14-Day Arizona Road Trip Itinerary
National Parks, Scenic Drives & Iconic Stops
Ready for the ultimate Arizona road trip itinerary? This two-week RV loop through the Southwest is packed with epic desert views, iconic parks, and historic highways. Starting and ending in Phoenix, this route brings together everything from awe-inspiring canyon overlooks to nostalgic Route 66 towns. Whether you’re chasing sunsets, hiking sandstone trails, or just looking for the best place to pull over and soak it all in—Arizona delivers.
Route
Phoenix ➤ Sedona ➤ Grand Canyon ➤ Williams ➤ Monument Valley ➤ Phoenix
Distance
1165 km
Trip Duration
14 days
Highlights
Desert Botanical Garden, Devils Bridge, Route 66, Grand Canyon, Sycamore Falls, Monument Valley
Best Time to Visit
March to May / September to November
Entrance Fees
Several parks and tribal areas charge entry fees or require permits.
Stop 1 – Phoenix
Recommended stay: 3 days
Phoenix is your launchpad for adventure—where desert landscapes meet city energy. Start your journey with a dose of sun and scenic trails before hitting the road in your RV rental in Phoenix. It’s the ideal base to ease into road trip mode.
Nature Highlights
- Desert Botanical Garden: Trails lined with towering cacti and wildflowers set the tone for your desert escape.
- Dobbins Lookout: A 360° desert panorama worth rising early—or lingering late—for.
- Camelback Mountain: A steep climb with skyline views that reward the effort.
Local Culture
- Roosevelt Row Arts District: Murals, street art, and an ever-changing rhythm of creativity.
- Heard Museum: A moving tribute to Native art, culture, and history in the Southwest.
- Musical Instrument Museum: A global music journey you can hear, see, and even play.
Where to Eat
Quick Bites / Takeaway
- Maswik Food Court (V, GF) – Fast and flexible with pizza, Southwest bowls, and labeled veggie options.
- Harvey House Café – Laid-back lunch stop with toasted sandwiches, soups, and big windows on the canyon.
- Yavapai Coffee Shop (VG, GF) – Espresso, smoothies, and vegan donuts just steps from the trailhead.
Sit-Down Restaurants
- El Tovar Dining Room (V, GF) – White-tablecloth classics in a historic lodge—think trout, bison, and elegant canyon views.
- Arizona Steakhouse (V, GF) – Lodge-style fare with grilled local meats, veggie chili, and rim-side views.
- Canyon Village Market & Deli (VG, GF, AF) – Grocer-deli hybrid with build-your-own meals and allergy-friendly snacks.
- Bright Angel Bar & Lodge Porch (V) – Burgers, beers, and canyon air on a breezy porch straight out of another era.
Stop 2 – Sedona
Recommended stay: 2 days
As the city fades behind you, Sedona welcomes you with towering red rock formations and a noticeable shift in pace. Known for its vivid scenery and calming energy, this is where many travelers slow down and reconnect with the outdoors.
Things to Do
Nature Highlights
- Slide Rock State Park: A red rock creek where you can wade, swim, or slide between smooth sandstone chutes.
- Devils Bridge Trail: A natural sandstone arch offering one of Sedona’s most photogenic views.
- Courthouse Butte Loop: A quiet, wide-loop trail with panoramic desert vistas and far fewer crowds.
- Cathedral Rock Vortex: A short climb to a spiritual saddle with glowing sunset views and a sense of stillness.
Local Culture
- Chapel of the Holy Cross: A stunning architectural gem built into the red cliffs, offering peace and panoramic views.
- Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village: Spanish-style courtyards filled with artisan shops, Southwest crafts, and hidden patios.
- Flagstaff (Side Trip): A historic Route 66 town an hour north, with vintage signs, cool mountain air, and local museums.
Where to Eat
Quick Bites / Takeaway
- Elote Café (V, GF) – A local favorite for spicy Mexican street corn and veggie tamales with a view.
- Tortas de Fuego – No-frills, flavor-packed tortas and tacos in a fast-casual setting.
- Sedona Memories Bakery Café (V) – Oversized sandwiches and homemade cookies served with laid-back charm.
Sit-Down Restaurants
- Cowboy Club Grill & Spirits (VG, GF) – Western-style steakhouse with cactus fries and plant-based plates available.
- Cress on Oak Creek (VG, GF) – Creekside fine dining with seasonal fare and a dreamy outdoor patio.
- Mesa Grill (VG, GF) – Airy hilltop dining with sweeping views and brunch favorites from sunrise to sunset.
