Arizona

The Ultimate Arizona Road Trip

In Arizona, nature lovers are in for a treat. Over the next 3-days, you'll discover some of the most stunning places this beautiful state has to offer. Get ready for an amazing adventure!

Day 1 Sedona

Day 2 Grand Canyon National Park

Day 3 Page

Trip Additions

Day 1 Sedona

Sedona is a tiny town nestled among stunning rock formations, offering travelers breathtaking views and fun outdoor activities. Add to that some of the world's most gorgeous sunsets, and it's impossible not to fall in love with Sedona.

Devil's Bridge

Start your day at Devil's Bridge, a big sandstone arch in Sedona. The trail is short but has steep, rocky parts. You can reach it from 2 places: Dry Creek Road Parking lot or Mescal Trailhead. It's about 4.2 miles round trip from both. If you have a tough 4WD car, you can drive on Dry Creek Road and park close, making it a 2-mile round trip hike. We parked at Mescal Trailhead because our rental car might not handle the road. The hike took us about 3 hours, and the line was around 40 minutes to take a photo on the bridge. Go early if you can!

Cathedral Rock & Red Rock Crossing

Cathedral Rock trail is near Devil's Bridge, accessible from Back'O'Beyond Road. It's a short hike, about 1.2 miles round trip, but it has steep parts and goes up 740+ ft. Oak Creek, known as 'Red Rock Crossing,' runs by Cathedral Rock. We loved this part! Many nice spots by the river to sit, relax, and take in the beautiful scenery. We walked along the trail until we found the perfect location with a great view of Cathedral Rock. We planned to go to the river after the hike, but it was too cold!

Seven Sacred Pools

Near Sedona, you can find Seven Sacred Pools via Soldier Pass Trail. The trail is open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and is about a 2.5-mile round-trip hike. Parking is free, but the lot is small, so arrive early! Avoid going from May to June, the hottest time, when the natural pools may be dry. You can also check out Devil's Kitchen Sinkhole, formed by giant underground caverns collapsing.

Grasshopper Point

We planned to visit Slide Rock State Park, but it was crowded, so we drove a bit further to Grasshopper Point. Unlike Slide Rock, Grasshopper Point stays open until dusk. It's in Oak Creek Canyon, just 2 miles north of Sedona. You can reach the swimming holes with a short walk from the parking lot. The area is shaded and cool, perfect for picnicking by the water. There are spots for cliff jumping if you're into that. The water was chilly, and the shade made it even colder, but we still had a great time. I recommend comfortable wet shoes because the creek bottom is quite rocky.

Day 2 Grand Canyon National Park

When exploring the Grand Canyon, you have two options: the South and North Rim. We went to the South Rim, open year-round, with fantastic trails like Bright Angel and South Kaibab. Bring the right gear, lots of water, and snacks. It gets hotter as you descend, and going back up takes twice as long.

We rented ATVs from Grand Canyon Rentals Adventures for about 4 hours. It's a self-guided tour with a GPS tablet. We explored some incredible dirt backroads, but you can stick to the main roads for a smoother ride. The ATVs have an ice chest so we packed drinks and snacks for a picnic in front of the Grand Canyon. It was an amazing experience.

For more adventure, think about camping in the backcountry or staying at Phantom Ranch. You can also try rafting in the Colorado River.

Day 3 Page

Just three hours from the Grand Canyon, you'll discover Horseshoe Bend, Antelope Canyon, and Glen Canyon Dam, which is the second-highest arch dam in the U.S.

Horseshoe Bend

The hike to Horseshoe Bend's overlook is a 1.5-mile roundtrip on flat ground. There are just two shade spots, so bring a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and lots of water. Wear suitable shoes for the sandy, rocky trail, and be cautious near the edge, as there's no railing.

Antelope Canyon

Antelope Canyon, known for its stunning photos, is even more breathtaking in person. It's a short 20-30 minute drive from Horseshoe Bend's lookout. Since it's on Navajo land, you'll need a reservation in advance.

Jet Ski/Boat Rental on Lake Powell

For the ultimate Lake Powell experience, rent a jet ski or boat, but be sure to book in advance because spots fill up quickly. Lake Powell is a must-see destination but if you prefer to relax on the sand, visit Lone Rock Beach, just a 30-minute drive from Page. It's in Utah, not Arizona, but it's definitely worth the journey. You can drive right to the water's edge and unwind by the shore, with Lone Rock, a stunning sandstone formation, dominating the view of Lake Powell.

Trip Additions

Tucson

Tombstone

Havashu Falls

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