Most people come to Arizona to visit the Grand Canyon. It’s a breathtakingly beautiful place to go and since it is one of the seven wonders of the world, it’s a place you shouldn’t miss. What many people don’t learn when they come is how many other truly amazing places there are to visit in the state. More than just it’s iconic desert landscapes you also find pine-tree crested mountains, red rock buttes, turquoise waterfalls, and deep canyon gorges.
There’s so much diversity in Arizona just waiting for you to see and the best way to explore is by hitting the road. Here are two of the best Arizona road trips that should be on your must-see list.
Phoenix, Arizona
Phoenix is a great place to start for any road trip in Arizona. It’s a large city and actually the fifth-largest city in the United States. It has an international airport, so it’s easy to get to from anywhere.
There are a lot of fun things to do in the Phoenix area. It’s a resort town, and many large conferences come into town to take advantage of the wonderful climate through the late fall, winter, and early spring. Many luxury hotels and spas are waiting to cater to people in need of a little extra pampering.
And, since the city is a draw for crowds, there are a lot of fun activities in and around Phoenix. Take a spa day, go hiking in the mountains in and around the city, enjoy the local museums, go horseback riding in the desert, or go on a hot air balloon ride. There’s no end to all of the fun things Phoenix offers.
Once you’ve explored Phoenix, it’s a great time to step out for a road trip. Some of the most incredible views Arizona has to offer is north of the city including Canyon de Chelly and Monument Valley.
Road Trip #1 – Sedona, Jerome, and Flagstaff
Sedona is known for its beautiful red sandstone landscapes and here you’ll find amazing hiking trails and the serenity of Walnut Creek. There are also lots of art galleries as this is an area where artists gathered and many have stayed. And, if you want to connect with your spiritual side, this is the place to do it with a number of energy centers, known as vortexes, and lots of stores to connect with your inner woo.
When Sedona got too large for some of the original people who settled in Sedona, they moved nearby to Jerome. This is a small mining town that nearly became a ghost town until the artists moved in. Now, it’s a small thriving town anchored on the switchback of a mountain. It’s a fun walk through some of small-town Arizona history.
Flagstaff is a college town with a quaint and historic downtown center that’s very walkable. There are a lot of great shops and restaurants and you’ll find it has an outdoorsy, cool, and almost hippie vibe. The elevation is much higher than in Phoenix, and you’ll see pine-tree forests here. You’ll also get to see the highest mountain peak not far from the town center, Mount Humphrey, located nearby in the San Francisco Peaks.
Other Stops on the Way
If you have more time to spare, here are a few more places to stop along the way.
- Petrified Forest—Visit where the trees turned to stone and were fossilized many years ago. There are some great hiking paths to take in this unique area.
- Sunset Crater—The remnants of a large meteor impact where you can visit the site.
- Winslow, AZ and Route 66—If you are familiar with the Eagles, you’ll have heard of the famous corner in Winslow, AZ. There’s a monument here and you can drive on historic route 66.
- La Posada Hotel—One of the last great railroad hotels left in the United States. This hotel has an impressive art gallery, museum, and the Turquoise Room, one of the best southwestern-style restaurants in the state.
These stops further show the diversity and history that Arizona offers with some unique and fun things to do.
Arizona Road Trip #2 – Canyon de Chelly and Monument Valley
Northeastern Arizona has some of the most beautiful landscapes in the state. Canyon de Chelly and Monument Valley are both on Native American lands, which have their own tribal sovereignty. What this means is that you should be respectful of the lands and the people living there.
Both Canyon de Chelly and Monument Valley are around five hours from Phoenix or 3 hours from Flagstaff. They are both in the northeastern part of the state though a distance from each other (just under two hours). You might just want to visit them both on the same trip if you’re able to, or save one for your return trip.
Canyon de Chelly
Though the Grand Canyon is one of the most heavily touristed parts of Arizona, this other canyon is every bit as breathtaking. Canyon de Chelly is next to the town of Chinle, which is very small and nondescript. You’ll notice the landscape begins to show pops of stunning red color and will know you’re close.
You are required to have a Native American guide to enter the canyon with one exception: there are a few trails that you can hike on your own. Stop at the visitor center to get information about the canyon, the local tribes, where you are able to visit on your own, and recommended guides.
Next, drive the rim of the canyon to get a feel for how beautiful this land is. It’s not as large or dramatic as the Grand Canyon, but it’s hauntingly beautiful. There are a lot of areas where you can pull off to take pictures, and you’ll want to stop and admire the views.
When you visit the Sliding House Overlook, you’ll see a Native American ruin, which is a cliff dwelling. The Spider Rock Overlook showcases one of the most spectacular views in the canyon with the incredible Spider rock spire, or “hoodoo” as they are sometimes called. Take your time here as it’s a beautiful patchwork of green nestled against the stunning red rock of the canyon.
Once you’re oriented, go hiking on the trails that allow it. The White House Trail takes you to the White House ruin. You can go right up to it to see where the people here once lived. it’s very different from the cliff dwelling and interesting to see both to compare them.
Canyon Tour
Be sure to take a canyon tour with a local approved guide. Once you enter the canyon, you’ll see how challenging it is driving there and why you must go with a guide. You’ll weave around the water on paths known well by the locals and may even see some jeeps that got stuck.
It’s also a great way to learn about the history of the canyon and the people who reside here. The local guides are so knowledgeable so ask any questions you may have! If you’re lucky, you may even be invited home to meet some of the family and can see how the locals live.
Monument Valley
Monument Valley is located on the border of Arizona and Utah. You have seen pictures of it as the landscape is dramatic, even if you didn’t know where it was. This area is desolate and simply beautiful with red rock buttes spread around the level lands.
Monument Valley is located on the Navajo Nation Reservation and a permit is required to visit. Drive the 17-mile dirt loop to see the area, and stop for some scenic hikes along the way. Just like with Canyon de Chelly, there are parts of Monument Valley only accessible with a Native guide. These include Mystery Valley and Hunts Mesa.
If you’re up for driving just a little further, Four Corners is around an hour-and-a-half from Monument Valley. It’s the point at which the four “big square states” of Arizona, Utah, Colorado, and New Mexico meet.
From hauntingly beautiful and desolate landscapes to pine-topped mountain forests, modern cities to small towns, and Native lands, Arizona has so much to offer visitors. Take a road trip and you’ll be rewarded with some breathtaking views in an area of the state largely unspoiled by huge crowds.
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Samantha Glauser
My Flying Leap
Sam is a travel-obsessed animal lover with big plans to travel the world with her dog. When she’s not blogging about her travel adventures at My Flying Leap, you can find her volunteering with her pet-therapy cat and dog, on the top of a mountain, or enjoying a glass of bold red wine planning for her next trip. Follow Sam on Pinterest .
Sam is a travel-obsessed animal lover with big plans to travel the world with her dog. When she’s not blogging about her travel adventures at My Flying Leap, you can find her volunteering with her pet-therapy cat and dog, on the top of a mountain, or enjoying a glass of bold red wine planning for her next trip. Follow Sam on Pinterest .
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