Phoenix, AZ, is the launchpad to a wild variety of escapes: pine-scented forests, red rock cathedrals, canyon lakes, and even a meteorite crater. Whether you want to hike, stargaze, kayak, or take a scenic drive with a cold brew in hand, these trips deliver.
The best part? You can get to most of them within a few hours.
So load up the kids and the dogs, fire up the playlist (we’ll give you some great recs), fill the cooler, and let’s hit the road.
1. Sedona: Red Rocks, Energy Vortexes & Artsy Vibes
📍 115 miles north | ~2 hours
You can’t talk Arizona road trips without starting here. Just a short ride from Phoenix, Sedona’s red rock scenery is absolutely unreal. Think dramatic cliffs, smooth stone buttes, and sunsets that look like they must have been Photoshopped.
Sedona isn’t just beautiful, it’s legendary. Long considered sacred by Native American tribes, it’s a place where sandstone formations glow crimson at sunset and stories about “energy vortexes” swirl as much as the dust on its trails.
With more than 200 miles of hiking paths and a thriving arts scene, Sedona offers both outdoor adventure and spiritual curiosity. It’s the kind of place where you can spend the morning climbing rocks and the afternoon debating chakras with your barista.
Be sure to check out some of these highlights:
- Hike Bell Rock or Cathedral Rock for sweeping views.
- Browse local art at Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village.
- Refuel and grab lunch at The Hudson (killer patio and cocktails).
- End the day with a glass of wine and a stunning view at Mariposa Latin Inspired Grill.
- If you’re into the metaphysical, don’t miss a visit to one of Sedona’s famous vortex sites. Whether it’s real energy or just a really great excuse to stretch your legs, it’s all part of the vibe.
2. Flagstaff: Pines, Peaks & a Breath of Fresh Air
📍 145 miles north | ~2.5 hours
Cooler temps, towering ponderosa pines, and a cozy mountain town feel. Flagstaff is where Phoenicians go to escape the heat and breathe a little easier.
Sitting at over 7,000 feet above sea level, Flagstaff is the pine-covered antidote to Phoenix’s desert sprawl.
Once a railroad town, it’s now a hub for outdoor lovers, students from NAU, and travelers passing through on Route 66.
Surrounded by mountains, lava fields, and ponderosa forests, Flagstaff is cool in every sense, both temperature and vibe. It’s the kind of town where you can hike in the morning and sip craft beer with locals by dinnertime.
Some of our favorite stops for your itinerary include:
- Ride the gondola at Arizona Snowbowl for panoramic mountain views.
- Hike through lava tubes or stroll the scenic Urban Trail System.
- Pop into Lumberyard Brewing Co. for a refreshing beer and burger.
- Bookstore lovers, you can’t miss Bright Side Bookshop in downtown Flag.
Pro tip: In fall, the aspen trees light up with golden leaves. In winter, it’s a snowy wonderland. In other words, it’s a win year-round.
3. Jerome & Prescott: Ghost Town Meets Cowboy Cool
📍 100–120 miles north | ~2–2.5 hours
This route combines two of Arizona’s most interesting small towns — one spooky, one charming.
These two historic towns offer a choose-your-own-adventure blend of eerie and endearing.
Jerome, once known as the “Wickedest Town in the West,” was a booming copper mining camp perched precariously on Cleopatra Hill. Today, it’s part ghost town, part artist haven, complete with haunted hotels and hip wine bars.
Prescott, just an hour away, delivers Old West charm with Victorian homes, granite lakes, and a lively downtown where cowboy boots are still in style.
Must-see highlights in Jerome:
- Wander the haunted hallways at the Jerome Grand Hotel.
- Grab a pint at Haunted Hamburger or do some wine tasting at Caduceus Cellars (owned by Tool’s Maynard James Keenan).
- Check out the funky art shops that dot the narrow hillside streets.
Once in Prescott, be sure to:
- Stroll the historic Whiskey Row, lined with Western saloons and live music.
- Hike or paddle at Watson Lake, surrounded by giant granite boulders.
- Enjoy a much-needed rest at The Raven Café for food, drinks, and a rooftop patio with a view.
Together, these two towns make a quirky, unforgettable road trip loop.
4. Payson & the Mogollon Rim: Pine Forests in the Desert?
📍 90 miles northeast | ~1.5 hours
Drive just 90 minutes and you’ll swear you’ve left the desert entirely. Welcome to Arizona’s Rim Country, a world of dense forests, cool mountain air, and dramatic cliffs.
Payson sits at the base of the Mogollon Rim, a massive geological uplift that cuts dramatically across central Arizona and creates a literal wall between desert and high-country forest.
With welcoming cooler temps and a slower pace, it’s a favorite getaway for locals and road trippers alike looking for lakes, trails, and trout streams.
The drive up is a stunner, and once you’re under the trees, it’s hard to believe you were in the desert just 90 minutes ago.
Make sure to add these stops to your itinerary:
- Take in the Insta-worthy views at the Mogollon Rim Visitors Center.
