An Amazing Arizona Road Trip: Everything To Know
Magnificent red rock formations, fascinating flora and fauna, tranquil lakes, hundreds of miles of hiking trails, intriguing ghost towns, historical saloons, Arizona is the true wild west and a destination you’ll keep wanting to come back to. Read on to see how I spent my Arizona road trip.
Before I (Helen) went to Arizona, I had a picture in my mind of what the state was like. There were two things that I thought of.
Firstly, the Grand Canyon. Secondly, a vast expanse of hot desert. What I didn’t picture and which took me completely by surprise were beautiful mountain ranges, tranquil lakes, vibrant cities, luxurious spa towns, breathtaking canyons and delicious food and wine.
My Arizona road trip took me completely by surprise! From hiking to kayaking to hot air ballooning to jeep tours, there was no end to the incredible activities you can do here.
Arizona also has some of the most unique and unusual native plants in the United States. The different cactuses were incredible! I’ll tell you more about them a bit later but one has acquired a nickname for jumping at people!!
This Arizona road trip is a loop, out of and back into Phoenix. If you’re wanting to head to the Grand Canyon as well you can head to Mesa first, then onto Tucson and do the itinerary in reverse. From Flagstaff, it’s only a couple of hours to the Grand Canyon.
So bring your camera, your hiking boots and your sense of adventure and explore the fascinating and alluring Wild West.
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Contents
Mesa
The first stop on your Arizona road trip is Mesa. Mesa is a part of Phoenix’s greater metropolitan area along with Scottsdale.
Surrounded by the natural beauty of the Sonoran Desert, it’s Arizona’s third-largest city, is located in Maricopa County and shares a border with the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community.
Mesa offers visitors numerous educational, cultural and outdoor attractions. Depending on when you arrive into Phoenix you might just want to head straight to the hotel before your first big day tomorrow.
Alternatively, if you arrived earlier in the day there are a couple of museums that are worth a visit.
Head to the Arizona Museum of Natural History in Downtown Mesa to see a 3-storey indoor waterfall, a flash flood that happens every half an hour and learn about the Sonoran Desert People that once called this state home.
Alternatively, check out the i.d.e.a Museum; an entertaining, inspiring and educational hands-on art museum.
Outdoor Activities
One of the best reasons to visit Mesa is for outdoor activities. There are boundless hiking opportunities offering visitors the chance to experience the desert flora and fauna up close.
Keep your eyes peeled for Big Horn sheep, deer, javelina and endless species of birds.
Tonto National Forest is one of the most popular draws for hikers. It’s the largest National Forest in Arizona and rewards visitors with some of the most rugged and stunning scenery.
One activity I’d recommend is kayaking on Saguaro Lake. I couldn’t believe it when I heard we could kayak in Arizona…it’s all desert no?!
Saguaro Lake is absolutely beautiful! The shores are lined with magnificent Saguaro cactus and imposing canyon walls. Kayaking here first thing in the morning was so peaceful! Such a fantastic start to our Arizona road trip and SUCH a surprise!
The Superstition Mountains are the largest of the mountain ranges that surround Phoenix.
They rise steeply and sharply out of the desert and are characterised by jagged, volcanic peaks and ridges. If picturesque mountain top views combined with Indian ruins and petroglyphs sound up your street, this is the place for you!
Apache Trail
If hiking isn’t what you’re looking for, but you want to experience some of the picturesque wilderness Arizona has to offer, drive the Apache Trail.
The Apache Trail gets its name from the Apache Indians who originally used the route to navigate through the Superstition Mountains. In the early 1900s, it then became a stagecoach route.
It winds its way for 64 kilometres, through both the Superstition Mountains and the Tonto National Forest. Beginning in Apache Junction and ending at Theodore Roosevelt Dam, there are various places of interest along the way.
Visit ghost towns, gold mines, old stagecoach stops, numerous lakes, national monuments and breathtaking viewpoints. Once you reach the end of the trail you’ll have to turn around and come back.
