetical reason I was exiled from Arizona and had only one more day to spend in-state, I would squeeze in a drive from Sedona to Flagstaff. Then I would hide in the forest.

This picturesque stretch of State Route 89A winds through Oak Creek Canyon and delivers one of the most scenic drives in the Southwest. Before you get there, though, you’ll hit beautiful red-rock country in the Village of Oak Creek and Sedona — in all its hiking glory.

In Oak Creek Canyon, take some time to explore Slide Rock ,  Indian Gardens Cafe & Market , day use areas, a trout farm , scenic viewpoints and more. Pull-offs along the highway make it easy to stop and explore at your leisure, and although the main spots get busy —  West Fork , for example — you can also find quiet pockets and trails that aren’t as popular.

In Flagstaff, check out some of the best hiking options before heading downtown for grub and drinks. Breweries, coffee shops and other small businesses give the town a distinct local vibe that offers a refreshing contrast to the Valley’s impersonal sprawl.

Related read : 7 Spectacular Places to See Arizona’s Fall Colors

• Lodging : the basic hotels in Sedona don’t compare to the places you can stay in Oak Creek Canyon to the north, including the Forest Houses Resort . It’s minutes from the main drag but offers woodsy scenery and solitude at affordable rates. That said, some of the best resorts in Arizona are in the Sedona area.
• Camping : Pine Flat is our favorite campground in Oak Creek, but Cave Springs and Manzanita offer similar creek-side digs. Campsites at each of these can be reserved online, and some are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. For large groups closer to Sedona, check out Chavez Crossing .
• Lodging : Consider Little America for a midcentury throwback, or the Drury Inn to get closer to downtown without spending too much. Here’s a list of our other favorite Flagstaff hotels . Even better, rent an A-frame cabin out on 1.5 acres of Coconino National Forest, or check out our favorite Flagstaff cabin rentals .
• Camping : There are plenty of camping options, including paid campgrounds and free dispersed camping , but these almost all require a short drive into town. A KOA on the east side of town isn’t exactly roughing it, but it’s great for camping with kids.

Related read : 15 Unforgettable Romantic Getaways in Arizona

3. Petrified Forest, Canyon de Chelly and Monument Valley

This desert journey takes you through three icons of the Southwest, starting with Petrified Forest National Park , a low-key park with less than 700,000 visitors each year. It’s a great spot for stargazing, wildflower-hunting in the spring, and exploring the petrified wood and other geological features that make this place special.

Next, you’ll hit the Navajo Nation’s Canyon de Chelly National Monument and its famous canyon walls, scenic overlooks, and historic ruins. It’s the oldest continually inhabited area of the Colorado Plateau and home to the White House Ruin , Antelope House Ruin and more. Take scenic drives on the north or south rim or the White House Trail to fully appreciate the park.

A few-hour drive through Navajo land takes you north to Monument Valley and its universally recognizable sandstone buttes. Take the Valley Drive for a loop around the area, then ditch the car for a hike to enjoy the serene landscape.

If you go : Canyon de Chelly and Monument Valley: An Arizona Road Trip ; 15 Things To Know Before Visiting Monument Valley Park

Petrified Forest

• Lodging : In nearby Holbrook, you’ll find hotel options not far from the park and a handful of well-reviewed Airbnbs around town.
• Camping : The park doesn’t have campgrounds, but does allow backpacking. The Holbrook KOA is the only established campground in the area.

Canyon de Chelly

• Lodging: Choose from a handful of basic hotels in Chinle to the west, but if you can swing it, we recommend camping in this stretch of your trip.
• Camping: there are two campgrounds in the park. First is  Cottonwood Campground , a large area ran by the Navajo Parks and Recreation Department. There’s also the privately owned Spider Rock Campground , which has a few more amenities and lies about 12 miles southeast of the park’s entrance.

Monument Valley

• Lodging : The View Hotel lives up to its name on the Arizona side, and you’ll find Goulding’s  and its quirky history in Utah. Both have plenty to explore on site and the option of renting cabins if you need more space.
• Camping : The View and Goulding’s both have campgrounds, and Monument Valley Tipi Village serves up tipi camping, a hogan-style cabin and spacious tent sites. Consider the newly built Monument Valley KOA for more refined camping, or experience an authentic stay in the area with the Rose Hogan on Airbnb.

4. Las Vegas

Set aside the obvious reasons for a Vegas road trip and consider this a more outdoorsy trip. The stretch from Phoenix to the border isn’t thrilling, but things pick up at the Hoover Dam , where you’ll find scenic lookouts, tours and more.

On the west side of Lake Mead you can explore the shoreline at Boulder Beach . From there, take the 167 north for about an hour and you’ll hit Valley of Fire State Park , a 40,000-acre sandstone playground of sorts. There’s a Joshua Tree-like following here thanks to winding roads and brilliant red rock landscapes.

Vegas is flanked by Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area to the west and Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area to the southeast. Further northwest of town you’ll find the Spring Mountains and Mt. Charleston , an ideal place to ditch the Strip in any season.

If you go : Get off the Strip: 7 Outdoor Activities in Las Vegas ; 9 incredible outdoor adventures near Las Vegas you’ve probably never considered

• Lodging : choosing where to stay in Vegas is slightly overwhelming, so we’ll point you to the best hotels and Airbnbs in the area. To escape the crowds, check out The Retreat on Charleston Peak  — it’s less than an hour from the Strip but feels a world away.
• Camping : Valley of Fire has two campgrounds , Red Rock Canyon has one campground , and there are quite a few private camping spots in the area. If you make it up to the Spring Mountains, you can choose between several developed campgrounds or free dispersed camping . If you’re lake-bound, check out Boulder Beach Campground on Lake Mead.

5. Zion and Bryce Canyon

A bucket list-level Utah road trip would include all 5 of the state’s national parks, but if you’re looking for a doable weekend getaway, you can knock out Zion and Bryce Canyon in one fell swoop. In Zion you’ll find popular spots like Angels Landing , but there are under-the-radar hiking options with less foot traffic.

Take a shuttle to see some of the more scenic areas like Court of the Patriarchs, or drive the Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway for slow, gorgeous views (check for closures before you go).

Bryce Canyon may get fewer visitors — 2.6 million in 2018, compared to Zion’s 4.3 million  — but don’t sleep on Utah’s smallest national park. Areas like Bryce Canyon Amphitheater and the park’s main viewpoints are worth the drive, and if you have time to wander, there are plenty of mild and challenging hikes in the park.

If you go : What You Need to Know for a Successful Zion National Park Visit ; Plan Your Visit to Bryce Canyon

• Lodging : The only in-park Lodging, Zion Lodge , offers cabins, suites, and basic hotel rooms right in the heart of the park. Just south of Zion you’ll find hotels in Springdale . Options to the east of the park are limited.
• Camping : Zion has three campgrounds, two of which —  South and Watchman — are conveniently located by the south entrance. Lava Point is a small, primitive campground off Kolob Terrace Road about 80 minutes north of the south entrance. If glamping’s your thing, check out Under Canvas Zion .

Bryce Canyon

• Lodging : The Lodge at Bryce Canyon is your lone in-park option, but there are plenty of well-reviewed hotels in the area. Considering the park’s remote location, there’s a solid Airbnb selection , including this  house on one acre  that’s perfect for large groups.
• Camping : The park’s two campgrounds —  North and Sunset — both offer easy access to some of the best things to do and see in Bryce Canyon. Options outside of the park include Bryce Canyon Pines for something close and clean.

6. Route 66 Road Trip

The original Route 66 created in the 1920s ran from Chicago to Santa Monica. Call us biased, but the Arizona stretch is where it’s at. We have the longest unbroken stretch of 66 still in use, as well as the steepest grade, the highest point, and the longest curve according to Roger Naylor’s Arizona Kicks on Route 66 .

Unlike most of our itineraries, this is a “choose your own adventure” trip based on how much of Route 66 you’d like to see. Want to see the long-abandoned Two Guns and haunted Apache Death Cave ? Start in Winslow.

Head to Flagstaff or Williams for a more streamlined drive through the western half of 66, stopping in spots like Ash Fork, Seligman, Peach Springs, Truxton and Kingman for kitschy Route 66 sights.

If you go : Route 66 in Arizona: All the Highlights ; 66 Things To See & Do on Route 66

• Lodging : La Posada Hotel is the place to stay in Winslow — past guests include Albert Einstein, Franklin Roosevelt, and John Wayne. If you’re overnighting in Williams, go with an Airbnb or the Canyon Motel & RV Park . For quirky Route 66 digs, check out Supai Hotel in Seligman, Grand Canyon Caverns Inn in Peach Springs, or El Trovatore in Kingman.
• Camping : old-school hotels are part of Route 66’s appeal, but if you’re set on camping, you’ll find free camping at McHood Park Campground outside of Winslow. There’s plenty to explore in Flagstaff (see above), and a handful of campgrounds near Williams, including Kaibab Lake Campground . There’s a KOA in Seligman, a campground at Grand Canyon Caverns and a few RV parks in Kingman.

7. Prescott and Jerome

Prescott is about 90 minutes from our place in the West Valley, so it’s an easy day option when we need to get out of Phoenix fast and without much planning. It’s usually a relaxing day spent at Goldwater Lake , eating downtown at Bill’s Pizza , playing in the courthouse plaza grass, and visiting the Sharlot Hall Museum .

To make a longer road trip of it, take 89A from Prescott to Jerome (or vice versa for downhill views), a winding 35-mile stretch that passes by Mingus Mountain, its historic lookout tower, and a number of picnic areas and campgrounds .

In Jerome you’ll find the artsy-ghost town scene that keeps the town alive and well. Wine fans can follow the Verde Valley Wine Trail down to Cottonwood, then take the 260 to the I-17 to complete the loop.

If you go : 19 Must-Do’s in Prescott, Arizona ; A Wicked Good Ghost Town: 9 Things to Do in Jerome

• Lodging : Prescott’s all about the historic hotels: Hotel St. Michael , Hotel Vendome , and Grand Highland Hotel all offer unique glimpses into Prescott’s past. For more space, check out the Cactus Cottage or the Kiehl House .
• Camping : Prescott National Forest has more than 10 campgrounds , including Lynx Lake Campground near a tranquil 50+ acre trout lake. Family campers will enjoy Watson Lake Park — it’s close to town and includes a playground, lakeside hiking trails and more.
• Lodging : The Jerome Grand Hotel was a hospital from 1926 until closing in 1950; today, it’s one of the most popular places to stay in town. The Connor Hotel , built in 1898, is another popular historic option. Airbnb also features several unique places to stay.
• Camping : most folks go to Jerome for the artsy historic vibe, but if you’re set on camping nearby, check out Woodchute Wilderness or Potato Patch Campground in the Mingus Mountain area.

8. Mogollon Rim

Payson is a solid jumping-off point for exploring the Mogollon Rim , an impressive 200-mile escarpment that runs more than half the east-west length of Arizona. Travel northwest from Payson to explore Pine, Strawberry and areas like Tonto Natural Bridge or Blue Ridge Reservoir .

Head east from Payson to check out the Rim Lakes , a series of small, dammed lakes that are great for hiking, camping and enjoying scenic views from the Rim. Take the 260 past the lakes to hit Heber-Overgaard , a White Mountains community with “more trails than roads, more trees than buildings, and more wildlife than people.”

Further east you’ll find Show Low and Pinetop-Lakeside, but you don’t necessarily need to go that far east to fill your road trip. There are excellent hiking and exploring options within a few hours of Phoenix, including hiking the Mogollon Rim Vista Loop , wading through Horton Creek , or fossil-hunting at the Paleo Site off the 260.

The Mogollon Rim offers a low-key road trip, but that’s its appeal: a quick and easy break from the desert when you need it.

If you go : 14 Best Things to do in Payson, Arizona ; 10 best things to do in the White Mountains of eastern Arizona

• Lodging : forget hotels — the best way to experience the Rim area is a good ol’ fashioned cabin in the woods. Check out Airbnb for options in Pine , Payson , Show Low and Pinetop-Lakeside . The Strawberry Inn is a quirky throwback option at the base of the Rim and Bison Ranch is an excellent year-round option in Overgaard.
• Camping : you’ll find family-friendly camping at Woods Canyon Lake , off-the-highway camping at Willow Springs Lake and remote camping back in Bear Canyon Lake and Chevelon Canyon Lake . For free camping, great views, and fewer crowds, consider Kehl Springs Campground .

9. Joshua Tree

Joshua Tree is a trendy desert mecca, but even before the age of Instagram, people like Minerva Hamilton Hoyt recognized its beauty. Her campaigns to preserve the area date back to the 1920s, and she’s one of the main reasons the park exists today.

There’s not much to see or do between Phoenix and Joshua Tree, so the epic part of this roadtrip starts when you enter the park. A few main roads — Pinto Basin and Park Blvd. — run the length of the park, but less-traveled backcountry roads are a great way to explore the outer reaches of Joshua Tree.

Backpacking , rock climbing , hiking and camping are all popular activities, and you’ll find a number of free park ranger programs and talks on desert geology, wildlife, vegetation and more. When you’re done in the park, explore the small, eccentric desert towns to the north, including Pioneertown , founded as a movie set in the 1940s and home to the Pioneertown Motel .

If you go : 8 Things You Can’t Miss on Your First Visit to Joshua Tree ; A Guide to California’s Joshua Tree National Park

• Lodging : There’s no lodging in the park, but the Airbnb market here is insane. Our favorites: the Copper Cabin , Cabin Cabin Cabin , and The Joshua Tree House . Budget-friendlier options abound at hotels near Joshua Tree .
• Camping : desert camping is the best way to experience Joshua Tree, and there are 9 in-park campgrounds to choose from, including Hidden Valley , Jumbo Rocks , and Belle Campground . Even the larger campgrounds fill up fast, so plan accordingly.

10. Mount Lemmon

Mount Lemmon is the Santa Catalina Mountains’ tallest peak at 9,157 feet, and the winding drive up from Tucson is one of the most scenic routes in Arizona. The Sky Island Scenic Byway climbs more than 6,000 feet from desert to forest in less than 30 miles, but you’ll feel a world away from the bustling city below.

There are plenty of spots to stop, take in the views and hike around — check Babad Do’ag Vista or Aspen Vista for starters. Once you’re at the top, enjoy Summerhaven, a great place for snow play in the winter and cool temps in the summer. Mt. Lemmon Ski Valley is the southernmost ski area in the US and offers off-season attractions like a sky ride to the summit.

Quaint shopping, outdoor activities and room to explore can easily occupy your weekend on Mt. Lemmon, but with Tucson just over an hour away, there’s sufficient nightlife and entertainment close by.

If you go:   Your guide to a lovely, cool day on the mountain

• Lodging : We dig staying at Hotel Congress in town, but it can be loud and crowded. For something more tranquil, check out Lodge on the Desert . The Airbnb scene here is also stellar — we featured Adobe Libre on our list of unique Arizona Airbnbs . For a mountain getaway, scope out a cabin near Mt. Lemmon like this .
• Camping : If you have the time, camping at Pichaco Peak State Park is a great way to start your trip off right. For camping closer to Tucson, check out Catalina State Park , Rose Canyon Campground , or General Hitchcock Campground . An in-town KOA offers family-focused camping with pools, playground, gym, mini golf and more.

11. Mining Town Tour

This southeast Arizona trip gains steam in Benson, where you can make a detour to Kartchner Caverns to the south or hit Singing Wind Bookshop , the “headquarters for books about the Southwest.”

Next, you’ll roll through Cochise, named for the 19th century Chiricahua Apache leader , and its scattering of buildings and cemeteries. The hotel, general store and church offer a fascinating look at life in the late 1800s and Old West towns in general.

From there, take the Ghost Town Trail through Pearce, Courtland and Gleeson. In Tombstone you’ll find the usual tourist haunts (O.K. Corral, Birdcage Theater) and plenty of history about the town’s infamous characters, like Virgil Earp, Johnny Ringo and the rest of the Tombstone cast. Make a side trip down to Bisbee to see how the artsy community has reignited over the years.

• Lodging : History buffs will dig the Cochise Hotel and hikers will love this adobe and wood cabin in Cochise Stronghold Canyon. Once you’ve passed through the smaller ghost towns, check out The Tombstone Grand Hotel or Wyatt’s Hotel . Bisbee’s old-school options include the Copper Queen Hotel , Bisbee Grand Hotel and Hotel San Ramon . For a quirkier (and kid-free) stay, check out The Shady Dell vintage trailer park.
• Camping: Cochise Stronghold Campground offers rugged camping in Coronado National Forest. If you take a side trip to Kartchner Caverns, you can camp or rent a cabin in the park. Good tent camping options are limited in these parts, but Bisbee and Tombstone both have their share of RV parks.

Related read :  29 Most Iconic Quotes from Tombstone

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Seen in: Arizona , Phoenix , Things to Do in Arizona

Posted by D.T. Christensen

Dustin is the founder of Territory Supply. He was born and raised in Phoenix, and fills most of his shelves with books on American West history. When he’s not writing or reading, he likes to travel with his wife and twin daughters, a rambunctious team that makes backpacking the Grand Canyon seem easy.

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15 Exciting Day Trips From Phoenix: A Local’s Guide

Home » Blog » U.S.A. » 15 Exciting Day Trips From Phoenix: A Local’s Guide

Arizona may be known for its majestic Grand Canyon and Sedona’s red rocks, but there is so much more to discover in this gorgeous state. In one day you can hike among cacti and then drive north 2.5 hours to ski past snow-covered pine trees. We’ve called upon a local to share her insider knowledge about the most exciting day trips from Phoenix.

By Guest Author: Rachel Harris

Even though parts of Arizona can reach summer temperatures of 120 degrees, I promise you that those of us who call this desert state home are not crazy. State 48 is known for breathtaking scenic sunsets, the magnificent Grand Canyon, beautiful cactus-lined desert landscapes, and a vibe that is a combination of influences from Native American, Mexican and Californian cultures. 

Varied experiences are aplenty in Arizona with a diverse geography that spans the vast desert in the southwest part of the state to the rich pine forests to the north. This makes for ample opportunities for day trips from Phoenix, a worthy homebase for your Arizona travels. 

See the Old Wild West in towns like Tortilla Flat or go from sunny palm trees to snow-covered pine trees in just two hours with a venture to Northern Arizona. And while many of you will freeze beyond reason during the winter months, we central Arizona peeps will be smiling in the sun with temperatures of envy from October through early May. 

So without further ado, here are 15 of the best day trips from Phoenix to experience an array of Arizona culture and the varied natural landscapes we Zonies (yeah, we are called that by some out-of-staters) are so proud of. 

Psst! Katie and Ben here…

Before we get to the good stuff, we have a few helpful resources we wanted to share with you.

America the Beautiful Annual Park Pass

A few of the destinations on this list are among the protected lands covered by the NPS. Those entrance fees can stack up. For this reason, we’d highly encourage you to look into getting an annual park pass.

For just $80 per year, you can purchase the  America the Beautiful park pass . This pass grants you free access to all of the  U.S. National Parks . 

Plus it also covers your entrance to over 2,000 natural, historical, and recreational sites across the United States (including Red Rock Canyon and Lake Mead Recreation Area from this list!).  

If you still need convincing, check out our article:  America the Beautiful Annual Park Pass: Is it Worthwhile?

Getting a rental car in Pheonix

Having your own vehicle when visiting will give you a lot more freedom to explore the best day trips from Phoenix. 

We personally like using  Discover Cars  when we rent vehicles around the world, as they gather options from all sorts of rental companies in one place. It makes it really easy to compare prices and vehicles so you can determine which is the best option for you.

Search & Compare Rental Car Prices

• Discover Cars : We personally use this aggregate site to compare rental car prices from all the big name companies and get the best price possible. 
• Booking.com :  We’ve had good experiences finding rental cars with this site (formerly RentalCars.com) in the past. 

And now to the good stuff…

1.  Sedona

• At a glance: One of the most visited Arizona towns, Sedona is known for stunning red rocks, funky shopping boutiques, and a spiritual aura that is relaxing and fun! 
• Distance from Phoenix: 116 miles; 2-hour drive

Stunning Sedona is one Arizona town that can not be missed. This unique part of the state is known for majestic red rocks, a mystic vibe, great shopping, and numerous outdoor fitness activities, which makes this city a favorite. Locals and tourists alike put a trip to Sedona high up on their adventure list. 

What to do in Sedona

Hikers have a lot of terrific options in Sedona with many beautiful scenic trails. The clean air and gorgeous views make hiking an absolute pleasure in this part of the state. We set out on two hiking trails on our day trip from Phoenix and both were thoroughly enjoyable.   

Little Horse Trail Bell Rock Pathway: The red ground matches the red rocks that are brilliant to view on this 4.3-mile hike, an easy-to-moderate trail to navigate.  Make sure you have your camera ready because you will want to snap pictures of Bell Rock and other stunning landmarks. Throughout the hike, you will encounter tall pine trees coexisting with prickly pear cacti along with coyotes, quails, roadrunners, jackrabbits, and other wildlife that call this area home.  

Yavapai Vista Trail: This .5-mile trail is a popular one that works well for all skill levels. Yavapai Trail is a favorite hike because it’s short and provides incredible photo backdrops. Additional trails intersect with this one that includes the Coconino, Kaibab Trail, and Yavapai Trail. A cool sign with a diagram and description of the canyons is strategically placed, giving the visitor details about the mountains as they appear in the distance. 

Other popular Sedona trails:

• Devil’s Bridge Trail: 3.9 mile out round trip, easy to navigate with rock scrambling.
• Cathedral Rock Trail: 3.7 mile round trip, moderate-to-difficult with rocky sections.
• Doe Mountain Trail: 2.3 mile round trip, a popular trail with moderate-to-difficult rating.
• Fay Canyon: 2.3 mile round trip that locals recommend for this trail’s ease and beauty. 
• Munds Wagon Trail: 8 mile round trip that is rated as a moderate trail with magnificent views of the red rocks. 

In addition to hiking, try an adventure jeep tour. A favorite family memory of ours is when we took the Pink Adventure Jeep Tour . It is a beautifully scenic (my favorite part) and thrilling rough ride (my kids’ favorite part) that provides a good look at Sedona’s enchanting red rocks.  

Horseback riding, rafting, fishing, golfing, rock climbing and more are all exciting and plentiful activities readily available in Sedona. For a full list of recreational things to do, see the Visit Sedona website. 

Sedona Shopping: Sedona is a beautiful place to shop, both inside the unique boutiques and outdoors in the charming shopping centers. My favorite center to browse and purchase truly fabulous items is the Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village located along majestic Oak Creek. 

The outdoor center houses a charming courtyard that’s styled like a Mexican village with cobblestone walkways, walls covered in vines; and Southwestern tiled stairs leading up to a second-floor that is dotted with cozy shops. 

A few of my favorite merchants in this center are:

• Cake Couture for the coffee and irresistible and artistic cakes. Try the Tiny Succulent flourless chocolate mini cake that’s decorated like a colorful field of bright green cacti. This is truly a desert dessert! 
• El Rincon , a two-generation family-owned Mexican eatery that blends Mexican fare with Navajo recipes.  
• Eclectic Image Gallery is perfectly named. The locally owned gallery offers an extensive collection of eye-catching canvas images, colorful works of art of beautiful landscapes, hand-tinted photography, and much more.  
• Adorn Collection boutique to shop for thoughtful gifts made by local artisans. Adorn also sells lovely clothing styles and other eclectic items that reflect the nearby Verde Valley Trail and copper mining history of the area. 

Shop Uptown Sedona for walkable access to unique boutiques, galleries, cafes, and gift shops. Considered Sedona’s hub for all things interesting, fun, and tasty. 

Insider Tip:  Book dinner ahead at Sedona’s prized restaurant, Elote Cafe , run by celebrity Chef Jeff Smedstad. This award-winning Mexican restaurant features worldly entrees with locally grown quality seasonal ingredients.  Chef Smedstad traveled through Mexico extensively to learn exactly how to master his authentic dishes. This desert gem books up fast so make reservations as early as you can and ask to be on their guest cancellation list. Walk-ins aren’t accepted. Don’t miss the mouthwatering Elote Corn and everything else on this irresistible menu, including the handcrafted cocktails.  

