We were quite late in experiencing the considerable natural beauty present throughout Arizona, despite both of us having visited the state multiple times previously. We spent around two weeks road tripping through Arizona, and have already started planning our return trip. Because there is an overwhelming amount to see and do in Arizona.
We originally planned to explore all over the state, but ultimately had to trim our trip somewhat. Which ended up being beneficial, because it forced us to focus in on the activities and sights we truly wished to experience while in Arizona.
We used our experience road tripping in Arizona – along with the hours of research that went into planning our own trip – to organize this guide to planning an amazing Arizona adventure.
In this guide, you’ll find information like when to travel, where to fly into, and our favorite stops in Arizona along with specific recommendations for what to see and do during your trip there.
We think spending time delving deeper (or as deep as possible within 2-3 days) into each stop made is preferable to attempting to see everything in a single trip. The latter approach means spending 4-5 hours daily in transit, which honestly is tiresome.
Instead, dedicate your time to exploring hiking paths, enjoying abundant food and drinks, and witnessing some of Arizona’s most spectacular scenery.
Sound good to you? Let’s get into it.
Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post, like hotel links, are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, we make a little bit of money if you click through and book. That being said, we would never recommend something to you that we don’t stand behind 100%.
Table of Contents
How Many Days in Arizona?
Arizona is vast in size, and if you intend to visit all corners of the state, you will need a minimum of two weeks.
If you have fewer than an adequate number of days, we`d strongly recommend concentrating your Arizona road trip itinerary on three core areas: Phoenix and the Superstition Mountains, Sedona, and Grand Canyon National Park.
My favorite feature of the Daylite is that it’s constructed from recycled materials, helping lessen my carbon footprint!
We’ve outlined the road trip itinerary for seven days below, but have additional suggestions for what to do with extra time that are equally as thorough as the 7 day schedule below – you can find them at the end of this guide.
- With a few extra days – approximately 10 – you can add on Tucson and Saguaro National Park.
- With fourteen days, add the southern loop through Tucson, plus Page and Zion National Park, ending your time by flying out of Vegas.
Monument Valley, which is extraordinarily scenic, is FAR removed from most of the locations in this itinerary. For instance, it will take around three to four hours to get there from the Grand Canyon.
Besides the scenic drive, there are not many other activities available in that location, so we don`t think making a significant detour to get there is worthwhile. In fact, it would be a better addition to a broader road trip through Arizona and Utah on the way to Moab, Utah.
Instead, strongly consider focusing your time along the corridor between Phoenix and the Grand Canyon, immersing yourself in the spectacular surrounding landscapes rather than spending all day traveling.
Where to Start and End Your Arizona Road Trip
For most travelers, a loop beginning and ending in Phoenix, Arizona will likely provide the best route for this road trip.
Fly to the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, which usually has a good variety of flights from places around the country (and sometimes internationally too in some cases). Click here to view flight pricing into Phoenix’s Sky Harbor International Airport for your dates.
The benefit of doing this as a loop is that you won’t have to pay a one-way vehicle rental fee.
From the farthest points on the itinerary below – either Page or the Grand Canyon South Rim – it’s about a four hour drive back to the airport.
Plan on scheduling your earliest possible flight into Phoenix, and your latest possible flight out to maximize the time you will have there.
Note: The sole exception to structuring this as a loop is if planning on a 14 day trip and deciding to add Zion National Park at the conclusion. Then, it would genuinely be preferable to end in Las Vegas – approximately two and a half hours or 172 miles from Zion.
Do You Need to Rent a Car for this Road Trip?
In essence, yes. Rental of a motor vehicle will be necessary for the entirety of this itinerary. We’d advise selecting up and returning at the identical place – Sky Harbor International Airport in Phoenix – to circumvent a one-way rental automobile charge if feasible.
We tend to utilize Kayak for scheduling rental cars because they aggregate all the different car rental sites to help you find the best cost. Be sure to rent from a reputable company – Hertz, Enterprise, National, or Avis, which you can do by using Kayak’s helpful filters. Snaphere to investigate costs for rental cars in Phoenix.
