10 Arizona Road Trip Ideas For Your Next Adventure
Planning a road trip in Arizona gives you a chance to see a mix of cool cities, unique landscapes, and famous parks. There are lots of great stops, from buzzing downtown areas to quiet stretches of desert.
You’ll find plenty of interesting routes that let you experience the best sights Arizona has to offer without getting bored. Whether you like outdoor adventure, history, or just relaxing drives, there’s something for everyone along these roads.
1) Drive Route 66 from Flagstaff to Seligman
If you want to see a classic piece of American history, driving Route 66 from Flagstaff to Seligman is a great choice. This stretch is known for its old-school motels, diners, and fun roadside stops. You’ll feel like you stepped back in time.
As you leave Flagstaff, keep an eye out for retro gas stations and quirky attractions. The small town of Ash Fork has the Route 66 Museum, which is worth a quick look if you’re interested in local history.
Seligman is often called the “birthplace of Route 66,” and the town is packed with colorful shops and signs. Stop at a diner for a milkshake or snap photos of the classic cars along the street.
Along the way, you’ll see wide desert views and maybe a few vintage signs. The whole drive is easy to do in a day, but you’ll want to make time for stops. It’s a relaxed way to take in some true Arizona sights.
2) Explore Lower Antelope Canyon near Page
If you want to see one of Arizona’s coolest natural sights, check out Lower Antelope Canyon. It’s located near the small town of Page in northern Arizona. This slot canyon is famous for its narrow passageways and wave-like rock walls.
Tours are required to visit, and you have to book in advance. Local guides will take you through, share facts about the canyon, and help you stay safe. The walk can be steep in parts, but it’s not too hard for most people.
Inside, sunlight shines down and makes the rocks glow orange and red. You’ll want to have your camera ready because it’s easy to get great photos here. Just remember, there can be lots of people, so try to go early in the morning to avoid crowds.
Lower Antelope Canyon is close to other cool spots like Horseshoe Bend and Lake Powell. You can easily visit a few of these places in one day if you are staying in Page. Wear comfortable shoes, bring water, and get ready for a unique experience.
3) Visit Horseshoe Bend for epic views
Horseshoe Bend is one of those spots that really shows off Arizona’s natural beauty. It’s a huge curve in the Colorado River near the town of Page. From the overlook, you get a clear view of the river making a sharp turn through deep red rock.
Getting here is simple. You’ll take a short hike, about 1.5 miles round trip, from the parking lot. The trail is mostly flat but can get hot in summer, so bring water and sunscreen.
Plan to spend about an hour or two at the viewpoint. That gives you time for photos and to just relax and take in the view. Early morning or late afternoon is a good time to visit if you want to avoid harsh sunlight or crowds.
While in the area, you can also check out Glen Canyon or the town of Page. Both are only a short drive away and offer even more to see and do.
4) Hike the South Rim of the Grand Canyon
The South Rim is one of the best spots to see the Grand Canyon up close. You can start your visit at the Visitor Center, where you’ll find maps, trail guides, and bathrooms. Parking is free, and there are shuttle buses to popular sights.
One of the easiest hikes here is the Rim Trail. It’s mostly flat and follows the edge of the canyon for miles. You can walk as much or as little as you want, with plenty of viewpoints along the way for great photos.
If you want more of a workout, you can try part of the Bright Angel Trail. This trail heads into the canyon itself, but remember it’s steep, so only go as far as you feel comfortable.
Don’t forget to bring water, snacks, and sunscreen. There are picnic areas where you can take a break and enjoy the view. The South Rim is open all year, but spring and fall have the best weather for hiking.
5) Take a pink jeep tour in Sedona
If you want to see Sedona’s famous red rocks up close, a Pink Jeep Tour is a great option. These bright pink Jeeps are hard to miss and take you on trails you probably wouldn’t drive by yourself.
You’ll get to bounce through Sedona’s rocky backcountry while a guide shares facts about the area. The drivers know the best spots for photos and short stops.
One popular tour is Broken Arrow. It’s bumpy but fun, and you’ll see unique rock shapes and sweeping desert views along the way. Some tours even head out to famous landmarks like Cathedral Rock or Schnebly Hill Road.
Kids usually love the wild ride, but it’s also good for adults who want to explore without a long hike. You don’t need any off-road driving skills since your guide handles everything.
Tours run daily, and you can choose from different lengths and routes depending on your schedule. It’s a fun way to experience Sedona’s landscapes and learn a bit of local history at the same time.
6) Check out the Saguaro National Park in Tucson
If you want to see tall, classic cacti up close, Saguaro National Park is the place to go. It’s right near Tucson and is split into two main areas, one on each side of the city. You can visit either side, or take time to explore both.
The west side, called the Tucson Mountain District, has lots of big cactus and beautiful sunsets. The Bajada Loop Drive is a favorite for quick views. If you want to get out and walk, try the Desert Discovery Trail or the Valley View Trail.
On the east side, known as the Rincon Mountain District, the Cactus Forest Loop Drive is really popular. This side is a little less crowded and has long hiking trails if you want to spend more time outdoors.
Stopping at Saguaro National Park is easy because you can mix a short visit with a full day of exploring. You’ll see wide desert landscapes, picnic spots, and maybe even some wildlife. Remember to bring water, sunscreen, and a hat. It can get very hot, especially in the summer.
7) Tour Glen Canyon Dam
If you enjoy learning about engineering and history, a stop at Glen Canyon Dam is a solid pick for your Arizona road trip. The dam is near the city of Page in northern Arizona, right along the Colorado River.
You can take a guided tour to see the inside of the dam. The tours are not long and give you a look at how the dam works and why it was built. There are plenty of chances to ask questions and snap a few photos.
