Discover Arizona: The Grand Canyon State.
Welcome to Arizona, a land of breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and unforgettable adventures. From the iconic Grand Canyon to vibrant cities and charming small towns, Arizona offers something for every traveler. Whether you're seeking outdoor thrills, cultural exploration or pure relaxation, this desert gem is your perfect destination.
Arizona, in particular, is fly-drive heaven. Its southern half is dominated by the Sonoran Desert, where vast cacti raise their spiky arms in Saguaro National Park. Its northern half boasts two of the USA’s great geological wonders. Both the deep chasm of the Grand Canyon (in the northwest of the state) and the sky-clawing rock formations of Monument Valley (in the very northeast of Arizona, straddling the state line with Utah) are best reached by car and can feasibly be enjoyed together on the same holiday tour.
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Arizona Self-Drive Holiday Highlights
Duration: 7 days
Start/Finish: Phoenix, Arizona
Day 1: Arrive in Phoenix
- Suggested Highlights: Explore downtown Phoenix, visit the Desert Botanical Garden and enjoy the local food scene.
- Stay: Phoenix (1 night)
Day 2: Phoenix to Sedona (190 km / 2 hours)
- Route: Drive north through the scenic Sonoran Desert.
- Suggested Highlights: Stop at Montezuma Castle National Monument, then explore Sedona’s famous red rock formations like Cathedral Rock or Devil’s Bridge. Enjoy boutique shopping and art galleries.
- Stay: Sedona (2 nights)
Day 3: Sedona and Oak Creek Canyon
- Suggested Highlights:
- Take a Jeep tour for stunning views of Sedona’s unique landscapes.
- Hike in Oak Creek Canyon or relax by Slide Rock State Park.
- Consider an evening stargazing experience, as Sedona is a designated Dark Sky Community.
Day 4: Sedona to Grand Canyon National Park (175 km / 2 hours)
- Route: Travel via Flagstaff, with a stop at the Lowell Observatory or Walnut Canyon National Monument.
- Suggested Highlights:
- Arrive at the Grand Canyon South Rim and take in breathtaking views from Mather Point or Yavapai Observation Station.
- Enjoy a short hike or opt for a helicopter tour.
Day 5: Grand Canyon to Lake Powell (225 km / 2.5 hours)
- Route: Drive along the Desert View Drive, stopping at viewpoints like the Desert View Watchtower.
- Suggested Highlights:
- Visit Horseshoe Bend for iconic Colorado River views.
- Explore Antelope Canyon on a guided tour.
- Stay: Best Western Plus Lake Powell, Page (1 night)
Day 6: Page to Monument Valley (200 km / 2.5 hours)
- Route: Travel to the Navajo Nation and the awe-inspiring Monument Valley.
- Suggested Highlights:
- Take a Navajo-guided tour of the valley for up-close views of iconic rock formations like The Mittens.
- Learn about Navajo culture and history.
- Stay: Monument Valley (1 night)
Day 7: Monument Valley to Phoenix (460 km / 5 hours)
- Route: Return to Phoenix, stopping at Petrified Forest National Park and Painted Desert en route for surreal landscapes.
- Suggested Highlights:
- Take one last glimpse of Arizona’s desert beauty.
- Evening free in Phoenix to relax or enjoy a farewell dinner.
- Stay: Phoenix (1 night)
Optional Activities
- Hot air balloon ride over Sedona or Phoenix.
- Wildlife watching in the Kaibab National Forest.
- Visit to Taliesin West, Frank Lloyd Wright’s desert masterpiece in Scottsdale.
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