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Ultimate Arizona Road Trip: Complete 7 Day Itinerary with 50+ Stops

If you are looking for the ultimate Arizona itinerary look no further. This post is the complete itinerary that we used for the most recent YouTube video. You can see the video above or at this link if you want to watch it. In the video, we spend about a week road tripping across Arizona, from the very top at Page, all the way down to the bottom at Bisbee. Hopefully the video and post help you to do your own road trip and to see this amazing state yourself. If you want all of the places we stopped at on a map, head over the Patreon . Lets jump into it and let me know what your favorite spot is in Arizona in the comments.

Where to Begin

If you are wanting to fly in, the best bet is probably Phoenix . It is centrally located and easy to access the start and the end of the road trip. If you fly into Phoenix , the drive to Page to start what we did is about 4 hours though. Alternatively, you could fly into Las Vegas , but it is a much longer drive to get back to Las Vegas after the road trips is over. If you did fly into Las Vegas , it may be best to fly out of Phoenix to make the most of your time.

If you live close enough to drive, then just head to Page first and drive down the state and leave from Tucson to head back. This is what we did, we drove in from Southern California to Page and then drove through the state and back out through Yuma to Southern California when the trip was over.

After deciding where to come in, here is the full itinerary for what we did in our road trip video.

We drove from Southern California to Page, which is about 8.5 hours. We actually got in the day before and then did the Rainbow Bridge tour before starting our road trip. You can read more about that tour, if you have time to do it, in this post .

• Start – Page, AZ
• End – Grand Canyon South Rim
• Drive time – 2.5 hours (130 Miles)
• Hotel in Page – Hyatt Place Page Lake Powell
• Hotel in Grand Canyon – El Tovar
• Main Stops – Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, Cameron Trading Post, Grand Canyon South Rim

We started the day early by taking the first tour of Upper Antelope Canyon. While this did not have the light rays the canyon is known for, it was a small tour and an amazing way to experience the canyon. From there we headed to the Glen Canyon Overlook, Horseshoe Bend and then started driving to the Grand Canyon. On the way we stopped for lunch at Cameron Trading Post (get the Navajo Tacos).

We spent the rest of the day in the Grand Canyon. Be sure to stop at the Desert View Watchtower, and many of the other lookouts along the drive to Grand Canyon Village. In the village, you can walk the south rim, go on a few hikes or just enjoy the views from Mather Point.

We ended the night at the historic El Tovar Hotel, which was built in 1905 and is one of the most historic hotels in the national park system.

• Start – Grand Canyon Village
• End – Camp Verde (could end in Jerome or Sedona though)
• Drive time – 3.5 hours (165 Miles)
• Hotel in Camp Verde – Cliff Castle
• Main Stops – Flagstaff, Sedona, Jerome

We left the Grand Canyon early and headed south. On the way we stopped at Bedrock City to explore the fun Flintstones inspired park and then we headed past Flagstaff to Sedona. In Sedona, we hiked Cathedral Rock, went to the Chapel of Holy Cross, got lunch at Wildflower and then took in the views at Airport Mesa.

Leaving Sedona, we drove an hour to Jerome and toured the historic mining city on the hill. Some highlights here include the state park, the sliding jail and Haunted Burgers for dinner.

We ended the night at Camp Verde so we could be closer to our first location for day 3.

• Start – Camp Verde (could end in Jerome or Sedona though)
• End – Tucson
• Drive time – 3.5 hours (214 Miles)
• Hotel in Tucson – Hotel Congress
• Main Stops – Musical Instrument Museum, Hole in the Rock Hike, Casa Grande Ruins

Since we stayed in Camp Verde, we were right next to our first stop, Montezuma Castle National Monument. This beautiful cliff dwelling is something you do not want to miss! From there we headed south and stopped for pie at Rock Springs before heading into Phoenix. The original plan was to go to Taliesin West but it was closed for flooding, so we ended up going to a bunch of museums.

First up was the Musical Instrument Museum, one of the best I have ever been to. From there we got lunch at Spiritual Gangster and then did a short hike in Papago Park before heading over to the Hall of Flame Museum (the largest firefighting museum in the world).

We grabbed coffee at Cartel before heading south towards Tucson and getting off the freeway to go to Casa Grande National Monument. This building is almost 700 years old and is well worth seeing!

We ended the day at Tucson, staying at the historic Hotel Congress and getting dinner at El Charro Cafe, which is one of the oldest Mexican restaurants in the USA.

• Start – Tucson
• End – Tombstone
• Drive time – 2 hours (120 Miles)
• Hotel in Tombstone – Tombstone Grand Hotel
• Main Stops – Copper Queen Mine, OK Corral, Birdcage Theater

Leaving Tucson early, we headed 1.5 hours down to the small town of Bisbee, close to the Mexican border. Here we did the Copper Queen Mine tour, which allowed you to ride a mine cart into the mine itself. From there we walked historic Bisbee, went to a few museums and then continued on to Tombstone.

We spent the rest of the day in Tombstone, walking the dirt streets and stopping to see the Oriental Saloon, OK Corral, Birdcage Theater, Good Enough Mine Tour, Rose Tree Museum and the Tombstone Courthouse. It was a blast exploring this fun town and we ended the night with dinner at Big Nose Kate’s Saloon (get the cowboy cheesesteak).

• Start – Tombstone
• End – Yuma (or just back to Phoenix)
• Drive time – 4.5 hours to Yuma, 3 hours to Phoenix
• Main Stops – The Thing, Mission San Xavier Del Bac, Gates Pass, Rooster Cogburns

On the way out of Tombstone, we stopped at the historic Boothill Cemetery, since we had missed it the previous day. From there, we drove 30 minutes back to Benson and took a 15 minute detour over to The Thing, a fun roadside attraction.

Next, we drove back to Tucson and visited Mission San Xavier Del Bac, before getting Sonoran Hot Dogs at El Guero Canelo and getting an Eegee’s slushy for the road. Leaving Tucson, we headed towards Saguaro National Park with a stop at Gates Pass (my favorite desert view in Tucson) and a visit to the Sonoran Desert Museum. The museum is easily a place you could spend a half day, and be sure to see the rare crested saguaro right near the entrance.

Leaving the museum, we drove through Saguaro National Park (find more stops in the park here) and then made it back to the freeway. Our next stop brought us to Rooster Cogburn, which is a silly roadside attraction where you can feed all sorts of animals, from goats to stingrays.

From there, you will probably want to head back to Phoenix, but for us we headed to Yuma on the way back to Southern Califronia.

Optional Day 6 in Yuma

If you go to Yuma, be sure to stop by Cafecito for breakfast, it was a great spot! Then go to the Yuma Territorial Prison and to the Colorado River State Historic Park. If you are up for another silly roadside attraction, head ten minutes over the California border and go to the Center of the World in Felicity.

So there you have it, our one week road trip through Arizona. This is only a small portion of what the state has to offer and be sure to let us know what we left off in the comments!

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Hello, my name is Josh and I am a photographer and traveler. Come with me as I find new and unique places to explore all over the world.

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Welcome to the forum. You are talking about a vast area with much to see and do. Dont forget that New Mexico is between TX and AZ as well. Do some research then come back with more specific questions and include what your interests are so we can help.

Post your questions about this trip on both the Arizona forum and the Road Trip forum here on TA. You might want to have a look at some of the posts about this route on those forums before you post--lots of people do the kind of trip you are thinking of, and the experts there can give you excellent itinerary and timing advice. I am doing a similar trip in November and check those forums every couple of days to read the advice given in response to other questions. This is helping me put together my trip plan so I can then ask any specific questions once I have firmed up my itinerary.

About GC--lodging inside the park is preferable and popular, so make reservations as soon as you have a rough itinerary. Stay two nights so you have a full day to explore. The system opens a year in advance. GC South Rim elevation is 7000 ft (2100+ meters) so it can be chilly in April (and will be in Nov, TxOffWeGo).

Rather than Las Vegas , you could start in Phoenix and spend the first night in Sedona which is beautiful. Then go on to GC.

Have been reading trip reports and Houston - Galveston - Austin - San Antonio - Bandera - Fredericksburg - Fort Worth Dallas sounds good

I will be travelling with a 3 year old and 1 year old so kid friendly activities required. Does somebody have an itinerary they can suggest? Thanks!

Just a thought about Austin accommodations. Events at the University of Texas at Austin can impact price and availability of hotel rooms, so check the Longhorn football schedule to see if they are playing at home if you are going to be there over a weekend. Likewise, Family Weekend is scheduled for the last weekend in October this year; that will mean tighter accommodation availabililty as well.

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15 Stops Along The Perfect Arizona Road Trip To Explore The State

To experience a huge variety of landforms and urban developments, embark on the following Arizona road trip adventure.

Table of Contents

Known as the Grand Canyon State for its famous landmark, Arizona is a land of extremes. Here, you’ll find a large array of landscapes, from cactus-filled deserts to pine-covered mountains, from black lava-flows to pastel-colored landforms and red rock formations.

Besides the unique landforms that make the state famous, you’ll also find a variety of urban developments, from modern busy cities to quaint small towns, from ancient ruins to thriving Native American communities.

And if you have a week or two, you can experience it all in one epic Arizona road trip adventure, starting as soon as you land in Phoenix.

Note: This road trip takes between 7 to 14 days to complete.

Stop 1: Phoenix

A huge sprawling metropolis in the middle of the Sonoran Desert, Phoenix is the cultural center of the state, featuring some of the best and most unique museums in the country. Since it is home to the international airport most people who visit the state fly to, it is a good starting point for this Arizona road trip.

You don’t need to go far from the airport to visit S’edav Va’aki Museum , a museum and archaeological site showcasing indoor and outdoor exhibit about the Hohokam, known as the Canal makers.

Telling more stories of the Indigenous people of Arizona, the US Southwest, and from around the world, the Heard Museum is filled with wonderfully curated exhibits.

You can’t miss the Musical Instrument Museum , unique in the world.

If you visit in the winter, you need to spend time outdoors in Phoenix. The city offers miles upon miles of hiking trails through its parks and nature preserves . Though avid hikers can find plenty of trails for all skill levels, even those who only venture outdoors for short walks can find unique trails to enjoy the desert.

Take the scenic road through South Mountain Park , and explore sections of its trails. Or, on your way north, stop for a hike in the Sonoran Desert Preserve .

Don’t forget: If you hike in the desert, make sure you carry water, wear sunscreen and a hat, no matter the season.

Up next: Drive about an hour out of town on I-17 N and take exit 289, to Montezuma Castle Road.

Stop 2: Montezuma Castle National Monument

The most spectacular cliff dwelling in the state, Montezuma Castle offers a opportunity to learn about the way ancient people lived in the high desert.

The multi-home dwelling is built into the rock and looks like part of the cliff. It was the home of ancient people we call Sinagua, a name adopted from the early Spanish travelers to the area, who considered the area the place with no water – sin Agua.

Take a self-guided tour of the site following the paved pathway, and learn about this ancient culture and the high desert environment.

Then drive over to Montezuma Well , part of Montezuma Castle National Monument , to see an oasis in the desert, surrounding a natural sinkhole filled with water. You’ll notice smaller cliff dwellings on the sides of the “well”, and if you take the trails, you’ll learn how the water fills this sinkhole from a natural spring.

Don’t forget: If you don’t have one, buy a National Park Pass. On this trip alone you’ll use it enough to be worth it.

Up next: Drive back to I-17 N, take exit 298 to AZ-179, the oldest scenic road into Sedona. Enjoy the scenery. Driving time: About one hour.

Stop 3. Sedona

Surrounded by its iconic red rocks, Sedona is one of the most picturesque small towns of America, a must-stop destination along this Arizona road trip.

Besides the town itself, the surrounding trails among towering red rock formations offer more opportunities for hikes than you can do in one day. Which is why it is a good place for an overnight stay.

Enjoy the beauty of the surrounding red, pink, and orange rocks, great dining, and a stroll through the tourist center of town. Hike the trails around Bell Rock, explore Red Rock State Park , visit the unique Chapel of the Holy Cross built into the rock.

Great for: Hiking, dining, overnight stop.

Don’t forget: When hiking, carry water, wear sunscreen and a hat.

Up next: Take I-89A North to Flagstaff. Driving time: About an hour on a winding scenic road above Oak Creek Canyon. Check to find out summer 2017 closure times. Stop at the scenic view on top of Oak Creek.

Stop 4. Flagstaff

The soaring ponderosa pines around Flagstaff are a direct contrast to Sedona’s low junipers. You are at the foot of the highest mountain range in Arizona, the San Francisco Peaks.

The largest town north of Phoenix along this Arizona road trip, Flagstaff is another place worth an overnight stay.

Drive up towards Snowbowl , a local ski resort on the mountain, and take a hike among the ponderosa pines on the Kachina Trail , or among the vibrant-colored aspens , especially pretty in autumn. Learn about the importance of these mountains to the Native American people at the Museum of Northern Arizona .

Check out Historic Downtown Flagstaff, take the town’s walking tour to learn about its history, then enjoy any of its dining venues.

After dark, drive up to Mars Hill to look through the telescope used to discover Pluto at Lowell Observatory .

Great for: Hiking, dining, observing the night sky, overnight stop.

Don’t forget: Wear warmer clothes in winter and carry a light jacket even in summer. You are in the coolest spot in Arizona.

Up next: Take I-89 North to Loop Road to Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument. Driving time: About 30 minutes.

Stop 5. Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument

The lava-flow landscape around the youngest volcano of the area might make you feel that you landed on another planet. As you drive along the Sunset Crater and Wupatki Scenic Road , you’ll enjoy this unique landscape, even after the devastating fire several years ago. Though you’ll see burned trees still standing, many more survived and add a bright green lament to the surrounding black of the lava flow.

Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument protects this unique landscape and offers an insight into the geology of the high country of Arizona. Stop at the Visitor Center to learn about it, then take the self-guided tour at the bottom of Sunset Crater for a better view of the crater.

If you are visiting in the summer, and have extra time, this is a great place for an overnight camp . And If you’re feeling fit and want a challenge, hike up to Lenox Crater , where you can see inside a volcanic cone.

Great for: Hiking, learning about volcanoes, self-guided tour.

Don’t forget: When hiking, be aware of the fragile environment, don’t step on vegetation or pick flowers.

Up next: Continue for about 20 minutes on the Loop Road to Wupatki and the rest of the ruins.

Stop 6. Wupatki National Monument

Wupatki National Monument preserves the ruins of the villages of the ancient Pueblo people.

Before reaching Wupatki pueblo, the largest one of the monument, and home of its Visitor Center, stop at the ruins of Wukoki, and walk the short trail around the ruins.

Farther along the scenic road, stop at the Visitor Center and explore Wupatki , home to a four-story, hundred-room structure, a large kiva, and a ball court.

The next structures, Lomaki, Wukoki, and Citadel Ruins are also worth a short stop for a glimpse into the past of the original Arizona people.

Great for: Learning about ancient cultures, visiting ruins, self-guided tours.

Don’t forget: Wear good walking/hiking shoes, hat, and sunscreen.

Up next: Continue on Loop Road back to I-89 N to Cameron Trading Post. Driving time: About 40 minutes.

Stop 7. Grand Canyon National Park

No pictures or videos of this natural wonder prepare you for the real thing. One glimpse will help you understand why Arizona is the Grand Canyon State. The National Park offers a great understanding of this wonder of the world.

Coming from Cameron, your first stop is Desert View. Take your time to be fully present at the edge of the Canyon and climb up to the top of Watchtower . You can catch a glimpse of the Colorado River in the bottom of the Canyon. While here, stop for a visit at the Tusayan Museum, then continue on Desert View Drive to the Visitor Center.

For the best experience , park your car and take the free shuttle to all the viewpoints. Walk the rim trail and stop often. For a great meal, dine at the historic El Tovar , overlooking the Canyon.

Great for: Hiking, walking on the rim, enjoying the scenery, learning about geology. Consider making reservations ahead at one of the hotels in Grand Canyon Village or in El Tovar.

Don’t forget: When hiking, make sure you have plenty of water, your camera, sunscreen, hat, and please watch your step. (You may want to visit in fall or winter when the crowds are fewer and less dense.)

Up next: Head back on I-64 E, US-89 N and exit to US-160 E. Drive 62 miles on I-160, then turn left on AZ-564 N. Driving time: about 2 hours.

Stop 8. Navajo National Monument

Preserving cliff dwellings and several ancient villages of the Ancestral Puebloans, Navajo National Monument is on the Navajo Nation’s land. Stop at the Visitor Center and the adjacent museum, and learn about the ancient people who lived here.

Walk on the “Sandal Trail” along the rim to the overlook of the ruins. If you have time, and you are up for an adventure, camp here overnight, and take a guided tour to Betatakin or Keet Seel for an in-depth experience.

Great for: Hiking, learning about ancient Pueblo people.

Don’t forget: You might be in a different time zone. The Navajo Reservation follows New Mexico, daylight savings time.

Up next: Head back on AZ-564 to US-160 E to Kayenta, then turn left onto US-163 N. Driving time: About one hour.

Stop 9. Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park

Most of the old western movies were filmed in Monument Valley. This beautiful country belongs to the Navajo Nation, and they live in the middle of it. Stop at the Visitor Center for a view of the Mitten Buttes, and to sign up for a guided tour into the Valley. If you have a four-wheel vehicle, you can drive in yourself. I recommend hiring a local Navajo guide to go with you for the best experience.

Great for: Spending a night at The View Hotel , stopping at the Visitor Center, taking a self-guided ride or a guided jeep tour into the Valley.

