Arizona, known as The Grand Canyon state, is most known for one of the Seven Wonders of the World. However, the rugged state is filled with enchantment, from a 200-year-old saguaro in Tucson, to the red rocks and vortexes in Sedona, the state will inspire your sense of adventure, and capture your heart, too. Here’s your road trip guide and Arizona road trip itinerary.
Start your road trip in Tucson, Arizona. Take a trip to Saguaro National Park, one of the lesser-known National Parks, but worth the trip. Here, the saguaro cacti reign supreme, towering nearly 50 feet and over 200 years old. Nearby is Old Tucson, an old movie studio and theme park where the wild west is still alive. Make a pit stop at Amy’s Donuts, for crazy and unique fluffy donuts. From Chocolate Turtle to Crunch Berries to Cotton Candy, there’s something for every sweet tooth.
Book your stay at Best Western InnSuites Tucson Foothills Hotel & Suites.
Climb the iconic Camelback Mountain with one of the urban trails found in the city of Phoenix, Arizona. Take either the Echo Canyon Trail or Cholla Trail – Echo Canyon is a steeper climb, but Cholla is longer. Be rewarded with stunning views of the Valley of the Sun once you reach the summit. Afterwards, have lunch at award-winning Barrio Café. James Beard Award nominee Chef Silvana Salcido Esparza creates loaded Mexican dishes that are packed with flavor that have been recognized by the Food Network, Esquire, and Zagat.
Book your stay at Egyptian Motor Hotel, BW Signature Collection.
Drive from Phoenix and make you way up to Cottonwood, Arizona. Located in the heart of Arizona wine country, taking a trek on the Verde Valley Wine Trail and trying the ten wineries on the trail is a must. Try a sip a Pillsbury Wine Company, whose wines have been awarded nearly 100 wine awards in the past six years, and who Sam Pillsbury, founder, attests, “There are no other wines like these in the world. They are unique. They come from one place and grown and made with love by me and my team.”
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After Cottonwood, make the short trip up to Sedona, Arizona, a place that can best be summarized by the famous quote, “God created the Grand Canyon, but he lives in Sedona!” With stunning red rocks and epic landscapes at every turn, plus mystical vortexes to explore, it’s the best setting for enchantment. Adventurers can go take a hike at Devil’s Bridge, a narrow sandstone arch that is your reward after nearly 5,000 feet of elevation on the trail. For a less strenuous, yet still scenic hike, try Cathedral Rock – an approximately two-miles round trip hike.
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“Get your kicks on Route 66,” as the old saying goes, and Williams, Arizona was the last town to be bypassed along Route 66. As the town that inspired the iconic kids’ movie, Cars, the old timely town looks frozen in time. Also known as the “Gateway to the Grand Canyon,” take the historic Grand Canyon Railway and ride a train to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon National Park, all right from Williams. The train even takes you right into Grand Canyon Village, and is steps away from the RIm Trail. When you return, don’t miss a bite of steak at the Western View Steakhouse, found in your hotel at Best Western Plus Inn of Williams.
Book your stay at Best Western Plus Inn of Williams.