- Senor Bob’s Burgers & Hot Dogs (V) – Classic roadside eats with vegetarian swaps and Route 66 vibes.
Stop 3: Grand Canyon National Park
Recommended stay: 2 days
The Grand Canyon is more than just a landmark—it redefines your sense of scale. Whether you’re taking in panoramic views or venturing below the rim, the silence, space, and sheer depth leave a lasting impression. Time your visit for a Grand Canyon sunset to witness the desert light at its most dramatic.
Things to Do
Nature Highlights
- Mather Point: Layers of red, orange, and purple open up just steps from the Visitor Center—an iconic South Rim panorama.
- Hopi Point: A west-facing overlook with sweeping canyon views and some of the best sunsets in the park.
- Cape Final Trail: A quiet North Rim trail to an east-facing vista—serene, secluded, and soul-stirring.
Local Culture
- Desert View Watchtower: A 1930s stone tower with Hopi murals and a panoramic view of the Painted Desert.
- Grand Canyon Village Historic District: Rustic lodges and railway relics that tell the story of early canyon tourism.
- Tusayan Museum and Ruins: A peaceful stop with ancient pueblo remains and cultural exhibits just off the main road.
Where to Eat
Quick Bites / Takeaway
- Maswik Food Court (V, GF) – Fast, flexible, and ideal for grab-and-go pizza, bowls, and salad boxes near the South Rim.
- Yavapai Coffee Shop (VG, GF) – Fresh coffee, smoothies, and vegan donuts just a short walk from popular trails.
- Bright Angel Fountain (V) – Old-school snack stand with quick sandwiches, soft-serve, and canyon views.
Sit-Down Restaurants
- El Tovar Dining Room (V, GF) – Historic fine dining with canyon views and upscale Southwestern fare in a log-beamed setting.
- Arizona Steakhouse (V, GF) – Lodge-style atmosphere with grilled meats, veggie chili, and shaded outdoor seating.
- Canyon Village Market & Deli (VG, GF, AF) – A hybrid grocer and deli with made-to-order sandwiches and clearly labeled options.
- Bright Angel Restaurant (V, GF) – Classic American comfort food in a relaxed, family-friendly lodge environment.
Stop 4: Williams
Recommended stay: 2 days
After the grandeur of the canyon, Williams offers a nostalgic shift in tone. Classic diners, neon signs, and small-town charm make it a relaxing stop along your Route 66 road trip. It’s a place where time slows down and stories linger.
Things to Do
Nature Highlights
- Bearizona Wildlife Park: Drive-through wildlife park where black bears and wolves roam forested enclosures.
- Bill Williams Mountain Trail: Forested trail with panoramic views from the summit—peaceful and uncrowded.
- Kaibab Lake: A quiet spot to kayak, fish, or picnic under the pines just minutes from town.
Local Culture
- Historic Route 66: Neon signs, vintage shops, and retro diners in one of the most iconic towns on the route.
- Grand Canyon Railway Depot: Historic 1908 train station offering daily scenic rail trips to the canyon.
- Pete’s Route 66 Gas Station Museum: A quirky roadside stop with classic pumps and Americana nostalgia.
Where to Eat
Quick Bites / Takeaway
- Station 66 Italian Bistro (V, GF) – Quick wood-fired pizza and pressed sandwiches in a stylish converted gas station.
- Cruiser’s Route 66 Café (V) – Classic diner fare with grilled cheese, fries, and root beer floats under neon lights.
- Steampunk Coffee (VG, GF) – Small-batch coffee and vegan pastries in a funky, gear-filled corner café.
Sit-Down Restaurants
- Red Raven Restaurant (VG, GF) – Cozy bistro with seasonal specials, veggie-forward mains, and local charm.
- Western View Steakhouse (V, GF) – Family-style steakhouse with hearty portions and gluten-free sides.
- Pine Country Restaurant (V) – Homey and retro, known for its towering pies and comfort food favorites.
Stop 5: Monument Valley
Recommended stay: 2 days
Monument Valley isn’t just scenery—it’s iconography. The towering buttes, desert silence, and orange-red palette are instantly recognizable, but experiencing them in person is something else entirely. This is sacred Navajo land and one of the most cinematic landscapes in the world.
Things to Do
Nature Highlights
- Scenic Drive: A 17-mile unpaved loop through towering buttes and arches—best done slowly, with camera in hand.
- Wildcat Trail: The only self-guided hike in Monument Valley, circling the base of West Mitten Butte in total silence.