Flagstaff
The next stop on your Arizona road trip is Flagstaff; around 2 and a half hours drive from Mesa.
Flagstaff was one of my favourite areas! It’s a former railroad and lumber mountain town at the foot of the San Francisco Peaks, the tallest mountain range in Arizona and sits at an elevation of nearly 7000 feet.
Because of its altitude, Flagstaff is blessed with having 4 seasons. I hadn’t appreciated this and had been wearing shorts and t-shirt in Mesa, jumped out the car about 7pm in Flagstaff and it was below zero degrees!!
Turns out the ski resort was opening the next day…yes, Arizona has a ski resort!
Many people come to Flagstaff because of its close proximity to the Grand Canyon.
It’s only 90 minutes away so if you’re heading that way, this itinerary can be done in reverse after Mesa. Alternatively, use Flagstaff as your base to explore the Grand Canyon, as it’s a great destination in itself with endless outdoor activities.
If you’re here in the summer you’ll find clear blue skies and temperatures around 26 degrees; perfect for hiking and biking. Come in the winter, you’ll be treated to a snowy wonderland where you can ski, board, snowshoe and snow tube.
You’ll arrive early evening so I’d recommend going for dinner and having a wander around the charming town. The historic downtown is the hub of activity.
Here, you’ll find independent boutiques, art galleries, an incredible diverse food scene, breweries and outdoor clothing stores. A lot of the shops, restaurants, bars and breweries are found in delightfully restored buildings from the 1890s.
Walnut Canyon
The following morning, head to Walnut Canyon where you’ll find some of the Southwest’s earliest history in dense woodland.
Located 600 foot deep into a canyon are impressive rocks and geological formations sitting alongside former cliff dwellings of ancient inhabitants.
The Native people, Sinagua, haven’t lived in the canyon for over 700 years. However, the ruins have been excellently preserved and are still surprisingly intact.
Step back in time on the 1.5-kilometre loop Island Trail that takes you past 25 cliff dwellings. You can also gaze at many others across the canyon.
This trail is very steep and descends 185 foot into the canyon. There are around 240 steps to climb back up to the top so bear this in mind before you descend!
Alternatively, the Rim Trail goes along the rim for just under a kilometre and passes scattered ruins. There’s no change in elevation on this route.
Our Top Tip: stay on the established trails and don’t lean or stand on any of the ruins. This helps preserve the park for others to enjoy.
Sunset Crater
Next, drive to Sunset Crater. This whole area has seen a lot of volcanic activity and through a series of powerful eruptions, around 1085, has resulted in several dusky red-brown cinder cones and vast stretches of pure black lava and ash.
You’ll feel like you’re on another planet!
There are several craters that were formed through these eruptions, with the dominant being Sunset Peak.
There are various hiking trails available ranging from challenging hikes to the summit, to easy flat walks along the bottom. Alternatively, there’s a scenic loop you can drive that allows you to view the whole park.
The area is fairly spectacular. Sitting amongst a ponderosa pine forest are the contrasting colours of the cinders and the hardened jagged and twisted dark lava flows. 900 years on, Sunset Crater is still the youngest volcano on the Colorado Plateau.
Our Top Tip: stop at the Visitor Centre first to learn a bit about the geology of the area.
Pioneer Museum
There’s so much history in this state that it would be rude not to visit at least a couple of museums on your Arizona road trip.
First, the Pioneer Museum to learn about the rich history of Flagstaff and Northern Arizona. This building was first constructed in 1908 and became the Coconino County Hospital for the indigent.
Today, the museum is dedicated to conserving and interpreting Flagstaff’s history of transportation, ranching, logging and general life.
The permanent exhibitions include an old operating room in the hospital where you can learn about the building’s hospital days, the museum’s grounds housing an old locomotive and caboose and the Decade Rooms devoted to life between 1880 and 1960.