A Complete 7 Day Itinerary for a Road Trip in Arizona
Now that we`ve covered all the practical details, it`s time to look at the exact itinerary we`d propose.
Day 1: Fly in and Explore Phoenix
Many individuals pick up their rental automobile and head directly for either Sedona or Tucson, contingent on the route you’re taking.
However, we think there are a few potential activities in Phoenix merit spending a day exploring.
We would spend your first day, night, and second day in the Phoenix region, focusing on the abundant outdoor pursuits nearby, most notably the Superstition Mountains, which were an highlight of our Arizona trip. Then, on your second night, head up to Sedona to rest there so you can get an early commencement the next morning.
What to Do in Phoenix
There are a couple things worth doing in Phoenix itself on your first day in Arizona – we’ll cover the Superstition Mountains on the second day of this itinerary.
- The Desert Botanical Garden in Papago Park is worth a stop to see all kinds of desert flora – over 50,000 different types! There are multiple paths that take you on a journey through the plant life of the Sonoran desert, which will give you a great foundation for the rest of your trip (“Hey Alysha! It’s a teddy bear cholla cactus!”).
- Speaking of Papago Park, the Hole in the Wall is a brief climb that takes you to an ideal viewpoint to take in your first Arizona sunset! Unlike places on the west coast, there are no marine layer or clouds in the sky to ruin the evening glow – sunsets in Arizona are truly spectacular.
- There are a surprisingly large number of great hiking trails within 45 minutes of Phoenix. The Camelback Mountain hiking trail is seemingly located right in the middle of town, and provides sweeping views of the surrounding area from the summit, which is reached along a 2.5 mile out-and-back trail that ascends quite steeply. The Tom’s Thumb trail is another excellent hiking route that takes visitors to a saddle featuring panoramic views – it’s a little further out north of town, but is worth the journey in our opinion.
- Enjoy coffee at Cartel Coffee Lab, considered to serve the finest coffee in Phoenix (in our view, at least) and having established a small empire in southern Arizona.
Where to Stay in Phoenix
We were walking through the uptown area of Phoenix on our way to Cartel Coffee – renowned for its excellent coffee offerings – when we happened upon the courtyard of a trendy looking hotel.
The lodging that was stayed at was Rise Uptown, and it is wished that had been the location remained at. It possesses a superb place for exploring Phoenix, and the rooms offer ample and beautiful space. Plus, there is a pleasant pool area, and Cartel Coffee is essentially accessible in the lobby.
Generally, we`d advise lodging between Downtown and uptown, between the two highways running north-south (51 and 17).
Here are a couple other potential options worth considering in Phoenix.
- Cambria Hotel Downtown Phoenix: Great value with brightly colored rooms and charming décor. Plus, it’s extremely affordable! It’s also near the freeway that you’ll take out to the Superstitions, which places you in a fantastic location for exploring.
- Aloft Phoenix Airport: Location is not exceptional, but it’s convenient for the airport, and it’s an affordable choice with nice rooms and a pool.
- The AC Hotel Phoenix Biltmore: More on the boutique end, this hotel is beautiful and well-situated in the Biltmore area of Phoenix, making it an ideal home base for exploring the city and environs.
Day 2: Day Trip to the Superstition Mountains
Stay in Phoenix for the night, and head out early to the east, where you’ll find the Superstition Wilderness, a highlight of our time in Arizona. You can explore most of the main part of the western end of the park in a morning, which is exactly what you’re going to do here.
Head to Lost Dutchman State Park, which will serve as your base for exploring, and park at either the Treasure Loop or Siphon Draw Trailheads. This park requires a daily use payment of $10 to access the area.
There were a couple of established hikes in the park that tourists frequently followed, but we developed our own route by combining multiple trails into one long looped path.
Begin with the eastern section of the Treasure Loop Trail, which winds its way up to the ridge. From there, instead of heading back down using the Treasure Loop Trail, take the Prospector’s Ridge Trail to the west until it intersects with the Siphon Draw Trail. From that intersection, take the Jacob’s Crosscut trail back to the starting point.
