Arizona: The Ultimate Road Trip Destination – Epic Routes, Stunning Sights, and Pro Tips
Massive in scale, brimming with breathtaking scenery, charming small towns, and vibrant cities, the United States is a road tripper's paradise. Based on our extensive travels, we firmly believe everyone should embark on at least one American road trip in their lifetime.
We've crisscrossed the country multiple times, logging thousands of miles. Our recent NYC to New Orleans journey, NYC2NOLA, was unforgettable, but our GlobetrotterGirls adventure truly began with the iconic Pacific Coast Highway from San Francisco to San Diego. Soon after, we tackled the legendary Route 66, complete with cowboys, the Grand Canyon, and the Wild West.
For Dani, driving across America is deeply inspiring—she's dreamed of living here for over a decade. Though she can't relive high school or cheerleading days, her pursuit of the American Dream endures. She's even entered the annual Green Card Lottery several times, hoping to join the 55,000 lucky winners each year.
What captivates us most is America's diverse landscapes: Alaska's glaciers, the Rocky Mountains, vast deserts. Arizona exemplifies this variety within one state—the Painted Desert's moonscape, Monument Valley's striking rock formations, the Grand Canyon, the underrated yet spectacular Canyon de Chelly, and the mesmerizing Antelope Canyon.
We explored the wild Sonoran Desert, a ghost mining town and Indian Trading Posts, a rodeo in Prescott, Sedona's red rocks, and historic Route 66 before heading to Nevada.
Follow our 1,200+ mile Arizona route here:
This Travel & Leisure article also showcases the ultimate Arizona road trip itinerary.
A week or more on the road can be demanding, and we've learned from our 'rookie mistakes' on early trips. Here are our five essential tips for a seamless Arizona road trip:
Our Expert Arizona Road Trip Tips
1. Map Your Route in Advance
Planning your daily itinerary keeps you focused and simplifies booking accommodations—leading to tip #2.
2. Book Accommodations Early
Spontaneous check-ins sound romantic, but spots fill fast. In popular hubs like Flagstaff (Grand Canyon gateway), options vanish quickly during peak seasons. In remote Chinle near Canyon de Chelly, choices were limited and pricey without advance booking—the next lodging was hundreds of miles away. Use comparison sites for better deals. Consider vacation rentals for more space and amenities; they're competitive with hotels. Pause your trip for a relaxing weekend. For evenings out, use taxis or, for special occasions like birthdays or bachelorette parties, rent a party bus in Mesa, AZ, for stylish fun.
3. Build in Extra Driving Time Each Day
Even with bookings, add buffer hours. We frequently stopped at scenic overlooks and quaint towns, turning planned drives into all-day affairs.
4. Carry ID at All Times
Especially in border states like Arizona, foreign visitors must have valid ID by law. Dani nearly faced issues without her passport during a check. Expect police stops, particularly in southern Arizona, even 100 miles from Mexico.
5. Pack Healthy Snacks
Long stretches like Monument Valley to Page or Page to Flagstaff lack healthy options—mostly mini-marts and fast food. Apples, nuts, and water saved us repeatedly.
