Greater Phoenix Road Trip Itinerary
The Greater Phoenix Road Trip is a great way to explore the stunning landscapes of the Southwest United States. Starting and ending in Phoenix, this 978km journey takes you through the towns of Prescott and Payson, with plenty of attractions and activities to enjoy along the way. The best time of year to take this trip is in the spring or fall, when the temperatures are pleasant and the scenery is at its most vibrant.
The roads are in excellent condition and easy to navigate, making this a great road trip for all drivers. You'll be able to enjoy the sights, sounds, and smells of the desert and mountain regions as you drive, and you can do it all on a moderate budget. Whether you're looking for a peaceful getaway or an adventure-filled journey, the Greater Phoenix Road Trip is sure to provide you with a high level of experience and lasting memories. With five days to complete the trip, you'll have plenty of time to take in all the sights and sounds this road trip has to offer.
5
number of days
978 km
route length
fair
budget
family
good for
on the right
traffic direction
low
accident level
START
Phoenix
Distance 978 km
Driving time 12.6 h
Pace: fast
293.4 kWh
Airports
PHX
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Phoenix in United States is an amazing place to start a road trip named "Greater Phoenix Road Trip". With its warm and sunny climate, Phoenix is a great place to explore the Southwest. Visit the Desert Botanical Garden to get a glimpse of the beautiful Sonoran Desert. The Heard Museum is a great place to explore the history of the indigenous cultures in the area. For a unique experience, take a guided tour of the Grand Canyon National Park. The city also offers plenty of outdoor activities, such as hiking and biking trails, as well as a variety of parks.
The closest international airport to Phoenix is the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX). Car rental is available at the airport, making it easy to explore the city and the surrounding area. With car rental, you can make the most of your road trip and explore all of the amazing sights and attractions Phoenix has to offer.
Take the time to explore Phoenix and the surrounding area on your Greater Phoenix Road Trip. From discovering the beauty of the desert to learning about the indigenous cultures of the area, there is something for everyone to experience in Phoenix.
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Phoenix
- Prescott
Distance 262 km
Driving time 3.1 h
Pace: fast
78.7 kWh
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Itinerary
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Welcome, road-trippers! Get ready for an amazing journey from Phoenix to Prescott! This 163 mile drive will take you less than 4 hours, and there's plenty to see along the way.
Start your journey in Phoenix and explore the city's historical sites, like the Arizona Capitol Museum and the Pueblo Grande Museum and Archaeological Park. Then, head north to Prescott and explore the city's history as well. Visit the Sharlot Hall Museum, the oldest museum in Arizona, and the Smoki Museum, where you can learn about the region's Native American history.
On the way to Prescott, make sure to take a detour to the Montezuma Castle National Monument. This ancient cliff dwelling is a great spot to take photos and learn about the area's history.
At the end of your journey, take a walk through Prescott's historic downtown. Here, you'll find plenty of shops, restaurants, and even a few breweries.
This is just a brief overview of your trip from Phoenix to Prescott. For more information about attractions, accommodations, restaurants, and campsites along the route, check out the Itinerary of this stage.
Happy travels!
Prescott - United States - North America - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
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2
Prescott
- Sedona
Distance 115 km
Driving time 1.5 h
Pace: fast
34.5 kWh
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Embark on an unforgettable road trip from Prescott to Sedona! This 71 mile drive will take you less than two hours and will take you through some of the most picturesque landscapes in the area. You'll have a chance to admire the stunning red rock formations and the rolling hills of the Sonoran Desert. As you drive, make sure to keep an eye out for the amazing views of the San Francisco Peaks and the Mogollon Rim.
Once you arrive in Sedona, you'll find plenty of attractions to explore, including the Chapel of the Holy Cross, Red Rock State Park, and the Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village. You can also take a leisurely stroll along the banks of Oak Creek or take a jeep tour of the area.
For more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, check out the Itinerary of this stage. So what are you waiting for? Get ready for an amazing road trip!
Sedona - United States - North America - Road Trip - www.needpix.com
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3
Sedona
- Payson
Distance 139 km
Driving time 2.2 h
Pace: fast
41.6 kWh
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Welcome to the Sedona-Payson stage of your road trip! This 86-mile stretch will take you less than 3 hours to complete, so you can enjoy the sights and sounds of the area at your own pace.
Start your journey at the stunning red rocks of Sedona. Here you can explore the many trails and take in the breathtaking views of the area. Don't forget to take a photo of the majestic Cathedral Rock!
Continue your journey to the town of Pine. Here you can find the Tonto Natural Bridge State Park, where you can enjoy the sights of a natural bridge created by a creek.
As you make your way to Payson, you'll pass through the town of Strawberry. Here you can find the Tonto Fish Hatchery and the nearby Fossil Creek.
Finally, you'll arrive in Payson. Here you can find the Payson Arizona Temple, an iconic landmark of the area. You can also explore the nearby Mazatzal Wilderness, where you can enjoy the many trails and take in the breathtaking views of the area.
This is the perfect stage for your road trip, and it's sure to be an unforgettable experience. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your trip!
Payson - United States - North America - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
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4
Payson
- Fort Apache
Distance 209 km
Driving time 2.6 h
Pace: fast
62.6 kWh
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Welcome to the Payson-Fort Apache road trip! This 130mi stage of your adventure will take you fewer than 3 hours to complete, and you'll be amazed by the beauty of the landscape and the interesting attractions you'll find along the way.
