A full day of exploring the Grand Canyon State? Sign us up! This epic Arizona day trip starts with watching the sunrise at Tumamoc Hill and ends with a mountaintop dinner and a sunset hike at Picacho Peak State Park. If you just got goosebumps at how amazing this adventure will be, you are in the right place for one of the best day trips in Arizona. Let's not dawdle any longer - get ready for a day to remember!
Visit Google Maps for a customizable trip itinerary.
Feel free to customize the road trip to make it your very own. Ready to put the pedal to the metal and embark on one of the best day trips in Arizona? Let's go.
Tumamoc Hill is one of the only trails in the area that you can hike in the dark, with hours running from 4 am until 10 pm. As such, it's quite popular among Tucsonans - especially during the warmer months. Clocking in at three miles round-trip, this steep ascent offers some of the best sunrise views in Arizona. Remember to stay on the paved path, as the hill is located on a fragile ecological reserve of the University of Arizona.
Tumamoc Hill is one of the most scenic places in AZ that everyone in the city can enjoy. Listen to the stories of those who love walking Tumamoc Hill in Tucson, AZ, as you watch the beautiful views you'll find on this amazing trail in this video from Arizona Public Media:
After watching a gorgeous sunrise, it's time for a quick drive. Catalina Highway is less than 30 miles long, but it really packs a punch when it comes to scenery. Beginning in the desert lowlands of Tucson and climbing over 6,000 feet to the peak of Mount Lemmon, this epic adventure is the ecological equivalent of traveling from Mexico to Canada!
Our final stop in Tucson is the famed Saguaro National Park, where you'll see more than two million Saguaro cacti growing wild. There are a number of different ways to explore this vast desert oasis, from hiking trails to scenic drives to wildlife viewing.
Take a hike through Saguaro National Park starting out with one of those amazing Arizona sunrises as Adventures of A+K set out to Wasson Peak, then join them for a cactus-inspired meal of cacti tacos. Continue the day-trip journey with the Bajada Loop Drive, Signal Hill Petroglyphs, and finally the Valley View Overlook trail with a gorgeous sunset over the valley:
The second half of the trip takes us to Phoenix, with our first destination being the iconic Desert Botanical Garden. Here, you can wander through 140 acres of native Chihuahuan Desert flora, with the total number of plants estimated to be around 50,000.
What a fun-filled day! By now, you've probably worked up quite an appetite, so dinnertime finds us at Different Pointe of View. Located at the Phoenix Tapatio Cliffs Resort, this AAA Four-Diamond restaurant sits atop North Mountain, allowing you to watch the sunset in stylish surroundings.
On the menu, you'll see elevated fares such as foie gras, tenderloin tartare, and a variety of beef, poultry, and seafood entrees. There is also an extensive drink list featuring handcrafted cocktails perfect for sipping while you take in the panoramic vistas.
Why not keep the sunset magic going? Last, but certainly not least, our trip ends at Picacho Peak State Park. Surrounding its namesake mountain, this expansive park is renowned for its sunset views. There is even a trail called the Sunset Vista Trail that provides an especially scenic vantage point - it's rated moderate to difficult, with some cable climbing required, so keep that in mind when planning your visit.
Experience the Sunset Vista Trail in Picacho Peak State Park in this video from Adventure Endeavor:
Beautiful botanical gardens, scenic drives, ancient Saguaro cacti hikes, and a good meal with stunning views pretty much epitomize one of the best day trips in Arizona you can imagine. What do you think about this epic Arizona day trip? Tell us your thoughts in the comments!
Best Travel Gifts of 2024, Hand-picked by Our Travel Experts
If you're looking for gifting ideas for the travelers in your life this holiday season, check out our list of our favorite, tried and true travel gifts.
Welcome to Hand-Picked, a curated series highlighting the travel gear and goods our staff truly love. From practical essentials to playful extras, these are the items that make travel fun—and shopping even better! Each pick is independently selected by our editors, and if you make a purchase through our links, Only In Your State may earn a commission.
