Arizona is one of the best road trip states in the country. In a single trip, you can go from red rock landscapes and desert lakes to mountain forests, historic towns, and wide-open desert views. This guide rounds up six of the best road trips in Arizona for travelers who want scenery, variety, and easy-to-plan getaways.
Whether you are planning a quick weekend escape or building a longer Arizona itinerary, these drives offer a strong mix of iconic stops and memorable experiences. Some are best for families, some are better for couples or photographers, and all of them show a different side of the state.
Quick answer: what are the best road trips in Arizona?
Some of the best road trips in Arizona include Sedona, Monument Valley, Lake Powell, Lake Havasu, Mount Lemmon, and the Flagstaff aspen country near Aspen Nature Loop. Together, they cover some of the state’s most recognizable scenery, from red rock byways and alpine elevation to lakeside recreation and Navajo Nation landscapes.
1. Sedona
Best overall Arizona road trip
Sedona is an easy choice if you want a road trip that feels distinctly Arizona. The drive in is part of the experience, especially along SR-179 and the Sedona–Oak Creek Canyon Scenic Road, where the scenery shifts into dramatic red rock formations, canyon views, and classic desert color. The official tourism site also highlights how straightforward the drive is from Phoenix, making Sedona one of the most accessible scenic getaways in the state.
Once you arrive, there is plenty to do without overcomplicating the trip. Sedona is known for hiking, rock climbing, mountain biking, ATV tours, horseback riding, and scenic viewpoints, which makes it a strong choice for both active travelers and people who simply want a beautiful place to unwind.
Why it stands out
Sedona works year-round, looks beautiful in every season, and offers a strong balance of scenery, dining, shopping, and outdoor adventure. It is one of the easiest Arizona road trips to recommend to first-time visitors.
Best for
First-time visitors, couples, weekend getaways, mixed-interest groups
Good to know
Popular trailheads and scenic stops can get crowded, especially on weekends. Planning an early start usually makes the day much easier.
2. Monument Valley
Best for iconic scenery
If your goal is to see one of the most recognizable landscapes in the American Southwest, Monument Valley belongs on your list. Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park spans 91,696 acres across Arizona and Utah and is known for its towering sandstone formations, open desert views, and unforgettable sense of scale.
This is the kind of road trip that feels cinematic from start to finish. It is a favorite for photographers, travelers who want wide-open landscapes, and anyone building a bigger northern Arizona or Southwest itinerary. Visitors should also remember that this is Navajo Nation land, so it is worth checking rules, park information, and conditions before you go.
Why it stands out
Very few places in Arizona feel this expansive or this visually iconic. It is one of the strongest road trip choices for pure scenery.
Best for
Photographers, scenic drives, bucket-list travelers
Good to know
Entry fees, park rules, and conditions are set by Navajo Nation Parks and Recreation. Check official guidance before your trip.
3. Lake Powell
Best for water and big views
Lake Powell offers a very different road trip experience from the rest of Arizona. Glen Canyon National Recreation Area covers more than 1.25 million acres and is known for water-based recreation, dramatic sandstone surroundings, and a landscape that feels both desert and coastal at the same time.
Boating is the most popular activity here, and the National Park Service also highlights kayaking, swimming, camping, and guided tours as key ways to experience the area. For travelers who want an Arizona road trip with time on the water, Lake Powell is one of the strongest options in the state.
Why it stands out
It combines desert scenery with large-scale water recreation in a way that feels unusual for Arizona.
Best for
Boating trips, summer travel, group getaways, kayaking
Good to know
Lake conditions and launch access can change with water levels, so official updates matter here more than usual. Check conditions before you go.
4. Lake Havasu
Best for a fun, unique getaway
Lake Havasu is one of the most distinctive road trip destinations in Arizona because it combines water recreation with a piece of imported history. The city is best known for the London Bridge, which was reconstructed in Lake Havasu City after its stones were shipped from England and reassembled beginning in 1968. The bridge today connects the main part of the city to an island area with shops, restaurants, hotels, and waterfront activity.
