From Desert Landscapes to Majestic Canyons: Arizona’s Top Must-See Destinations
In this post, we’ve compiled some of our favourite places to visit along your West America Road Trip. Self-drive from the red buttes rising up in Monument Valley on the Arizona-Utah border to one of the seven wonders of the world- The Grand Canyon. Our Arizona road trips explore landscapes that can’t be seen anywhere else, and you’re guaranteed to make memories that will stay with you for a lifetime.
You’ll likely have seen it on film, TV, or in iconic photographs of Western America. The iconic red rock bluffs of Monument Valley are pretty unforgettable!
Where is Monument Valley? Visit Monument Valley on the Arizona/Utah border, part of the Navajo Nation; it’s another excellent destination where you can hop over state lines! Most scenic locations here are within the Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park.
How much does it cost to enter Monument Valley? Admission to the park is $8 per person per day, and children aged seven and under are free. National Park passes can’t be used here, as it isn’t a federal park.
What to do in Monument Valley? Monument Valley has many different hiking routes, and the beautiful rock formations will take your breath away as you take in the landscapes. The park’s best viewpoints can be found along the assigned routes, where you can drive to each point. You’ll need to stop at so many Vista points, so allow an afternoon for this visit.
What can you expect from the weather in Monument Valley? The desert landscape is often hot and sunny, but temperatures can drastically dip, so pack layers. The red rock buttes sometimes see a sprinkling of snow, which makes the landscape even more epic!
Don’t leave Monument Valley without… Catching a sunset! With naturally dark skies and no light pollution, Monument Valley is covered with a blanket of bright stars.
Click here to view our Road Trip Itineraries that explore Monument Valley…
Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park in Arizona and Utah
Prepare to be blown away by the Grand Canyon, an awe-inspiring natural wonder that verges on the unbelievable. On the top of many travellers bucket lists, this is certainly one of the best National Parks in America.
Where is The Grand Canyon? The world’s biggest hole is found in Arizona, 18 miles wide and 277 miles long.. You really have to see it to believe it.
How was The Grand Canyon formed? This geological wonder can be seen from outer space! The Canyon was formed over billions of years by the water of the Colorado River running through.
When is the best time to visit the Grand Canyon? The busiest time for visitors at the Grand Canyon is from May to September, which is also the hottest time! In autumn, the weather is mild, and the colours of the Canyon are beautiful! Expect the crowds, but with a space so huge, you will find the perfect viewpoint to enjoy.
How much time should you spend at Grand Canyon National Park? Our road trips allow you to travel across America, spending as much time as you like in each location. So, whether you are spending the night at The Canyon or just passing through for the afternoon on your road trip across Arizona, you can see as much of the Grand Canyon as you like.
Where to stay when visiting Grand Canyon National Park? Bright Angel and El Tovar Lodges are some ARTCo favourites. With natural, rustic character and the ultimate surroundings, an authentic, cosy cabin feel is always a win on a road trip!
There are some great hikes and trails around the National Park to experience the full effect of the canyon. There are also mule rides, bike rentals, and ranger talks to enjoy while you visit.
The Grand Canyon Skywalk is a glass walkway at the West Rim that reaches out over the Canyon. Surprisingly, it is not for the faint-hearted. This is a popular spot but one particularly worthy of a wait.
Click here to view our Road Trip Itineraries that explore Grand Canyon National Park…
The Grand Canyon, Arizona
For gently carved red rocks as far as the eye can see, visit Antelope Canyon. The slot canyons are a geological marvel, making for a perfect bucket-list destination for your West America road trip!
Where is Antelope Canyon? It is in the southwest of America, on Navajo land east of Page, Arizona. Two separate slot canyons, Upper Antelope Canyon (The Crack) and Lower Antelope Canyon (The Corkscrew), feature smooth curves, deep gorges, and narrow passages.
How was Antelope Canyon Formed? The Navajo generally refer to Antelope Canyon as “the place where water runs through rocks.” Incredibly, the flowing rock formed over centuries as water ran through the sandstone.