Don’t forget: The Navajo people live in Monument Valley. Stay on the designated roads and trails, so you don’t find yourself in someone’s back yard.

Up next: Back on US-163 S to Kayenta, US-160 E to Indian Rte 59 to Indian Rte 64. Driving time: 1 hour 35 minutes.

Stop 10. Canyon de Chelly National Monument

Canyon de Chelly lies near the town of Chinle, and has been inhabited continuously for about 5,000 years. Ruins of the ancient Puebloan civilizations are visible on the canyon walls, with the hogans of today’s Navajos on the bottom.

Stop at the Visitor Center, stop at the overlooks on the South and North Rim Drive, or join a ranger-lead hike or a Navajo guided tour into the canyon.

Great for: Hiking, learning about the Navajo nation and the ancient Hisatsinom people, dining, overnight stay.

Don’t forget: Navajos live inside the canyon, be considerate when meeting locals.

Up next: Drive for about an hour and a half on the Dine-Tah “Among the People” Scenic Road, Navajo Routes 12 and 24 to Window Rock.

Stop 11. Petrified Forest National Monument

The Monument lies in the middle of the colorful Painted Desert, and is scattered with petrified logs, some of them small, some of them big. Stop at the Painted Desert Visitor Center to learn about the area, and pick up a brochure to learn the trails available. The best way to experience the park is to hike some of the trails. They take you to beautiful views, giant logs, and fossils.

Great for: Hiking, guided tours, geocaching, horseback riding.

Don’t forget: Stay on designated trails.

Up next: US-180 E, 180A S, AZ-61 W and US-60 E to Show Low. Driving time: About one hour.

Stop 12. Show Low and the Mogollon Rim

Located on the Mogollon Rim, Show Low is a popular recreation area for Phoenicians. Head over to the Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area for a refreshing break by the lake in the shadow of big Ponderosa. Or use the town as a gateway to the Rim Country for hikes, picnics, or even camping.

Great for: Spending the night, dining, hiking, boating, fishing, picnicking, wildlife viewing.

Up next: Drive for about one hour and a half on I-60 to Globe.

Stop 13. Tucson and Vicinity

Before entering the town, stop at the Catalina State Park , home to desert wildlife, saguaros, canyons, streams and foothills. For a great Mexican meal, head over to La Parilla Suiza restaurant – our family’s favorite -, then take the drive up to Mt Lemmon and spend the rest of the day on the mountain.

Great for: Hiking, biking, birdwatching, horseback riding, dining, overnight stay.

Don’t forget: You are back in the Sonoran Desert, make sure to carry plenty of water and wear sunscreen when hiking.

Up next: Follow the signs for Saguaro National Park East. Driving time: About 20 minutes from the center of town.

Stop 14. Saguaro National Park

The giant saguaro is the symbol of the American Southwest and its gorgeous bloom is Arizona’s state flower. You’ll find a great concentration of them in Saguaro National Park , as well as huge and interesting specimens. Stop at the visitor center for facts about saguaro, then drive the Cactus Desert Scenic Loop Drive. Hike some of the trails along the drive and stop to check out the views. You can drive back into town to head over the West side of the Park. The Scenic Bajada Loop Drive within the Park is unpaved — and spectacular.

Great for: Learning about the giant saguaros, the cacti that only grow in the Sonoran Desert, hiking, scenic drives.

Don’t forget: Sunscreen, water, hat.

Up next: I-10 W to Picacho, exit 211 to AZ-87 N to Ruins Rd. Driving time: About 1 hour.

Stop 15. Casa Grande National Monument

Your last stop along this Arizona road trip before heading back to Phoenix, Casa Grande Ruins is one of the biggest sites built in the area.

Stop at the Visitor Center for info on the lives of the ancient Sonoran Desert people; visit the museum and walk around the ruins.

Great for: Walking, learning about ancient people.

Up next: Follow I-10 W back to Phoenix.

This Arizona Road Trip Gives You An Introduction to the State

Although there is much more to Arizona than you can see on this one road trip, this itinerary gives you a perfect introduction to the unique features of the state. It was this itinerary that we followed on our first trip to Arizona, when we fell in love with the state and decided to move here.

*** Note: The original version of this article appeared in Matador Network in 2017, under the headline: The Ultimate Arizona Roadtrip

Recommendations and Resources:

If you don’t live in Arizona, you probably need to fly to Phoenix, then rent a car to do this road trip. That’s what we did the first time we visited the state, the trip that inspired us to move here. The following are my recommendations of how to plan this trip, from airfare to car rental and accommodations.

Affiliate Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. This means that if you make purchases or bookings through my affiliate links, I may earn a small commission, with no additional cost to you. However, it may help me offset the costs associated with running this site. Please read our disclosure policy for more information. Thank you!

When flying anywhere, I usually check several different sites to find the best deals. Unless I know what airline I use (and have a credit card with points from that airline), I check CheapOair and WayAway for deals.

To compare prices of different car rental companies, Discover Cars is a great place to start.

Accomodations

Unless you are camping, you need to rent hotels or other accommodations for your overnight stays. Use Trivago to compare deals on hotels and alternative accommodations. Or, book a place through Booking.com or VRBO .

Of course, you can also use TripAdvisor to find the best places to stay, and best things to do. You can even book hotels through the site.

About the Author

Emese has been a resident of Phoenix , Arizona , for the past 30+ years. An avid traveler and explorer, she explored not only Arizona, but all of the Southwest with her family on multiple road trips during this time. Besides local insights to Phoenix, her articles about the state and the Southwest reflect an intimate knowledge of the area based on first-hand experiences. A published travel writer with bylines in publications like Lonely Planet and several others, she is also a language instructor in Phoenix.

The Grand Circle is the ultimate US Southwest road trip

Sep 14, 2020 • 6 min read

White Pocket at Vermilion Cliffs National Monument in Arizona © Getty Images

Driving the Grand Circle can take up to three weeks, but a spectacular eight-to-10 day portion centers around the Grand Canyon and features bold colors, fascinating geological shapes and textures and living history of our indigenous culture at every turn. Amidst views, hikes and grandeur, it includes stops in town for local art, cuisine and culture and where to sleep at night. Here’s how to hit the road for the best of the Southwest. 

The Grand Circle consists of five Southwestern states – Arizona , New Mexico , Colorado , Utah and Nevada – and has America’s largest concentration of national parks and monuments. It’s perfect for a majestic road trip of scenic byways, sheer cliffs, and purple, orange and indigo mesas. 

Parowan & Cedar City, Utah

Parowan is home to the first pioneer settlement in Utah, heritage museums, as well as famous landmarks such as the geometric petroglyphs at Parowan Gap. These ancient symbols were carved into cliff faces along the same path that local people have used for centuries. 

Take a 23 minute drive “downtown” to Cedar City, Utah, and relax after hiking with a wine tasting at IG Winery & Tasting Room , featuring world-class signature blends. Be sure to try one of the famous cinnamon rolls in Parowan Cafe , which are made fresh every morning and can sell out by lunch.  

Kanab, Utah  

Both Parowan and Kanab, Utah, are ideal basecamps for the Grand Circle’s natural wonders. 

One of them, Peekaboo Slot Canyon is a 10-minute drive from Kanab and needs an arranged tour. It is less crowded than the more well-known slot canyon at Upper Antelope (your next stop), but requires some rock scrambling, including about a 12ft hike to enter. The narrow, swirled arches are carved out of sandstone created by centuries of water rushing and are every shade of orange, depending on the sunlight.

Head to “downtown” Kanab for dinner at Rocking V , an eclectic art gallery/cafe for creative dishes. Sleep at Red Canyon cabin, which is set in a quiet area on the edge of town, but close enough to walk to the visitor center. 

If you can afford it, splurge on a flightseeing trip in the morning to get to your next destination for an incredible air tour of Lake Powell and Horseshoe Bend and endless views of erosion-sculpted deep gorges weaving in and out of the shimmering blue lake.  

Upper Antelope Canyon: Page, AZ 

Page is located directly on Lake Powell. Just four miles out of town is the most photographed slot canyon in the world, Upper Antelope Canyon ( currently closed ). Reservations are required here with a licensed guide , and tours are limited. The soft polished red sandstone has swirls of red, white, tan and pink and the walls glow as the dust particles drift in the shafts of sunlight. It’s highly Instagrammable and simply stunning.  

Grab dinner at Lake Powell Resort and Marina’s waterfront spot, Driftwood for views, high-end burgers, and sustainable seafood. Book a lakefront room for lodging, a small Native American inspired room loaded with upscale amenities and chairs on the patio to enjoy the lake’s breathtaking sunset views. 

Grand Canyon, AZ

At last, your centerpiece. The Grand Canyon is 277 miles long and over a mile deep from the river to the rim in some spots – the largest canyon in the world. If you like, you can bicycle around the edge, or simply hike the many trails. 

Highlights on the Southern Rim include Desert View Point and Watchtower, Moran, Lipan and Grandview Point. As you gaze at the scenery, make sure to take a look around at the viewpoint buildings too, such as the 70ft tall Desert View Watchtower ( currently closed ), designed by architect Mary Colter . Arrive before 11am for cooler temperatures, less traffic and fewer lines.

Drive downtown to Grand Canyon Village and dine at the internationally recognized 117-year-old El Tovar located in the historic hotel. Many a president and celebrity has dined here. Sleep at Yavapai Lodge in the national park, which lets you walk or bus about a mile to the South Rim. 

Flagstaff, AZ

Drive 30 miles on historic Route 66 to get to the Wupatki National Monument , an old Indian cliff dwelling between the Painted Desert and Ponderosa highlands, outcropped on red rock across miles of prairie. 

Only a mile out of town is where dwarf planet Pluto was discovered, the 125-year-old Lowell Observatory ( open only to private groups ). This is the world’s first International Dark Sky City. Gaze at the sea of stars, moon and planets for night or day tours.

Just off Route 66,  grab dinner at Tourist Home All Day Cafe , a renovated 1926 house, for an upscale Hash Bowl and drive less than a mile to sleep at Hotel Monte Vista another 20’s era landmark replete with live music, all day happy hour, two swanky lounges, lots of ghost stories and a room as charming as the historic lobby.  

Sedona is a well-known crystal and art lover’s New Age healing paradise, but it’s also an outdoor haven surrounded by 1.8 million acres of national forest. Amidst red-rock buttes, steep canyon walls and pine forests are numerous trailheads in the city to access Sedona’s stunning red rocks.

Drive seven miles south of uptown Sedona and start at Bell Rock for its bell-shaped striped earth-toned mesas. There is a vortex, said to be a zone of spiritual healing energy, near the breathtaking Chapel of the Holy Cross built by owner and rancher Marguerite Brunswig Staude which sits high atop the red rocks.

Sleep at Sky Ranch Lodge for the best views of the city and walk to Mesa Grill for southwestern inspired cuisine and stellar skyline views. Don’t leave without crystals and jewelry from the outdoor mall, Tlaquepaque.   

Driving into this small town you will see some of the most spectacular views in Arizona. Then, downtown is art gallery hopping, or a juicy ghost tour as Jerome was once the “wickedest town in the West” with brothels, opium dens and saloon gun fights replete with potential paranormal phenomenon.

Founded in 1876 and once a copper mining boom town of 15,000 it turned into virtual ghost town (population: 50 people) after the mines closed in 1953. Artists moved in and now the winding switchback streets are now filled with painters, writers, musicians and historians.

Eat at the Haunted Hamburger , for local draft beers, cocktails and supposedly hammer-yielding ghosts. Stay at the perhaps spirit-filled former hospital Jerome Grand Hotel with gorgeous views, gilded artwork, burgundy walls, fine dining and captivating views. Get up in the morning for your last stop. 

Prescott, AZ

This mile-high city lies in the middle of pinon pine-covered Prescott National Forest, and has more than 15 distinctive hiking and biking trails where you can stretch your legs. Definitely hike Thumb Butte which is only a three and a half mile drive from downtown, but can get crowded. Parts are steep, but there are panoramic views of the city and neighboring mountains.

For a waterfront oasis, you can fish and boat at Watson Lake , which is only a four miles from downtown. Head back downtown for art, performances and dining – we recommend Murphy’s Prescott for elegant but moderately priced seafood. Sleep at the historic Grand Highland Hotel as it sits on Whiskey Row, which is just as famous as the town. 

You might also like: 

Now's the time to plan a fall road trip to these national parks The Grand Canyon: how to get the most from a short trip National Parks: Top 10 US travel experiences

This article was first published January 2020 and updated September 2020

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How to Plan an Amazing Arizona Road Trip (7-14 Days)

How were we so late to the Arizona party? Despite both having been to Arizona MULTIPLE TIMES before, we were radically unprepared for the sheer beauty that we experienced over the course of our Arizona road trip. We spent around two weeks in Arizona, and already started making plans for our return. Because there is SO MUCH to do and see in Arizona that it’s honestly a little overwhelming.

We originally had plans to go all over the state, but ended up having to cut our trip a little short. Which turned out to be a good thing, because it forced us to focus in on the things we really wanted to do and see while we were in Arizona.

We used our experience road tripping in Arizona – along with the hours of research that went into planning our own trip – to put together this guide to planning an amazing Arizona adventure.

In it, you’ll find the logistics – when to go, where to fly in, etc etc – along with our favorite stops in Arizona and exactly what to do and see while you’re there.

We think that you should spend your time going deep (or, as deep as you can go with 2-3 days) in each of the stops you make rather than trying to see everything in one trip. The latter approach means you’re spending 4-5 hours a day in the car, which, honestly, sucks.

Instead, spend your time exploring hiking trails, stuffing your face with food and drinks, and seeing some of Arizona’s most spectacular landscapes.

Sound good to you? Let’s get into it.

Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post, like hotel links, are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, we make a little bit of money if you click through and book. That being said, we would never recommend something to you that we don’t stand behind 100%.

How Many Days in Arizona?

Arizona is huge, and if you’re trying to hit all of the different corners of the state, you’ll need at least two weeks .

If you have less than that, we’d strongly recommend focusing your Arizona road trip itinerary on three main areas : Phoenix and the Superstition Mountains, Sedona, and Grand Canyon National Park.

You will need at least seven days – more would be better – to do Phoenix, Sedona, and the Grand Canyon.

We’ve written the road trip itinerary below for seven days, but have suggestions for what to do with extra time that are equally as detailed as the 7 day itinerary below – you can find them at the end of this guide.

• With a few extra days – 10 or so – you can add on Tucson and Saguaro National Park.
• With 14 days, add the southern loop through Tucson , plus Page and Zion National Park , ending your time by flying out of Vegas. 

Monument Valley, which is spectacular, is FAR from most of the places on this itinerary. For example, it’ll take you three to four hours to get there from the Grand Canyon.

Other than the drive, which is beautiful, there’s nothing else to really do there, so we don’t think it really makes sense to take a huge detour to get there . In fact, it would be a better addition to a broader Arizona / Utah road trip on your way to Moab .

Instead, we’d STRONGLY recommend focusing your time on the corridor between Phoenix and the Grand Canyon, immersing yourself in the spectacular landscapes along the way rather than spending all day in the car.

Where to Start and End Your Arizona Road Trip

For most people, a loop that starts and ends in Phoenix, Arizona is going to be the best way to do this road trip.

Fly into Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, which generally has a good selection of flights from around the country (and even the world, in some cases). Click here to check flight prices into Phoenix’s Sky Harbor International Airport for your dates.

The benefit of doing this as a loop is that you won’t have to pay a one-way rental car fee.

From the furthest points on the itinerary below – either Page or the Grand Canyon South Rim – it’s about a four hour drive back to the airport.

Plan on booking the earliest possible flight into Phoenix, and the latest possible flight out to maximize your time.

Note : The exception to doing this as a loop is if you have 14 days and decide to add on Zion National Park at the end. Then, it would actually be better to end in Las Vegas – about two and a half hours or 172 miles from Zion.

Do You Need to Rent a Car for this Road Trip?

In short, yes. You’ll need to rent a car for the entirety of this itinerary. We’d recommend picking up and dropping off at the same place – Sky Harbor International Airport in Phoenix – to avoid a one-way rental car fee if you can. 

We like using Kayak for booking rental cars because they aggregate all the different car rental sites to help you find the best price. Make sure to rent from a reputable company – Hertz, Enterprise, National, or Avis, which you can do by using Kayak’s helpful filters.  Cl i ck here to check prices for rental cars in Phoenix.

A Complete 7 Day Itinerary for a Road Trip in Arizona

Now that we’ve got all the logistics out of the way, time to get into the exact itinerary we’d recommend. 

Day 1: Fly in and Explore Phoenix

A lot of people pick up their rental car and head straight for either Sedona or Tucson, depending on what route you’re taking.

However, we think there are a few things to do in Phoenix that are well worth a day of your time.

We’d spend your first day, night, and second day in the Phoenix area, focusing on the many outdoor activities nearby, most notably the Superstition Mountains, which were a highlight of our Arizona trip. Then, on your second night, head up to Sedona and sleep there so you can get an early start the next morning.

What to Do in Phoenix

There are a couple of things worth doing in Phoenix itself on your first day in Arizona – we’ll cover the Superstition Mountains on day 2 of this itinerary.

