Top Day Trips from Phoenix, Arizona
While there’s plenty to see in Phoenix, the state capital serves as an ideal base for exploring the myriad attractions of Arizona and experiencing the diverse offerings of this beautiful state. Enjoy local arts, food, and nightlife in the city, and then venture into Arizona’s stunning open spaces.
From sampling locally produced wine and skiing in the mountains to encounters with Arizona wildlife, here are some of the best day trips from Phoenix.
Ski in the Desert in Flagstaff
Travel time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Flagstaff, surrounded by the world’s largest stand of ponderosa pines, is perched at 7,000 feet. The cooler temperatures attract visitors looking to escape southern Arizona’s summer heat. Flagstaff is renowned for its skiing options, particularly at the Arizona Snowbowl, which boasts an impressive 55 runs. This adventure zone is particularly vibrant in winter when locals flock to 777 acres of skiable terrain. Moreover, the high-speed gondola offers breathtaking views of cinder cones and Sedona’s iconic red rocks from a height of 11,500 feet throughout the year.
How to get to Flagstaff: The drive from Phoenix takes approximately two hours and 15 minutes heading north on I-17 (longer if you choose to detour through Sedona along state routes 179 and 89A).
Explore Endless Hiking and Biking Trails in Sedona
Travel time: 2 hours
While Sedona’s famous red-rock formations are visible while driving, immersing yourself in hiking or biking among the ponderosa pines and prickly pear cactuses enhances the experience significantly. Sedona features over 200 multi-use trails covering an impressive 400 miles that lead to stunning sandstone towers like Cathedral Rock and Bell Rock, which are renowned “vortex” sites—believed energy centers.
After enjoying nature, a visit to the Indian Gardens Café & Market in Oak Creek Canyon is a delightful option. Additionally, a stop at Garland’s boutique next door showcases authentic Indigenous items such as Navajo rugs and squash blossom necklaces.
On your way to Sedona, don’t miss the Montezuma Castle National Monument, a lushly shaded area where ancient Sinagua people once resided around 1050 CE.
How to get to Sedona: It takes just under two hours to drive the 116 miles along I-17, connecting to state route 179.
Visit Dozens of Wineries in the Verde Valley
Travel time: 1 hour 45 minutes
True to its name, the Verde Valley boasts a vibrant green landscape, offering a refreshing change from Phoenix’s sandy terrain. Various historic towns, including Clarkdale, Cottonwood, and Cornville, have transitioned from mining days to wine production.
The valley is home to an array of wine varieties, including Roussanne, Riesling, Grenache, and Merlot. Sample these delightful wines during a self-guided tour on the Verde Valley Wine Trail or at the annual wine festival held each spring.
While touring wineries, consider an exploration of Tuzigoot National Monument. Here, you’ll find a museum and well-preserved ruins of pueblos, offering a glimpse into the lives of the Sinagua people.
How to get to Verde Valley: The journey to Cornville takes approximately one hour and 45 minutes, situated 104 miles north of Phoenix via I-17.
Drink Whiskey in Arizona’s Oldest Frontier Saloon in Prescott
Travel time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Prescott, once Arizona’s territorial capital, features Victorian homes and a Neoclassical Revival-style courthouse in its charming downtown area. Whiskey Row, known for its historic saloons, caters to visitors looking for an authentic taste of Arizona’s past during the gold rush.
Wet your whistle at The Palace, Arizona’s oldest frontier saloon, where legendary figures such as Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday once gathered. This historic venue is known for its 1880s-era Brunswick Bar, which was saved from a fire in 1900.
How to get to Prescott: The trip from Phoenix spans 100 miles, taking approximately an hour and 45 minutes north on I-17, then east along state route 69.
Explore Jerome, the Wickedest Town in the West
Travel time: 2 hours
Jerome’s past as a mining town now gives way to a vibrant arts scene, with historic buildings hosting art boutiques, restaurants, and wine-tasting rooms. Nestled atop Cleopatra Hill, Jerome offers charming views and a glimpse into its storied past.
The area is also known for paranormal activity, particularly at the Jerome Grand Hotel, once the site of a hospital. For lunch, the hotel’s Asylum Restaurant offers delightful food with spectacular valley views.
How to get to Jerome: The drive to Jerome takes roughly two hours (111 miles) north from Phoenix along I-17, following state routes 260 and 89A.
Experience the Sonoran Desert up Close in Tucson
Travel time: 1 hour 45 minutes
While you can observe saguaro cactuses from Phoenix, experiencing the majestic giants up close in Saguaro National Park offers a unique perspective. This park, divided into east and west zones, straddles Tucson and features rich flora and fauna, historic limestone kilns, and ancient petroglyphs. The best time to visit is from April to June when the saguaros bloom in stunning white flowers.
Additionally, the Sky Island Scenic Byway provides a scenic route, culminating in the southernmost skiing location in the continental US during winter months—9000-foot-tall Mount Lemmon.
How to get to Tucson: Driving to Tucson from Phoenix typically requires about an hour and 45 minutes on I-10.
Spot Black Bears and Bald Eagles in Tonto National Forest
Travel time: 2 hours
If you’re craving wilderness after bustling city life, Tonto National Forest offers an expansive 590,000 acres filled with unique rock formations and diverse wildlife, including black bears and bald eagles.
Named after the Tonto Apache people, this extensive ecosystem ranges from 1300 feet to 7900 feet in elevation, providing ample fishing streams and serene backcountry trails. It’s a refreshing escape, particularly in spots like Fossil Creek and the areas surrounding Hell’s Gate Wilderness, where snow is common in higher elevations during winter.
How to get to Tonto National Forest: The scenic two-hour drive from Phoenix covers approximately 65 miles northeast on state route 87 (the Beeline Highway).
