This Epic One-Day Road Trip Across Arizona Is Full Of Adventures From Sunrise To Sunset
A full day of exploring the Grand Canyon State? Sign us up! This epic Arizona day trip starts with watching the sunrise at Tumamoc Hill and ends with a mountaintop dinner and a sunset hike at Picacho Peak State Park. If you just got goosebumps at how amazing this adventure will be, you are in the right place for one of the best day trips in Arizona. Let’s not dawdle any longer – get ready for a day to remember!
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Tumamoc Hill is one of the most scenic places in AZ that everyone in the city can enjoy. Listen to the stories of those who love walking Tumamoc Hill in Tucson, AZ, as you watch the beautiful views you'll find on this amazing trail in this video from Arizona Public Media:


Take a hike through Saguaro National Park starting out with one of those amazing Arizona sunrises as Adventures of A+K set out to Wasson Peak, then join them for a cactus-inspired meal of cacti tacos. Continue the day-trip journey with the Bajada Loop Drive, Signal Hill Petroglyphs, and finally the Valley View Overlook trail with a gorgeous sunset over the valley:



On the menu, you'll see elevated fares such as foie gras, tenderloin tartare, and a variety of beef, poultry, and seafood entrees. There is also an extensive drink list featuring handcrafted cocktails perfect for sipping while you take in the panoramic vistas.

Experience the Sunset Vista Trail in Picacho Peak State Park in this video from Adventure Endeavor:
Beautiful botanical gardens, scenic drives, ancient Saguaro cacti hikes, and a good meal with stunning views pretty much epitomize one of the best day trips in Arizona you can imagine. What do you think about this epic Arizona day trip? Tell us your thoughts in the comments!
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More to Explore
More scenic places in Arizona
What are the best day trips in AZ?
Arizona has so many wonderful areas to enjoy outdoors from glowing red sunsets over Bell Rock to the epic Antelope Canyon. Let's take a day trip in AZ with these scenic places to explore. Here is a list of some of the best day trips in Arizona:
- Antelope Canyon, Page, AZ: You've seen photos of this mesmerizing canyon in Navajo country Arizona. But in person, they are simply magical. Only guided tours are available to this protected canyon, but it is certainly worth adding this stunning day trip to your bucket list.
- Goldfield Ghost Town, Apache Junction), AZ: Experience what it would have felt like to live in the 1800s in this replica ghost town. Be sure to pack your six guns and spurs, because you might need to head off some wranglers at the pass.
- Montezuma Castle National Monument, Camp Verde, AZ: This amazing ancient five-story, 20-room cliff dwelling dates back over 900 years when the Sinagua people made this area their home. For over 300 years they occupied these dwellings cut directly into the limestone cliff.
- Meteor Crater, Winslow, AZ: Can you imagine what it must feel like to stand in a 50,000-year-old meteor crater as the wind whips through your hair and sand stings your eyes? The epic proportions of the world's largest meteor crater, and the fact that at the time of impact, wooly mammoths roamed the earth, make this day trip one to remember.
If you are looking for even more day trip ideas in Arizona, check out this list where we present one idea per month for an entire year.