Top Arizona Day Trips From Scottsdale & Phoenix

Arizona is renowned for dramatic landscapes, rich history, and endless outdoor adventure, which makes it one of the best states in the country for day trips. Based in Scottsdale or Phoenix, you’ll find countless destinations within a few hours’ drive, from the red rocks of Sedona to historic mining towns. Here are the top Arizona day trips you shouldn’t miss.

1. Sedona: A Spiritual and Scenic Escape

Distance from Phoenix: ~2 hours

Sedona is a quintessential Arizona destination, famous for its stunning red rock formations, charming art galleries, and the spiritual “vortex” sites believed to radiate energy. Sedona offers something for everyone, whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast or someone seeking serenity.

What to do:

• Hike Cathedral Rock or Devil’s Bridge: These iconic trails offer some of the most picturesque views in Arizona. The red rock formations provide a stunning backdrop for a few hours of outdoor exploration.
• Visit the Chapel of the Holy Cross: This architectural marvel is built into the red rock cliffs and offers panoramic views of the surrounding valley.
• Explore the art scene: Sedona is home to numerous art galleries and the Sedona Arts Center, showcasing works from local artists inspired by the breathtaking landscape.
• Relax at a local spa: Sedona’s energy vortexes attract wellness-seekers, so enjoy a day of rejuvenation at one of the town’s many spas.

Why it’s perfect for a day trip: Sedona is only a short drive from Phoenix, making it a relaxing escape with a perfect balance of adventure and tranquility.

2. Jerome: A Historic Mining Town in the Sky

Distance from Phoenix: ~2 hours

Perched on the side of Cleopatra Hill, Jerome is a quirky town that once boomed during the copper mining era. Today, it’s a charming, artsy community with spectacular views of the Verde Valley. Strolling through Jerome feels like stepping back in time with its historic buildings, ghost tours, and unique shops.

What to do:

• Take a ghost tour: Jerome’s rich history, combined with its reputation for being a former mining town, gives it a spooky edge. Ghost tours are a fun way to learn about the town’s past while exploring its haunted spots.
• Explore the Jerome State Historic Park: Located in the old Douglas Mansion, this museum provides insight into the history of the town’s mining industry.
• Visit the local art galleries: Jerome has become an artistic haven, with galleries showcasing everything from paintings and sculptures to jewelry and pottery.
• Enjoy the view: The town offers spectacular vistas of the Verde Valley, especially from the iconic Jerome Overlook.

Why it’s perfect for a day trip: Jerome is a mix of history, art, and stunning mountain views, all within easy reach of Sedona, making it a perfect day trip from the red rocks.

3. Tombstone: The Wild West Lives On

Distance from Tucson: ~1.5 hours

Tombstone is one of the most famous “Old West” towns in Arizona, known for the legendary Gunfight at the O.K. Corral. The town has preserved its 19th-century charm, allowing visitors to step back in time and experience the Old West in all its dusty, gun-slinging glory.

What to do:

• O.K. Corral: Visit the site of the famous gunfight where Wyatt Earp, Doc Holliday, and the Clanton brothers had their showdown. The O.K. Corral now hosts reenactments of the gunfight several times a day.
• Walk down Allen Street: This main street is lined with historic buildings, saloons, and shops, giving you a sense of what Tombstone looked like during its heyday.
• Boothill Graveyard: Pay a visit to this historic cemetery where many of Tombstone’s infamous residents are buried, including those who met an untimely end in the town’s violent past.
• Tombstone Courthouse State Historic Park: Learn about the history of the town and its role in the early days of Arizona.

Why it’s perfect for a day trip: Tombstone is a living piece of history that offers a deep dive into the American Wild West. It’s a great way to experience Arizona’s frontier past without venturing too far from Tucson.

4. Payson: A Cool Retreat in the Mogollon Rim

Distance from Phoenix: ~1.5 hours

If you’re looking to escape the heat and explore Arizona’s natural beauty, Payson is a great choice. Nestled in the cool pines of the Mogollon Rim, Payson is surrounded by forests, lakes, and streams, making it a haven for outdoor lovers.

What to do:

• Hike the Mogollon Rim Trail: This scenic trail offers beautiful views of the rim and the forest below, with plenty of opportunities for wildlife spotting.
• Visit Tonto Natural Bridge State Park: This park features the world’s largest natural travertine bridge, a stunning geological formation surrounded by lush greenery.
• Relax at one of the nearby lakes: Payson is home to several beautiful lakes, including Woods Canyon Lake and Rim Lake, perfect for fishing, kayaking, or just relaxing by the water.
• Explore the quaint town: Payson’s charming downtown area has a variety of shops, cafes, and art galleries, perfect for a leisurely afternoon.

Why it’s perfect for a day trip: Payson’s cooler temperatures and access to nature make it a refreshing getaway from the heat of Phoenix, offering outdoor adventure and relaxation.

5. Petrified Forest National Park: A Journey Through Time

Distance from Phoenix: ~3 hours

For a unique and otherworldly experience, take a day trip to the Petrified Forest National Park. This national park, located in northeastern Arizona, is home to one of the largest and most colorful concentrations of petrified wood in the world. The park also offers fascinating prehistoric and archaeological sites.

What to do:

• Visit the Petrified Wood: Explore the park’s famous fossilized logs, which date back over 200 million years, and marvel at the colorful petrified wood scattered across the desert floor.
• Drive the Scenic Loop: The park has a 28-mile scenic drive with numerous overlooks and short trails that allow you to take in the stunning desert landscape.
• See the Painted Desert: The park also includes a portion of the Painted Desert, known for its colorful, vibrant layers of rock that stretch as far as the eye can see.
• Stop by the Rainbow Forest Museum: This museum offers exhibits on the park’s geology, fossils, and the ancient ecosystems that existed here.

Why it’s perfect for a day trip: While it’s a bit farther from Phoenix, Petrified Forest National Park offers an unforgettable experience of Arizona’s prehistoric past and is a great destination for history and nature enthusiasts.

Stay Local: A Desert Adventure Near Scottsdale

Not up for a long drive? You don’t have to leave town for an unforgettable Arizona day. The Sonoran Desert right outside Scottsdale is some of the most beautiful country in the state, and a guided off-road tour gets you into it without the highway miles. It’s an easy half-day that pairs perfectly with any of these trips, or stands on its own.

Explore the desert on a u-drive guided ATV/UTV tour with Desert Dog Offroad.

Hit the Road

Arizona’s many day trip destinations offer something for every kind of traveler. Whether you explore the red rocks of Sedona, step back in time in Tombstone, or discover the Petrified Forest, these trips let you experience the best of the state without venturing too far from the city. Pack up the car, plan your route, and hit the road, and when you’re ready for a desert adventure close to home, see our Arizona ATV and UTV tours or call Desert Dog Offroad Adventures at (480) 837-3966.