Are you a traveler who loves chasing landscapes and going to new places?
On my Arizona road trip, I experienced dramatic canyons, serene desert trails, and vibrant towns, making every mile unforgettable.
In this guide, I’ll share practical itineraries, stops, drives and many more things I personally tried, helping you plan your own trip with ease.
Drawing from years of travel experience, I’ve structured this Arizona road trip guide to balance iconic landmarks with quieter spots, so you can enjoy your perfect trip fully without missing a thing.
Let’s get started.
Why Choose an Arizona Road Trip
An Arizona road trip covers deserts, canyons, forests, rivers, and cities within a single state. The scenery changes quickly, making long drives feel short and engaging.
Self-driving offers more flexibility than guided tours. You can choose your own pace, stop at viewpoints, and adjust routes without fixed schedules.
Spring and fall provide the best weather for road trips. Summer has fewer crowds in some areas but extreme heat. Winter is mild in southern Arizona and works well for city and desert travel.
Scenic drives are a key part of the experience. Routes like Highway 89A, the Red Rock Scenic Byway, and Oak Creek Canyon add value to the journey, not just the destinations.
Ready-to-Use Arizona Road Trip Itineraries
This Arizona road trip guide brings all itinerary options together in one place. I followed these routes myself and planned them to keep driving realistic and sightseeing clear.
3-4 Day Quick Arizona Road Trip (Weekend Getaway)
This short Arizona road trip covers major highlights with simple driving days.
Day 1- Phoenix to Grand Canyon South Rim: Drive about 230 miles in 3.5 hours.
Stop at Mather Point, visit Yavapai Observation Station, and walk part of the Rim Trail. Eat at El Tovar Dining Room or Canyon Village Market.
Day 2- Grand Canyon to Sedona: Drive around 110 miles in 2 hours via AZ-89A. Stop at Oak Creek Canyon viewpoints.
Hike Devil’s Bridge and visit the Chapel of the Holy Cross. Dinner options include The Hudson or Hideaway House.
Day 3- Sedona to Scottsdale or Phoenix: Hike Cathedral Rock early. Visit Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Village. Stop at Montezuma Castle National Monument if time allows.
Optional Day 4- Sedona to Lake Powell and Horseshoe Bend: Drive about 150 miles in 2.5 hours.
Take an Antelope Canyon tour, kayak at Lake Powell, and view Horseshoe Bend at sunset.
7-Day Arizona Road Trip Itinerary
This Arizona road trip allows more time at each stop with steady driving.
Day 1- Phoenix to Page: Drive about 275 miles in 4.5 hours. Visit Lower Antelope Canyon on a guided tour and stop at Horseshoe Bend for sunset.
Day 2- Grand Canyon East and South Rim: Follow Desert View Drive and stop at major viewpoints. Walk short sections of the Rim Trail and use the park shuttle.
Day 3 and Day 4- Sedona: Hike Devil’s Bridge, Bell Rock, and Cathedral Rock. Visit Jerome and stop at Tlaquepaque Arts Village. A jeep tour through the red rocks is optional.
Day 5- Scottsdale and Phoenix: Hike Camelback Mountain early. Visit Old Town Scottsdale. Visit Desert Botanical Garden.
Day 6- Lake Powell and Glen Canyon: Spend time boating on Lake Powell. Photograph canyon walls and watch the sunset near Glen Canyon Dam.
Day 7- Return to Phoenix or Departure: Drive back to Phoenix and depart based on the schedule.
10-14 Day Extended Arizona Road Trip
This Arizona road trip is suited for slow travel across the state.
Regions covered: Northern, central, and southern Arizona.
Key stops: Bisbee and Tombstone for historic towns. Havasu Falls for canyon waterfalls. Vermillion Cliffs for desert views. Petrified Forest National Park and the Painted Desert for colorful landscapes.
Optional scenic detours: Moki Dugway for cliffside driving. Chiricahua National Monument for rock formations.
Permit-based destinations: Havasu Falls requires advance permits. The Wave requires a lottery permit.
These Arizona road trip itineraries are easy to follow and flexible. Choose the route that matches your time and travel pace.
Things to See in Arizona Road Trip
This route covers Arizona from top to bottom. I followed this flow to keep driving efficient while seeing the state’s most iconic landscapes, historic towns, and quieter detours.
Northern Arizona
Northern Arizona sets the tone for the trip with dramatic canyons, desert rivers, and wide open landscapes that feel unreal the first time you see them.
- Grand Canyon South Rim viewpoints and Rim Trail: Seeing the canyon at sunrise and sunset was unforgettable, and the Rim Trail made it easy to check out multiple viewpoints without difficult hiking.
- Antelope Canyon Upper and Lower guided tours: Walking through the narrow sandstone walls felt surreal, and the guided tours helped time the light and explain the canyon’s natural history.
- Horseshoe Bend short scenic hike: This easy walk leads to one of Arizona’s most striking river views, and visiting early helped avoid crowds and harsh midday heat.
- Lake Powell and Glen Canyon kayaking and photography: Calm waters, towering cliffs, and changing light made kayaking here one of the most peaceful parts of my road trip.
- Vermillion Cliffs and The Wave permit based landscapes: The remote terrain and swirling rock formations felt untouched, and planning permits in advance was essential for access.
- Monument Valley iconic sandstone formations: Driving through Monument Valley felt cinematic, with massive red rock buttes and open desert views that define the Southwest.
- Havasu Falls permit required turquoise waterfalls: Reaching these blue green waterfalls felt rewarding after the long hike, and the limited permits kept the experience peaceful.
