Educated road tripper Dean Williamson shares his superior Arizona road journey itinerary along with 10 superior experiences to have in 10 days. This Arizona road journey itinerary sees you cowl almost 1000 miles in ten days and supplies you the pliability to experience ten completely totally different themes exhibiting why Arizona has one factor for everyone. From the Grand Canyon to Route 66, this info takes you through just a few of America’s most iconic environment.
The Last Arizona Road Journey
In my view, driving is the best option to experience a model new place. You can journey at your private tempo, uncover hidden gems alongside the easiest way, and alter your plans merely as you journey. Nonetheless how have you ever learnt the place to go? It seems in all places has in any case one fantastic issue to do or see, which makes the selection near unimaginable.
Nonetheless what if there was an last USA road journey that had so many different points to produce with out having to drive 1000’s of miles, would you are interested?
Receive or View half one map of your Arizona Road Journeys
Start from Tucson
This journey in Arizona begins in Tucson. You can fly into Tucson straight from quite a lot of places throughout the US and there are 1 stop flights from Worldwide cities.
- Uncover a flight to Tucson on Skyscanner for wonderful provides.
- Click on on proper right here to go searching all the automotive rental companies and get the perfect worth in your drive by way of Arizona!
Day 1 – Tombstone Arizona
Driving time Tucson to Tombstone: 1 hour half-hour
After spending a day or two in Tucson, Arizona it is time to get the current on the road. From Tucson, head south to basically probably the most infamous metropolis throughout the Wild West, Tombstone and the Wild West What do you get when you cross Frequent Studios and an precise metropolis with an infamous earlier? The legendary Tombstone, Arizona.
Optimistic just a few of it has been modified for tourism nonetheless there mustn’t many places you could stroll throughout the footsteps of outlaws and well-known lawmen, see the place historic previous was made, and presumably have a whisky on the same saloon frequented by Wyatt Earp and his cohorts.
Make sure that to spend just some hours exploring proper right here sooner than making your strategy once more to Tucson for a spectacular sunset in Saguaro Nationwide Park East. Be taught: The 17 Biggest Hikes in Arizona
Day 2 – Saguaro Nationwide Park to Phoenix
Driving Time Tucson to Phoenix: 1 hour and 40 minutes
As we converse you head to Phoenix nonetheless take the gradual and scenic route by way of Saguaro Nationwide Park West and do some climbing amongst these unbelievable giants of the plant world.
Arizona has very distinctive flowers. Google Saguaro Cactus and you will’t help to be impressed by the weird shapes they develop and the fantastic silhouettes they sort throughout the foreground of sunset photos.
Nonetheless that is nothing as compared with standing in a forest of these giants, some rising to the height of a 4 or five-story establishing. To see a forest of these behemoths stretching out to the horizon is a highlight that will solely be seen at Saguaro Nationwide Park.
The place to Maintain in Phoenix
Phoenix is definitely a spot to return once more and go to as soon as extra. You in all probability have the time, spend a day or two proper right here so you could uncover among the many fantastic places spherical Phoenix.
Day Journeys from Phoenix
You in all probability have some time to spend in Pheonix and have an prolonged time in your road journey, attempt these prime factors of curiosity (not along with what’s already on this Arizona journey) info from Phoenix
- Flagstaff – Route 66, Sinagua Cliff Dwellings, Walnut Canyon and Sunset Crater Volcano Nationwide Monument
- Prescott – Go to and uncover the historic previous of Arizona’s distinctive capital and it’s Victorian-era buildings.
- Petrified Forest Nationwide Park – The Petrified Forest Nationwide Park is a ought to go to with highlights along with Painted Desert and Rainbow forest and it’s a spot the place you might even see fossilized timber and animals from prehistoric situations.
- Slide Rock State Park – Take a Dip throughout the pure straightforward rocks used as waterslides at this swimming hole.