Recommended by Katie & Ben 

• At a glance: A small city with plentiful outdoor adventures, ahh-mazing Mexican food, and lively nightlife
• Distance from Phoenix: 146 miles; 2 hours and 30 minutes

Surrounded by the Sonoran Desert, Tucson is a small city with BIG outdoor adventures, a promising food scene and exciting nightlife. Honestly, this city wasn’t really on our radar until we were invited by the Visit Tucson Tourism Board to visit in 2019, and boy did this place surprise us! We’d recommend visiting Tucson as one of the top day trips from Phoenix.

Top things to do in Tucson

• Go horseback riding/mountain biking in the desert: This place has plenty of trails!
• Eat ALLL the Mexican food: At just over 60 miles from the border, it’s no surprise Tucson has some incredible Mexican fare
• Hike past 40-feet tall cacti in Catalina State Park and Sabino Canyon
• Tour a model city biosphere with different ecosystems which range from rainforest to the ocean
• Catch some live music on 4th Ave: Wander downtown in the evenings and follow your ears to the nearest live show 

Check out our complete guide for more things to do in Tucson !

3. Carefree/Cave Creek

• At a glance: Visit neighboring Carefree and Cave Creek to enjoy two distinctive towns that are charming and friendly with plenty of outdoor activities paired with unique shops and tasty restaurants.
• Distance from Phoenix: 35.5 miles; 40 minutes north of Phoenix

Leave your cares behind when you take a day trip to Carefree.  I know that sounds cheesy, but that’s exactly how I felt when I spent the day in this beautiful area. 

Carefree sports a desert landscape of red rocks and beautiful boulders that pair well with the local charm of this small welcoming town. Then head to neighboring Cave Creek to experience a nod to the Wild West with western-themed shops and restaurants.  

Cave Creek also boasts a park that welcomes both hikers and horses on the trails. In both communities, the air is clean, the people move at a slower pace and the ambiance is friendly. 

Things to do in Carefree and Cave Creek

• Head to downtown Carefree to experience unique restaurants, Native American influenced art galleries, Old Western-themed establishments, and wine tasting  
• Admission is $7 per car and it is money well spent 
• Guided horseback riding tours start at $59 ($54 for ages 6 to 12 years old) for a one-hour loop ride  
• Put your mind in the gutter (yes, you read that right!) and check out the popular Carefree rock formation called Phallic Rock . Judge for yourself if you think it lives up to its name.
• For authentic Indian fry bread and good enchiladas, dine at the Indian Village Restaurant . Don’t miss the chicken spinach enchiladas and save room for the sweet fry bread that comes in several spicy and sweet variations.
• Just down the street from the casual Indian Village sits a charming wine bar called Brix Wines , a Mom and pop shop with a selection of wines from around the world. Sip wine while savoring a stunning sunset from the establishment’s outdoor patio. Shop the snack area and Brix will transfer your selections to a charcuterie board to nibble on as you wine and dine. 
• Spend a Friday in Carefree to attend the Carefree Farmers’ Market that is open rain or shine every Friday year-round . In addition to fresh fruit and veggies, local vendors also offer unique items like flowers, arts and crafts.  

Insider Tip: Consider staying the night in Carefree’s stunning Boulders Resort . Named one of the best hotels by Conde Nast Traveler, this property checks all the boxes for the perfect resort getaway. If you don’t mind the heat, book this luxury property for 50% less in the summer. Rates at this resort (and other Phoenix five-star resort properties) are significantly reduced in the off-season here. 

4.  Verde Valley Wine Trail 

• At a glance: A fun, full, and tasty day awaits the wine lover on the Verde Valley Wine Trail located in Northern Arizona
• Distance from Phoenix: 103 miles; 1 hour and 40 minutes (recommended starting point in Cottonwood)
• Cost: See each location for wine tasting and food pricing. Wine Crawler shuttle pass: $57 from Cottonwood, or $69 from Sedona

To my delight, there are over 20 wine tasting locations in Cottonwood, Jerome, Sedona, and Cornville, Arizona—the places that make up the region known as Verde Valley. 

All of these unique vineyards offer a wonderful diversity of wine and will fill your day and your glass with flavors to remember. Most sell bottles of their vino so you don’t have to leave empty-handed.

Before you hit the road for your wine tasting trip, do yourself a favor and visit the Verde Valley Wine Trail website to print the helpful wine trail map. The site will help you decide which vineyards and wine tasting rooms to visit. 

I highly recommend booking a day tour of the AZ Wine Crawler Shuttle . The cost of the hop-on-hop-off shuttle is $57 a person for a day pass from Cottonwood, Cornville, or Clarkdale or $69 a person from Sedona to Verde Valley Wineries. Both shuttles will take wine lovers on a wine tasting route that includes four to six different locations. 

If you don’t have a designated driver, you can stay one night in the charming town of Cottonwood or beautiful Sedona to catch the Wine Crawl shuttle. We stayed in Cottonwood and we had an absolute blast (and that’s not just the wine talking!). 

Psst! If you want to make this a true day trip and not worry about driving, check out this Verde Valley wine tasting tour that includes lunch and round trip transportation from Phoenix.

A few Cornville/Clarkdale vineyards we visited:

• Start your day with a nice meal here to prepare your stomach for all the wine tasting! Try the perfectly seasoned brick-fired pizza and don’t miss the enticing burrata salad. 
• Page Spring offers a variety of wine flights that include five flavors for $12. Try the exclusive Reserve Flight for $25 that offers wine enthusiasts five tastes of specially selected limited-edition wines. 
• Page Springs is open 365 days a year. I’ll drink to that! 
• Each flight costs $18 and is money well spent as this vineyard sports an impressive list of award-winning wines. 
• Don’t miss the decadent truffles that are made from scratch. Chocolate and wine? Yes, please!  
• Check the ranch calendar before setting out as they are only open on select days. 
• We paid $20 for a lovely flight of six wines that included reds and whites. I was surprised to discover that D.A. Ranch doesn’t sell wine by the bottle as I would not have left empty-handed. 
• Bodega Pierce Tasting Room : Quite different from the other wineries we visited, Bodega was quaint and quiet, and it was a relaxing last stop on the tour. We especially enjoyed Bodega’s knowledgeable and personable staff. The wine here is so good that we all bought a bottle, including our wonderful tour guide, Leon.  

Insider Tip: View the Verde Valley Wine Trail map to print the bonus site passport. Take the passport that lists each vineyard with you to obtain a stamp at the locations you visit. Once your passport has 10 stamps, mail it in to be entered in drawings for prizes, one of which is the chance to win a vintage wine weekend for two. Now that would be my dream prize! 

5. Cottonwood

• At a glance: Historic Cottonwood welcomes visitors with open arms to shop at local boutiques, sample area wines, dine at farm-to-table restaurants and all are within walking distance. 
• Distance from Phoenix: 103 miles; 1 hour 40 minutes

A friendly small town with a variety of tasty eateries and vineyard-to-glass tasting rooms, historic Cottonwood is located in the center of Arizona wine country. This quaint township is conveniently located near Sedona’s red rocks and Mingus Mountain. This makes Cottonwood a place that gives locals and visitors alike the best of both worlds.

This town is proud to be known as the heart of Verde Valley Wine Country and was one of my favorite day trips from Phoenix.

Things to do in Cottonwood

• Schedule a wine crawl bus shuttle pickup as Cottonwood is one of the most popular stops on the Arizona Wine Crawler route or stay in town to try good vino. Known as the Heart of Verde Valley Wine Country, this town offers ten inviting wine tasting rooms.
• If you don’t have a designated driver, stay the night at one of the most wonderful boutique hotels I have experienced, The Tavern Hotel . The staff is delightful and the grounds are adorned with local town decor, fire pits, and cool signs with catchy phrases. This property is conveniently located on the wine crawl shuttle route. 
• Old Town Cottonwood is an enjoyable place to spend an afternoon. Walk, dine, sip and shop at the town’s variety of locally-owned restaurants, wine tasting rooms, and specialty shops.
• Wine and dine at the restaurant recommended to us repeatedly by the residents, Merkin Vineyards . Or have yourself a wine tasting at the award-winning Pillsbury Wine Company tasting room , also located in Old Town Cottonwood. 
• Hike, bike, fish, horseback ride, and camp at nearby Dead Horse Ranch State Park . The park is only a four-minute drive from Old Town Cottonwood. 
• Explore Jerome ghost town , which is just a short 20-minute drive from Cottonwood.

Insider Tip: Guests who check-in at the Tavern Hotel receive a complimentary cocktail at The Tavern Grille and a free cup of a specialty coffee at the cozy Crema Craft Kitchen & Bar. Visit Crema’s cheery outdoor coffee window to order your cup of Joe on the go or venture inside for brunch. Fair warning because the tempting bakery case will stop you in your tracks. 

6.  Montezuma Castle & Montezuma Well

• At a glance: Mountainside cave dwellings that housed the Sinagua tribes long ago and a limestone sinkhole that is so unique it is one of the most studied bodies of water in the world.
• Distance from Phoenix: 95 miles; 1 hour and 30 minutes north of Phoenix (Montezuma Castle) + 10 miles; 15 minutes (Montezuma Well)
• Cost: $10 admission fee, kids 15 and under get in free but check the website for free entrance days. There was no admission fee the day I visited. 

Montezuma Castle 

Go back in time with a short ⅓-mile stroll down the easy trail to observe the historic dwelling that once housed the Southern Sinagua people hundreds of years ago. The marvelous mountainside structure is now called Montezuma Castle . 

Bring the older kids along for an easy hike that is a fascinating history lesson. Take a moment to visualize the hunting and gathering families that called the Verde Valley land home with the park’s museum that contains historic artifacts. 

Ancient items displayed include clothing, medicine, food, and other necessities. One interesting exhibit shows a rabbit’s leg bone that was used to create a needle to sew shoes. 

Landscape signs along the walk explain which plants were consumed and which ones were used to medicate. 

Check out the audio program framed castle replica that contains model figures of what daily life may have looked like within the structures. Although so long ago, similarities between past days and today’s modern life give visitors an eye-opening perspective of common human traits of existence.  

Montezuma Well

Even though it is another 11 miles north, be sure to make a stop at the Montezuma Well , a naturally occurring spring in the desert, on your day trip from Phoenix. Park your car in the free lot and take the easy ⅓-mile hike to the well. 

What was once a farming community is now a state park that gives visitors a look back with the structures still standing along the rim of the well. The stone pueblo ruins and abandoned cliff houses are fascinating to observe. 

The well itself is interesting to study as the ancient water flows constantly from a deep underground sunken spring. The signage around the well explains how the 15 million gallons of spring water enabled communities of people to reside in this area dating back from 1100 to 1400. 

Be sure not to miss the quiet hiking path beyond the well that takes you to a serene creek. These soothing waters were formed by the water from the well that emerges from an underground passage. The sound of the creek’s peaceful water is calming to the soul and is a quiet refuge. 

Insider Tip: Drive a quick 18 minutes south to Camp Verde, Arizona to experience truly top-notch Italian food. The Moscato Ristorante Italiano serves handmade pasta dishes paired with a fitting selection of fine wines. The food is as enjoyable as the setting since the restaurant is located inside the historic Montezuma Inn, established in 1900.  In addition to the wide selection of mouthwatering pasta dishes made by local Chef Salvatore, Moscato also serves creative entrees that include Tuscan, Sicilian and Italian cuisine. If you can, save room for the decadent Italian desserts made by his mother. Try the beautifully presented and delightful espresso affogato for dessert. 

7.  Tempe

• At a glance: More than just a college town, Tempe has become the “it” place that has stayed unique, even with its growing popularity. 
• Distance from Phoenix: 11.5 miles; 20 minutes

Known for fun, fitness, food, theater productions, pubs, funky neighborhoods with character, local grub, and more, Tempe is home to Arizona State University, where you will see tan ASU students zipping around on scooters. You will also see longtime locals and visitors alike taking full advantage of awesome outdoor fitness activities in Tempe.

Things to do in Tempe

• Start your day at Cartel Roasting Co. for your morning cup of joe and the best pumpkin donut and bakery Pop-Tarts I’ve tasted. Sit and sip for a bit to view the funky art exhibits and wall paintings by local artists that grace the walls of this unique neighborhood coffee shop. 
• Nine additional hiking trails, all marked “easy,” are listed on the Papago Park website. 
• Try The Pilgrim turkey pasty for Thanksgiving in a sandwich or the Red Curry Chicken Tikka Masala for an Indian pasty version. There is something for everyone on the interesting menu with vegan and vegetarian options as well. 
• Check out the historical Old Railroad Bridge that still stands from 1912. 
• Tempe Beach Park is one entrance to the lake that connects to five miles of paths. Stop for a minute to observe the park’s public safety memorial called Answering the Call. Read the signs to learn about the park’s history that dates to 1931. Be sure to check the Tempe Town Lake website to see the annual schedule of big outdoor events that take place here. 

• The Leonard Monti Trail on ‘A’ Mountain has recently become my favorite hike in the Valley of the Sun. This is because it’s easier and quicker! The trail is less than one mile and takes about 20 minutes to hike to the top. It’s still good exercise as the steep paved uphill path and winding mountainside concrete stairs get your heart pumping. At the top, hikers enjoy views of the Tempe Town Lake and her beautiful bridges below as well as the Sun Devil Stadium, ASU, and the ever-growing city of Tempe. 
• Catch a visiting Broadway production at ASU’s elegant Gammage Auditorium or see concerts, comedy acts, and more at the distinctive Tempe Center for the Arts that is located waterside to Tempe Town Lake. 
• Try The Beer Shop Co . which is located off the beaten path for tasty brew samples, a hip tasting room inside, and a funky outdoor patio. I could lounge there drinking quality brew with pals all day! It is also interesting to note that this place, built in 1952, was home to former Tempe Mayor, Harry Mitchell.  
• Taste of Tops offers 30 rotating craft tops, 600 bottles/cans of craft beer varieties, and 20 by-the-glass wines. There is something for everyone at this liquor store that houses a tasting room. Locals love this place that is run by a third-generation family.  
• The Arizona Distilling Company offers a scheduled 1-hour tasting tour of barrel-aged whiskey samples. This historic place is Phoenix’s first whiskey distillery since prohibition. Enjoy the spirits with wood-fired pizza. 
• Casey Moore’s Oyster House for great brew, good pub grub, and quality oysters that are flown in daily.
• Check out the new Shred Club on Mill to rent electric skateboards, scooters, and one-wheels to roll around Tempe. 
• Visit my favorite local gift shop on Mill Avenue called Lotions & Potions Perfume Store . This amusing shop is not affiliated with the national chain that bears the same name and this eclectic place sells more than just the handcrafted perfumes and oils they boast. Worth a visit! 

There are so many more places to share in terrific Tempe, but I can’t fit it all into this one section so head to the Tempe Tourism Guide website for a full list of what to do, eat and drink in this very cool town. 

8.  The Dolly Steamboat Tour/Tortilla Flat

• At a glance: Take the relaxing Dolly Steamboat Tour for a quick getaway along scenic Canyon Lake and then head to Tortilla Flat to go back in time to the Wild West. 
• Distance from Phoenix: 50 miles; 1 hour
• Cost:  Dolly Steamboat Scenic Nature Cruise – $25 a ticket for adults; $15 a ticket for kids 5-12; $6 for kids 1-4

Arizona may not have an ocean, but this desert state boasts several impressive waterways. Colorful Canyon Lake winds through the scenic Superstition Mountains and is where you can find the Dolly Steamboat , offering scenic sightseeing tours and dinner cruises. 

The captain of the ship is also the tour guide directing boat floaters where to look to observe wild animal sightings and desert scenery. His interesting narrative along with the sound of the calming waters makes for the perfect sightseeing tour. 

After the boat ride, head two miles down the road to experience the Wild West preserved at Tortilla Flat which is nestled in the spectacular Superstition Mountains.  

The Dolly Steamboat Tours

A 1 ½ hour ride on the relaxing Dolly Steamboat is a fantastic way to experience the stunning desert landscape. Cruise along the water to spy on some of the animals who call these parts home. 

We took the 2 p.m. boat tour that was the perfect ride from start to finish. We spotted bighorn sheep and our captain pointed out a beautiful bald eagle flying above us. 

The weather was just right on this mid-February day and our boat ride was comfortable. We enjoyed moving around the vessel to the upstairs outdoor deck. The ship’s onboard snack bar sells light food and refreshing cocktails. We met friendly crew members who recommended that we return in the future for the sunset dinner cruise.

Insider Tip: Arrive early to the Dolly Steamboat tour and have lunch at the Well Done Grill . Enjoy refreshing cocktails and filling fare on the restaurant’s comfortable deck that looks out over Canyon Lake. The pleasant patio gives diners a splendid view of the Dolly Steamboat arrivals and departures. The restaurant and the boat facility share the same free parking lot, another advantage to dining at the grill before or after your boat ride. 

Visiting Tortilla Flat

Two miles up the road from the Dolly Steamboat lies the small town of Tortilla Flat. This unique area is reminiscent of another era. It boasts a population of only six (yes, you read that single digit right) and this stagecoach stop along the historic Apache Trail is like stepping back into the Wild West. 

Located in the Tonto National Forest, the community is surrounded by nice views of the Superstition Mountain Range. A long boardwalk lines old western buildings that still stand, reconstructed with parts from the original structures that date back to 1904. 

The Tortilla Flat website says that neither flood nor fire could completely destroy this historic locale. Live music, hearty grub, and saddle bar stools are all part of the fun at this recommended desert stop. 

While in Tortilla Flat, treat yourself to a scoop of Prickly Pear gelato. We did and we are not ashamed to admit that we had ice cream for dinner and cocktails on the boat. We did this day trip from Phoenix just right!  

9.  Kartchner Caverns State Park

• At a glance: Kartchner Caverns State Park offers exclusive cave tours, bird watching, hiking trails, camping, and panoramic views of the San Pedro Valley. 
• Distance from Phoenix: 167 miles; 2 hours and 30 minutes
• Cost: $7 per vehicle but the fee is waived with paid booked tour. Tour prices are $23 a person for adults 14 and older, $7 for kids aged 7-13, free for children under 7 for the Rotunda/Throne tour.  Kids under 7 are not allowed on the Big Room Tour. 

The caverns at this Southern Arizona state park are magnificent to witness, a true marvel of Mother Nature’s mysterious work. Guided and specialty tours are offered, which include the new Photo Tour and the fun Helmet & Headlight tour.

I was thrilled to discover that Kartchner Caverns State Park recently added exclusive photo tours inside the impressive Big Room cavern. Photography tours are available on the third Saturday each month. The $125 tour fee is expensive but is worth it to those serious about setting up a tripod in the majestic cave to get their quality shots. It is an exceptional experience! 

Big Room Tour 

Every year the Big Room tour runs October 15 through April 15 due to the annual spring arrival of the migrating bats. Kids under seven years of age are not allowed on the Big Room tour. 

We took the 2-hour Photo Tour. An informative tour guide led us through a big steel door to what seems like another world upon our entrance. We instantly felt the humidity as the heavy door closed behind us. The door is necessary to protect the delicate environment that gives life to the cavern’s world. 

The interior of the cave was warm and damp, but comfortable. We were told not to touch the formations and walls inside the cave. When an accidental touch occurs, a park ranger quickly descends to clean the area because the oils on human skin can damage and even destroy the delicate formations and environment that exists inside. 

Our tour guide was enthusiastic about the cave explaining that both new and ancient creations reside inside the majestic cave. It is a remarkable sight and cool to photograph. I felt like we were walking through a sci-fi movie set as the colors, textures, and size of the cave’s interior are absolutely astonishing to witness! 

Rotunda/Throne Tour

I look forward to returning to the park to see this cave since our schedule didn’t allow for both tours. On the Rotunda/Throne tour, visitors enjoy a 50-minute underground tour of the original trial that led to the cave’s discovery in 1974. The biggest column formation in Arizona, the “Kubla Khan” and a bat guano that is 45,000 years old are both observed on this tour. 

Other park attractions

The Discovery Center offers a museum, theater presentation, gift shop, and concessions. Arrive one hour before the scheduled tour to experience this additional attraction. A campground situated among the Whetstone Mountains and rental cabins is also available on site. Do note that the cabins do not include plumbing with restrooms and showers located close by.  

Insider Tip: Be sure to use the restroom and eat before your cave tour adventure. Once the cave door closes behind you, there is no leaving the cavern until the formal tour is over. The door must stay shut and sealed to protect the delicate environment that protects the cave. The park’s Bat Cave Cafe is only open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on most days.

10. Saguaro National Park

• At a glance: This National Park has cacti, hiking trails and viewpoints, making it a nature-lover’s playground.
• Distance from Phoenix: 104 miles; 1 hour 40 minutes
• Cost: a 1-week pass to Saguaro National Park is $25 per vehicle, or free with annual National Park Pass ($80) 

Saguaro National Park is home to the nation’s largest cacti, after which the park is named. Split into two sections on either side of Tucson , this National Park has a variety of hiking trails for all levels and abilities. Be sure to start your day early and pack sun protection because there isn’t much shade throughout the park.

Best hiking trails in Saguaro National Park

• Valley View Overlook Trail: 0.8-mile one-way (out and back) easy trail that is relatively flat. There are signs along the way pointing out the different types of plants and the final destination is a viewpoint over the vast valley below that is full of cacti. 
• King Canyon Trail (West Side): The trailhead starts opposite of the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, this 7.1-mile moderate trail winds its way up to Wasson Peak. Many reports say it’s tough on the way up and you should start early, but you’ll be rewarded with an amazing view of the saguaro cacti filled desert. 
• Cactus Forest Trail: Splits the East Saguaro National Park from North to South. 5-mile return, mostly flat, but you’ll be surrounded with saguaro cacti the entire time. 

Insider Tip: Once you’ve worked up an appetite, head into Tucson for some incredible Mexican food. If you want something cheap and casual, try the famed local Sonoran Dog at El Güero Canelo . If you’re craving authentic Mexican food at the oldest establishment in town, head to El Charro Café . And for a great vegan Mexican option, look no further than Tumerico . 

11. South Mountain State Park 

• At a glance: A state park with three mountain ranges and over 50 miles of trails for the outdoor enthusiast
• Distance from Phoenix: 22 miles; 30 minutes
• Cost: Free & complimentary parking

South Mountain State Park boasts over 16,000 acres making it one of the largest municipally managed parks in the United States. It encompasses three mountain ranges that include the Ma Ha Tauk, Gila, and Guadalupe, and offers over 50 miles of trails for the outdoor enthusiast on foot, bike, horseback and more. 

Ahwatukee is nestled in the attractive foothills of the scenic South Mountain Park Preserve. This location gives residents and visitors ample hiking trails. All offer a nice dose of moderate exercise but are not overly difficult making these hikes family and dog friendly. Telegraph Pass, the main trail in the Desert Foothills, is a popular hiking path loved by both locals and visitors alike.

With the harsh seasonal temperatures, it is best to avoid these trails in the summer months. Instead, the trails come alive with enthusiastic hikers taking advantage of the mild temperatures that occur from late October through early April.  

Whatever time of year you decide to visit, make sure you bring sufficient water, always wear sunscreen and observe the safety suggestions listed on the signs at the beginning of the trailhead. 

Best hiking trails in Desert Foothills:

• Tip: Be sure to stop along the trail at the fencing area to see the petroglyph images that are preserved in stone. The Pima Indians believe that the animal and other symbols carved into the rocks by the Hohokam nation signify an important spiritual significance. 
• The Eagle’s Nest was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. This structure provided shelter to the horseback riders from strong and sudden monsoon storms that plague the area. The roof is gone but the rest of the building still stands. 

Insider Tip:  Start your morning in Ahwatukee with a scrumptious sweet Cubano hot espresso at the locally owned WhereUBean coffee shop . Don’t miss the bakery case that houses irresistible goodies made daily by a local gifted baker. Following a good day of hiking in Desert Foothills, head to the family-owned Hillside Spot Café for a delicious refueling stop.  

12. Phoenix Mountains Preserve Piestewa Peak 

• At a glance: A favorite local hiking spot close to some great restaurants 
• Distance from Phoenix: 20 minutes; 11 miles
• Hours: open daily from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m.
• Cost: Free admission with free parking

I call Piestewa Peak the “stair climber mountain.” The unique path up the popular Summit Trail resembles a stone staircase. As I made my way up the mountain, I felt like I was burning calories on a stair climber that was naturally placed in the beautiful desert. 

The hike is loved by locals and is close to some great restaurants making this a perfect day trip from Phoenix. 

An interesting note about this mountain is that it was formally called Squaw Peak, renamed in 2003 to Piestewa Peak. This was done to honor the first known Native American woman to die in overseas combat. Lori Ann Piestewa was killed in action in the Iraq War in 2003. 