All-in, it’ll be around four miles, and you’ll see the Superstition Mountains and a large amount of desert flora and fauna along the way.
On your return to Phoenix, stop in Mesa, Arizona to visit a couple favorite spots in the Phoenix Metro Area.
- Obtain a cup of coffee from Mythical Coffee, which is actually located in Gilbert, but is more or less along the route. This coffee establishment offers the best coffee in the Phoenix region according to our assessment. An alternative could be Peixoto Coffee, which we appreciate since they own a coffee plantation in Brazil (or more accurately, are owned by a family who additionally possesses a coffee plantation in Brazil) and highlight the coffees from their estate in their shop.
- Replenish calories after hiking? There are two fantastic gluten free options in Mesa, which we’d recommend whether you have Celiac or not. First is Spooky Swirls, a cake shop (they make various baked goods) that creates fun, themed cakes that are not only attractive, but they’re also tasty. We got a Baby Yoda cake (see below), that didn’t quite survive the Arizona heat, but was delicious either way. The second spot is Intentional Foods Cafe, which is a completely gluten free restaurant that is also free of eight other allergens, so it’s perfect if you or any of your companions have food sensitivities. Get the donuts and the fries.
Finally, head to Cider Corps, a veteran-run cidery in Mesa known for (as I understand it could be mistaken) being Phoenix`s sole cider bar. They have an outdoor patio if weather permits or a spacious, well-lit indoor area. Importantly, they offer CIDER SLUSHIES! Guests can bring outside food to enjoy with cider sips
Days 3 & 4: Sedona
Estimated Drive Time from Phoenix: 2 hours / 115 miles
Sedona is stunning. We completed Sedona and Zion on a single trip (see our recommendations for 14 days below to see how we did it), and in many ways, they’re rather alike. You’ll find red rock formations and towering buttes with lush foliage in the lowlands below.
Another factor making them similar? The crowds.
We visited Sedona in April, and it was extremely busy. Think hundreds of automobiles parked at the most popular trailheads, and roads to trailheads closed because the trailhead was full.
Still, it’s a lovely place, and so long as you comprehend what you’re getting into before arriving, you’ll enjoy your visit.
What to Do in Sedona
Sedona, similar to Bend, Oregon, is a paradise for those who enjoy the outdoors. There are all sorts of fantastic hikes (hint! We have a guide to some of our favorite hikes in Sedona), off-roading using 4×4 vehicles, areas to spend a summer day relaxing by the river, and more. Here are a few of our favorite activities to do in Sedona.
Crescent Moon Picnic Area: Offering some of Sedona`s best views of Cathedral Rock, this park provides landscape, river, and activities for visitors. Blankets and towels allow swimming while a meal enjoys the scenery.
Sample Mind-blowing Chai at the Chai Spot: This was an unexpected discovery. While browsing Google Maps to get my bearings, I noticed there was a chai shop in Sedona called the Chai Spot. Not only do they craft INCREDIBLE chai (get the butter chai, it’s rich and creamy and delicious), but their story is also worth learning about. It’s a social project focused on women`s economic empowerment and children`s education in Pakistan. The interior of the shop is colorful and vibrant, and the outdoor patio provides welcome refuge from the heat – it’s the perfect spot for chai lovers (like Alysha) to unwind in Sedona.
Hiking Destinations in Sedona: There are a truly impressive range of excellent hiking trails located within Sedona. So many, in fact, that we have created a separate post highlighting the top hiking routes in Sedona – if spending most of your time trekking is a priority, you`ll want to definitely check that guide. Two hikes we particularly enjoyed were along the West Fork of Oak Creek, featuring a lovely stroll through a lush canyon surrounded by magnificent red rock walls where you cross the waterway thirteen times using fords that are manageable even with waterproof footwear. The Boynton Canyon Trail and Soldier Pass Trail were also great, though consulting our hiking guide is advised to understand the parking situation for Soldier Pass, which is notoriously difficult. While Devils Bridge offers scenic views, you may need to wait at times for your turn to capture photos given crowds, which isn`t our preferred approach.
