ARIZONA
From grand to small, to amazement and adventure, there are many must-sees in Arizona. Here are a few road trip ideas to help you make the most of your journey.
Phoenix - a Road Trip of Its Own
While many road trips will take you from one city to another, Phoenix is the type of city that offers multiple scenic routes that provide unique experiences. Drive the Apache Trail, a 40-mile stretch, legendary for once being considered one of the most treacherous highways in the country, offers tight twists and turns - not to mention gorgeous views of canyons, cliff dwellings, serene lakes and desert flora.
Looking for a quick drive to change your whole outlook? Visit South Mountain Park and Preserve, a short scenic drive from Downtown Phoenix. Just 15-minutes from base of the mountain to Dobbins Lookout and you'll think you have found the best view in the city. Want to get out of your car and explore? The park's 51-miles of trails allow you to hike, bike, or ride.
Just because you're in the desert, doesn't mean you can't enjoy the water. Phoenix, and its surrounding area, is home to six lakes - the second largest of which, Bartlett Lake, is just 45-miles from Downtown Phoenix. Pack yourself a picnic lunch and enjoy a day fishing, swimming, hiking and Sonoran Desert nature-watching in Tonto National Forest.
Tucson's Desert Road Trip
From hiking to biking, zip lines to trail rides, Tucson has everything you need for great fun in the great outdoors. Regardless of where you're road tripping from, you'll be able to experience a National Park (or two!)
Tucson is nestled in the middle of Saguaro National Park, home to the Saguaro Cactus, a Sonoran Desert native. If you're traveling in the summer, you may see the cacti in bloom with Arizona's state flower.
About 30-minutes north of Tucson is Catalina State Park. At 5,500 acres, Catalina State Park sits at the base of the Santa Catalina Mountains and is home to plants, wildlife, canyons, streams and almost 5,000 saguaros.
Grand Canyon/Sedona Weekend Road Trip
For an unforgettable weekend on the road, we recommend this road trip.
Spend a day at The Grand Canyon (currently accessible to view at the South Rim Overlook). Although many of the services are temporarily closed, you can still enjoy an amazing view and a picnic lunch at one of the many picnic areas now open.
The next part of your weekend road trip should definitely include time in Sedona. Surrounded by red rocks and steep canyons, Sedona offers sites, hikes, bites and shops to suit everyone in your traveling group. Hop out of your car and into a Pink Jeep for a fast-paced adventure tour of Sedona complete with your very own local tour guide.