Best hiking trails in Piestewa Peak

• Tip: Be sure to wear sun protection as there is not much shade on this trail.  
• Dreamy Draw Nature Hike: This 1.5-mile path is an easy hike and boasts splendid views of Saguaro cacti and the desert landscape city below. Take a minute before or after your hike to read the park signs about the different flora and interesting desert wildlife that live on the mountain.  
• The Freedom Trail : A moderately difficult rocky 3.5-mile hike. Take this trail to snap pictures of the peak of Piestewa above and of desert flowers, Palo Verde trees, and wildlife such as chuckwallas and ring-tail cats. 

This park also has a large covered picnic table area complete with grills.  Decent bathrooms and outdoor fully functioning sinks with soap are located close to the trail start. Multiple parking lots are provided with ample parking, but this is a popular park so you may have to wait to find a spot.   

Insider Tip: Before your hike, stop at Luci’s Marketplace to perk up at the coffee bar and fuel up with a meal from the delicious breakfast menu that includes healthy fare like the Morning Run Breakfast Burrito and decadent rich french toast. The eatery doubles as a market shop with all kinds of unique merchandise. Celebrate with a post-hike cocktail at the restaurant’s funky bar.  For authentic New Mexican fare after a day of hiking, try Richardson’s Restaurant . The tasty green chile entrees are plentiful and are served on hot iron plates.

13. Desert Botanical Garden

• At a glance: 140 acres of this visually pleasing botanical garden with easy walking paths
• Cost: Ticket prices start at $29.95 for adults/$14.95 for kids. Advance ticket reservations are required. The garden is open 8 am to 4 pm and 4 pm to 8 pm for evening garden events.
• Distance from Phoenix:  20 minutes; 10 miles

Located in the scenic Papago Buttes, the Desert Botanical Garden is truly a gem in the desert. All 140 acres of this visually pleasing botanical garden provide visitors easy walking trails to view, photograph, and learn about diverse desert plant and animal life. 

A scenic and pleasant way to exercise with a stroll through the colorful desert landscape. Five different trails with over 50,000 plant exhibits explore the history of the Sonoran Desert. All the trails are easy on the feet and simple to navigate. 

My favorite path is the Plants & People of the Sonoran Desert Loop Trail. The unique exhibit takes you back in time through the eyes of the Native people who once struggled and thrived on this land. 

One interesting feature is a tree branch hut that is a replica of an ancient Western Apache home. Park visitors venture back in time and enter a kitchen that was constructed with all available resources like stones and other materials that were indigenous to the area. You will also learn which plants had medicinal properties and which desert greens were cooked for meals. 

The different scenic trails include signs about the variety of cacti, flowers, animals, butterflies, and more. A day spent here is truly a beautiful way to learn about the desert.  

The garden hosts interactive seasonal events throughout the year. Take in the holiday season with an evening hike that sparkles in the dark with trails that are lit with festive luminarias. 

Check the site calendar to see when the Dog Days events are scheduled for a day at the garden with your pooch. One event I can’t wait to attend is a Corks & Cactus night that combines wines from around the world with a Sonoran Desert sunset dinner. Yes, please! 

Insider Tip:  Upon arrival at the garden, visit the park’s scrumptious farm-to-plate Gertrude’s Restaurant to make reservations for a terrific post-trail meal. Do this before you start the hike so you will be sure to get a table. 

14. Camelback Mountain State Park

• At a glance: Another great state park for hiking opportunities with great views
• Distance from Phoenix: 24 minutes; 12 miles

Located in Scottsdale, the iconic Camelback Mountain is shaped exactly like a kneeling camel, and it is known for some of the best hiking in Phoenix . Locals adore this state park, especially those who crave a challenging hike that includes rock climbing to get to the top. 

Camelback Mountain Hiking Trails

• Make sure to wear the right kind of shoes for the rock scramble part of this mountain and bring lots of water.  
• Bobby’s Rock Loop, just off the main trail, is an easy part of the journey. I recommend taking this little detour to experience the loop. It offers a built-in bench and nice views of the surrounding boulders and canyon.
• Cholla Trail: A demanding 1.4-mile hike with a 2,707-foot elevation gain, loose gravel, and rock scrambling. 

Insider Tip: A Camelback mountain climb is sure to give you an appetite so head to either La Grande Orange or Ingo’s Take Away in the Arcadia area. Both restaurants offer delicious food, are casual, and are loved by locals. 

13.  Prescott  

• At a glance: Visit Prescott for the day to experience a friendly small-town ambiance, scenic hikes, and historic places that share the town’s history.
• Distance from Phoenix: 1 hour 45 minutes; 100 miles

Street signs dubbed “Everybody’s Hometown” make tourists feel welcome in downtown Prescott. 

Things to do in Prescott

• In The Palace , guests pass through the old-fashioned swinging bar doors and are greeted by waiters and bartenders adorned in old-time western wear. The Palace’s two-story building is filled with memorabilia that tell entertaining stories of the bar’s colorful historic Wild West past. USA Today named this place one of the top ten historic bars in America. 
• In the middle of the town sits Prescott’s Yavapai County Courthouse . Take a walk around the historic structure, which was built in 1916, to see interesting exhibits that stand around the perimeter. 
• Check out the Plaza Bandstand , a constructed gazebo that sits on the lawn of the courthouse. Originally built in the late 1800s, the structure held performances by brass bands. 
• Hike the Thumb Butte Trail , a popular 1-hour hike to the Groom Creek Vista which sports impressive views of Prescott and the surrounding mountains. From there, pretty views of the Bradshaw, Sierra Prieta, Granite, and Mingus Mountains can be seen.
• Rent a paddleboat on Lynx Lake, which is less crowded than the popular Watson Lake. Five miles east of Prescott, Lynx Lake offers fishing, camping, hiking and even gold panning. 
• To experience Prescott’s main lake, the action is at Watson Lake. Only four miles away from downtown Prescott, Watson Lake offers something to do for everyone. Activities offered include rock climbing, fishing, hiking, canoeing, picnicking, kayaking, and more.

Where to eat in Prescott

The food options are delicious here, especially if you like craft beer. Wine tasting places exist for the wine lover too. 

• Lazy G Brewhouse : an official Arizona Craft Brewers Guild brewery with tasty beer flights. Lazy G’s delicious roasted brussels sprouts tossed in the sweet chili garlic sauce are so good. The Lazy G burger is also outstanding. 
• El Gato Azul :  For tasty tapas and attentive customer service in a super cute place. A big menu sports all kinds of perfectly made tapas along with a nice list of wines. 
• Wild Iris Coffee House : Start your day here for a fantastic coffee selection in a cozy setting that also sells local foods like granola and honey. 
• Black Butterfly Chocolates : Chocolate lovers unite because these single-origin Venezuelan Cacao artisan chocolates taste as incredible as they look. All are hand-painted using colored cocoa butter by store owner and Chocolatier Tracy Taylor.
• Del Rio Springs Vineyard Wine Tasting Room : Cheers to this wonderful wine tasting room that is just steps away from the Black Butterfly Chocolates shop. Find both delectable places in the Old Firehouse Plaza. This is my kind of plaza! 

Insider Tip: If you plan to stay one night in Prescott, I’m told by locals that the Motor Lodge on Montezuma Street is the funky and retro place to stay. It’s a colorful boutique hotel with hip rooms and a fun vibe, conveniently located just 3 blocks south of the famous Whiskey Row.

Bonus: Grand Canyon Railway 

• At a glance: A unique way to make the journey to the Grand Canyon is to ride the rails on the Grand Canyon Railway from Williams, Arizona to the Grand Canyon Depot. 
• Distance from Phoenix: 175.3 miles; 2 hours & 35 minutes to Williams
• Cost: Range is $65 to $230 per train ticket depending on the class of train car service

Visiting the Grand Canyon from Williams, Arizona by train is worth mentioning in this article because the entire experience is so fantastic! Since this requires more time than a day trip, I am including it as a “bonus” activity.  Here is the scoop:

The incredible Grand Canyon National Park is not even one bit overrated so if you haven’t seen the Grand Canyon, which is officially one of the seven natural wonders of the world, put this on your bucket list. 

The Grand Canyon Railway offers six different classes of service giving riders a lot of options to fit all budgets. No matter which class of service you ride in, the train windows give great views of the passing desert landscape as you make your way up and back. 

I decided to splurge on the first-class train car with access to the Luxury Parlor.  It was luxurious with a complimentary champagne toast on the return ride. 

The entire roundtrip train experience was fabulous with onboard musical entertainment, a cash bar that had us toasting multiple times, snacks and even the theater antics of the masked train bandits and the following sheriff who stopped the train to pretend to ransack the cars. It was pretty fun stuff! 

The 2-hour and 15-minute train ride takes passengers to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon in the Historic Village part of the National Park. Passengers are given three hours to enjoy breathtaking views of the expansive, sweeping, and truly stunning colorful Grand Canyon. 

In addition to the canyon itself, historic buildings and exhibits share the magical history of the canyon. Seeing the majestic Grand Canyon and riding the train on the same tracks that explorers rode years ago to the canyon is absolutely one of my all-time favorite experiences. I can’t recommend this enough!

Insider Tip: Dine at the El Tovar Hotel’s Dining Room that sits directly on the Grand Canyon rim. Some of the tables give diners terrific views of the canyon and the food is good. In Williams, stay at the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel , a refurbished property that is nice and lies directly next door to the Williams Train Depot. Discounted price packages that combine the hotel lodging and the train to the Grand Canyon are offered through the hotel’s website.

About the Author 

Rachel Harris, known as the Manic Managed Mom on several Phoenix morning shows, is a brand-new empty nester who has embraced her new chapter with more wine and a lot more travel! Rachel’s blog, Managed Moms provides her readers with helpful travel tips, easy recipes, relatable parenting talk, what’s trending in beauty, health, and fitness and more. You can follow along with Rachel’s empty nest traveling adventures on her Instagram .

Planning a trip out west?

We have TONS of resources on travel in the US and how to make the most out of your trip. Check out our  Ultimate USA Travel Guide  for everything you need to know, or read some of our favorite articles below.

• Seriously Fun Things to Do in Denver
• Ultimate Guide to Utah’s Mighty 5 National Parks
• How to Plan an Epic USA Road Trip
• The Best Road Trips in the USA

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We want to hear from you!

Have questions about planning your day trips from Phoenix? Anything you think we missed? Let us know in the comments below and we’ll do our best to get back to you!

Comments (7) on “ 15 Exciting Day Trips From Phoenix: A Local’s Guide ”

These are great ideas! I live in Phoenix, and your list will help visitors greatly; however, your distances from “Phoenix” are inaccurate. South Mountain Park is literally in the city of Phoenix, so it’s not a 22 mile drive.

I was surprised that Wickenburg was not on your list. The town, Vulture Mine, desert tours on ATVs, and hiking in and around the town are amazing experiences.

I will add Wickenburg to my list for sure! Thanks for the suggestion, David! There are several additional exciting Arizona destinations that I really want to visit and write about in the future.

Phenomenal article and I loved the pictures! Great information about the Grand Canyon state!

Wow I now have so many ideas for what I want to go do next time I come visit. Thanks for the advice Rachel and I hope I get to have as much fun as you!

WOW ! Thanks for all the info ! I’ve lived in Phoenix for years & I learned so much after reading this amazing article! Looks like I’m hitting the road to explore my state ! Awesome read !

This is fabulous information to have handy! So many great trips and tips. I’m inspired!

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17 Day Trips From Phoenix

Updated: 7 June 2021

There is plenty to do within the city limits of Phoenix, but if you've been living in the area for a while, or if urban activities just aren't your thing, you may want to explore beyond the high rises and concrete.

The areas surrounding Phoenix are home to some of the most beautiful natural splendors known to man, and plenty of man-made attractions worth seeing as well. Whether you want to get a breath of fresh air, explore new landscapes, or shake off the city blues, you can do it all without traveling much more than a couple of hours in any direction.

Places to Visit Near Phoenix

Spend less time researching places to go for a day trip and more time doing—use this list of 17 one-day road trips from Phoenix to get you started.

1. Lake Pleasant AZ

(35 minutes from Phoenix)

Lake Pleasant is a 10,000-acre oasis in the middle of the desert. Its pristine waters are surrounded by 116 miles of shoreline on which you can sunbathe, play a game of beach volleyball, or even camp out for the night. Local residents visit for the day to cruise in their speedboats, race on their jet skis, or idle in kayaks. If you want to get wet while getting a workout, rent a paddleboard for the day and coast the coves.

2. Sonoran Desert AZ

(50 minutes from Phoenix)

Oh great, more desert, you're probably thinking, isn't Phoenix desert enough? While it's true that nearly the entire state of Arizona is desert, some parts of the vast wilderness are more breathtaking than others. The Sonoran Desert is one of those places. Spanning 100,000 square miles that reach as far south as Baja and northern Mexico, the Sonoran Desert features an astounding variety of landscapes and ecosystems. Within its radius, you will discover grasslands, tundra, desert, and coniferous and deciduous forests. You will also find man-made gardens that are every bit as splendorous as their natural counterparts. Friendly individuals paved paths on which you can hike and take scenic drives without fear of getting lost.

3. Saguaro Lake, AZ

Though Saguaro Lake is manmade and not so much a natural wonder, the surrounding landscape is breathtaking. The 22 miles of shoreline is framed by towering mountains and vibrant canyon walls. The plateaus of the canyons and the sides of the mountains are adorned with the majestic Saguaros. Aside from being a great site to see, Saguaro Lake is just plain fun. Once there, you can boat, fish, kayak, paddleboard or sunbathe, making this locale one of the best relaxing day trips from Phoenix.

4. Casa Grande Ruins National Monument

(1 hour from Phoenix)

You may be surprised to know that one of the largest prehistoric ruins in all of the U.S. is located just one hour from Arizona's capital city. Though Casa Grande is over 600 years old, it features a highly advanced irrigation system housed within a single structure. The irrigation tunnels are interconnected and give visitors a very good idea of how the first settlers were able to survive in what was, at the time, a virtual wasteland. Today you can visit the ruins from 9 am to 5 pm, weather permitting.

5. Grand Canyon AZ

(South Rim) (3 hours from Phoenix)

If you want to see the majestic Grand Canyon without traveling more than two hours, you're in luck. The south rim is undoubtedly the more popular rim and does become congested at the busier times of the year, but it's well worth pushing through the throngs of people to behold the splendor that is the canyon. Once there, take a hike along the rim, schedule a donkey ride down to the basin, or visit one of the park's many museums.

6. montezuma castle monument.

(1 hour 30 minutes)

Dubbed as one of the nation's first national parks in 1906 by Theodore Roosevelt, Montezuma's Castle is an amazing relic of the past. Carved into the side of the limestone cliff are apartment-style dwellings once used by the Sinagua, a Native American tribe that occupied the area more than 600 years ago.

Once there, you can walk along the side of the cliff and get a glimpse at what it would have been like to live in the Arizona desert before cars, roads, high rises, and technology took over. Found artifacts are placed strategically throughout the dwellings and campsites to give the outdoor museum a more authentic feel.

7. Montezuma's Well

(1 hour 30 minutes from Phoenix)

The term "well" doesn't do this site justice. Montezuma's Well is a natural mystery. The living desert oasis was discovered several hundred years after its more famous counterpart and is still often neglected by Castle visitors. The collapsed underground limestone cavern is filled with fresh water and is surrounded by lush desert grassland. It is 368 feet across, 55 feet deep, and sits at an elevation of 3,618 feet. More than one million gallons of water a day flow continuously into the sinkhole, but its source remains unknown.

8. Red Rock Scenic Byway

(1 hour 40 minutes from Phoenix)

Sure, you get to see the red rocks of the desert from just about anywhere in the state, but nowhere else on Earth are they nearly as breathtaking as they are in this byway. This 7.5-mile stretch of highway (State Road 179) will take you through the Coconino National Forest and into AZ's stunning Red Rocks Country. Along the way, you'll be captivated by views of the towering prehistoric rock formations and enticed by the numerous hiking and biking trails, dining options, art galleries, and shopping destinations.

9. Mission of San Xavier del Bac

(1 hour 50 minutes from Phoenix)

Whether you're a religious person or not, this mission is worth a visit. Built in 1797, this structure changed hands several times before becoming part of the U.S. in 1854. Having been built by Spaniards, however, it boasts beautiful Spanish-style architecture and is decorated with stunning murals and statues inside. You can attend mass on Sunday or take a tour any day of the week from 7 am until 5 pm. 

10. Prescott, AZ

Prescott used to be the capital of the Arizona territory, but whereas other cities (such as Phoenix) flourished, it remained more or less the same. Today, its population is a modest 40,000 residents, and while those residents are not stuck in the past, they have made it their mission to at least preserve the wonders of the early years. Its streets are lined with Victorian homes, historic buildings, and museums. Of all the old, however, there is a wealth of new. The city has plenty of shopping, dining and lodging options, ensuring there is plenty to do for both the day visitor and the weekend warrior.

11. Jerome, AZ

(1 hour 50 minutes)

While you're in Prescott, visit Jerome, a town located at 5,000 feet above sea level and atop a 100-year old copper mine—and, what was, once the largest mine in all of Arizona. When the mine closed down, it went from being the largest mining town in the state to one of the largest ghost towns in America. Today, however, it has fewer ghosts and more attractions. Visit the winery, eat at a restaurant, or shop for antiques before heading back to your Prescott hotel.

12. Tonto Natural Bridge State Park

If you're more of a thrill-seeker than a ghost hunter, head over to Tonto Natural Bridge, a natural land bridge that sits at an elevation of 4,500 feet. At 183 feet high, this landmark has been dubbed the largest natural travertine bridge in the world. It was discovered more than 140 years ago, but it wasn't until 1991 that the government decided to open it up to the public as a state park.

13. Titan Missile Museum

(2 hours from Phoenix)

Just two hours outside of Phoenix sits the only remaining intercontinental ballistic missile site left in the United States, and on this site sits the remains of the former Titan II Missile, a missile launched during the dark Cold War days. Take a guided tour of the missile silo any day of the week and enjoy a simulated missile launch while you're there.

14. Slide Rock AZ

Slide Rock is a natural playland characterized by corridors of slippery creeks that visitors use to propel themselves into cool bodies of water. In short, Slide Rock is a natural water park—or, somewhat natural. The park came to be thanks to one Frank Pendley, who developed an irrigation system that allowed him to plant apple trees and water livestock in the dry AZ climate. Over time, his system formed the slippery rock waterways that visitors use as slides. When you get the urge to act like a kid again but, you know, in an adult fashion, head on over to Slide Rock.

15. Devil's Bridge Trail

(2 hours 10 minutes from Phoenix)

Located in the stunning Coconino National Forest, this 1.8-mile hiking trail STARTS at an altitude of 4,600 feet and is made of 100 percent sandstone. Thrill-seekers can hike across the arch, while less-daring souls can safely enjoy breathtaking views of the underside of the arch and the surrounding Sedona rocks from the ground.

16. Kartchner Caverns State Park

(2 hours 30 minutes from Phoenix)

New Mexico isn't the only state with tremendous caverns. Kartchner Caverns is a large cave system that features striking, "alive" limestone formations—alive simply meaning that they're still growing. You can take a 1.5-hour guided tour every day of the year save for Christmas.

17. Meteor Crater AZ

(2 hours 45 minutes from Phoenix)

If you've ever wanted to see a real-deal meteor, take a less-than-three-hour day trip to Meteor Crater, a 500-foot depression in Earth's soil. Research dates the meteor crash to approximately 50,000 years ago. Today, it is one of the world's most popular attractions.

Buy the Right Car to Take You There

Whether you plan on visiting one or all 17 of these destinations, you need a reliable vehicle to get you there. Before planning your day trips from Phoenix, visit your Chevy dealer for reliable vehicles that will take you on all of your adventures.

10 Fabulous Day Trips From Phoenix, Arizona

The city of Phoenix is located right in the middle of Arizona, making it a pretty wonderful place to base yourself in order to explore a ton of incredible places in the state in a day.

If you’re currently looking for ways to get away from the bustle and hustle of the city, you’ve got plenty of options on your menu. Ranging from stunning desert landscapes to places where you can unravel millions of years of geological history, here are some of the most amazing day trips you can take from Phoenix!

10 Fabulous Day Trips From Phoenix

1. Montezuma Castle National Monument, AZ

Distance from Phoenix: 94 miles – via I-17 (1 hour 30 minutes)

If you’re a history buff or just find yourself in the mood to explore archeological wonders, Montezuma Castle is a perfect day trip to take from Phoenix.

Home to the best-conserved cliff dwellings in North America, Montezuma Castle National Monument will take you on a trip back through time to the era of the Sinagua people, providing a pretty good glimpse into the way they once lived as you gaze at their homes located atop a 15,000 feet cliff!

2. Prescott, AZ

Distance from Phoenix: 100 miles ~ via I-17/ SR69 (1 hour 40 minutes)

Less than a two-hour drive from Phoenix you will find Prescott, a city where Western heritage reigns supreme while still allowing space for the modern to blossom.

Prescott is famed for its live music venues, sprawling bars, and historic Whiskey Road, perfect for a day spent enjoying cocktails. If you love history, you’ll also find tons of museums where you can learn all about the city’s past.

Nature is also big here, with tons of amazing hiking trails, lakeside adventures, and famous natural landmarks located just a stone’s throw away, including a few must-sees on any Arizona bucket list, such as Granite Basin, Waston Lake, and Granite Dells!

3. Petrified Forest National Park, AZ

Distance from Phoenix: 203 miles ~ via AZ-87/AZ-260 (3 hours 30 minutes)

Thanks to its relatively small size, exploring one of the most alluring national parks in Arizona can easily be done as a day trip from Phoenix.

Petrified Forest National Park is one of the most interesting places worldwide. While here, you’ll get to gawk at a sea of sparkly colorful tree logs, which were brought here hundreds of millions of years ago by heavy floods and were later crystallized by volcanic ash.

A day is enough to explore some of the park’s main highlights, including checking out the rainbow-like landscape at Painted Desert, hiking the Giant Logs Trail to spot the biggest logs in the park, and getting lost in Crystal Forest, where you’ll feel as though you were transported into an entirely different planet!

4. Scottsdale, AZ

Distance from Phoenix: 19 miles ~ via AZ-202 (20 minutes)

If you’re in the mood for a day trip filled with luxury, look no further than Scottsdale, which is located a mere 19 miles from Phoenix!

A visit to Scottsdale is all about fine dining, golfing, shopping, and exploring art galleries, all while being surrounded by picture-perfect desert scenery and Instagrammable architecture.

If you’re more the outdoorsy type, you’ll find plenty of options to get away from town, be it by choosing a few of the nearby hiking trails, seeing the desert from up above on a hot air balloon, or biking your way through the outskirts!

5. Tucson, AZ

Distance from Phoenix: 113 miles ~ via I-10 (1 hour 45 minutes)

Providing a perfect mix of Southwestern culture, modern amenities, and desert scenery, Tucson is one of the most exciting cities to visit in Arizona. A perfect day trip to take from Scottsdale if you want to spend a day exploring a city with a completely different ambiance.

Because Tucson is located in the heart of the Sonoran Desert, you’ll see tons of desert-inspired scenery all over, including streets lined by enormous saguaro trees, which makes them look as photogenic as they can get!

A few must-dos in Tucson include visiting museums to take a step back in time into the Old West, checking out historical sites, or leaving the city all together in order to explore the surrounding desert.

6. Winslow, AZ

Distance from Phoenix: 185 miles ~ via I-17/AZ-87 (3 hours)

A famous stop along Arizona’s section of Route 66, Winslow was actually put on the map when the Eagles featured it in their famous ‘Take It Easy’ song.

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Even though Winslow’s golden era is in the past now, rock and roll enthusiasts still love visiting this charming town to see the exact corner mentioned in the song, where you can actually find a Glenn Frey statue to pay tribute to this musical icon!

Other interesting things to do at Winslow include strolling its downtown, dotted with historic sites, and checking out petroglyph sites and the best-preserved meteor site in the world just outside of town.

7. Sedona, AZ

Distance from Phoenix: 115 miles ~ via I-17 (2 hours)

If a day spent in the desert is what you’re after, Sedona is guaranteed to please.

While here, you’ll get to experience Arizona’s desert magic in its full splendor, with numerous state parks and destinations perfect for spending a day exploring the Mars-like landscape Sedona is famous for.

