The Best of Arizona’s Outdoors in 6 Days – My Road Trip Itinerary

There are road trips, and then there are Arizona road trips – the kind that make your jaw drop at every turn. Think red rock landscapes, epic canyons, hidden swimming holes, and starry nights where you feel like a speck in the universe.

Naturally, I had to hit the road and see it all. Over six days, I drove across the state, camping in epic locales, hiking through otherworldly landscapes, and even squeezing in a bit of mountain biking and kayaking. If you’re craving adventure, this is my ultimate Arizona road trip itinerary.

Read more: My Week Exploring Arizona Wasn’t What I Expected – Here’s Why You Should Visit

All this and so much more

About Arizona

Arizona is home to some of the most stunning scenery in the US of A. Everyone knows the Grand Canyon, but the state is packed with so much more – from Sedona’s fiery red rocks to the serene waters of Patagonia Lake. It’s got everything: mountains, forests, deserts, even snow if you time it right. Plus, the food? Unreal. You haven’t lived until you’ve had a proper Sonoran hot dog.

The weather varies massively depending on where you are, so pack layers. And always, ALWAYS, have more water than you think you’ll need. It is the desert, after all.

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Day 1: Phoenix to Patagonia Lake State Park (via Mt Lemmon)

Drive time: 5.5 hours
Distance: 400km
Highlights: Hiking Mt Lemmon, stunning desert-to-alpine scenery, camping Arizona-style at Patagonia Lake

After picking up my hire car in Phoenix, I hit the road before sunrise. Tea in hand and excitement levels at an all-time high I drove to my first stop: Mt Lemmon. Driving up this 9,000-foot (2743m) mountain felt like teleporting through different climates – one minute, I was in classic desert terrain, the next, I was surrounded by pine trees. I watched the sun rise over the 25-million-year-old Hoodoo rocks perched on the side of the mountain. Then, spent the morning hiking the summit, following the 3.4km Meadow & Mount Lemmon loop, which has epic views and enough elevation gain to wake up the legs.

By noon, I was cruising south towards Patagonia Lake State Park. This place is a hidden gem for Arizona camping enthusiasts, an oasis with a massive lake perfect for swimming, kayaking, or just chilling by the shore. I set up camp, cooked some burgers over the fire, and watched the desert sky explode with stars. Not a bad start to the trip.

Stars at Windy Hill Campground on day three, but they’re like this everywhere

Day 2: Patagonia Lake to Upper Salt Canyon (Roosevelt)

Drive time: 4 hours
Distance: 340km
Highlights: Cliff jumping, swimming, camping by the Salt River

I woke up to the sound of birds and rustling mesquite trees, packed up camp, and went for a quick morning swim. After grabbing breakfast, I hit the road towards Roosevelt Lake. The drive itself was what you imagine when you think of Arizona – long open highways, cacti dotting the landscape, and the occasional road sign warning about wild donkeys (yes, really).

Landscapes like you’ve never seen before

Arriving at Salt River I left the cliches behind, set up camp at Windy Hill Campground, and wasted no time hitting the 13.2km Vineyard hiking trail. Climbing through the saguaro-studded hills was something else. If you’re not up for hiking in the heat, then you can enjoy swimming and cliff jumping, or rent a kayak and explore the canyon walls up close. My favourite – finding a great spot to soak up the golden hour. Watching the red cliffs glow was unreal.

Day 3: Roosevelt to Sedona (via Apache Falls)

Drive time: 5 hours
Distance: 455km
Highlights: Stunning waterfalls, epic landscapes, Sedona’s legendary red rocks

After a sunrise tea by the water, I packed up and made my way towards Tonto National Monument. This historical attraction allows you to walk through Native American accommodations dating back to the 1300s. Imagine building your home with your whole community into the side of a cliff. The views were amazing, and Ranger Steve had a few great stories, too. 

As you make your way to Sedona, you can break up the long, winding drive in and out of the canyon by stopping at the many lookouts and taking in the views. I recommend a visit to the lesser-known but beautiful Apache Falls. The falls are a little off the beaten path but worth the effort, and you can always have a cheeky dip to freshen up. 

By mid-afternoon, I rolled into Sedona, one of the most famous spots for hiking Arizona’s trails. The red rock formations are surreal, especially at sunset. I checked into my hotel and spent the evening wandering through the Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village, which is made up of a cool mix of galleries, outdoor cafes, and quirky shops. A margarita and a rack of ribs with a red rock view at the Cowboy Club Grille? Don’t mind if I do.