Sunset Spots: The amazing sunsets in Arizona can be viewed at several locations. Airport Mesa is one of the more popular places to watch the sunset (there were literally hundreds of others there when we visited) or near the top of Cathedral Rock, which involves a steep hike. Another option that may be less busy is Bell Rock. Climb about halfway up the south side of the large rock formation to find a comfortable place to relax and see the sun dip below the horizon. It will illuminate the red rocks of the valley ahead of you as it sets.
Wine Tasting: I suppose you may not have foreseen wine sampling on a schedule for Arizona, but it is indeed an option. The Verde Valley Wine Trail lies just outside Sedona, nearby Cottonwood and Corndale (~30 minutes from Sedona by automobile) and taking a trip out there would make for a wonderful mid-afternoon activity after a morning hike. Head to Oak Creek Vineyards for flights and small plates (also pet and kid amiable!), or Arizona Stronghold Vineyards (no reservations needed, seating is first-come-first-served) for a delightfully rustic tasting experience just outside Cottonwood. If you prefer not to make the journey out of town, head to Art of Wine in Sedona and get a round of the Arizona reds or whites, depending on your preference.
Where to Stay in Sedona
There are a few options in Sedona in regards to style and spending plan. You could remain in a lodging or resort, which will give you a pleasant refuge from the warmth if you’re visiting in the mid year (or the chill on the off chance that it’s winter or right on time spring). Or then again, you could camp at one of the camping locales along 89A simply north of Sedona.
Hotels in Sedona
If you’re searching for accommodations in a hotel, you’ve got a rather impressive selection of options.
We like Sky Ranch Lodge, which is accessible to the best sunset view in the area at Airport Mesa. It’s where we’d spend time if we were planning a trip to Sedona and weren’t living in our van.
The property has a beautiful, lush landscape featuring a patio overlooking Sedona, and rooms are ample in size. Additionally, they have received sustainability certification from the Sustainability Alliance of Arizona!
Additionally, complimentary transportation is provided to areas within five miles of the hotel so you won’t have to deal with parking at some of the most well-known trails like the Soldier Pass Trail (though you should be cautious, since mobile network coverage is absent in parts of Sedona). It`s also walkable from the airport, offering extra convenience when flying in.
Another area we’d advise exploring is Junipine Resort, which is along 89A north of town and provides a more tranquil, private place to stay. We drove past it on our way to our campground and were intrigued. Sure enough, it seems like an amazing place to stay!
It’s along the financial institution of Oak Creek, they’re certified eco-friendly, and they have “Creekhomes” that have sufficient space and a full preparation area. It’s only 10-15 transactions external of Sedona, and is ideal if you’re in inquiry of a diminutive tranquility, which you power not find if you’re remaining in downtown Sedona.
Camping in Sedona
If you want to camp, there are a bunch of campgrounds north of Sedona along Highway 89A. We’ll cover three of them, starting with the closest to Sedona and ending with one that’s about 15-20 minutes outside of town that we stayed at and really liked.
Manzanita Campground: Located directly beside a creek in a nicely shaded location, this campground is closest to town, though proximity additionally means availability is competitive. Only eighteen sites exist, eleven reserveable ahead of time. The other seven sites are accessible on a walk-in basis, suggesting arriving early to secure a spot. Further data here.
Cave Springs Campground: With 84 sites, this is the largest campground in the vicinity. You must make reservations ahead of time (a minimum of three days before you arrive), and there’s generally availability (though we’d advise grabbing a spot well in advance for the month of April, which is high season in Sedona). More info here.
Pine Flat Campground: This particular campground that we stayed at has 18 of its 54 sites that can be reserved in advance. It’s a decent campground, though every location is near the road. Try to get a place on the west side of the roadway, and on the west side of the campground itself (inspecting a map will make the layout clearer). Extra data here.
Days 5 & 6: The Grand Canyon
Approximate driving time from Sedona: 2 hours / 115 miles
We believe spending two days exploring the Grand Canyon is ideal to tour the rim, take the scenic drive to the east entrance of the park and Desert View, and tackle one of the more challenging yet spectacular hikes below the rim.