- Petrified Forest National Park Painted Desert and fossils: Walking among fossilized wood and colorful badlands felt like stepping onto another planet, especially during quiet morning hours.
Central Arizona
Central Arizona blends red rock scenery with lively cities. I found it ideal for pairing early hikes with relaxed afternoons visiting towns and viewpoints.
- Sedona Devil’s Bridge and Cathedral Rock hikes: I hiked both trails for sweeping red rock views, and early starts made them cooler and far less crowded.
- Chapel of the Holy Cross architecture and views: Built into the red rocks, this chapel offered calm moments and wide Sedona views between outdoor activities.
- Scottsdale Old Town shopping dining and art galleries: Old Town felt vibrant yet relaxed, with walkable streets, local art, and great places to unwind after driving.
- Phoenix Camelback Mountain and Desert Botanical Garden: Camelback delivered panoramic city views, while the Botanical Garden showcased desert plants in a simple, well designed layout.
Southern Arizona Road Trip
Southern Arizona felt slower and more historic. I enjoyed the desert landscapes, old mining towns, and strong Wild West character.
- Tucson Saguaro National Park Rincon and Tucson Mountains hiking: Hiking among towering saguaros was unforgettable, especially along scenic drives in the Rincon district.
- Bisbee historic mining town art galleries and ghost tours: Bisbee felt creative and mysterious, with colorful streets, local art spaces, and stories tied to its mining past.
- Tombstone O K Corral and Old West streets: Walking Allen Street and visiting the O K Corral felt like stepping into the 1880s with preserved buildings and reenactments.
Hidden Gems and Offbeat Stops
These stops added personality to my Arizona road trip and broke up long driving days with something unexpected.
- Arcosanti eco community and experimental architecture: Arcosanti felt thought provoking, with bold desert architecture focused on sustainable living concepts.
- Jerome hillside town art galleries and quirky charm: Jerome’s steep streets, art galleries, and hillside views create a quirky atmosphere unlike anywhere else in Arizona.
Planning Your Arizona Road Trip
Good planning kept my Arizona road trip smooth. Long distances and changing weather made simple preparation essential.
Rental car vs RV: I chose a rental car for flexibility and easier parking, while RVs suit slower trips focused on camping and extended national park stays. If you are using your own car, make sure you get a tune-up by getting a VW ECU Tuning or a tuning for whatever vehicle you have. Also, make sure to double-check that you have an extended warranty for vehicles so that you are covered on your journey.
Main highways and scenic routes: I relied on I 17 and I 40 for distance, and Highway 89A for the most scenic and enjoyable driving.
Hotels resorts and Airbnbs: Staying close to Sedona, Page, and the Grand Canyon saved time and made sunrise visits easier.
Camping in parks: Camping offered early access and peaceful nights, but reservations were necessary during busy seasons.
Park passes and safety: I carried extra water, checked park rules, and used a national park pass to save money.
Packing essentials: Layers, sunscreen, hiking shoes, and sun protection handled changing temperatures well.
Fuel in remote areas: I never skipped fuel stops, as long stretches of road have limited services.
With the right planning, an Arizona road trip stays easy and focused on the landscapes, not logistics.
Must-Drive Scenic Routes
These drives were some of my favorite moments on the Arizona road trip.
- Route 66: A classic Arizona road trip stretch with retro towns, roadside stops, and a strong sense of American travel history.
- Red Rock Scenic Byway: One of the best drives for sunset views, with pullouts that showcase Sedona’s glowing red rock formations.
- Apache Trail: A rugged route through desert scenery, historic towns, and dramatic canyon views, best driven slowly and with caution.
- Oak Creek Canyon Drive: A winding, scenic road following a creek, surrounded by cliffs and trees, especially beautiful in fall and spring.
These scenic routes turn long drives into highlights and add unforgettable views between major stops.
Tips for an Unforgettable Arizona Road Trip
These small habits made a big difference and helped me enjoy Arizona without stress or missed moments.
- Avoid peak tourist hours for photography by visiting popular spots early morning or near sunset for better light and fewer crowds.
- Try local dining and regional food spots to experience Southwestern flavors beyond standard chain restaurants.
- Plan fuel stops in advance, choose the right rental car, and stay mindful of desert safety, especially in remote areas.
With a little awareness and flexibility, your Arizona road trip will feel relaxed, scenic, and truly memorable.
Conclusion
Wrapping up my Arizona road trip, the state’s deserts, canyons, and lively towns made every day exciting.
Planning drives, visiting both famous landmarks and hidden gems, and taking time for hikes and kayaking allowed me to enjoy the landscapes fully.
From Lake Powell to Sedona’s red rocks, each stop offered memorable experiences that only a well-planned Arizona road trip can provide.
Have you tried an Arizona road trip? Share your experiences and tips in the comments, I’d love to hear your experience!
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I Need A 4WD Vehicle For An Arizona Road Trip?
Most highlights are accessible by regular cars, with 4WD only needed for remote backcountry areas like White Pocket or select Vermilion Cliffs roads.
Is An Arizona Road Trip Good For First Time Visitors?
Yes, highways are well maintained, navigation is easy, and major attractions are clearly marked with good visitor infrastructure.
How Much Driving Should I Expect Each Day?
Expect around 2 to 4.5 hours of driving daily, with long distances balanced by scenic pullouts and natural breaks.
What Is The Best Time Of Year For An Arizona Road Trip?
Spring and fall offer ideal weather, summer needs early starts, and winter stays mild except at higher elevations.
How Many Days Are Ideal For An Arizona Road Trip?
Seven to ten days is enough to cover Northern, Central, and Southern Arizona comfortably without rushing.