• The Desert Botanical Garden in Papago Park is worth a stop to see all sorts of desert flora – over 50,000 different kinds! There are multiple loops that take you on a journey through the plant life of the Sonoran desert, which will give you a great foundation for the rest of your trip (“Hey Alysha! It’s a teddy bear cholla cactus!”).
• Speaking of Papago Park, Hole in the Wall is a short climb that takes you to a perfect spot to take in your first Arizona sunset! Unlike places on the west coast, there’s no marine layer or clouds in the sky to ruin the evening glow – sunsets in Arizona are spectacular.
• There are a surprising number of great hikes within 45 minutes of Phoenix. Camelback Mountain is seemingly right in the middle of town, and gives you sweeping views of the surrounding area from the summit, which is reached with a 2.5 mile out-and-back trail that is basically straight up. Tom’s Thumb is another great hike that takes you to a saddle with panoramic views – it’s a little further out to the north of town, but is worth the journey in our opinion.
• Get coffee at Cartel Coffee Lab , who has the best coffee in Phoenix (in our opinion, anyway) and has created a mini empire in southern Arizona.

Where to Stay in Phoenix

We were walking through Uptown Phoenix on our way to Cartel Coffee – some of the best coffee in Phoenix – when we found ourselves in the courtyard of a hip-looking hotel.

That hotel was Rise Uptown , and we wish we would have stayed there. It’s a great location for exploring Phoenix, and the rooms are spacious and beautiful. Plus, there’s a nice pool, and Cartel Coffee is essentially in the lobby. 

In general, we’d recommend staying somewhere between Downtown and uptown, between the two highways that run north-south (51 and 17).

Here are a couple of other good choices in Phoenix.

• Cambria Hotel Downtown Phoenix : Great value with bright-colored rooms and charming décor. Plus, it’s super affordable! It’s also near the freeway that you’ll take out to the Superstitions, which puts you in a great location for exploring.
• Aloft Phoenix Airport : Location is nothing special, but it’s convenient for the airport, and it’s an affordable choice with nice rooms and a pool.
• The AC Hotel Phoenix Biltmore : A little more on the boutique end of the spectrum, this hotel is beautiful, and is well-located in the Biltmore area of Phoenix, which is a perfect home base for exploring the city and surrounding area.

Day 2: Day Trip to the Superstition Mountains

Stay in Phoenix for the night, and head out early to the east, where you’ll find the Superstition Wilderness, a highlight of our time in Arizona. You can explore most of the main part of the western end of the park in a morning, which is exactly what you’re going to do here.

Head to Lost Dutchman State Park , which will be your base for exploring, and park at either the Treasure Loop or Siphon Draw Trailheads . There’s a day use fee of $10 to enter the park.

There are a couple of established hikes in the park, but we created our own by putting together multiple hikes into one big loop.

Start with the eastern part of the Treasure Loop Trail , which winds its way up to the ridge. From there, rather than heading back down via the Treasure Loop Trail, take the Prospector’s Ridge Trail to the west until it intersects with the Siphon Draw Trail . From that intersection, take the Jacob’s Crosscut trail back to the trailhead.

All-in, it’ll be around four miles, and you’ll see the Superstition Mountains and a ton of desert flora and fauna along the way.

On your way back into Phoenix, stop in Mesa, Arizona for a couple of our favorite spots in the Phoenix Metro Area. 

• Get coffee at Mythical Coffee , which is actually in Gilbert, but is roughly on the way. This is the best coffee in the Phoenix area, we think. An alternative would be Peixoto Coffee , which we like because they own a coffee farm in Brazil (or more accurately, are owned by a family who also owns a coffee farm in Brazil) and highlight the coffees from their farm in their shop. 
• Need to refuel post-hike? There are two great gluten free spots in Mesa, which we’d recommend whether you have Celiac Disease (like me) or not. First is Spooky Swirls , a cupcake shop (they make all sorts of baked goods) that makes fun, themed cupcakes that are not only beautiful, but they’re also delicious. We got a Baby Yoda cupcake (see below), that didn’t quite survive the Arizona heat, but was delicious either way. The second spot is Intentional Foods Cafe , which is a 100% gluten free restaurant that is also free of eight other allergens, so it’s perfect if you or any of your traveling companions have food sensitivities. Get the donuts and the fries. 
• Last, but certainly not least, head up to Cider Corps , a veteran-owned cidery in Mesa to try some local cider. I believe (I could be wrong) that they are Phoenix’s only cider bar! They have a nice outdoor patio if it’s cool enough, otherwise they have a high-ceilinged, light-filled indoor space. Plus, CIDER SLUSHIES! You can bring outside food, so we’d recommend grabbing lunch and heading here to eat and sip on some cider. 

Days 3 & 4: Sedona

Drive Time from Phoenix: 2 hours / 115 miles

Sedona is gorgeous. We did Sedona and Zion on the same trip (see our recommendations for 14 days below to see how we did it), and in a lot of ways, they’re very similar. You’ll find red rock walls and towering buttes with lush greenery in the canyons below.

Another thing that makes them similar? The crowds.

We were in Sedona in April, and it was a zoo. Think hundreds of cars parked at the most popular trailheads, and roads to trailheads closed because the trailhead is full.

Still, it’s a beautiful place, and as long as you know what you’re getting into before you get there, you’ll enjoy your visit.

What to Do in Sedona

Sedona, like Bend, Oregon, is an outdoor lover’s paradise. There’s all sorts of fantastic hikes (psst! We have a guide to our favorite hikes in Sedona ), 4×4 offroading, areas to spend a summer day lounging at the river, and more. Here are some of our favorite things to do in Sedona.

Crescent Moon Picnic Area : At this park on the south side of town, you’ll have some of the best views of Cathedral Rock that you’ll find anywhere in Sedona. Plus, there’s a river, so bring a picnic, a blanket and some towels, your swimsuit, and make an afternoon of it. 

Drink Mind-blowing Chai at the Chai Spot : This was unexpected. As I was scrolling Google Maps getting myself oriented, I realized that there was a chai shop in Sedona called the Chai Spot . Not only do they make INCREDIBLE chai (get the butter chai, it’s creamy and rich and delicious), but their story is worth looking into as well. It’s a social project that focuses on economic empowerment of women and education of children in Pakistan. The inside of the shop is colorful and vibrant, and the outdoor patio is a welcome refuge from the heat – it’s the perfect spot for chai lovers (like Alysha) to relax in Sedona. 

Hiking in Sedona: There are an incredible number of great hikes in Sedona. So many, that we have a whole separate post highlighting the best hikes in Sedona – if you want to spend most of your time on the hiking trails, you should absolutely go read that. We really enjoyed the West Fork of Oak Creek , which is a beautiful meander through a lush canyon with towering red rock walls. You cross the river 13 times, but none of the crossings are particularly hard, especially if you have waterproof shoes on. The Boynton Canyon Trail and Soldier Pass Trail were our next two picks, though you need to read our hiking guide to figure out the parking situation for Soldier Pass, which is a bonafide nightmare. Devils Bridge is cool, but you’ll probably have to wait in line at the top for a picture, which isn’t our cup of tea. 

Sunset Spots: Arizona sunsets are amazing. Catch sunset at Airport Mesa , which is one of the most popular spots (there were literally hundreds of people there when we were there) or the top of Cathedral Rock , which requires a steep hike to reach. Another good option that should be less crowded is Bell Rock . Make the climb about halfway up the south side of the towering rock formation and find a nice spot to relax and watch the sun dip below the horizon. It’ll light up the red rocks of the valley in front of you as it does. 

Wine Tasting: I bet you didn’t expect to see wine tasting on an itinerary for Arizona, did you? The Verde Valley Wine Trail is just outside of Sedona, in nearby Cottonwood and Corndale (~30 minutes from Sedona by car) and a trip out there would make for a great afternoon activity after a morning hike. Head to Oak Creek Vineyards for wine flights and small plates (also dog + kid friendly!), or Arizona Stronghold Vineyards (no reservations, tables are first-come-first-served) for a delightfully rustic tasting experience just outside of Cottonwood. If you don’t want to make the journey out of town, head to Art of Wine in Sedona and get a flight of the Arizona reds or whites, depending on what you’re into. 

Where to Stay in Sedona

There are a couple of options in Sedona in terms of style and budget. You could stay in a hotel or resort, which will give you a nice refuge from the heat if you’re visiting in the summertime (or the cold if it’s winter or early spring). Or, you could camp at one of the campgrounds along 89A just north of Sedona. 

Hotels in Sedona

If you’re looking to stay in a hotel, you’ve got a pretty impressive number of options. 

We like Sky Ranch Lodge , which is walkable to the best sunset spot in the area at Airport Mesa. It’s where we’d stay if we were planning a trip to Sedona and weren’t living in our van.

They have a beautiful, lush property that has a patio with a great view of Sedona, and rooms are spacious. Plus, they’re certified sustainable by the Sustainability Alliance of Arizona!

Plus, a free shuttle to areas within five miles of the hotel means you won’t have to deal with parking at some of the most popular trailheads like the Soldier Pass Trail (though you should be careful, because cell-service is nonexistent in some parts of Sedona). It’s also walkable from the airport, which is a nice bonus if you’re flying in. 

The other spot we’d recommend looking at is Junipine Resort , which is along 89A north of town and offers a quieter, more private place to stay. We drove past it on our way to our campground and were intrigued. Sure enough, it looks like an amazing place to stay!

It’s along the banks of Oak Creek, they’re certified sustainable, and they have “Creekhomes” that have plenty of space and a full kitchen. It’s only 10-15 minutes outside of Sedona, and is perfect if you’re in search of a bit of tranquility, which you might not find if you’re staying in downtown Sedona. 

Camping in Sedona

If you want to camp, there are a bunch of campgrounds north of Sedona along Highway 89A. We’ll cover three of them, starting with the closest to Sedona and ending with one that’s about 15-20 minutes outside of town that we stayed at and really liked. 

Manzanita Campground : Right along the creek in a nice shady spot, this is the closest campground to town, which also means it’s the most competitive. There are only 18 sites, 11 of which are reservable in advance. Seven sites are first-come-first-served, so plan on getting there early in the day to secure a spot. More info here . 

Cave Springs Campground: With 84 sites, this is the biggest campground in the area. You must make reservations in advance (at least three days before you show up), and there’s usually availability (though we’d recommend grabbing a spot well in advance for the month of April, which is high season in Sedona). More info here .  

Pine Flat Campground : This is the one we stayed at, and 18 of the 54 sites here are reservable in advance. It’s a nice campground, though it is right along the road (though all of them are, really). Try to get a site on the side of the campground that’s along Oak Creek – that’s on the west side of the road, and the west side of the campground (look at a map and you’ll see what I mean). More info here . 

Days 5 & 6: The Grand Canyon

Drive Time from Sedona: 2 hours / 115 miles

We think 2 days in the Grand Canyon is the perfect amount of time to explore the rim, take the scenic drive out to the East Entrance of the park and Desert View, and do one of the difficult but spectacular hikes that take you below the rim.

There’s plenty to do and see to fill a few more days if you have extra time on this road trip and you’re particularly interested in the Grand Canyon – like the North Rim, or backpacking to the floor of the canyon – but we think your time is actually better spent elsewhere unless you’re up for a long drive around to the North Rim, or a long overnight backpacking trip.

So spend a couple of days exploring the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, which is plenty of time to see the highlights.

What to Do in Grand Canyon National Park (South Rim)

Like we mentioned above, there are three things we think are “must-do” at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.

• Hike the Rim Trail : All along the Rim Trail, you’ll have spectacular and ever-changing views of the vastness of the canyon below. We like the stretch from Mather Point to the Bright Angel Trailhead, which is a 3.1 mile hike that is mostly flat with plenty of viewpoints along the way. Don’t miss Mather Point , Yavapai Point , and the Yavapai Geology Museum . This hike is best done in the early morning before 10am, which is when the crowds start to show up, or within an hour of sunset for stunning light on the canyon.
• Scenic Drive out to Desert View : This drive is amazing, with about a half-dozen viewpoints that are worth stopping at along the way. You’ll have a different perspective on the canyon from the eastern end, and it’s the only part of the rim road that you can drive in a private vehicle (except between December and February, when the road out to Hermit’s Rest is open to private vehicles). Start two hours before sunset, stopping at the viewpoints along the way, and ending at Desert View to take in the usually-stunning Arizona sunset.
• Get below the Canyon Rim : Like Bryce Canyon , one of our favorite national parks in the United States, the best way to really get a feel for the Grand Canyon is to hike down into it. You’re sure to appreciate the scale of the canyon if you have to make the climb up the canyon walls, gaining several thousand feet over the course of your journey! The two most popular trails are the South Kaibab Trail and the Bright Angel Trail. The Bright Angel Trail is more of a way to get all the way to the canyon floor, which you won’t be able to do in a day hike. We’d recommend taking the South Kaibab Trail out to Skeleton Point , which is 6 miles roundtrip with an elevation gain of 2,000 feet on the way back. Shorten it to 3 miles / 1,100 feet by turning around at Cedar Point instead.

The hikes below the rim are not for the faint of heart – you’ll need to be prepared with plenty of water, sun protection, and salty snacks.

The interior of the canyon is often 20+ degrees hotter than the rim, which means you’re going to be at risk of heat exhaustion and dehydration, particularly in the summer months. Do not underestimate the difficulty of these hikes.

It’s probably better to underestimate your abilities rather than overestimating them, in this case.

Where to Stay in the Grand Canyon

There are three places we’d recommend staying on the Grand Canyon’s South Rim, and it largely depends on your budget and style.

If you’re camping, stay at Mather Campground , which is within walking distance (~1 mile one-way) of the main Visitors Center and the Marketplace. We stayed here and although it’s a massive campground, it’s relatively nice with flush toilets, shaded sites, and good water. Honestly, we were surprised at how nice it was.

Staying inside the park on the Rim is a great option, but like most national parks, you’re going to pay a little extra for the convenience of having the Grand Canyon literally out your front door (in most cases). Along the rim, the best options are going to be El Tovar Hotel , the Bright Angel Lodge , and the Maswik Lodge .

Staying outside of the south entrance of the park (which is the best place to stay outside the park), is going to be cheaper, but means a little bit of a journey to get to the rim of the canyon, and often a line at the park entrance (though, not if you get there early enough!).

We’d recommend looking in the town of Tusayan (15 minutes from the rim), which is just outside the South Entrance, or Grand Canyon Junction (30 minutes to the rim), which has a better selection of places to stay, but is a little further out. Here are three places to check out:

• Under Canvas Grand Canyon (Grand Canyon Junction): Bucket list-worthy glamping! If you’re looking for a once-in-a-lifetime experience, check out their safari tents in the desert.
• Red Feather Lodge (Tusayan): Located a few minutes from the entrance to the park, this is a solid value with simple rooms in a perfect location. Plus, relatively affordable!
• Holiday Inn Express or Best Western Premier (Tusayan): Two well-rated, good value hotels just outside the south entrance. Not a whole lot of bells and whistles here, but a pleasant place to use as a home base for exploring the Grand Canyon.

Williams and Flagstaff will have you driving for an hour (or more) each way to and from the rim of the Grand Canyon, and we wouldn’t recommend staying there if you can avoid it.

Day 7: Drive to Phoenix & Fly Home

The drive back to Phoenix is going to take you about four hours from the Grand Canyon’s South Rim. Plan on booking an afternoon / evening flight to give yourself plenty of time for the drive back.

Longer Itinerary Options (10 & 14 Days)

If you have a full 10 days or even two weeks, you’ll unlock more possibilities for your trip.

Here’s how we would spend 10 days and 14 days in Arizona.

How to Spend 10 Days in Arizona

With 10 days, we think you should add on Tucson and Saguaro National Park on the front end of your road trip, and Page, Arizona on the tail end after the Grand Canyon.

For this version of the itinerary, pick up your rental car in Phoenix and head south to Tucson, where you’ll spend the first 2-3 days. Then, continue on the road trip above as written. On the second-to-last day, head up to Page.

Here’s what that looks like:

• Day 1: Fly into Phoenix, drive to Tucson
• Day 2: Tucson / Saguaro National Park
• Day 3: Tucson / Saguaro National Park
• Day 4: Drive to Phoenix, afternoon in Phoenix
• Day 5: Superstition Mountains, drive to Sedona
• Day 6: Sedona
• Day 7: Sedona + Drive to Grand Canyon
• Day 8: Grand Canyon National Park
• Day 9: Grand Canyon National Park + Drive to Page
• Day 10: Page + Drive to Phoenix + Head Home

Tucson and Saguaro National Park

Southern Arizona is a vastly different landscape than northern Arizona, which is what the 7 day itinerary above focuses on. With more time, you’ll be able to dip your toes in the southern Arizona water (just kidding, this is the desert!), but you won’t be able to see it all.

For your introduction to southern Arizona, we think you should focus on the area around Tucson.

What to Do in Tucson

There are two main focuses for your time in Tucson – Saguaro National Park (there are two parts!) and Mt. Lemmon .

Saguaro National Park

First, you should know that there are two parts of Saguaro National Park that straddle Tucson, one on either side. They are the Rincon Mountain District , which is on the east side of Tucson, and the Tucson Mountain District to the west. 

Stop at the Visitor Center in each part of the park to grab a map, fill up your water, and get ready to explore. There is nowhere to get food or drinks other than water within the park, so you’ll want to pack a lunch and plenty of snacks. 

Here are some things to do in each region of the park. 

In the Tucson Mountain District, which is smaller in area but has a higher density of cacti and is therefore more popular: 

• Drive the 5 mile Bajada Loop scenic drive , which is a loop consisting of Golden Gate Road and Hohokam Road. It’s unpaved, but is passable by all vehicles. Drive it counterclockwise, starting with Hohokam road and ending on Golden Gate. This is a great way to explore the park, especially if you make stops at the Valley View Overlook Trail (extend it a bit by combining it with the Wild Dog Trail ) to get up close and personal with a ton of cacti, and the Signal Hill area, where you’ll find petroglyphs at the top of the hill. 
• If you’re looking for a longer hike , do the hike up to Wasson Peak either from the Sendero Esperanza Trailhead (7.5 miles / 1,600 feet of elevation) or via the Hugh Norris Trailhead (8.9 miles / 2,400 feet of elevation gain). 
• Stop at the Red Hills Visitor Center to walk the short loop through the cactus garden and pick up some maps and park information. 
• The Desert Discovery Center , which is outside the park’s southern boundary, is worth a stop either on the way in or out to learn about all the flora and fauna in the desert. 