There is nothing that makes me happier than picking out the perfect gift. Friends often ask me for ideas of what to gift to their family, children, partners, friends... the challenge of finding that special item (or experience) is my favorite kind of adrenaline rush. And because of this, the holiday season is like my version of sky diving.
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Our team of travel experts here at Only In Your State joined me in selecting our favorite travel gifts of the season. We've hand-picked 24 gifts that we own and love and would joyfully wrap up with a shiny bow for other travel lovers in our lives. We've chosen a variety of options, from candles to books, to the perfect travel shoes and bags. There is also a wide range of prices for any gifting budget. Pick out a few to gift this season and maybe even send some of these ideas to those who are shopping for you. It may be the holiday season, but it is also always travel season in our minds.
Why We Love Them: How fun is this candle? I love picking out meaningful gifts and this one is perfect for the woman in your life who can't help but plan another trip. Or, maybe this is you and this candle needs to make its way into your own stocking! The LEADO store on Amazon actually has several unique gifts and it's worth checking out. Where to Buy Them: Shop this candle and more on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 Bonus: Manager of Editorial Megan Shute swears by these rechargeable USB lighters – add one to your favorite candle lover's stocking, and they will not be disappointed.
Why We Love It: We've tried some pretty spiffy eye masks, but have you ever experienced an eye massager? The Bob & Brad EyeOasis 2 is as relaxing as it gets. With adjustable pressure & heat settings, this is a must-have if you want to tune out the world and treat yourself. It's the first thing we reach for when we feel a migraine coming on! Where To Buy It: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $59.99 (normally $74.99)
Why We Love Them: It's safe to say I am in my sneaker era and I know I'm not alone. When I discovered Kizik shoes, especially their sneakers, I felt like I discovered gold at the end of the rainbow. I love that the brand is size inclusive (I have big feet) and you literally just slip these on and go. Hands-free shoes! This makes them perfect for travel and the fact that these go with everything means no over-packing necessary. Where to Buy Them: Check out the Milan sneaker and several other styles (boots, too!) on the Kizik website. Price (at time of publication): $149
Why We Love Them: I discovered Frankie Jean while in Austin with my daughter and once I saw the Y'ALL Baseball Cap, I knew it would make the perfect souvenir -- and travel hat! I always travel with a baseball hat; they're handy for post-plane hair and offer protection from the elements. Frankie Jean has an array of adorable caps for non-y'allers, too, with all 50 states represented in the web store. Where to Buy It: Visit Frankie Jean online for this hat and many others! Price (at time of publication): $32
Why We Love Them: The Yoto Mini is an excellent gadget for kids on the go. Physical cards allow children to expand their imagination through audiobooks, music, activities, and educational audio. Manager of Editorial Megan Shute purchased the mini-player for her daughter's 4th birthday earlier this year ahead of an overseas move and has been endlessly impressed: "Not only did it replace her standard sound machine with its white noise options, but it has given us another portable screen-free entertainment option for at home and while traveling. The Yoto is also perfect for anyone who asks what your child wants for the holidays — cards for their new Yoto collection, please!" Where to Buy Them: Yoto is available on their website and Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $69.99 for player
Why We Love Them: The Vuori Performance Joggers might just be the most comfortable piece of clothing we own. The buttery-soft, stretchy material is the perfect weight, and the slim yet relaxed fit is one of the most universally flattering styles we've tried. Engagement Editor Meg Archer has gifted these to many people over the last few years: "I have yet to hear anything but rave reviews (and a bit of friendly shaming for spawning new obsessions). Don't be surprised if these just so happen to, umm... multiply... in your closet. I couldn't stop at just one pair." Bonus: The matching Vuori Halo Performance Hoodie is one of our favorite lightweight layers for all types of travel! Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From Vuori Price (at time of publication): $94
