The Ultimate Arizona Road Trip Itinerary (With Jaw-Dropping Stops)
If you’re planning the kind of road trip that makes your jaw drop every 30 minutes, Arizona’s the place to do it.
I’ve road-tripped across this state solo, camera in hand, and trust me—there’s no shortage of wild beauty, epic hikes, and tiny towns that’ll steal your heart.
Let’s hit the road. 🚗💨
Start in Phoenix: Desert Vibes and Culture Kicks
Phoenix is the perfect place to kick things off. Grab some amazing tacos, snap a desert sunrise from Papago Park, and check out the Desert Botanical Garden to get a taste of the unique flora you’ll see across the state.
My tip: If you’re picking up a rental, choose something that handles desert roads well. SUV or bust.
Stop 1: Sedona – Red Rocks and Spiritual Energy
Drive north for about 2 hours and you’ll hit Sedona. It’s one of those places where the rocks seem to glow, especially during golden hour.
Whether you’re hiking Cathedral Rock or just soaking in the views from Airport Mesa, Sedona feels like another dimension. Don’t miss the Chapel of the Holy Cross or a quick crystal shop stop (even if you’re skeptical—it’s part of the vibe).
Where I stayed: A cozy Airbnb with red rock views and a hot tub. Worth every penny.
Stop 2: Flagstaff – Forest Meets Mountain Cool
After Sedona, drive about 45 minutes north to Flagstaff. This mountain town is nestled in pine forests and gives off a completely different feel—cooler temps, alpine air, and small-town charm.
If you’re visiting in the fall, the changing leaves are stunning. Grab a coffee downtown, walk around historic Route 66, or take the scenic Arizona Snowbowl drive for panoramic views.
Stop 3: Grand Canyon National Park – Desert View Entrance
No Arizona trip is complete without standing on the edge of the Grand Canyon. I went through the Desert View Entrance—it’s quieter, more scenic, and the Watchtower view is unreal.
Sunset and sunrise here? Life-changing. Don’t forget water and layers—it gets cold fast at elevation.
Hiker’s note: Even if you don’t hike all the way down, walking part of the South Kaibab Trail gives you a totally different perspective.
Stop 4: Page – Antelope Canyon & Horseshoe Bend
From the Grand Canyon, drive about 2.5 hours to Page. This tiny town packs a punch.
Book a tour of Antelope Canyon—the light beams alone are worth the hype. Then catch sunset at Horseshoe Bend for a view that literally made me gasp.
I stayed one night here and got up early to do both without the crowds. Worth it.
Optional Detour: The Wave (If You Win the Permit Lottery)
If you’re lucky enough to score a permit, The Wave is nearby. It’s one of the most exclusive hikes in the country, and it looks like something out of a sci-fi movie.
Even if you don’t go, just knowing it’s nearby adds to the magic of this stretch of Arizona.
Stop 5: Monument Valley – Wild West Feels
Next, cruise east into Navajo Nation to Monument Valley. It’s about a 2-hour drive from Page, and it feels like you’ve crossed into a movie set. Iconic buttes, endless desert, and epic photo ops.
Consider booking a Navajo-led tour—they’ll take you to off-the-beaten-path spots and share history that gives the land even more meaning.
Stop 6: Petrified Forest National Park – Ancient Earth Magic
Drive south to Petrified Forest National Park—it’s about 3 hours, but totally worth the journey. This spot surprised me the most.
You’ll see ancient fossilized trees, rainbow-colored hills, and surreal desert scenes. It’s quieter than other stops and feels like walking on a different planet.
End in Tucson – Desert Magic & Cactus Heaven
From there, take a final long-haul (around 5 hours) to Tucson. It’s an underrated gem. Visit Saguaro National Park, walk the colorful Barrio Viejo, and enjoy killer Sonoran food.
Tucson is where I wrapped up my Arizona adventure—warm air, cactus silhouettes at sunset, and a plate of carne asada under string lights.
Honestly? It felt like the perfect ending.
My Final Road Trip Tips
- Plan for extremes – Arizona swings between desert heat and chilly mountains fast.
- Fuel up often – There are some long stretches without gas stations.
- Use offline maps – Don’t count on full signal, especially near national parks.
- Pack layers, a hat, and more water than you think – Trust me on this one.
Whether it’s your first time visiting or your fifth, Arizona will take your breath away at every turn.
Save this itinerary, plug it into Google Maps, and start counting the days. You’re about to go on one of the most unforgettable road trips of your life.