In the Rincon Mountain District, which is the bigger but less popular part of the park on the east side of Tucson (If you only have time for one, we’d recommend the Tucson Mountain District. However, if you have time for both, this section of the park makes for a nice combination with Mt. Lemmon, since there’s only really about a half day worth of things to do and see here.):

• The number one thing you should do is drive Cactus Forest Loop Drive , which is a huge loop that takes you through the majority of the park. It is paved, and well worth the time. Stop at the Freeman Homestead Nature Trail , the Loma Verde Trail (do a loop with the Squeeze Pen Trail for a nice stroll through the desert), and the Cactus Forest Overlook . 
• If you’re looking for a longer hike, there are a bunch of great options leaving from the Broadway Trailhead at the northwest corner of the park and the Douglas Spring Trailhead along the northern boundary. 

Then, head to Mt. Lemmon for a completely different perspective on Tucson and the surrounding area. 

At 9,159 feet above sea level, Mt. Lemmon is a completely different place than Tucson. It’s likely going to be 20-30 degrees cooler, which means different ecosystems thrive here on the highest peak in the Santa Catalina Mountains. 

To put it in perspective, the average high temperature in July in Tucson is 100 degrees F. On Mt. Lemmon, it’s 76 degrees. 

Would you believe me if I told you there’s a SKI RESORT on Mt. Lemmon?

You should definitely drive all the way to the top – Summerhaven. It’s 26 miles, and the landscape gradually shifts over the course of the journey. At the top, you’ll be in the woods. In Arizona. Which is an odd feeling when just an hour or two ago you were driving through Saguaro National Park, home of a bazillion cacti. 

Stop by Windy Point Vista and San Pedro Vista on the way up for great views of the surrounding area. 

There’s a bunch of things to do and see in the town of Summerhaven at the top, whether you want to hike or just peruse shops, but we think the drive itself is by far the best part about Mt. Lemmon.

If you’re looking for a great, relatively easy hike, head out to the Mt. Lemmon Fire Lookout Station. It’s 2.1 miles round trip with 360 feet of elevation gain, and you can make a nice loop of it by returning via the Meadow trail. 

Where to Stay in Tucson

There are exactly zero campgrounds to stay at in Tucson, so your only options are going to be hotels and vacation rentals. Since you have two nights, you have your choice between staying in a hotel, which will provide more convenience and flexibility but less space, and vacation rentals, which give you more space and usually a kitchen, but less flexibility.

If you’re looking for a hotel, stay at Hotel McCoy , a cool hotel on the outskirts of town that’s perfect for exploring Saguaro National Park, or the Tuxon or the Graduate Hotel , which are both closer in to town and the amenities in Tucson.

Page, Arizona: Antelope Canyon & Horseshoe Bend

Page is a good home base for exploring two now Insta-famous sights in Arizona: Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend .

I know Page as the jumping off point for renting a houseboat on Lake Powell, which my family has done twice now. Other than those three things, there’s not a whole lot going on, which makes it a perfect half-day addition after the Grand Canyon.

We’d recommend leaving the Grand Canyon on the afternoon of your last day to make it to Horseshoe Bend for sunset. Keep in mind, you’ll be with hundreds of your new closest friends – it’s a popular spot. You’ll need to get there early if you want a prime location.

Then, the next morning, get up early and head to Antelope Canyon . It’s on Navajo land, and is only accessible via guided tours, which take between one and a half to two hours. Grab an early 8am departure, which will give you plenty of time to head back to Phoenix afterwards and catch your flight home (or start the drive home, if you drove).

Where to Stay in Page

Stay at the Desert Canyon Inn , which is where we had booked a room before we had to cut our trip a bit short. They have basic apartments – complete with kitchens! – in a perfect location in downtown Page.

What to Do in Arizona With 14 Days

With a full two weeks, you’ve got options. At a high level, you could either make a big loop, including Monument Valley and Page, or you could tack on Zion National Park at the end of your trip, and fly out of Vegas.

For this itinerary, head south to Tucson first, then spend two days in Phoenix before heading up to Sedona, on to the Grand Canyon, then to Page for a night before heading to Zion National Park, which is technically in Utah, but close enough, right?

Note that we’re skipping Petrified Forest National Park and Monument Valley. It’s not that they aren’t cool and worth seeing. It’s that we think you’re better served focusing on western Arizona here, and making a return trip to explore eastern Arizona. 

Otherwise, you’ll spend WAY too much time driving – and those drives are not particularly scenic, though there are some nice spots along the way – and not enough time actually exploring. 

For reference, it’s going to take you four and a half hours to go from Tucson to Petrified Forest National Park, another three or more hours to go from there to Monument Valley, and another two hours to get to Page. All in the span of about 36 hours, because there’s really not that much to do along that route. 

We think your time is better spent immersing yourself in Tucson, Sedona, and the Grand Canyon (and Zion). Some might disagree, but that’s our perspective. 

Here’s what that itinerary looks like:

• Day 3: Tucson / Saguaro National Park + Mt. Lemmon
• Day 4: Phoenix
• Day 5: Superstition Mountains (sleep in Phoenix)
• Day 7: Sedona
• Day 8: Sedona + Drive to Grand Canyon in evening
• Day 9: Grand Canyon National Park
• Day 10: Grand Canyon National Park
• Day 11: Page (Antelope Canyon morning + Horseshoe Bend sunset)
• Day 12: Drive to Zion
• Day 13: Zion 
• Day 14: Drive to Vegas and Fly Home (stop at Valley of Fire if you have time)

Wondering what to do in Zion National Park? We’ve got you covered. 

• How to Plan a Perfect Zion National Park Itinerary
• Where to Stay at Zion National Park

The Best Time to Road Trip in Arizona

Essentially, we’d say “anytime other than the summer.” But ideally spring and fall – March and April, and September and October being the best months.

We spent three weeks on this road trip in the spring in April, and it was very, very pleasant. In Phoenix, it’s still going to be warm, but not unbearable just yet – think 80’s and 90’s during the day. In higher elevation Sedona and the Grand Canyon, it’ll be slightly cooler, even downright cold in the Grand Canyon at night.

In the fall , it’s going to be similar, with relatively warm temperatures in Phoenix and southern Arizona that start to cool off as you head north into the higher elevation parts of the state.

The winter is also a decent time to visit, particularly in southern Arizona (Phoenix and Tucson). However, you could run into snow in Sedona and the Grand Canyon, which can put a damper on your trip.

Summer in Arizona is going to be borderline unbearable, with temperatures regularly over 100 degrees, and huge crowds of people – particularly families with kids out of school – flocking to places like the Grand Canyon. You’ll need to book things well in advance if you visit during the summer, and be prepared for incredibly hot weather.

More Arizona + Utah Travel Guides

If you liked this guide, you’re going to love our other Arizona and Utah travel guides.

Phoenix : Plan a perfect weekend in Phoenix , and figure out where to stay in Phoenix.

The Grand Canyon : Planning a trip that includes the Grand Canyon? We’ve got you covered with a guide on exactly how to plan an amazing Grand Canyon itinerary and how to find the perfect place to stay .

Sedona : Plan the perfect weekend getaway to Sedona , and learn everything you need to know to go hiking in Sedona .

If you’re making your way into Utah , you’ll want to read our guides to:

• Zion ( 2 day itinerary and where to stay )
• Bryce Canyon (the best hikes and how to spend one day in Bryce Canyon )
• Moab ( a perfect itinerary , the best hikes in Arches , and the best places to stay and things to do )

Plus, our 10 day Utah National Parks road trip is a super detailed guide to exploring Utah, if you’ve got the time. Otherwise, save it for later.

Matt is the founder and main writer behind Wheatless Wanderlust, which he started back in 2018 as a way to share his gluten free travel guides with his fellow Celiac travelers.

Since then, Matt and his wife Alysha have visited 18 national parks, spent three months in Europe and six weeks in Colombia, and have explored every corner of the Pacific Northwest, which is where Matt grew up.

He writes super detailed guides to the places they visit, bringing together personal experience and historical context to help YOU plan an amazing trip.

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Texas To Grand Canyon Road Trip: The Ultimate Guide

Traveling from Texas to Grand Canyon is one of the best journeys you can experience in the USA . The 900 miles of a road trip from Texas to the Grand Canyon takes around 13 hours and 28 mins of driving without stops.

This article includes 15 top tips that turn your Grand Canyon trip into an unforgettable journey. So if you’re looking for the best hotels, restaurants, and places to visit on the road trip from Texas to Grand Canyon, take your coffee and keep reading!

Table of Contents

5 Best Hotels On The Way From Texas To Grand Canyon

On the way from Texas to Grand Canyon, you may want to stay at some points on the way. Here are the top five hotels on the Texas – Grand Canyon route!

• Cotton Court Hotel: Cotton Court Hotel is one of the best hotels where you can stay on the road trip from Texas to the Grand Canyon. Driving from Texas to Cotton Court Hotel might take around 2 hours and 44 mins . The accommodations at this hotel have a seamless blend of form and function, with custom-made beds featuring locally sourced luxurious cotton linens. Thanks to the hotel’s central location near the downtown area and Depot District, you’ll feel like you have your enclave in the city. Check the Cotton Court Hotel, one of the best hotels in Lubbock, Texas, on TripAdvisor and Booking.com for recent reviews, prices, and availability.
• Best Western Santa Rosa Inn: Another top hotel where you can choose the stay on the road trip to Grand Canyon from Texas is Best Western Santa Rosa Inn. Located in Santa Rosa, New Mexico, the hotel is 379 miles away from Texas, and it would take 5 hours and 56 mins to drive. Best Western Santa Rosa Inn is a cozy and comfortable place for any traveler that feels at home. The landscaping and property are always kept clean and tidy. If you want to learn more about the Best Western Santa Rosa Inn, you can check it on TripAdvisor or Booking.com .
• Red Horse Bed and Breakfast: Didn’t our first two hotel suggestions interest you? So we would like to introduce you to the Red Horse Bed and Breakfast. Red Horse Bed and Breakfast is located in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and it’s 505 miles away from Texas. You can arrive there in 7 hours and 50 mins of non-stop driving. A few miles from the Albuquerque airport and Downtown, our bed and breakfast is set along the Rio Grande river valley. With historical roots, guests have plenty of private space to enjoy the beautiful New Mexico sunshine! Check the TripAdvisor and Booking.com pages of Red Horse Bed and Breakfast for more information.
• La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Gallup: If you are taking the road trip from Texas to Grand Canyon, Gallup, New Mexico, it must have a place you should visit. La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Gallup is one of the best hotels in town. It is La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Gallup, 629 miles from Texas, and it would take 9 hours and 32 mins to drive. In addition, the hotel offers a 24-hour front desk, pool, and complimentary breakfast to make your stay more enjoyable. If you need more info about the price and availability of La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Gallup, check the TripAdvisor and Booking.com pages.
• Little America Hotel, Arizona: Our next hotel is Little America Hotel, Arizona, Flagstaff, Arizona. It will take 12 hours, and 12 mins of car ride o reach this hotel from Texas. Little America Flagstaff is an excellent option for travelers interested in checking out famous landmarks while visiting Flagstaff. It is located a short distance from Historic Downtown. Check the Little America Hotel, Arizona on TripAdvisor and Booking.com pages of Little America Hotel, Arizona, for reviews, prices, and availability.

In this part, we explained five different hotels you can stay at on the road trip from Texas to Grand Canyon. You can pick one of them that suits your taste. Don’t forget to share your experience by writing a comment to this post. It will help people take some Texas to the Grand Canyon route.

Now, it’s time to discover the best restaurants from Texas to Grand Canyon. We have five restaurant recommendations worth your attention.

5 Best Restaurants On The Way To Grand Canyon From Texas

If dining is a pleasure, some restaurants will please you on your Texas to Grand Canyon road trip. In this section, we list the five different restaurants to dine at on the road trip from Texas to Grand Canyon. Stay hungry and enjoy!

• Pecan Grill at the Overton Hotel: We would like to start our restaurant recommendation list on the road trip from Texas to Grand Canyon with Pecan Grill at the Overton Hotel. Pecan Grill at the Overton Hotel is located in Lubbock, Texas, 176 miles from Texas. It would take 2 hours and 48 mins of driving. The Overton Hotel and Conference Center offers some of the best dinings in Lubbock. You’ll be steps away from your luxurious high-rise accommodations with hearty breakfasts, indulgent lunch dishes, and tasty dinner fare. For more information about Pecan Grill at the Overton Hotel, you can visit the TripAdvisor or Google Maps pages of Pecan Grill at the Overton Hotel.
• Comet II Drive-In & Restaurant: Another top restaurant you can choose to eat at on the road trip to Grand Canyon from Texas is Comet II Drive-In & Restaurant. Located in Santa Rosa, New Mexico, Comet II Drive-In & Restaurant is 381 miles from Texas and would take 6 hours of driving. The food at this restaurant is varied and delicious, with something to appeal to every taste. Plenty of food is also available, so you’re sure to leave satisfied. If you want to learn more about Comet II Drive-In & Restaurant, you can check it on TripAdvisor or Google Maps .
• Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen, Albuquerque: Another restaurant that can be preferred by those who are fond of food is Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen, Albuquerque. It will take 7 hours and 42 mins of car drive to take 499 miles from Texas to Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen, Albuquerque, Albuquerque, New Mexico. This restaurant serves New Orleans-style seafood, steaks, salads, and more. It is a clean restaurant with many options. For more information, you can check Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen, Albuquerque, on TripAdvisor or Google Maps .
• Badlands Grill: Badlands Grill deserves to be on our list. It is one of the most recommended restaurants in Gallup, New Mexico. Badlands is a local favorite for those looking for a meal that is truly a cut above the rest. In addition, the restaurant offers genuine New Mexico hospitality and taste, making it the perfect place to relax with friends and neighbors. Badlands Grill is 636 miles away from Texas, and it would take 9 hours and 41 mins of non-stop car driving. If you want to learn more about Badlands Grill, you can check it on TripAdvisor or Google Maps .
• Delhi Palace Cuisine of India, Arizona: If you enjoy dining, Delhi Palace Cuisine of India, Arizona, would be an excellent choice in Flagstaff, Arizona. It’s 870 miles from Texas and would take 12 hours and 41 mins of car driving. The food at this establishment is excellent, and the staff is amiable. This makes it perfect for the vegetarian diner, as many dinner choices are available. If you want to learn more about the Delhi Palace Cuisine of India, Arizona, you can check it on TripAdvisor or Google Maps .

This section lists our five restaurant recommendations for you to eat on your road trip from Texas to Grand Canyon. We hope these suggestions will help you turn your 900 miles journey into a feast of taste. Of course, you can choose a suitable restaurant from the list according to your preference. Remember, like you, people planning a Grand Canyon road trip need your opinion. Therefore, we kindly ask you to share your experience with us in the comment field at the end of the blog post.

In the next section, we list the destinations worth seeing along the route from Texas to Grand Canyon. Keep reading.

5 Places To Visit On The Way From Texas To Grand Canyon

A unique experience awaits you in Grand Canyon. However, some unique destinations, like Lubbock, Texas, are on your road trip. We want to explain the top five destinations we recommend on the Grand Canyon route.

• National Ranching Heritage Center: National Ranching Heritage Center will be the first destination we recommend you to stop by on your Texas to Grand Canyon road trip. Located in Lubbock, Texas, National Ranching Heritage Center is 177 miles away from Texas, and it would take 2 hours and 45 mins to drive. The historic park contains 53 ranch structures that can be seen in 45 to 90 minutes and a 1.5-mile pathway. In addition, the outdoor park is accessible for wheelchairs and strollers and offers free admission. If you want to learn more about the National Ranching Heritage Center, you can check it on TripAdvisor or the official website .
• Blue Hole, Santa Rosa: Blue Hole, Santa Rosa, Santa Rosa, New Mexico is one of the destinations we recommend you to stop by on Texas to Grand Canyon route. It’s 381 miles from Texas, and it’ll take about 6 hours and 2 mins of driving. The quarry is approximately 60 feet in diameter and 80 feet in depth. It is a popular scuba diving spot and is fed by an artisan. If you want to learn more about Blue Hole, Santa Rosa, you can check it on TripAdvisor or their website .
• Sandia Peak Tramway: Albuquerque, New Mexico, is one of the stops you should not neglect to stop by when you take the road trip from Texas to the Grand Canyon. And if you visit Albuquerque, New Mexico, we suggest you visit Sandia Peak Tramway. You can arrive at Sandia Peak Tramway after 7 hours and 47 mins of driving. Then, ride North America’s longest aerial tram ride for breathtaking views of over 11,000 square miles of New Mexico. You can visit TripAdvisor and the official site of Sandia Peak Tramway for more information.
• Bill Malone Trading Company: Do you also like to travel and experience new things? Then, it would be best to visit Bill Malone Trading Company, Gallup, New Mexico, on the road trip from Texas to Grand Canyon. Bill Malone Trading Company is 633 miles from Texas, and you can arrive there after the 9 hours and 38 mins of drive. Bill Malone, with over 40 years of experience operating trading posts for others, has recently opened his store, Bill Malone Trading. The store carries a variety of items from his collection and the collections of his many artist friends. In addition, you should check TripAdvisor and the official website of Bill Malone Trading Company before going there.
• Historic Downtown and Railroad District: Located in Flagstaff, Arizona, Historic Downtown and Railroad District ranks fifth in our list of tourist destinations on the Grand Canyon road trip. You must take 9 hours and 4 mins of driving to arrive at the Historic Downtown and Railroad District. Take a stroll down memory lane in this iconic western town rich with Route 66 history. Many of the buildings are adorned with beautiful hand-painted murals. There are plenty of shops and restaurants to explore. If you want to learn more about Historic Downtown and Railroad District, you can check it on TripAdvisor or the official website .

