I havent been to Phoenix yet but Ill be sure to stay a bit longer when I plan my trip so I can visit some of these places. You can even bring your own glass for a discount. Sedona is on just about every visitor's bucket list because it is absolutely gorgeous no matter what time of the year you visit. Wow! . The striking blue waters of the lake are framed by granite boulders and hiking trails, which also make for great photo ops. Located about a 2-hour drive from Phoenix along the I-17 highway, there is plenty to keep you occupied if you are spending one day in Sedona. Prescott is known as Arizonas Christmas City because they make a big deal out of the holiday season. One of the best wineries is Bodega Pierce Vineyard. 16 Brilliant Day Trips from Phoenix The Discoveries Of rodeos nearby or as a day trip. I was older and wasnt able to go. Its full of wackiness, from the crazy decor in front of the building to the real-life versions of the characters from the Cars movie out back. One of the most popular day trips from Phoenix is undoubtedly visiting the town of Sedona. The Coconino National Forest is just 90 minutes away and with its 1.8 million acres of land, there is plenty to do in the great outdoors. The park is known for its namesake: the Joshua trees. A popular destination for travelers who love sun and warm weather, Phoenix offers ample hiking, relaxing and sightseeing opportunities. ), this is a very popular spot, we learned this the hard way!) Opinions are always my own and Ill never promote something I dont use or believe in. These shoulder months bring cooler temperatures, perfect for outdoor adventures and camping. The 15 Best Day Trips From Phoenix | Let's Roam You can drive along the Rim Road and Forest Road 300 and look out into the blue sky for hundreds of miles to the south while taking in the intoxicating scent of forest pine. These mysterious but brilliant people are the ancestors of the Hopi and Zuni people and lived amid red rocks trading and farming. Contributed by Nicole LaBarge of Travelgal Nicole, photo provided by me. Lake Havasu City is a hidden gem in the west of Arizona, which is famous among retirees and for its London bridge, and the city setting matches the English culture in many ways. Scientists still dont know why the Sinagua disappeared but these ancient people were inventive and advanced! 7 Fun-Filled Day Trips Within Two Hours From Phoenix You can camp, hike, drive on forest roads, and see a wide variety of high desert vegetation. . The truth is that they actually do move themselves during the winter months when Death Valley gets to freezing point overnight but despite the physics, it still looks odd. Is very useful and all these places are fantastic! The 3-acre glass building and domes house seven model ecosystems that are part of active research projects. Why you should visit: Palm Springs is known as a place where the sun always shines - sitting on the edge of the Mojave Desert in the Coachella Valley, the weather is bright and sunny virtually every single day. It was created through erosion and discovered by a Scotsman in 1877 while hiding from Apache Indians (a lucky find!). At a glance: A fun, full, and tasty day awaits the wine lover on the Verde Valley Wine Trail located in Northern Arizona. There is the west side of the park with a dirt road loop trail, short hikes with sites like petroglyphs, and a denser concentration of the saguaro cacti. I just love this list! Purchase them ahead of time as they are much cheaper when you purchase in advance! Only 100 miles and you can be in a totally different climate! There is also a mine that is haunted that you can visit if you dare. Its like a blast from the past with nostalgic memorabilia everywhere you look. Or you could choose to check out some of the Sonoran Desert by hiking the Vulture Peak Trail. The town sits along the Hassayampa River, and there is a preserve with 280 species of birds and a large number of raptors. This ancestral Puebloan site covers 5 sites spread out amongst the prairies. But most people know it for Gates Pass, one of the best spots for seeing the sunset in the Tucson area. In its heyday, it was bigger than Yuma, with a population of more than 3,000 people. If you want my FULL Phoenix and Tucson Travel Planner with day trips and things to do in Phoenix and Tucson, it is available for $4.99. Ive bookmarked it for future reference Great shots, hun . If you don't feel like doing the drive, you can do a day trip tour from Phoenix/Scottsdale that will pick you up from your hotel and get you to the train. Sedona. One of the best places to stop for a bite to eat is Delgadillos Snow Cap restaurant. Check out my post on my visit to