Drive from Scottsdale to the Grand Canyon: A Road Trip to Remember

Are you looking for an Arizona road trip itinerary that includes history, cacti and canyons? Road-tripping is an excellent way to experience Arizona. Its natural wonders include cacti and canyons. The Grand Canyon is an awe-inspiring sight, renowned around the globe. However, there is much more to see on a road trip from Scottsdale. Traveling by road offers you an amazing chance to bond with friends and family. Get out of the car and explore the places you want, making adventures every mile along the way.

Road trips also make for some of the most unique, relaxed, and flexible travel experiences while being wallet-friendly and hassle-free. Are you a local or a tourist looking for an adventure in the Southwest? A road trip from Scottsdale to the Grand Canyon is sure to create long-lasting memories. Make the most of your weekend and explore the Grand Canyon! Here are some of my best tips for making the most of your journey through Arizona’s stunning landscapes.

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Arizona Road Trip Itinerary

When there’s so much variety and things to see and do, how do you choose the best stops to ensure an epic Arizona road trip? If you fly into Phoenix or Mesa, it is less than 4 hours to get to the Grand Canyon. If you drive straight through, though, you will miss ecological diversity, natural wonders, and many sights in between. I recommend taking at least a weekend for this Arizona road trip, but you could easily make these stops into five or 10-day itineraries.

What to See on this Scottsdale to Grand Canyon Road Trip

Phoenix – Scottsdale – Tempe
Jerome
Sedona
Montezuma Castle National Monument
Walnut Canyon National Monument
Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument
Wupatki National Monument
Flagstaff
Grand Canyon Skywalk

Arriving to Scottsdale

The best place to start your scenic drive from Scottsdale to the Grand Canyon is in the Phoenix-Tempe-Scottsdale area. If you are from out of state, there are generally cheap flights from many airline hubs into Phoenix or Mesa, Arizona. Tempe and Scottsdale are just outside of Phoenix and have their own vibes and attractions. Tempe has a lot to offer, including a lengthy list of fun outdoor activities, an exciting culinary scene, and plenty of art and science exhibits. The drive from Phoenix to the Grand Canyon will take about 4 hours straight through – but there’s so many interesting places to stop along the way.

Things to Do Around Tempe and Phoenix

Tempe’s downtown area is filled with shops and restaurants. It’s fun for an afternoon walk. After exploring downtown, head to head to Tempe Town Lake. This is a beautiful spot to enjoy quality time with your family. You can rent a paddle boat, have a picnic on the grassy banks, or take a bike ride. For even more fresh air and outdoor exercise, hike up “A” Mountain. It is accessible year-round and is a relatively easy hike. You’ll get a gorgeous view of the entire city. From there, you can make a trip to the Desert Botanical Garden, capture some of the most amazing sunsets at Papago Park, or go off-roading and horseback riding in the Sonoran Desert. Because safety should be your top priority on any trip, make sure to check the health and travel alerts beforehand. That way, you can ensure you’ll keep your family safe during your Arizona road trip.

Explore Scottsdale’s Pinnacle Peak Park and Old Town

While you’re in Scottsdale, add Pinnacle Peak Park and Camelback Mountain to your Arizona bucket list road trip. This outdoor activity hub is an essential stop for rock-climbing, hiking, and mountain biking enthusiasts. It’s also a great place to capture stunning views over Phoenix.

What’s more, this Scottsdale neighborhood is abundant in golf courses and spas along with upscale resorts such as Four Seasons. After exploring the amazing desert fauna while hiking, rent a car in Scottsdale and take a trip to the Old Town – a must-see while in Arizona. Check out these Old Town Scottsdale hotels and extend your trip here.

This area is known for its art galleries, boutiques, and restaurants. It’s a great place to stroll around and take in the local culture. Check out the craft beer breweries while you’re there – they’ll make your stop in the Old Town worthwhile.

Viator offers great foodie and scenic outdoor tours in Scottsdale.

If you’re into architecture, check out Taliesin West which was the winter home of Frank Lloyd Wright. It is a National Historic Landmark and a museum open to the public

Explore the 30,000 acres of desert wilderness in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. You can hike, bike, and ride horses.

If you’re taking this Arizona weekend trip between April and October, consider a hot air balloon ride for a unique experience. Scottsdale is known for its beautiful desert landscapes, and a hot air balloon is a great way to get a birds-eye view.