Day 3 – Phoenix to Sedona
Driving Time Phoenix to Sedona: 1 hour and 57 mnutes
From Pheonix, we head to the enticing and cosmically spiritual metropolis of Sedona for some Native historic previous. Be taught additional: 20 Biggest Points to do in Sedona, Arizona
Don’t merely head up the Interstate on to Sedona, otherwise you’ll miss one different good highlight alongside the easiest way in Montezuma Citadel Nationwide Monument. Be taught additional at Phoenix to Sedona Drive
Spend some time proper right here learning of Native American Historic previous. This Nationwide Monument is dedicated to preserving Native American custom and is an superior stop in your journey by way of Arizona.
Solely a fast distance up the road are two unbelievable reminders of the imaginative and prescient and engineering capabilities of Native Individuals relationship once more better than 500 years. Montezuma Citadel and Montezuma Successfully
Montezuma Citadel Nationwide Monument
Montezuma Citadel is an excellent occasion of historic cliff dwellings. Thre are 20 rooms sitting extreme on a ledge.
Montezuma Successfully is a smaller cliff dwelling nonetheless constructed beneath the lip of an infinite sinkhole that is fed from underground springs.
Transferring on within the path of Sedona, one can discover a small metropolis often known as Camp Verde which is dwelling to a fort used in the midst of the Indian Wars. There are numerous points to do proper right here and you will confirm all of them out with our article 20 Biggest Points to do in Sedona, Arizona.
Camp Verde provides a glimpse of life into the troopers of the frontier throughout the 1870s. There are numerous outside actions like biking, kayaking, and climbing and there is the Cliff Citadel On line on line casino to try your luck.
Suggested Lodges in Sedona
Day 4 – Non secular Arizona
Sightseeing Spherical Sedona
Day 4 of your Arizona road journeys is a day to take in the environment and relax throughout the vortexes of Sedona. Head to the Data Center for some good driving maps and suggestion, and finish the day watching the sunset at Airport Mesa.
The Central Arizona metropolis of Sedona has two claims to fame.
The Crimson Rocks not solely current a robust backdrop to town nonetheless have been featured in movies for as long as the film enterprise has ventured open air,
Sedona is a spot of good spirituality – Reputed to be one in all many World’s hotspots for pure energies with its many vortexes, anticipate discovering a great deal of modern-day hippies spherical metropolis.
In a single day Sedona
Suggested Lodges in Sedona
Day 5 – Route 66 and Meteor Crater to Holbrook
Driving Time: 2 Hours
Three of our highlighted experiences of this Arizona road journey are lined for the time being as we lastly hit the Mother Road for the first time. Route 66 is the quintessentially American journey and we profit from among the many most interesting stops.
Ask anyone who loves the place is the final phrase drive. and the commonest reply will undoubtedly be Route 66, that’s why it’s often known as the Mother Road. The World’s most well-known Road Journey Road
Whereas plenty of the road and the associated firms have fallen as a consequence of stylish society’s need for tempo, there are nonetheless places to relive the glory days.
Take your time driving this path to have the benefit of a bit of little bit of nostalgia from America’s heyday. Stops embody Flagstaff, and Williams metropolis the place you’ll see memorabilia from 1926 when America was migrating West.
Meteor Crater
Meteor Crater is a must-stop alongside Route 66 to see the mind-blowing outcomes of the earth being struck by one factor from home. Whereas New Mexico is famous for reported alien crash web sites and autopsies, Arizona’s connection to outer home is approach additional obvious.
For those who want to know what happens when a large chunk of home rock actually makes contact with the earth then Meteor Crater is for you. It will make you hope none of these large rocks flying spherical home ever come for a go to.
In a single day on Route 66
We then end the day consuming in a normal Route 66 diner and sleeping in an distinctive Route 66 Motel.
In Holbrook, you can not solely eat at one in all many distinctive diners nonetheless spend a night on the well-known Wigwam Motel, or one in all many many alternative Route 66 Motels for barely additional comfort.
