Looking for the perfect road trip that will take you from hidden swimming holes to red rock canyons, epic views, and ancient ruins – all within 5 days? This 5 Day Arizona Itinerary is the perfect mix of adventure, history, photogenic landscapes, and more. The ultimate opportunity to view our beautiful state.
Phoenix will be the start of this journey. As you progress, you will have the opportunity to explore the states most cherished sites as you make you way north and eventually back south to end in Phoenix. From hikes to a ghost town, this itinerary offers you a diverse experience with options to divert if you have different priorities in travel.
Whether you are a local or visiting Arizona for the first time, this 5 Day Arizona Itinerary- By a Local, will help you take you on an adventure that will leave you speechless.
Day 1: Phoenix -> Sedona
Driving Time: 1 1/2 to 2 hours total
- Phoenix to Sedona: 1 1/2 to 2 hours
Stop 1: Sedona
- Time To Spend: Rest of the day
- What To Do: Sedona is definitely worth a stop at if you have never been before.
- Hikes: There are many hikes you can do within the area like Cathedral Rock, Soldier Pass, and Bell Rock to name a few.
- Slide Rock State Park: Another place to enjoy water and slide down some of the natural red rock water slide.
- Website: Slide Rock State Park -> azstateparks.com/slide-rock
- Vortex Spots: The spots you are looking for are Chapel of the Holy Cross, Boynton Canyon, and Airport Mesa.
- Town Vibes: Explore the town with the views, art, and great food.
- Tip: Try Elote Cafe (very popular for a reason and you will want to get reservations).
- Lodging: A more family friendly place with tiny houses called Tiny Camp Sedona.
Day1 : Alternative: Phoenix -> Fossil Creek -> Jerome-> Sedona
Driving Time: 3 1/2 to 5 1/2 hours total
- Phoenix to Fossil Creek: 2 1/2 hours
- Fossil Creek to Sedona: 1 1/2 hours
- Phoenix to Jerome: 2 hours
- Fossil Creek to Jerome: 2 hours
- Jerome to Sedona: 1 hour
- Fossil Creek to Montezuma Castle: 40 mins
- Montezuma Castle to Sedona: 37 mins
Stop 1 Potential: Fossil Creek Water Hole
- Time To Spend: 3-4 hours
- What To Do: Fossil Creek is one of the hidden gems that Arizona has to offer. Half of the year you will need to obtain a pass online beforehand so book in advance. This system has helped to limit the people and prevent overcrowding.
- Waterfall: There is a waterfall, which is a short hike to get to and is a great place if you want to experience jumping off a 25 foot cliff into the water. Want to know more? Click Here
- Cost: Free from October 2 to March 31 and from April 1 to October 1st is $6 per car.
- Permits: They release permits in two ways. The first is a month out on a on-going rolling basis. In fact, 80% of permits will be released this way. So, if you don’t get one the first try, then you can try for the next day and so forth. The second way is three days prior at 8 a.m, where the other 20% are released.
- Website: Fossil Creek Wild and Scenic River
- Tip: Do not be afraid to keep looking and see if anyone canceled. It happens and I have gotten a permit when it was sold out before.
- Website: Fossil Creek Wild and Scenic River
- Permits: They release permits in two ways. The first is a month out on a on-going rolling basis. In fact, 80% of permits will be released this way. So, if you don’t get one the first try, then you can try for the next day and so forth. The second way is three days prior at 8 a.m, where the other 20% are released.
Stop 2 Potential: Jerome
- Time To Spend: 2-3 hours
- What To Do: Great place to grab a bite to eat for lunch and then explore the old town. Try checking out the Sliding Jail or Jerome State Historical Park.
Stop 3 Potential: Montezuma Castle National Monument
- Time To Spend: 1 hour
- What To Do: Walk around the 1/3 mile paved walkway to view the 20 room cliff dwellings within the limestone walls. As you walk the path you will notice Sycamore trees and is a great place to stop and eat your lunch. You can not go up to the dwellings and a binocular is wise to bring. Want to know more? Click Here
Stop 4: Sedona
- Time To Spend: Rest of the late evening and night.
