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HomeRoad TripsNorth AmericaUnited StatesWest USAArizonaGreater Phoenix
Road to Sedona

Greater Phoenix Road Trip

Phoenix - Prescott - Sedona - Payson - Fort Apache

Expect on your itinerary

Comfort Comfort
Road conditions Road conditions
Landscape Landscape
Security Security
Benefit-stress ratio Benefit-stress ratio
Wildlife Wildlife
Urban life Urban life
Culture Culture
Greater Phoenix Road Trip ACTIVATE MAP Stages5 km978 h/stage2.5

Best months to drive

I II III IV V VI
VII VIII IX X XI XII

Road Trip Costs

How much does it cost to go on a Greater Phoenix Road Trip in Arizona?

Economy
Low budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 225EUR drive & more 138EUR sleep & more 396EUR eat & more 360EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 894EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 1,119EUR
Standard
Mid budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 270EUR drive & more 175EUR sleep & more 594EUR eat & more 540EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 1,309EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 1,579EUR
Premium
High budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 450EUR drive & more 238EUR sleep & more 990EUR eat & more 720EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 1,948EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 2,398EUR
Camper
On the road in RV, overnight at camp grounds with self-catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 1,125EUR drive & more 263EUR sleep & more 275EUR eat & more 360EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 898EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 2,023EUR
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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.
number of days 5 number of days
route length 978 km route length
budget fair budget
good for family good for
traffic direction on the right traffic direction
accident level 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.

1 Phoenix - Prescott

Distance 262 km Driving time 3.1 h Pace: fast 78.7 kWh View map Itinerary
junction of road trips interesting cultural site accommodation options interesting  historic site
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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!

2 Prescott - Sedona

Distance 115 km Driving time 1.5 h Pace: fast 34.5 kWh View map Itinerary
junction of road trips attractive landscape accommodation options
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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!

3 Sedona - Payson

Distance 139 km Driving time 2.2 h Pace: fast 41.6 kWh View map Itinerary
junction of road trips
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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!

4 Payson - Fort Apache

Distance 209 km Driving time 2.6 h Pace: fast 62.6 kWh View map Itinerary
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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!

5 Fort Apache - Phoenix

Distance 253 km Driving time 3.2 h Pace: fast 76.0 kWh View map Itinerary
junction of road trips interesting cultural site accommodation options
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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

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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

We hope that the presented Greater Phoenix Road Trip has become an ideal inspiration for your future holidays.
Our itinerary can be used as a foundation that you can recreate in its entirety or only partially and that can be enriched with original highlights of your choice.
If car travel is the preferred travel mode for you, there are a number of vital traffic regulations to follow and a bunch of elements to bear in mind to turn your road trip into pure pleasure. The following road rules will surely become useful for all tourists who are considering car hire or camper rental in Arizona.
Holidayers who choose Arizona as their holiday destination should definitely be mindful of the local road rules. When moving around Arizona in a car, try avoiding alcoholic beverages at any price. Travellers should remember that the allowed blood alcohol level is extremely low and equals only 0.5‰. Exceeding the maximum allowed speed limit, which is 40km/h, when driving around the build-up areas may lead to a speeding ticket. In undeveloped areas, you can travel at the maximum allowed speed of 72km/h. On motorways, 129km/h is the speed limit that you should stick to. Having a first aid kit and fire extinguisher in your car and driving with your headlights on at daytime heavily increase the safety of you and your passengers.
But what are the costs of the whole trip. The budget option of your choice determines the final cost of the whole adventure. Below, you will find the budget possibilities.
If you go for the cheapest offer, you have to pay the maximum of 138 EUR for fuel to cover the planned 6 stages while travelling around Arizona. Economy accommodation options can cost holidayers roughly 396 EUR. Those who want to benefit from this option will spend around 360 EUR on food and restaurants. Travellers will have to pay around 225 EUR if they opt for the budget car hire offer as well. Thus, going for vehicle rental will increase the expenses of the road trip from roughly 894 EUR to approximately 1,119 EUR.
Holidayers who are looking for greater comfort and the standard option will pay about 175 EUR for the fuel needed to cover the itinerary. Cost amounting to 594 EUR can be expected by all travellers who are looking for standard overnight stays. The general cost of food and restaurants within this range is around 540 EUR. Travellers who want to cover the tour in a standard hire car can expect a cost of around 270 EUR. Drivers who would like to rent a car will pay more or less 1,579 EUR for the whole itinerary, whereas those who are not interested in vehicle hire will spend about 1,309 EUR.
Holidayers who would like to take advantage of the highest level of convenience will be pleased with the premium offer. When it comes to this offer, the estimated cost of the road trip will total about 2,398 EUR for drivers who are considering car rental and 1,309 EUR for those who do not need a hire vehicle. Travellers who would like to cover the road trip in a premium hire vehicle should expect a cost of around 450 EUR. If you are interested in the highest comfort of the road trip, the gasoline cost will be roughly 238 EUR. You should expect to pay approximately 720 EUR for restaurants and food and approximately 990 EUR for accommodation options if you are searching for the exclusive standard of services during your itinerary.
Our road trip will also be ideal for all camper lovers, as it can be easily adjusted to their requirements. If you choose this travel mode, the expenses are approximately 1,125 EUR. Travellers will spend more or less 263 EUR on fuel allowing to cover all stages of the Greater Phoenix Road Trip. Holidaymakers should expect to pay approximately 360 EUR for expenses connected with food and about 275 EUR for accommodation if they want to travel in a camper.
The Road Trip Costs section presents all the above details in a straightforward way.
The part of Arizona showed in our adventure idea is most enjoyable between March and October. There are plenty of exciting road trips and scenic drives that are available on our website if Greater Phoenix Road Trip has inspired you. The great variety of ideas will surely live up to the expectations of the most demanding drivers.

Facts for safer driving in Arizona

drink drive limit drink drive limit 0.5
max speed urban max speed urban 40 km/h
max speed rural max speed rural 72 km/h
max speed highway max speed highway 129 km/h
headlights at daytime headlights at daytime off
fire extinguisher fire extinguisher yes
tolls tolls yes
seat belts seat belts yes

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