FAQ of the Road Trip From Texas to Grand Canyon

Here we are answering the frequently asked questions about Texas to Grand Canyon drive.

How Long Is The Road Trip From Texas To Grand Canyon?

• The road trip takes approximately 13 hours and 28 mins to drive with ideal traffic and weather conditions. The distance between Texas and to Grand Canyon is 900 miles.
• If you want to make Texas to Grand Canyon road trip by bike , the time you spend on the road will be two days and 23 hours .
• If you are crazy enough and plan to walk the Texas-Grand Canyon route, you will have to walk for eleven days and 22 hours .

Where Do You Stop On Driving From Texas To Grand Canyon?

There are many beautiful pit stops along the way to Grand Canyon. Here we list five of them . For more information about the best places on Texas to Grand Canyon journey, you can check the 5 Best Places To Visit On The Way From Texas To Grand Canyon part.

• National Ranching Heritage Center: 177 miles / 2 hours and 45 mins to drive from Texas | 722 miles / 10 hours and 49 mins of driving to Grand Canyon.
• Blue Hole, Santa Rosa: 381 miles / 6 hours and 2 mins to drive from Texas | 520 miles / 7 hours and 36 mins of driving to Grand Canyon.
• Sandia Peak Tramway: 497 miles / 7 hours and 47 mins to drive from Texas | 417 miles / 6 hours and 10 mins of driving to Grand Canyon.
• Bill Malone Trading Company: 633 miles / 9 hours and 38 mins to drive from Texas | 268 miles / 3 hours and 58 mins of driving to Grand Canyon.
• Historic Downtown and Railroad District: 625 miles / 9 hours and 4 mins to drive from Texas | 1,451 miles / 21 hours and 11 mins of driving to Grand Canyon.

Where Should You Stay On The Road Trip From Texas To Grand Canyon?

There are many excellent hotels during your Texas to Grand Canyon road trip. We have selected five hotels for you. These hotels are listed below. Remember, you can find detailed information about these hotels in the 5 Best Hotels On The Way To Grand Canyon From Texas section.

• Cotton Court Hotel: 175 miles / 2 hours and 44 mins to drive from Texas | 723 miles / 10 hours and 51 mins of driving to Grand Canyon.
• Best Western Santa Rosa Inn: 379 miles / 5 hours and 56 mins to drive from Texas | 521 miles / 7 hours and 34 mins of driving to Grand Canyon.
• Red Horse Bed and Breakfast: 505 miles / 7 hours and 50 mins to drive from Texas | 404 miles / 5 hours and 58 mins of driving to Grand Canyon.
• La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Gallup: 629 miles / 9 hours and 32 mins to drive from Texas | 272 miles / 3 hours and 58 mins of driving to Grand Canyon.
• Little America Hotel, Arizona: 816 miles / 12 hours and 12 mins to drive from Texas | 84.5 miles / 1 hour 21 mins of driving to Grand Canyon.

Where To Eat Between Texas to Grand Canyon?

If you are thinking of taking a break and having a nice meal on your Texas to Grand Canyon journey, you can consider the five restaurants we have chosen. In addition, you can read detailed information about the restaurants in the section titled 5 Best Restaurants On The Way From Texas To Grand Canyon .

• Pecan Grill at the Overton Hotel: 176 miles / 2 hours and 48 mins to drive from Texas | 723 miles / 10 hours and 51 mins of driving to Grand Canyon.
• Comet II Drive-In & Restaurant: 381 miles / 6 hours and to drive from Texas | 519 miles / 7 hours and 33 mins of driving to Grand Canyon.
• Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen, Albuquerque: 499 miles / 7 hours and 42 mins to drive from Texas | 408 miles / 5 hours and 56 mins of driving to Grand Canyon.
• Badlands Grill: 636 miles / 9 hours and 41 mins to drive from Texas | 265 miles / 3 hours and 53 mins of driving to Grand Canyon.
• Delhi Palace Cuisine of India, Arizona: 870 miles / 12 hours and 41 mins to drive from Texas | 234 miles / 3 hours and 33 mins of driving to Grand Canyon.

So, there you have it- a complete guide to planning a road trip from Texas to Grand Canyon. We have listed five hotels, five restaurants, and five places to visit on the way. We have also given you detailed information about each place so that you can make an informed choice about where to stay, eat, and what to see. We hope this guide has helped make your road trip from Texas to Grand Canyon as enjoyable as possible.

Share Your Thoughts

Have you ever taken a road trip from Texas to Grand Canyon? So, it would be perfect if you shared your experience with other travelers who want the same experience. You can share your thoughts about the road trip from Texas to Grand Canyon and your recommendations about this route by using the comment field below.

Video: Grand Canyon Road Trip – Top 10 Things To Do

In this video, you can find 10 things to do around Grand Canyon.

Other Road Trips Worth Your Attention

• Sacramento To Grand Canyon Road Trip: The Beautiful Route
• Texas To Yellowstone National Park Road Trip: Top 27 Tips
• Atlanta To Grand Canyon Road Trip: Top 27 Tips

Hi, I'm Ece. Join me in navigating memorable road trips around the USA, Europe, and Australia. I provide valuable tips and destination guides, sometimes enhanced by AI. Let's hit the road and make memories!

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Arizona Road Trip: A review of our Arizona Adventure

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Hey I'm Erin

Hey friends! As promised, I thought I would give you a run down of all our adventures on our Arizona road trip that we took this summer. My husband and I grew up in Arizona, and our two older children were born there, but we haven’t lived there in over 8 years. Arizona still, in a lot of ways, feels like home to us and we still have family there. So we thought it would be fun to take the kids back and show them all the places that were important to my husband and I growing up.

Luckily, we had a beautiful resort waiting for us when we arrived in the Phoenix area. We stayed at the Arizona Grand Resort which is situated in the base of South Mountain. We stayed there rather than some of the gorgeous resorts all around the Scottsdale area because this is close to where we grew up and our family and friends live near the resort.

The Phoenix Area

The Arizona Grand Resort is quite affordable and the room accommodations worked really well for our family of 5. We stayed in a suite that had two queen sized beds and a separate living room with a wet bar, fridge, eating and sitting area, and a fold out queen size bed. Our room was very close to the nice water park that is on the property. We enjoyed hanging out at the park when we weren’t visiting with friends and family.

We also enjoyed a lot of Mexican food (our favorite) and other great food while we stayed in the Phoenix area. Some of our favorite restaurants in the Phoenix are include:

1.La Pinata

2.Oreganos 

3. Pizzeria Bianco

5. Rubios (quick casual dining)

6. The Mission

Here are the links to some of the outfits I wore on the trip:

Northern Arizona

We next headed up to the high country in Arizona. From Phoenix, it’s about an hour and a half drive to Sedona, AZ and then another half hour north to Flagstaff. On the drive up north, we stopped in Camp Verde and visited Montezuma’s Castle, which is a really amazing well-preserved Native American dwelling built in the side of a mountain. Visiting Montezuma’s Castle takes only about 30-45 minutes depending on how much time you devote to reading all the placards and taking pics. It was a really cool stop on the way up to the Arizona mountains.

When we arrived in Flagstaff, we decided to go to our favorite little 50’s diner that we’ve been coming to for 20 years, Galaxy Diner. Their milk shakes are SO good!

We stayed in Flagstaff at a Residence Inn right in the heart of the downtown area. There was an outdoor art fair going on just across the street from our hotel the weekend we were there, which was really cool. And we loved that we could walk to all the local restaurants. Flagstaff is a really nice college town and the weather in the summer time there is absolutely perfect!

We visited the Grand Canyon on a Saturday afternoon. It is about an hour and a half drive from Flagstaff to the south rim of the Grand Canyon. Because it was the weekend before July 4th, it was extremely busy at the canyon. So many tourists (including us)! Yikes! I would recommend not going to the Grand Canyon on a weekend if you can avoid it.

We stopped by the Visitor Center at the south rim of the canyon first. Parking was pretty crazy, but we lucked out on a spot. At this area, there are lots of overlooks and photo ops of the canyon. You can walk a path around the rim where there is no barricade. It was so amazing! The kids were even impressed. I was crazy nervous having the kids so close to the edge however, and was sick to my stomach when I saw people going out onto very small plateaus with sheer drops down just to take pictures!

If you visit the Grand Canyon, I would recommend visiting the area where the Bright Angel Lodge and the El Tovar hotels are located first. That part of the south rim is really cool. There are tons of old buildings to tour including the hotels and tons of historical placards for you to read. There are also several restaurants at the hotels, and the views are amazing. Honestly, if you don’t have a whole day to spend at the Grand Canyon, I would choose this area to visit over the Visitor Center area that they try to filter all traffic through when you get to the park. Also, if you’re into hiking, the Bright Angel Trail starts at this point as well.

After a fun time exploring the Grand Canyon and Flagstaff, we headed back south and spent the next day in Sedona, Arizona among the gorgeous red rock. Sedona has a fun shopping and dining area that you definitely need to visit if you go. We didn’t get a chance to hike through Oak Creek Canyon or do a jeep tour this time, but that’s definitely a highlight of any visit to Sedona.

We spent the last night in Arizona in a little town south of Sedona called Jerome. Jerome is an old mining town built into the side of a mountain and is known for it’s “haunted”  hotel, The Jerome Grand hotel . My oldest daughter is totally into the spooky and creepy, so this was right up her alley. My youngest, however, was not into it. We did a little self tour of the Jerome Grand and took some pictures. We also ate dinner at a fun restaurant called Haunted Hamburger. Jerome is a cute, old town with tons of history. There’s lots of interesting facts to read about the town’s history walking around the streets, as well as little stores to window shop. I would definitely recommend visiting Jerome if you ever get a chance to tour around Northern Arizona!

The last stop of our trip as we drove out of Arizona, was Meteor Crater. Meteor Crater is the most well preserved and largest crater created by a meteorite in the world! They have a really interesting museum at the location, as well as a free 30 minute guided tour, and a short movie. The kids were really blown away by how huge the crater was. They have free telescopes that you can look through with objects at the bottom of the crater that help you visualize just how massive the crater is (they said that 9 foot ball fields and two million people could fit into the crater). The whole experience can take 1-2 hours depending on how much you want to read and explore. But if you’re in the area, this experience is something that you shouldn’t miss!

We drove from the Meteor Crater until we got to Albuquerque, New Mexico were we stayed the night at a Hyatt Place hotel. It was not a crazy nice hotel, but much better than the dive we stayed in on the way there! This was a vacation that I think our kids will remember for a long time. Our usual vacations involve either Disney or the beach, so I was glad to be able to give them some experiences they’ve never had before. It was definitely educational as well as fun, and I would highly recommend touring around my home state of Arizona if you ever get the chance!

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Arizona Road Trip – The Ultimate 10 Day Itinerary

Written By: The Planet D

Road Trips , United States

Updated On: February 9, 2024

Expert road tripper Dean Williamson shares his awesome Arizona road trip itinerary including 10 awesome experiences to have in 10 days. This Arizona road trip itinerary sees you cover almost 1000 miles in ten days and gives you the ability to experience ten different themes showing why Arizona has something for everyone. From the Grand Canyon to Route 66, this guide takes you through some of America’s most iconic scenery.

Table of Contents

The Ultimate Arizona Road Trip

In my opinion, driving is the best way to experience a new place. You can travel at your own pace, find hidden gems along the way, and change your plans easily as you travel. But how do you know where to go ? It seems everywhere has at least one amazing thing to do or see, which makes the decision near impossible.

But what if there was an ultimate USA road trip that had so many different things to offer without having to drive thousands of miles, would you be interested?

Download or View part one map of your Arizona Road Trips

Start from Tucson

This trip in Arizona starts in Tucson. You can fly into Tucson directly from multiple destinations in the US and there are 1 stop flights from International cities.

• Find a flight to Tucson on Skyscanner for great deals.
• Click here to search all the car rental agencies and get the best price for your drive through Arizona!

Day 1 – Tombstone Arizona

Driving time Tucson to Tombstone : 1 hour 30 minutes

After spending a day or two in Tucson, Arizona it is time to get the show on the road. From Tucson, head south to the most infamous town in the Wild West, Tombstone and the Wild West What do you get when you cross Universal Studios and a real town with an infamous past? The legendary Tombstone, Arizona.

Sure some of it has been modified for tourism but there are not many places you can walk in the footsteps of outlaws and famous lawmen, see where history was made, and maybe have a whisky at the same saloon frequented by Wyatt Earp and his cohorts.

Make sure to spend a few hours exploring here before making your way back to Tucson for a spectacular sunset in Saguaro National Park East. Read: The 17 Best Hikes in Arizona

Day 2 – Saguaro National Park to Phoenix

Driving Time Tucson to Phoenix : 1 hour and 40 minutes

Today you head to Phoenix but take the slow and scenic route through Saguaro National Park West and do some hiking among these incredible giants of the plant world.

Arizona has very unique plant life. Google Saguaro Cactus and you can’t help to be impressed by the weird shapes they grow and the amazing silhouettes they form in the foreground of sunset photos.

But that is nothing compared to standing in a forest of these giants, some growing to the height of a four or five-story building. To see a forest of these behemoths stretching out to the horizon is a highlight that can only be seen at Saguaro National Park.

Where to Stay in Phoenix

• Luxury – Arizona Biltmore Waldorf Astoria
• Mid Range – Sheraton Phoenix Downtown
• Mid Range – Best Western Phoenix Downtown

Phoenix is definitely a place to come back and visit again. If you have the time, spend a day or two here so you can explore some of the amazing places around Phoenix.

Day Trips from Phoenix

If you have some time to spend in Pheonix and have a longer time for your road trip , check out these top attractions (not including what is already in this Arizona trip) guide from Phoenix

• Flagstaff – Route 66, Sinagua Cliff Dwellings, Walnut Canyon and Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument
• Prescott – Visit and explore the history of Arizona’s original capital and it’s Victorian-era buildings.
• Petrified Forest National Park – The Petrified Forest National Park is a must visit with highlights including Painted Desert and Rainbow forest and it’s a place where you can see fossilized trees and animals from prehistoric times.
• Slide Rock State Park – Take a Dip in the natural smooth rocks used as waterslides at this swimming hole.

Day 3 – Phoenix to Sedona

Driving Time Phoenix to Sedona: 1 hour and 57 mnutes

From Pheonix, we head to the beautiful and cosmically spiritual city of Sedona for some Native history. Read more: 20 Best Things to do in Sedona, Arizona

Don’t just head up the Interstate directly to Sedona, or you will miss another great highlight along the way in Montezuma Castle National Monument. Read more at Phoenix to Sedona Drive

Spend some time here learning of Native American History. This National Monument is dedicated to preserving Native American culture and is an awesome stop on your trip through Arizona.

Just a short distance up the road are two incredible reminders of the vision and engineering capabilities of Native Americans dating back more than 500 years. Montezuma Castle and Montezuma Well

Montezuma Castle National Monument

Montezuma Castle is a wonderful example of ancient cliff dwellings. Thre are 20 rooms sitting high on a ledge.

Montezuma Well is a smaller cliff dwelling but built beneath the lip of a massive sinkhole that is fed from underground springs.

Moving on towards Sedona, you will find a small town called Camp Verde which is home to a fort used during the Indian Wars. There are plenty of things to do here and you can check them all out with our article 20 Best Things to do in Sedona, Arizona .

Camp Verde gives a glimpse of life into the soldiers of the frontier in the 1870s. There are lots of outdoor activities like cycling, kayaking, and hiking and there is the Cliff Castle Casino to try your luck.

Suggested Hotels in Sedona

• Luxury – L’Auberge de Sedona
• Mid Range – Sedona Rouge Hotel and Spa
• Mix Range – Holiday Inn Express

Day 4 – Spiritual Arizona

Sightseeing Around Sedona

Day 4 of your Arizona road trips is a day to take in the scenery and relax in the vortexes of Sedona. Head to the Information Center for some great driving maps and advice, and finish the day watching the sunset at Airport Mesa.

The Central Arizona town of Sedona has two claims to fame.

The Red Rocks not only provide a magnificent backdrop to the town but have been featured in movies for as long as the film industry has ventured outdoors,

Sedona is a place of great spiritualit y – Reputed to be one of the World’s hotspots for natural energies with its many vortexes, expect to find plenty of modern-day hippies around town.

Overnight Sedona

Day 5 – route 66 and meteor crater to holbrook.

Driving Time: 2 Hours

Three of our highlighted experiences of this Arizona road trip are covered today as we finally hit the Mother Road for the first time. Route 66 is the quintessentially American journey and we take advantage of some of the best stops.

Ask anyone who loves where is the ultimate drive. and the most common answer will undoubtedly be Route 66 , that’s why it’s called the Mother Road. The World’s most famous Road Trip Road

While much of the road and the associated businesses have fallen due to modern society’s need for speed, there are still places to relive the glory days.