Admission is $8 for adults, $4 for youths and free for under 6. Opening hours vary depending on the time of year and holidays so check their website for up to date information.
Museum of Northern Arizona
This museum is dedicated to the culture and nature of the Colorado Plateau which covers parts of Arizona, Colorado, Utah and New Mexico. Through the various exhibits in the Museum, you’ll be taken on a journey through the history of Arizona.
This beautiful stone building houses both permanent and temporary exhibits. Ranging from the artistic styles of the Hopi and Navajo tribes to a collection of over 350 artefacts from ten tribes showcasing how they lived on the Plateau and their customs and culture, to the geological features of the 386,320 square kilometres that make up the plateau including dinosaur remains and fossils.
The museum is open Thursday – Monday 10am-4pm. Admission is $12 for adults and free for children under 9.
Once you’ve learnt about the history of Arizona, it’s time to drive the 50 minutes to Sedona.
Sedona
Sedona was the absolute highlight of my Arizona road trip! Surrounded by red-rock buttes protruding up from the desert floor, steep canyons and ponderosa pine forests, it’s easy to see why it’s often voted one of the most beautiful places in America.
Sedona is well-known for two things.
Firstly, being a huge outdoor adventure playground. From hundreds of miles of hiking trails to ATV tours, mountain biking, rock climbing, fishing, rafting, horse-riding and segway tours. Whatever thrill you’re looking for, you’ll find it here!
Secondly, Sedona has long been regarded as a sacred and powerful place.
It’s become a new age mecca and promotes a variety of alternative healing and spiritual practices. People come from all over to experience the mysterious cosmic forces that are said to exude from the red rocks.
Although Sedona as a whole is considered a vortex, there are specific sites where the energy is more intense.
It’s common to see yoga, meditation and other rituals going on here. There are various companies who offer vortex tours; alternatively, you can visit them on your own. Pop into the Visitor Centre and grab a map.
Amongst the magnificent rock formations and canyons, you’ll also find a lot of spas and wellness retreats offering Native American-inspired treatments using indigenous materials like red rock clay and local plants. Perfect for treatment after you’ve been out exploring some of the hiking trails.
You’ll also find wellness shops, independent boutiques, art galleries and crystal shops scattered across town, all enhancing the spiritual vibe.
Once you arrive in Sedona it’ll be almost evening so I’d recommend watching the sunset and relaxing before your day of adventuring starts tomorrow! Sunsets here are really special!
Watch the Sunrise
The following morning, we’d recommend getting up for the sunrise and going for a hike or meditating. Or both.
There are many fantastic walking trails in the area ranging from easy to challenging. Watching the sun come up and light up the rocks while there was no one else around, was so incredibly beautiful and peaceful! This was one of my favourite moments on the trip.
For some of the most popular hikes in the area check out this post.
If you’re into meditating, find one of the vortexes where the earth seems especially alive with energy. I’m not really into meditating and spiritual energy, but as it was part of our trip I came with an open mind and had nothing to lose.
I’m still not converted, but I definitely felt better than when I arrived! I felt lighter, recharged and uplifted. So there may be something in it…but then again it may have just been the sheer beauty of the area and how tranquil it is.
Offroad Adventure
Once you’ve finished your morning hike or meditation, it’s time to explore the striking red rocks in a thrilling off-road adventure. Learn about the history of the area while marvelling at the spectacular landscape in what will most definitely be a highlight of your Arizona road trip!
From exhilarating scenic rides through wild, rugged terrain, to winding your way through high desert landscapes on historic trails to laidback family-friendly tours, there’s something to suit every taste!
Shopping
After your morning of adventuring amongst the red rocks, how about a spot of retail therapy? Shopping in Sedona is an experience in itself. There are a few shopping districts in town, but the ones I’d recommend to check out are Uptown Sedona and Tlaquepaque.
