Feeling like taking off for a weekend road trip? If you want to see some amazing little places right here in Arizona that will wow you and urge you to explore our state just a little bit more, you’re going to love this road trip! We’ve designed it so that you can easily drive on one gas tank through a few iconic northern Arizona features and hitting a few hidden gems along the way. These destinations make up some of the best road trips in Arizona.

Google Maps

The entire trip is 225 miles and the total driving time will take you five and a half hours but definitely make sure you set aside time to explore each place. You may want to consider spending the night at stop number five or seven but that’s up to you! Here’s a link to the driving route. Enjoy!

1. Museum of Northern Arizona
James Jones/Flickr
What better way to start up a road trip in northern Arizona than by visiting the Museum of Northern Arizona? This place has a variety of exhibits (including five permanent exhibits) that illustrate life in the northern portion of our state. You’ll find art and artifacts around the beautiful museum campus that also has a nature trail.
2. Lockett Meadow
Deborah Lee Soltesz/Flickr
Our next stop is a Flagstaff favorite, especially in the fall season. Lockett Meadow gives you a fantastic view of the Peaks but keep in mind it is typically closed during the winter season. Check the Forest Service website for details.
3. Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument
James Marvin Phelps/Flickr
Part of the San Francisco volcanic field, this volcano came alive just 1,000 years ago. The earth trembled and hot ash, cinders, and gases spread over the area. A walk through here today will introduce you to some incredibly delicate landscapes that are beautiful and rich with life. Details about fees for the park can be found at National Park website
4. Wupatki National Monument
Alan English CPA/Flickr
Just down the road from Sunset Crater sits a collection of ancient pueblos that are about a century younger than the volcano at Sunset Crater. They are quite striking with their red bricks standing against a bright blue sky, plus you’ll get a sense of what life may have been like all those centuries ago when you visit.

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5. Cameron Trading Post
Don Graham/Flickr
Chances are unless you are from the area, you probably haven’t heard of this tiny town on the Navajo Nation. The trading post here has been operating since 1916 and you’ll find a large collection of art, crafts, food, and other goods being sold here. You can even stop for an overnight stay in their hotel or RV park.
6. Little Colorado River Navajo Tribal Park
Kent Kanouse/Flickr
Whoa, that is some view, isn’t it? This is were the Little Colorado River comes to the end of its voyage to the much larger Colorado River and it is one dramatic view. You can find details about fees and hours of operation at the Navajo Nation Parks and Recreation website.
7. Grand Canyon
Umberto de Peppo Cocco/Flickr
If you’re going to be traveling through northern Arizona and don’t stop at the Grand Canyon at least once, you might as well have not even gone at all. Welcome to our jewel! Enjoy visiting the historic buildings, the scenic views, and perhaps even go for a walk or hike while you’re here. Details for visiting can be found at the National Park website.
8. Flintstones Bedrock City
mlhradio/Flickr
If you’re looking for a reminder of your childhood that is inexpensive, then a visit to Flintstones Bedrock City in Valle is a stop you won’t want to miss. The entrance fee is inexpensive (just $5 per person) and you’ll get a chance to see what life for Fred and Wilma may have been like.
9. Chapel of the Holy Dove
Abbey Hambright/Flickr
Its easy to miss this tiny wooden chapel sitting on the side of the road but it’s a great little find sitting within view of the peaks. The interdenominational chapel easily fits a dozen or so people inside and has one fantastic view!
10. Lowell Observatory
familyfriends754/Flickr
The last destination will take you to the stars...sort of. Lowell Observatory earned its place in the history books after astronomer Clyde Tombaugh discovered the dwarf planet Pluto and was named one of the most important places in the world by TIME Magazine. In addition to the old telescopes and working campus, you’ll find multiple exhibits and a nature walk that will help you to understand how vast our galaxy is.

Have you ever visited any of these attractions in Arizona? Which one of the best road trips in Arizona is your favorite? Shout it out in the comments below!

Want to find more fantastic excursions you can take around Arizona? If discovering remnants of the Old West is your thing, you may be interested in reading A Visit To These 13 Saloons In Arizona Will Make You Feel Like You’ve Traveled Back In Time.

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More to Explore

best road trips in Arizona

Jackie Ann | March 16, 2020

Are there any food-related road trips in Arizona?

Full of history and incredible dishes, there are many food-related road trips around Arizona that will open your mind and your palate. Chimichangas, or deep-fried burritos are Arizona’s unofficial state food, and there are several places around Arizona to feast on this delicious dish. Manuel’s Mexican Restaurant & Cantina has locations all around the state, but other popular spots include Valle Luna in Phoenix, Mr Pueblo and El Bravo both in Phoenix, and Yuliana’s Mexican food in Gilbert, Arizona.

What are the best day trips in Arizona?

Arizona has countless natural attractions that are just begging to be visited. For a fun-filled adventure that the whole family will love, you can’t go wrong with these spots: Tucson Mountain Park, Montezuma Castle National Monument, Tombstone, Arizona, Petrified National Forest, and of course, no day trip in Arizona is complete without a stop at the Grand Canyon National Park.

What are the most popular attractions in Arizona?

The most popular attraction in Arizona is the Grand Canyon. This natural attraction draws tourists from all over the world, wanting to catch a glimpse of Mother Nature’s power. About 1.5 hours north of Phoenix and you’ll stumble into Sedona, one of the most beautiful settings in the state. After stopping off for the many photo opportunities, head down Sedona’s main street where you’ll find several shopping opportunities, art galleries, and restaurants to fill up your day. Finally, the Hoover Dam also ranks as one of the most popular attractions in Arizona. Completed in 1935, this massive structure crossed the Colorado River and links Arizona and Nevada. Clocking in at 726 feet tall and 1,244 feet long, visitors can drive or walk across the dam or take a tour of the dam or the power plant to learn more about this impressive structure.

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Featured Addresses
3101 N Fort Valley Rd, Flagstaff, AZ 86001, USA
Lockett Meadow Spring, Arizona 86001, USA
6082 Sunset Crater Road, Flagstaff, AZ 86004, USA
Wupatki National Monument, 25137 North Wupatki Lane, Flagstaff, AZ 86004, USA
Cameron Trading Post, 466 US-89, Cameron, AZ 86020, USA
Little Colorado River, Arizona, USA
Grand Canyon, Arizona 86052, USA
317 S, AZ-64, Williams, AZ 86046, USA
W Fort Valley Rd, Flagstaff, AZ 86001, USA
Lowell Observatory, 1400 W Mars Hill Rd, Flagstaff, AZ 86001, USA