- Stop by Tonto Natural Bridge, one of the largest natural travertine bridges in the world.
- Savor some comfort food at Macky’s Grill in Payson (a favorite with locals).
- For dessert, hit Scoops Ice Cream & Espresso for handmade ice cream.
This really is a perfect summer escape or fall leaf-peeping route.
5. The Apache Trail: Cliffside Drives & Canyon Lakes
📍 East of Phoenix | Half-day to full-day trip
One of the most scenic drives in Arizona, this route will make you feel like you’ve stepped into a western.
Built in the early 1900s as a stagecoach route, the Apache Trail (AZ-88) twists through the rugged Superstition Mountains and offers some of the most thrilling views in the state.
Though parts of it remain unpaved and closed due to washouts, the paved portions deliver adventure and a few surprises. Think turquoise lakes hidden in the desert, ghost towns that refuse to die, and roadhouse charm that feels frozen in time.
While the drive is a highlight in itself, make sure you hit these spots:
- Snap pics at Canyon Lake or rent a kayak if you’re feeling adventurous.
- Visit the reconstructed Goldfield Ghost Town for old-school saloons and kitschy fun.
- Grab a bowl of house chili or prickly pear gelato at Tortilla Flat, population: 6.
- Stop at Lost Dutchman State Park for an easy hike or picnic.
Heads up: since parts of the trail may be unpaved, check conditions before you go (and make sure your Mechanical Breakdown Coverage from Sprout Assure is active). It’s rugged, beautiful, and totally worth it.
6. Meteor Crater: Because Why Not See a Giant Hole in the Ground?
📍 195 miles northeast | ~3 hours
Ever wanted to see where a massive meteorite slammed into Earth at 26,000 mph? Now’s your chance.
Near Winslow, AZ, lies one of the best-preserved meteor impact sites in the world. Over 50,000 years ago, a 150-foot-wide space rock slammed into the Earth, carving a 550-foot-deep crater nearly a mile wide.
It’s not just a hole. It’s a living museum of astronomy, geology, and raw cosmic power.
Bring the kids, bring the camera, and definitely bring your curiosity.
This one’s not just for space and rock nerds; we guarantee you’ll enjoy these spots:
- Explore the visitor center’s space exhibits, 4D theatre, and observation decks.
- Combine the trip with a stop in Winslow to visit Standin’ on the Corner Park (yes, that corner).
- Grab a bite at Turquoise Room inside the historic La Posada Hotel.
- If you’ve got time, swing by the Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff on your way back for more outer space fun.
This trip is offbeat, educational, and surprisingly photogenic.
7. Tucson: Desert Museums, Saguaro Dreams & Night Skies
📍 115 miles south | ~2 hours
Tucson is like Phoenix’s hippie cousin. And a totally underrated road trip destination.
Tucson may be Phoenix’s sibling city, but it marches to its own beat: slower, artsier, and more grounded in desert tradition.
With a rich blend of Native, Mexican, and Western influences, it’s a place where Sonoran tacos, astronomy, and saguaros coexist in perfect harmony.
This is your itinerary if you love museum-hopping, hiking, margaritas, or stargazing.
Tucson offers a soulful escape with a lot less sprawl.
Highlights:
- Visit the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum (part zoo, part garden, part natural history center, all awesome).
- Hike Gates Pass at sunset or drive through the breathtaking Saguaro National Park.
- Eat tacos at El Güero Canelo or brunch at Prep & Pastry.
- Stay for sunset and stargazing at Kitt Peak National Observatory, as Tucson is an official Dark Sky City.
Playlist: Desert Vibes Edition
Every road trip needs a killer soundtrack. Here are some artists that capture that wide-open Southwest feeling:
Artists to Queue Up:
- Fleetwood Mac
- Lord Huron
- Chris Stapleton
- First Aid Kit
- Tame Impala
- Florence + The Machine
- Tom Petty
- M83
- The Lumineers
- Sting
- Eagles
- MGMT
Before You Go: Road Trip Readiness Checklist
The open road is amazing… until it’s not.
Before you head off toward red rock bliss or pine-covered peaks, do a quick vehicle systems check.
Here’s a checklist to help make sure your ride is as ready as you are:
- Tire pressure + tread
- Engine oil + fluids (coolant, wiper, brake)
- Air conditioning (non-negotiable in Arizona)
- Battery check
- Lights and signals
- Spare tire, jack, and roadside emergency kit
- First aid kit
- Water bottles + snacks + charger cables
- Download offline maps just in case you’re out of cell range
Even a well-prepped car can hit a bump in the road.
That’s why Sprout Assure gives you peace of mind with Mechanical Breakdown Coverage that goes where you go.
No confusing fine print, no forced dealerships, just reliable help when you need it.
Whether you’re cruising Route 66 or winding through the Superstitions, Sprout Assure’s Auto Club Membership has your back with:
- Coverage options with a $0 or low deductible
- Choose your own licensed mechanic or repair shop
- No long waits, no surprises
Join today and hit the open road with confidence.
