Arizona Road Trip
Two-week round trip through Arizona
Discover your pioneer spirit with a road trip in Arizona. Home of the legendary Grand Canyon, Monument Valley and red rock deserts, hiring an RV in Arizona promises to be the adventure of a lifetime. With stops at all these sites and more, plus the chance to drive part of America’s famous Route 66, our two-week round-trip itinerary starting in Phoenix is perfect for anyone looking to immerse themselves in America’s Wild West culture.
Hire your campervan in Arizona and get set for an unforgettable adventure!
Route
Phoenix ➤ Sedona ➤ Grand Canyon ➤ Williams ➤ Monument Valley ➤ Phoenix
Miles
724 miles
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
Tolls
No toll roads in Arizona
First stop – Phoenix
Our recommendation: 3 days
The first stop of this epic Arizona road trip itinerary is the capital, Phoenix, where you can pick up your RV rental just a short drive from the airport.
Named the ‘City of Sunshine’, as it gets more hours of sunshine than almost any other city in the USA, Phoenix is nestled in the heart of the Sonoran Desert. So, you can expect the perfect blend of urban flair and unbelievable natural desert landscapes.
Must-visit destinations
- Roosevelt Row: Phoneix’s downtown district is famous for its lively art scene, with numerous galleries, boutiques, restaurants and bars to enjoy.
- Desert Botanical Garden: Admire over 50,000 plant species of the Sonoran Desert in their full splendour.
- Dobbins Lookout: The highest point in South Mountain Park, this viewpoint offers breathtaking views of Phoenix and the surrounding desert. Our top tip, visit at sunset to experience something truly spectacular!
- Camelback Mountain: A popular walking destination, here you can enjoy challenging hiking trails as well as panoramic views of the city of Phoenix and the surrounding desert.
Food
Evening meal
- The Arrogant Butcher
- Rusconi’s American Kitchen
- Chelsea’s Kitchen
- Bad Jimmy’s
Snacks
- El Caprichoso Hot Dog
- Fry Bread House
- Taco Chelo
- Sidewinder
Second Stop – Sedona
Our recommendation: 2 days
As you head out of Phoenix, you’ll take the impressive Highway 89 to reach the second stop on your Arizona round trip – Sedona. Famous for its striking red rock landscape, Sedona is not only a must-visit destination for anyone keen to experience the real wild west but is also popular with avid hikers keen to explore the countless trails in the area.
Must-visit destinations
- Slide Rock State Park: In the heart of Sedona, this park offers something for all adventurers, from romantic picnic spots to relaxing swims in natural pools and even high-octane cliff jumping.
- Courthouse Butte: A spectacular and secluded 3.6-mile trail that offers stunning views of the red rock landscape – just without the crowds.
- Devils Bridge: One of Sedona’s most famous attractions, Devil’s Bridge is the largest sandstone arch in the area. Accessed via a moderate 1.8-mile round hike, it offers stunning views and photo opportunities.
- Flagstaff: An idyllic mountain town on the famous Route 66, located just an hour north of Sedona, Flagstaff offers active adventures at every season.
Food
Evening Meal
- Cowboy Club Grill & Spirits
- Cress on Oak Creek
- Senor Bob’s
- Mesa Grill
Snacks
- Elote Cafe
- Tortas De Fuego 1 West Sedona
- Memories Bakery Cafe
- Sedona Fudge Company
Third stop – Grand Canyon National Park
Our recommendation: 2 days
The third stop on our Arizona road trip itinerary takes you to the famous Grand Canyon National Park, famous for being one of the most spectacular examples of erosion anywhere in the world.
The UNESCO World Heritage Site may be known for its majestic rock formations and deep gorges, but it is also a great place for a wide range of outdoor pursuits. From hiking and swimming to cycling and climbing, the options truly are endless.
Top hiking trails & viewpoints
- Mather Point: One of the most famous viewpoints at the Grand Canyon, especially for experiencing breathtaking sunrises and sunsets.
- Hopi Point: From dramatic and unobstructed views of the Colorado River, this viewpoint can be reached by the park’s free shuttle bus service, or a 2.5-mile walk along the Rim Trail.
- Cape Final Trail: This lesser-known 2-mile hiking trail offers one of the best viewpoints of the North Rim of the Grand Canyon and is great for less experienced hikers.
Food
In the park
- El Tovar Dining Room
- Maswik Food Court
- Harvey House Cafe
- Arizona Steakhouse
Nearby
- Hummingbird at Mii amo
- Gateway Sandwich Co.
- The Palomino
Fourth stop – Williams
Our recommendation: 2 days
As you leave Grand Canyon National Park, you’ll head back onto the famous Route 66, driving past nostalgic diners, endless expanses and old petrol stations until you reach Williams. A classic western town where small-town nostalgia meets grand adventures, discover everything from authentic Wild West shows and panoramic vistas to bears, wolves and bison at the iconic Bearizona Wildlife Park.
Must-visit destinations
- Downtown Williams: The well-preserved buildings in the centre of Williams take you on a journey back in time to experience the charm of the Wild West.
- Route 66: The perfect place for animal lovers to catch a glimpse of some of America’s most famous wildlife, including bears, wolves and bison.
- Canyon Coaster Adventure Park: The first and only mountain coaster in Arizona, this scenic thrill ride is the perfect activity for all the family.