Petrified Forest National Park. This up-and-coming wine region is responsible for producing 75% of Arizonas wine grapes. Just like the Dolly Boat tour on Canyon Lake, you have the opportunity to spot eagles and bighorn sheep. Jump to these day trips between 1 and 2 hours from Phoenix: Drive Along the Apache Trail | Saguaro Lake | Lake Pleasant Regional Park | Wickenburg | Hassayampa River Preserve | Sonoran Desert | Casa Grande Ruins National Monument | Montezuma Castle National Monument | Coconino National Forest | Wine Tasting in Cottonwood | Tonto Natural Bridge S. So much variety too. Read 293,655 traveler reviews and view photos of different trips from Phoenix to various destinations. There are a few spots Id love to check out in person. He and my mom had gone to Arizona and had apparently gone to see these burros but had never told us about it. During that time we explored the Apache Trail and the surrounding area. By joining our email list, you give LazyTrips permission to use your email for sending you newsletters, emails and updates including for marketing purposes. We were all sitting outside one afternoon and he started telling us about all these donkeys and we thought he was totally crazy! The town considers itself a free-spirited place, people come for the thriving arts/music scene and the up-and-coming hospitality with dining, lodging, and even cute Airbnbs. How to get there:Once you get out of Phoenix along the I-10, follow the I-8 that runs south through Yuma and close to the border with Mexico all the way into San Diego. Arches is the smaller park and much closer to Moab. It is now a popular destination for fishing, boating, and water skiing. Thanks for the inspiration, totally hanging onto this guide for future reference. Phoenix is the best place to experience outdoor adventures. The Upper Cliffs require a guided tour that takes 3-4 hours and is available only from November to April. Of course weve explored all the travel books and set (relative word) an itinerary, but this side trips page is icing on the cake. Hike the World's Grandest Canyon. Your email address will not be published. Some purists don't like the synchronized sound and light show in the throne room, but I thought it was pretty cool. Cave Creek Distance from Phoenix: 30 minutes Maricopa County Parks and Recreation Department The spirit of the Old West is alive and well in this quirky desert town. You will also see several stone cliff dwellings built by Sinagua. We love visiting this outdoor museum but we have also taken part in classes and excursions like a saguaro harvest with a Tohono Oodham family and a prickly pear harvest around the museum. Were planning another Southwest trip so Im definitely adding that to our list for the road trip! So many places that I want to visit. Thanks for writing this guide!! Ive traveled to a bunch of states over the years but havent go to the far west/west coast. This will include all the equipment you need, permits, and youll have a knowledgeable guide showing you around while youre there. Updated on 06/23/20 Matteo Colombo / Getty Images While there may be plenty to keep visitors busy within the Phoenix Metro Area, there are also worthwhile destinations within a couple hours' drive from the Valley of the Sun. Driving over the London Bridge is an experience in itself! Today they are famous for their funky decor and potato tacos. Hitting the road in the southwest United States can open up a world of new adventures and luckily, you won't be short of amazing adventures to choose from. There are some great pieces of Route 66 accessible as day trips from Phoenix, but one of my favorites is Oatman. I still need to get to the Phoenix area when I return to Arizona. 8 hours 20 minutes from Phoenix (480 miles). There was a fire in 2018 and then in 2019 a landslide that took out part of the trail. Also as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Grand Canyon. Phoenix looks so picturesque! Travelers recommend seeing the Painted Desert, learning the park's geography at the Rainbow Forest Museum and hiking through the park's scenic trails. Visit Grand Canyon National Park, the Sonoran Desert, Montezuma Castle National Monument and Saguaro National Park. A little further away (maybe better to do if you are staying the weekend) are Sabino Canyon, Mt. Thanks for sharing! But if you hit the road early, it's worth it to be able to walk along the Rim Trail, snap photos from Yavapai Point and explore the Grand Canyon Village. Prescott also has a great restaurant scene with lots of options. I never tire of this park. If the thought of off-roading makes you a little nervous then you can also explore the North Algodones Dunes