9 Great Road Trips to Take in Arizona
The Grand Canyon State is a veritable treasure trove of natural wonders, captivating all those who care to visit with picturesque desert landscapes and stunning red rock formations. While most travelers love to bask in the glitz and glamor of the big cities and all their urban conveniences, there is much to explore on the fringes of the state. A day trip presents the best way to uncover Arizona's best-kept secrets, from charming little towns and gorgeous natural sanctuaries to well-preserved historical sites.
Whether you're seeking to discover the state's rich cultural heritage, embark on heart-pounding outdoor adventures, or simply bask in the raw beauty of its desert vistas, these road trips to take in Arizona provide the perfect canvas to craft unforgettable memories. Between the iconic Route 66 and the less-traveled byways that wind through the Sonoran Desert, each journey promises to unveil a new layer of the state's captivating essence.
Phoenix To Petrified Forest National Park
Petrified Forest National Park is a popular destination in Arizona and a fabulous getaway from Phoenix. The journey takes just over three and a half hours from the city along Route 66, passing through notable towns worth familiarizing with. About 90 miles into the trip, you will find yourself in Payson, a quintessential small town with lovely diners. Pass by Fargo's Steakhouse and enjoy a delicious dish of coconut shrimp to restock for the remaining drive.
Another exciting stop to make will be in the relaxed village of Holbrook. Take a few minutes to uncover exciting Native American and regional history at the Navajo County Historical Society. Also, shop for hiking gear, supplies, and other adventure equipment you will need to fully immerse yourself in the rugged wilderness of the Petrified Forest National Park.
Phoenix To Homolovi State Park
Historic Route 66 cuts through a treasure of Arizona's sites, towns, and landmarks, making it one of the best byways to embark on a road trip. Driving a little over three hours from Phoenix leads you to the famous Homolovi State Park, an excellent escape for historians and adventurers. Exploring the reserve's vast territory exposes you to isolated hiking trails, camping sites, and dozens of Native American archeological sites. Along the way, be sure to pause at Cordes Lakes and restock with an authentic Mexican dish at El Gordo Real Mexican Grill.
Additionally, a detour at Camp Verde grants you rare encounters with exotic wildlife species at Out of Africa Wildlife Park. This lovely refuge provides a habitat for giraffes, zebras, and other beautiful animals you can get up close to during an unforgettable safari.
Phoenix To Sedona
Sedona is among the most exciting small towns in the state to visit. It is famous for its vibrant art scene and gorgeous desert scenery, making for a refreshing getaway when you are tired of the city's fast pace. It takes about two hours to reach the town by car. However, you can extend the journey by making the most of the numerous points of interest along the way. For instance, consider spending some time checking out the ghost town of Bumble Bee in the Bradshaw Mountains.
If you appreciate gorgeous outdoor scenery, you can take a detour to check out the tiny village of Lake Montezuma. Head to Wet Beaver Creek for a quiet hike through rugged trails leading to the pristine waterway. Once you arrive in Sedona, don't pass on a casual retail therapy experience at Tlaquepaque Arts and Shopping Village.
Phoenix To Jerome
Two hours behind the wheel from Phoenix is all you need to discover the historic community of Jerome, a former mining boomtown that feels frozen in time. Perched on a steep hillside, it houses a blend of galleries, old stores, and historical markers, highlighted by the Jerome State Historic Park. But before you start delving into Jerome's captivating heritage, there is a lot to warm up to on the route. For instance, you are driving on a full stomach by savoring a tasty chicken meal at Rock Springs Cafe in Black Canyon City.
Just before Jerome, Cottonwood invites adventurers for a remarkable time in the open while discovering Dead Horse Ranch State Park. The reserve is famous for horseback riding, camping, and canoeing.
Phoenix To Prescott
If the chaotic scene in downtown Phoenix is taking a toll on you, Prescott presents a great way to cool off and revel in small-town splendor. Situated less than two hours from the capital, the location delights with a range of fun experiences. It hosts an impressively preserved historic district, with many tourists choosing laid-back strolls through Whiskey Row to explore rustic Western saloons from the Gold Rush era. Prescott also boasts some of the state's most iconic museums, starting with the Sharlot Hall Museum.
On the way to Prescott, consider pausing at the small village of Mayer to check out some of its historical treasures. The area has three listings on the National Register of Historic Places, including the Mayer Red Brick Schoolhouse.
Phoenix To Grand Canyon National Park
The State's crowning jewel ranks among the best road trips to take in Arizona. Situated about three and a half hours north of Phoenix, the Grand Canyon National Park is one of the most sought-after attractions in the region. This natural phenomenon draws admirers with its awe-inspiring physical formations, from steep canyons and isolated nature trails to gorgeous cascades. There is much to look out for along the drive, with possible detours coming in Flagstaff and Williams.
In Flagstaff, you can check out the Walnut Canyon National Monument, which intrigues first-timers with preserved ancestral homes featuring 25 cliffside dwellings. Meanwhile, Williams treats tourists to rare encounters with native wildlife species at Bearizona Wildlife Park.
Phoenix To Tucson
If you want to substitute the big-city scenery in Phoenix with another vibrant atmosphere, you won't mind driving less than two hours to Tucson. This bustling metropolis harbors a rich mix of attractions, guaranteeing something to excite all visitors. The Tucson Botanical Gardens are a refreshing experience for nature lovers, exhibiting a pleasant collection of desert plants and vegetation.
Meanwhile, historians and aircraft enthusiasts will naturally gravitate towards the Pima Air and Space Museum. It boasts a vast collection of 400 vintage planes spread out over a 127-acre campus. But before you get to the big city, you can stop to refuel at Eloy and indulge in an adrenaline-inducing aerial adventure at Skydive Arizona.
Phoenix To Picacho Peak State Park
Prepare to engage in the deserted wasteland of the Arizona desert with a trip to Picacho Peak State Park. Accessing the park requires just over one hour on the road, but the route passes by interesting points of interest that call for a short pause. For instance, you can spend a few minutes to an hour roaming about the village of Casa Grande. If you did not carry enough supplies for the impeding hiking expedition, pop into the Promenade at Casa Grande to shop for anything.
The town's scrumptious dining scene makes it the perfect stop for a quick meal. You will relish the exotic cuisine served at Eva's Fine Mexican Foods, which is prepared with traditional homemade recipes. Finally, pack comfortable hiking shoes to conquer the climbing trails and to Picacho Peak and take in the incredible vistas of the surroundings.
Phoenix To Lake Havasu
The trip from Phoenix to Lake Havasu City features a fair share of twists and turns but proves rewarding. There are many opportunities to detour and discover exciting destinations traversed by the route. For instance, you can pause to refuel at Parker and indulge in low-impact hiking at Buckskin Mountain State Park. If you need to eat, take an early break when you get to Vicksburg and sample its delightful dining landscape. The town boasts a rich network of eateries, including Salome Restaurant.
Arriving in Lake Havasu City reveals a charming waterfront oasis with a laid-back atmosphere. You can head to the picturesque shores for an unassuming picnic or walk along the historic London Bridge to take in beautiful views of the water.
These fun road trips in Arizona offer travelers a wealth of opportunities to explore the state's captivating landscapes and cultural treasures. From the towering red rock formations of Sedona to the serene majesty of Lake Havasu, each journey unveils new layers of Arizona's captivating essence, inviting you to embrace the spirit of adventure and uncover the hidden gems that lie beyond the horizon. As you plan your next great escape in the United States, let these exceptional road trip opportunities inspire you to hit the open road and discover the enchanting treasures that make the Grand Canyon State truly special.