- Forrest Gump Point: Famous roadside view where the road stretches endlessly toward the valley’s spires.
Local Culture
- Navajo Guided Tour: Explore hidden areas like Mystery Valley and Tear Drop Arch while hearing Navajo stories and history.
- Goulding’s Museum & Trading Post: Historic hub with old film memorabilia, a chapel, and a glimpse into trading post life.
- Local Arts & Crafts: Roadside stands and shops selling handmade Navajo jewelry, pottery, and sand paintings.
Where to Eat
Quick Bites / Takeaway
- Three Sisters Café (V, GF) – Casual, quick-stop eats with frybread tacos, chili, and vegetarian stews to-go.
- Amigo Café (Kayenta) (VG, GF) – Just south of the valley, known for Navajo tacos and friendly roadside vibes.
Sit-Down Restaurants
- Goulding’s Stagecoach Dining Room (V, GF) – Classic lodge dining with views, grilled entrées, and Navajo specialties.
- View Hotel Restaurant (VG, GF) – Dine above the valley floor with sweeping panoramas and traditional Navajo dishes.
final stop: Return to Phoenix
Recommended stay: 2 days
Returning to Phoenix, the trip comes full circle—with road dust on your shoes and desert vistas fresh in your mind. Whether you wrap up with one last view or just take a moment to breathe, it’s a fitting close to an unforgettable loop through Arizona’s most iconic landscapes.
Travel Tips for your Arizona Road Trip Itinerary
Planning ahead makes all the difference on an Arizona road trip. Use these tips to hit the road prepared.
- Book camping spots early. Popular locations like the Grand Canyon, Sedona, and Monument Valley fill up fast. Reserve through Recreation.gov or the Arizona State Parks system up to 12 months in advance.
- Pack for the extremes. Arizona’s sun is intense year-round—bring SPF 50+ sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, UV-blocking sunglasses, and breathable layers. Nights at higher elevations can be chilly, so add a warm jacket or hoodie to your bag.
- Prep your RV. Check fluids, tire pressure, battery, and coolant before heading out. Pack essentials like leveling blocks, a sewer hose, water-pressure regulator, and electrical adapters. Use the Arizona DOT summer checklist as a guide.
- Get your passes. Most national parks require an entry fee. The America the Beautiful Pass covers all federal lands. Monument Valley charges a tribal fee—check the official Monument Valley page for current rates.
- Download offline maps. Cell coverage can be limited in remote areas. Download the NPS app and bring a paper backup just in case.
- Don’t forget the packing essentials. For a full list of RV must-haves—like cookware, bedding, power cables, and camping chairs—check out our RV camping packing list.
Arizona’s dramatic landscapes are best enjoyed with a smooth ride and a bit of foresight. These tips will help you stay safe, save time, and soak up every mile.
- Time your drives wisely. Arrive early (before 10 AM) or later in the day (after 2 PM) at popular spots like the Grand Canyon to avoid crowds. In metro areas like Phoenix, avoid rush hour traffic when possible.
- Check road and weather conditions. Desert weather can change quickly. For closures or alerts due to flash floods, wildfires, or snow, use AZ511 for real-time updates.
- Fuel up before heading into remote areas. Gas stations are sparse between towns. Top off your tank in places like Phoenix or Flagstaff and monitor your propane, coolant, and water levels regularly.
- Drive carefully on scenic roads. Highways like 89A near Sedona or the loop through Monument Valley are winding and narrow. Keep speeds low, use turnouts for slower traffic, and stop frequently to enjoy the views.
Once you’ve made it to Arizona’s bucket-list destinations, these final tips will help you settle in, camp responsibly, and make the most of your surroundings.
- Use free park shuttles when available. Skip the hassle of finding RV parking at popular locations like the Grand Canyon. Hop on the free shuttle system to access scenic overlooks, trailheads, and visitor centers with ease.
- Stick to designated camping spots. Only park and sleep in areas marked for RV use. If you’re dry camping, follow posted regulations and come prepared with water, power, and waste solutions.
- Follow quiet hours and wildlife safety rules. Many public lands observe quiet hours from 10 PM to 6 AM. Keep food secured—especially in areas with bears, javelinas, or raccoons—and never feed wildlife.
Find your perfect travel companion
Choose from one of the largest RV fleets in the U.S. and hit the road in Arizona with the ideal ride for your adventure. Whether you’re looking for a compact RV or a fully equipped home on wheels, we’ve got the right rental for your road trip.