Start your journey in Payson, where you can explore the Rim Country Museum, the Green Valley Park, and the Tonto Natural Bridge State Park, an impressive formation with a 180ft long natural bridge.
Then, drive to Fort Apache, where you'll have the opportunity to visit the Fort Apache Historic Park, a museum and historic site that was once a major military establishment. You can also visit the Theodore Roosevelt Lake, the largest lake in Arizona, and the White Mountain Apache Tribe Cultural Center and Museum, where you can learn more about the culture and history of the White Mountain Apache Tribe.
Make sure to check the "Itinerary" of this stage for more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route. Enjoy your road trip!
Fort Apache - United States - North America - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
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5
Fort Apache
- Phoenix
Distance 253 km
Driving time 3.2 h
Pace: fast
76.0 kWh
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Are you ready for the road trip of a lifetime? Embark on an adventure from Fort Apache to Phoenix, a 157-mile journey that will take you less than 4 hours. Your first stop should be the Fort Apache Historic Park, where you can explore the rich history of the White Mountain Apache Tribe. From there, you can visit the Petrified Forest National Park and explore the amazing petrified wood and fossils, as well as the Painted Desert. After that, take a short drive to the Meteor Crater, the world's best-preserved meteorite impact site. Lastly, don't forget to visit the Grand Canyon National Park before arriving in Phoenix.
This is just one of the stages of your road trip, and you can find more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route in the "Itinerary" of this stage. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and hit the road!
Phoenix - United States - North America - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
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Phoenix
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The Greater Phoenix Road Trip comes to an end in the vibrant city of Phoenix. This is a great place to explore, offering a wealth of attractions and activities to suit all tastes.
Take a trip to the Heard Museum, which celebrates Native American culture and art. You can learn about the history of the local tribes, and admire the incredible artifacts they have left behind. Afterward, make your way to the Desert Botanical Garden, which is home to an incredible variety of desert plants and wildlife.
If you’d like to learn more about the area’s culture and history, head to the Phoenix Art Museum. Here you can browse a variety of artworks, from classic pieces to modern installations. There’s also a host of museums and galleries offering a range of exhibitions and events.
If you’re looking for more of an adventure, Phoenix has plenty of outdoor activities to offer. Take a hike in South Mountain Park, or explore the city’s many nature trails. You can also enjoy a round of golf on one of the city’s many courses.
Finally, if you’re flying in, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) is the closest international airport.
Whether you’re looking for a cultural experience or a fun outdoor adventure, Phoenix has something for everyone. End your Greater Phoenix Road Trip in this vibrant city, and explore all that it has to offer.
Greater Phoenix Road Trip at a glance
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Start:
Phoenix
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End:
Phoenix
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Distance:
978 km
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Stay:
5 days
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Getting there:
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)
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When to drive:
March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October
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More info:
More info you can find in the "Itinerary" section at each stage.
Before you set off
Embark on the Greater Phoenix Road Trip, a captivating 978-kilometer (608-mile) loop that takes you from the urban oasis of Phoenix, Arizona, deep into the heart of the American Southwest. This Scenic Drive encapsulates the stunning contrasts of the region, offering an array of desert landscapes, lush mountain terrain, and a tapestry of cultural history. Along the way, experience the charm of historic towns, the grandeur of national forests, and a horizon that stretches endlessly under the Arizona sky.
Key Destinations and Top Sights:
- Prescott: Step back in time with a visit to Prescott's historic downtown, a National Historic Landmark with beautifully preserved Victorian homes. Don't miss the infamous Whiskey Row, once home to over 40 saloons, where cowboys and outlaws alike once raised their glasses.
- Payson: Nestled beneath the majestic Mogollon Rim, Payson is a gateway to outdoor escapades. Traverse the trails of Tonto National Forest, one of the largest national forests in the United States, and marvel at the geological wonder of the Mogollon Rim, a dramatic escarpment that defines the southwestern edge of the Colorado Plateau.
Best Time to Go:
The optimal times to embark on this Road Trip are during the spring (March to May) or fall (September to November). These seasons are characterized by mild temperatures and minimal precipitation, making it ideal for exploring the outdoors. The spring months also bring a burst of wildflowers, adding a splash of color to the desert, while fall offers cooler weather and a chance to see the foliage change in the higher elevations.
Potential Risks:
- The summer months can bring sweltering temperatures, especially in the lower elevations, so it's crucial to stay hydrated and plan any hiking for the cooler parts of the day.
- Winter driving in this region can occasionally become challenging due to ice or snow, particularly in the higher elevations near Payson and the Mogollon Rim.
- Keep an eye out for wildlife, such as deer or javelinas, which may cross Roads unexpectedly, especially at dawn and dusk.
Facts for Roadtrippers:
- The Roads on this journey are well-maintained, making it accessible for drivers of all levels. Route signage is clear, helping you navigate through the varying landscapes.
- The Trip is budget-friendly, offering a range of accommodation options from camping in national forests to cozy bed and breakfasts in the historic towns.
- A suggested five-day itinerary allows for a relaxed pace, providing ample opportunity to soak in the sights, partake in outdoor activities, and immerse yourself in the local culture.
A good choice for:
The Greater Phoenix Road Trip promises a perfect balance of serenity and excitement, making it an unforgettable experience for those seeking to create lasting memories. Whether you're a nature lover, history buff, or simply looking to escape the daily grind, this Road Trip offers something unique for every traveler.
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