Take your time driving this route to enjoy a bit of nostalgia from America’s heyday. Stops include Flagstaff, and Williams town where you’ll see memorabilia from 1926 when America was migrating West.

Meteor Crater

Meteor Crater is a must-stop along Route 66 to see the mind-blowing result of the earth being struck by something from space. While New Mexico is famous for reported alien crash sites and autopsies, Arizona’s connection to outer space is far more obvious.

If you want to know what happens when a big chunk of space rock actually makes contact with the earth then Meteor Crater is for you. It will make you hope none of these massive rocks flying around space ever come for a visit.

Overnight on Route 66

We then end the day eating in a traditional Route 66 diner and sleeping in an original Route 66 Motel.

In Holbrook, you can not only eat at one of the original diners but spend a night at the famous Wigwam Motel, or one of the many other Route 66 Motels for a little more comfort.

Day 6 – Winslow to Monument Valley

Total Driving Distance: 3 hours 50 minutes

Day 6 on our Arizona Road trip is one of the bigger driving days but wait until you see where it ends.

Arizona lives in Pop Culture Folklore and nothing is more so than Winslow Arizona. I suppose it’s what pop culture is all about, making something ordinary become famous, a bit like the Kardashians!

And Arizona is home to a prime example of how something incredibly ordinary has become something of a tourist Mecca, a little town called Winslow. The spot made famous by the Eagles and we go “ standing on the corner in Winslow, Arizona.”

Little did they know that when the Eagles sang about standing on a particular corner in this sleeping little place that it would put it on the world map.

After exploring the town, it is time to move on to the beautiful American scenery of the old west.

Monument Valley

Remember John Wayne? If you are old enough to be road-tripping you should be old enough to remember him and some of the Classic Western movies he starred in. The most iconic place featured in those John Wayne western movies is Monument Valley . It is one of the top Arizona road trip attractions.

Fans of old Hollywood Westerns, or Forrest Gump for that matter, will no doubt be excited to see Monument Valley up close. And for those of you not swayed by the Hollywood links , you will still be more than impressed once you get there.

Remember when Forrest Gump ran down the lone road with his long beard? What about when Chevy Chase was up to his high jinx in Vacation? These memorable scenes were shot in Monument Valley.

It can seem like you are driving around the World’s largest movie set here, and in a way, I suppose you are, but what a remarkable place to visit.

Where to Stay in Monument Valley

Tonight you’ll want to stay in Monument Valley. Make a reservation at the View Hotel in Monument Valley Tribal Park. It offers hotel rooms, cabins, and camping.

There’s also Goulding’s Lodge if the View Hotel is sold out.

Day 7 – Page and Lake Powell

Driving time from Monument Valley to Page: 2 hours and 10 minutes

From Hollywood famous scenery to Instagram famous scenery today as we head to Page on Lake Powell. Have a look around the town and take in the stunning color contrasts between the water of the lake and the red and white rocks around it.

Lake Powell is a man-made lake that stretches 299 kilometers (186 miles). There are plenty of things to keep you occupied for a day here.

Being a road trip through Arizona, you can also check out all the incredible rock formations and sights around Page including, Waterholes Canyon, Rainbow Bridge National Monument, Tower Butte, and Vermillion Cliffs National Monument. Seek these out, you won’t be disappointed.

Suggested Page Hotels Arizona

There are several hotel options in Page Arizona.

• High End: Courtyard Page at Lake Powell
• Mid Range: Hampton Inn & Suites
• Budget: La Quinta Inn and Suites by Wyndham

Day 8 – Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon

Driving Time: 20 Minutes

Today on our Arizona itinerary, it is all about the ‘Gram as we have time taking selfies, and amazing landscape photos for the less self-absorbed, at both Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon. If you’ve never heard of them do a Google or Instagram hashtag search and you will see why they are so popular. Arizona is Insta-famous!

The city of Page sits on the Southern end of Lake Powell, which is surrounded by stunning natural beauty.

But if you want to get some photos to fill your Instagram feed then there are two places outside town that you simply have to see, Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend.

While the soothing flow of the patterns in the rocks at Antelope Canyon can be somewhat hypnotic, you need to stay sharp at Horseshoe Bend and please don’t be one of the idiots risking their life getting too close to the edge for that “ultimate” selfie.

Overnight Page:

Day 9 – The Grand Canyon

Driving Time Page to the Grand Canyon: 2 hours and 21 minutes

Time to make our way to the final highlight of this epic Arizona road trip, the iconic Grand Canyon. Today you’ll be exploring the north rim of the Grand Canyon.

For many people, the Grand Canyon sits high on their travel bucket list, while others like me think of it as little more than a huge crack in the ground. But once you are standing on the edge you can’t help but be blown away by the beauty and the sheer magnitude Find a quiet spot and stay for the sunset.

I can assure you that when you are standing on the edge of the Canyon looking at it spread as far as the eye can see, your low expectations will have been massively exceeded. The Grand Canyon deserves its spot among the great natural wonders of the World.

If you have time, spend a day or two here on your Arizona Road Trip. You can do canyon hikes, whitewater rafting tours, horseback riding, or helicopter scenic flights.

The north rim of the Grand Canyon is less visited and wilder and the south rim has more touristy things to do and see. If you can spend a day exploring both the north and south rim of the Grand Canyon.

There are hotel options within Grand Canyon National Park and you can check them out on TripAdvisor or read our full post Where to Stay At The Grand Canyon: Best Hotels And Areas For Every Budget

Day 10 – The End-Only Open Road Ahead

All good things come to an end but not before getting one final look at the wonder of the Grand Canyon. Make the effort to be there for sunrise and the hour or so after that for some amazing photo opportunities.

Options for a road trip back to Tucson, Arizona.

If you are driving back to Tucson, you have 5-hours ahead. You’ll pass through Flagstaff, Pheonix and you can even make a detour to the old town Scottsdale. Scottsdale is a great place to spend the night if you have more time on your hands.

Today, you may also want to spend the day exploring more of the south rim of the Grand Canyon before moving on. The beauty of a road trip is that you can choose where to go next!

Things to do at the Grand Canyon

• Grand Canyon Village – It’s the popular entrance to the Grand Canyon which takes you to Yavapai Point. It offers the best views of the Grand Canyon.
• Overnight hike and camping on the Bright Angel Trail. For something unique hire a mule for this tral to the river. And camp overnight.
• Explore all the Grand Canyon Viewpoints of the Rim Trail
• Grand Canyon Skywalk – Jutting 70 feet out from the canyon walls, visitors can walk on glass for 4000 feet above the Grand Canyon.
• Colorado River Rafting – You can book half or full-day rafting tours.
• Read more: Things to do at the Grand Canyon

There are so many things to do at the Grand Canyon, you could spend a week here. This incredible river canyon sees the Colorado River cutting through the  Colorado Plateau we will end the trip here letting you decide how long you want to stay.

Then all that is left is to make your way home and start planning your next USA Road Trip As if that’s not enough to make any road trip fan start Googling these places and looking at flight options!

But in all honesty, this is a good start as to why you should be heading out on an Arizona road trip, but there is plenty more to easily double the length of this trip and never be bored or need to cross any borders.

As mentioned at the start, every part of the USA has great road trip options but for a variety of experiences, Arizona is the winner.

Tips for the Ultimate Arizona Road Trip

• Travel Insurance – It’s a toss-up whether or not to buy car insurance. As most car rentals are covered under your personal car insurance. We always do because we prefer not to have the hassle of either having to pay or go through our own insurance should we have a fender bender or even a broken windshield.
• Emergency Road Kit – Check for an emergency road kit in the car, if not, get one at the local Walmart before you drive off into the desert or mountains.
• National Parks Pass – Make sure you buy your National Parks Pass, you’ll be passing through some amazing parks. A pass lets you enter all national parks without worry.
• Extra Water – Whenever we take a road trip, we always make sure to have plenty of extra water. In Arizona, this is a must as it can get very hot.
• Paper Maps – In today’s world, people use Google Maps to get around but be sure to have a hard copy map and know how to use it. Have a map for a backup. We found phone signals to be very spotty and non-existent in many places.

Road Trip Pro Tip

Always Fill up at half a tank – When doing a road trip, we try to never let the tank go below half a tank. If you see a gas station, fill up. It’s better to have a full tank and go through the annoyance of stopping than running out of gas.

Make sure to put together your ultimate road trip playlist!

Best Time of Year for an Arizona Road Trip

There is really no bad time to take a road trip in Arizona. We love driving rain, shine or snow.

• Summer (June/July/August) is the high season and with the high season comes more tourists and higher prices.
• Like many places, shoulder season (spring and fall) is a good time as the weather is still pleasant but crowds are less and prices are lower.
• Winter is good for Arizona as the weather is pleasant year-round.

Many northerners winter in Arizona.  It can get quite cold at night though, so pack for winter conditions and dress in layers. It’s a good idea to keep a blanket in your car if you are taking a road trip in Arizona in the winter.

What to Pack for an Arizona Road Trip

• Don’t forget your hiking boots! You’ll have the opportunity to explore some of America’s most beautiful landscapes!
• Pack layers – Arizona is a desert climate. It may be hot during the day, but it cools down at night.
• Breathable lightweight clothing – instead of sunscreen, we like to wear long-sleeve microlight shirts. It keeps us cool while blocking the sun.
• Reusable Water bottle – Bottled water is plentiful in the US, but why waste the plastic? Tap water is drinkable and you can just fill up whenever you need to. Bring a few, and keep them full.
• Soft cooler – We like having snacks and drinks cold, so a collapsible cooler is easy to transport and keeps your snacks fresh.
• Steripen – You can drink the water in Arizona, but We like to carry a Steripen to purify water from streams and rivers if we are hiking. That way you can fill your water bottle without the worry of parasites.
• Hat – A sun hat is a must when hiking in hot weather.
• Headlamp – It’s always good to have a flashlight with you. We prefer headlamps because they are hands-free. A good one has an excellent beam too.
• Blanket – In case something happens at night, it’s good to have a warm blanket in the car. Plus, a blanket is great for pulling over and having a picnic!
• USB Car Charger – Most cars have USB outlets, but we like to have an extra to keep our electronics and phones charged. The dual outlet lets us charge both phones and a camera.
• Toilet paper – Yep, on a road trip, we are often ducking behind a tree. (but make sure to either bury it with a trowel or carry it out (in a garbage bag of course.
• Camera Gear – Don’t forget your camera! You don’t want to miss a moment of this trip!

Did you enjoy these Arizona Road Trip Ideas? Save to Pinterest to help plan your own trip to Arizona.

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Dean Williamson is the main creative force behind La Vida Global and a road trip veteran with over 30,000 miles of driving in more than a dozen countries. The only thing he enjoys more than sharing his adventures at La Vida Global and inspiring you to have your own is getting behind the wheel and exploring somewhere new.

Travel Planning Resources

Looking to book your next trip? Why not use these resources that are tried and tested by yours truly.

Flights: Start planning your trip by finding the best flight deals on Skyscanner

Book your Hotel: Find the best prices on hotels with these two providers. If you are located in Europe use Booking.com and if you are anywhere else use TripAdvisor

Find Apartment Rentals: You will find the cheapest prices on apartment rentals with VRBO . 

Travel Insurance: Don't leave home without it. Here is what we recommend:

• Allianz - Occasional Travelers.
• Medjet - Global air medical transport and travel security.

Need more help planning your trip? Make sure to check out our Resources Page where we highlight all the great companies that we trust when we are traveling.

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About The Planet D

Dave Bouskill and Debra Corbeil are the owners and founders of The Planet D. After traveling to 115 countries, on all 7 continents over the past 13 years they have become one of the foremost experts in travel. Being recognized as top travel bloggers and influencers by the likes of Forbes Magazine , the Society of American Travel Writers and USA Today has allowed them to become leaders in their field.

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13 thoughts on “Arizona Road Trip – The Ultimate 10 Day Itinerary”

thank you for taking your time and provide us with this helpful post.

We are happy to have found this precious itinerary for our trip to Arizona. Thank you very much. We feel save and well prepared to do our road trip

Thank you for such a detailed guide – we only have seven days for our roadtrip but this is a super handy idea of how much we can fit in and what we sadly might need to leave out. No idea how we didn’t know about the Metor Crater before either!

Wow, ultimate Arizona road trip ideas!! I think those who are planning for a road trip to Arizona, will have no need to go on another post as he/she will get everything from packing to road trip back options here on your post. Keep sharing such kind of marvelous posts!

Loved this, all such great info and helpful tips. I need to definitely check some more of this out! Great pictures as well.

Taking a road trip through Arizona is a great way to see one of the most beautiful states in the entire USA. Really loved this Arizona Road Trip Ideas.

Nice article, but the busy season in AZ is winter! Summers are harsh! I’ve lived in Scottsdale for 35 years.

I think you have listed out all the sources to carry out for the trip. I real thank you for that.

If my luck favours me definitely i will explore it. The Grand Canyon it seems to be amazing place with it’s unique features and topograpy. It’s a place of hidden paradise where itt unreveal thrilling adventure. Appreciate it for sharing fabulous information regarding arizona road trip.

Arizona looks like a beautiful place to visit. One thing for sure is that I wouldn;t want to be caught out there with a low gas tank nor catch a flat tire! L 😛 L

This is a great list of some of the highlights in Arizona, my home state. Tucson itself is worth a visit, including a cute and walkable downtown and the barrio area. There are a number of other fun day trips from there including a visit to the wine regions (like Sonoita), Tubac (native arts) and a visit to Mission San Xavier del Bac, the Titan Missile Musem, and the Airplane Boneyard. Flagstaff is also a great picturesque small town. Thank you for writing this informative piece that showcases some of the greatness Arizona has to offer!

Ah man! What I wouldn’t give to travel like this!!! Guys I thought all of you travellers probably have youtube channels and make money off there too. This course helped me create another income from youtube besides the normal “monetization” ways and creating your own videos… SO TIME CONSUMING!… This course showed me how to make money from youtube without all of that and I believe you guys will be interested in this too! https://bit.ly/2yPCzBt Thanks Dean, really great blog you have here!!!

This scenes are like out of the movie. Color of the rocks is incredible and I have never seen something like that. I hope I can come to Arizona one day.

19 Stunning Southwest Road Trip Itinerary Ideas (+ Tips!)

There may be no other region in the USA quite as otherworldly as the American Southwest. And there is absolutely no better way to appreciate that magnificent beauty than via an epic Southwest road trip itinerary!

Unfortunately, for most of us, there’s no way to encapsulate the full magnificence of the region on a single Southwest US road trip (and trust us, we’ve tried to, many times).

Because of that, we’ve teamed up with several other travel bloggers to craft this complete guide to the best road trips in the Southwest USA, from iconic classics in Utah to offbeat highlights in Nevada to focused Southwest national parks road trips.

We’ve decided to work with a pretty generous definition of the Southwestern US for this guide, covering road trips in Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, Nevada, and Colorado, as well as parts of Southern California and West Texas.

Whether you only have a weekend to spare or are planning the Southwest road trip of a lifetime, here are the best Southwest USA road trip routes to consider!

Table of Contents

Quick Tips for Your Southwest USA Road Trip

Utah road trip itinerary ideas, arizona + new mexico southwest road trips, southwest road trip itineraries in colorado, cool nevada road trip ideas, west texas road trip itineraries, multi-state southwest itineraries, read more about visiting the southwest usa.

Some links in this post may be affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Please see our disclosure policy for more detail.

Before diving into the best Southwest road trip itineraries below, there are a few tips to be aware of, especially if this is your first time in the region!

Pick up an America the Beautiful Pass.

If you’re planning a Southwest USA road trip itinerary, odds are very high that you’re planning to visit several national parks!

If so, consider picking up an  America the Beautiful Pass , also known as the USA’s annual national parks pass.

For only $80–less for certain groups like seniors and military personnel–the park covers day-use fees to over 2,000 federally managed lands, including all 62 national parks, for an entire year.

It’s one of the best travel deals around and will pay for itself within 3-4 visits to popular US national parks (for example, as of the time of writing, many popular Southwest national parks such as Arches and Bryce Canyon cost between $25-35 per vehicle to visit).

Buy your national parks pass  today!

Beware the heat.

Everyone talks about it, but it really can’t be overstated: the heat in the American Southwest in summer can be life-threatening and is not to be trifled with.

Water, sun protection, and keeping an eye on the weather need to be at the forefront of your mind as you work your way through the region.

If you’re planning a trip during the (long) summer, consider optimizing your schedule so that the bulk of your hiking takes place in the mornings and evenings, too, rather than in the middle of the day.

If you’re renting a car, shop around.

The best company to rent a car from for your Southwest USA road trip will likely vary dramatically depending on where and when you’re traveling.

Sometimes large international carriers offer the best prices, sometimes local outfits. Sometimes one company has an excellent base price, but terrible rental requirements.

The best way to find your rental car is to search through  Discover Cars , which will sift through dozens of companies to find the best combination of low prices and reasonable rental terms for your trip.

Shop rental cars for your Southwest road trip today!

Read the rental requirements carefully.

Especially make sure you know how many miles you’ve been allotted (or ideally, if they’re unlimited), what to do if the car breaks down, and what damages you’re liable for in the event of an accident.

You’ll also want to note whether or not to return the car empty or full of fuel.

On the off chance that you’re planning on extending your road trip beyond the US Southwest into Canada or Mexico, be sure to check the requirements for crossing the border as well.

Consider bringing your sleeping arrangements along with you.

It’s not right for everyone, but there’s a reason that using an RV or campervan is such a classic American road trip experience!

And, you don’t need to dive into the RV lifestyle and buy one for your next trip in order to try it out: you can try out the experience by renting RVs and camper vans from  Outdoorsy .