Wilderness. Dot's Diner serves up onion rings, burgers, omelets, milkshakes, ice cream floats, and other classic diner grub. Wow, this is a very detailed and long list! There is lots of hiking, camping, and fishing in several small lakes on the Rim. Approximately an hour and a half north of Phoenix, Montezuma Castle National Monument makes for a superb cultural day trip. These incredible trips are sure to inspire romance and relaxation. You can take a stroll through the historic Gaslamp District, spend some time in Coronado or see the sights of Balboa Park that include the world-famous San Diego Zoo, botanical gardens and a few top museums. The space geek in you will enjoy a visit to the Titan Missile Museum, a former ICBM missile site outside of Tucson. The Willcox wine region makes for such a fun day trip from Phoenix. South Kaibab and Grand Angel Trails allow you to descend into and cross the Canyon and others follow the rim in either direction to get to a different viewpoint. 4 hours 10 minutes from Phoenix (280 miles). Have you taken any of these Phoenix day trips and have something to share? The Smoki Museum is super intriguing and has many native artifacts and art on display. Recommended tour: 4-Hour Guided Tour of Mount Lemmon. Yuma is a city with an interesting past and was a true wild west town of cowboys, brothels, gambling, and gunfights during the California Gold Rush. They began with their first field in 1998 and they now have over 35,000 plants! Our highlights: The city is vibrant and young - 1 in 3 of the residents are students or staff at Northern Arizona University and you can feel the vibe as you walk around the historic Downtown or stop at one of the dozens of coffee shops for a drink. Contributed by Francesca, Homeroom Travel. Rodeos are a year-round activity in Arizona. Our travel tips: Although it'll take you about four and a half hours to enter the National Monument, it'll take you the same amount of time on top to loop all the way around and drive down to the Jacob Hamblin Arch so plan your visit based on how long you've got to spend on the road. The Tonto Natural Bridge State Park is on the way and has some great hiking options - bring your boots and water. Nearby are Fort Bowie National Historic Site and Chiricahua National Monument. Here you'll find great shopping and dining, outdoor adventures, and gorgeous desert scenerywithout the long hours spent in the car. Neat little Dam you can drive across. Day trips from Phoenix (under 3 hours each way). We are in the middle of cowboy country. It was completed in 1797, and has been called the Sistine Chapel of the New World.The brick walls are coated with a limestone-based plaster with a formula that includes the juice from prickly pear cactus pads the Sonoran desert peoples were so inventive! Arizona is often thought of as a desert state with cacti and prickly pear plants. Grand Canyon Grand Canyon | Photo Copyright: Lana Law The Grand Canyon is the most visited natural attraction in the Southwestern USA and one of the seven natural wonders of the world. Yuma is located in the southwestern corner of Arizona, just a few miles from the California-Arizona state line. Contributed by Alexa Meisler of 52 Perfect Days. This provides two wonderfully different experiences. No matter what you choose to do on Mount Lemmon (named after the first woman to climb it) it will be an enjoyable day! Although Santa Fe is only an hour away from Albuquerque, you'll notice it feels very different. Stretching as far as the eye can see, the Grand Canyon is a vast and magnificent spectacle. You can also take a more scenic route up the state route 87/87 highway that allows you to enjoy a stop at Tonto Natural Bridge. Why you should visit: This part of south Utah wilderness was the last to be mapped in the United States and still remains almost completely untouched with amazing landscapes and unique rock structures perfect for exploration. There are four viewing points from the parking lot if you don't feel like hiking, a historic lodge built in 1920 where you can hang out or have a picnic, and a visitor center as well. This former copper mining town in the Black Hills has a lot going on with numerous streets of preserved buildings transformed into antique shops, restaurants, wineries, and museums. There are over 300 aircraft spread out over 80 acres. In fact, Kitt Peak has the largest accumulation of telescopes in the world, 24 in all! These amazing day trips from Phoenix are less than 3 hours away! This a huge list. 15 Best Day Trips From Phoenix, Arizona - Updated 2023 The area is part of the Tonto National Forest. You can camp around the lake, but the sites are only accessible by boat (you can rent one if you are visiting). The ruins at Casa Grande look amazing! Another day trip in Arizona where you can hike, bike, boat, camp, fish, swim, plus lots more outdoor activities, is in and around the water at Lake Pleasant Regional Park. A great place to cool off! In the winter, the whole area unsurprisingly becomes a ski resort so it's a great destination all year round. Even if you are not big on wine tasting, you can head to a few of the National Park sites in the area for some hiking. Lowell was a mining town incorporated into Bisbee in the early 1900s. As the land where the lake was created was a dried-out salt flat (the area used to have a large salt mine industry), the water is saline and has almost twice the salt concentration of the Pacific Ocean. These prized but ornery citizens are sons and daughters of the original inhabitants working mules that hauled loads from the mines. Visitors can explore the pueblo ruins and various archaeological sites, hike the trails at Montezuma Well and enjoy ranger talks. Escape to the breathtaking red rocks of Sedona, just a two-hour drive from Phoenix. Wow, there are so many things that you can do around Phoenix. xx. Visit Le Shop for: Planners, Printables and Resources. Located 4 hours north of Phoenix on Highway 89A, the bridge is just one of many scenic wonders on the Vermillion Cliffs Scenic Highway. Jump to these day trips between 2 and 3 hours from Phoenix: Pine Creek Canyon Lavender Farm | Tonto Cliff Dwellings National Monument | Verde Canyon Railroad | Tuzigoot National Monument and Dead Horse State Park | Jerome | Prescott | Red Rock Formations in Sedona | Red Rock Scenic Byway | Slide Rock State Park | Mogollon Rim | Tucson | Pima Air & Space Museum | Tucson Mountain Park | Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum | Sabino Canyon Recreation Area | Titan Missile Museum | Biosphere 2 | Devils Bridge Trail | Pipe Organ National Monument | Flagstaff | Alamo Lake | Walnut Canyon National Monument | Montezuma Well National Monument | Kartchner Caverns State Park | Catalina Mountains | Sonoita | Heber Horses | Kitt Peak National Observatory | Meteor Crater Natural Landmark | Seligman | Tombstone | Sunset Crater National Monument | Wupatki National Monument | Mount Lemmon | Yuma | Bisbee | Wilcox Wine Country. Enjoy the Best Day Trips from Phoenix, AZ! Look and touch but dont take! The more traditional route is up the paved road heading up from Tucson. What an amazing collection of places to visit! The park is just a little south of Benson off I-10. There are picnic areas as well. They also have a cooking school and store. After hiking, take the time to explore central Sedona where there are plenty of interesting new-age shops selling items like healing crystals as well as a number of artisan shops with great products and a gift shop with souvenirs. Fortunately there are no shortage of options for weekend road trips in Phoenix, from exploring abandoned mining towns down south to enjoying high-elevation weather in Northern Arizona. You probably didn't realize this, but the dry and hot climate of Arizona makes it the perfect place to grow lavender. If you get to the Racetrack Playa (large dried-out lake), you might see the phenomenon of sailing rocks. Saguaro National Park (filled with cacti) and the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum are two highlights. Contributed by Suzanne Jones of The Travelbunny. The latter, once a volcano, features interesting lava rock formations and an easy mile-long hiking trail. Plan to pencil in some time for hiking the famous red rocks and seeing the heightened energy spots called vortexes, then end your day with a relaxing massage or facial at a Sedona spa. Given its verdant nature, there are tons of wildlife including migrating birds along with the local residents. About a three and a half hour drive northeast, this destination is quite unique. Not bad for 2 years of day trips (of course you'll notice I had a few friends share some of their recommendations for some spots that I haven't been to yet or don't have photos for) and can you believe that there are more to discover? They have a restaurant on site that prepares dishes from locally sourced and regional foods. It's a small National Park that is famous for having a unique type of rock formation which has created large amphitheaters with many tall rock hoodoos that are densely packed inside that look like an audience. There is also an easy .7 mile hike called the Rim Trail. Not only does the Pima Air & Space Museum have great interactive exhibits and films but you can climb on, over, and around planes! Do you have a new day trip from Phoenix that is between 