Five Awesome Day Trips: Arizona

Arizona is a fun state to explore, with large cities and small towns that retain influences from the indigenous people and early settlers to the area. The landscapes across the state are breathtaking and unforgettable, from the Grand Canyon in the north to the Sonoran Desert in the South and the Colorado River to the West. Each of the regions are unique and offer visitors so many options, it’s difficult to pack everything into one trip. For that reason, we are suggesting day trips that venture north and south from the Phoenix/Scottsdale area in the central region. Expect memorable drives through rural and scenic areas with beautiful Southwestern vistas.

Here are five great destinations to visit in the Grand Canyon State:

Apache Trail (Scenic Drive)

The Historic Apache Trail is one of the best scenic drives in Arizona. The trail, which is now a maintained road (State Route 88), begins at Apache Junction. The 175-mile round trip drive requires taking Arizona 188 and U.S. 60 to return to the valley after reaching the end of the trail at Roosevelt. Keep your camera handy, there are some great picture opportunities at overlooks along the way. Points of interest on the route include the ghost town of Goldfield and the authentic Old West stagecoach stop of Tortilla Flats. Take a tour of the Mammoth Gold Mine in Goldfield and watch a performance by the Goldfield Gunslingers. The Superstition Restaurant & Saloon is a must-see while in Tortilla Flats and the best place to have lunch on your drive.

Camp Verde (Parks & Recreation)

Montezuma’s Castle National Monument is in Camp Verde about 95 miles north of Phoenix. This U.S. National Park site protects and preserves a five-story cliff dwelling that was built 90 feet high in the limestone cliffs. A short 1/3-mile trail from the visitor center takes you to the base of the ruins, the closest vantage point available to guests. Binoculars will provide a better view of the monument. Don’t forget to inquire about ranger-led tours at the visitor center. Continue your day trip at Montezuma Well, another archeological site with several prehistoric dwellings and a natural limestone sinkhole filled with spring water that was used to irrigate crops.

Jerome (Small Town Experience)

The small town that feels like it’s clinging to the side of a mountain, Jerome was once the third largest town in Arizona and was called the Wickedest City in the West. Today, the winding streets that formerly had 37 bars and 13 bordellos are focused on tourism, with boutique stores, cafés, and historic sites. The scenic 110-mile drive north from Phoenix takes you 5,000 feet above sea level. Before exploring the downtown area, visit the Jerome State Historic Park to fully appreciate the past, when Jerome was the largest producer of copper, gold, and silver in Arizona. Gaze out towards the Little Daisy Mine Site from the Douglass Mansion and imagine 10,000 people living there in the 1920’s.

Sedona (Parks & Recreation)

Sedona is famous for hiking, biking, and relaxing while watching the sun rise and set against the red rock canyon walls and sandstone formations. After the 117-mile scenic drive north from Phoenix, spend the day exploring two of the best State Parks in the western United States. Red Rock State Park has a visitor center and five miles of well-marked, interconnected trails that follow Oak Creek and afford spectacular views of the rocky landscape. Slide Rock State Park is home to the historic Pendley Homestead and the world-famous 80-foot long natural sandstone slide. On a warm day, it’s hard to find a better place to soak, slide, or swim. For more hiking options, the Coconino National Forest isn’t far away. It’s most popular but challenging trail will bring you to the vortex at Cathedral Rock.

Tucson (Museums & Attractions)

The Pima Air and Space Museum is located 150 miles south of Phoenix and is undoubtedly one of the best aviation museums in the world. The extensive collection includes over 350 aircraft displayed across six indoor hangers and 80 acres of aircraft parked outdoors. Book a tram tour when you arrive at the museum— the 45-minute docent narrated tour is the best way to access the 150 aircraft located outdoors. Aviation enthusiasts know that the Pima Air and Space Museum is the location of the “Boneyard,” formally known as the 309^th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group (AMARG) on Davis-Monthan Air Force Base. To tour the “Boneyard”, the world’s largest military aircraft storage facility, reservations are required and can be made up to 60 days in advance.

**Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and recent wildfire activity, hours at attractions may be limited. Make sure to check the websites and add to your list for future travels!