Everything You Need to Experience, Explore, and Savor on an Arizona Road Trip

Arizona offers much more than just the Grand Canyon. This state is filled with luxurious hotels and spas, charming and unique towns, and southwestern cuisine that promises to delight your palate. So grab your camera, hiking boots, and your adventurous spirit, and hit the scenic backroads of the Wild West for an unforgettable experience.

We'll guide you from Tucson through iconic destinations like Sedona and Grand Canyon National Park, ultimately arriving in Page, home of the stunning Antelope Canyon. Dedicate at least five days to fully immerse yourself in this captivating part of the Southwest.

Day 1: Begin Your Journey in Tucson

Nestled within the expansive Sonoran Desert, Tucson is a lively and colorful Southwestern city boasting a dynamic culinary landscape. Consider staying at Hotel Congress, a historic venue featuring a concert hall, club, and bistro. With its charming vintage atmosphere, it also exudes a cool rock-and-roll essence. Get ready to revel like it’s 1919 before retreating to a renovated room that features nostalgic elements like iron beds and transistor radios in place of modern TVs.

At nearby Saguaro National Park, you can marvel at the majestic saguaro cactus—the iconic symbol of the Sonoran Desert—thriving in its natural habitat. Afterwards, embark on a hike to the summit of Mount Lemmon, the highest peak in the Santa Catalina Mountains just north of Tucson.

For lunch, head to Tucson Tamale to savor authentic regional flavors. Don't miss the traditional red chili beef tamale or the blue corn and veggie vegan tamale. Later, book a tour and tasting at Whiskey Del Bac, followed by dinner at The Grill at Hacienda Del Sol. Enjoy breathtaking desert sunset views and live music at this historic ranch resort, known for its exquisite dining experience.

Day 2: Journey From Tucson to Scottsdale

Located just under two hours from Tucson and a quick 20-minute drive from Phoenix, Scottsdale serves as a warm getaway at the edge of the Valley of the Sun. Here, you can indulge in upscale shopping, acclaimed spas, and a variety of hiking adventures.

The most picturesque route between the two locations is Route 79, which takes you past Casa Grande Ruins, one of the largest prehistoric structures in North America. Admission is free, and knowledgeable docents share fascinating stories about the Sonoran Desert's rich history. Other outdoor highlights in Scottsdale include the Desert Botanical Garden and Camelback Mountain. Enjoy a vibrant display of cacti, succulents, and colorful wildflowers at the gardens, then tackle a four-hour hike to the summit for breathtaking 360-degree views of Scottsdale and Phoenix.

Scottsdale boasts numerous great hotels, but we recommend the Bespoke Inn, a boutique retreat featuring just 10 rooms nestled in a quiet corner of downtown. With unique features like clawfoot or soaking tubs, upscale amenities including a saltwater infinity pool, and outdoor dining at the acclaimed restaurant Virtu Honest Craft, your stay will truly reflect the hotel's name and promise of a personalized experience.

Other notable dining spots include Roaring Fork, a downtown favorite with an Old West atmosphere. During happy hour, you can enjoy their signature burgers for just $13 each. After your meal, head to Handlebar J for drinks, where live country music and lively two-stepping accompany a great selection of beers on tap.

Day 3: Journey From Scottsdale to Sedona

Just two hours north of Scottsdale lies Sedona, a haven for spa lovers, art enthusiasts, and outdoor adventurers. Surrounded by stunning red-rock formations, deep canyons, and lush pine forests, this enchanting destination offers a blend of Wild West charm and refined luxury, highlighted by exceptional resorts.

Access Sedona via Highway 179, known as the Red Rock Scenic Byway. Take a break for dessert at Rock Springs Cafe, a historic spot renowned for its award-winning pies since 1918. Conveniently located near the highway, it’s perfect for road-trippers. Treat yourself to a seasonal delight like strawberry rhubarb crumb pie or the popular Jack Daniel's pecan pie.