Beyond the bridge, the area is a strong fit for travelers who want boating, paddleboarding, guided tours, waterfront views, and a more playful road trip atmosphere. The official tourism site positions Lake Havasu as a place where history and high-energy lake recreation meet.
Why it stands out
It feels a little unexpected. Few Arizona road trips combine desert views, waterfront energy, and a landmark as unusual as the London Bridge.
Best for
Spring and summer getaways, friends’ trips, boating weekends
Good to know
The London Bridge area is easy to pair with a walk through the English Village and other nearby waterfront stops. 
5. Mount Lemmon
Best family-friendly mountain escape
Mount Lemmon is one of the easiest ways to trade desert heat for cooler mountain air. The Santa Catalina Mountains rise from 2,724 feet in Sabino Canyon to 9,157 feet at the top of Mount Lemmon, creating a dramatic elevation change and a wide range of recreation options.
The Catalina Highway Scenic Drive is one of the most scenic paved roads in the Southwest and gives visitors access to overlooks, rock formations, forested areas, hiking, camping, and winter recreation in the upper reaches of the range. That variety makes Mount Lemmon a particularly strong pick for families and travelers based in or near Tucson.
Why it stands out
It gives you a completely different side of Arizona without requiring a long, complicated trip.
Best for
Families, summer escapes, Tucson-based travelers, cool-weather drives
Good to know
Weather can change quickly with elevation, especially in winter, so pack accordingly and check local conditions.
6. Aspen country near Flagstaff
Best affordable fall road trip
If you want a lower-key Arizona road trip with mountain air, forest scenery, and fall color, the aspen country near Flagstaff is a great option. The Coconino National Forest describes Aspen Nature Loop Trail No. 73 as a spectacular high-country hike on the western slope of the San Francisco Peaks, with views of the volcanic field, the Grand Canyon to the north, and nearby Arizona Snowbowl.
This area is especially appealing when the aspens turn in early fall, but it is also a rewarding escape for hiking, mountain scenery, and cooler temperatures outside the Phoenix area. It is not the most polished or resort-driven trip on this list, but that is part of the appeal.
Why it stands out
It offers a simpler, more budget-friendly mountain escape with strong seasonal beauty.
Best for
Fall color, hiking, budget-conscious travelers, day trips from Flagstaff
Good to know
Trail access, weather, and leaf timing can vary year to year, so this trip is best when planned with flexibility.
How to choose the right Arizona road trip
Choose Sedona if you want the most balanced overall trip.
Choose Monument Valley if scenery is your top priority.
Choose Lake Powell if you want boating, kayaking, and big water views.
Choose Lake Havasu if you want something social, sunny, and a little different.
Choose Mount Lemmon if you want cooler air and a family-friendly drive.
Choose Flagstaff aspen country if you want a simpler, more affordable mountain escape.
FAQ
What is the best road trip in Arizona?
For many travelers, Sedona is the best overall Arizona road trip because it is scenic, accessible, and easy to enjoy in every season.
What is the most scenic drive in Arizona?
That depends on the kind of landscape you want, but Monument Valley, Sedona, and the Catalina Highway to Mount Lemmon are all standout choices for scenery.
Which Arizona road trip is best for families?
Mount Lemmon is a strong family option because the drive is scenic and the area supports a wide range of activities across the year.
Which Arizona road trip is best for fall?
The Flagstaff aspen country near Aspen Nature Loop is one of the strongest choices for fall color and cooler weather.
Final takeaway
Arizona makes it easy to build a road trip around the kind of scenery and experience you want most. You can choose red rocks, mountain forests, open desert, or lake time, and none of these drives feels interchangeable.
If you are starting with just one, Sedona is the easiest all-around choice. If you want a more dramatic visual payoff, Monument Valley and Lake Powell are hard to beat.