What to See in Jerome, Arizona

Jerome is a small, historic mining town located in central Arizona. It’s a bit off the direct route from Scottsdale to the South Rim, but it is worth a stop. It was once a bustling mining town known as the “Wickedest Town in the West,” because of all the criminals and general lawlessness. Today, Jerome is popular with tourists because of its art galleries, restaurants, and unique history.

Jerome State Historic Park

This park is located in the heart of the town and is home to the Douglas Mansion. It was the home of a wealthy mining family. It houses exhibits on mining, the local Native American tribes, and the town’s famous madams.

Jerome Art Walk

Jerome has a thriving arts scene. If you’re lucky enough to be there on the first Saturday of the month, don’t miss this event!

Jerome Ghost Town

The Gold King Mine and Ghost Town is a nearby attraction in Jerome that features a rich mining history. Kids can explore the old equipment, ride on a narrow-gauge train, and learn about the historical impact of the settlement.

Sites in Sedona, Arizona

Sedona, Arizona is known for its stunning red rock formations, vibrant art scene, and mystical energy. With a laid-back and spiritual vibe, visitors from around the world come to hike, explore the outdoors, and get pampered and refreshed at the many wellness centers and spas. In my opinion, Sedona is one of the most beautiful desert landscapes, and it’s much less crowded than the Grand Canyon.

Hiking trails, like Bell Rock and Cathedral Rock, are in abundance all around Sedona.

Slide Rock State Park

This natural water slide is a popular attraction for everyone – especially families. All ages can enjoy the main water slide, but there are also shallower swimming areas for the littles. Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy some of the easier hiking trails while you’re there, too.

Jeep Tours

Start with a sunrise jeep tour to take in all the beautiful colors of the red rocks. The jeep tours are of varying lengths and prices but you are sure to find one you love. Some of the tours also visit the vortex sites so you can explore the energetic fields of Sedona.

Montezuma Castle

Montezuma Castle is an ancient cliff dwelling near the town of Camp Verde. The dwelling was built and used by the Sinagua people. It is the third national monument with the goal of preserving native cultures and is built into the limestone cliffs overlooking Beaver Creek.

Stop at the visitor center to watch a short film and view exhibits on the history and culture of the Sinagua people. Visitors can also take a self-guided tour through the monument and hike along Beaver Creek.

Flagstaff

Flagstaff is a charming city located in the northern part of the state. It is a great place to stop for the night, get a bite to eat, and explore other aspects of Arizona. It’s known for its natural beauty, outdoor activities, and historic landmarks.

Although you can drive directly from Scottsdale to the Grand Canyon, Flagstaff makes another good base as there are several historical sites and trails surrounding it. Flagstaff has many restaurants featuring Mexican, American, Greek, and Indian food. There are many national brand hotels in Flagstaff, but check out some unique overnight stays, too. Cabins, boutiques, bed and breakfasts give a different experience.

Walnut Canyon

Just 10 miles from Flagstaff is Walnut Canyon National Monument. Scenic and historic, the canyon is filled with ancient cliff dwellings built by the Sinagua people over 900 years ago. These dwellings are still visible today, and visitors can hike down the trail to get a closer look at them. The trail is well maintained and around a mile in length but the incline is rather steep. This trail if often described as moderate to strenuous due to the elevation. If you just check out the visitor center and view the dwellings from afar, 30 minutes to an hour is enough time. However, if you have time in your Arizona itinerary, you can easily spend 2-3 hours exploring.

Walnut Canyon is also a good place to view desert wildlife including coyotes, mule deer, cottontail and jackrabbits, various squirrels, pinyon jays, and lizards in abundance.

Sunset Crater

If you’re interested in geology and want to witness the aftermath of a volcanic eruption up close, Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument is a must-see. Although there are many craters in Arizona, Sunset Crater is the only one with protected status. It’s just a short drive from Flagstaff and offers you the chance to explore the lava fields and cinder cones left behind by a volcanic eruption that took place over 900 years ago.

One of the most exciting things about Sunset Crater is the way that plant and animal life has adapted to survive in the harsh environment created by volcanic activity. Although volcanic rubble remains, Ponderosa pines and other native plants are growing again and using the volcanic ash to their advantage.

Note: Due to a recent wildfire, some trails around Sunset Crater National Monument are closed. Follow signs and information posted in the visitor center and on the trails.