The Glen Canyon Dam Overlook offers a great view of the dam and the Colorado River. It’s an easy walk from the parking lot, and the view is especially nice at sunrise or sunset.
Nearby, you’ll find the Carl Hayden Visitor Center. It’s free to enter and has displays about the dam, the river, and the local area. If you want to stretch your legs, there are walking paths around with signs explaining more about the history and the environment.
8) Drive the Apache Trail Historic Road
The Apache Trail Historic Road is a classic Arizona road trip. This route winds through about 40 miles of rugged desert mountains and canyons. It’s an easy drive from Phoenix, so you don’t have to travel far to start your adventure.
As you make your way along the road, you’ll see beautiful views of the Superstition Mountains. There are also deep reservoir lakes like Canyon Lake and Apache Lake along the way. With steep curves and bumpy spots, the drive feels a bit wild in places, but that’s part of the fun.
You’ll pass by ghost towns and old buildings that remind you of Arizona’s mining history. There are also a few stops for short hikes or photos. If you like history and nature, you’ll enjoy all the small surprises along this drive.
Remember, the road isn’t fully paved in some areas, so go slow and be careful. A regular car can handle it on dry days, but check the road’s condition before you plan your trip.
9) Visit Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park
If you’re looking for classic desert views, Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park is a must-see. The park is famous for its red rock buttes and wide, open landscapes.
You can drive the 17-mile loop road to see most of the main sights. The road gives you great views of the Mittens, giant rock formations that look like two hands. Take it slow—some sections are rough, so a regular car can make it, but it helps to go easy.
Step out at the viewpoints for photos. Each stop shows a different angle of the dramatic cliffs and spires. Don’t forget to check out Forrest Gump Point nearby, where you can snap a photo like the famous movie scene.
The Wildcat Trail is the only hiking path you can do on your own. It circles around West Mitten Butte, letting you see the rocks up close. Make sure to bring water and sun protection because shade is rare.
Entrance to the park is on Monument Valley Road, close to Highway 163. Keep in mind this area is managed by the Navajo Nation, so respect local customs and stay on marked paths.
10) Explore Flaggstaff
Flaggstaff is an incredible way to do an Arizona road trip for many reasons including logistics, things to do and more. Flaggstaff is a city that’s located about 2 hours north of Sedona and is a perfect location to stay in to then check out places like The South Rim, Page Arizona, Sedona and more.
On top of that you are also looking at a vibrant city to check out and nearby tons of hikes and trails to completely different nature than you do in the other places on this list, but also equally beautiful as well.
Do note that Flaggstaff lies very high above sea level and as such is very cold at night and depending on when you visit warm-cool during the day, but when it comes to outdoor adventures the stuff you find in this area of Arizona is highly underrated.
Planning Your Arizona Road Trip
Arizona has deserts, forests, canyons, and cool cities. When you plan your road trip, it helps to know when to go and how to save money.
Best Times of Year to Visit
The best time for most Arizona road trips is in the spring or fall. From March to May and September to November, the weather is mild, days are warm, but nights are cooler. You’ll avoid the extreme summer heat, which can reach over 100°F, especially in places like Phoenix or the Grand Canyon.
High elevations, like Flagstaff or the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, might still have snow in early spring. Summer is very hot in desert areas, but if you visit mountain towns or the high country, it can still be pleasant. Winter is less crowded, but some trails and sites may close due to snow or cold.
To have the most comfortable trip, check weather forecasts and pack layers. This way, you can enjoy both warm days and chilly nights without any surprises.
Budget-Friendly Travel Tips
Saving money in Arizona is possible with a few simple tips. First, book hotels or campsites early, especially if you’re visiting popular spots like Sedona or the Grand Canyon. Prices go up during busy seasons.
Bring your own snacks and drinks. Grocery stores are cheaper than eating out at tourist spots. Many parks have entrance fees, but you can buy an annual national parks pass if you plan to visit several locations.
Gas costs add up, so use apps to find the cheapest stations along your route. If you’re open to it, camping is much cheaper than hotels and lets you enjoy nature up close. Traveling with friends or family and splitting costs for gas, rooms, and food also helps keep your budget in check.
Packing Essentials for the Desert
Arizona’s desert can get incredibly hot during the day and surprisingly cool at night. Packing the right clothes and gear keeps you comfortable and safe through tough conditions.
What to Wear for Comfort and Safety
When you’re in the Arizona sun, protect your skin with lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and long pants. Light colors work best since they reflect sunlight. A wide-brimmed hat shields your face and neck from the sun. You should also pack sunglasses with UV protection.
For your feet, bring sturdy hiking shoes with good grip, especially if you’ll be on rocky trails. It helps to have a second pair of shoes or sandals for relaxing at your campsite or hotel. Always bring extra socks to keep your feet dry.
At night, temperatures can drop quickly. A light jacket or sweatshirt comes in handy. If you plan to camp, toss in a pair of sweats or warm pajamas to stay cozy after dark.
Must Have Gear for Adventure
Sun protection should be at the top of your list. Bring high-SPF sunscreen and lip balm with sunblock. Reapply often, especially if you’re hiking or spending time at high elevations.
Water is essential in the desert. Carry a large refillable water bottle, and if you’ll be exploring remote spots, consider a heavy-duty filter water bottle to clean natural water sources. Snacks that don’t melt, like granola bars or nuts, keep your energy up on long drives and hikes.
A window reflector for your car makes a big difference when parked under the sun. Pack a small first-aid kit, flashlight or headlamp, and a detailed map or GPS since cell service may be unreliable in some areas. Don’t forget extra phone chargers and maybe a portable battery just in case.
