The first thing your eyes are drawn towards when you drive through the Sonoran Desert surrounding Phoenix is the saguaro cacti. You’ll see these weird and wonderful desert flora everywhere from the hillsides of Lost Dutchman State Park to the grocery store parking lot. But that’s not the only reason you’ll notice them on this Phoenix to Grand Canyon road trip.
There’s this magnetic energy that saguaros lend to a landscape. Whether it’s the symbolism they hold of a romanticized American Southwest or their wise presence (saguaros only grow 1-1.5 inches per year, many of the towering specimens you’re seeing are more than 100 years old), they lend a certain je ne sais quois to the harsh and lovely desert.
On this road trip, you’ll discover more desert mysteries than just saguaros. Eat locally grown Arizona produce that showcases the remarkable resilience of desert agriculture. Find sparkling lakes and rivers to paddle on, including one that goes to a winery. Pass red rocks offset by striking green junipers and scenic dirt roads that lead to artist enclaves. This route heading toward the national park reveals surprises at every turn.
The canyon itself might be the greatest mystery this part of the state has to offer, from its striated walls, colors ever changing as the sun moves through the sky, to the hardy plants and animals that call this place home. Whether it’s the mighty saguaro or the tiniest pinprick of light in the heavens above at this International Dark Sky Park, you’ll find that there’s so much more to Arizona than you could have ever expected.
Start: Phoenix Area
Charming Chandler
This may be Arizona’s fourth largest city, but it has a decidedly small town feel. Name your own crayon, hike among saguaros or go to an art show in Chandler, Arizona, the perfect start to your Grand Canyon road trip.
Gilbert’s Farm to Table to Trail Oasis
In this welcoming town, agro-tourism gets a modern glow-up and everybody benefits–locals, tourists, and the planet. Here’s how to spend a perfect two days exploring Gilbert, Arizona.
Prescott and Chino Valley
Perfect Prescott
From great hiking and kayaking to a fun downtown scene, here are the top 5 reasons to explore Prescott.
Desert Fun in Chino Valley
The Peavine Trail follows the route of the old Santa Fe, Prescott, and Phoenix Railroad in broken segments all the way from Chino Valley to Watson Lake and Prescott. Hike or bike the section through Chino Valley to see a sweeping ranchlands and views of the surrounding mountains.
Welcoming Oasis in Cottonwood
Take a stroll through this charming historic downtown packed with wine tasting rooms and restaurants before heading to a rare solitude-fueled national monument.
Sustainably Sedona
Transform from a tourist to conscientious traveler by traveling off-season or choosing to hike a collection of stunningly beautiful trails with all the solitude but none of the traffic of the vortexes.
Bring the GuideAlong App to Sedona
Enjoy the freedom of driving your own car while traveling with an entertaining guide that doesn’t take up space. Learn more at guidealong.com/tour/sedona/.
Oak Creek Canyon and Slide Rock State Park
Wear your jeans to slide down a slick natural water chute or put on your bathing suit to wade in a sparkling creek at Slide Rock State Park seven miles north of Sedona. It’s along the most scenic route to the Grand Canyon.
Find Adventure in Flagstaff
With easy access to Grand Canyon National Park, designation as the world’s first International Dark Sky City and nicknamed the “City of 7 Wonders”, Flagstaff is an iconic destination for adventures of all kinds.
Starry Nights at Lowell Observatory
Visit a legendary landmark where Pluto was discovered and scientists continue to unravel the mysteries of the universe. It’s an amazing spot to take in the stars.
Best Eco-Friendly Flagstaff + Grand Canyon Vacation Itinerary
Experience the best of the Grand Canyon while eating locally grown food, staying at eco-friendly lodging and hiking on gorgeous trails.
Get Your Kicks on Route 66 in Williams
Dive Into Americana in Williams, Arizona
A wildlife park and a scenic train ride are waiting for you in this Grand Canyon gateway town full of Route 66 flavor.
Take the Grand Canyon Railway to the National Park
Park your car in Williams and take a scenic ride on the Grand Canyon Railway into the heart of the park. Riders are immersed in history and culture as they travel to the Grand Canyon.
Starry Nights at Clear Sky Resorts Grand Canyon
Close to Grand Canyon’s South Rim, check into this geodesic dome resort for a fun and family friendly glamping vacation that will put you in touch with nature.
Stay at Trailborn Grand Canyon, Where Dreamy Desert Meets the American Road Trip
This Williams boutique hotel is the perfect pairing for your national park adventure.
Grand Canyon National Park
Stop at Grand Canyon Visitor Center
Start your trip to the park at this visitor center in Tusayan where you can buy your entrance pass and watch an IMAX movie that serves as an amazing introduction to the park.
Why Your Next National Park Trip Should Be in an RV
Level up your national park adventures with an RV or camper van rental from Outdoorsy.
Bring the GuideAlong App
Enjoy the freedom of driving your own car while traveling with an entertaining guide that doesn’t take up space. Learn more at guidealong.com/tour/grand-canyon-south-rim/.
48 Hours in the South Rim of the Grand Canyon
Get ready for adventure. Here are some of our favorite things to do while at the South Rim from biking in solitude to exploring some of the rim’s most historic treasures.
Fly Above the Grand Canyon with Maverick Helicopters
Take a helicopter tour of some of Grand Canyon South Rim’s most popular sights. View Marble Canyon and Point Imperial as you fly through the canyon and climb above the North Rim. Learn more at maverickhelicopter.com
A Grander Stay at Yavapai Lodge
Sleep well and sustainably about a mile from the rim. The Yavapai Lodge’s restaurant, tavern and nearby market and shuttle stop make navigating the rim easy.
Stay at this modern hotel for easy access to the park via car, shuttle or bike.
Into the Deep
Read a family’s story about hiking to the bottom of the Grand Canyon and discovering there’s more than meets the eye.
Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni – Ancestral Footprints of the Grand Canyon National Monument
Finding Hope on Stolen Lands
In August 2023, Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni – Ancestral Footprints of the Grand Canyon became our newest national monument, but does it go far enough to protect this sacred space?