Wupatki Visitor Center

Wupatki National Monument is a fascinating look into the lives of the puebloan peoples who lived in this area over 800 years ago. I recommend stopping at the visitor center first to better understand the architecture and culture. The ancient pueblo ruins are spread throughout the monument. You can hike up to some of the structures and learn more about the daily lives of people who once lived here.

The structures were built to take advantage of the natural landscape. Check out the amazing views from the ruins!

Note: The Wupatki area holds deep cultural and spiritual significance for the local indigenous communities. Treat the area and ruins with respect for all the history it holds.

Grand Canyon Skywalk and South Rim

Now you’re almost to the grand finale! What’s a trip to Arizona without making a stop at the Grand Canyon? Spending a day exploring the rim of the massive canyon – which also happens to be a UNESCO World Heritage site – is a must. The South Rim of the Grand Canyon is open year-round and receives the most annual tourists.

Grand Canyon South Rim

The Grand Canyon South Rim is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States. The breathtaking views of the canyon are a must-see for anyone visiting the area. Hiking trails are in abundance so get out and stretch your legs after your road trip from Scottsdale. The Bright Angel Trail is a popular option. You’ll descend down into the canyon and look at the views with awe as you go. There are also several scenic drives in the area, including Desert View Drive and Hermit Road, which offer panoramic views of the canyon.

Grand Canyon Skywalk

Although it’s a little expensive (starting at $64), the Grand Canyon Skywalk is a must-see attraction. The cantilever glass bridge extends out over the edge of the canyon. The views from the Skywalk are truly magnificent, with the canyon stretching out below in all directions. Please note, you cannot take anything onto the skywalk – no purses, cell phones, water bottles, etc. Professional photographers are stationed on the bridge and you can purchase photos after your experience.

In addition to the Skywalk, the Hualapai Tribe offers a variety of other activities in the area, including helicopter tours, pontoon rides, and rafting. If you have the time and the budget, I highly recommend one of these packages to take full advantage of the area.

Note: The Skywalk is only accessible via shuttle as private cars are not allowed access to the area.

Getting Back to Scottsdale

Wow! What a trip, right? Once you’ve seen everything in this itinerary, it’s time to turn back from Grand Canyon to Scottsdale. You have two choices. You can go back the way you came or you can take a more isolated journey through Wickenburg, head all the way south to Tuscon, and then complete your loop back up to Scottsdale and Phoenix. Depending on how much time you have, there are a couple more places I’d suggest – Tortilla Flats and the Saguaro National Park in Tuscon.

Arizona’s Ghost Town – Tortilla Flat

This is another must-stop on your journey through Arizona. A day trip to this stunning place is a great way to spruce up your stay. On the plus side, it’s just an hour away from the Phoenix-Tempe-Scottsdale area when traveling by car.

Located in the Superstition Mountains, Tortilla Flat represents the remnants of one of the multiple Arizona ghost towns. No wonder the road trip there is one of the activities that Phoenix residents enjoy the most. Grab a bite to eat in the Tortilla Flat Saloon. I recommend their famous chili.

Visit the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum and Saguaro National Park in Tucson

Northern Arizona has plenty of activities for visitors to enjoy, and the same goes for the rest of the state. This is especially true if you head down south to Tucson, situated just two hours away from Phoenix.

While in the Tucson area, make a stop at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum – especially if traveling with kids. It’s a very informative and fun experience, but it’s also outdoors for the most part, so remember to dress accordingly. After that, head to the Saguaro National Park to capture some breathtaking cactus vistas. Make the whole experience even more fun by packing some food for a picnic and camping there.

How far is Scottsdale from the Grand Canyon?

By car, Scottsdale is about 3.5 hours from the Grand Canyon. It’s close enough for a day trip, but extend your time if you can.

What is the best route from Scottsdale to the Grand Canyon?

Take I-17 North out of Phoenix. Transfer to I-40 West and then Highway Az-64 to Grand Canyon Village

The scenic drive from Scottsdale to the Grand Canyon National Park has to be one of the most memorable travel experiences. There is so much history, architecture, and nature along the way. Depending on how much time you have to explore this amazing southwestern state you could easily spend a few days to a few weeks.

Regardless of which spots you decide to visit, one thing’s for certain – with proper planning, you can ensure a safe and fun Arizona road trip you’ll remember for years to come. All the Scottsdale to Grand Canyon destinations offer plenty of opportunities for adventure, learning, and exploring the unique landscapes of the area.

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