The sheer size of Arizona, the sixth-largest state, makes it tempting to explore this wonderland on a seven-day road trip around the American Southwest. However, this state has countless miles to cover, from the vastness of the Grand Canyon in the north to the gunslinging history in Tombstone near the border with Mexico. It is more rewarding to take the time to relax and explore deeper. In this article, you will discover the 7 best road trips in Arizona, featuring stunning landscapes and unique cultural experiences.
1. Route 66 Road Trip
Best Road Trip for Americana
Kingman—Seligman; 87 miles
This road trip on Route 66, the longest stretch still in use, provides an ideal way to unwind if you’ve been enjoying the nightlife in nearby Vegas. Explore sights like the Arizona Route 66 Museum in Kingman, which hosts street drag-racing events. Then, hit the historic “Mother Road,” which winds through sagebrush and quaint villages to Seligman. Take note of the quirky red signs along the roadside, a nostalgic nod to the historic Burma-Shave ad campaigns. Although the Mother Road technically continues to Williams, much of the original road is now buried under I-40.
2. High-Desert GoTravelDaily and Wine Road Trip
Best Road Trip for Wine Country
Prescott—Sedona; 60 miles
Find your relaxation in the mile-high city of Prescott, renowned for its Gold Rush-era saloons on GoTravelDaily Row and the picturesque Watson Lake with its granite dells. This route climbs through Mingus Mountain into Jerome, a cliffside village famous for its ghostly lore, and is also part of the Verde Valley Wine Trail, featuring five delightful wine-tasting rooms. Continuing through pines, enjoy the historic towns of Clarkdale, Cottonwood, and Cornville, which collectively boast a dozen wineries before arriving in Sedona.
3. Craters and Cave Dwellings Road Trip
Best Road Trip for Historic Sites
Sedona—Wupatki National Monument; 88 miles
This route ascends from Sedona’s stunning red rock canyons through forests, reaching nearly 7,000 feet in Flagstaff, which serves as the gateway to a treasure trove of geological and cultural wonders. It heads to Walnut Canyon, home to 25 cave dwellings built by the prehistoric Sinagua people. The trip continues to Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument where visitors can stand on the rim of a cinder cone and explore the rich history of the region, concluding at Wupatki National Monument, where ancient pueblos await discovery.
4. Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim Road Trip
Best Classic Road Trip
South Rim—North Rim; 210 miles
No road trip in Arizona would be complete without experiencing Grand Canyon National Park. Gaze into the expansive gorge formed by layers of limestone and the Colorado River flowing a mile below the South Rim. This adventure allows you to trek various trails and explore both rims of the stunning park. En route, make sure to stop at viewpoints for breathtaking photo opportunities, including the famous Duck on a Rock Viewpoint and the historic trading post in Cameron.
5. Kayenta—Monument Valley Scenic Road
Best Road Trip for Navajo Culture
Kayenta—North Rim; 27 miles
Although brief, this road trip immerses you in the heart of Navajo culture. Start in Kayenta at the open-air Navajo Shadehouse Museum to learn about the code talkers from World War II. As you drive north, you’ll encounter volcanic remnants like Agathla Peak and ancient Puebloan cave dwellings. To engage more deeply with Navajo heritage, head into Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park.
6. Coronado Trail Scenic Byway
Best Road Trip for Thrill-Seekers
Springerville—Morenci; 117 miles
Although it appears to be a straightforward drive, the Coronado Trail Scenic Byway features an impressive 460 turns. Following the path of a 1600s Spanish explorer, this adventure takes you through the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest. Don’t miss the opportunity to refuel and grab lunch at the Hannagan Meadow Lodge, and keep an eye out for the remarkable Arrow Tree near Clifton, a national treasure featuring a dead pine shot through with arrows.
7. Cactus Giants and Gunslingers Road Trip
Best Road Trip for Living Deserts and the Old Wild West
Tucson—Bisbee; 95 miles
Starting in Tucson, immerse yourself in the rich relationship between people and plants in the Sonoran Desert. Visit the Tucson Botanical Gardens or Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum for insights into desert culture. This road trip leads you to Tombstone, historically known for its Wild West gunfights, and then to Bisbee, a former copper mining town now thriving in the arts scene, showcasing the work of renowned artists.