Why We Love Them: If you have a friend or family member who loves to travel and loves bags (who doesn't?), then this Calpak tote bag is the ultimate gift. When I say ultimate, I mean it, because this is the ultimate bag. My own tote bag is pictured above, when used on an overnight trip. I've also used it as a carry-on bag on flights, to tote sports equipment around for my kids, and for a weekend getaway. It is much larger than it looks in this photo and keeps everything organized. It also wipes clean! Where to Buy Them: Calpak has countless travel bags, but you can find this particular one on their website. Price (at time of publication): $131.75
Why We Love Them: I've purchased two of these portable hammocks with lightweight frames throughout the years — one as a gift for my father and one for myself after realizing how fantastic the hammock was. While it's not a travel product, per se, it has made my everyday life feel more like a vacation, something we could all use a bit more of these days. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $69.99
Why We Love Them: All of the staff at Only In Your State loves to represent their roots and Wear Your Roots allows you to do that in a fashionable - and comfortable - way. We love the wears from this Montana-based company and we happen to believe that these hoodies, shirts, hats, and more make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: Shop now on the Wear Your Roots website Price (at time of publication): Varies by Product
Why We Love It: It's taken several trips for me to figure out my perfect "weekender bag that's TSA approved," but I've found my perfect carry on with the TOBIQ Colorado 30L. An Instagram ad caught my eye during a late-night scroll session and I was intrigued by the colorful compartments and versatility of the bag, which can be carried as a duffle or as a backpack (I prefer the backpack for even weight distribution and airport navigation.) Made of durable, weather-resistant recycled materials, I've stashed this bag under my seat and in the overhead compartment; it's easy to maneuver and the top zip pocket is perfect for easy phone/ID access. Bonus: I loved this carry on bag so much, I purchased TOBIQ's Toiletry Bag; it fits perfectly inside one of the Colorado's four compartments and has a smart, intuitive design with the brand's signature "plethora of zippered pouches and pockets."
Where to Buy Them: Visit tobiqtravel.com to purchase the Colorado 30L and/or Toiletry Bag. Price (at time of publication): $199 (Colorado 30L)/$69 (Toiletry Bag)
Why We Love Them: The Zestt Dreamsoft Travel Scarf doubles as a blanket, making it the perfect travel accessory for year-round adventures – especially on airplanes! Made from organic cotton and easy to wash and care for, we have even used this piece as a makeshift picnic blanket while traveling. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $50
Why I Love It: This raincoat is absolutely perfect: it's light (12.4 ounces!) and super packable, "self stuffing" into one of its pockets in a Houdini-like feat. The hood is generously sized to fit over a hat and has a cord-and-hook design that keeps rain out (seriously -- this photo was taken after a trip to Portland, Oregon, where its water resistance was put to the test!). I purchased my Torrentshellfive years ago and it still looks brand new, the fabric has never snagged or ripped despite being put through the ringer! Bonus: The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket comes in men's sizes, too! Where to Buy It: Buy it now on REI. Price (at time of publication): $179 (both men's and women's)
Why We Love Them: I love gifting books. Maybe it's the writer in me or the nostalgia I feel every time I sit down and open up an actual book. Coffee table books make for great gifts and I absolutely love this collection of photography of New York City. Whether you know someone who loves NYC or has a wanderlust for the Big Apple, this gorgeous book just needs a bow on top and it's ready to gift. Where to Buy Them: Buy this book and others in the collection on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $19.78
Why We Love Them: A well-stocked first aid kit is essential for any traveler, and we love these small Welly kits. They're the perfect option to keep in your car, diaper bag, or carry-on for accidents on the go. Another excellent stocking stuffer for anyone in your life. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Walmart Price (at time of publication): $9.70
Why We Love Them: The OluKai Pehuea Lī Sneaker is lightweight and breathable, but also extremely comfortable and surprisingly supportive. It's our go-to shoe when we know we're going to be on our feet all day! We love that they can be worn as either sneakers or slides, so they're easy to slip off when going through TSA checks. Plus, the style goes with just about everything. Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From OluKai Price (at time of publication): $110
