Experience ghost towns, desert scenery and stunning National and state parks on this Arizona and Utah road trip from Phoenix. From the iconic and breath-taking Grand Canyon and quirky Route 66 road-side stops to the sparkling shores of Lake Powell and the pine forests of Northern Arizona, discover some bucket-list highlights as well as some off the beaten path opportunities. 

Well known for its golf, world-class spas and designer shopping, Scottsdale and Phoenix sit side by side and boast some fabulous resorts that are especially good value in the summer months. Surrounded by stunning desert scenery you do not need to move too far from your resort, but there are plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventure with biking, hiking, jeep tours and balloon flights to name a few. 

Head north-east from Phoenix to Payson, approx. 90 miles and stay two nights.

Nestled among the majestic mountains of the Mogollon Rim (a 7,000-foot, 200-mile-long escarpment) lays the serene town of Payson, Arizona. Graced with spectacular natural beauty, this small town is located between the Sierra Ancha and the Mazatzal Mountain Ranges. With giant saguaros on lower hills, forests covering their higher slopes and rivers running through surrounding canyons, the area is an outdoor lover’s dream! Hiking, biking, fishing and simply breathing in the fresh-air allow visitors pure relaxation. Payson hosts the World's Oldest Continuous Rodeo as well as other rodeos, festivals, and activities that showcase the Old West.  

Holbrook, Arizona is the gateway to the Petrified Forest National Park. Holbrook's "Wild West" heritage is richly coloured by its proximity to several Native American reservations. Holbrook's distinction as a Route 66 city and the flood of travellers led to the discovery of fascinating fossils and dinosaur bones within and near the Petrified Forest and Painted Desert. Civilisations have thrived in the Holbrook and Winslow area for centuries… the ancient Hopi village of Homolovi, the Mormon settlement of Brigham City to the booming town of Winslow over 100 years ago. Most recently the City of Winslow is known for The Standin’ on the Corner Park, which has become an interesting draw for music fans who remember the line from the Eagles’ hit, Take it Easy.

The unique sandstone formations will be visible from miles away, as you approach the park. Over the years, Monument Valley has been the setting for more Western movies than any other site in the United States. Take a Navajo guided tour deep into the Valley, from the Visitor’s Centre at Goulding’s. Much of Monument Valley is restricted unless you take a tour, to retain the beauty of the landscape, and we can arrange these for you. The tour guides have the necessary permits to operate in these Native areas.

Stay two nights in Monument Valley

On the edge of Lake Powell, this town overlooks the crystal clear lake and boasts beautiful views. There are plenty of photo opportunities around here with Tower Butte, Rainbow Bridge National Monument, the Rim Trail and Glen Canyon Dam. A boat trip on the lake is a must as well as a tour to Antelope Canyon, part of the Navajo Nation, to discover more about the mysterious and haunting beauty of the slot canyons there. If these adventures aren’t for you, you can play golf or relax on a lakeside beach. 

Stay two nights in the Page area

Today’s drive will take you to one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, the Grand Canyon. Enjoy touring the South Rim, where the canyon is at its widest and deepest. Stop at the various look out points, hike one of the many trails or take a sightseeing flight over the rim to get the full perspective of this amazing sight.

 Stay two nights at the Grand Canyon South Rim

Sedona nestles among multi-hued stone formations that jut upwards from the high desert floor creating a vivid, mesmerizing setting that changes hourly with the light. When USA Weekend compiled their Most Beautiful Places in America list, Sedona claimed the top spot. Surrounded by national forest land, perfect for hiking, biking and jeep tours, yet, you’re never far from the indulgences of town. 

Stay one night in Sedona

The historic, high-desert town of Wickenburg prides itself as being the most western town in Arizona. The historic downtown buildings now house art galleries and western shops, and a visit to the Desert Caballeros Western Museum is a must. Try your hand at the cowboy lifestyle at one of the local guest ranches or on a half day ride, or just enjoy the desert air on one of the local golf course. Outside of Wickenburg, visit the Vulture Mine, an abandoned gold mine credited with bringing Wickenburg its first settlers.

 Stay one night in the Wickenburg area

Tucson offers an authentic south-western experience. Famous for its dramatic beauty, the Sonoran Desert covers this region with spectacular cacti - including the giant saguaro, symbol of the American Southwest. Mountain ranges, cactus forests and rolling grassland in all directions offer scenic drives, hiking, and even skiing. For a real taste of the region’s Old West roots try horse riding at one of the ranches, or visit Tombstone an hour to the West, where you can relive some of the Westerns of the past. The city also boasts a thriving arts scene, with plenty of galleries and museums. A visit to the Pima Air and Space Museum, along with the Airplane ‘Graveyard’ is a must for anyone interested in flight. 

Stay two nights in Tucson

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