Arizona Road Trip: A to Z in Two Weeks

Arizona is an incredible state full of fantastic landscapes and phenomenal rock formations.

This itinerary covers a lot of ground what it comes to sightseeing in Arizona. The trip is comprised of several locations to visit, with each destination spot comprised by a cluster of must see sights. No matter where you start your journey you can create a route that allows you hit all the key destinations, explore the recommended sights, and still comfortably maintain a 2 week itinerary.

The recommended itinerary starts in Page, Arizona and continues southbound (remember you can start from wherever you’d like, however I found this route to be quite enjoyable). You can get to Page from Las Vegas or from Phoenix in ~ 4.5 hours / 272 miles.

Part 1: Page - 2 days

The town of Page is proximate to Glen Canyon Dam and Lake Powell - both are magnificent man made sights. Lake Powell is a major vacation spot that gets approximately 2 million visitors a year, and it’s easy to see why: contrast with crystal blue water and giant red rock canyons that you can ride jetsky through. This location is great for camping, hiking, boating, fishing, water sky and wake surf. Even if you don’t have a boat or are not planning to rent one, there are beaches where you can swim and enjoy the lake.

Another major attraction is Antelope Canyon. This canyon cannot be explored without a tour guide. Visitors must obtain a park permit before touring the canyon.

There are two tours you can take: Upper Antelope Canyon which takes 2.5 hours, and Lower Antelope Canyon which takes 1.5 hours - both are breathtaking. Upper Antelope Canyon is the more famous of the two, tends to be busier, it the tour is about twice the cost than the lower canyon experience.

Next must-see sight is Horseshoe Bend. It is a short hike (~ 1.5 mile roundtrip) and takes you on incredible canyon view named Horseshoe Bend, named for its unique horseshoe shape that boasts a 1,000-foot (300m) drop. This place was one of the most impressive canyons I have seen on my first road trip through Arizona.

Check out The “New Wave” hike located 10 min away Page, AZ, and is reminiscent of the original Wave’s formation. You can spend quite a few hours exploring the area. White Pocket is also a neat hike: it’s an easy 2 mile off- trail loop. You’ll see beautiful rock formations: white domes, hoodoos and red gullies.

Bonus: Wave (45.6 miles /1 hour from Page one way and back)

If you want to see the famous Wave landmark make sure to get the permit online prior to your trip, or drive up to BLM Visitor Center in Kanab, UT for a permit lottery one day before the hike. Note, it’s challenging to get the permit due to the large number of tourists that visit each year, and only 20 permits are available daily (10 online, 10 in person). This moderate hike takes between 2-4 hours depending on how many cups of coffee you had in the morning (5.5 mile round trip). Beware, it is easy to get lost because the trail is not very clear. The “wave” part is very small, but an absolutely unforgettable stand wave formation. Get clear instructions & directions for this hike before your trip. I know a few souls who got permits, but lost their way and never got to see these majestic formations.

Part 2: Navajo reservation - 2 days

Monument Valley

When I think about traveling the Western part of the U.S. every romantic notion of nature culminates upon the arrival of Monument Valley.

Miles and miles of desert views, with sandstone buttes that reach up to 1,000 feet in the sky - this will take your breath away. You will need to pay an entrance fee to drive through the park (17 mi / 27 km). You can also get a guided tour through specific parts of the park like Hunts Mesa and Mystery Valley. Make sure to check out West and East Mitten Butte and John Ford Point.

Navajo National Monument

This historical spot has three well-preserved cliff dwellings of Ancestral Puebloan People. This is an amazing place where you can learn about the past and present native cultures. There are three self-guided rim trails: Sandal Trail (1.3 mile), Aspen (0.8 mile), Canyon View (0.8 mile).

Part 3: Grand Canyon - 2 days

I think the name of Grand Canyon says it all! We’ve all heard about it - it is the symbol of Arizona so I think it’s a must see on the A to Z list.

There are different options for lodging in the area, but the ultimate way to experience it is camping there.