Even though a day is not nearly enough for exploring everything this region of Arizona has to offer, it’s still enough to check out a few of its highlights, including hitting a few trails, scenic driving in search of looming desert spires, walking amid labyrinths of red rock formations, or simply exploring the town’s unbeatable arts scene!

8. Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, AZ

Distance from Phoenix: 145 miles ~ via AZ-85 (2 hours 20 minutes)

Dotted by monumental organ pipe cacti, Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument is one of the most photogenic places to visit in Arizona, especially if striking desert scenery is what you’re after.

Tucked away in the heart of the alluring Sonoran Desert, this 517 square mile park is famed for homing gigantic organ pipe cacti, which are known to grow up to 26 feet in height!

Besides hiking and scenic driving amid these desert giants, Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument is also a wonderful place to delve into history, with many archeological sites scattered throughout. Moreover, wildlife spotting is a treat here, with lots of unique fauna being easy to spot, including bats, desert Bighorn, Javelina, and more!

9. McDowell Sonoran Preserve, AZ

Distance from Phoenix: 29 miles ~ via AZ-51 (30 minutes)

Located just only 29 miles away from Phoenix, McDowell Sonoran Preserve is the forefront of the Sonoran Desert and an effortless day trip to take if a day spent exploring the desert sounds like your jam.

Home to beautiful desert landscapes, cacti forests, and a wide array of wildlife, the main activity to do at McDowell Sonoran Preserve is hiking. Approximately 200 miles of trails are available for any experience level, ranging from wheel-chair accessible ones to challenging ascents such as the Granite Ballroom.

10.  Joshua Tree National Park, NV/CA

Distance from Phoenix: 222 Miles ~ via I-10 (3 hours 20 minutes)

Even though Joshua Tree National Park is located in California, it’s still close enough to Phoenix for a day trip!

Thanks to the fact that Joshua Tree is located on the exact spot where the Mojave and the Colorado deserts meet, the combination of two ecosystems creates a pretty amazing landscape unlike anywhere else in the world.

Of course, seeing Joshua trees is the highlight of a visit to this national park. Still, there’s plenty more on its menu if a little adventure is what you’re after. Choose from a day spent hiking, rock climbing, horseback riding, or scenic driving!

More Tips For Road Tipping in Arizona

• Find more inspiration for the most interesting places to visit in Arizona and where to find the most incredible natural wonders in Arizona (beyond the Grand Canyon!)
• Get behind the wheel and discover the most interesting places to discover by road in our guide to the most scenic drives in Arizona
• Combine the best of Arizona with the best of Utah with this desert magic road trip itinerary.
• Do be mindful of timezones when traveling through Arizona! Arizona observes MST (Mountain Standard Time) year-round, whereas neighboring Utah (and Navajo Nation) move to MST (Mountain Daylight Time) from mid-March to Mid-November.
• First time driving in the desert? Especially if you’ll be traveling in Arizona over the hottest summer months make sure you check out our desert driving safety tips before you set out.
• Never forget an important road trip essential again! Download our family road trip checklist to help you pack for your next big adventure.

Have you ever been to any of these day trips from Phoenix? If so, what was your experience like? We’d love to read all about your time there, so feel free to tell us all about it in the comment section below!

© Family Road Trip

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23 Best Day Trips From Phoenix, Arizona (2024 Guide)

• Last Updated: February 4, 2024

Make the most of your time in the Valley of the Sun with this guide to the most incredible day trips from Phoenix!

Phoenix , the capital of Arizona , is a vibrant metropolis known for its warm weather and abundant sunshine.

With a rich cultural heritage, thriving arts and culinary scenes, and proximity to stunning natural landscapes, Phoenix offers a diverse range of experiences that cater to visitors and residents alike.

But once you’ve experienced all the wonders of the city itself, consider taking one of these day trips from Phoenix!

In the surrounding area outside this desert city, you can find national parks, state parks, lakes, rivers, canyons, forests, and more. Whether you want outdoor adventures or journeys through history, take the opportunity to explore more of Arizona on these epic day trips.

Visit the college town of Tucson and hike in Tucson mountain park or visit the impressive Arizona Sonora Desert Museum. Dive into the wild west in the small town of Goldfield, or hike the historic Apache trail near Canyon Lake.

Or embark on a mission up to one of the seven natural wonders of the world, the Grand Canyon!

No matter what type of adventure you want, these day trips from Phoenix are sure to provide you with some insight into the nature, history, and culture of Arizona .

Check out our 3 days in Phoenix itinerary for ideas while you’re in town!

Table of Contents

1. Saguaro National Park

2. montezuma castle national monument, 3. oak creek canyon, 5. verde valley wine trail, 7. estrella mountain regional park, 8. lake pleasant regional park, 9. canyon lake, 11. coconino national forest, 12. walnut canyon national monument, 13. slide rock state park, 14. tempe town lake, 15. petrified forest national park, 16. salt river, 17. red rock scenic byway, 18. sunset crater national monument, 19. goldfield ghost town, 20. watson lake, 21. kartchner caverns state park, 22. tonto national forest, 23. grand canyon national park, 23 best day trips from phoenix, arizona.

From hiking or rock climbing in the incredible landscapes of Saguaro National Park, to wine tasting in Verde Valley, there are so many amazing day trips from Phoenix.

Arizona is a huge state, and many attractions are spread out across the desert. So the best way to embark on these day trips from Phoenix is with your own car!

You can rent a car in downtown Phoenix easily, or you can search for a guided tour. However, only a few of the best Phoenix day trips have guided tours available and we’ll mention them when possible. But your best option is renting a car!

So whether you want to take on mountain biking trails, explore the ghost towns of the wild west, kayak down the Salt River, or venture all the way up to the majestic Grand Canyon, here are the best day trips from Phoenix!

The best way to get around is to rent a car and explore on your own! We recommend Rental Cars , which has the largest range of vehicles for the best value on the market.

• Distance from Phoenix: 105 miles
• Driving time: 1 hour and 30 minutes

Saguaro National Park is one of the best day trips from Phoenix for those who want to explore the Sonoran Desert. This breathtaking desert oasis showcases the iconic saguaro cactus in all its glory.

Spanning over 91,000 acres, Saguaro National Park is divided into two sections: the Tucson Mountain District to the west and the Rincon Mountain District to the east.

This unique desert landscape offers visitors a mesmerizing blend of rugged mountains, vast expanses of the Sonoran Desert, and an abundance of saguaro cacti, which can reach heights of up to 50 feet.

The park’s picturesque trails allow hikers and nature enthusiasts to immerse themselves in the natural beauty and discover the diverse flora and fauna that call this arid region home.

Saguaro National Park is not only a sanctuary for the majestic saguaro cactus but also a haven for outdoor adventure and exploration. Whether you’re an avid hiker, a birdwatcher, or a stargazer, this national park has something for everyone.

The well-maintained trails in Saguaro National Park offer opportunities for hiking, horseback riding, rock climbing, and scenic drives, allowing visitors to witness stunning panoramic views and get up close to these towering desert giants.

Bird lovers will be delighted by the park’s avian diversity, as more than 200 species inhabit the area, including the colorful Vermilion Flycatcher and the elusive Elf Owl. As night falls, the park’s remote location and minimal light pollution make it an ideal spot for stargazing, providing a captivating display of the night sky that is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Saguaro National Park is a true gem of the Southwest, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in the rugged beauty and unique ecosystem of the Sonoran Desert.

• Distance from Phoenix: 94 miles

Nestled within the picturesque Verde Valley of Arizona, Montezuma Castle National Monument stands as a testament to the remarkable engineering and cultural legacy of the ancient Sinagua people. It’s only about 1.5 hours north of Phoenix, making it a convenient day trip.

Montezuma Castle National Monument showcases a five-story, 20-room cliff dwelling that was built into a limestone cliff around 900 years ago.

This well-preserved structure, perched high above the valley floor, offers a fascinating glimpse into the lives of the Native American inhabitants who once called this place home.

Visitors to Montezuma Castle can marvel at the architectural ingenuity of the Sinagua, as they explore the visitor center and gift shop, hike along the trail that offers panoramic views of the monument, and learn about the rich history and cultural significance of this unique archaeological site.

Beyond its architectural wonders, Montezuma Castle National Monument is also surrounded by a stunning natural landscape that enhances the visitor experience. Lush vegetation, including towering sycamore and cottonwood trees, line the banks of the nearby Beaver Creek, providing a refreshing contrast to the arid desert surroundings.

Nature enthusiasts can embark on a leisurely walk along the Montezuma Castle Loop Trail, which winds through a peaceful riparian area and offers opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife spotting.

Whether you’re interested in history, culture, or simply seeking tranquility in nature, Montezuma Castle National Monument offers a captivating blend of archaeological significance and natural beauty that is the perfect day trip from Phoenix.

Combine your day trip to Montezuma Castle National Monument with Sedona and Jerome Ghost Town on this epic tour !

• Distance from Phoenix: 120 miles
• Driving time: 1 hour

Another amazing Phoenix day trip for nature lovers is Oak Creek Canyon. Located in the heart of Arizona’s majestic red rock country, Oak Creek Canyon is a breathtaking natural wonder that entices visitors with its awe-inspiring beauty.

This scenic canyon stretches for 12 miles and is often referred to as a miniature version of the iconic Grand Canyon. So if you don’t have time to make the trek up to the famous Grand Canyon, consider visiting Oak Creek Canyon which is only 1 hour from Phoenix!

Towering cliffs adorned in vibrant hues of red, orange, and gold rise dramatically on both sides of the canyon, while the tranquil Oak Creek meanders through the valley floor. The canyon’s diverse landscape offers a plethora of outdoor activities, from hiking and camping to picnicking and swimming in the crystal-clear waters of the creek.

As visitors wind along the scenic highway that traverses the canyon, they are treated to panoramic vistas that showcase the harmonious blend of rugged cliffs, hiking trails, lush forests, and cascading waterfalls, creating a truly enchanting destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.

Read Next: While you’re in the area, check out great things to do in Sedona !

• Distance from Phoenix: 112 miles
• Driving time: 2 hours

Perched high on the slopes of Mingus Mountain in Arizona, Jerome is a historic town with a rich mining heritage. Once a bustling mining town known as the “Wickedest Town in the West,” Jerome has transformed into an eclectic artistic community that attracts visitors from around the world.

The town’s narrow, winding streets are lined with charming shops, art galleries, and vibrant eateries, offering a delightful blend of local crafts, pottery, jewelry, and unique artwork.

Strolling through Jerome’s steep streets, visitors can immerse themselves in its vibrant atmosphere, admire the preserved historic buildings, and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding Verde Valley.

Beyond its artistic charm, Jerome is also known for its intriguing history as a former copper mining town in the late 19th century. Remnants of its mining past can still be seen in the form of old mine shafts and abandoned buildings.

The Jerome State Historic Park and the Mine Museum provide insights into the town’s mining era, showcasing mining artifacts and sharing stories of the hardships and triumphs of the miners who once inhabited the area.

Ghost tours are a popular attraction in Jerome, as the town’s colorful past has given rise to tales of hauntings and paranormal activity. With its blend of art, history, and captivating scenery, Jerome offers a one-of-a-kind experience that transports visitors to another era while embracing its vibrant present.

This old mining town is one of the more unique day trips from Phoenix, perfect for those looking for something other than just hiking trails and desert scenery!

Read Next: Find out more incredible places to visit in Arizona !

• Distance from Phoenix: 100 miles
• Driving time: 1 hour and 45 minutes

Explore the best of Arizona wine country on the Verde Valley Wine Trail ! Stretching along the banks of the Verde River, this wine trail encompasses a collection of boutique wineries and vineyards that showcase the winemaking expertise of the area.

As visitors meander through the scenic valley, they have the opportunity to explore an array of tasting rooms, sample a diverse selection of wines, and engage with passionate winemakers who are eager to share their knowledge and passion for their craft.

From robust reds to crisp whites, the Verde Valley Wine Trail offers a diverse range of varietals that thrive in the high-desert climate, providing a true taste of Arizona’s wine-growing potential.

In addition to the wine tasting, the Verde Valley Wine Trail also treats visitors to stunning vistas and a serene ambiance. The vineyards are often nestled among rolling hills, framed by the majestic backdrop of red rock formations which is quite different than other wine countries around the world.

Beyond the vineyards, the region is known for its charming small towns, historic sites, and outdoor recreation opportunities.

Visitors can explore the quaint shops and art galleries, take in the scenic beauty of nearby national forests, or embark on adventures such as kayaking, hiking, or hot air balloon rides.

The Verde Valley Wine Trail offers a delightful fusion of wine, scenery, and hospitality. So if wine tasting is right up your alley, this is one of the best Phoenix day trips to try!

Find more ideas around the state with our list of the best things to do in Arizona !

• Distance from Phoenix: 115 miles

Situated amidst the stunning red rock formations of northern Arizona, Sedona is a captivating town renowned for its natural beauty, spiritual energy, and artistic charm. Surrounded by towering sandstone cliffs, Sedona’s landscape is a masterpiece of vibrant hues, with the rocks ranging from deep reds and oranges to soft pastel pinks.

This unique setting has earned Sedona a reputation as a spiritual and healing destination, attracting visitors seeking a serene and transformative experience.

From the famous Cathedral Rock and Bell Rock to the mystical vortex sites, Sedona’s natural wonders inspire awe and provide opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, and breathtaking photography. The Devil’s Bridge Trail is one of the state’s most famous hiking trails!

The town itself exudes a relaxed and bohemian atmosphere, with its thriving art galleries, New Age shops, and holistic wellness centers offering a wealth of opportunities for exploration and self-discovery.

Aside from its natural and spiritual allure, Sedona also boasts a vibrant arts and cultural scene that adds to its allure. The town is home to numerous art galleries showcasing a diverse range of artistic styles, from Native American and Southwestern-inspired works to contemporary and abstract creations.

Visitors can immerse themselves in the artistic atmosphere by exploring the Sedona Arts Center , attending the Sedona International Film Festival, or enjoying live music performances at various venues.

Additionally, Sedona’s culinary scene offers a delightful fusion of flavors, with a focus on locally sourced ingredients and Southwestern cuisine.

From quaint cafés to upscale restaurants, there is no shortage of delectable dining options to satisfy every palate. With its stunning landscapes, spiritual ambiance, and artistic flair, Sedona is one of the best day trips from Phoenix. Join a guided small group tour to Sedona from Phoenix if you want to make the most of your day trip!

• Distance from Phoenix: 23 miles
• Driving time: 30 minutes

Located right on the western outskirts of Phoenix, Arizona, Estrella Mountain Regional Park is a picturesque desert oasis that offers a diverse array of outdoor recreational opportunities.

Spanning over 20,000 acres, the park is characterized by its rugged mountain ranges, unique landscapes, and abundant wildlife. Hiking enthusiasts can explore the extensive network of hiking trails that wind through the park, providing panoramic views of the surrounding Sonoran Desert and the iconic Estrella Mountains.

The park also boasts opportunities for mountain biking, horseback riding, and camping, allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the area.

With its stunning vistas, abundant wildlife, and a range of outdoor activities, Estrella Mountain Regional Park serves as a haven for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike, providing a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.

If you’re looking for quick and easy day trips from Phoenix where you can immerse yourself in nature without having to travel far, this is an excellent option!

• Distance from Phoenix: 40 miles
• Driving time: 50 minutes

Another one of the best day trips from Phoenix is Lake Pleasant Regional Park. Spanning over 23,000 acres of the Sonoran Desert, the park centers around the expansive Lake Pleasant, a sparkling reservoir surrounded by majestic desert landscapes and rugged mountains.

The lake beckons water enthusiasts with its crystal-clear waters, perfect for boating, fishing, swimming, and water sports.

Boaters can cruise along the lake’s scenic coves and inlets, while anglers can cast their lines in search of a variety of fish species, including bass and catfish. Try kayaking at sunrise or sunset for a unique take on the majestic scenery of the area!

The park’s sandy beaches provide ideal spots for picnicking, sunbathing, and beach volleyball, while the hiking and biking trails offer opportunities to explore the park’s diverse desert flora and fauna.

Beyond its aquatic activities, Lake Pleasant Regional Park also offers a range of land-based recreational opportunities. Nature lovers can embark on scenic hikes through the park’s desert trails, which showcase stunning vistas and the unique vegetation of the Sonoran Desert.

The park features numerous campsites and RV facilities, allowing visitors to extend their stay if desired. So if you need a respite from Arizona’s famous heat, a dip in Lake Pleasant is an amazing idea for a day trip!

• Distance from Phoenix: 50 miles

Another one of the top Phoenix day trips for escaping the heat is a visit to Canyon Lake! Situated amidst the striking Sonoran Desert, Canyon Lake is a captivating reservoir surrounded by rugged canyons, towering cliffs, and majestic saguaro cacti.

The lake’s deep blue waters stretch for miles, providing ample opportunities for boating, kayaking, and jet skiing. Visitors can rent watercraft or join guided tours to explore the picturesque coves, hidden beaches, and dramatic rock formations that adorn the lake’s shoreline.

Fishing enthusiasts will find an abundance of largemouth bass, trout, and catfish, making Canyon Lake a popular spot for anglers seeking a rewarding catch.

There also fun things to do near Canyon Lake outside the water. Hiking trails in the surrounding Superstition Mountains provide awe-inspiring vistas of the lake and its surroundings.

The iconic Apache Trail, a scenic byway that winds along the lake’s edge, offers a mesmerizing drive with panoramic views and opportunities for photography.

Wildlife enthusiasts can spot a variety of desert dwellers, including bighorn sheep, javelinas, and numerous bird species.

The peaceful ambiance and stunning natural beauty of Canyon Lake make it a popular day trip or weekend getaway destination, allowing visitors to reconnect with nature and experience the serenity of the desert oasis just outside of Phoenix.

Related: Add these places to your epic Arizona road trip itinerary !

• Distance from Phoenix: 113 miles
• Driving time: 1 hour and 40 minutes

Tucson is an incredible city in Southern Arizona city that offers a captivating blend of rich history, cultural diversity, and natural beauty. As the second-largest city in Arizona, Tucson is renowned for its warm climate, stunning sunsets, and breathtaking mountain vistas.

The city is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, with numerous opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, and rock climbing in the nearby Santa Catalina and Rincon Mountains.

Tucson Mountain Park, located just west of the city, offers some of the most breathtaking landscapes and has an abundance of hiking trails and scenic lookouts.

In addition to the natural beauty of Tucson Mountain Park, you can learn more about the local flora and fauna at the Arizona Sonora Desert Museum.

Tucson is also home to a thriving arts and culture scene, with a multitude of art galleries, museums, and theaters showcasing the region’s rich artistic heritage and vibrant creative community.

Tucson’s multicultural heritage is deeply ingrained in its vibrant cuisine, with a fusion of flavors inspired by Native American, Mexican, and Spanish influences. The city is renowned for its Sonoran-style cuisine, which includes mouthwatering dishes such as the iconic Sonoran hot dog and delicious carne asada.

Visitors can explore the bustling downtown district, known as “The Presidio,” where they can savor a wide range of culinary delights at local restaurants and cafes.

Tucson is also a popular college town. It’s home to the University of Arizona, bringing youthful energy and intellectual vibrancy to the city. From exploring Tuscon Mountain Park and the Arizona Sonora Desert Museum to indulging in the culture and cuisine, Tuscon is one of the best day trips from Phoenix!

• Distance from Phoenix: 90 miles
• Driving time: 1 hour and 25 minutes

Encompassing nearly 1.8 million acres of diverse landscapes in northern Arizona, Coconino National Forest is a captivating wilderness that makes one of the best Phoenix day trips.

The forest’s breathtaking beauty is defined by its towering ponderosa pine forests, striking red rock formations, deep canyons, and serene alpine meadows.

Within its boundaries, visitors can explore an array of natural wonders, including the iconic Sedona red rocks and the majestic San Francisco Peaks.

Coconino National Forest offers a multitude of recreational activities, such as hiking, camping, fishing, and horseback riding, catering to outdoor enthusiasts of all levels.

With an extensive network of trails that wind through its landscapes, visitors can discover hidden gems, witness panoramic vistas, and immerse themselves in the tranquility of the wilderness.

The ecological diversity of Coconino National Forest is also a draw for nature lovers. The forest is home to a rich array of wildlife, including elk, mule deer, black bears, and a variety of bird species.

It is also renowned for its ancient archaeological sites, with remnants of ancient Native American cultures, such as cliff dwellings and petroglyphs, adding cultural significance to the natural wonders.

Whether visitors are seeking solitude in the peaceful wilderness, embarking on an adventurous hike, or simply admiring the stunning vistas, Coconino National Forest is a truly stunning place day trip from Phoenix.

• Distance from Phoenix: 150 miles
• Driving time: 1 hour and 20 minutes

One of the most interesting Phoenix day trips for history lovers is Walnut Canyon National Monument, a captivating archaeological site that offers a fascinating glimpse into the lives of the ancient Sinagua people.

Slightly less famous than its neighboring Montezuma Castle National Monument, this unique location that is about 1.5 hours north of Phoenix is just as fascinating.

Walnut Canyon National Monument is renowned for its cliff dwellings nestled within the rugged canyon walls. These remarkably preserved dwellings were constructed by the Sinagua over 700 years ago and showcase the ingenuity and resourcefulness of this ancient civilization.

Visitors can explore the well-maintained hiking trails that wind through the canyon, providing opportunities to view the cliff dwellings up close and marvel at the intricate stone masonry.

As visitors hike along the trails, they can also appreciate the breathtaking views of the surrounding canyon, filled with lush vegetation and the remnants of the Sinagua’s farming terraces.

Walnut Canyon National Monument is not only a testament to the rich cultural heritage of the Sinagua people but also a picturesque destination that invites visitors to connect with the past and experience the natural beauty of this archaeological gem.

Read next: The 21 Best Things To Do In Tucson, Arizona

• Distance from Phoenix: 123 miles
• Driving time: 2 hours and 10 minutes

One of the best day trips from Phoenix for escaping the desert heat is Slide Rock State Park, located about 2 hours north of the city. Slide Rock is a natural water park that promises a fun-filled adventure for visitors of all ages.

The park is named after the famous Slide Rock, a slippery natural water chute carved into the red sandstone bed of Oak Creek. Here, visitors can slide down the slick rocks and plunge into refreshing pools of water like a natural waterslide.

In addition to this amazing natural attraction, the park offers swimming areas, picnic spots, and scenic hiking trails that meander along the creek, providing stunning views of the surrounding canyon walls.

With its unique combination of natural beauty and thrilling water activities, Slide Rock State Park offers a refreshing escape and a memorable day of outdoor fun in the heart of Arizona’s scenic landscapes.

• Distance from Phoenix: 12 miles
• Driving time: 15 minutes

Though Tempe Town Lake is located right near downtown Phoenix, it could make a day trip because you’ll want to spend all day here! Sometimes it’s nice to take a day trip somewhere close by where you don’t have to travel far as well.

The vibrant urban oasis of Tempe Town Lake offers a myriad of recreational and cultural opportunities, so it can easily fill one whole day of your Phoenix itinerary . Spanning over 220 acres, this man-made lake is a popular destination for residents and visitors alike.

Its scenic waterfront is lined with parks, trails, and green spaces, inviting outdoor activities such as jogging, biking, and picnicking. The lake itself provides a serene setting for kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and sailing.

The iconic pedestrian bridge, aptly named the “Mill Avenue Bridge,” adds architectural charm to the area and serves as a gateway to the bustling downtown district of Tempe.

Throughout the year, Tempe Town Lake hosts a variety of events and festivals, including concerts, art exhibitions, and sporting events, which add vibrant energy to the area.

With its blend of natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and cultural experiences, Tempe Town Lake is a beloved destination that showcases the dynamic spirit of Phoenix.

• Distance from Phoenix: 212 miles
• Driving time: 3 hours and 30 minutes

Petrified Forest National Park, located in northeastern Arizona, is a captivating testament to ancient natural wonders and geological marvels. Spanning over 146 square miles, the park is renowned for its remarkable collection of petrified wood, which has been fossilized over millions of years.

Walking through the park, visitors are greeted by a surreal landscape adorned with countless logs transformed into vibrant, sparkling quartz crystals.

Beyond the petrified wood, the park is also home to stunning painted desert vistas, showcasing a kaleidoscope of colors and intricate rock formations.