Day 6 – Winslow to Monument Valley
Entire Driving Distance: 3 hours 50 minutes
Day 6 on our Arizona Road journey is probably going one of many better driving days nonetheless wait until you see the place it ends.
Arizona lives in Pop Custom Folklore and nothing is additional so than Winslow Arizona. I suppose it’s what well-liked tradition is all about, making one factor unusual develop to be well-known, a bit similar to the Kardashians!
And Arizona is dwelling to a serious occasion of how one factor extraordinarily unusual has develop to be one factor of a vacationer Mecca, barely metropolis often known as Winslow. The spot made well-known by the Eagles and we go “standing on the nook in Winslow, Arizona.”
Little did they know that when the Eagles sang about standing on a selected nook on this sleeping little place that it may put it on the world map.
After exploring town, it is time to switch on to the enticing American environment of the earlier west.
Monument Valley
Keep in mind John Wayne? In case you might be the right age to be road-tripping you must be the right age to remember him and among the many Primary Western movies he starred in. Basically probably the most iconic place featured in these John Wayne western movies is Monument Valley. It’s doubtless one of many prime Arizona road journey factors of curiosity.
Followers of earlier Hollywood Westerns, or Forrest Gump for that matter, will little doubt be excited to see Monument Valley up shut. And for these of you not swayed by the Hollywood hyperlinks, you will nonetheless be better than impressed whenever you get there.
Keep in mind when Forrest Gump ran down the lone road collectively along with his prolonged beard? What about when Chevy Chase was as a lot as his extreme jinx in Journey? These memorable scenes had been shot in Monument Valley.
It would in all probability appear like you may be driving throughout the World’s largest movie set proper right here, and in a strategy, I suppose you may be, nonetheless what a excellent place to go to.
The place to Maintain in Monument Valley
Tonight you’ll want to maintain in Monument Valley. Make a reservation on the View Lodge in Monument Valley Tribal Park. It affords lodge rooms, cabins, and tenting.
There’s moreover Goulding’s Lodge if the View Lodge is purchased out.
Day 7 – Internet web page and Lake Powell
Driving time from Monument Valley to Internet web page: 2 hours and 10 minutes
From Hollywood well-known environment to Instagram well-known environment for the time being as we head to Internet web page on Lake Powell. Have a look throughout town and take throughout the attractive shade contrasts between the water of the lake and the crimson and white rocks spherical it.
Lake Powell is a man-made lake that stretches 299 kilometers (186 miles). There are numerous points to keep up you occupied for a day proper right here.
Being a road journey by way of Arizona, you can also attempt all the unbelievable rock formations and sights spherical Internet web page along with, Waterholes Canyon, Rainbow Bridge Nationwide Monument, Tower Butte, and Vermillion Cliffs Nationwide Monument. Search these out, you acquired’t be dissatisfied.
Suggested Internet web page Lodges Arizona
There are a selection of lodge decisions in Internet web page Arizona.
Day 8 – Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon
Driving Time: 20 Minutes
As we converse on our Arizona itinerary, it is all regarding the ‘Gram as we have time taking selfies, and fantastic panorama photos for the a lot much less self-absorbed, at every Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon. In case you’ve certainly not heard of them do a Google or Instagram hashtag search and you’ll notice why they’re so modern. Arizona is Insta-famous!
The city of Internet web page sits on the Southern end of Lake Powell, which is surrounded by attractive pure magnificence.
Nonetheless when you want to get some photos to fill your Instagram feed then there are two places exterior metropolis that you just simply must see, Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend.
Whereas the soothing circulation of the patterns throughout the rocks at Antelope Canyon may be significantly hypnotic, you must maintain sharp at Horseshoe Bend and please don’t be one in all many idiots risking their life getting too close to the sting for that “last” selfie.