Uptown Sedona is the most popular dining and shopping district. Along the Main Street and open-air plazas, you’ll find a huge array of one-of-a-kind independent boutiques selling everything from antiques and furniture to hand-crafted clothing and beautiful gifts.
You’ll also find psychics, spiritual healers and aura readers in many of the vortex and crystal shops.
Next, head to the world-famous Tlaquepaque Arts and Shopping Village. This Sedona landmark has been around since the 1970s and is designed after a traditional Mexican village.
Alluring galleries and unique shops line the cobble-stoned walkways beneath grand archways. Enjoy the smells wafting from the nearby Mexican and French restaurants as you sit by the fountain in the courtyard immersing yourself in the beauty of the grounds.
Even if you don’t plan on buying anything while you’re here, I’d definitely recommend coming for a mooch around. It’s also fairly common to see Sedona artists immersed in their work in one of the galleries!
After your afternoon of shopping, or more hiking, make your way to Prescott. Take the route through Jerome as you’re going to stop off en route.
Jerome
Driving towards Prescott from Sedona for approximately 40 minutes, you’ll hit Jerome, the largest Ghost Town in America.
Jerome was founded in 1876 and around the 1920s was the fourth largest city in Arizona with a population peaking at around 15,000.
After World War II, as the demand for copper decreased dramatically and Jerome’s economy being completely dependant on this demand, the mine closed in 1953 and most people left.
The remaining 50-100 people that stayed, promoted the town as a historic Ghost Town and in 1967 it was declared a National Historic District.
A lot of artists made the move to Jerome to benefit from the low cost of living and intriguing history.
What was once a thriving mining town full of miners, bootleggers, gamblers and prostitutes, has flourished into a thriving tourist hub full of artists and musicians with a population of around 450.
There are a variety of tours and attractions in the area with one of the most popular being the Gold King Mine. Hundreds of vehicles, farm tools and pieces of mining equipment and machinery scatter the grounds in a state of disrepair.
Alternatively, take a Ghost Town Tour and hear the chilling stories of Jerome’s most horrifying residents. If you don’t fancy a sleepless night tonight, you could instead opt for a factual and entertaining history tour.
Alternatively, if you just want to get on to Prescott, I’d still recommend taking this route through Jerome. It’s a fascinating place to see and the windy mountain roads offer some breathtaking viewpoints!
Prescott
Another 50 minutes on from Jerome is Prescott; Arizona’s official Christmas City!
As soon as I arrived, I felt like I was in the true Wild West! Prescott is home to the world’s oldest rodeo, the oldest saloon in the state, a multitude of historical landmarks and the world-famous Whiskey Row.
If you love the outdoors, Prescott is full to the brim with adventures to be had in the fresh air. There are over 720 kilometres of hiking trails, as well as horse-riding, kayaking, fishing, golfing and mountain biking.
This evening, we’d recommend checking into your hotel, freshening up and heading out to explore some of the local breweries and saloons.
I only had one proper night out on my Arizona road trip and it was in Prescott. It was nothing like a night out in London! We ended up two-stepping the night away in Matt’s Saloon to live country western music!
Hiking
After breakfast, I’d recommend the Hassayampa Huevos Rancheros, it’s time to hit the trails and walk it off to build up your appetite for lunch.
Boasting over 720 kilometres of trails ranging from easy strolls along old railway lines to more challenging mountain hikes or lakeside and forest walks for something in between.
Here I’ll point out a few of the most popular places for hiking.
Watson Lake is a beautiful area and offers a few different options for hiking, all fairly easy. The trails take you through massive rock formations that line the shores of the lake.
The deep blue water encompassed by orange boulders is absolutely stunning! If you’re looking for other outdoor activities, there’s also fishing, kayaking, boating, biking, horse riding and climbing.
The gorgeous mountainous Prescott National Forest is located just outside of town and with hundreds of miles of trails, provides a great setting for hiking, mountain biking and horse riding.