Hiking trails wind through the park, offering opportunities to explore ancient Native American ruins, discover fossilized remains, and witness breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding desert landscapes.

In addition to its geological wonders, Petrified Forest National Park is steeped in rich cultural history. The park preserves ancient petroglyphs and archaeological sites that provide insights into the lives and cultures of the indigenous people who once inhabited the region.

Visitors can explore the fascinating ruins of Puerco Pueblo, a 700-year-old village, and learn about the diverse native cultures that thrived in the area. The park also serves as a haven for wildlife, with pronghorn antelope, coyotes, and a variety of bird species calling the park home.

With its unique blend of ancient fossils, stunning landscapes, and cultural heritage, Petrified Forest National Park offers a captivating journey through time, immersing visitors in the natural and cultural wonders of Arizona’s past. It’s one of the most mesmerizing day trips from Phoenix!

• Distance from Phoenix: 35 miles
• Driving time: 40 minutes

A day trip from Phoenix to the Salt River promises a refreshing escape into nature’s embrace. Located just east of the city, the Salt River offers a scenic respite where visitors can immerse themselves in the tranquil beauty of the desert oasis.

Adventure seekers can embark on a thrilling tubing or kayaking adventure down the river, navigating gentle rapids and enjoying the breathtaking views of the surrounding Tonto National Forest.

The crystal-clear waters of the Salt River also invite visitors to cool off with a refreshing swim or simply relax on its sandy shores, basking in the warmth of the Arizona sun. This is one of the best day trips from Phoenix for a hot, sunny day!

Travelers can also get a workout on the nearby trails, such as the Bulldog Canyon Trail, which winds through the stunning desert and offers glimpses of diverse wildlife, including wild horses and eagles. This day trip into nature is a convenient and fun-filled way to get out of Phoenix for a day.

Red Rock Scenic Byway , also known as State Route 179, is a breathtaking stretch of road that winds through the stunning red rock formations of Sedona, Arizona.

As one of the most scenic drives in the United States, this 7.5-mile byway offers visitors an unforgettable visual feast of vibrant sandstone cliffs, towering buttes, and panoramic views that showcase the natural beauty of the region.

You could combine this with a day trip to Sedona, or you can head up here just for the scenic drive. Either way, a magnificent drive up here makes for an epic day trip!

As travelers navigate the winding road, they are treated to a kaleidoscope of colors as the sun illuminates the rock formations, creating a captivating display of reds, oranges, and earthy tones.

The byway also provides access to numerous trailheads, allowing visitors to venture into the heart of the red rocks and explore hiking paths that lead to hidden gems and breathtaking vistas.

Beyond its visual splendor, Red Rock Scenic Byway is imbued with a sense of serenity and spirituality, drawing visitors seeking rejuvenation and a connection with nature. The area is known for its vortex sites, believed to be places of concentrated energy that promote healing and spiritual experiences.

Travelers can stop at designated viewpoints along the byway to soak in the majestic beauty and bask in the peaceful ambiance that permeates the region.

Whether it’s a leisurely drive to admire the dramatic landscapes or a journey of self-discovery, Red Rock Scenic Byway offers a transformative experience that lingers in the hearts and minds of those who traverse its enchanting path.

Read next: 40 Best Things To Do In Sedona, Arizona

• Distance from Phoenix: 163 miles
• Driving time: 2 hours and 20 minutes

Sunset Crater National Monument, located in northern Arizona, is a captivating testament to the volcanic history of the region. The monument is centered around the striking Sunset Crater, a volcanic cone that was formed by an eruption over 900 years ago.

The cinder cone’s vivid colors, ranging from black and red to orange and yellow, create a mesmerizing landscape that stands in stark contrast to the surrounding forests and meadows.

Visitors can explore the park’s trails, allowing them to get an up-close look at the volcanic features and the hardened lava flows that stretch across the terrain.

Along the way, informative signs provide insights into the geological processes that shaped the area. Sunset Crater National Monument offers a unique opportunity to witness the aftermath of a volcanic eruption and gain a deeper appreciation for the powerful forces that shape our planet.

If you’re looking for unique and educational day trips from Phoenix, Sunset Crater National Monument is a great choice!

• Driving time: 43 minutes

Goldfield Ghost Town, located near Apache Junction, Arizona, is a captivating historical attraction that takes visitors back in time to the era of the Wild West. If you’re looking to experience an authentic old west town, this is one of the best day trips from Phoenix.

This meticulously reconstructed ghost town captures the essence of a bustling mining town from the late 1800s, complete with wooden buildings, saloons, and mining equipment. As visitors stroll through the town’s streets, they can immerse themselves in the rich history and lore of this old west town.

The town offers a variety of activities, including gold panning, where visitors can try their luck in finding real gold nuggets, and guided mine tours that provide insights into the area’s rich mining heritage.

The town’s historic buildings house unique shops, museums, and a rustic restaurant, offering a glimpse into the daily life of a bygone era.

Beyond its historical charm, Goldfield Ghost Town is surrounded by the stunning Superstition Mountains, providing a picturesque backdrop for exploration. Visitors can embark on scenic hikes or horseback rides, allowing them to fully appreciate the natural beauty of the surrounding desert landscapes.

The Superstition Mountains are also home to legends of hidden gold mines and the infamous Lost Dutchman’s Gold Mine, adding to the intrigue and mystique of the area.

Goldfield Ghost Town transports visitors to a time when prospectors and cowboys roamed the rugged frontier of the American West, and it’s one of the coolest day trips from Phoenix.

Explore more of the USA’s west on this incredible 10 day Utah road trip!

• Distance from Phoenix: 103 miles

Watson Lake, located in Prescott, Arizona, is a scenic destination that makes a fun day trip from Phoenix. This stunning reservoir is nestled amidst the Granite Dells, a unique geological formation of massive granite boulders that create a picturesque backdrop.

Visitors can spend the day exploring the lake’s tranquil waters by kayak, canoe, or paddleboard, taking in the breathtaking views of the surrounding rugged cliffs and rock formations.

Fishing enthusiasts can cast their lines in search of bass and catfish, while hikers can venture along the lakeside trails that wind through the captivating landscape, offering glimpses of diverse wildlife and wildflowers.

Watson Lake also offers ample opportunities for picnicking and relaxation. The park features shaded picnic areas with barbecue grills, providing the perfect setting for a leisurely lunch amidst the natural beauty.

The scenic overlooks and peaceful nature trails invite visitors to unwind and soak in the serenity of the surroundings. As the sun sets, the golden hues cast a warm glow on the granite boulders, creating a magical ambiance.

With its natural beauty, recreational activities, and tranquil atmosphere, Watson Lake is an idyllic day trip destination from Phoenix, offering a refreshing escape and a chance to reconnect with nature in the heart of Arizona.

• Distance from Phoenix: 167 miles
• Driving time: 2 hours and 30 minutes

Another fascinating day trip from Phoenix is Kartchner Caverns State Park, a massive cave system located in southern Arizona.

The park is home to two remarkable limestone caves, known as the Rotunda/Throne Room and the Big Room, which are meticulously preserved to protect their natural beauty and delicate formations.

Visitors to Kartchner Caverns are treated to awe-inspiring sights as they venture into the depths of these underground wonders. Stalactites, stalagmites, and delicate formations such as soda straws and helictites adorn the cave walls, creating a mesmerizing display of geological artistry.

Guided tours provide a fascinating narrative of the caves’ formation and history, highlighting the careful conservation efforts that have kept these caves in pristine condition.

Beyond the caverns, Kartchner Caverns State Park offers a range of outdoor activities and amenities. The park features well-maintained walking trails that wind through the desert landscapes, providing opportunities to observe native flora and fauna. Picnic areas and campgrounds invite visitors to relax and enjoy the peaceful ambiance of the park.

Additionally, the Discovery Center offers interactive exhibits and educational displays that delve into the natural and cultural history of the region.

Kartchner Caverns State Park is a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and those seeking a unique underground adventure, offering a memorable experience that unveils the hidden wonders of the subterranean world.

• Distance from Phoenix: 61 miles

Another one of the best day trips from Phoenix is Tonto National Forest , a vast and diverse natural wonderland that encompasses over 2.9 million acres of breathtaking landscapes.

As one of the largest national forests in the United States, Tonto offers a rich tapestry of environments, including lush desert canyons, tall pine trees, majestic mountain ranges, and tranquil lakes and rivers.

Outdoor enthusiasts can explore the forest’s extensive trail system, which winds through diverse ecosystems and provides opportunities for all the outdoor activities you could possible dream of.

The forest is home to iconic natural attractions such as the Superstition Mountains, the Salt River, and Roosevelt Lake, offering a myriad of recreational activities including boating, fishing, and water sports.

Wildlife enthusiasts can spot a wide range of species, from desert bighorn sheep to bald eagles, as they immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the forest.

Tonto National Forest also has a rich cultural history, with evidence of Native American occupation dating back thousands of years. Visitors can discover ancient cliff dwellings, rock wall art, petroglyphs, and archaeological sites, providing glimpses into the lives and traditions of the region’s indigenous people.

The forest also boasts historical attractions such as the Roosevelt Dam and the historic mining town of Globe, adding a touch of Arizona’s frontier history to the diverse offerings of the forest.

• Distance from Phoenix: 230 miles
• Driving time: 3 hours and 45 minutes

Last but not least on our list of the best day trips from Phoenix is the world-famous Grand Canyon National Park.

The iconic Grand Canyon is located in northern Arizona, almost 4 hours north of Phoenix. So visiting the canyon in one day is a bit of a stretch, and most travellers would prefer to spend at least a few days here.

However, if you only have one day to spare and you’re ready to make the most of it, day trips from Phoenix to the Grand Canyon can be done!

Carved by the mighty Colorado River over millions of years, the Grand Canyon stretches for 277 miles, revealing layers of ancient rock formations that tell a story of Earth’s geological history.

The scale and grandeur of the canyon are truly humbling, as visitors stand on the rim and gaze into the vast expanse, marveling at its immensity and the intricate beauty of its sculpted walls.

Whether hiking along the rim, embarking on a thrilling rafting adventure in the river below, or simply standing in awe at the viewpoint, the Grand Canyon offers an unforgettable experience that leaves a lasting impression on all who witness its majestic splendor.

If you’re not sure how to approach this massive day trip, joining a guided tour ensures your day will be optimized because you’ll have a local guide to show you the highlights.

Or if you’re going without a tour, consider booking a helicopter flight from South Rim so you can see more of the landscape in your short time frame! The South Rim is the closest part of the canyon to Phoenix, so on a day trip you’ll probably want to spend your time exploring here.

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Best day trips from phoenix.

A popular destination for travelers who love sun and warm weather, Phoenix offers ample hiking, relaxing and sightseeing opportunities. But when you've exhausted everything the Valley of the Sun has to offer, you should explore nearby offerings. U.S. News considered sights, culture, proximity and expert and traveler feedback to determine the Best Day Trips from Phoenix. Read on below and vote for your favorite destinations to help form next year's list.

Grand Canyon National Park

Montezuma castle national monument, petrified forest national park.

One of the country's most popular national parks, the Grand Canyon is about a three and a half hour drive north of Phoenix. But if you hit the road early, it's worth it to be able to walk along the Rim Trail, snap photos from Yavapai Point and explore the Grand Canyon Village. The scenery here – from the deep gorges to the towering rock formations – is otherworldly.

Sedona sits north of Phoenix and can be reached by car in around two hours or in about three hours by shuttle from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. Spa lovers and adventure enthusiasts will both find fun things to do here. Plan to pencil in some time for hiking the famous red rocks and seeing the heightened energy spots called vortexes, then end your day with a relaxing massage or facial at a Sedona spa.

Tucson – about two hours south of Phoenix – is one of the sunniest spots in the United States, seeing an average of 350 days of sun each year. What's more, temps here typically hover in the 60s or higher year-round. If the pleasant weather isn't enough to woo you, Tucson's beautiful natural and cultural sights should. Saguaro National Park (filled with cacti) and the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum are two highlights.

Approximately an hour and a half north of Phoenix, Montezuma Castle National Monument makes for a superb cultural day trip. Here, travelers will find a set of preserved cliff dwellings once inhabited by the Sinagua people hundreds of years ago. Visitors can explore the pueblo ruins and various archaeological sites, hike the trails at Montezuma Well and enjoy ranger talks.

Head to Flagstaff to hike through Walnut Canyon National Monument and check out Sunset Crater National Monument. The latter, once a volcano, features interesting lava rock formations and an easy mile-long hiking trail. After a day spent outdoors, make your way downtown to relax with a meal and a local brew. Flagstaff is located about two hours north of Phoenix.

About a three and a half hour drive northeast, this destination is quite unique. Petrified Forest National Park stretches across 200,000 acres and is home to one of the largest concentrations of petrified wood in the world. Travelers recommend seeing the Painted Desert, learning the park's geography at the Rainbow Forest Museum and hiking through the park's scenic trails.

A day trip to Prescott should be filled with boating, kayaking and fishing in Watson Lake, soaking up the Arizona sun. The striking blue waters of the lake are framed by granite boulders and hiking trails, which also make for great photo ops. After a day on the lake, check out downtown Prescott's historic area, breweries and eateries. This city is less than a two-hour drive from Phoenix.

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11 Top-Rated Day Trips from Phoenix

Written by Lana Law Updated Mar 13, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Author Lana Law spent several winters residing in Sedona and traveling through Arizona, and she frequently returns to this part of the country.

Phoenix is a wonderful city to explore, but it also makes a good base for touring around the Southwest. From here, you can easily day trip to some of the most scenic landscapes in Arizona , along with historic towns and popular attractions.

If you are flying into the city or if you simply don't want to bother with a car, you can also take organized tours to some of the best places to visit around Phoenix. Excursions from Phoenix can range from a full-day Grand Canyon outing to a half-day scenic drive to a nearby town for lunch.

If you have more than just a day, you can easily turn these day trips into weekend getaways. Some of these places, particularly those to the north, can also be combined if you want to turn a half-day trip into a full-day trip.

Enjoy some short getaways with our list of the best day trips from Phoenix.

1. Grand Canyon

4. saguaro national park, tucson, 5. flagstaff, 6. montezuma castle national monument, 7. prescott, 8. tortilla flat, 9. joshua tree national park, 10. tombstone, map of day trips from phoenix.

The Grand Canyon is the most visited natural attraction in the Southwestern USA and one of the seven natural wonders of the world . If you have time for only one day trip from Phoenix and have not seen it before, you should definitely make time to visit the Grand Canyon.

From Phoenix, by car, this trip takes a full-day, but the drive is spectacular. You can do this drive as a quick there-and-back trip along the interstates or plan a few detours and turn the trip into a loop.

The most scenic option on the way to the Grand Canyon is to drive north on Highway 17, breaking off at Highway 179 to 89A to see the red rock scenery of Sedona, and then drive through scenic Oak Creek Canyon to Flagstaff. Be aware, the Oak Creek section is a steep and narrow paved road, with switchbacks, that can be very busy on holidays and weekends during the high season.

From Flagstaff, you can either take Interstate 40 West to 64 North, which is the fastest route, or Hwy 180 North to 64 North for a more scenic option.

Once you reach Grand Canyon National Park, you can spend a few hours seeing the sites and lookouts along the Canyon Rim and admiring the views.

For a quick return , head back out the way you came, south on Hwy 64 from Grand Canyon Villages to Interstate 40 East, and then south on Interstate 17 to Phoenix.

For the more scenic loop option, follow Hwy 64 east along the canyon rim and return on Hwy 89 South to Flagstaff and Interstate 17 South to Phoenix.

If you want to relax and not worry about planning the trip on your own, you can easily join an organized tour of the Grand Canyon from Phoenix .

To turn a day trip to the Grand Canyon into an overnight getaway, you can find accommodation right outside the park entrance in the small town of Tusayan.

One of the most popular easy day trips from Phoenix is to the town of Sedona. Surrounded by striking red rock mountains, cut through by the meandering Oak Creek, and said to contain vortexes, Sedona is one of the most scenic and intriguing towns in the entire Southwest.

The main street consists mainly of tourist shops and restaurants, but is also home to crystal sellers, fortune tellers, and other unique retail outlets you can't find just anywhere, including places to buy metaphysical gifts or get an aura photo and aura readings.

If you have time, an Outback Trail Jeep Adventure is a wonderful way to get out into the landscape and see some of the sites, including ancient ruins and rock wall art .

Hikers will find fantastic hiking trails around Sedona . You can hike to a saddle of the famous Cathedral Rock or take in some of the easier but equally beautiful canyon hikes.

To experience the powers of an energy vortex, you can take a Sedona Vortex Tour , where a guide will explain what these mystical places are all about.

While most of the appeal is the incredible surroundings, other things to see and do in Sedona include visiting ancient cliff dwellings and ruins , having a look at the Chapel of the Holy Cross , stopping at Slide Rock State Park , or tackling some of the local mountain biking trails .

If you don't want to be bothered with doing any of this on your own, operators out of Phoenix offer full-day trips to Sedona that will let you do it all. The 11-hour Day Tour to Sedona Red Rock Country & Native American Ruins is a popular way to see all the top sites.

On the way to Sedona, you can stop off at Montezuma Castle National Monument , a 12th-century cliff dwelling off Interstate 17, just north of Camp Verde.

If you have time, spend a night in Sedona and allow yourself a full day to explore the numerous attractions and enjoy some fine dining or time around a pool. Enchantment Resort offers some of the best scenery in the Sedona area, a fabulous pool looking out to the red rock cliffs, great restaurants, and easy access to lovely hiking trails and a nearby energy vortex.

Accommodation: Best Spa Resorts in Sedona

Perched on a mountainside, looking out over the valley below and distant mountains, is the former mining town of Jerome. Abandoned and left to become a ghost town, Jerome has found new life through tourism.

The twisting road that winds through the town is now a mix of rustic and restored buildings that have been turned into small shops and converted into restaurants. The town has been updated enough to make it enjoyable for tourists but still maintains some of the Old West character.

The town's mining history is on full display at the Jerome State Historic Park and the Mine Museum .

The drive to Jerome, up a paved road of switchbacks, is also part of the attraction of this day trip. Total drive time from Phoenix one-way is about two hours .

You can make a full-day outing by driving to Sedona, then up to Jerome, and over the mountain behind Jerome to the historic town of Prescott, before returning to Phoenix.

Read More: Top-Rated Small Towns in Arizona

Hikers and anyone with a love of saguaros and desert scenery will enjoy a trip to Saguaro National Park , near Tucson. This is about a two-hour drive from Phoenix .

Scenic drives through the park offer beautiful views up the cactus-covered mountainsides, and hiking trails offer a chance to get out into the serenity of the desert and see some of the wildlife and vegetation up close.

On the east side of Tucson is the Rincon Mountain District of Saguaro , with a paved loop road and a couple of easy hikes. To the west of Tucson is the Tucson Mountain District of the park, also featuring lovely Sonoran Desert scenery, a more primitive dirt road loop, and short hiking trails.

Nearby is the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum , which is also worth a stop. This peaceful and entertaining museum, set on 89 acres, is mostly outdoors and more of a zoo and botanical garden than a museum.

• Top Tourist Attractions in Tucson, Arizona
• Best Hikes near Tucson

At an elevation of approximately 6,900 feet, Flagstaff has a dramatically different landscape and a completely different climate than Phoenix. Towering pine trees surround the city, giving it an almost alpine fee.

The downtown, which includes a section of historic Route 66 , has a number of historic buildings, interesting restaurants, and sports stores.

Nearby, you can explore Ancient Sinagua cliff dwellings at Walnut Canyon National Monument or the volcanic landscape of Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument .

During the winter months, you can expect to find snow in Flagstaff, and often lots of it in the surrounding mountains.

Just outside of town, on the slopes of an ancient volcano, is the Arizona Snowbowl ski hill , with a top elevation of 11,500 feet. This is just one of a few good ski resorts in Arizona . After winter storms, you can find some great powder here. Hiking is popular in this area from spring until fall, when the area is free of snow.

Although you can reach Flagstaff by taking Interstate 17, a more scenic option runs through the town of Sedona and up a winding road with switchbacks, through the Scenic Oak Creek Canyon to Flagstaff. The best option is to take Interstate 17 north to Highway 179, which will take you to Sedona, then follow Highway 89A up Oak Creek Canyon to Flagstaff. Return to Phoenix on Interstate 17.

• Read More: Top-Rated Things to Do in Flagstaff, Arizona

Built into a limestone cliff wall, this Native American cliff dwelling is one of the most impressive of its kind near Phoenix. Although you can't go inside the dwellings, you can view it from almost immediately below, and since it's not far up the wall, you can get quite close.

Montezuma Castle National Monument is also incredibly easy to access. The site sits right off Interstate 17, about 1.5 hours north of central Phoenix . At the monument is a visitor center and a picnic area with large trees that provide plenty of shade.

You can combine a visit to Montezuma Castle National Monument with a stop at nearby Montezuma Well National Monument , a few minutes to the south of here. This site overlooks a small lake, which is actually a sinkhole fed by an underground spring. A pleasant walking trail loops through the monument.

You can also combine a trip to Montezuma Castle National Monument with a stop in nearby Sedona .

Read More: Best National Parks and Monuments in Arizona

The historic city of Prescott makes a great day trip destination for people who want to see the old city center and enjoy a lunch or for those looking for a little outdoor activity. From Phoenix to Prescott is less than a two-hour drive .

The surrounding area offers unique scenery with excellent hiking trails , as well as opportunities for camping . The boulder strewn shores of Watson Lake make a pleasant area for a stroll or a bike ride. You can even go kayaking in the deep blue waters of the reservoir.

If you are out for a scenic drive and don't mind a twisty mountain road, combine a trip to Prescott with a stop in the old mining town of Jerome and make a loop back to Phoenix. From Prescott, Highway 89A leads up to Jerome. You can return to Phoenix via Cottonwood on Highway 260, which will take you back to Interstate 17.

• Read More: Top-Rated Things to Do in Prescott, AZ

Although Tortilla Flat consists of little more than a handful of buildings and a single digit population, this destination attracts large numbers of day trippers who come up here mainly for the ride and to enjoy lunch.

About a 1.5-hour drive east from Phoenix along State Route 88, the road hugs the hillsides as it runs up into the Superstition Mountains and alongside Canyon Lake , before reaching the site.

This Old West town was a former stagecoach stop on the Historic Apache Trail. Visitors can grab a bite to eat, enjoy a gelato at the country store, pick up a souvenir, and stop by the tiny museum located in a replica of a one-room school house that once operated in the town.

For an all-day outing to a complete change of scenery, consider a trip to Joshua Tree National Park . This is the perfect place to see these delightful trees, as well as some incredible landscapes and a few other added attractions.

From Phoenix, you can reach the south side of the park in a little over three hours, along Interstate 10 . From here, it's at least an hour drive to get to the attractions on the far side of the park, but there are things to see along the way.

Plan on a few hours in the park to stop and see some of the highlights , like Skull Rock , the Cholla Cactus Garden , Keys View , Hidden Valley , and maybe even tackle some of the hiking trails .

For this day trip, be sure to get an early start and plan for a long day. Day use areas in the park are perfect places to visit for a picnic lunch. If you want to make this a loop, you can drive through to Twentynine Palms and come back along the roads outside of the park (Highway 60 to 177, and back on to Interstate 10).

The best option for spending the night, unless you want to camp in Joshua Tree National Park , is to base yourself in nearby Twentynine Palms.

The slightly (or many people say totally) cheesy tourist town of Tombstone is well worth the three-hour drive southeast of Phoenix. A main street made of dirt, a made-up Wild West town, and the odd gunfight in the street make for good family fun.

Wander along the boardwalk and pop into the shops, restaurants, and the Bird Cage Theater, and even go underground in a gold mine. Along the way, pick up a few trinkets and souvenirs—but whatever you do, don't miss the gunfight at the OK Corral. This reenactment of the famous 1881 shootout between the Earp and Clanton Gangs is well done.

Payson, located up in the highlands of the Mogollon Rim, is a mountain town complete with tall pine trees, incredible scenery, and lots of things to do and see. Up here, you'll find cooler temperatures in the summer, fantastic camping , and good fishing. It's the perfect antidote for pancake-flat Phoenix.

The drive up to Payson is particularly scenic, as the spectacular Highway 87 winds its way higher and higher through the foothills and then onwards into Tonto National Forest. Once in town, grab a bite to eat at Macky's Grill and then, fully fortified, head out onto a nearby hiking trail to explore the forest or perhaps swing by Tonto Natural Bridge State Park and check out this incredible sight.