1 and 4 hours away? Throughout many wars, with Spain and Apache Indians, the Tohono Oodham people protected the mission. After every single brick was carefully dismantled and labelled, the entire bridge was shipped to Arizona and carefully reconstructed - it certainly looks out of place but that's exactly why you should go and see it! In the 1860s, Casa Grande actually became a tourist hotspot due to the fact that the railroad line had been completed (the town was originally called Terminus!) not too far from town with an adjacent stagecoach line to the Casa Grande. Lake Havasu is a great destination to include in an Arizona to California road trip, which is almost equally distanced from multiple destinations like Grand Canyon, Sedona, Las Vegas, and San Diego. But it absolutely can be done as a day trip from Phoenix. There is fantastic hiking in Lost Dutchman State Park. Who knows if this one will ever become public? Here is a free printable checklist of things to do in Tucson. I have never even been to Phoenix, but now I have a zillion things to see nearby! If you don't do any of the tours you can still do a self-guided walk on the campus. Other vintage RVs include a 1947 yacht, a 1955 Airstream, and ten other unique and interesting campers. Distance from Phoenix: 1 hour and 50 minutes. The soil composition is similar to that of Burgundy, France. Fortunately, Sedona has excellent hikes for all skill levelsWest Fork Trail (easy), Devil's Bridge (moderate), and Cathedral Rock (challenging) all offer breathtaking views of the red rocks! From there it's a half hour drive up to Tuzigoot National Monument along the Verde River. The owners are also currently working on a historic boutique property called Gulch Hotel in the downtown Bisbee entertainment district. Arizona is filled with natural beauty, unique cities, and colorful towns - all making for the perfect weekend trips from Phoenix. Day Trips From Phoenix | USA Today It is a park with hiking (the 6-mile Brown Mountain loop trail is a favorite hike of mine), biking (lots of mountain biking trails here), camping, fishing, horseback riding, and even an archery range. Our highlights: Albuquerque has a big city feel to it - there's a busy downtown with businesspeople in suits going about being busy. Want an opportunity to see an owl in the wild? Sedona/West Fork Oak Creek Trail Although there is so much to do in Sedona, the West Fork of Oak Creek is by far one of the most popular and beautiful hikes in the entire area. It is mostly shaded and follows a beautiful creek for the entire hike. Day Tours (Phoenix) - What to Know BEFORE You Go Walnut Canyon is probably one of the most underrated sites in Arizona. Explore festivities ideal for maximizing the sweater weather season. It's a relatively easy hike up to see the ruins and a great start to the trip. The canyons arent accessible by car so its a great way to see wildlife like eagles and to catch the other flora and fauna along the river. Both canyons are different when it comes to shapes and lighting. Just a short detour from Route 66 is one of the best preserved ancient meteor . Then go see Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, the Sunset Strip and get lunch in Santa Monica if you want to see where the rich and famous of the city spend their time. You can find Saguaro Lake about 50 minutes east of Phoenix near Tonto National Forest in the state's Sonoran Desert. Maybe well go visit the burros someday! If you take classes as we did, the lunch is usually catered by them and I have had the opportunity to taste really unique dishes with foraged ingredients. Local's Guide for the Best Day Trips from Phoenix, Arizona If youve never been off-roading then you may want to take an ATV or dune buggy riding tour instead of heading out on your own. This spot has not been seen or experienced by very many people and is well worth the adventure to seek it out. Alamo Lake State Park is nestled between the Alamo and Black Mesa Mountains and Alamo Lake lies at its center. This fun city is the perfect way to spend a day! These long-living, prickly trees are cousins of the agave plant. Step back in timeover 70 years in factat The Shady Dell is a vintage RV park in Bisbee, Arizona. The Devils Bridge has become one of the most iconic photo spots in Arizona. How to get there: Getting to the Salton Sea from Phoenix is extremely easy - simply follow I-10. The town is inhabited and the locals are friendly. How to get there: The route from Phoenix to Death Valley will take you right past Las Vegas - it's about 2 more hours on the road after you've left Vegas in the rearview mirror. Contributed by Katy Shaw of A Rambling Unicorn. This forest is