The trail I’d recommend you explore is the 4-kilometre looped Thumb Butte Trail 33. This track offers a fantastic panoramic view of Prescott and the surrounding area from the granite butte you can see from town.
Our Top Tip: take the trail in a counter-clockwise direction for a gradual ascent and steep descent.
Finally, not far from Watson Lake, are the Constellation Trails; a series of paths almost 5 kilometres long and relatively flat.
You’ll traverse through a labyrinth of huge boulders, fascinating rock formations and beautiful wildflowers. At the trailhead, you’ll pass a memorial of a 1959 air disaster where you can see small remains of the aircraft parts.
Whiskey Row
Whiskey Row is where you’ll find some of Prescott’s oldest history. It developed after a fire in 1900 destroyed the entire street and when rebuilt, housed 40-odd saloons.
The high number of saloons was down to the culture of the gold rush. Prospectors, cowboys, gamblers, bawdy girls and outlaws were drawn to the area. Head to The Palace Saloon for lunch, the oldest saloon and business in Arizona!
The saloon was established in 1877 and over the course of its history has seen famous patrons such as Wyatt Earp, Virgil Earp, Doc Holliday and Steve McQueen. The saloon was the scene of much violence and you can still see bullet holes in the walls!
During the fire of 1900, those that were drinking in the establishment picked up the hand-carved bar and saved it from destruction by carrying it out. They continued drinking on the other side of the street!
The bar that’s in the saloon today is the same one and is the saloon’s centrepiece.
Throughout its history, the saloon has served many purposes. A place to post work notices, a polling station, a brothel where Holliday’s wife ‘Big Nose Kate’ worked, an opium den, a jail and gambling rooms.
Gazing around the saloon you’ll see historic photographs and taxidermy lining the walls, glass cabinets filled with old artefacts such as an antique gambling collection, knives, guns, whiskey bottles, shot glasses and knuckle dusters.
Under the tables they still have the bells men would ring that would call for a prostitute!
After you’ve finished mooching around Prescott, it’s just under a two-hour drive to Scottsdale where you’ll spend your next two nights.
Scottsdale
Base yourself in Scottsdale for the next two nights and from here you can also explore Phoenix. Scottsdale is known for its high-end shopping, luxurious spas and, like everywhere else you’ve been to on this Arizona road trip, hiking adventures.
When you arrive in Scottsdale, as you’ve had quite a hectic few days and you’re no doubt in need of some relaxation and pampering, head to one of the many spas. The spas in Scottsdale are among some of the best you’ll find anywhere in the world!
They offer unique treatments and wellness therapies inspired by Sonoran Desert Botanicals, ancient Native American healing techniques and invigorating traditions from around the world.
Many of the ingredients used are found in the desert such as adobe clay, agave, jojoba oil and prickly pear.
Sonoran Preserve
I hope you’re reading this itinerary because you like hiking as today starts with exploring the Sonoran Preserve!
The Sonoran Preserve comprises more than 9600 acres of permanently protected, sustainable desert habitat offering hiking, biking and horse-riding trails through lush, green plains of cactus.
There are many options when it comes to picking a trail, at varying degrees of difficulty. Some of the trails are very rocky so if you’re up for a challenge, definitely pack proper hiking shoes.
Other trails are a lot flatter and you can spend time enjoying the desert scenery a bit more. If you’re wanting to get out and experience desert nature at its finest, this is your chance!
There are many different types of cactus you’ll spot in this area. I couldn’t stop snapping photos of them; some of them are seriously impressive!
The defining cactus of the Sonoran Desert is the Saguaro. These are the ones that look like they have arms.
The one you’ve got to watch out for is the Teddy Bear cactus, also known as the jumping cholla. It got its name teddy bear from its fuzzy, soft and cuddly appearance, and the jumping name from segments breaking off and flying at your body!
Ok, so they don’t actually fly at you but their joints are attached very loosely and even if you ever so slightly brush over it, it will release its joint and attach it to you. The sting is extremely painful!!