Day 4: Exploring Sedona

Drive time: Minimal
Distance: Local exploring
Highlights: Sunrise hike, swimming holes, mountain biking, Sedona’s dark sky experience

Rise and shine! There’s no better way to start the day than a sunrise hike, in my opinion. Gets the blood pumping, and you can beat the crowds. Bell Rock is a great sunrise option – depending on your skill level and the crowds, you can scramble up the rock as far as you need to find the perfect place to watch the first rays light up the surrounding red rock. 

It’s also a location where you can experience vortexes, said to be a swirling centre of energy that’s conducive to healing and meditation, if you’re that way inclined.

Time to go mountain biking – Arizona style. Back in town, I rented a mountain bike and hit some of Sedona’s famous red dirt trails. There are trails for every ability, and the views alone are worth it. I spent 5 hours dodging cacti and lapping my favourites – it was a real highlight of my trip. 

Trailside views worthy of a cheeky rest

Post-ride, covered head-to-toe in sweat, I cooled off with a swim at Slide Rock State Park. Moving between the icy water and sun-soaked rocks is a great way to spend the rest of the afternoon. And you’ve gotta hit the natural rock water slide!

The cool waters of Slide Rock State Park

After dinner, I joined a dark sky tour with Sedona Stargazing, where a local guide helped us spot planets, constellations, and even a few shooting stars. Sedona is an official Dark Sky Community, meaning light pollution is low, and the stars are gorgeously bright.

Day 5: Sedona to Antelope Canyon (via the Grand Canyon)

Drive time: 5 hours
Distance: 450km
Highlights: The Grand Canyon, slot canyons, kayaking Antelope Canyon

Would it be an Arizona road trip without stopping at the Grand Canyon? I think not. I took my time driving through the South Rim, stopping at viewpoints like Hopi Point and the Desert View Watchtower to soak in the sheer scale of this place. It’s massive, overwhelming, and worth every second.

By early afternoon, I reached Antelope Canyon, one of the most photographed spots in the world. I joined a guided tour through the famous Lower Antelope Canyon, a slot canyon where sunlight filters through narrow openings, creating wild, shifting colours on the sandstone walls. If you’re keen to see the light rays in the canyons, then it is best to book a midday tour.

That evening, I camped at Lees Ferry Campground, situated on the Colorado River. With the tent set up and relax-mode initiated, I was treated to views of the canyon walls glowing orange and red as the sun farewelled the day. 

Lees Ferry Campground

Day 6: Lees Ferry Campground to Phoenix (via Horseshoe Bend & Jerome)

Drive time: 6 hours
Distance: 450km
Highlights: Sunrise at Horseshoe Bend, quirky ghost town, final drive back to Phoenix

I set my alarm for an ungodly hour and made it to Horseshoe Bend just in time for sunrise. There’s something special about watching the Colorado River snake its way around the giant rock formation as the sky lights up with pink and orange hues.

The last stop before Phoenix? Jerome – an old mining town turned artsy ghost town perched on the side of Cleopatra Hill. It’s quirky, weird, and full of character. I grabbed a burger at The Haunted Hamburger, which, according to locals, might actually be haunted (or maybe they just make really good ghost stories).

Funky vibes in Jerome

By the time I rolled back into Phoenix, I was sunburnt, exhausted, and completely stoked. Arizona, you are one hell of a good time!

Tips for Visiting Arizona

• Hydrate like your life depends on it – because it kinda does. The desert heat is no joke
• Plan for varying temps – it might be scorching in Phoenix but freezing in Sedona
• Book tours in advance – especially for Antelope Canyon
• Keep an eye out for wildlife – rattlesnakes, coyotes, and wild donkeys are all part of the experience
• Embrace the dirt – Arizona is dusty, and your car will show it. Just roll with it

A Week Like No Other

From epic hikes to mountain biking on Arizona’s legendary trails, sleeping under the stars to cooling off in hidden swimming holes, this road trip had it all. Arizona is wild, rugged, and full of surprises – if you’re looking for a hell of a road trip, brimmed with adventure and wonder, this is it. You won’t regret it.

Camping gear supplied by our mates at Sea to Summit