5 Stops For An Ultimate Arizona Road Trip!

by Alyssa Ramos

You know you want to take a selfie at the Grand Canyon. But that’s not the only mind-blowing canyon you’ll find in Arizona. In fact, there are a few canyons on my to-see list that happen to be spread out just enough to require a road trip!

I also learned about a few awesome places that would make for great stops on an ultimate Arizona road trip while I was at U.S. Travel‘s IPW last weekend, which is why I have decided to make it my first “Summer in the U.S.A.” road trip, and so should you!

Aside from epic adventures and desert domination, there’s also some great wineries which is always an added bonus, and of course, natural hot springs and luxury spas…if you’re into that sort of thing.

Route:

1. PHOENIX

Either drive or fly into Phoenix first. It’s a good starting point because you can do outdoor activities like hike Camelback Mountain, or go on a hot-air balloon, or you can enjoy local life in the thriving downtown area of Phoenix! It’s also pretty much the only option for airports. But regardless, this is a great area to get a good mix of outdoorsy activities, and fun modern lifestyle, especially since everyone there is just so darn friendly!

2. SEDONA (~ 2 hours)

There’s so many awesome things to do in Sedona that I might end up staying a few extra days…You can take ATV or horseback riding tours of the canyons, go zip-lining over a wildlife park, kayak down a river, or…relax in one of the fancy world-class spas. Sedona is also known for its amazing WINE and delicious cuisine.

3. FLAGSTAFF (~ 51 minutes)

A charming town with an adventure-packed back yard makes up this quaint area that is the perfect pitstop between Sedona and the Grand Canyon. Explore for the day, or stay the night, just make sure you don’t pass it by!

4. GRAND CANYON SOUTH RIM (~ 1 hr 30 min)

During the summer, the Grand Canyon is pretty much booked solid for hotels, BUT I learned that there is this adorable little cowboy town just outside of it called Grand Canyon Historic Village at South Rim that offers a train ride or shuttle to the Grand Canyon for the day. It also has all these cool Old Timey shops and activities that look fun, and of course taking a train that offers food and drinks is always a good idea.

5. ANTELOPE CANYON (~ 2hr 40 min)

This is the place that looks like you’re inside of a massive abstract sculpture park…except it’s all natural and actually part of the Navajo Nation. You might need to spend a little extra on a tour guide, but you won’t be disappointed when you see the beautiful swirls and bends of canyon rock formations.

From Antelope Canyon you’ll probably have to drive back to Phoenix, or to Vegas (4.5 hrs) to get a flight home, or if you drove…well…maybe you can stop at any places you missed or really loved on the long drive home!