- What To Do: As you drive to Sedona from Jerome or one of the other ways, you will be witness to a scenic drive. Once in Sedona, you can either do a quick hike, explore the town, or just relax by grabbing a bite to eat. Look above for other suggestions.
Day2: Sedona -> Horseshoe Bend-> Antelope Canyon->Page
Driving Time: 3 hours and 21 mins Total
- Sedona to Horseshoe Bend: 3 hours (163 miles)
- Horseshoe Bend to Antelope Canyon: 12 mins
- Horseshoe Bend to Page: 9 mins
Stop 1: Horseshoe Bend
- Time To Spend: 1 hour-5 hours depending
- What To Do: You can either do what most do and hike to the overlook and witness Horseshoe Bend, or you can kayak down it. For those that don’t have time you can also do a quick boat tour that is worth it. Want to know more than click here.
- Cost: $10 per vehicle to park and hike. $80-$150 for kayaking or tours.
Stop 2: Antelope Canyon Tour
- Time To Spend: 3-4 hours
- What To Do: In advance, book with a tour company to visit either Lower Antelope Canyon or the Upper Antelope Canyon. Truly should not be missed. You can also visit some of the canyon by kayaking on Lake Powell.
- Cost: $85-$95 per person
Stop 3: Page
- Time To Spend: Later afternoon/evening
- What To Do: You can enjoy the rest of the day by Lake Powell or relax in the smaller city of Page.
Day 3: Page->Navajo National Monument-> Canyon de Chilly
Driving Time: 4 1/2 hours total
- Page to Navajo National Monument: 2 hours (90 miles)
- Navajo National Monument to Canyon de Chilly: 2 1/2 hours (130 miles)
Stop 1: Navajo National Monument
- Time To Spend: 2 to 3 hours
- What To Do: Visitors center for information first.
- Hikes: There are 3 hikes you can do. If you chose one, make it the Sandal Trail hike.
- Sandal Trail: Round trip 1.3 miles (2.09 km) to the Betatakin Cliff Dwelling overlook. It is 1/4 a mile away so bring binoculars is highly recommended. This will take about 30 mins and has a paved trail. The only place you can see the ruins without a guided tour.
- Canyon View Trail: Round trip canyon rim trail that will lead you to the ranger station that is historic. The trail is unpaved but flat. Time to hike will be about 15-20 mins long. No cliff dwellings can be seen.
- Aspen Trail: A steep round trip trail that is 0.8 miles(1.29 km) and is strenuous. No cliff dwellings can be seen from this trail and will take about 30-45 mins.
- Hikes: There are 3 hikes you can do. If you chose one, make it the Sandal Trail hike.
Stop 2: Canyon de Chilly
- Time To Spend: 4 to 6 hours
- What To Do: Visit the Welcome Center first for information and a video.
- Either Scenic Drive: There are 3 overlooks present on the North Rim, take about 2 hours, and best during morning. On the South Rim are 6 overlooks, take about 2 hours and best during later afternoon. Good to take binoculars.
- South Rim: Views of the canyons and Navajo farm lands
- North Rim: Can see more ruins with the naked eye but unpaved most paths.
- Hike: White House Overlook is about 600 feet switchback trail that will take about 2 hours round trip. Currently at this time is it closed, but always check if things have changed.
- Either Scenic Drive: There are 3 overlooks present on the North Rim, take about 2 hours, and best during morning. On the South Rim are 6 overlooks, take about 2 hours and best during later afternoon. Good to take binoculars.
- Cost: Free
- Private Canyon Tours: Due to needing a backcountry permit you can book with a private company that will take you into the canyon. Depending on the company, you can either hike in, take a vehicle, or horseback ride.
- Camping: Cottonwood Campground is a first come first serve campground with 93 sites and no hookups or showers.
- Lodging: There are two options for lodging within the park if you wish to stay overnight.