Why I Love It: Fact: Airplanes are notoriously dry, dry, dry. No matter how much water I drink both before and during the flight, I always find myself in a hydration deficit for days. My skin feels so tight and parched during flights, and while I've been known to slap on a sheet mask at 12,000 feet, my 11 year old's mortification on a recent trip had me rethinking this strategy. My solution? BioRepublic's Lost Baggage biocellulose eye masks. These mini moisturizers contain an uber-hydrating cocktail of peptides, hyaluronic acid, squalene, rose water, and vitamin E that feel oh-so-refreshing on parched skin. Bonus: Each of these little masks has enough moisture that I'm able to massage the excess into the rest of my face after my brief, in-flight spa moment. Where to Buy It: I have a BioRepublic Lost Baggage Under Eye Emergency Repair Mask Subscribe & Save order through Amazon -- you'll get a slight discount if you set this up! Price (at time of publication): 3/$15.00
Why I Love It: I am a dedicated Stanley girl, but when I travel, I like to keep things as light and portable as possible. A recent trip to Washington D.C. had me singing the praises of my Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle, especially after paying $6 for a tiny bottle of water the afternoon we arrived and embarked sans water. I love the bottle's muted color options (I have the Hydaway in Twilight), sturdy handle, and fuss-free cleaning; fully extended it holds 17 ounces of water, making this smart little number perfect for filling up on the go. Where to Buy Them: The Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle is available at several online merchants; I purchased through REI. Available here on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $27.95.
Why We Love Them: This is one of those things that we don't know how we traveled without them. Packing cubes keep things organized, save space in a suitcase, and take the pain out of the packing process. If you know and love someone who travels, this set would make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: There are so many options for packing cubes on Amazon, but we particularly LOVE this set. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 for 8 cubes
Why We Love Them: I've been a fan of Beis for years now, starting with the Weekender (it’s my absolute favorite travel bag for short car trips or flying and is surprisingly roomy). I recently purchased another Beis item — the backpack. With a padded interior sleeve, two water bottle pockets, and plenty of organization built-in — we’re talking zippered interior pockets, pen slots, a key leash, and more — this is the best backpack I’ve ever owned. It also has a full-zip opening, so it’s easy to pack, and the trolley pass-through makes it the perfect carry-on companion. This olive beauty is officially my new favorite personal item while traveling, and I’ve already brought it on several trips. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Beis Price (at time of publication): $88
Why We Love Them: We bought this set of two accessory organizers for a recent trip and think they would make a fun stocking stuffer filled with all sorts of small and useful travel goodies — chapstick, hair ties, mini lotions, bandaids, etc. The gift recipient can then use the organizers for travel. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $17.66
Why We Love It: The sleek style of the Away Everywhere Zip Backpack looks at home in just about any environment, making it a great transition bag if you need to hop right from a flight into a work meeting (or want to start exploring as soon as you land). It's water-resistant, has a padded laptop sleeve to keep your devices safe, and the full wrap-around zipper makes it incredibly easy to grab what you need in a cramped airplane seat. I love it! Where To Buy It:Buy Now From Away Price (at time of publication): $195
Why We Love It: Engagement Editor Meg Archer recently travel-testedthis high-end aluminum travel case, and it can only be described as the Lamborghini of Luggage: "The Sterling Pacific 40L Travel Case is hands down the best I've ever owned or reviewed. It's stunning inside and out, timelessly stylish, and rolls like a dream. Honestly, I didn't know luggage could move like this." It's undeniably a splurge, but if you're looking for a piece of eye-catching yet understated luxury-tier luggage, this is it. Where To Buy It: Buy Now From Sterling Pacific Price (at time of publication): $2,150
Why We Love It: Throw out all your assumptions about generators. The Anker Power Bank Portable Generator is all-electric (so it's totally silent), super compact, and has a massive 60,000 mAh capacity that can power multiple devices dozens of times on a single charge. It also retains an impressive 85% charge after a whole year of non-use, making it absolutely vital during emergencies. This bad boy kept us in touch with family during a multi-day blackout, but we also love it for camping trips and off-grid adventures. Where To Buy It:Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $149.99
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If you need anymore ideas for the best travel gifts of the season, we have you covered. Check out more of our travel-themed gift guides...