Browse RVs available to rent with Outdoorsy  today!

Make sure you pack the right gear.

From safety gear to snacks, a big road trip in the American Southwest requires bringing the right tools along, whether you’re taking a short vacation, trying out van life, or something in between.

We recommend taking a look at the suggestions on  our road trip packing list  before you go!

Book travel insurance.

We don’t ever suggest traveling without travel insurance.

Anything can happen on the road, and an epic road trip is definitely a case of better to be safe than sorry.

You can check prices and inclusions with  Safety Wing  for road trips in the Southwest USA.

Don’t overextend yourself.

Exploring every nook and cranny of the American Southwest is a project for a lifetime, not one trip!

As tempting as it is to add on additional driving to stop in just one more park or small town, make sure that you leave enough time to thoroughly explore each destination rather than spending the entirety of your Southwest US road trip driving from one spot to the next.

Considering the long driving distances between some of the most iconic places in the Southwest, it’s easy to over-plan!

Set realistic expectations for visiting US national parks.

Many of the best national parks in the USA are located in the Southwest–and they are incredibly popular.

Be sure to research individual parks in advance to make the most of your time, as accessing the most iconic attractions often is not as simple as showing up.

Hotels tend to get booked up quickly, some parks like Rocky Mountain National Park, Arches National Park, and Zion National Park are now requiring most visitors to book timed entry permits in advance.

Other restrictions can pop up too–for example, Zion National Park requires visitors to use a shuttle rather than private cars to access popular hikes (unless you’re planning a winter trip, that is).

None of this detracts from the beauty of the parks–but it does mean that your experience will be much better if you plan ahead!

Kanab to Escalante

From Rachel & Clark of Seeking Our Someday

The Kanab, UT to Escalante, UT road trip gives way to some of Southern Utah’s most beautiful hidden gems.

These rural areas are filled with some of the most dramatic rock formations that you can find on an itinerary for the Southwest USA. 

Starting in Kanab, use this small town as a home base for visiting several nearby destinations.

Buckskin Gulch, just East of Kanab, is one of the longest slot canyons in the world and is considered one of the most beautiful slot canyons in Utah.

For an incredible day trip from Kanab, hike into this slot canyon from Wirepass Trailhead. Be on the lookout for ancient petroglyphs as you descend into the canyon.

Just north of Kanab are the Moqui Caves. These caves are great to explore for a couple of hours, especially in the afternoon light.

Only 30 minutes outside of Kanab, the Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park is home to some of the most beautiful sand dunes. These dunes are especially beautiful at sunrise and sunset. 

On the two-hour drive from Kanab to Escalante, make sure to stop at Bryce Canyon National Park to see the natural hoodoos in the Bryce Amphitheater and check out a few of the coolest things to see in Bryce Canyon NP .

Use Escalante as a second home base to visit more hidden gems in the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.

Some of the most incredible landscapes can be found down Hole in the Rock Road, just south of Escalante.

Make sure to visit Zebra Slot Canyon, a very narrow slot canyon with natural striped rock, along with Devils Garden just a few miles down the road.

Further down Hole in the Rock Road are the Peekaboo and Spooky Slot Canyons which are a fun loop hike through two beautiful slot canyons.

Driving Distance

Recommended road trip length.

This road trip could be done in a long weekend, but there are enough places to visit that we recommend 1-2 weeks to fully experience all of the stops along the way.

New Mexico’s Enchanted Circle

From Becky of SightDOING

Northern New Mexico doesn’t get the attention that the rest of the state does, but travelers willing to take an extra drive will find incredible beauty along the  Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway .

Starting from Taos and going clockwise, you’ll visit the smaller towns of Questa, Red River, Eagle Nest, and Angel Fire.

This part of New Mexico sits high in the mountains and the route takes you through ever-changing scenery.

Many parts are verdant green, thick with evergreens and aspens.

As the road winds, you’ll also see alpine valleys and lakes, plus the impressive Mt. Wheeler (the highest in the state).

As you drive, you’ll be reminded more of Colorado than the stereotypical desert road trips that are so iconic in the Southwest.

Perhaps as you’d expect in a beautiful destination like this, the primary activities involve the outdoors.

One of the highlights is Eagle Rock Lake, not only beautiful but home to playful otters that you might spot if you’re lucky. The picnic tables make a perfect vantage spot.

Hiking is plentiful: head out into the Columbine Hondo Wilderness for wildflowers in spring or look for waterfalls in Cimarron Canyon State Park.

Other activities include mountain biking, horseback riding, fishing, and even skiing in the winter.

It’s not all about the outdoors, though. Visitors can also watch artisans in Questa, pay their respects at the Vietnam Memorial near Angel Fire, brewery hop along the trail, or explore Taos’ history.

Best of all, this New Mexico road trip is wonderful year-round.

Although the driving route is short enough that you can complete it in a day, the area is deserving of a weekend.

Allow plenty of time to stop and explore the parks and mountains along the way and consider even longer if you’re an avid hiker.

Phoenix to the Grand Canyon Road Trip

From Nicole of American SW Obsessed

Visiting the Grand Canyon is one of the best weekend trips you can make from Phoenix. 

The  drive from Phoenix to the Grand Canyon  is only 4 hours and there are several stops along the way.

Montezuma Castle is one of the best preserved Native American Ruins located 94 miles from Phoenix.

It is a 5-story structure built into a recess in a white limestone cliff about 70 feet above the ground and it consists of 20 rooms.

Another great stop is Sedona, which is famous for its red rocks and great hiking trails.

You could easily spend a weekend in Sedona but it is also a great place to stop for some lunch and get out and stretch your legs.

Once you arrive at the Grand Canyon National Park you will enter from the east and one of the first viewpoints is the Desert View Point and Watchtower.

This is one of the most popular viewpoints in the east and it is your first view of the Grand Canyon and the Colorado River. 

You can continue heading West to the main visitors center where you can walk the Trail of Time. 

The Grand Canyon Trail of Time is an interpretive walking timeline trail focusing on the highlights of the Grand Canyon so tourists can experience and appreciate the vastness of geologic time, as well as the stories captured by Grand Canyon rock layers and landscapes. 

We recommend three days as a minimum for this road trip.  Some people do this in a day but it is very rushed. 

Spending a weekend there gives you time to make stops along the way and experience the Grand Canyon.

Northern New Mexico

From Melissa of Parenthood and Passports

New Mexico is known as the Land of Enchantment for a reason.

The southwestern state is one of the best places in the United States for a culturally immersive trip, incredible food, and beautiful desert landscapes. 

Most New Mexico road trips start and end in Albuquerque, the largest city in the state.

There are so many things to do in New Mexico with kids , or without, and you’ll find many of them in Albuquerque!

Give yourself a couple of days to explore Old Town and visit some of the great museums, like the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center.

Be sure to take the tram up to Sandia Peak. The 2.7-mile aerial tramway is the longest in the United States! 

From Albuquerque, head north to New Mexico’s capital of Santa Fe. Known for its adobe-style architecture, this historical city founded as a Spanish colony in the 1600s is as lovely as it is enchanting! 

Just northwest of Santa Fe, outside the town of Los Alamos, Bandelier National Monument is a fascinating look back in time.

In this national monument, you’ll find petroglyphs and cliff dwellings left behind by the Pueblo Indians, the indigenous tribe who originally settled the area. 

For a look at how the Pueblo live today, head to the Taos Pueblo next.

The pueblos one mile north of the town of Taos, is believed to be the oldest continuously inhabited community in the United States.

People have lived in this multi-story adobe building for more than 1,000 years! You can tour the pueblo, which is open to visitors except when tribal rituals take place.

300+ miles.

Ideally, give yourself about a week for this road trip through Northern New Mexico.

Denver to Aspen Loop

From Lori of Fitz 5 On the Go

The state of Colorado was made for epic road trips.  The scenery is just amazing and pretty non-stop.

Colorado’s many mountain towns are fun and welcoming places to explore and are packed with so many outdoor activities to enjoy.  

There are many great options for planning a loop from Denver.  Some can be done on a day trip, and others are more fun spread over a few days. 

For the most variety and activities in a shorter drive time consider going south to Colorado Springs, loop over to Salida then make your way north through Independence Pass. 

Take some time enjoying Aspen then stop by Glenwood Springs for fun activities before going back to Denver.

Summer or early fall is the best time for this trip before some of the roads are closed due to snow.

First, stop in Colorado Springs, where popular activities include Pikes Peak, Garden of the Gods, the Incline, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, the Olympic training center, and the Broadmore.

From there, head to Salida and Buena Vista.

On the way to Salida stop by the Royal Gorge.  This amazing viewpoint is not great for those with a fear of heights but it’s beautiful.

The area has a train, a suspension bridge, and several other activities including a Skycoaster. 

After enjoying a night in Salida, head north toward Leadville.

Leadville can make a nice little stop to explore an old mountain town and get some lunch but the main attraction of the day will be Independence Pass just south of Leadville.  

Driving Independence Pass in the fall  is likely one of the most beautiful drives in the country.

As a mountain road, it is closed in the winter and no large vehicles are allowed.

Independence Pass ends in beautiful Aspen. A stop to Aspen is not complete without seeing the Maroon Bells.

To make your way back to Denver, head north toward I-70 and stop for lunch and activities in Glenwood Springs.

Glenwood Springs has a fabulous hot spring as well as a mountaintop adventure center. 

At minimum plan to stay a night in Salida and one night in Aspen. 

If you only have a weekend then consider cutting the trip in half and making a smaller loop. 

The full loop would be most enjoyable with planning a night in Colorado Springs, 1-2 nights in Salida, and at least 2 nights in Aspen.

The Extraterrestrial Highway

From Audrey of That Backpacker

For a one-of-a-kind southwest road trip that you won’t soon forget,  drive Nevada’s Extraterrestrial Highway !

Located in south-central Nevada and spanning a total of 98 miles between the towns of Warm Springs and Crystal Springs, State Route 375 is considered a bit of a pilgrimage for those who believe in alien life!

But even if you’re not a believer, this is still a fun road trip worth doing.

The Extraterrestrial Highway is punctuated by desert landscapes, lonely roads, and some rather unusual attractions.

Some places not to miss include ET Fresh Jerky where you can buy alien-themed snacks including bottles of Martian soda, the Extraterrestrial Highway sign which is plastered with stickers from intrepid adventurers who have completed the drive, and the Alien Research Center where you can hear stories of paranormal desert activity.

You should also visit the Black Mailbox where people leave all sorts of mementos and letters to aliens, and the Little A’le’inn Motel featuring a pick-up truck towing a UFO and a green alien welcoming all earthlings.

It’s important to note that although Area 51 is also located in the area, it is strictly off-limits.

There are numerous signs to remind you that no video, no photography, and no droning are permitted, so save yourself the trouble.

Though this road trip can be completed in a day, you can break it up with a stay at the infamous Little A’le’inn Motel, home to all things extraterrestrial.

You may also want to consider driving the ET Highway as part of a bigger Nevada road trip with a small detour through Valley of Fire State Park.

Las Vegas to Cathedral Gorge State Park

From Daria of The Discovery Nut

Cathedral Gorge State Park is a natural wonder located in Central Nevada near Utah’s border that makes you feel like you landed on Mars. 

The park is located about 3.5 hours by car away from Las Vegas , the nearest big city, and the remote location of this place and lack of facilities, coupled with the lonely drive in the desert make for an incredible experience.

Cathedral Gorge State Park remains an undiscovered gem full of otherworldly views, amazing hiking trails, and great opportunities for photography.

It’s one of those hidden gem Southwest road trips from Las Vegas that no one talks about, and if you want to see it before it gets discovered, you need to do it now. 

Visiting Cathedral Gorge is pure magic at any time of the year.

Unlike many other popular places in the southwest USA, this state park is uncrowded and offers an amazing quiet space with fantastic landscapes.

With no big stores, chain hotels, or restaurants in the area, this is the ultimate getaway for adventure lovers.  

I recommend spending at least one day at the park and camping under the clear dark skies.

However, if you would rather stay at a hotel, the nearby town of Panaca has a couple of accommodations.

Big Bend Country Road Trip

While all of Texas may not culturally fall into the Southwest, the western part of the state does–and a Big Bend Country road trip is among the best road trips in the Southwest USA.

Make your way to the rugged, isolated, and utterly beautiful Big Bend National Park to kick off your trip.

While you’re there, hike the stunning Santa Elena Canyon, ascend into the Chisos Mountains via the Lost Mine Trail , and soak in natural hot springs along the Rio Grande.

From there, head to Big Bend Ranch State Park to experience one of the most scenic drives in the USA.

Head a couple of hours north, and some of Texas’ most beloved small towns are waiting for you, including Alpine, Fort Davis (where you can experience some of the best stargazing in Texas at the McDonald Observatory), Marathon, and Marfa.

With wild beauty, a huge variety of landscapes, great food, and even excellent art installations, you’ll find plenty of fun things to do in Texas’ Big Bend Country–just be prepared for long driving distances along the way.

About 1000 miles round trip, starting and ending in El Paso.

We recommend setting aside at least one week for this Southwest road trip route.

Classic Southwest USA Road Trip from Page, AZ

From James Ian of Parks Collecting

One of the best road trips in the Southwest USA is a loop from Page, Arizona that takes in a variety of natural and cultural icons.

Starting in Page, head to Monument Valley.

Stop off at the Navajo National Monument, where you can walk on the easy paved 1.3-mile Sandal Trail to the Batatkin Cliff Dwelling overlook for views of your first cliff dwelling on the trip.

After arriving in Monument Valley around noon, head down the Monument Valley road for a self-driving tour. 

The 17-mile scenic drive loops through the valley past many of the major buttes and mesas that make this area so famous.

In the late afternoon, if you still have some energy, hike the Wildcat Trail around West Mitten.

The next day, take a Navajo-led guided tour back into the valley, where you can visit the backcountry and learn more about the Navajo people and culture.

After you leave Monument Valley, take a couple of hours to drive through the beautiful Valley of the Gods before arriving in Moab in the late afternoon. 

Moab is the adventure capital of the world, and you can arrange to go canyoneering, rock climbing, mountain biking, or white-water rafting. Then head to nearby Arches National Park and do all the major hikes in the park.

Next up is a  visit to Mesa Verde National Park , where you will want to spend a couple of days visiting the cliff dwellings, hiking to petroglyphs, and exploring the area. 

After you leave Mesa Verde, stop for a photo at Four Corners, where you can have your limbs in four states at once!

Drive on to Canyon de Chelly, where you will want to spend a full day enjoying the views and hiking down into the canyon.

On the drive from there back to Page, you will pass through the Hopi reservation.

It is worth spending half a day on a tour with a Hopi guide to see more of the area and learn about Hopi culture.

Back in Page, don’t miss the mind-blowing Antelope Canyon and stunning Horseshoe Bend !

I recommend allowing ten days for this trip.

This will give you time to explore each of the parks/ areas and learn more about the cultural and natural environment along the way.

Trail of the Ancients

From Megan of Red Around the World

One of the most unique road trips in the Southwest is the  Trail of the Ancients  through Southeast Utah and Southwest Colorado.

It passes tons of amazing scenery but really features ancient Anasazi ruins throughout the Four Corners Area.

This is a particularly great Southwest road trip itinerary for history buffs and hikers!

Start your road trip in Cortez, where you can start making your way through some of the best places to visit in the Southwest.

Some of the highlights are Mesa Verde National Park, Monument Valley, and Valley of the Gods, but there are tons of smaller stops along the way, too. 

Some of those include Natural Bridges National Monument, Edge of the Cedars State Park, Upper Sand Island Petroglyphs, House on Fire Ruin, Butler Wash Ruin, Goosenecks State Park, Four Corners National Monument, Hovenweep National Monument, and more.

Diriving Distance

About 300-400 miles, depending on stops.

I would recommend spending about 7-10 days on the Trail of the Ancients.

If you have a full 2 weeks to explore, that’s even better.

Zion National Park to Sedona Southwest Road Trip Itinerary

From Allison of She Dreams in Alpine

If you’re looking for a quick Southwestern road trip that packs a whole lot into a relatively short drive, head from Zion National Park in Utah to Sedona, Arizona.

Although Zion is the start of your road trip, it’s actually hard to leave this magical place.

From the epic Angel’s Landing hike to The Narrows slot canyon, if you’re up for adventure, you will have an amazing time here.

Don’t worry, when it’s time to hit the road, your next stop of Kanab has plenty to offer.

If you’re lucky enough to score permits, hike to the incredible swooping sandstone of The Wave.

Or, take some time to explore the beauty of Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.

Then head east on Highway 89 to Lake Powell, where you can take a rest day or two. Chill in the lake before heading south.

Stop at the photogenic Horseshoe Bend , then make your way to the Grand Canyon .

Bask in the breathtaking views from the rim, or challenge yourself to hike to the bottom – just know that means you also have to hike back out!

Next, make your way to Flagstaff, and enjoy the Southwestern city life in the lively downtown area. Finish your road trip in the red rock paradise of Sedona.

You can hit the trails again on some of the awesome hikes in Sedona , take an off-road Jeep tour, or pamper yourself at a spa.

You’ll definitely be ready for some relaxation by the end of this road trip through the Southwest USA!

With all the incredible outdoor places to explore along the way, you should plan at least a week for this adventurous road trip.

You could easily make it longer if you wanted to spend more time hiking around Zion, the Grand Canyon, and Sedona.

Salt Lake City to Phoenix

From Samah of God and Wanderlust

Absorb the extraterrestrial beauty of the southwest with a road trip from Salt Lake City, UT to Phoenix, AZ.

