Arizona is home to three national parks and some of the most breathtaking rock formations in North America. The 48th state is also steeped in Wild West history. What better way to explore than an Arizona road trip?
If you’re planning to visit the Grand Canyon State, start by making a road trip checklist and choosing a highway, including basics like vehicle maintenance and car warranty extension for added peace of mind on long journeys.
When you’re ready to go, this guide will help you choose between 5 of the best road trips in Arizona (or, if you have time, add them all to your list!).
Whatever route you choose to take, it is important to remember to be a responsible traveler – take what you bring, do not disturb any wildlife and do not damage any of the ancient sites.
Buckle up and let’s go. Here are 5 Arizona road trip stops and attractions not to be missed!
1. The Grand Canyon
The Grand Canyon is the origin of the state’s nickname and is at the top of this list. The canyon is 277 miles long, up to 18 miles wide, over a mile deep at its lowest point, and is easily one of the the coolest places in the United States.
Due to its size, visitors usually have to choose between the north bank and the south bank of the canyon.
The South Rim offers the quintessential Grand Canyon experience, including guided burro rides, paved trails, luxury hotels, tasty restaurants, and a terrifying glass walkway.
It’s also easy to access from major cities, making it a great road trip from Phoenix and Los Angeles.
The north rim of the canyon is much quieter than the tourist-heavy south rim and has fewer man-made attractions.
On the other hand, the higher altitude offers a decidedly different view of the Grand Canyon. Instead of spectacular sunny views, the North Rim offers tranquil forests and secluded hikes.
The atmosphere of the North Rim is less concerned with tourism and more with the natural beauty of the canyon. Some popular North Shore destinations include Kaibab North Trail And Ribbon scraps.
☞ SEE ALSO: 15 Best Things to Do in the Grand Canyon
2. Sedona – A Desert Village
Even though there are many things to do in Phoenix (that’s where I live), every time someone visits me they ask me the same thing: “When can we go to Sedona?”
Located north of Phoenix, this desert city is surrounded by red rock cliffs, steep canyons, and dense pine forests, making it a highlight of any Arizona road trip.
When you’re ready to leave, head north on Interstate 17.
Along the way, you’ll pass Montezuma Castle National Monument, a group of preserved cliff dwellings that were home to the Sinagua people more than 1,000 years ago.
You’ll also pass the V-Bar-V Heritage Site, the largest “rock art site” in Red Rocks Country.
THE hiking in Sedona is legendary, so be sure to pack your boots and don’t miss these desert hikes: Cathedral Rock, Devils Bridge, The Birthing Cave, and Soldiers Pass, to name a few.
Sedona itself is known for its thriving arts community and quaint small-town vibe. Start your day at Coffee maker restauranta bustling cafe offering all-day breakfast and 101 different types of omelettes.
When you’ve had enough, spend the day shopping for artisan goods at the Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Village. This beautiful open-air shopping district features cobblestone streets, hand-blown glass, and beautiful artisan jewelry.
For dinner, book at Heartline Cafe. My two favorite dishes are the petit filet mignon with bacon and the pistachio crusted chicken breast.
3. Tombstone – The Town Too Hard to Die
Wyatt Earp was a notorious gambler and sheriff who participated in the famous OK Corral shootout. Every Memorial Day, Tombstone honors his legacy with the celebration of Wyatt Earp Days.
This two-day festival includes shootouts, mock hangings and a massive chili cook-off. Tombstone’s affinity for the Wild West is evident in everything from architecture to tourist attractions. It’s also the reason why Tombstone was nicknamed “The Town Too Hard to Die.”
The United States today said it perfectly when they called Tombstone “the perfect blend of historical and nerdy.” The OK Corral, however, is just one of Tombstone’s historic landmarks.
History buffs should also visit the Bird Cage Theater Museum, a former brothel that has been preserved to show the honesty of the place.
Finally, visit Boot Hill Graveyard, Tombstone’s first cemetery. This historic site was said to be the cemetery of people who “died with their boots on.”
You can reach Tombstone from Phoenix in about 3 hours, or from Tuscon in just over an hour.
Monument Valley is located along the Arizona-Utah border, so close that it is featured on Official Utah Travel Site. Nice trick, Utah, but you’re not fooling anyone!
Monument Valley is one of the Copper State’s most valuable treasures.
This imposing sandstone rock formation has set the stage for so many westerns that a travel writer said, “Its five square miles have defined what moviegoers think of for decades when they imagine the American West.”
There are plenty day trips from Sedona or Flagstaffand guided tours, but I prefer to travel the 17-mile route at my own pace. Entrance to the park costs $20 per vehicle, but there is no time limit.
If your budget allows, you should also consider staying overnight at the View, the only hotel in Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park. These luxury accommodations offer unparalleled views of the entire valley, especially at sunset and sunrise.
Another option is to stay in a unique “cave lodge” just a 10-minute drive from the park. These accommodations are magnificent. Click here to take a look.
Before leaving, visit the Navajo-run trading post. Inside you will find several John Wayne memorabilia and a wide selection of Navajo arts and crafts.
5. Antelope Canyon and Lake Powell
This list will end the same way it began: with an astonishing rock formation created by millions of years of water erosion. Antelope Canyon is a beautiful slot canyon located east of Page in northern Arizona and is definitely one of the most incredible. places to visit in USA.
The canyon’s undulating corridors have been featured in several nature documentaries, including one by Louie Schwartzberg. Art in movement series.
Throughout the day, the sun illuminates the 120-foot canyon walls and casts shadows around every corner.
If you are planning to visit, be aware that guided tours are the only way to explore the canyon.
A short drive away, Lake Powell offers hiking, climbing, and rappelling through beautiful sandstone canyons. While Lake Powell is actually located in Utah, the closest accommodation is in Page, Arizona.
Come to think of it, Lake Powell isn’t even a lake, it’s a reservoir. Too bad! You won’t think about semantics as you boat, swim, and ski in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area.
If you’re planning a visit to Antelope Canyon and Lake Powell, be sure to allow at least two days. One day is not enough to experience all that these natural wonders have to offer.
Ready for your road trip to Arizona?!
As you can see, it’s all about Arizona’s natural beauty. With so much to see and do, you could spend months here and still not experience it all.
Exploring the state in your own vehicle will give you the independence and freedom to see as many natural sights and attractions as you want. Enjoy all those epic Arizona road trips.
☞ SEE ALSO: Best things to do in Old Town Scottsdale
Have you taken a road trip to Arizona? What did we miss?! Share your favorite Arizona road trip spots in the comments below.