In a single day Internet web page:
Day 9 – The Grand Canyon
Driving Time Internet web page to the Grand Canyon: 2 hours and 21 minutes
Time to make our resolution to the last word highlight of this epic Arizona road journey, the enduring Grand Canyon. As we converse you’ll be exploring the north rim of the Grand Canyon.
For a lot of people, the Grand Canyon sits extreme on their journey bucket file, whereas others like me contemplate it as little better than an infinite crack throughout the flooring. Nonetheless as quickly as you may be standing on the sting you could’t help nonetheless be blown away by the sweetness and the sheer magnitude Uncover a quiet spot and maintain for the sunset.
I can assure you that if you end up standing on the sting of the Canyon it unfold as far as the eye can see, your low expectations may have been massively exceeded. The Grand Canyon deserves its spot among the many many good pure wonders of the World.
You in all probability have time, spend a day or two proper right here in your Arizona Road Journey. You’ll be able to do canyon hikes, whitewater rafting excursions, horseback driving, or helicopter scenic flights.
The north rim of the Grand Canyon is way much less visited and wilder and the south rim has additional touristy points to do and see. In case you’ll be able to spend a day exploring every the north and south rim of the Grand Canyon.
There are lodge decisions inside Grand Canyon Nationwide Park and you will confirm them out on TripAdvisor or study our full publish The place to Maintain At The Grand Canyon: Biggest Lodges And Areas For Every Funds
Day 10 – The End-Solely Open Road Ahead
All good points come to an end nonetheless not sooner than getting one final check out the marvel of the Grand Canyon. Take a while to be there for daybreak and the hour or so after that for some fantastic image options.
Selections for a road journey once more to Tucson, Arizona.
In case you might be driving once more to Tucson, you may have 5-hours ahead. You’ll cross by way of Flagstaff, Pheonix and you will even make a detour to the earlier metropolis Scottsdale. Scottsdale is an excellent place to spend the night time time when you have got additional time in your palms.
As we converse, you may additionally want to spend the day exploring additional of the south rim of the Grand Canyon sooner than shifting on. The beauty of a road journey is that you’d be capable of choose the place to go subsequent!
Points to do on the Grand Canyon
- Grand Canyon Village – It’s the favored entrance to the Grand Canyon which takes you to Yavapai Degree. It affords the perfect views of the Grand Canyon.
- In a single day hike and tenting on the Vivid Angel Path. For one factor distinctive hire a mule for this tral to the river. And camp in a single day.
- Uncover all the Grand Canyon Viewpoints of the Rim Path
- Grand Canyon Skywalk – Jutting 70 toes out from the canyon partitions, company can stroll on glass for 4000 toes above the Grand Canyon.
- Colorado River Rafting – You can information half or full-day rafting excursions.
- Be taught additional: Points to do on the Grand Canyon
There are so many points to do on the Grand Canyon, you may presumably spend per week proper right here. This unbelievable river canyon sees the Colorado River decreasing by way of the Colorado Plateau we’ll end the journey proper right here letting you resolve how prolonged you want to maintain.
Then all that is left is to make your strategy dwelling and start planning your subsequent USA Road Journey As if that’s not enough to make any road journey fan start Googling these places and flight decisions!
Nonetheless in all honesty, it’s a good start as to why you must be heading out on an Arizona road journey, nonetheless there’s so much additional to easily double the dimensions of this journey and certainly not be bored or should cross any borders.
As talked about at first, every part of the USA has good road journey decisions nonetheless for various experiences, Arizona is the winner.
Ideas for the Last Arizona Road Journey
- Journey Insurance coverage protection – It’s a toss-up whether or not or not or to not buy automotive insurance coverage protection. As most automotive leases are lined beneath your personal automotive insurance coverage protection. We always do because of we select to not have the difficulty of each having to pay or endure our private insurance coverage protection must we have a fender bender or maybe a broken windshield.