There are plenty of activities and sights to engage in and view if extra time is available on this road trip and a particular focus is on the Grand Canyon – such as the North Rim, or backpacking down to the base of the canyon – but our perspective is your hours could be applied more productively elsewhere unless a long drive around to the North Rim, or an overnight backpacking excursion downward is on the schedule.
Therefore spend a couple of days exploring the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, which is plenty of time to see the highlights.
What to Do in Grand Canyon National Park (South Rim)
As mentioned above, there are three highlights we believe are “must-dos” at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.
- Take in the magnificent scenery accessible along the entire Rim Trail, where perspectives of the tremendous expanse of the canyon below are guaranteed to fascinate and evolve continuously. We enjoy the stretch from Mather Point to the Bright Angel Trailhead entry, covering a pleasant route of around 3.1 miles largely flat with plentiful vantage points en route. Be sure to experience Mather Point,Yavapai Point, and the instructive Yavapai Geology Museum. This excursion is best undertaken at the crack of dawn in advance of 10am, at which time crowds will start to congregate, or within an hour of sunset for stunning illumination effects on the canyon landscape.
- Scenic Drive along Desert View: This drive is incredible, with about a half-dozen viewpoints that are worth stopping at during the journey. You’ll have a different perspective on the canyon from the eastern end, and it’s the only section of the rim road that allows driving in a personal vehicle (except between December and February, when the road to Hermit’s Rest is open to private vehicles). Begin two hours before sunset, stopping at the viewpoints along the way, and ending at Desert View to take in the usually-stunning Arizona sunset.
- Descend beneath the Canyon`s edge: Similar to Bryce Canyon, one of our favorite national parks in the United States, the best way to truly experience the Grand Canyon is to hike into it. You`re sure to appreciate the scale of the canyon if you have to make the ascent returning to the rim, gaining multiple thousands of feet over the journey! The two most popular routes are the South Kaibab Trail and the Bright Angel Trail. The Bright Angel Trail provides a means to reach all the way to the canyon floor, which can`t be done in a single day hike. We`d recommend taking the South Kaibab Trail up to Skeleton Point, which is 6 miles roundtrip with an elevation gain of 2,000 feet on the return. Shorten it to 3 miles / 1,100 feet by turning around at Cedar Point instead.
The hikes below the rim are not suited for those with low stamina – you’ll need to come prepared with plenty of water, sun protection, and energizing snacks.
Interior temperatures within the canyon often exceed exterior readings by over 20 degrees Celsius, especially during summer months. This higher temperature raises the danger of heat exhaustion and dehydration. Do not underestimate the difficulty level of these hikes.
It’s likely preferable to understate your talents rather than overstate them, in this situation.
Where to Stay in the Grand Canyon
Place of Accommodation: Due to its extensive area, deciding where to reside can be complicated. Read our guide to locations within Olympic National Park for the particulars!
For camping, stay at Mather Campground, located within walking distance (~1 mile one-way) of the main Visitors Center and Marketplace. We elected to remain here and while a sizable campground, it offers flush toilets, shaded sites, and adequate water supplies. Honestly, we were surprised by the pleasant amenities provided.
Remaining within the premises of the park along the Rim is an excellent option, but like most national parks, you’re going to pay a bit more for the convenience of having the magnificent Grand Canyon literally on your doorstep (in most cases). Along the rim, the best choices are going to be , the Bright Angel Lodge, and the Maswik Lodge.
Continuing outdoors near the southern access of the park (which is the best place to stay external to the park), will be less expensive, but means a somewhat longer journey to attain the edge of the canyon, and often a line at the park entrance (though, not if you arrive early enough!).
We’d recommend exploring the town of Tusayan (15 minutes from the rim), which is just outside the South Entrance, or Grand Canyon Junction (30 minutes to the rim), which offers a better variety of lodging locations, but is somewhat further away. Here are three places worth investigating:
- Under Canvas Grand Canyon (Grand Canyon Junction): Bucket list-worthy glamping! If you’re looking for a once-in-a-lifetime experience, check out their safari tents in the desert.