Settle in at The Wilde Resort and Spa. Just a short stroll from the shops and galleries in Uptown Sedona, this elegant retreat features modern, spacious suites with views of Thunder Mountain. After hiking through the stunning red rocks, unwind with a spa treatment or soak in the Jacuzzi at the spa.

After a rejuvenating night, start your next hiking adventure with a hearty stack of pancakes at Casa Sedona Inn. It’s the ideal carb-loading meal before exploring the red-rock buttes on foot. Enjoy your breakfast in the outdoor courtyard for an exceptional atmosphere.

Devil's Bridge is one of Arizona's most photographed natural landmarks, so lace up your hiking boots for a 90-minute trek from Dry Creek Vista. Get ready for a challenging uphill climb, but rest assured, the breathtaking view at the top is well worth the effort.

Before you leave, don’t forget to pick up Sedona's renowned healing crystals at Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village. Wrap up your day with delicious fish tacos, loaded nachos, and a refreshing strawberry margarita at the nearby Oaxaca Restaurant, where you can also try the grilled Arizona cactus appetizer and other vegetarian and vegan-friendly options on the menu.

Day 4: Journey From Sedona to the Grand Canyon

Just a beautiful two-hour drive from Sedona leads you to the awe-inspiring Grand Canyon. As one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, the Grand Canyon is the highlight of any Arizona road trip. Take Highway 89A out of Sedona and make a stop at Midgley Bridge for a brief hike into Oak Creek Canyon. Next, refuel in Flagstaff at Macy's European Coffee House, where you can enjoy artisanal coffee creations and healthy breakfast options available all day. Flagstaff also boasts Arizona's tallest mountain, Humphreys Peak, along with various Native American heritage sites, so consider spending a few hours exploring the area.

Upon arrival at the Grand Canyon, check in at the El Tovar Hotel, a historic establishment that has welcomed celebrities and presidents since its opening in 1905. Located just steps from the rim of the "big ditch," El Tovar combines elegance and rustic charm with stunning views from every window. The hotel's Dining Room offers dining as close to the canyon as possible, serving authentic cuisine that is nearly as unforgettable as the views from the window-side tables.

The South Rim of the Grand Canyon, right outside the doors of El Tovar, is open year-round. Look forward to a variety of hikes suitable for adventurers of all levels. Consider planning a sunrise hike and pack a breakfast picnic to enjoy along the way.

Day 5: Journey From the Grand Canyon to Page

Page, a haven for water sports enthusiasts, is just a three-hour drive north. Follow Highway 89A toward Nevada, and set aside several hours for a tour of Antelope Canyon. Navigate through the twisting walls of this stunning sandstone formation with your camera ready; the wave-like shapes and shafts of light filtering through the canyon slots are a photographer's dream. The Wave is another iconic hike, but remember to secure a permit in advance.

In Page, settle into the Lake Powell Resort. This tranquil oasis, nestled in the heart of the desert, offers a charming blend of vintage appeal and modern amenities. Start your day with a warm beverage from the all-day coffee bar and enjoy cozy evenings by the resort's fire pit.

Nearby, BirdHouse serves up some of the finest comfort food in Arizona, featuring favorites like mac and cheese, waffles, mashed potatoes, and crinkle-cut fries. However, the fried chicken takes center stage at this roadside gem. Enjoy it with a homemade sauce, such as honey butter or buttermilk ranch, alongside a refreshing beer from their impressive selection of local brews.

Just a short distance south of Page lies the breathtaking Horseshoe Bend. This iconic Arizona landmark, with its unique shape along the Colorado River, is best appreciated from an overlook that rises over 4,000 feet above sea level. The easy hike from the parking area to the viewpoint is less than a mile.

The journey from Page back to Tucson takes about six hours. If you're inclined to venture westward, Las Vegas is just four and a half hours away via Kanab, home to the renowned hike known as The Wave. From Las Vegas, you can embark on Nevada's 365-mile Death Drive, one of the region's most unforgettable road trips.