- Emergency Road Bundle – Confirm for an emergency road tools throughout the automotive, if not, get one on the native Walmart sooner than you drive off into the desert or mountains.
- Nationwide Parks Go – Be certain you buy your Nationwide Parks Go, you’ll be passing by way of some fantastic parks. A cross lets you enter all nationwide parks with out worry.
- Additional Water – Every time we take a road journey, we always make sure to have a great deal of extra water. In Arizona, it’s a ought to because it may get extraordinarily well-liked.
- Paper Maps – In for the time being’s world, people use Google Maps to get spherical nonetheless make sure you have got a tricky copy map and know discover ways to use it. Have a map for a backup. We found cellphone alerts to be very spotty and non-existent in a number of places.
Road Journey Skilled Tip
Always Replenish at half a tank – When doing a road journey, we try and certainly not let the tank go beneath half a tank. In case you see a gas station, replenish. It’s increased to have a full tank and endure the annoyance of stopping than understanding of gas.
Make sure that to put collectively your last road journey playlist!
Biggest Time of Yr for an Arizona Road Journey
There could also be really no unhealthy time to take a road journey in Arizona. We love driving rain, shine or snow.
- Summer time season (June/July/August) is the extreme season and with the extreme season comes additional vacationers and higher prices.
- Like many places, shoulder season (spring and fall) is an environment friendly time as a result of the local weather continues to be good nonetheless crowds are a lot much less and prices are lower.
- Winter is nice for Arizona as a result of the local weather is good year-round.
Many northerners winter in Arizona. It would in all probability get pretty chilly at night time time though, so pack for winter conditions and robe in layers. It’s suggestion to keep up a blanket in your automotive in case you’re taking a road journey in Arizona throughout the winter.
What to Pack for an Arizona Road Journey
- Don’t overlook your climbing boots! You’ll have the prospect to find just a few of America’s most beautiful landscapes!
- Pack layers – Arizona is a desert native climate. It may be scorching in the midst of the day, however it cools down at night time time.
- Breathable lightweight garments – as a substitute of sunscreen, we favor to placed on long-sleeve microlight shirts. It retains us cool whereas blocking the photo voltaic.
- Reusable Water bottle – Bottled water is plentiful throughout the US, nonetheless why waste the plastic? Faucet water is drinkable and you will merely replenish each time you must. Convey just some, and protect them full.
- Easy cooler – We like having snacks and drinks chilly, so a collapsible cooler is straightforward to maneuver and retains your snacks current.
- Steripen – You can drink the water in Arizona, nonetheless We like to carry a Steripen to purify water from streams and rivers if we’re climbing. That strategy you could fill your water bottle with out the worry of parasites.
- Hat – A photo voltaic hat is a ought to when climbing in scorching local weather.
- Headlamp – It’s always good to have a flashlight with you. We select headlamps because of they’re hands-free. A wonderful one has a beautiful beam too.
- Blanket – In case one factor happens at night time time, it’s good to have a warmth blanket throughout the automotive. Plus, a blanket is good for pulling over and having a picnic!
- USB Vehicle Charger – Most vehicles have USB retailers, nonetheless we favor to have a further to keep up our electronics and telephones charged. The dual outlet lets us value every telephones and a digicam.
- Lavatory paper – Yep, on a road journey, we’re typically ducking behind a tree. (nonetheless make sure to each bury it with a trowel or carry it out (in a garbage bag in actual fact.
- Digital digital camera Gear – Don’t overlook your digicam! You don’t want to miss a second of this journey!
Did you have the benefit of these Arizona Road Journey Ideas? Save to Pinterest to help plan your private journey to Arizona.
Be taught Further:
Dean Williamson is the precept creative energy behind La Vida World and a road journey veteran with over 30,000 miles of driving in extra than a dozen nations. The one issue he enjoys better than sharing his adventures at La Vida World and galvanizing you to have your private is getting behind the wheel and exploring someplace new.