- Red Feather Lodge(Tusayan): Situated near the park entrance, this offers decent accommodations at fair rates. Also conveniently located.
- Holiday Inn Express or Best Western Premier (Tusayan): Two well-rated, good value hotels just outside the south entrance. Not a great deal of bells and whistles here, but a pleasant place to use as a home base for exploring the Grand Canyon.
The areas of Williams and Flagstaff would involve lengthy drives each way between accommodations and viewing spots at the rim of the Grand Canyon, so we advise against staying in those locations if alternatives can be arranged.
Day 7: Drive to Phoenix & Fly Home
The return drive to Phoenix is going to take you about four hours from the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. Plan on booking an afternoon / evening flight to allow yourself plenty of time for the drive back.
Longer Itinerary Options (10 & 14 Days)
Having 10 days or even two weeks will open up more possibilities for your trip.
Here’s how we would allocate 10 days and 14 days in Arizona.
How to Spend 10 Days in Arizona
With 10 days, we think you should add on Tucson and Saguaro National Park at the beginning of your road trip, and Page, Arizona at the end after the Grand Canyon.
For this version of the itinerary, rent a vehicle in Phoenix and travel south to Tucson, where two to three days will be spent. Then, continue on the outlined road trip. On the second to last day, head up to Page.
Here’s what that looks like:
- Day 1: Fly into Phoenix, drive to Tucson
- Day 2: Tucson / Saguaro National Park
- Day 3: Tucson / Saguaro National Park
- Day 4: Drive to Phoenix, afternoon in Phoenix
- Day 5: Superstition Mountains, drive to Sedona
- Day 6: Sedona
- Day 7: Sedona + Drive to Grand Canyon
- Day 8: Grand Canyon National Park
- Ninth day: Grand Canyon National Park + Drive to Page
- Day 10: Page + Drive to Phoenix + Head Home
Tucson and Saguaro National Park
Southern Arizona has a vastly different landscape than northern Arizona, which is what the 7 day itinerary above focuses on. With more time, you’ll be able to dip your toes in the southern Arizona water (just joking, this is the desert!), but you won’t be able to see it all.
For your initial experience in southern Arizona, we think focusing on the region around Tucson would be best.
What to Do in Tucson
There are two main focuses for your time in Tucson – Saguaro National Park (there are two parts!) and Mt. Lemmon.
Saguaro National Park
There are two sections of Saguaro National Park that cross Tucson, one on either side of the city. They are the Rincon Mountain District, situated to the east of Tucson, and the Tucson Mountain District to the west.
Stop at the Visitor Center in each part of the park to get a map, fill up water, and prepare to explore. There is nowhere to get food or drinks other than water within the park, so you`ll want to pack a lunch and plenty of snacks.
The following captures some things to do in each region of the park.
In the Tucson Mountain District, which covers a smaller area but has a higher density of cacti and is consequently more popular:
- Traverse the 5 mile scenic route known as the Bajada Loop, which forms a loop using Golden Gate Road and Hohokam Road. While unpaved, it is navigable by all vehicles. Experience it counterclockwise, starting on Hohokam road and ending at Golden Gate. This is an excellent way to tour the park, particularly by making stops at the Valley View Overlook Trail (extend the experience by combining it with the Wild Dog Trail) to get up close with the numerous cacti, and the Signal Hill area where rock carvings may be found atop the elevation, with additional walking trails below.
- If searching for a longer hike, do the hike up to Wasson Peak from either the Sendero Esperanza Trailhead (7.5 miles / 1,600 feet of elevation gain) or via the Hugh Norris Trailhead (8.9 miles / 2,400 feet of elevation gain).
- Make a stop at the Red Hills Visitor Center to walk the short loop through the cactus garden and gather some maps and park details.
- The Desert Discovery Center, which is outside the park’s southern boundary, deserves a stop either on the way in or out to learn about all the plants and creatures in the desert.
