Arizona Road Trip Ideas: Try This 7 Day Itinerary
Arizona is truly a must see state for many reasons, but the main one is the diverse number of breathtaking nature sites it contains. From Sedona to the Grand Canyon, as well as other less explored, yet equally amazing sights, you will have one amazing road trip through this state and this post is going to give you a sample 7 day itinerary to try out that will involve exploring most of these amazing sights and having a very active adventure at the same time. If you’re ready to discover what awaits, then keep reading because this is an awesome itinerary to try out:
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This is a preview of some of the places you’ll discover on this road trip:
Day 1: Explore Phoenix
- Morning: Start at the Desert Botanical Garden to explore 140 acres of desert plants from Arizona and beyond, with stunning trails and seasonal blooms. Continue to Old Town Scottsdale for unique art galleries, shopping, and historic charm.
- Midday: Visit the Heard Museum to discover Native American art, history, and culture. Have lunch at The Arrogant Butcher in Downtown Phoenix, known for its modern American dishes.
- Evening: Hike at Papago Park for views from Hole-in-the-Rock and enjoy dinner downtown at popular spots like Pizzeria Bianco or The Gladly!
Day 2: Sedona
- Morning: Drive two hours north to Sedona. Begin with a hike through the West Fork Trail, a 9 mile in and out hike with minimal elevation that takes you through canyons, forests and even water trails of Sedona, one of the most famous hikes in the area!
- Midday: Enjoy lunch at Creekside Sedona, offering great views. Take a scenic drive along the Red Rock Scenic Byway (Highway 179), stopping at viewpoints like Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte for photos and short hikes.
- Evening: I highly recommend finishing the night with another hike, this time in Cathedral Rock, a short, but tough and rewarding hike to one of the most amazing sunset spots in the area! After that experience Sedona’s mystical side with a vortex tour or guided meditation. Dine at Elote Café, famous for its Southwestern-inspired cuisine.
Day 3: Sedona (more hikes and attractions)
- Morning: I recommend waking up around 6 am to start. Drive and hike to Devil’s Bridge, the largest natural sandstone arch in Sedona. The hike will take you about 2-3 hours. Afterward, explore Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village for galleries, boutiques, and Southwestern art.
- Midday: Have lunch at Hideaway House, with an outdoor patio overlooking the red rocks. Take an afternoon hike along Boynton Canyon Trail, known for its scenic beauty and vortex energy.
- Evening: Watch the sunset from Airport Mesa, offering panoramic views of Sedona. For dinner, try Mariposa, a Latin-inspired grill with stunning red rock views.
Day 4: Grand Canyon South Rim (things to do)
- Morning: Drive two hours north to the Grand Canyon South Rim. Stop by the Grand Canyon Visitor Center for maps and ranger advice, then walk along the Rim Trail with overlooks at Mather Point and Yavapai Point. If you have the time and energy, try to hike down to the Ooh-Ahh Point along the Kaibab Trail.
- Midday: Lunch at Bright Angel Lodge, a historic spot with varied dining options. Afterward, take a scenic drive along Desert View Drive, stopping at viewpoints like Grandview Point and ending at Desert View Watchtower.
- Evening: Catch the sunset at Yaki Point, known for its vivid colors as the sun dips below the canyon walls. Stay overnight in Tusayan, just outside the park with convenient lodging and dining!
Day 5: Page Arizona
- Morning: Drive two hours to Page Arizona and start with a tour of Antelope Canyon, a stunning slot canyon famous for narrow passages and light beams. Book this tour in advance due to its popularity.
- Midday: Have a casual lunch in Page at Big John’s Texas BBQ or BirdHouse. Visit Horseshoe Bend, a short hike to an overlook of the Colorado River curving around a rock formation.
- Evening: Take a scenic boat tour on Lake Powell from Wahweap Marina, exploring the lake’s unique canyons and formations. Stay overnight in Page, where you’ll find ample accommodations and dining options.
Day 6: Page, Arizona
- Morning: Visit Glen Canyon Dam to learn about the area’s history and take in views from the observation deck. Stop by the visitor center for more background on Lake Powell’s creation.
- Midday: Lunch in Page, then hike on Wire Pass Trail leading to Buckskin Gulch. This 3 mile in and out hike is a perfect mid day exploration to check out. Afterwards, return back to Page.
- Evening: Consider a side visit to the famous Horseshoe Bend overlook, located just outside of Page to finish the day.
Day 7: Fly Out of Phoenix
- Morning: Check out early and drive four hours back to Phoenix (plan for an evening flight). If time permits, stop at Montezuma Castle National Monument on the way to see well-preserved cliff dwellings.
- Midday: Arrive in Phoenix, return your rental car, and check in for your flight.
- Evening: Depart from Phoenix, concluding your Arizona road trip with memories of some of the state’s most beautiful landscapes!
This itinerary captures Arizona’s highlights, from Phoenix’s cultural attractions and Sedona’s red rocks to the Grand Canyon’s awe-inspiring vistas and Page’s unique desert formations. Enjoy every stop on this scenic, adventure-filled journey through the heart of Arizona!