diverse! And your pictures are amazing. Ive been to Phoenix over a dozen times to explore and there are still lots of things on this list Id love to do. It's an 8-mile hike with 500 of elevation gain, but you can take the tram and cut half the distance off. As you go past the edge the plane dropped and boy did I think that was going to be my last flight. It may not be well known as the Grand Canyon or other landmarks in Arizona, but it is a really beautiful canyon with many sheer cliffs and rocks that you can go hiking through. We love to take day trips here in Florida too. So, let's delve into 15 remarkable day trips from Phoenix that will undoubtedly leave you in awe of this beautiful state and its surrounding wonders. If the pleasant weather isn't enough to woo you, Tucson's beautiful natural and cultural sights should. Bonus: If you do a slight detour, you can check out Lake Mead and the Hoover Dam as you approach Las Vegas and if you set off early on the way back, you could go via the Grand Canyon (#9 above) or visit the red rocks of Sedona (#3) on your way. Come with U.S. News on a tour of the InterContinental Boston. If you do come in the summer, check for camping options as an alternative - it also stops you from having to do the long drive in the morning to get into Canyonlands if you're already staying there! 4 hours 10 minutes from Phoenix (270 miles). Flagstaff sits on the edge of the Colorado Plateau and is 6,910 feet (2,106 m) above sea level which is a lot higher than Phoenix so expect the weather to be very different too. 2. However, Slide Rock State Park is not just for water fun. This vibrant city uniquely blends southwestern charm with serene desert-scapes and a chilled-out atmosphere. We always have a great time here. From quick day trips from Paris to some that take all day, I've got you covered! There are nice easy walks and hikes at all levels and a historic piece of Route 66 runs through. Dont forget to take plenty of water, sunscreen and, of course, your camera. By the time they fixed the problem 2 years later, a huge lake was formed. Our highlights: There are a few things you can see on the way - two junctions before your turn is the Montezuma Castle National Monument (see #4 below). Its pretty much an urban sprawl with a bunch of cities connected to the boundaries of Phoenix proper. As the name suggests, it is one giant natural water slide that becomes an extremely popular destination in hot months. There are two parts to the museum: Castle Dome City and the Mining District. Time from Phoenix: 1 hr 45 minutes See on Instagram Yes, here it is, in all of its magical glory.Sedona, Arizona. In fact, I recommend hitting Tuzigoot at about 9 or 10 in the morning, spending 1-2 hours there, and then heading to the train. 3 hours 10 minutes from Phoenix (220 miles). I am a blogger, storyteller, influencer, brand ambassador and marketer. **. Our highlights: The lake has all the typical water-based activities and is particularly well known as a fishing destination. 12 Best Day Trips From Phoenix (ranked by a local) Phoenix is on my list of places to visit. Here, travelers will find a set of preserved cliff dwellings once inhabited by the Sinagua people hundreds of years ago. They offer two or three different tours a day (depending on the day) and they are well worth the trip up the Quinlan Mountains. Ive been to the Grand Canyon & Sedona but I havent been to Pheonix yet, but I am definitely adding it to my list! All of these day trips are amazing! If you have been wanting to explore some of the bucket list-worthy landmarks and sunny cities near Phoenix, then make sure to take a few days off for an epic long weekend trip. Parking can be hard to find, so go early! The trail is 1.3 miles round trip with an elevation gain of 200 feet. Since most people come to Phoenix, I wanted to share the best short trips from . We have had the opportunity to try several at local Phoenix festivals and restaurants. Driving Distance From Phoenix ~ 3 Hours -184 Miles. Cactus, yucca, and wildflowers grow throughout the landscape of towering red rocks and buttes and the creek at Oak Creek is a good place for a picnic and a cool down. Make sure to take your camera with you to get that award-winning snap! Distance from Phoenix: 103 miles; 1 hour and 40 minutes (recommended starting point in Cottonwood) Cost: See each location for wine tasting and food pricing. No matter what, a visit to Willcox makes for a fun day! They have preserved much of the historic downtown including their jail tree where criminals arrested by the sheriff were chained up until the transport came to take them to Phoenix.
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