Old Town Scottsdale
To get a real taste of Scottsdale, take a stroll through the historic and cultural Old Town. This is where you’ll find the best dining in town so it’s the perfect spot for lunch! If you’re not ready for lunch, there are lots of cute cafes you can sit and watch the world go by.
Old Town Scottsdale is very walkable and conveniently situated downtown. It’s filled to the brim with boutique jewellery and souvenir shops, fine art galleries and unusual stores that will make you feel like you’ve taken a step back in time.
For some Old West decor, live country music and a Tex-Mex menu, walk through the swinging doors to the historic Rusty Spur Saloon. Celebrities such as Clint Eastwood and Jennifer Aniston have been known to visit here.
Old Town Scottsdale is also a well-known hot spot for nightlife. Offering multiple bars, lounges and clubs all within a short distance of each other, if you’re in search of a night out, this is it!
What I’d really recommend is doing a food tour. Whenever I go somewhere new I always find it daunting trying to figure out where I’m going to find the best, most authentic food.
Food tours are a great way to get a local’s inside knowledge, you know the food is going to be great quality and you can also get to know the town! There’s a variety to choose from depending on what you’re craving and whether you’re there for lunch or dinner.
Phoenix
Today, we’re going to explore Arizona’s capital city.
Phoenix is a bustling metropolis in the middle of the Sonoran Desert known for its year-round sun and warm temperatures. It’s also the state’s cultural hub with some of the best and most unique museums in the country.
Hot Air Balloon
Although Sedona was the highlight of my Arizona road trip in terms of destination, this morning’s activity was hands down the best activity of the week!
I was nervous, anxious and excited all at the same time. I’d never been in a hot air balloon before, I’d always really wanted to, even with my slight fear of heights and here it was on our itinerary! Time for the ultimate bucket list adventure!
IT WAS PHENOMENAL!!
Drifting peacefully through the sky watching the sunrise over the Sonoran Desert is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and something I will forever treasure.
As you gain altitude, you can see Phoenix becoming smaller beneath you while the vast expanse of the desert stretches as far as the eye can see to the lakes and mountains in the distance.
The pilot will point out areas of interest and wildlife running along the desert floor. We saw a few coyotes out on their morning prowl!
I was a lot more relaxed than I thought I would be; I’m not a huge fan of heights. However, once you’re up there enjoying the spectacular vistas, you don’t notice how high up you are and it’s so so peaceful.
Once you’re back on the ground, you’ll enjoy a gourmet breakfast with a celebratory toast to your adventure. You’ll also be presented with a commemorative flight certificate.
Museums
After you’ve enjoyed your breakfast and got a little buzz from your 8am bubbles, there are a couple of museums well worth a visit. I’d recommend just visiting one so you can get on to this afternoon’s activity and then drive on to your next and final stop.
The Musical Instrument Museum houses more than 6000 instruments from almost 200 different countries. You’ll find instruments, concert footage, famous musicians clothing, learn how instruments are preserved and much much more.
On the upper floor, the rooms are divided by geographic region, with each showcasing a unique collection of instruments and multimedia so you can hear and see them being played in action.
Pay a visit to the Artist Gallery where you’ll see the instruments that once belonged to artists such as Elvis, Taylor Swift, Johhny Cash and John Lennon.
Our Top Tip: visit the Experience Gallery last on your musical trip around the world.
This is a real treat, allowing you to play many of the instruments that you’ve seen around the galleries. I say visit last so you don’t spend too long in here and run out of time for the rest of the museum!
The Heard Museum is one of the top museums for American Indian art in the country.
It’s the best way to learn about the indigenous tribes native to Arizona with over 2000 works on display. Its award-winning exhibits showcase beautifully curated, fascinating artefacts such as jewellery, pottery, ritual items and textiles.
There are multiple events that take place at the museum throughout the year that feature hundreds of Native American artists and draw in thousands of visitors.