One thing that makes life so fun and interesting is a good ol' road trip! I, for one, love jumping into the car, especially on a whim, and hitting the road in search of adventure. Of course, it's always best to have a plan in mind, so if you're interested in taking a drive to visit some of the most iconic roadside attractions in Arizona, here's the route:
This Arizona road trip will cover 153 miles and will take just over 2.5 hours of driving time. You may be able to do this trip in one day, but I think taking at least two days would be best. Follow the route on Google Maps.
1. Rainbow Rock Shop
Our first road trip stop is in the town of Holbrook where you'll find the Rainbow Rock Shop. This is one roadside attraction you can't miss as there are massive dinosaur statues outside. Head into the store and you can pick up some souvenirs including petrified wood and rocks.
Back in the car, you'll drive less than a mile (0.6 miles to be exact) to the Wigwam Motel. Built in 1950, it's a time capsule of sorts with several wigwams on the property. And, yes, you can book a night here. After all, it's one of the most unique places to stay in Arizona!
3. Standin' On The Corner in Winslow, Arizona
Historic Route 66 road in Winslow, Arizona USA. The highway, which became one of the most famous roads in the United States, originally ran from Chicago, Illinois to Los Angeles California.
Winslow was put on the map when the Eagles' song "Take it Easy" hit the airwaves back in 1972. A line in the song mentions, "Well, I'm standin' on a corner in Winslow, Arizona, such a fine sight to see...," and when you come to town, you can certainly do that and take a picture to prove it! I have my own photos from several years ago when a friend of mine and I were passing through town on a road trip. It's just one of those touristy things you have to do!
Next stop, Flagstaff! This is where we will stop at the Twin Arrows Trading Post Ruins on Historic Route 66. Two massive arrows of an old trading post stand here. Built in 1940 and originally called the Canyon Padre Trading Post, and later Twin Arrows, a gas station, a diner, and a gift shop once stood here with arrows enticing weary travelers to stop for a spell. It was abandoned decades ago. While the arrows have been maintained, the abandoned buildings have not. However, it's worth a photo stop.
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5. Miz Zip's
If you find yourself famished while traveling through Flagstaff, our next stop should satisfy your appetite. Welcome to Miz Zip's, an iconic Route 66 diner that's been open since the 1950s. And its interior looks as though it hasn't changed much since then. Sit down in this cozy diner and order yourself a breakfast plate, a sandwich, a slice of pie, a shake, or any number of classic American dishes.
6. Grand Canyon Deer Farm
If you love petting zoos, you must stop at the 10-acre Grand Canyon Deer Farm in Williams to feed and pet some deer. In addition to deer, there are wallabies, bison, peacocks, llamas, and several other animals. This farm has been open for over five decades to the delight of those traveling through Williams to head to the Grand Canyon. Open year-round, there's no excuse not to stop!
7. Flintstones Bedrock City
Years upon years ago, I somehow ended up in Bedrock City before heading to the Grand Canyon. I have to tell you, this place did not disappoint! I felt like a kid again from the moment we parked the car. I was traveling with my aunt and we treated ourselves to coffee and dessert at the cafe before heading outdoors to the colorful cave-like homes like those in The Flintstones cartoon. You'll even see dinosaurs around town!
Are you excited to take this road trip to some of the most iconic roadside attractions in Arizona? What other stops along this route would you add? Let us know!