Day 4: Canyon de Chilly -> Painted Desert-> Petrified National Forest-> Pine/Strawberry
Driving Time: 6 hours total
- Canyon de Chilly to Painted Desert/Petrified National Forest: 3 hours (140 miles)
- Petrified National Forest to Holbrook: 30 mins (25 miles through the park)
- Pine/Strawberry: 2 to 2 1/2 hours (120 miles)
Stop 1: Painted Desert
- Time Spent: 60 mins
- What To Do: First stop at the visitors center then continue onto the scenic drive and overlooks.
- Scenic Drive: There are are few overlooks you can stop at and enjoy the view.
- Hike: Optional Desert Painted Trail hike (~1 mile).
- Cost: $25 per vehicle and includes Petrified National Park or Free for America the Beautiful Pass. Worth getting if visiting a lot of parks.
Stop 2: Petrified Forest National Park
- Time Spent: 2 to 3 hours
- What To Do: The park has a 28 mile road you can drive and stop at different points to either look or take short hikes. Best during earlier morning or later at night. Take a look at the Rainbow Forest Museum as well.
- Want to know more: Check out this guide to the Petrified Forest and Painted Desert.
Stop 3: Pine/Strawberry
- Drive: As you drive from the Petrified National Forest to Pine/Strawberry are, you will witness the change from desert landscape to Ponderosa Pine Forest.
- Suggestions Side Stops: Mongolon Rim Overlook, Willow Springs Lake, or Holbrook/Snowflake small towns on the way.
- Lodging: There will be many choices when it comes to hotels, airbnbs, and camping spots in this area.
- The Strawberry Inn: Boutique getaway on the rim. A good family friendly place with a unique spin to stay at.
Day 5: Pine -> Tonto National Bridge -> Payson -> Phoenix
Driving Time: 2 hours 16 mins total
- Pine to Tonto National Bridge: 15 mins
- Tonto National Bridge to Payson: 21 mins
- Payson to Phoenix: 1 hour 40 mins
Stop 1: Tonto National Bridge
- Time Spent: 2 hours
- What To Do: Hike to and explore the bridge.
- Cost: $10 for adults, $5 for youth (7-13), and free for under 6 as well as those that have a National State Parks Pass.
Stop 2: Payson
- Time Spent: 2-4 hours
- What To Do: Have lunch here and then go check out the Water Wheel Fails Trail. It is shorter and is very photogenic.
- Cost: $8 day pass or free if you have a National State Parks Pass.
Stop 3: Phoenix
- What To Do: Once you arrive back into Phoenix you can relax and enjoy the amazing food we have to offer. If by some chance you have more time then check out these other things to do in Phoenix.
What Gear To Pack
Road Trip Essentials
- Important documents and a subscription to a road service company in case.
- Downloaded or printed maps and details since areas can loose phone service.
- Reusable water bottles: Hydro Flask are great or something similar to keep water cold.
- Small daypack or backpack when you want to do excursions.
- Headlamp or a flashlight (it can get very dark outside of the city).
- Snacks
- Small first aid kit (small comb or pair of pilers if you get Cholla needles or otherwise hug a Teddy Bear cactus).
Water Gear
- Sunscreen
- After sun gel when you forget to reapply the sunscreen and get a burn.
- Buff to use for face or neck (great to get wet and help you stay cool).
- Towels
- Hat & Sunglasses
- Dry bags
- Blow up water toy if you want to float at Fossil Creek (make sure to take out your trash).
Camping & Hiking Gear
- Foldable chair
- Tent & Stakes
- Sleeping bags & Pads
- Bear proof canisters
Extra Gear
- Travel games or cards. Catan in travel format is always a win.
- Binoculars (these will be great to have at certain stops).
- Stargazing map or download a map (outside of the city and in remote areas will give you the best opportunity for dark skies).
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Wrapping Up the 5 Day Arizona Itinerary
From paddling the Horseshoe Bend or experiencing Antelope Canyon, to standing under the massive travertine arch at Tonto Natural Bridge, this 5 day Arizona road trip shows how scenic, diverse, and wild this state can be. From the desert to the canyons and to the forest, you will experience a little part of what Arizona offers.
Whether you are following the whole journey or just picking out a few stops with this itinerary. We hope you fall in love with Arizona’s hidden waterfalls, ancient history, and rugged beauty that makes this state one of a kind.
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