How do you decide between the two canyons? It may be hard to decide whether to explore the upper or lower canyon, but there’s really no wrong answer. The Lower Canyon has had more footfall as it is lower in cost. At midday, The Upper Canyon light bends and bounces, forming glowing beams and rays. The lower canyon tours run more frequently, so you may not need to book as far in advance as you would compared to the upper Canyon. Whichever you decide to visit, we are certain it will not disappoint!
How much does visiting Antelope Canyon on a West America Road Trip cost? All tours to Antelope Canyon are the same price. This is because the Navajo Indian Reservation sets the entrance fees. The Upper Antelope Canyon tours cost $85, plus $8 on any tour for a permit to enter the Navajo Nation.
Click here to view our Road Trip Itineraries that explore Antelope Canyon…
Slot Canyon in Antelope Canyon, Arizona
Visit Lake Powell’s shores and relax on the calm waters. You will be amazed as you gaze at the carved sandstone rocks and endless canyons on the second largest manmade lake in the US.
Where is Lake Powell? This lake’s incredible water sits over Utah and Arizona’s borders. The Glen Canyon Dam has formed the Lake, which holds back the Colorado River in the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. 270 miles outside of Las Vegas, 283 miles outside of Phoenix, AZ, and 400 miles from Salt Lake City, Lake Powell is an ideal place to stop along your road trip through the west.
What to do at Lake Powell? There are many ways to explore and discover this landscape and its surroundings. With just under 2,000 miles of shoreline, many opportunities exist to get out on the water. Firstly, there are boats and kayaks available to hire! There are also rafting, cruise tours to Rainbow Bridge and swimming. The water will be chilled and can warm up in the sunshine; in the Arizona heat, it will be super refreshing!
If you’re keeping out of the water and enjoying the beaches, this is the perfect place to take your camera! The nearby Horseshoe Bend offers spectacular views of the Colorado River as it meanders through Glen Canyon.
Click here to view our Road Trip Itineraries that explore Lake Powell…
Lake Powell, Arizona
Where is Sedona? Sedona is in Arizona, near the desert town of Flagstaff. Sedona is 2 hours and 20 minutes drive from Phoenix, 2 hours and 10 minutes from the North Rim of the Grand Canyon and around 4 hours from Monument Valley.
What to do in Sedona? Walk the trails, drive the loops, and you will see a scenic picture around every turn. Surrounded by 18 million acres of national forest land, there’s a whole range of outdoor adventures to enjoy, from biking and climbing to horseback riding and rafting. Sedona is recognised as a place of healing and spirituality. Treat yourself to some time and unwind in utter relaxation.
No night spent in Sedona is complete without… catching the sunset! It’s just like something from a cinema screen, with the majestic red rocks right there in front of you.
Click here to view our Road Trip Itineraries that explore Sedona…
Relax in the Spa in Sedona, Arizona
Painted Desert National Park, Arizona
Horseshoe Bend showcases the majestic Colorado River, creating a spectacular 1,000-foot deep horseshoe-shaped curve.
Click here to view our Road Trip Itineraries that explore Horseshoe Bend, Arizona…
Horseshoe Bend, Page, Arizona
This beast of a crater is testimony to our earth’s traumatic history and the violence it can withstand. The meteor that caused this 170m deep hole travelled at 8 miles per second, and the resulting impact carried the force of a thousand Hiroshima bombs. Words cannot do this monumental spot justice, but it’s easily accessible from Route 66 and rightfully deserves a visit along your West America Road Trip.
Click here to view our Road Trip Itineraries that explore Meteor Crater, Arizona…
Meteor Crater, Arizona
Canyon de Chelly, nestled in northeastern Arizona, is a sacred and awe-inspiring canyon with towering red sandstone walls, rich Navajo history, and ancient cliff dwellings. Visitors can explore the canyon’s unique beauty, guided by Navajo park rangers, and gain insight into the cultural significance of this captivating landscape.
Canyon de Chelly, Arizona
From the surreal rock formations of Bryce Canyon to the arches that defy gravity in Arches National Park, each destination is a chapter in a story of geological marvels. So, Arizona is calling whether you’re a thrill-seeker, a nature enthusiast, or simply searching for awe-inspiring beauty. Embark on a Road Trip where adventure and wonder combine in the heart of the American West.
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