Arizona is home to three national parks and some of the most stunning rock formations in North America. The 48th state also has a rich Old West history. What better way to explore than on a road trip through Arizona?
If you've been thinking about visiting the Grand Canyon State, start by making a road trip bucket list and choosing a highway, including basics like vehicle care and maintenance car extended warranty Make long-distance driving more secure.
When you're ready to go, this guide will help you choose among the 5 best road trips in Arizona (or, if you have the time, add them all to your list!).
Whichever route you choose, it’s important to remember Be a responsible traveler – Pack up what you bring in and don't disturb any wildlife or damage any ancient ruins.
Fasten your seat belts and let's go. Here are 5 stops and Arizona road trip attractions you don’t want to miss!
1. Grand Canyon
The Grand Canyon tops the list as inspiration for the state's nickname. The canyon is 277 miles long, up to 18 miles wide, and over a mile deep at its lowest point, easily becoming coolest places in america.
Due to its size, visitors often have to choose between: North Rim and South Rim of the canyon.
The South Rim offers the quintessential Grand Canyon experience, including guided donkey rides, paved trails, luxury hotels, delicious restaurants, and the terrifying glass skywalk.
It's also easily accessible from major cities, making it a great road trip from Phoenix and Los Angeles.
The North Rim of the canyon is much quieter and has fewer man-made attractions than the more touristy South Rim.
On the other hand, higher elevations offer completely different views of the Grand Canyon. Instead of stunning sun-drenched vistas, the North Rim has quiet forests and secluded hikes.
The atmosphere at the North Rim is less focused on tourism and more on the natural beauty of the canyon. Some popular North Rim destinations include North Kaibab Trail and ribbon waterfall.
☞ See also: 15 Best Things to Do in the Grand Canyon
2. Sedona – Desert Village
Although there are many Phoenix Attractions (This is where I live), every time someone comes to see me, they ask the same question: “When can we go to Sedona?”
This desert town just north of Phoenix is surrounded by red rock cliffs, steep canyons, and dense pine forests, making it an Arizona road trip highlight.
When you're ready to go, head north on Interstate 17.
Along the way, you'll pass Montezuma Castle National Monument, a group of preserved cliff dwellings where the Sinagua people lived more than 1,000 years ago.
You'll also pass the V-Bar-V ruins, the largest “rock art site” in the Red Rocks region.
this Sedona Hiking Tour are legendary, so be sure to pack your boots and don’t miss these top desert hikes: Cathedral Rock, Devil’s Bridge, Birth Cave, Soldier’s Pass, and more.
Sedona itself is known for its thriving arts community and quaint small-town atmosphere. Start your day at coffee pot restauranta lively cafe that offers all-day breakfast and 101 different types of omelets.
After you've eaten, you can spend the day shopping for crafts in the store Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Village. This beautiful outdoor shopping area features cobblestone streets, hand-blown glass, and gorgeous handmade jewelry.
For dinner, please make a reservation Heart Line Cafe. Two of my favorite dishes are the Bacon Petit Filet Mignon and the Pistachio Crusted Chicken Breast.
3. Tombstone – The Impenetrable Town
Wyatt Earp was a notorious gambler and police sergeant who participated in the famous Gunfight at OK Corral. Every Memorial Day, Tombstone honors his legacy with a Wyatt Earp Day celebration.
The two-day festival includes staged gunfights, mock hangings and a massive chili cook-off. Tombstone's fondness for the Old West is evident in everything from its architecture to its tourist attractions. This is why Tombstone is known as a “gritty town.”
USA Today They call Tombstone “the perfect mix of history and kitsch,” and they say it perfectly. The OK Corral is just one of Tombstone's historic landmarks, though.
History buffs should also visit the Birdcage Theater Museum, a former brothel that has been preserved to showcase the honest nature of the place.
Last but not least, visit Boot Hill Graveyard, the first cemetery in Tombstone. This historic site is said to be a burial ground for those who “died with their boots on.”
Tombstone is about 3 hours from Phoenix and just over an hour from Tucson.
Monument Valley is located on the border of Arizona and Utah—so close that it’s Utah official tourism website. Nice trick, Utah, but you can't fool anyone!
Monument Valley is one of the Copper State's most valuable treasures.
This towering sandstone rock formation set the stage for many westerns a travel writer Says, “Its five square miles defined for decades how moviegoers thought of the American West.”
there are many Day trip from Sedona or Flagstaffand guided tours, but I preferred to follow the 17-mile route at my own pace. Park admission is $20 per vehicle, but there is no time limit.
If you're on a budget, you should also consider spending a night at the View, Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park's only hotel. These luxury accommodations offer unparalleled views across the valley, especially at sunset and sunrise.
Another option is to stay in the unique “cave cabins” located just 10 minutes' drive from the park. The accommodations are stunning. Click here have a look.
Before leaving, visit a Navajo-run trading post. Inside, you can find some John Wayne memorabilia and a variety of Navajo arts and crafts.
5. Antelope Canyon and Lake Powell
This list ends the same as it started – stunning rock formations formed by millions of years of water erosion. Antelope Canyon is a magnificent slot canyon located east of Page in northern Arizona and is definitely one of the most incredible canyons American tourist attractions.
The canyon's wave corridors have been featured in several nature documentaries, including Louie Schwartzberg's mobile art series.
Throughout the day, sunlight illuminates the canyon's 120-foot-tall rock walls and casts shadows around every corner.
If you're considering visiting, you should know Tour guide service is the only way to explore the canyon.
Just a short drive from Lake Powell, you can hike, rock climb and rappel through beautiful sandstone canyons. While Lake Powell is actually located in Utah, the closest accommodation is in Page, Arizona.
Think about it, Lake Powell isn't even a lake, it's a reservoir. Oh well! You don't think about semantics when you paddle, swim and water ski at Glen Canyon National Recreation Area.
If you plan to visit Antelope Canyon and Lake Powell, be sure to allow at least two days. One day is not enough time to experience everything these natural wonders have to offer.
Ready for your Arizona road trip? !
As you can see, Arizona's natural beauty is as far as the eye can see. There is so much to see and do here that you could spend months here and not experience it all.
Exploring the state with your own vehicle will give you the independence and freedom to visit as many sights and natural attractions as possible. Enjoy all these epic road trips in Arizona.
☞ See also: Top Things to Do in Old Town Scottsdale
Have you ever been on an Arizona road trip? What did we miss? ! Share your favorite Arizona road trip spots in the comments below.