Salt Lake City is made for the adventurous at heart.

Explore Red Butte Garden, Big Cottonwood Canyon, and the Great Salt Lake itself. A scenic mountain backdrop is always included.

Skiing and other snow sports are possible in nearby Park City.

Drive south to Moab and hike your way to the Delicate Arch in Arches National Park. Camp under the Milky Way in Monument Valley situated on protected Navajo land.

Ride a horse among the red rocks and buttes and pretend to be in the Wild West. Visit Forrest Gump Point at the crack of dawn to avoid the rush of cars.

From here head to Zion National Park and then Page, AZ.

Check the infamous Angels Landing off your list, kayak in Lake Powell, and hike to Horseshoe Bend.

Become mesmerized by the cave formations of Antelope Canyon.

At last, you arrive at the Grand Canyon. It’s magnificent. The Bright Angel trail will guide you right into the Canyon.

Sedona is still to come. It’s the most beautiful city you’ll lay eyes on. Hot air balloons illuminate against the sun’s glow. Devils Bridge and Doe Mountain offer spectacular views.

Phoenix will eventually bring a calm end to your southwest road trip itinerary.

Its mellow, laidback atmosphere will help relax after your breathtaking journey through the southwest.

Road Trip Length

We recommend at least 2 weeks to explore various cities, do activities and make stops along the way.

Las Vegas to Monument Valley

From Hannah of Hannah Henderson Travel

For a point-to-point overview of some of the most popular Southwest road trip stops, drive from Las Vegas to Monument Valley!

Your first stop outside of Las Vegas is the Hoover Dam.

This impressive man-made damn along the Colorado River marks the border between Nevada and Arizona.  

Head southeast along Hwy-93 towards Kingman, and be sure to visit the Historic Route 66 Museum.  

If you have time, take a detour and visit Oatman, an old mining town where wild burros (donkeys) roam free throughout the town.

The next leg of the road trip takes you along a small section of Historic Route 66 from Kingman to Seligman.

Enjoy the kitsch rest stop at Hackberry and eat lunch at the Road Kill Café .  The replica Wild West town in Seligman is a fun attraction for families too.

Continue to head east along the I-40 and then up to the Grand Canyon.  There are Grand Canyon hikes to suit many levels, educational talks, and unparalleled views.

Stay overnight at one of the rim-side cabins and witness the incredible sunset and sunrise.

The final leg of your journey will take you through some of the most captivating  desert landscapes in Arizona , onwards north towards Monument Valley.  

The land becomes more arid and sparsely populated, and you will get picture-postcard views.  

Your final stop is Oljato-Monument Valley, a Navajo Nation Tribal Park.  This valley of red rock formations is a soul-shaking place to end your road trip.  

Three to five days is a good length of time for this road trip between Las Vegas and Monument Valley.  

You can do the journey in 3 days minimum, but 5 days would offer you more time to explore the by-ways and scenic stops along the way.

LA to Las Vegas Road Trip Itinerary

From Dhara of Roadtripping California

An  LA to Las Vegas road trip  can be done along several different routes, but you can’t go wrong with a route that includes some of the choicest scenery in the Sierra Nevada as well as the spectacular Death Valley National Park in California.

Admittedly, this is a longer route that involves a little bit of a detour, but for travelers with enough time on their hands, this Southwest national parks road trip itinerary cannot be beaten.

Highlights of the itinerary include the scenic Alabama Hills, Lone Pine, and Mount Whitney, and the spectacular sights in Death Valley National Park.

The Alabama Hills consist of beautiful rock formations nestled at the base of the Sierra Nevada mountains.

The national scenic area is popular for hiking, dirt road driving, photography, camping, and night sky viewing.

At Lone Pine, you can also drive the road that goes part way up Mount Whitney, the tallest peak in the contiguous United States.

The road is open in the summer and fall until snow accumulations close it.

Of course, you can also hike to the peak, either as a grueling day hike or as an overnighter, with a permit.

In Death Valley National Park, the main sights can be found along the road that runs through the park, the one you will be taking to get to Vegas.

If you do the road trip in the cooler months of the year, you can hike. When it’s hot, you can drive through the park and stop briefly at viewpoints for photos.

The Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes are fun for kids and adults.

At Badwater Basin, you can have your photo taken by the sign for the lowest point in North America. Spectacular views await at Zabriskie Point and Dante’s View.

Once you are done exploring the park, it’s a quick drive to Vegas!

We suggest three days or more for this road trip.

With more than three days, you can spend more time hiking, and also explore the northern part of Death Valley National Park.

Denver to Moab

From Julia of The Cure for Curiosity

One of the best road trips in the Southwestern USA takes you from the snow-capped mountains of Denver, Colorado to the red canyons of Moab, Utah. 

During this epic  road trip from Denver to Moab , you’ll be able to see some of the best scenery the United States has to offer.

As you travel, you’ll pass through many charming small towns, complete with great hiking, hot springs, and of course panoramic views.

Start your trip in Denver, the capital of Colorado, and make your way to Rocky Mountain National Park.

Here you’ll find some stunning mountain views and world-class hiking.

Continue your trip through the renowned ski towns of Breckenridge and Vail, exploring the quaint city centers and everything they have to offer, from skiing to mountain roller coasters and free gondola rides.

The next stop is Glenwood Springs, famous for its hot springs as well as the beautiful hike to Hanging Lake.

If you have the time, you can also detour down to Aspen to check out the popular Maroon Bells, the most photographed mountains in North America.

From there, make your way through Colorado wine country in Palisade, CO to the Colorado National Monument.

This is the last stop before crossing into Utah and making your way into Moab.

Moab is the perfect end destination for a road trip as you can spend days exploring the local sights that bring droves of tourists to the area, like Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, and Dead Horse Point State Park.

While the drive itself can easily be done in just one day, you’d miss a lot of the fun stops along the way.

It’s best to plan about a week for this road trip to have plenty of time to explore Denver, the stops in between, and Moab.

LA to Bryce Canyon & Zion National Parks

From Ciara of Wellness Travel Diaries

Los Angeles to Bryce Canyon National Park— a red rock road trip experience — is a beautiful and classic Southwest USA itinerary for those wanting to escape and indulge in the unique rock formations found in Utah.

It’s a serene drive that takes about 8 hours from LA to Bryce Canyon. Add an extra two hours for a detour to Zion National Park

Here’s how to make the best of your time when road tripping from LA to Bryce Canyon and Zion .

Starting in Los Angeles, California hop on the freeway heading north toward Las Vegas. On route, you’ll find Death Valley about an hour or so off the freeway for a quick day trip.

Take another quick pitstop, right off the freeway at Eddie’s World for clean bathrooms and exquisite snacks.

Once you reach Nevada, stay the night in Las Vegas to explore the famous strip where the downtown lights, lit up the midnight sky.

It’s about four hours from LA (depending on traffic), and marks the halfway point to Bryce Canyon.

Continue toward Utah for another 160 miles to reach the first destination: Zion National Park.

Hike the beautiful trails such as Angels Landing (5.4 miles out and back) and Watchman Trail (3.3 miles out and back).

Hop back in the car for another 80 miles to reach the second destination: Bryce Canyon.

Explore the picturesque hoodoos by taking the Rim Hiking Trail (1-11 miles; it’s not a loop so hike the distance you choose) or Fairyland Loop (8 miles out and back).

Pick your route by deciding which park you’d like to visit first, then enjoy!

About 530 miles — this includes the stop in Zion National Park.

While the drive from California to Utah can be done in one day, there are several fun pit stops along this route.

It takes about seven hours to drive from Los Angeles to Zion, and then about two hours from Zion to Bryce Canyon.

To fully explore these natural wonders 6-8 days would be ideal, and allows you to split your time equally between both parks.

Phoenix to Taos to Road Trip

From Polina of Bucket List Places

One of the best itineraries to explore by car in the states is through Arizona and New Mexico.

If you are doing a winter  ski road trip itinerary , this can also be done in reverse starting in Taos.

Fly into Phoenix and rent a car (or RV for even more fun)! Then head south and stop by Saguaro National Park to view the iconic cactus after which the park is named.

From there head to White Sands National Park in New Mexico and sled down some sand dunes.

This park is vast and can be explored for the day or for multiple days if you would like to hike amongst the sand dunes.

Then head to the city to check out Albuquerque’s bustling nightlife.

In contrast, the next stop on the itinerary is Santa Fe, a beautiful historic city that looks like it is stuck in the past.

Stroll the streets and marvel at the beautiful architecture. Visit the delicious restaurants in town or get your culture on at the numerous art galleries.

Your final stop is Taos where you can view the historic Pueblan village, enjoy the delicious restaurants in town, and hang out in the historic town square.

In the wintertime, make sure to hit the slopes! 

We suggest a minimum of one week to enjoy the beautiful destinations on this road trip itinerary. 

Route 66 (Southwest Portion)

From Stephanie of Oklahoma Wonders

While Route 66 stretches from Chicago to the east to Los Angeles and Santa Monica in the west, Route 66 is the Great American Road Trip of your dreams.

Of course, when people think of driving Route 66, or the Mother Road as it’s commonly called, they think of diners and motels in the Midwest, but by the time the route crosses the border from Oklahoma into Texas, you’re officially in the part of the drive where southwestern scenery and magnificent landscapes take over.

There’s nothing more iconic than a Route 66 sign in front of a tiny Arizona town or the eye-catching Cadillac Ranch installation in Amarillo.

There are so many  things to see on Route 66 , but in this part of the country make sure to visit Petrified National Forest National Park, take a day trip to the Grand Canyon, and even venture up to Monument Valley.

The total distance of Route 66 is just under 2,500 miles, but you can easily visit only a portion on a Southwest USA road trip.

You can spend months exploring Route 66!

With a week or less, we recommend picking 1-2 states to explore.

San Jose, CA to Escalante, UT Loop

From Jyoti at Story at Every Corner

The road trip from San Jose to Escalate is an excellent way to get out into nature and have a fun outdoor vacation, and features plenty of of classic Southwestern landscapes along the way.

The drive is about 12 hours plus additional time for stops.

Along the route, you’ll find many parks, camps, Mojave National Preserve, and Las Vegas. 

The little town of Escalante is surrounded by five great national parks of Utah and many recreational areas and national monuments.

You could do day trips to national parks but there are many incredible hikes around Escalante to slot canyons, waterfall trails, and natural formations .

You could easily spend 10 days in Escalante and still have many hikes remaining to be explored.

You would definitely want to do day trips to Bryce Canyon National Park , Burr Trail, Capitol Reef National Park, Dixie Forest, and Arches National Park . 

1640 miles.

10 days will be a reasonable amount of time for this round trip.

Planning a Southwest road trip soon and eager to keep planning?

You can browse all of our USA blog posts here , or check out these guides:

• The Ultimate Utah National Parks Road Trip Itinerary
• Colorado Bucket List: 25 Cool Places to Visit in Colorado
• The Ultimate Road Trip Packing List: 50+ Road Trip Essentials You Need
• 3 Days in Las Vegas: The Perfect Weekend in Vegas Itinerary
• 9 Best Things to Do in Page, AZ (+ Nearby!)

About Kate Storm

In May 2016, I left my suburban life in the USA and became a full-time traveler. Since then, I have visited 50+ countries on 5 continents and lived in Portugal, developing a special love of traveling in Europe (especially Italy) along the way. Today, along with my husband Jeremy and dog Ranger, I’m working toward my eventual goal of splitting my life between Europe and the USA.

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2 Week Arizona and New Mexico Road Trip

This blog post may contain affiliate links.  I may earn a small commission for any purchases made through these links. Click  here  for the disclosure statement.

All photos are original to the author unless otherwise noted. 

A road trip from Austin through New Mexico and Arizona is a great way to see some of the most beautiful scenery in the United States. With plenty of national parks and monuments to visit, as well as small towns and villages to explore, this is a great way to spend some time outdoors and experience the unique culture of the American Southwest.

Austin, Texas & Monahans Sandhills State Park

Take a hike in one of Texas’ fantastic hill country parks or explore the city like a local. Austin to New Mexico is a long drive, so break it up with an overnight stop at  Monahans Sandhills State Park .

Carlsbad, New Mexico

Arizona and New Mexico offer many options for a road trip, but an excellent place to start is the area around Carlsbad, New Mexico. This is a great place to get a feel for the region and see some truly unique landscapes. Carlsbad Caverns’ largest room is the world’s third-largest cavern chamber and is a must-see. There are several other caves to explore, including a beautiful Lechuguilla Cave , known for its rare geological formations. 

If you have time for more adventures, Guadalupe Mountains National Park is only a half hour away and includes mountains, vibrant colors during autumn, and good birding hot spots near Frijole Ranch and Smith Springs or McKittrick Canyon. Carlsbad Caverns is a great place to set up camp for a day or two; between the two parks, there are also tons of trails available for all skill levels.

White Sands, New Mexico

One of the most incredible natural landscapes in North America is White Sands National Park. This area is a massive white gypsum sand dune field with several trails and boardwalks through its beautiful landscape , scenic drives, backcountry camping, and dune sledding. The park offers a variety of ranger-led activities as well. If you want to dig a little deeper into the history and culture of the area, the nearby town of Alamogordo offers a lot of exciting things to see and do.

Tucson, Arizona

After a couple of days around Carlsbad and White sands, drive a few hours southwest to Tucson. Just a few miles outside of town, you’ll find a gem called Saguaro National Park, home to the most iconic cacti of the desert landscape! On a side note, the cactus forests are a great place to go bird watching—if you’re lucky, you might spot a roadrunner or a gambles quail! Finally, anyone looking to escape from the southwestern desert should head over to the unexpected oasis at Biosphere 2 .

Phoenix, Arizona

This city sits in a broad valley surrounded by mountains and many hiking options; the views of the Valley of the Sun from the top of Camelback Mountain are a sight to behold! Also, a little out of town is an excellent old gold mining ghost town called Goldfield Ghost Town that’s a great place to visit to catch a glimpse of the old wild west. Another intriguing attraction is phoenix’s Mystery Castle , a little girl’s dream castle brought to life by her father in the 1930s.

Albuquerque, New Mexico

Halfway between Phoenix and Albuquerque is the petrified national forest, a unique stop featuring fossilized trees. Albuquerque is a charming little town with plenty of excellent restaurants, museums, and hiking! There’s a small mountain range called Sandia Peak with stunning views and a restaurant if you want to stay and enjoy the scenery. 

Albuquerque is a great central location for exploring smaller towns in Albuquerque. Bosque Del Apache, one of the best birding hotspots in the world, is an hour south of Albuquerque, and Bandelier National Monument is two hours north.

Santa Fe, New Mexico

New Mexico has diverse landscapes and cultures where you can explore a mountain range one day and a desert the next. There’s no better way to experience this than by taking a road trip. 

One of my favorite destinations in New Mexico is Santa Fe, a city rich with history and culture on display at Museum Hill , which offers plenty for visitors to do. From artsy shops on Canyon Road to the vibrant downtown plaza where artists sell their wares every weekend , there are many ways to enjoy this historic town.

Palo Duro Canyon, Texas

Finally, a few hours east brings you to a small city called Amarillo, an unexpectedly good place to stop for the night. This small town is famous for Cadillac Ranch and Palo Duro Canyon , the Grand Canyon of Texas. Spend a day hiking in the park or visit the largest museum in Texas, Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum , and explore the cultural and ethnological history of the plains region.

Sample 2-week Itinerary

There’s so much to explore in each of these, so I recommend planning a trip for at least 8-10 days. You’ll need 14 or more days to appreciate everything on this list. If you have the time, I recommend this 2-week action-packed Itinerary.

Austin to Monahans State Park (6 hours)

Monahans State Park To Carlsbad Caverns (2 hours)

• Visit Carlsbad Caverns and Lechuguilla Cave
• If you have time, do a scenic drive or short hike in Guadalupe Mountains National Park

Carlsbad to White Sands (4 hours)

• Sand Dune Sledding
• Scenic Drive

White Sands to Tucson (5 hours)

• Saguaro National Park

Tucson to Phoenix (3 hours)

• Biosphere 2
• Goldfield Ghost Town

Explore Phoenix

• Desert Botanical Gardens
• Mystery Castle
• Camelback Mountain

Phoenix to Petrified Forest (3.5 hours) To Albuquerque (3.5 Hours)

• Petrified Forest National Park
• Wigwam Motel for a roadside attraction

Explore Albuquerque

• ABQ Bio Park
• Sandia Peak Tramway

Day trip from Albuquerque to Bosque del Apache (1 hour)

• Bird watching
• Bird Photography

Albuquerque to Santa Fe (3 hours)

• Nambe Falls
• Jemez Recreational Area
• Bandelier National Monument

Explore Santa Fe

• A Museum on Museum Hill
• Santa Fe Plaza

Santa Fe to Palo Duro Canyon (4.5 Hours)

• Longhorn Pasture
• Juniper Cliffside Trail

Palo Duro Canyon to Austin (7.5 Hours)

• Cadillac Ranch

Most people don’t realize how beautiful the desert landscape in the Southwest is; the natural beauty and amazing outdoor adventures make this region a terrific destination for a road trip. With plenty to see in terms of national parks, monuments and small towns, there’s something here for everyone. If you’re looking to spend a few days exploring new places with your family on vacation – I suggest heading Southwest!

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Delaney is a Business Analyst by day and a travel and wildlife photographer by night who is using her skills for translating complex technical language into easy to understand concepts to make photography achievable at all skill levels. You have questions; she has answers.

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• Landscape, wildlife, and travel photographer based in Austin, Texas.

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