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Day Trips From Phoenix

Best Day and Road Trips From Phoenix

While there may be plenty to keep visitors busy within the Phoenix Metro Area, there are also worthwhile destinations within a couple hours' drive from the Valley of the Sun . During the warmer months, road trippers may want to focus on destinations north, at higher elevations. During the cooler months, going south means you'll be only a few degrees cooler than Phoenix. Whether it be Tucson , with its multicultural heritage and cacti-clad desert, or Sedona , with its vortexes and brighter-than-fire buttes, some of Arizona's most beloved attractions are just a road trip (or day trip) from the bustling capital.

Museum of Indigenous People

The former territorial capital of Arizona, Prescott is nestled amid the largest stand of ponderosa pine forests in the U.S., 100 miles from Phoenix. The main artery of its downtown area, Whisky Row, is known for its lively nightlife scene, thanks to a slew of iconic saloons and continuous live music. Surrounding the raucous epicenter, though, is a pristine display of Southwest nature: climbing crags, fishing holes, trail-adorned forests, and scenic lakes. The rocky shores of Watson Lake, for instance, are home to countless bird species. Like many cities in Arizona, Prescott is steeped in Native American history. To view artifacts from the area, check out the Museum of Indigenous People.

TripSavvy / Kathleen Messmer

As if the beauty of Sedona's fire-red rocks isn't enough of a draw, many of them are also energy hotspots. Vortices are the main attraction of this bohemian resort town; these areas of concentrated energy can give some people a tingling sensation or cause others to have spiritual epiphanies. Sedona is brimming with crystal shops, gypsy clothing shops selling patchwork skirts and tie-dyed shirts, and cafes specializing in acai bowls. About 115 miles from Phoenix, Sedona has four main vortex sites: Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, Boynton Canyon, and Airport Mesa. Some believe them to be portals for celestial spirits. From town, you can sign up for a guided 4x4 or jeep tour or head out to explore the local hiking trails on your own account.

Despite its reputation, Arizona isn't actually all desert. En route to Payson via the scenic State Route 87 (also known as Beeline Highway, which stretches about 90 miles between Phoenix and Payson), you'll witness the lower desert gradually turn into high-country pine forest. From the top of the Colorado Plateau, you'll be served sweeping views of the painted desert and the Four Peaks of the Mazatzals. Beyond Payson is Pine—named after the huge, centuries-old ponderosa pines that grow in the surrounding Tonto National Forest—and Strawberry—home to the world's largest natural  t ravertine bridge. The lush, lake-dotted region that creates a 50-mile radius around Payson is what the locals call Rim Country. Payson sits about 5,000 feet above sea level, which can lead to snow and other inclement weather during certain times of year, so prepare accordingly.

Just over 100 miles north of Phoenix, Jerome is one of Arizona's most famous haunted places. This ghost town gets its spooky reputation mostly from the Jerome Grand Hotel, which saw the deaths of some 9,000 people when it was the United Verde Hospital in the early 20th century. Now, guests regularly report paranormal activity, sometimes even catching apparitions and orbs on camera. But if ghost hunting isn't your thing, there's still much to do in this area, including tours of the local mines that once put this town on the map, eclectic art studios, museums, and shops. The entire town is, in fact, an official state historic park.

Out of Africa Wildlife Park

A departure from Arizona's usual desert scenery is Out of Africa Wildlife Park, a little slice of the Serengeti about 90 minutes north of Phoenix. This Camp Verde wildlife preserve, located on the outskirts of the Mingus Mountains, is home to lions, tigers, giraffes, sloths, rhinos, and other exotic critters. It makes an easy day trip from the capital city, but allocate at least half a day to see all the animals.

Montezuma Castle and Tuzigoot

About an hour and a half north of Phoenix are two national monuments commemorating the indigenous peoples of the Southwest. Montezuma Castle is a preserved and protected display of authentic Sinagua cliff dwellings that are believed to have been built between 1100 and 1425 CE. Tuzigoot, about 25 miles from Montezuma Castle, is a multi-story pueblo ruin that contains up to 100 rooms. It's thought to be one of the largest villages built by the Sinagua people. Combined entry to Montezuma Castle and Tuzigoot costs $10.

Road Trips For Motorcyclists

Phoenix is the best of both worlds for a biker: Its urban areas are offset by remote wilderness and expansive desert nothingness. The scenic, 225-mile drive to the Grand Canyon , for instance, is a motorcyclist's dream come true. This route offers miles of cacti-blanketed desert, twisty mountain passes, and the lush greenery of the Kaibab National Forest. Another popular motorcycle route is to Tombstone and Bisbee (about 200 miles from Phoenix), where you'll get a true taste of the Wild West through old-time saloons and regular shootout reenactments.

Wine Tasting in North Central Arizona

Page Springs Cellars 

Jerome and Sedona are must-visit destinations for wine drinkers. The Verde Valley surrounding Sedona is home to countless vineyards, cellars, and tasting rooms. In order to squeeze multiple in (and not have to worry about driving), you can schedule wine tours—and wine "adventures" involving open-top jeeps and the like—from town. Vino buffs should not pass up Page Springs, Cornville, and Cottonwood, all home to Burning Tree Cellars, Page Springs Vineyards, Arizona Stronghold Vineyards, Alcantara Vineyards, and more.

Head South to Tucson

Arizona's second largest city, Tucson, is just a couple of hours down the road from Phoenix. Tucson is known for its bustling visual and performing arts scene, and for being surrounded by the beauty of the Sonoran Desert. No visitor should leave without seeing the giant saguaro (tree-sized cacti) in this region. In town, you'll find museums—the Arizona State Museum, Tucson Museum of Art, Pima Air & Space Museum, and more—and the Wild West village of Old Tucson. On the outskirts, there are boundless canyons, caverns, and trails to explore.

Take a Train Ride in Verde Valley

 Finetooth / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0

While it may not actually qualify as a road trip, the train that follows the Verde Canyon Railroad in Clarkdale (about 100 miles north of the capital) is a great way to see the more remote sights outside of Phoenix without having to drive. It travels through an area that was once rich in mining activity, and prior to that, inhabited by the ancient Sinagua people. The excursion covers about 20 miles before simply turning around and heading back. The round trip takes about four hours.

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7 Scenic Canyon Road Trips To Add To Your Arizona Bucket List

• There are many scenic road trips in Arizona to canyons, like Marble and Sycamore, as well as the Grand Canyon.
• Flagstaff to Marble Canyon boasts ancestral sites, natural springs, and limestone gorge views.
• Tucson to Sabino Canyon leads to lush desert landscapes, ideal for hiking and tram tours.

The United States, with its wide array of landscapes and historical monuments, provides an ideal backdrop for land travel in any direction, whether aboard a tiny vehicle or a luxurious RV. There are exciting Texas day trips only three hours from Dallas , for instance; iconic landmarks along the various sections of Route 66 ; or simply charming small towns in the Hudson Valley to explore .

However, the Grand Canyon State is particularly a traveler's favorite; in fact, 40.19 million people visited Arizona in 2022 , perhaps drawn by some of the most iconic landmarks in the USA, including the Grand Canyon, commonly said to be the top tourist attraction in the United States .

While this natural wonder gets most of the attention, there are actually a number of other canyons in Arizona in addition to the Grand Canyon , and what better way to explore them (as well as many of the state's other noteworthy landscapes, towns, and cities) on a road trip?

There's already a myriad of Arizona road trips to the Grand Canyon , but this list will expand on those, including scenic drives to its South Rim as well as other canyons in the state. The following Arizona canyon road trips also take adventurers through picturesque and interesting stops on their way to majestic canyons like Marble, Sabino, and the Grand Canyon's South Rim.

What To Know Before Visiting The Three Indian Canyons Of Palm Springs

Flagstaff to marble canyon, 130 miles via wupatki national monument and antelope pass.

The spring weather in Flagstaff is ideal for outdoor activities , although it's great to visit year-round, given its proximity to many natural wonders, such as the Wupatki National Monument , which is only 36 minutes away and features many ancestral Puebloan sites, three natural springs, ripple-marked sandstone, several blow holes, and evergreen trees like the One-seed Juniper and Mormon Tea.

The next photo stop after heading northwest is Antelope Pass Vista , a viewpoint of canyons and red rock formations at 6151 feet, via the hills and narrow curves of State Route 89A, just outside Bitter Springs.

As for the ultimate destination, Marble Canyon , it sits at 3,573 feet and is partially located within the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area and the Grand Canyon National Park. This impressive, free-access gorge features limestone rocks and cliff walls perched above the Colorado River, and it attracts whitewater rafters, trout-fishing lovers, picnickers, and photographers alike, especially in the early morning and at sunset.

• Total Drive Time: 2 hours 8 minutes
• Great Attractions and Stops: Wupatki National Monument (sunrise to sunset; from $15 ); Glen Canyon National Recreation Area ($15/person); Marble Canyon Lodge (rooms from $170)
• Easy Trail: Old Navajo Bridge (0.5 mile; 10 minutes)

Tucson To Sabino Canyon

51.9 miles via gates pass.

Once visitors are done with the city of Tucson’s unique activities and attractions , like the DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun Museum, it’s time to explore the area’s natural marvel: the 20,000-acre Tucson Mountain Park , which is popular for hiking, mountain biking, picnicking, rifle shooting, horseback riding, bird watching, and archery hunting. For the best panoramic desert and mountain views around, one must head to the Gates Pass Scenic Overlook, named after Thomas Gates, a pioneer and rancher.

From there, it will take an hour and 15 minutes to reach Sabino Canyon Recreation Area , located in the Santa Catalina Mountains and the Coronado National Forest and which can be explored on the emission-free, English and Spanish-narrated, and open-air Sabino Canyon Crawler tram. Common plants and animals include saguaro and barrel cacti, palo verde and mesquite trees, rattlesnakes, jackrabbits, roadrunners, mountain lions, and hummingbirds.

• Total Drive Time: 1 hour 34 minutes
• Great Attractions and Stops: Tucson Mountain Park ( dusk to dawn; free ); Sabino Canyon ($8/vehicle/day; shuttle: from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm; $15/adult); Sabino Creek
• Easy Trails: Prickly Pear Gates Pass (1.9 miles; 40 minutes); Sabino Walkway Loop (2.3 miles; 48 minutes)

Pets and camping are not allowed in Sabino Canyon.

7 Scenic Yet Casual Hikes In Arizona

Phoenix to sycamore canyon, 149 miles via cave creek and montezuma castle.

Another one of the scenic canyon road trips in Arizona is the route from Phoenix to Sycamore Canyon. Driving only 20 minutes from the hustle and bustle of Phoenix’s downtown, which can be explored for just $100 over an entire weekend , will take road trippers to Phoenix Mountain Preserve , which features several parks combining small mountains, foothills, and deserts and offers many scenic hiking, mountain biking, and picnicking opportunities.

The next stop is the 2,922-acre Cave Creek Regional Park , a desert oasis popular among hikers, equestrians, and picnickers, followed by a visit to the historic Montezuma Castle National Monumen in Camp Verde, once the dwelling of the Sinagua people.

The final destination, Sycamore Canyon Wilderness , is 1 hour 18 minutes away; it is 21 miles long and 7 miles wide, spans pinnacles, red rocks, buttes, and arches, and is home to spy black bears, mountain lions, ringtail cats, canyon wrens, and hermit thrushes.

• Total Drive Time: 3 hours 22 minutes
• Great Attractions and Stops: Phoenix Mountains Preserve (8 am to 12 pm; free; scenic spots: Piestewa Peak and Camelback Mountain); Cave Creek Regional Park (November to April, daily, 6 am to 8 pm; May to October, 5 am to 9 pm; $7/vehicle); Montezuma Castle National Monument (8 am to 4:45 pm; $10/person ); Sycamore Canyon Wilderness (24/7; $5/day pass )
• Great Trails: Three Hill Loop (easy; 1.2 miles; 28 minutes); Parsons Trail (moderate; 7.3 miles; 2 hours 57 minutes)

Sycamore Canyon is the second-largest canyon in Arizona, after Oak Creek Canyon.

10 Affordable Small Towns In Arizona For A Vacation

Flagstaff to boynton canyon, 49.2 miles via kachina wetlands and munds park.

Explore another one of the many scenic Arizona canyon road trip itineraries: the the picturesque route from Flagstaff to Boynton Canyon. The first beautiful stop on this journey is the free-access Kachina Wetlands Preserve , an amalgamation of ponds, marshes, grasslands, and pine forests boasting 247 bird species, including the rare American and Least Bittern, Sabine’s Gull, and Greater White-fronted Goose.

Up next is the unincorporated town of Munds Park , a hidden gem founded in 1876 and providing ample outdoor activities among the pines of Coconino National Forest.

Then, on the way to the city of Sedona and its great art galleries, restaurants, and cowboy and New Age shops, a photo stop at the Schnebly Hill Vista Overlook is recommended for stunning views of red-rock landscapes all around.

As for the ultimate destination, Boynton Canyon , it is considered one of Sedona’s energy vortexes and is sacred to the Yavapai people. It will undoubtedly fill visitors with a sense of awe and peace as they admire the striking crimson cliffs, high buttes, and desert plants.

• Total Drive Time: 2 hours 19 minutes
• Great Attractions and Stops: Odell Lake in Munds Park; Sedona’s Main Street ; Boynton Canyon ( 6 am to 11 pm ; $5/Red Rock Pass )
• Great Trails: Kachina Wetlands Loop (easy; 1.6 miles; 29 minutes); Boynton Vista Trail (moderate; 1.1 miles; 28 minutes)

The best months to complete the Boynton Vortex Trail is between January and May.

Wahweap To Antelope Canyon

19.9 miles via lake powell and glen canyon dam.

Nestled in Coconino County, on the border with Utah, Wahweap boasts an overlook with a 360-degree panorama of the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area that is especially colorful at sunrise and sunset.

It can be accessed freely by those who don’t want to go through the Recreation Area’s entrance; otherwise, there is plenty to see and do in the vicinity, including Lake Powell and its boating, photography, fishing, and paddleboarding activities, and the Glen Canyon Dam Overlook, perched at 1,000 feet and offering impressive views of the Colorado River, the canyon, and the dam.

On the way to Antelope Canyon , one of Arizona’s seven natural wonders to see on a road trip with its gold, red, and orange hues, a stop at the city of Page and its wellness and shopping venues may be warranted. Antelope Canyon looks like another planet, with Martian landscapes that are home to some of the most otherworldly hiking trails on Earth . Accessing the canyon is only possible via a guided tour, departing from 22 South Lake Powell Boulevard, and prior reservation is required.

• Total Drive Time: 40 minutes
• Great Attractions: Glen Canyon National Recreation Area ($15/person); Upper Antelope Canyon Tour (year-round; from $85/adult)
• Easy Trail: Dam Overlook Trail (940 feet)

7 Arizona National Park Road Trips With Scenic Stops

Williams to oak creek canyon, 66.3 miles via bellemont and rogers lake county natural area.

The town of Williams is known for being a major stop along Route 66 and a trip to the Grand Canyon, but it’s also charming in and of itself with its historic buildings, hearty restaurants, and fishing, camping, and equestrian activities. The nearby community of Bellemont is also worth checking out for the Pine Breeze Inn, which was featured in the 1969 movie Easy Rider , as well as its WWII Army camp.

Up next is Rogers Lake County Natural Area , which includes high-elevation wetland and forested uplands that are home to many wildlife species, such as elks, black bears, prairie dogs, mule deer, pronghorns, and bald eagles.

The following stop, Slide Rock State Park , is 1 hour and 4 minutes away and technically within Oak Creek Canyon . It is considered a prime swimming and hiking destination, featuring rustic cabins that date back to the 1930s. As for the canyon, it is a 12-mile-long, red-rock river gorge with depths that range from 800 to 2000 feet and many hiking, picnicking, camping, swimming, and fishing opportunities.

• Total Drive Time: 2 hours 3 minutes
• Great Attractions and Stops: Grand Canyon Deer Farm ( March 16 to October 15, 9 am to 5 or 6 pm; October 16 to March 15, 10 am to 5 pm; $16/adult ); Rogers Lake County Natural Area (6 am to 10 pm; free); Slide Rock State Park (8 am to 6 pm; from $20/vehicle)
• Moderate Trail: Two-Spot Loop (2.4 miles; 47 minutes)

10 Underrated Arizona State Parks

Seligman to grand canyon south rim, 112 miles via mcclelland lake and kaibab national forest.

This drive starts from the quaint town of Seligman, known as the birthplace of Route 66, and first stops at McClelland Lake, a serene fishing location for the Channel Catfish, Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, and Yellow Perch.

Up next is Buckskinner Park , a municipal park in Williams with hiking trails, picnic tables, volleyball and basketball courts, and a fishing Reservoir.

As for Kaibab National Forest , it is located 1 hour 27 minutes away and offers a wide tapestry of canyons, prairies, mountains, and plateaus. Better still, it borders the Grand Canyon, whose South Rim is easier to access but is particularly crowded during spring break and in summer. Fortunately, there is a free shuttle bus system and dozens of viewpoints with fantastic panoramic vistas to conclude this bucket-list Arizona road trip itinerary.

• Total Drive Time: 3 hours 7 minutes
• Great Attractions and Stops: Angel & Vilma Delgadillo's Original Route 66 Gift Shop (daily from 9 am to 5 pm); Buckskinner Park (7 am to 7 pm; free); Kaibab National Forest (Monday to Friday, 8 am to 4:30 pm; free); Grand Canyon South Rim (24/7; $20/person; $35/vehicle; overlooks include Powell Point, Mohave Point, and Pima Point)
• Easy Trail: Dogtown Lake Trail (2.2 miles; 39 minutes)

The 7 Best Arizona Road Trips (from a Phoenix Local!)

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The “big square states” in the southwestern United States are made for road trips, and there are many great road trips in Arizona to choose from. Phoenix is a great starting point, especially if you’re flying into the state, as it has a large international airport.

When you plan to visit Arizona, spend a few days in the capital area, as there’s a lot to do in Phoenix . Then choose from one (or more!) of these fun road trips in Arizona to see all that this amazingly diverse state has to offer.

I have lived in Phoenix for nearly two decades. During that time, I have explored much of this incredibly beautiful state. In this post, I’ll share my favorite road trips, which I highly recommend.

If you’re looking for day trips or even trips to extend to a weekend in Arizona, here is a great list of Phoenix day trip options to get you started. As an added bonus, this list also includes some other fun things to do around the area of each trip, so you won’t miss out!

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my links at no extra cost to you. Please read the   full disclosure  for more information.

Top 7 Arizona Road Trips + What You Can See in the Area

These are my favorite road trips in Arizona. Some can easily be combined, like Canyon de Chelly and Monument Valley.

For others, there are some incredible places to visit along the way, showcased in my post on the best day trips from Phoenix . If you’re visiting the Grand Canyon, the Page area, and the Petrified Forest (if you go via I-17 through Flagstaff), you’ll find several great spots on the way.

These spots include Sedona, Cottonwood , Jerome , Flagstaff, and others. There’s also a great Native American cliff-dwelling ruin on the way called Montezuma’s Castle .

• Petrified Forest, including Winslow, Meteor Crater, and La Posada Hotel

Canyon de Chelly

• The Grand Canyon, including the South Rim and the West Canyon

Havasupai Falls

• Page and Lake Powell Area, including Horseshoe Bend, Glen Canyon Dam, and Antelope Canyon
• Monument Valley, including Four corners
• Bisbee, including Tombstone and Kartchner’s Cavern State Park

On the way to Bisbee, you’ll pass near Tombstone as well as Tucson. Tombstone does Old West re-enactments, which are fun for all ages. And Tuscon is a lot of fun and worth a visit.

The Petrified Forest

The Petrified Forest is something everyone should see once in their lifetime and it’s one of the most popular road trips in Arizona. It’s an hour-and-a-half from Flagstaff and three-and-a-half hours from Phoenix.

It’s known for its fossils, and especially for fossilized fallen trees in the area as well as some fossilized plants and reptiles. There are a lot of hiking trails and you can hike all around the fossilized trees, which is an amazing experience. But please do be respectful and leave the fossils where you find them.

There is also an area known as the Painted Desert, which runs through the Petrified Forest National Park. It’s an area of badlands that looks a lot like the Badlands National Park in South Dakota . It’s a striking contrast to the Flagstaff area and even the area of most of the Petrified Forest.

The Petrified Forest National Park is located right off Interstate 40 (and Highway 66). It costs $25 per vehicle for seven days. Or, get an America the Beautiful pass to see any US national park. It’s a great deal if you plan to see multiple national parks.

Stop at the Corner in Winslow, AZ

Made famous by the Eagles’ song, Take it Easy, there is even a small sculpture sitting on the corner to visit. Historic Route 66 runs right through here, so it’s worth a quick stop. The corner is located at the intersection of Kinsley and Highway 66 .

Meteor Crater

The Arizona Meteor Crater is a meteorite impact crater from approximately 50,000 years ago located between Flagstaff and Winslow, AZ. It is one of the best-preserved meteorites and it’s around 3,900 feet (1,200 meters) in diameter and around 560 feet deep (170 meters).

There is a big-screen theater that shows a movie about the impact in a visitor’s center located on the rim of the crater.

Meteor Crater National Landmark is located just off Interstate 40, Winslow, AZ 86047 . It is open from 8 to 5 and the entrance costs $22.

La Posada Hotel

La Posada is one of the last great railroad hotels in the United States. But this place isn’t only a hotel — La Posada also has an art gallery, a museum, and one of the best restaurants in the state, The Turquoise Room. I first tried their creative southwestern-style food at a food festival in Phoenix.

When a friend and I decided to go on a road trip to visit Flagstaff and the Petrified Forest, it was added to my shortlist of places to go. It is well worth the drive though thankfully, there are other things to see and do in the area as well.

La Posada is worth visiting–even if only to wander around and dine at the Turquoise Room. But if you’re looking for a nice place to stay around 45 minutes from the Petrified Forest, I’d highly recommend checking it out.

La Posada Hotel and The Turquoise Room are located at 303 E 2nd St, Winslow, AZ 86047

Accommodation Near the Petrified Forest

The town of Holbrook is the closest to the Petrified Forest. It’s a small town, and there aren’t a lot of hotels there. Most of what you’ll find are chains like Days Inn and Quality Inn.

If you’re looking for a cute, small, locally-run place that has been around forever, check out Brad’s Desert Inn . It’s a budget place that plays up its historic roots.

For a splurge, I’d consider La Posada Hotel . I haven’t stayed there, but the grounds are stunning and the Turquoise Room is hands down one of the best restaurants in the entire state.

There is something so hauntingly beautiful about Canyon de Chelly. It’s in a remote part of the state in the Northeast. It’s not one of the more popular road trips in Arizona, though I think it should be.

Canyon de Chelly is every bit as beautiful as the Grand Canyon though in a different way. Once you arrive in Chinle, a small and fairly nondescript town close to Canyon de Chelly, the landscape changes to gorgeous red rock. There is a helpful Canyon de Chelly Visitor’s Center where you can get a map and some guidance on seeing the canyon.

You are required to have a Native American guide to enter the canyon. However, you can drive around the top of the canyon on your own.

There are a few trails you are able to go to on your own including the White House trail, which has a beautiful Native American ruin called the White House (bet you didn’t see that coming!!)

The canyon has incredible shades of red rust, brown, and tan that turn spectacular shades with the rising and setting sun. The colors are contrasted with the bright green grass and the river at the base of the canyon.

There are a lot of scenic overlooks you will want to stop and see including the Face Rock Overlook, Junction Overlook, Tunnel Overlook, and Tsegi Overlook. Sliding House Overlook has another Native American Ruin , this time a cliff dwelling.

The Spider Rock Overlook showcases one of the most spectacular parts of the canyon with the incredibly beautiful Spider Rock spire, or “hoodoo,” as they are sometimes known here.

Canyon de Chelly Tours

Tourists are only allowed to enter Canyon de Chelly with an approved Native American guide. The Canyon de Chelly Visitor’s Center has a list or you can go to the Canyon website . Before you decide not to do this, I highly recommend that you consider it.

It’s so worth the extra money to tour the canyon. Not only are you supporting the local people, but you get up close to this stunning sacred land. And you get to learn more about the history of this area and the people who call it home.

We chose to go with Antelope House Tours and went out with Adam Teller. It appears he may have his own tour company now, and Adam’s website is here . He has a degree in anthropology and has been a guide for a long time. He’s a great guy and was really interesting!