In the Rincon Mountain District, which encompasses the larger but less frequented section of the park on the eastern side of Tucson (If you only have limited time, we’d recommend exploring the Tucson Mountain District first. However, if your schedule permits visiting both areas, this portion of the preserve combines well with Mt. Lemmon as there are approximately half a day`s worth of sights to experience and attractions to see here.):
- The primary activity to partake in is driving along Cactus Forest Loop Drive, which is a large loop that guides you through most of the park. It is paved, and well worth the time spent. Stop at the Freeman Homestead Nature Trail, the Loma Verde Trail (do a loop combining the Squeeze Pen Trail for a pleasant stroll through the desert), and the Cactus Forest Overlook.
- If you`re interested in a hike that`s longer in length, there are several great options that depart from the Broadway Trailhead located at the northwest corner of the park and the Douglas Spring Trailhead along the northern boundary.
After exploring the city, traveling to a nearby mountain region will give you a completely different vantage point of the metropolis and surrounding landscape.
At an elevation of 9,159 feet above sea level, Mount Lemmon offers a starkly different environment than Tucson below. Conditions here in the Santa Catalina Mountains are likely to be 20-30 degrees cooler due to the higher altitude, supporting unique ecosystems.
To put it into context, the average high temperature in July in Tucson is 100 degrees F. On Mt. Lemmon, it’s 76 degrees.
Would you believe me if I told you there’s an alpine sports location on Mt. Lemmon?
You should absolutely drive all the way to the summit – Summerhaven. It`s 26 miles, and the landscape gradually transforms throughout the journey. At the top, you`ll be in the woods. In Arizona. Which is an odd sensation when just a couple hours earlier you were driving through Saguaro National Park, home to countless cacti.
Stop by Windy Point Vista and San Pedro Vista on the way up for great views of the surrounding region.
There’s a variety of things to do and see in the town of Summerhaven at the top, whether you want to hike or just browse shops, but we think the drive itself is undoubtedly the best part about Mt. Lemmon.
If you’re looking for a great, relatively easy hike, head out to the Mt. Lemmon Fire Lookout Station. It’s 2.1 miles round trip with 360 feet of elevation gain, and you can make a nice loop of it by returning via the Meadow trail.
Where to Stay in Tucson
There are precisely no campgrounds to lodge at in Tucson, so your only choices will be hotels and vacation rentals. Since you have two nights, you have your choice between staying in a hotel, which will provide more convenience and flexibility but less space, and vacation rentals, which give you more space and usually a kitchen, but less flexibility.
If you’re searching for lodging, stay at Hotel McCoy, a trendy hotel on the outskirts of town ideal for exploring Saguaro National Park, or the Tuxon or the Graduate Hotel, which are both closer to the amenities in Tucson`s center.
Page, Arizona: Antelope Canyon & Horseshoe Bend
Page makes a good base for exploring two Instagram-famous Arizona sights: Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend.
I am familiar with Page as the starting point for renting a houseboat on Lake Powell, which my family has done twice now. Other than those three things, there isn’t much going on, making it a perfect half-day addition after the Grand Canyon.
We’d recommend leaving the Grand Canyon in the afternoon of your last day to make it to Horseshoe Bend for sunset. Keep in mind, you’ll be with hundreds of your new closest acquaintances – it’s a famous spot. You’ll need to get there early if you want a premier location.
Then, the next morning, get up early and head to Antelope Canyon. It’s on Navajo land, and is only accessible via guided excursions, which take between one and a half to two hours. Grab an early 8am departure, which will give you plenty of time to head back to Phoenix afterwards and catch your flight home (or start the drive home, if you drove).
Where to Stay in Page
Remain overnight at the Desert Canyon Inn, which served as lodging accommodations before needing to abbreviate the excursion schedule. They provide basic apartments – complete with cooking facilities! – in an ideal downtown Page setting.
What to Do in Arizona With 14 Days
With a full two weeks available, you have some options. At a high-level view, you could either make a sizable loop, taking in Monument Valley and Page, or you could add on Zion National Park at the end of your trip, and depart from Vegas.