Check out these view points from South Rim:

Mather Point

Desert View

Yavapai Point

Pipe Creek Vista

Grandview Point

Navajo Point

Part 4: Sedona area - 3 days

Sedona is a charming town with red rocks everywhere you look. The ultimate time to visit Sedona is Spring or Fall. There are so many different sights you can see there. I will name a few of my favorites nature adventures you can choose from:

Wupatki National Monument - explore these deep red color ruins of Anasazi and Sinagua. This monument preserved pueblos (villages) once inhabited by Hopi and Zuni people.

Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument - there are 3,040 acres to explore in this monument - you can drive, bike or hike through the park. Check out Lava Flow Trail - it is 0.8-mile loop trail through the lava flows. Lenox trail is easy 1.4-mile and Lava’s Edge Trail is 3.6-mile round trip.

Devil’s Bridge - one of the most popular attractions - 4.2 miles round trip leads you to a beautiful natural sandstone arch.

Soldier Pass - this 4.1 miles loop trail with elevation gain of 600 feet will show you Devil’s Kitchen Sinkhole and Seven Sacred Pools.

Cathedral Rock Hike - 1-mile hike and total of 550 elevation gain will show you a view of Bell Rock, Courthouse Butte and Mogollon Rim.

You can spice up your adventures by choosing a fun activity like jeeping, hot air ballooning, or taking a helicopter ride.

Part 5: North East of Arizona - 1 day

Petrified Forest is one of the wonders of Arizona.

The landscape of this national park is very unique and the area is full of colorful petrified wood, historic structures and archaeological sites. There are many outdoors activities, but the best way to enjoy this place is by foot. The most popular hiking trails to explore: Blue Mesa, Painted Desert Rim, Painted Desert, Agate House, Giant Logs.

Bonus: if you have 2 extra nights it is well worth your trip to see : Window Rock (75 miles /1.5 hours extra from one way and back).

Canyon de Chelly National Monument, Chinle, AZ (+ 69 miles) - breathtaking canyon with sandstone cliffs. There are two rim drives with ten overlooks, and one public trails. This is a great place to meet a sunset and create memorable photography. When you are there make sure to check out Spider Rock (this sandstone spire is over 700 feet tall) and White House Ruin Trail (easy 1.2 hike that leads you to famous ruins at the base of the cliff on the north side of the ravine).

Part 6: Cactus Lover Paradise - 2 days in Tuscon

Saguaro National Park is named in honor of the universal symbol of American west - Saguaro cacti. This park is divided into 2 parts (east and west) that located on both side of Tucson. I found West side more interesting for its dense saguaro forest. East side is larger and has more mountain views, also has more hiking and backpacking trails. If you're planning a short visit I recommend to explore the west side.

If you like Scenic drives there is one through Tuscon Mountain Park and West Saguaro National Park (it is a loop 39.2 mile that starts on I 10 and goes toward Tucson Mountains ). You will be able to see wildlife and amazing views.

West Side: Scenic Cactus Forest Drive is 8-mile loop, Bajada Loop Drive that is 6-mile, Desert Discovery Nature trail - 0.5 miles, Valley View trail - 0.8 miles round trip, Signal Hills Petroglyphs - 0.5 miles round trip.

East Side: Desert Ecology - 0.25 loop trail, Freeman Homestead - 1- mile loop, Mica View Trail - 2-mile round trip, Cactus Forest - 11 miles round trip.

Sabino Canyon Recreation Area has several hikes to choose from: Hutch’s Pools - 4-mile round trip, Phoneline trail - 7.5 miles round trip, Blackett’s Ridge Trail - 4.5 miles round trip, Seven Falls trail - about 8-mile round trip.

Bonus - a day trip from Tuscon: Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument is a US national monument and UNESCO biosphere reserve, this is the only place in the USA where Organ Pipe Cacti growing wild.

Ajo Mountain Scenic Drive - 21-mile and Puerto Blanco Drive - 37-mile.

Hikes: Desert View Trial - 1.2 miles, Arch Canyon Trail - 1.2, Victoria Mine Trail - 4.2 miles, Estes Canyon/Bull Pasture loop - 3.6 miles

Back From Tuscon to Phoenix 113 miles/ 1.6 hours and To Las Vegas 414 miles/6.5 hours

Have a blast on your adventure!

Yours truly,