The tour lasted three hours, and he pointed out many petroglyphs (carvings) and pictoglyphs (paintings) on the canyon walls and shared their stories. He pointed out a really interesting cave up on the canyon wall with warnings depicted and explained that the place is considered holy, so even the natives won’t go to it.

We even got to go visit his grandparents, which was an amazing experience. They didn’t speak English, but he translated for them, and they generously welcomed us to their home. Adam proudly told us that he and his family built a small home for them on his land, and the family all helped to care for them.

They were adorable and proudly showed us a picture on the wall from 50 years ago where they were featured in a magazine. We really enjoyed our time with Adam and highly recommend him, and visiting Canyon de Chelly.

Inside Canyon de Chelly

Driving in the canyon is no easy feat, and we quickly understood why a local guide is required. Weaving around the water is challenging and we saw several jeeps that got stuck!

Adam expertly wove his way around, chatting the whole time about his people and sharing some of the history of the canyon and its people.

Canyon de Chelly National Monument is located in Chinle, AZ . The Canyon de Chelly Visitor Center is located at Indian Rte 7, Chinle, AZ 86503 . There is no fee to visit the park, however, access inside the canyon is only allowed with an authorized guide (with the exception of two trails).

Canyon de Chelly Accommodation

Chinle is a very small town, and there aren’t a lot of hotel options. The two top options are:

• Best Western — 100 Main Street, Chinle, AZ
• Holiday Inn — BIA Garcia Trading Post, Hwy Rte 7, Chinle, A

Thunderbird Lodge is another option, located at Rte 7, Chinle, AZ 86503 .

There are two campgrounds that are popular for RV trips in this area:

• Spider Rock Campground — Navajo Highway 7, Chinle, AZ 86503
• Cottonwood Campground —No address given, but here’s the map

We ended up staying at the Spider Rock Campground in an RV. It is less than a mile walk from the edge of the canyon. It’s very basic, but the location was great!

The Grand Canyon

If there’s one place you’re planning to go when you visit Arizona, there’s a good chance it’s the Grand Canyon. It’s the most popular of all of these great road trips in Arizona and with good reason!

It’s one of the seven natural wonders of the world and a truly awe-inspiring place to visit. Standing over the canyon, it seems to go on forever! It’s a striking place to visit, and nowhere else will you feel so small, in a good way.

If you enjoy hiking, the Grand Canyon is a great place to go. Hiking down to the Colorado River and staying overnight at Phantom Ranch is an amazing experience. And if you’re up for it, there’s a rim-to-rim hike you can go on, extending from the south and north rims.

Both of these hikes are considered strenuous, and you’ll want to be sure to train well for either of them. It is not recommended that anyone consider doing these hikes in a day and if you do want to stay at Phantom Ranch, you need to make a reservation.

The Grand Canyon isn’t just for the hard-core hikers, though. There are a number of hikes in the canyon ranging in difficulty, with quite a few moderate or moderate-strenuous hikes. It’s a good idea to still train for those, but they require less in terms of strength and endurance.

The South Rim of the Grand Canyon is the more popular place for tourists to go and there’s a bit more there. There are a number of hotels where you can stay, dine, and shop, and one of the most popular is the El Tovar Hotel. It’s a historic grand hotel right near the south rim. They often book out six months to a year so you’ll definitely want to plan ahead.

There is a nice walking trail along the rim with great views and a railing for those with a fear of heights (raising my hand slowly)! There are also a lot of short paths where you can walk out onto the rocks to take in the spectacular views.

The Grand Canyon is a popular day trip from Phoenix , though it’s better as an overnight. You can stay at the canyon, or there are some hotels fairly close by. Another great option is to stay in Flagstaff, which is only two hours from Phoenix. There are a lot of fun things to do in Flagstaff .

Grand Canyon South Rim Accommodation

There are a handful of hotels right on the rim and a bunch more a few miles away.

• Red Feather Lodge — 300 AZ-64, Grand Canyon Village, AZ 86023
• Yavapai Lodge — 11 Yavapai Lodge Rd, Grand Canyon Village, AZ 86023
• El Tovar Hotel — 9 Village Loop Drive, Grand Canyon Village, AZ 86023

Red Feather Lodge is around 6 miles away but a little more affordable than the hotels on the rim of the canyon. El Tovar is one of the old grand hotels at the park, and it’s an experience, but you pay a premium. Yavapai Lodge is an alternate option that’s a bit more affordable.

West Canyon

For those more daring and have some extra time, there is the Grand Canyon Skywalk. It has a glass bottom, and you can walk over the canyon itself and look down into the depths below. It’s in the western part of the canyon, and though it’s not very far “as the crow flies,” it does take close to four hours by car from the Grand Canyon National Park.

The skywalk is a 10-foot wide horseshoe-shaped glass bridge that goes 70 feet out over the rim of the Grand Canyon. You can look down through the platform to see the floor of the canyon 4,000 feet below (1219 meters). It offered views of the canyon that you cannot get anywhere else.

The Grand Canyon map is here . The El Tovar Hotel is located at 9 Village Loop Drive, Grand Canyon Village, AZ 86023 . The Grand Canyon Skywalk is located at 808 Eagle Point Rd, Peach Springs, AZ 86434 . It costs $35 per car to visit the Grand Canyon for seven days. Or, get an America the Beautiful pass to see any US national park. It’s a great deal if you plan to see multiple national park s.

Not far from the Grand Canyon, at least as the crow flies, is Havasupai Canyon, home of the stunning Havasupai Falls. A tributary from the Colorado River supplies the falls, the same river flowing through the Grand Canyon. It is a few hours’ drive from the South Rim of the Grand Canyon in Havasupai Tribal lands.

Havasu Canyon is known for its brilliant blue-green waterfalls pouring from bright red rock. The falls can only be reached by foot, and though it’s a challenging hike, it is worth every moment.

The canyon itself is beautiful, though not at the same level as the Grand Canyon or Canyon de Chelly. And the waterfalls are simply majestic. If you’re up for a bit of a challenging hike with an amazing reward, this is one of the best road trips in Arizona for you.

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Havasupai Falls Hike

Visitors must secure the Havasupai Falls Permit as this hike is through native lands, and a minimum of two nights is required. There is a large campground right next to the two most popular and famous falls, Havasu Falls and Moody Falls, so it’s no hardship to stay here for a few days to enjoy the beautiful scenery.

Brilliant blue-green waterfalls pour from bright red rock. A deep canyon lit up in an array of reds, purples, pinks, and browns. A soothing and sacred space. This is why you will want to visit Havasupai Falls and why it is on the list of the seven best road trips in Arizona.

This ultimate Guide to the Havasupai Hike has everything you need to know to plan this amazing trip, including the costs and how to get a reservation. The Havasupai trailhead is 4-and-a-half hours from Phoenix. You can find a map of the drive from Phoenix to the Havasupai trailhead here. Permit availability is open on the Havasupai Reservations website on February 1st at 8 a.m. local time.

Page and Lake Powell Area

Page is close to 4-and-a-half hours from Phoenix ,and visiting may be best as a long weekend trip. It’s located on the Utah border in the far northern part of Arizona.

It’s on the way to get to some popular Utah National Parks like Zion and Bryce, though it’s worth a stop in its own right. if you’re looking for striking red rock, Page is your kind of place. If you have the time to visit, it’s one of the best road trips in Arizona.

Horseshoe Bend

Just before you hit Page, you will come to Horseshoe Bend. You may not have heard of it before, but it’s very likely you’ve seen pictures of it. The Colorado River, the same one that created the Grand Canyon, carved out this stunning horseshoe-shaped canyon.

It’s around 1,000 feet deep (305 meters) to the canyon floor, and there’s a path to it that takes around an hour-and-a-half to walk. This park is part of the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area .

Horseshoe Bend is located in Page, AZ . There is a $10 parking fee

Glen Canyon Dam

The Glen Canyon Dam is only around five miles past Horseshoe Bend, and you’ll drive right over a bridge near the dam on Route 89. There is a parking lot just past the bridge where you can pull off and walk over it to get great pictures of the dam.

This dam is actually larger than Hoover Dam, and it was built to provide water storage from the Upper Colorado River Basin to the lower. It is a concrete dam that is 710 feet high (216 meters), and it’s massive.

The Glen Canyon Dam formed Lake Powell, the largest man-made reservoir in the United States. It’s a major source of hydroelectric power for the region. It is federally-owned, though you can take guided tours through the Glen Canyon Conservancy .

The Glen Canyon Dam is on US-89, Page, AZ 86040 , and the overlook is as well.

Antelope Canyon

Antelope Canyon is a slot canyon located near Page, Arizona. It was carved by rain and wind in incredibly beautiful red sandstone. This slot canyon has many narrow passageways that lead several hundred feet from the mouth of the canyon.

Typical for slot canyons, it has sloping angles of the rocks with incredible shifts of light making their way down from the top rim of the canyon and creating an incredible scene. Many of the passageways are only eight to twelve feet wide. Pictures are beautiful but it’s hard to capture the true beauty through a lens. This is something you should see to believe how incredible it truly is.

It’s a good idea to consider the time of day when you book your tours, as the sunlight will show differently. From March to October, optimal viewing times are from 11 to 1, so the sunlight shines into the canyon and lights up the walls. However, there are fewer tourists and tour groups from November to March.

You do have the option to go to the Upper or Lower Antelope Canyon areas. The Lower portion is typically a little less busy.

You are required to have a tour guide as this is on Navajo Nation land. The guide will help you to secure the permit that is required for you to visit. There are many tours that offer visits to Antelope Canyon , and some also include other local places like Horseshoe Bend.

The Antelope Canyon Tribal Park location on a map is here .

Lake Powell

Lake Powell is a man-made reservoir on the Colorado River on the border of Arizona and Utah. It’s massive, and the size is second only to Lake Mead. Much of this lake is in Utah, but since there’s a part in Arizona, I’m including it in this list. It’s a popular vacation spot that sees around two million people every year.

It’s known for its beautiful blue water, sandy beaches, and remote areas that are only accessible by boat. In fact, renting a houseboat and staying right on the lake is one of the most popular things to do here.

You can find most water sports at Lake Powell, including kayaking, paddle boarding, canoeing, and boating. Fishing is popular, as well as boat tours, wakeboarding, and waterskiing. Of course, camping and hiking are popular as well.

There are many stunning rock formations in the area to check out with spectacular colors. A natural bridge is located at Rainbow Bridge National Monument as well, reachable by the water. There are so many places to see when you visit Lake Powell, which is why it’s part of the seven best Arizona road trips.

The most popular time to go is early summer, as temperatures can get quite high during the remainder of the summer. If you want a great time to go that’s slightly off-peak, check out the fall. Crowds are less, temperatures are a little cooler, and it’s amazing up there!

Lake Powell is located here on a map . There is a large marina on Lake Powell , and this Utah website has some great information about planning a trip there.

Page/Lake Powell Accommodation

• Hyatt Place Page/Lake Powell — 1126 N Navajo Dr, Page, AZ 86040
• Best Western View of Lake Powell — 716 Rimview Dr, Page, AZ 86040
• Lake Powell Resort — 100 Lake Shore Dr, Page, AZ 86040

There are a number of larger hotel chains in the Page/Lake Powell area. Lake Powell Resort is one of the nicest hotels in the area. It’s overlooking the lake and located at the marina. Hyatt Place has nice, large suites, and it’s located between Page and Lake Powell. The Best Western has views of the Glen Canyon Dam and is located on the canyon rim.

Monument Valley

Monument Valley is a stunningly majestic and desolate area on the Arizona border with Utah. You may not have heard of it before, but chances are you would recognize it if you were shown a picture of it. Monument Valley has been shown in a number of famous movies and is a very identifiable landscape.

Its name in Navajo means “valley of the rocks,” and it has a cluster of large sandstone buttes. The largest butte is 1,000 feet (300 meters) tall. It is located on the Navajo Nation Reservation.

As this is on Native American lands, a permit is required. There is a 17-mile dirt road loop that passes through part of Monument Valley. It takes around two-to-three hours to drive without stops, and it’s something you will want to do when you visit. There are other parts of this area that is only accessible with a Native tour guide including Mystery Valley and Hunts Mesa.

Monument Valley Accommodation

• Goulding’s Lodge and Campground— 1000 Gouldings Trading Post Rd, Oljato-Monument Valley, UT 84536
• The View Hotel and Campground — Indian Rte 42, Oljato-Monument Valley, AZ 84536

The View Hotel and Campground is the only accommodation in the park. All rooms have private balconies with a view of the rock formations in the park. Goulding’s is right outside, just a couple of miles down the road.

When you’re heading to Bisbee, I highly recommend stopping in Tombstone for a taste of the Old West. Tombstone was founded in 1877 and grew significantly due to the productivity of its silver mines. Much of the town’s revenue is now from tourism.

Tombstone is famous for some of the famous people who once lived there, including Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday. It was a bustling boomtown of the Wild West until the mines flooded. And, of course, it’s known as the site for the famous gunfight at the O.K. Corral.

Visit the Birdcage Theater, the Boothill Graveyard, and the O.K. Corral and enjoy watching re-enactments of the famous gunfight there. It’s a campy-fun good time and worth a stop.

Walk down the roads where carriages and gunslingers’ll pass you. Tour the Tombstone courthouse and the shops on Allen Street. Just be careful you don’t get caught in the line of fire.

Here is a map of Tombstone, AZ .

Tombstone Accommodations

• Tombstone Monument Ranch — 895, W Schiefflin Monument Rd, Tombstone, AZ 85638
• The Tombstone Bordello — 107 W Allen St, Tombstone, AZ 85638
• Landmark Lookout Lodge — 781 AZ-80, Tombstone, AZ 85638

Tombstone Monument Ranch is just three miles outside of Tombstone. It’s a fun place set up like an 1880s Western frontier town. Each individually designed room has a unique and historical Western theme.

The Tombstone Bordello is a charming B&B just a few blocks off the main drag in Tombstone. When else can you say you actually stayed at an old bordello?

A few miles outside of town and not far from Tombstone Monument Ranch is the Landmark Lookout Lodge. It’s one of the top-rated places in Tombstone based on visitor reviews. Hotels aren’t very fancy in these parts, but this one does offer some comfortable amenities, including an outdoor pool.

Kartchner Caverns State Park

If you stop in Tombstone on your way to Bisbee, consider stopping at Kartchner Caverns on your way back. The limestone cave includes 2.4 miles of passageways discovered in 1974 by local cavers. The two main features available for public view are the Big Room and the Throne Room.

The Big Room contains the world’s most extensive formation of brushite moon milk. Tours are closed during the summer from mid-April to mid-October because it’s a nursery area for cave bats.

Over 1,000 female bats go to birth their single pup. The Throne Room has one of the world’s longest soda straw stalactites (over 21 feet long). It also has a 58-foot-high column named Kubla Kahn.

There are several other rooms available for a view, including the Rotunda Room, Strawberry Room, the Cul-de-sac Passage, and Mud Flats. Close to 60% of the cave system isn’t open to the public in order to protect it. The park has hiking trails to explore and a Discovery Center.

Kartchner Caverns State Park is located at 2980 AZ-90, Benson, AZ 85602 . It’s open daily from 8 to 6. Parking costs $7 per vehicle, and the cavern tours range from $23 to $33. Photos are not allowed. However, there is a monthly photo tour where you may take pictures for $125. Reservations are recommended. For same-day reservations, you can call (877) MY-PARKS and select Option #2.

Plan One of the Top Arizona Road Trips Now!

From the Old West and Native American Indian lands to incredibly beautiful and majestic natural masterpieces, Arizona has it all. There are some incredible road trips in Arizona to take, and once you get out of the Phoenix metro area, the state shows you all it has to offer.

Go on one of these road trips in Arizona or all to explore a different side of Arizona life.

You Might Also Like

• Best Things to do in Phoenix: Ultimate Guide
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• Top Day Trips from Phoenix
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• The Best Places to Visit in Arizona—Your AZ Bucket List
• Joya Spa—Is the Omni Scottsdale Spa Worth It?

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The 7 best day trips from Phoenix for an Arizona adventure

Nov 4, 2021 • 7 min read

Devil's Bridge Trail is one of Sedona's most popular out-and-back trails © Nikolas_jkd / Shutterstock

While there's plenty to see in Phoenix , the state capital is an ideal base for exploring the myriad attractions of Arizona and getting a taste of all this diverse state has to offer. Enjoy your fill of the arts, food and nightlife in the city, then plan a trip out into Arizona's open spaces.

From sampling locally produced wine and skiing vertiginous slopes to encounters with Arizona wildlife, here are seven of the best day trips from Phoenix.

Ski in the desert in Flagstaff

Travel time: 2 hours 15 minutes

Surrounded by the world’s largest stand of ponderosa pines, the mountain city of Flagstaff sits at 7000ft, and cooler temperatures lure visitors trying to beat southern Arizona’s soaring summer heat. It’s a superb place to ski, with an impressive 55 runs at the Arizona Snowbowl . This adventure zone hits its peak in winter when locals descend upon 777 acres of skiable terrain, but you can ride the high-speed gondola year-round for sensational views of cinder cones and Sedona ’s red rocks from a lofty 11,500ft.

How to get to Flagstaff: The drive from Phoenix takes two hours and 15 minutes driving north on I-17 (slightly longer if you detour through Sedona along state routes 179 and 89A). The FlixBus has regular departures to Flagstaff from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.

Explore endless hiking and biking trails in Sedona

Travel time: 2 hours

Although you can glimpse Sedona ’s celebrated red-rock formations while driving through the city, hiking or biking among ponderosa pines and prickly pear cactuses elevates the experience into something sublime. Sedona’s 200 multi-use trails cover an impressive 400 miles, leading to sandstone towers such as Cathedral Rock and Bell Rock, which are believed to be "vortex" sites, or natural energy centers.

After communing with nature, grab a bite at the Indian Gardens Café & Market in Oak Creek Canyon. While you’re here, drop by Garland’s next door, a boutique brimming with authentic Indigenous items such as Navajo rugs and squash blossom necklaces.

On the way to Sedona, don’t miss Montezuma Castle National Monument , a spot shaded by leafy trees, where you can peek at the remains of an ancient pueblo (settlement) built by the Sinagua people in around 1050 CE.

How to get to Sedona: It takes just under two hours to drive the 116 miles to Sedona along I-17, connecting to state route 179. Private shuttle minibuses offer daily trips to Sedona from Phoenix.

Top 10 things to do in Sedona

Visit dozens of wineries in the Verde Valley

Travel time: 1 hour 45 minutes

As its name implies, the Verde Valley in Arizona’s high desert is a glorious shade of green, a refreshing change from Phoenix’s sand-hued desert landscape. The valley's historic towns have largely left their mining days behind, and today, communities such as Clarkdale, Cottonwood and Cornville have turned their hand to producing wines.

The valley produces a surprising variety of varieties, from Roussanne and Riesling to Grenache and Merlot. Sample the results during a self-guided tour on the Verde Valley Wine Trail or at the wine festival in spring.  

Take time out from wine-touring for an interlude at Tuzigoot National Monument . There’s a museum and well-preserved ruins of pueblos look out over the Verde River. Here, you can wander around ancient structures the Sinagua people lived in for hundreds of years before leaving the valley in the 14th century.

How to get to Verde Valley: It takes about an hour and forty-five minutes to drive to Cornville, 104 miles north of Phoenix off I-17. Cottonwood lies about 5 miles west and Clarkdale is another 4 miles beyond. Private shuttle minibuses offer daily trips to Cottonwood from Phoenix.

Drink whiskey in Arizona’s oldest frontier saloon in Prescott

Once Arizona’s territorial capital, the mile-high city of Prescott retains its stately appeal, with Victorian homes and a Neoclassical Revival-style courthouse dominating downtown. At the heart of this area is Whiskey Row , named for the saloons that sprang up here during the gold rush to serve everyone from prospectors and cowboys to gamblers and outlaws. 

Wet your whistle at The Palace , the oldest frontier saloon in Arizona. Gunslinging legends such as Wyatt Earp, Virgil Earp and Doc Holliday once sidled up to its 1880s-era Brunswick Bar, which is still in use after it was rescued from a fire in 1900 (dedicated patrons carried it across the street to safety).

How to get to Prescott: This 100-mile trip takes about an hour and forty-five driving north from Phoenix on I-17, then east along state route 69. Private shuttle minibuses offer daily trips from Phoenix to Prescott.

Explore Jerome, the wickedest town in the West

Jerome 's gambling dens, brothels and copper mine (once the largest in Arizona) are long gone, but this not-quite-ghost-town (almost 500 people live here) still has hints of its days as the wickedest town in the West.

The winding road to the cliffside village of Jerome atop Cleopatra Hill leads to an enclave of historic buildings occupied by local art boutiques, restaurants and wine-tasting rooms. Plus there’s a museum and the quirky Sliding Jail, the remains of a concrete cell block that seemingly made a run for it.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, this ghost town is reputed to have its share of paranormal activity, especially at the Jerome Grand Hotel , which housed the United Verde Hospital in the 1920s. Drop by the hotel’s Asylum Restaurant for lunch and views of the valley below.

How to get to Jerome: Getting to Jerome involves a two-hour drive (111 miles) north from Phoenix on I-17, via state routes 260 and 89A.

Experience the Sonoran Desert up close in Tucson

Sure, you can see saguaro cactuses in and around Phoenix, but there’s an otherworldly appeal to standing in great stands of these giants that can weigh up to eight tons apiece. Saguaro National Park , which is divided into east and west zones, straddles the city of Tucson . You can explore the park year-round, spotting historic limestone kilns and petroglyphs created by the Native American inhabitants of the area along well-marked trails. Visit from April to June when the saguaros burst into white blooms and bear red oval-shaped fruit.  

Need a reprieve from the heat? A drive on the Sky Island Scenic Byway takes you along twists and turns, eventually ending at 9000ft-tall Mount Lemmon, the highest point in the Santa Catalina Mountains and the southernmost spot in the continental US where you can go skiing. 

How to get to Tucson: It takes an hour and forty-five minutes to cover the 113 miles to Tucson on I-10. Bus and shuttle services to Tucson are available, but you’ll need a car to explore the park.

Spot black bears and bald eagles in Tonto National Forest

If you’re yearning for some wilderness after spending time in the city, head to Tonto National Forest . Its 590,000 acres are studded with fossil-like travertine rock formations and dotted with mountain wildflowers, and the forest provides a home for species such as black bears, bald eagles and rattlesnakes.

Named for the Tonto Apache people who originally inhabited the area, this diverse ecosystem spreads from 1300ft to 7900ft, offering streams for trout fishing and pine tree-fringed backcountry trails galore. Naturally, it’s much cooler up here too, which makes seeking solitude in places like fast-flowing Fossil Creek and the paths in the Hell’s Gate Wilderness Area all the more appealing. Expect snow at higher elevations in winter.

How to get to Tonto National Forest: It takes about two hours to drive the 65-mile route northeast from Phoenix to Tonto on state route 87 (Beeline Highway).

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The 15 Best Day Trips from Phoenix for Every Style of Adventure

Day trips from Phoenix include incredible hikes, historical Native American sites, and interesting cities. Try one, or try them all! You can’t go wrong.

Phoenix is the capital of one of America’s most beautiful states and is perfectly situated for some epic getaways. Day trips from Phoenix include incredible hikes, historical Native American sites, and interesting cities. You would be pressed to find a more mesmerizing landscape than the red rock formations of the Arizona desert, and the Phoenix area has a unique multi-cultural vibe. The weather is warm. The food is awesome, and there are fun activities for every kind of adventurer with a couple of hours of Phoenix. Let’s find the perfect one for you!

Have Some Fun in Phoenix and the Surrounding Area

Let’s Roam offers hundreds of unique app-guided tours , including several scavenger hunts in Arizona ! For example, you could explore the cultural and historical sites of Downtown Phoenix with our super fun “ Sun’s Core ” scavenger hunt! Let us guide you through the city of your choice with an adventure full of trivia and photo challenges!

Day Trips From Phoenix

Distances and travel times in this guide are measured from Phoenix Capitol Museum at the time of writing. Travel times may differ for you depending on the day and time you choose to travel. Make sure to double-check the route when planning your day trip.