For this itinerary, commence southbound to Tucson firstly, then expend two days in Phoenix just before heading up to Sedona, on to the Grand Canyon, then to Page for an evening just before heading to Zion National Park, which is technically in Utah, but near enough, right?
Note that we`re opting not to visit Petrified Forest National Park and Monument Valley. It`s not that they aren`t intriguing and worthwhile seeing. It`s that we think concentrating on western Arizona here serves you better, and making a return journey to explore eastern Arizona.
Otherwise, you’ll spend AN EXCESSIVE amount of time driving – and those drives are not particularly scenic, though there are some nice spots along the way – and not enough time actually exploring.
To provide some context, it will take approximately four and a half hours traveling from Tucson to Petrified Forest National Park, then around three more hours or more to reach Monument Valley from there, and another two hours to arrive at Page. All within about a 36 hour time span, as there isn`t really that much to engage in along that route.
We think your time is better spent immersing yourself in Tucson, Sedona, and the Grand Canyon (and Zion). Some may disagree, but this is our perspective.
Here’s what that itinerary looks like:
- Day 1: Fly into Phoenix, drive to Tucson
- Day 2: Tucson / Saguaro National Park
- Day 3: Tucson / Saguaro National Park + Mt. Lemmon hike
- Day 4: Phoenix
- Day 5: Superstition Mountains (sleep in Phoenix)
- Day 6: Sedona
- Day 7: Sedona
- Day 8: Sedona + Drive to Grand Canyon in evening
- Day 9: Grand Canyon National Park
- Day 10: Grand Canyon National Park
- Day 11: Page (Antelope Canyon morning + Horseshoe Bend sunset)
- Day 12: Drive to Zion
- Day 13: Zion
- Day 14: Drive to Vegas and Fly Home (stop at Valley of Fire if time permits)
Curious about what to see and do in Zion National Park? We’ve gathered some ideas for you
- How to Plan a Ideal Zion National Park Itinerary
- Recommended Lodging Locations within Zion National Park
The Best Time to Road Trip in Arizona
Essentially, we’d say anytime other than the summer is preferable. But ideally spring and fall – March and April, and September and October being the best months.
We spent three weeks exploring on this road trip in the spring during April, and the weather was very pleasant. In Phoenix, it remains warm but not unbearably hot yet – with average highs in the 80s and 90s. In higher elevation locations like Sedona and the Grand Canyon, it`s slightly cooler, even cold at night in the Grand Canyon.
In the autumn, it’s going to be similar, with relatively warm temperatures in Phoenix and southern Arizona that start to cool off as you head north into the higher elevation parts of the state.
The winter is also a decent time to visit, specifically in southern Arizona (Phoenix and Tucson). However, you could encounter snow in Sedona and the Grand Canyon, which can dampen your trip.
Summer in Arizona will likely be extremely uncomfortable, with daily temperatures regularly surpassing 100 degrees Fahrenheit, and huge crowds of individuals – particularly families with children out of school – flocking to places such as the Grand Canyon. You’ll need to make arrangements for things well in advance if you visit during the summer, and come prepared for exceptionally hot weather conditions.
Additional Travel Guides for Arizona and Utah
If you liked this guide, you’re going to love our other Arizona and Utah travel guides.
Phoenix: Devise a ideal weekend in Phoenix, and deduce where to stay in Phoenix.
The Grand Canyon: Planning a trip including the Grand Canyon? We`ve prepared a guide on how to create an amazing Grand Canyon itinerary and finding the ideal spot to lodge.
Sedona: Plan the perfect weekend escape to Sedona, and learn everything you need to know to go .
If you’re traveling into Utah, you’ll want to consult our guides to:
- Zion ( 2 day plan and where to reside)
- Bryce Canyon (the most recommended trails and how to make the most of one day there)
- Moab (an ideal itinerary found at this link, the finest hikes in Arches discussed here, and the optimal places to stay and best things to do covered here)
Additionally, our 10-day road trip through Utah`s national parks provides extensive details on exploring the state, if time permits. Otherwise, save it for another visit.