Desert Botanical Garden
This afternoon, head to the glorious Desert Botanical Garden. Here, you’ll find 4000 desert species and a total of 50,000 plants from around the world, of which one third are native to the Sonoran around Phoenix.
There are numerous trails around the gardens and various viewpoints you can hike to offering magnificent views over the gardens and the surrounding mountains.
Explore trails demonstrating conservation ideas, routes showcasing the beautiful, colourful desert wildflowers and a trail dedicated to helping people understand the complicated relationships between people and plants in the region.
If you’re here March through to mid-May, there’s also a butterfly pavilion where you can learn about their lifecycle.
Once you’ve finished exploring the gardens, drive the 1 and a half hours to Tucson, your final stop on your Arizona road trip.
Tucson
Surrounded by the immense Sonoran Desert, free-spirited Tucson, Arizona’s second-largest city, is vibrant and colourful.
Downtown Tucson is currently undergoing a revival as new bars, restaurants, hotels, music, events and art fill the streets and add to the casual Southwestern vibe.
The culinary scene in Tucson is booming. I find most places claim to be great foodie destinations, and although a lot are, not many of them have been recognised by UNESCO for their gastronomy! Dining in Tucson is unique.
It reflects the culture of the Sonoran Desert, from the soil to the people who live there. I’d recommend stopping here before heading onto your accommodation this evening as where you’re staying is about half an hour out of town.
Once you’ve had dinner and maybe visited one of the local breweries, it’s time to check out your accommodation. I was so excited to stay in a ranch for our last night! It’s definitely something you need to do, especially if you’ve never stayed in one before.
Our Top Tip: check out the Dog House Saloon offering a full bar, local craft beers and prickly pear margaritas that you must try!
Saguaro National Park
The ranch may be a bit out of town but it’s in such close proximity to the spectacular Saguaro National Park which is an absolute must-do while in Tucson. And what better way to see the beauty of the park than on a horse?!
Saguaro National Park is named for the towering saguaro cactus and as it’s its native environment, is one of the best places to enjoy them.
This king of the Sonoran Desert is the symbol of the American Southwest and Arizona’s state flower. There’s a huge concentration of them here of all different shapes and sizes.
If you’re not keen on horse-riding, there are numerous hiking trails to enjoy. Grab a map from the visitor centre and see where it takes you!
Alternatively, there are some scenic drives with stopping off points to take photos.
Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
Your final activity on your Arizona road trip is the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum. Extending over 98 acres, the museum is dedicated to educating its visitors on the area’s desert flora and fauna.
It’s primarily outdoors and houses a botanical garden, art gallery, zoo, aquarium and natural history museum. There are 200 species of desert animals and 1000 types of plant in this unusual museum. It’s also one of the most visited attractions in Arizona drawing in over 400,000 travellers a year.
After you’ve mooched around this museum it’s time to make your way back to Phoenix. Your Arizona road trip has come to an end.
To Know Before You Go
When’s the best time to visit?
This Arizona road trip can be done year-round but the best months are March-May and September-October.
June through to August the temperatures are unbearably hot and in the winter months, the snow can impact travel particularly around Flagstaff which is at a higher elevation.
What plug do I need?
In the US there are 2 types of plugs. Type A which has two flat parallel pins and type B which has two flat parallel pins and a grounding pin. The US also operates on a 120V voltage. In the UK it’s 230V so you may need a voltage converter for your electricals.
Do I need a visa?
As a UK passport holder, you are required to have an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) visa waiver. This entitles us to 90 days in the US for tourism.
Do I need an international driving licence?
No, your UK driving licence will be fine.
What currency do I need?
Arizona uses the American dollar. At the time of writing 1 USD is 0.80 GBP.
I hope you’ve found this post helpful in planning your Arizona road trip. If you’re looking for more of our hiking trips, make sure to check out our posts on Colorado, Whistler and the Calgary to Vancouver road trip!
If you have any other questions, feel free to leave a comment or contact us 🙂