1. Explore the Beauty of Sedona

​Distance: 115 miles

Travel Time: 1 hr 55 mins

Ahhhhh … Sedona! Sedona is an oasis in the desert. This beautiful city is not only filled with high-end art galleries and beautiful boutiques, but it is also a spiritual gathering place. One step outside in Sedona, and you will have no trouble seeing why some believe it has a special energy. Whether that is true or not, who knows, but don’t be surprised if you run into lots of yogis and some Buddhist, or other spiritual, ceremonies occurring at some of Sedona’s sites.

Sedona is hard to see in a day. We recommend you visit several times or make a weekend of it. You could spend all day exploring the cafes and boutiques, but we recommend you hit some of the hiking trails. 

Many hikers love to visit Devil’s Bridge at Sunrise. It makes for some pretty epic photos, and we also love the more local hike to “The Birth Canal.” It is a feminine-shaped cavern in the mountains just outside the city, which overlooks the valleys below and even has some ancient ruins on the way. It’s an easy hike, with an incredible payoff. 

Finish the day with a hike to the top of Cathedral Rock. It’s right in town and is an easy scramble for most fitness levels. It is quite possibly the most beautiful sunset in the world, with the sun falling perfectly between red rock pillars and illuminating the landscape in a fiery light that just doesn’t occur anywhere else in the world. There are numerous other hiking trails in and around the city, so just get out and wander. 

Sedona also has a lovely river that runs right through the city, parallel to the main highway. It is littered with campsites and swimming holes that are perfect to escape the heat! Hop on in. It’s a popular mid-day break for the locals, and there will be plenty of families taking a dip.

2. Hike the World’s Grandest Canyon

Distance: 223 miles

Travel Time: 3 hrs 16 mins

Grand Canyon National Park is a long day trip from Phoenix, but if you have never seen the epic canyon, then it is a must! With a day trip, we would suggest that you drive along the Rim Trail and take in the incredible views. The Grand Canyon is one of the world’s most famous natural wonders for good reason. Looking over the vast landscape takes your breath away. It doesn’t even look real. It’s like a painting, fading away into a mesmerizing haze. 

You will probably have time to take on part of a hike. We love the South Kaibab Trail . You will not have time to do the whole thing, as it is a rim-to-rim trail and takes an overnight stay, but you can easily do the out and back to Cedar Ridge or Skeleton Point. It is not an easy hike. If you are not physically fit, perhaps just hike to Ooh Aah Point and back. The Kaibab does not have water along the way, so make sure to take at least 2 liters per person. The trail is difficult, and the Arizona sun is no joke. Oh, and watch out for donkey poop!

3. Montezuma Castle National Monument

Distance: 91.9 miles

Travel Time: 1 hr 21 mins

Outside the charming city of Camp Verde, the Montezuma Castle National Monument was established in 1906 as the third national monument to celebrate Native American history. The 12th-century cliff dwelling was built by Sinagua people and is a feat of architecture. You cannot go inside the dwelling, but you can get up close, just below it from the viewing platform. 

Eleven miles to the north, you can visit the irrigation canal and historic Back Ranch House at Montezuma Well. Human history in the area is long, and the natural water source has been drawing us for thousands of years. Take one of the trails through the shade of the forest until reach the incredible well and enjoy a picnic at one of the picnic areas surrounding the natural wonder. The hike is short, just about 80 yards from the ranger station.  

The national monument won’t take long to view, so you may consider stopping in quickly on your way to Sedona or pairing the monument with a visit to Camp Verde. Camp Verde is a playland for outdoor adventurists with many trails along the Verde River, or hop in a kayak and explore the river more intimately. The Camp Verde Historical Society Museum and Verde Valley Archaeology Center will give you a good grasp of the history of the area, and the Cliff Castle Casino will gladly take your money. Camp Verde is a verified Dark Sky Community, so stay until after sunset and gaze at the incredible night sky, with no light pollution!

4. Saguaro National Park

Distance: 107 miles

Travel Time: 1 hr 45 mins

Saguaro National Park is home to the largest cacti in the USA, the Saguaro cactus. The national park is split in two by the city of Tucson. The east side, or the Rincon Mountain district has a paved hiking trail through the cacti. The west side, or the Tucson Mountain District, is more rustic, with a dirt loop through the Sonoran Desert. Both are equally beautiful, but the west side has a denser population of cacti and some petroglyphs to explore. The east side has the largest specimens of the cacti, but they are more sporadic. You can easily tour both sides on a day trip from Phoenix.

After your hike, step into the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum , which is more of a wildlife refuge and botanical garden than a museum, as most of it is outside. Get your fill of cacti and then head back to Phoenix, or make your way into the city of Tucson for some city exploring.

5. Fill Your Belly In Tucson

Distance: 113.2 miles

Travel Time: 1 hr 43 min

Tucson is an incredibly interesting city and is the first American city to be awarded the UNESCO City of Gastronomy award, making it the perfect day trip for foodies. The city has an interesting culture, mixing Mexican, Sonoran, and later European elements. 

There is so much to see in the city, but we recommend Pima Air and Space Museum , the San Xavier del Bac Spanish Mission , and the Tucson Museum of Art . The city has a vast array of museums and small galleries to explore, as well. 

Adventurers can take advantage of the mountain biking and hiking trails on nearby Mount Lemmon. In the winter, there is a small ski resort on Mount Lemmon popular with snowboarding locals. It offers around 20 runs. 

You can’t go to Tucson without splurging on some of the Southwest food specialties. Hop into Tito and Pep and try their “queso fundido!” Everything on the menu here is beautifully prepared and made from the highest quality ingredients.

6. Get Wet At Slide Rock State Park

Distance: 121 miles

Travel Time: 2 hr 6 mins

Just north of the city of Sedona, Slide Rock State Park is aptly named. Oak Creek Canyon was cut by Oak Creek, creating an immense natural water slide! It is incredibly popular, so be prepared to wait your turn, but it is totally worth it. Slide Rock is consistently voted one of the best swimming holes in the US. Be careful, it’s slick!

The giant slip and slide is not the only attraction. The park is surrounded by Arizona’s distinct red cliffs, and there are plenty of hiking trails to wander. Trout fishermen love the upper part of the stream as well. 

The park also offers some historical sites and a working apple orchard. The area was once home to a homestead. You can now explore the historic cabins, the main house, and farming equipment left behind. Then visit Oak Creek Apple Co. and snag some fresh apples for an afternoon snack. 

The best part of this trip is the scenic drive up Highway 89A from Sedona. Towering pines, glorious vista views, and majestic walls of rock produce seriously distracted drivers. Thankfully, there are plenty of pull-offs to take in the views!

7. Tonto Natural Bridge State Park

Distance: 104 miles

Travel Time: 1 hr 51 mins 

Just two hours east of Phoenix, the Tonto National Forest is 590,000 acres of explorable wilderness! It offers eight separate wilderness areas with numerous campsites and a rare opportunity to truly escape into nature. Just north of the national forest Tonto Natural Bridge State Park boasts the world’s largest travertine bridge. It was formed by limestone, deposited over years from a highly mineral-rich spring. The bridge is 150 feet wide, over 180 feet tall, and 400 feet long. During certain times of the year, it also has a beautiful waterfall. Beneath the bridge, there is a small cave as well. 

Four different slippery trails lead to the base of the bridge, so make sure to bring your hiking boots. Pine Creek Trail is 1/2 mile and lands at the Pine Creek natural area. Gowan Trail is 2,200 feet out and back and leads to an observation area in the creek bed. The trail is steep, so make sure you have good shoes. Waterfall Trail is short and consists mostly of steps. It ends at the waterfall cave. It won’t take you more than 15 mins. Anna Mae Trail is 500 feet long and leads down to the Natural Bridge. Give it an hour.

Oh, and bring your swimsuit too, as you can swim in the stream on either side of the bridge. If you are not able to make the hike, no worries, you can get the same great views of the bridge from the viewing platforms at the parking lot. Make sure to visit several of the viewpoints, as the bridge looks completely different depending on which angle you take!

8. Go Caving In Kartchner Caverns

Distance: 167 miles

Travel Time: 2 hrs 40 mins

In 1974, two explorers set out to find an unknown cave, and they found it on the lands of the Kartchner family. After a few years of keeping it to themselves and a few more years of negotiation, in 1988, the cave was turned over to the state parks system and Kartchner Caverns State Park was born. 

The giant cave system is consists of two main rooms and is available by guided tour only. The Rotunda Room and The Big Room are filled with stalagmites and stalactites, powerful natural sculptures that are both mind-blowingly beautiful and strange. Before your tour, visit the Discovery Center to learn all about the history and science behind the cave system. 

The caverns are stunning and so is the surrounding landscape, so linger a while and enjoy a good hike. Make sure to bring a jacket, as the cave system can get cold. Wear good hiking shoes, and watch out for bats!

9. Brave The Apache Trail to Tortilla Flat

Distance: 33 miles

Travel Time: 1 hr 10 mins

For a beautiful and slightly terrifying day trip from Phoenix, take a drive along the Apache Trail. The Apache Trail is, as you might have guessed, an old Apache Indian trail that is now formally known as Hwy 88. It connects Apache Junction, in Phoenix, to Theodore Roosevelt Lake. The route consists of 40 miles of steep, mostly unpaved road, winding through the Superstition Mountains, The Tonto National Forest, around Canyon Lake, and through groves of Saguaro cacti. 

Unfortunately, due to landslides, much of the 40-mile trip is now foot traffic only. You can only go as far as the small town of Tortilla Flat. Tortilla flat is the smallest town in Arizona, with a population of just 5 people! The Old West town was once a stage-coach stop and has only a handful of buildings, but it is a great place to snag a good lunch and an ice cream from the general store. Boat rentals are available from Tortilla Flat to explore beautiful Canyon Lake, including a 4-hour tour on the vintage steamboat , Dolly.

For a lake alternative, head for nearby Saguaro Lake. With its twenty miles of shorelines, you can swim, kayak, and fish to your heart’s content. Saguaro Lake has its own beautiful boat tours aboard the Desert Belle . Both lakes are great options, as the scenery is absolutely stunning!

The surrounding area also includes some good hikes in the Lost Dutchman State Park . You can also visit the old gold mining town of Goldfield where frequent wild west shows entertain tourists. For hikers and history lovers, there is no better day trip from Phoenix than the historic Apache Trail road trip to Tortilla Flat.

Distance: 110 miles

Travel Time: 1 hr 51 mins

The city of Jerome is one of the best day trips from Phoenix for those interested in the Old West. The former mining town was deserted after a long run as “the wickedest town in the West.” The now ghost town was known for its rousing saloons and intense gambling culture. 

The little town is loaded with historic sites. Jerome State Historic Park contains the Douglas Mansion, full of gold mining-era artifacts. Jerome’s Sliding Jail is still standing after sliding its way 225 feet downhill from its original position. Gold King Mine is also full of information on the heyday of the Gold Rush and the history of Jerome. Also, don’t forget to take a look at the all unique rusted cars of the small railroad that runs through town. 

Bobby D’s BBQ, formerly the English Kitchen, claims to be the oldest restaurant in Northern Arizona, but if BBQ isn’t your thing, head for The Haunted Hamburger. Believe it or not, but the saloons of this ghost town are not so ghostly. On weekends, artists and musicians from nearby flock to Jerome and fill the old beer halls with live music. It’s a fun and festive environment and has become a migratory artist colony of sorts. If you love art, history, or good ole wild west raucous, then Jerome is a great day trip for you!

11. Wander Salome Jug … If You Dare

Distance: 106 miles

Travel Time: 2 hrs

Salome Jug is probably the least well-known attraction on this list, but for those who love outdoor activities, it will be your favorite! The Jug Trail is a 6.5 mile RT trail that is rated hard. The approximately 6-hour hike requires several water crossings. We recommend only taking on this hike if you are a moderately strong swimmer. 

This trail is an absolute blast. You will hike through an open desert, filled with Saguara, through a cattle gate (make sure to close it back), and over a rock scramble into the creek. Now, the fun starts. The beginning of the creek trail consists of several small swimming pools that will provide a nice relief from the sun you just got pelted with. Soon, you arrive at the first of four waterslides! Soon you will enter the towering walls and rock scrambles of the slot canyon. You will be in the water the entire time, depending on the recent rainfall, so a hiking pole or hefty stick is a major benefit. 

Once you get to almost to end of the canyon, you will notice a rope leading up a rock wall. If you dare, grab on and head up. At the end of the rope, there is a small rock ledge where you will now barrel off into the deep water pool below. The descent to the ledge can be slippery if wet, so be careful. The jump is anywhere from 25-50 feet depending on the water level below.

During the spring, it’s safest to hike when the pool is full. When the water is high, it is near impossible to turn around and go back. The waterslides along the way would make that very dangerous. So, just know that if you take on this hike you will have to jump, unless, of course, you have canyoneering gear and can manage a repel down the ledge. 

After the big jump, you will swim through several large deep pools until you reach the end of the canyon, where you will take a short hike back up to the original trail that you started on. While not for everyone, this hike is a crazy adventure, and one of the best day trips from Phoenix for those who love a little challenge! 

Warning: We do not recommend this hike for anyone under the age of 12 unless they are seasoned hikers and adventurous. Still, the pools are deep and sometimes the water can be swift-moving. This hike is only for strong swimmers and those who are not afraid of heights. The best time to do the hike is during the spring, in April and May, when the stream is fed by runoff.  

12. Visit Whiskey Row In Prescott 

Distance: 98.1 miles

Travel Time: 1 hr 43 mins

The beautiful city of Prescott lies in the shadow of towering Thumb Butte and is a great day trip for hikers, bikers, and watersports lovers. Watson lake is surrounded by gigantic boulders and provides excellent rock climbing experiences, as well as paddleboarding and fishing. The area is crisscrossed with hundreds of trails for mountain bikers and hikers, including the popular trail to Thumb Butte Trail in the Preston National Forest . Adventurers also love the trails of The Granite Dells . The Dells are strange, towering, bulbous rock formations that surround two smaller lakes and several hiking trails. 

Prescott also has an interesting history. It is known as the home of the world’s oldest rodeo and still has frequent cowboy activities during Frontier Days. The Prescott Heritage Trail is a self-guided tour through some of Prescott’s historic sites and is a good way to get to know the area. The Museum of Indigenous People has a beautiful collection of Native American artifacts.

For dinner, head down to Whiskey Row. The historic block was once home to more than 40 saloons. Grab some dinner at The Palace and pull up a barstool to the very same giant oak bar that the Earp brothers and Doc Holiday bellied up to long ago.

13. Go Extraterrestrial At Meteor Crater

​Distance: 185 miles

Travel Time: 2 hr 42 mins

Meteor Crater National Landmark is a must-see attraction for NASA nerds. The giant depression is thought to have resulted from an iron-nickel meteorite some 50,000 years ago. The 150-foot meteor created a 550-foot deep crater that is almost a mile wide. The energy release from the event was calculated to be 150 times greater than the Hiroshima atomic bomb. 

The site now contains the Meteor Crater Visitor Center with multiple indoor and outdoor viewing areas. Guided tours of the rim are also available through the visitor center. The Discovery Center and Space Museum has a stellar 4D representation of the crash, along with space capsules from Apollo 11, and tons of hands-on exhibits that kids will love! If you have time stay after dark. The stars from the viewing platforms at Meteor Crater are incredible. 

14. Winetasting In Sonoita

Distance: 164 miles

Travel Time: 2 hr 40 mins

Sonoita is Arizona’s wine region and lies just 30 miles north of the Mexico border. The ranches and farms of the 1800s have been transformed into fine wineries and vineyards. Supposedly the soil in the area is surprisingly similar to Burgundy, France. Visit Wilhelm Family Vineyards, producers of premium Spanish wine, or hit the tasting rooms at Dos Cabezas, stocked with wines from two local vineyards. There are more than ten small vineyards and tasting rooms in the area, so why not be an overachiever and visit them all?!

For a break from the wine, head for Las Cienegas National Conservation Area. The project is a joint one involving the Bureau of Land Management and protects several historical buildings on Empire Ranch, as still working cattle ranch. Don’t forget to shut the gate! Another option is to hop on Hwy 82 and head east a few miles to the famous home of Wyatt Earp, Tombstone. 

15. Cool Off In Flagstaff

Distance: 143 miles

Travel Time: 2 hrs 43 mins

Flagstaff is covered in pines, and at an elevation of 6,900 feet, it is much cooler year-round than the Phoenix area. Flagstaff has tons of fun things to do for the whole family, so it is probably best tackled in a weekend getaway, but that doesn’t mean you can’t give it a good shot! 

History buffs head for Walnut Canyon National Park and check out the Sinagua cliff dwellings. Did you know Arizona has a volcano? Well, it does! The weird and wonderful landscapes around Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument are worth seeing. 

The mountains of Flagstaff are snow-covered in the winter, and ski resorts like the Arizona Snowbowl are awash with skiers and boarders. The resort sits on Humphrey’s Peak, the tallest mountain in Arizona. The resort is great for families, as it has runs for every skill level. It is popular year-round with hikers, but it is at its most beautiful when covered in powder! 

For a fun way to explore Flagstaff, download our “ Get Your Kicks ” scavenger hunt, and compete in a challenge to find all of Flagstaff’s signature spots! You and your crew will explore volcanic chapels and retired trains in a race filled with photo and trivia challenges and tons of fun! 

Closing Thoughts

Phoenix is a great home base for exploring Arizona. As you have seen, there is no shortage of great day trips from Phoenix for ultimate explorers, history lovers, and those who just want to admire some of America’s most incredible landscapes. 

For more great ideas check out our list of the “ Best Things to do in Phoenix .” And don’t overlook the museums in the Valley of the Sun ! We hope our tips help you plan the perfect trip.

Now that we have all convinced ourselves to visit Phoenix as soon as possible, we want to know where you will be spending your days! Which day trip sounded good to you? Let us know in the comments.

Frequently Asked Questions

On a day trip from Phoenix , you could visit Sedona for the world’s best sunsets at Cathedral Rock, take on the epic hike at Salome Jug, or gaze at the cliff-dwelling masterpieces of Montezuma Castle!

South Central Arizona is great for exploring! Go on a Phoenix scavenger hunt for a unique way to see the main sights, then head out on a day trip . Visit the Grand Canyon for the world’s best view!

There are some fantastic short trips from Phoenix ! Visit the historic ghost town of Jerome, go caving in Kartchner Caverns, or hit the slopes in Flagstaff.

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In April 2020 — only a month or so into the COVID-19 pandemic — my wife and I were running out of things to do. The novelty of Zoom calls with friends was wearing off. We’d watched lots of movies and TV. We were itching to get out of our apartment, but with the virus still raging, we couldn’t risk being around other people. Then we had an idea: Why not go for a drive?

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For our first trip, we drove the length of Little Tujunga Canyon Road in the Angeles National Forest. After that, we were hooked. In the ensuing months, we crisscrossed the Santa Monica Mountains and made trips into Los Padres National Forest and beyond.

My wife bought me a California road atlas, and it became part of our scenic drive ritual: We’d consult its pages for inspiration, looking for two-lane roads and state highways that squiggled through mountain ranges or meandered through deserts. After returning home, I’d highlight our route. Four years after our first drive, the atlas is full of highlights documenting our travels — and there’s still a lifetime’s worth of backroads we haven’t covered yet.

No matter where we go, each drive gives me a deeper appreciation for the incredible range of landscapes in Southern California. And these journeys have led to many rewarding discoveries, from out-of-the-way diners to new trailheads for hiking and biking.

If you’re tired of visiting the same places, it’s time to hit the road. These two trips — all within a three-hour drive of the city — will get you started.

Los Padres National Forest and Carrizo Plain National Monument This route traverses winding mountain roads through Los Padres and spits you out near the southern entrance to Carrizo Plain — a vast preserve of native grassland and a hotspot for wildflowers (at least on some years ) and birdwatching . From Interstate 5, take Exit 205 and head west on Frazier Mountain Park Road. This two-lane road changes names several times as it ascends into the San Emigdio Mountains, passing forested slopes and epic canyon views along the way.

After about 42 miles, you’ll meet California 166. Take a right here and then a left on Soda Lake Road to enter Carrizo Plain National Monument. Drive northwest for 35 miles to the parking lot for the Soda Lake Trail, a short boardwalk that gets you up close to the park’s salt-crusted lake. If you plan ahead, you can also book a guided tour of Painted Rock, a sandstone outcrop with Native American rock art.

Hungry? Head back the way you came, take a right on California 166, and drive west 15 miles to the Cuyama Buckhorn , a renovated ’50s motel, restaurant and bar. The eatery’s Santa Maria-style tri-tip is superb, and if you grab a room, you can turn this scenic drive into a full weekend escape .

Volcan Mountain and Julian This route will take you to Julian , a mountain town famous for its apple orchards and delicious pies. From Interstate 15, take Exit 58 for California 79. Take a right on Pechanga Parkway and head south. The road becomes Pala Temecula Road and emerges into a wide canyon with mountains towering on either side. Take a left at Pala Mission Road and continue east on California 76, which hugs the San Luis Rey River before ascending more than 1,000 feet up a chaparral-covered ridgeline.

After some hairpin turns, the road levels off and skirts Lake Henshaw, a picturesque reservoir. Take a right on California 79, and after 10 miles, take a left on Wynola Road. Follow that road for about 3.5 miles, then take a left on Farmer Road to arrive at Volcan Mountain Wilderness Preserve. Stretch your legs on the Five Oaks Trail , a 1.2-mile path that ascends the western flank of Volcan Mountain and offers sweeping views of the orchards below.

With your appetite revved up, head south on Farmer Road into Julian and make a stop at the Julian Pie Co . Grab a well-deserved slice of apple pie and some apple cider and rest your feet at a picnic table while you chow down.

3 things to do

1. Race plankton in Manhattan Beach In celebration of Earth Day, the Roundhouse Aquarium will hold a day full of educational activities inside and outside its facilities. Highlights include dolphin spotting, a fish feeding, crafts, games, a “shark shack” and, yes, plankton racing. The festivities kick off at 10:30 a.m. Saturday and go until 4 p.m. The event is free, but be sure to register ahead of time at roundhouseaquarium.org .

2. Go gardening in San Pedro Give back to the land by planting native species, removing weeds, mulching and watering the White Point Nature Preserve’s garden with the folks at Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy. You’ll also have the chance to enter a raffle and take a guided nature walk. As a bonus, refreshments will be provided by Starbucks to keep you cool and hydrated. The three-hour event begins at 9 a.m. Saturday. All volunteers under age 16 should be accompanied by an adult, and all volunteers under age 18 must have a parent or guardian sign a waiver at the event. Register at pvplc.com .

3. Stretch your legs on Venice Boulevard CicLAvia is back. And this time it’s shutting down a 5.75-mile stretch of Venice Boulevard that connects Palms, Mar Vista and Venice Beach for walkers, joggers, bikers, roller skaters, unicyclers, penny-farthings, pogo sticks — anything as long as it’s completely powered by humans. There will be three local hubs along the route where you’ll be able to partake in family-friendly activities, pump air into your bike’s tires, refill your water bottle and use the restroom. Be sure to reference CicLAvia’s digital map so you can scope out the local businesses you’d like to visit along the way. It all takes place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. For more information about the event and the area it covers, visit ciclavia.org .

The must-read

The Klamath River in Northern California has turned brown and muddy, but that’s a good thing. As Times writer Ian James reports , it’s a side effect of the largest dam removal project in history, which aims to restore the river to its natural state. Four dams are being removed along the Klamath, and the river is passing freely through tunnels in three of them, draining reservoirs and churning up an estimated 2.3 million tons of sediment that had settled along the bottom of those man-made lakes. Although the turbid water might look ugly, restoration advocates and tribal leaders see it as a sign of healing. The muck is passing out of the Klamath, and new life — everything from salmon heading upstream to native plant seedlings along the riverbanks — will soon take its place.

Happy adventuring,

Want to try birding but don’t have binoculars? Head to the Audubon Center in Ernest E. Debs Regional Park. The center is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday through Sunday, and you can borrow a free pair of binoculars (as well as a birding guide, backpack and other gear) to help you spot the 140 species of birds that call the park home.

For more insider tips on Southern California’s beaches, trails and parks, check out past editions of The Wild . And to view this newsletter in your browser, click here .

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Michael Charboneau is a freelance writer covering gear and the outdoors, and he’ll be writing The Wild newsletter for the next few months. He has written for a variety of publications, including Men’s Journal, Runner’s World and InsideHook, and he lives in West L.A. When he’s not writing, he can be found running, hiking and biking around Los Angeles and its mountains.

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