- Kaibab National Forest: Just a stone’s throw from Williams, this forest offers everything from canyons and expansive prairies to spectacular wildlife.
Food
In the park
- The Peaks Restaurant
- Wuksachi Pizza Deck
- Lodgepole Grill & Market
Nearby
- Sequoia Cider Mill Restaurant
- Cedar Creek Pizza
- Old Stage Saloon at Fountain Springs
Fifth stop – Monument Valley
Our recommendation: 3 days
The home of multiple impressive sandstone formations featured in multiple classic Western films; Monument Valley is a must-visit destination for your Arizona road trip. On the Arizona-Utah border, the area is famed for its stunning landscapes, which hold cultural significance to the native Navajo Nation. To really appreciate it’s true beauty, we recommend taking an excursion on the famous 17-mile drive around the valley (RVs cannot drive the route due to the rough terrain).
Top hiking trails & viewing points
- Wildcat Trail: This 3-mile trail is the only hiking trail in Monument Valley accessible without a guide.
- Goulding’s Trading Post Museum: Opened in 1989, this museum is a must-visit for Western fans. With exhibitions showcasing Old West movies as well as offering a glimpse into a bygone era and America’s original pioneering spirit.
- Artist’s Point: A spectacular viewing place with unrivalled views of Monument Valley, especially at sunset.
Food
In the nature reserve
- The View Restaurant
- Twin Rocks Cafe
- Goulding’s Lodge
Nearby
- Hog Haven
- Reuben Heflin Restaurant
- Amigo Cafe
Final stop – Phoenix
Our recommendation: 2 days
After two unforgettable weeks of exploring desert landscapes, national parks and western culture, it’s time to head back to Phoenix. Spend a couple of days relaxing in the city, soaking up the rays, or making the most of your final days exploring the city – the choice is yours!
Whatever you decide, we’re certain our Arizona road trip route will inspire even more campervan adventures across North America.
Useful tips for your Arizona road trip
To make the most of your wild west road trip in Arizona, it’s important you remember:
- Valid passport: Your passport should be valid for the entire duration of your trip, including the day of departure. It’s also a good idea to carry your passport or a copy with you at all times, so you can show it if necessary.
- ESTA form: As a UK citizen, you can travel to the USA for tourism purposes for up to 90 days without a visa if you have completed an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation) form in advance. The application must be submitted at least 72 hours before your departure and be presented on arrival.
- Driving licence: A UK driving licence is usually sufficient for renting a campervan in Arizona and many other US states. However, as regulations can change, it is advisable to check beforehand or take an international driving licence with you to be on the safe side.
- Credit card: In the USA, credit cards are generally used more widely than debit cards. So we recommend taking a credit card authorised for international payments with you if possible.
- International health and travel insurance: Healthcare costs in the USA can be high, so you should take out comprehensive international health and travel insurance. This ensures any costs will be covered in the event you fall ill or have an accident.
- SIM card: Our Arizona road trip itinerary takes you through some more remote areas, including national parks, where WiFi is often not available. To ensure you can be contacted in emergencies wherever you travel, we recommend getting a prepaid SIM and making sure that your mobile phone does not have a SIM lock so you can use it without any problems.
Driving in Arizona is a true adventure – from the endless desert roads and breathtaking national parks to the wide, open highways that offer an unrivalled sense of freedom. However, there are some traffic rules that you need to be aware of before you hit the road:
- Give way at junctions: Four-way stop signs at junctions are common across the USA. The rule is first come, first served, but if the order is not clear, drivers will often use hand signals to agree on who should go first.
- Turning right on red: You can turn right at any red light after stopping unless expressly forbidden by a sign.
- School buses: If a school bus stops to let pupils on or off, you must always stop. This applies on both sides of the opposite carriageway.
- Speed limits: Speed limits in Arizona vary; the speed limit in urban areas is between 25 and 45 mph, on rural roads between 40 and 65 mph, and on most highways, up to 75 mph.
- Parking:When it comes to parking in Arizona, different curb colours indicate where you are allowed to park. Red curbs mean no parking or stopping, yellow ones allow short-term parking for loading and unloading, white or green curbs indicate temporary parking, and blue curbs are for disabled user only. You should also pay close attention to parking signs, which tell you exactly whether and for how long you can park in a particular place. Most signs in Arizona are self-explanatory, but it’s safer to double check to avoid hefty fines.
- Toll roads: You’re in luck! Unlike many other US states, there are no toll roads in Arizona, so you don’t have to worry about additional fees on your road trip.
To find the cheapest flights from the UK to Arizona, we recommend:
- Booking flights two to eight months in advance
- Avoiding peak travel times from mid-June to mid-August or big American public holidays like Independence Day and Thanksgiving
- Staying flexible with travel dates and times – it’s often cheaper to fly mid-week than a weekend or in the early hours of the morning
- Using flight comparison websites to find the best deals with the least hassle
- Opting for indirect flights
Discover more top tips on booking cheap flights to North America.
Find your perfect travelling companion!
At roadsurfer, you’ll discover the largest vehicle fleet of rental campervans, sprinter-type campervans, motorhomes and RVs. So, whatever your travel plans, you’ll have no problems finding the perfect rental for your North Californian road trip.