Discover Arizona
Arizona is an outdoor lover’s paradise, offering three incredible national parks, iconic landmarks, and a diverse range of landscapes. A road trip through the Copper State is far from monotonous — it’s one of the most exciting ways to explore the Southwest. From the towering saguaros of the Sonoran Desert to the awe-inspiring Grand Canyon, Arizona is truly a road tripper’s dream.
Journeying from the south, you'll experience the stunning Sonoran desert where you can view beautiful Saguaro cacti in the national park of the same name. Visit gems like Tucson and Phoenix before exploring the pine forests on your way to the Mohave Desert. Traverse portions the historic Route 66 on your way to Petrified Forest National Park.
In the east, you'll explore the stunning towns of Sedona and Flagstaff. All before entering the Grand Escalante region where you'll experience Arizona's creme de la creme -- the Grand Canyon. Then conclude it all with a stop at the iconic Horseshoe Bend. Arizona is full of adventure, waiting to be experienced.
Saguaro National Park
Our first stop is Saguaro National Park, located in the heart of the Sonoran Desert near Tucson. This park is divided into two districts: Rincon Mountain on the east and Tucson Mountain on the west, with the city Tucson nestled between them. Plan to dedicate a couple of days exploring the park, city and surrounding area.
Saguaro National Park offers multiple desert hikes, varying in distance and elevation. Be sure to take precautions for the desert and keep your distance from the infamous Teddybear Cholla cactus and its painful spines!
Don't feel like hiking through the desert? Scenic drives along Bajada Loop (Tuscon Mountain District) or Cactus Forest Scenic Loop (Rincon Mountain District) provide great alternatives. The Red Hills Visitor Center offers some great learning opportunities and chances to see the Saguaros along a paved path.
Petrified Forest National Park
Petrified Forest offers a completely different experience from the Sonoran Desert, showcasing Arizona’s incredible diversity of landscapes. Within the park, you will find much shorter hikes than most national parks but hikes that will allow you to experience a plethora of colorful geologic structures. The scenic routes throughout the park allow you get a great park experience and you'll even find vestiges of the historic Route 66 while you are here.
Be sure to visit the Rainbow Forest Museum and the visitor center to learn about the park’s paleontological significance, featuring fascinating fossils and artifacts from millions of years ago.
Grand Canyon National Park - South Rim
The centerpiece of any road trip through Arizona has to be Grand Canyon National Park. While there are a number of rims you can visit, the South Rim is by far the most popular, offering the most activities. The Grand Canyon offers an array of hiking options—from rim-side trails to routes that descend into the canyon itself—along with one of the most spectacular scenic drives in the world. As one of the Seven Natural Wonders, it’s a must-visit destination on any Arizona road trip.
The visitor centers offer ranger-led hikes, educational displays and a number of shops. This is one of the most iconic parks which is why no road trip through Arizona is complete without it.
Horseshoe Bend
Our journey concludes at Horseshoe Bend, the crown jewel of Page, Arizona. Located within Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, this iconic overlook is the perfect place to enjoy a hike and take in a breathtaking sunset.
The town of Page also offers many other recreational opportunities with the nearby Glen Canyon being nearby. Hiking, water sports and slot canyons are quickly accessible. We highly recommend taking a tour of Antelope Canyon, where you will get to experience a slot canyon up close and personal. Most tours are managed by the Navajo Native American tribe and require a reserved time slot but if you can fit it in, it is well worth planning ahead.
Arizona is truly astounding, especially for the outdoor enthusiasts. This road trip route showcases the state’s diverse landscapes, from deserts to canyons to iconic landmarks. Whether you choose to explore over a few days or spread the journey across weeks, Arizona offers endless opportunities for adventure and discovery.
