This 455-Mile Road Trip Leads To Some Of The Most Scenic Parts Of Arizona, No Matter What Time Of Year It Is
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Katie Lawrence
Author
Some places – like the Grand Canyon’s North Rim and the top of Mount Lemmon – are inaccessible during winter. Other iconic Arizona destinations, however, can be visited year-round! This 455-mile road trip leads to some of the most scenic places in Arizona, no matter the season. From ancient canyons to towering sandstone buttes, you’ll see a little bit of everything.
Click here for the customizable Google Map for the trip.
Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona, USA
Your adventure begins with Arizona's most iconic natural wonder: the Grand Canyon. Spanning over a million acres, the world-famous national park boasts dozens of trails that meander through the ancient, red rock landscape.
Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona, USA
The most popular area of the park, the South Rim, is open year-round, so there's no such thing as a bad time to visit. Plus, the canyon looks so gorgeous under a blanket of freshly-fallen snow.
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Horseshoe Bend, Arizona 86040, USA
Next up is Horseshoe Bend, another of our state's most well-known tourist attractions. Located just to the east of the Grand Canyon, this horseshoe-shaped bend in the Colorado River is accessible in all four seasons. You can hike, float, or even take a helicopter tour! If you choose to hike, the trail is only about half a mile each way, so you get to reap the reward of a great view with virtually no effort.
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Lake Powell, AZ 86040, USA
Also near Page, Lake Powell is a manmade reservoir that stretches across the Arizona-Utah border. Known for its striking cobalt waters, the lake attracts roughly two million visitors each year - and for good reason. Between the jutting rocks that create a natural course for kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, and other watersports and the plethora of lodging and dining opportunities, it's no secret why so many people choose to vacation here no matter the season.
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Antelope Canyon, Arizona 86040, USA
Our final Page-area destination is Antelope Canyon, an ancient slot canyon that was recently named the most beautiful canyon in Arizona. Formed over eons by water erosion, Antelope Canyon is best known for its wave-like sandstone walls and eye-catching light beams that shine down through narrow openings at the top of the canyon. While summer is the most popular time to visit, as it's when the light beams are at their most brilliant, visitors are welcome all year. A tour guide is required, however, and only a select number of people can enter the canyon at a time. Learn more here.
Monument Valley Tribal Park Visitor Center, U.S. 163 Scenic, Oljato-Monument Valley, AZ 84536, USA
Another destination shared by Utah and Arizona is Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park. One of the most photographed places on Earth, Monument Valley features a series of sandstone buttes that tower to heights of up to 1,000 feet.
Monument Valley Tribal Park Visitor Center, U.S. 163 Scenic, Oljato-Monument Valley, AZ 84536, USA
Whether you visit in the summer, winter, or any time in between, rest assured you'll be thoroughly amazed by this majestic, mystical landmark.
Canyon de Chelly, Canyon De Chelly, Arizona 86503, USA
Tucked away near Chinle, Canyon de Chelly National Monument is a sacred site located on Navajo tribal lands. The Navajo Nation and National Park Service work together to manage the land, carefully preserving ancient Pueblo villages and millennia of prehistoric rock art. The most notable feature in the park is Spider Rock, an 800-foot-tall spire that rises up from the canyon floor. From hikes to scenic drives, there are several ways to enjoy the monument and its many awe-inspiring sights.
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Petrified Forest National Park, AZ 86028, USA
Last - but certainly not least - we have Petrified Forest National Park, located near Holbrook. Nestled in the painted desert, the park is named for the large deposits of 200-million-year-old wood scattered throughout its 346 square miles. The colorful badlands are breathtaking to see year-round, and you can explore the desert landscape via hiking trails or scenic drives.
Would you take this road trip to some of the most scenic places in Arizona? Tell us your thoughts in the comments! For another incredible road trip that leads to some of Arizona’s best hidden gems, check out our previous article.
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