Top 5 Arizona Car Tours: Road Trip Bliss

So, thinking about hitting the road and soaking up Arizona’s landscapes? I mean, Arizona is a seriously beautiful state that just about begs to be explored by car. I get it; the freedom of the open road, the awesome scenery – it’s, like, a match made in travel heaven. So, I thought I would put together a list of five awesome Arizona car tours. Let’s get rolling!

1. The Grand Canyon South Rim Drive

You know, the Grand Canyon’s South Rim is kind of iconic for a totally good reason. This drive’s, like, all about those views that seem to stretch forever. You are, in a way, seeing layers of rock carved out by, very literally, time. Start at the South Entrance and hit up Mather Point for that postcard view. It really sets the tone, like your, for your whole experience. The beauty is kinda hard to, really, describe.

Keep driving along Desert View Drive, stopping at various overlooks. Yavapai Point is a must, too, with its geology museum that kind of, gives some context to the massive panorama you’re checking out. And, naturally, make sure to hit the Desert View Watchtower. It isn’t just any stop; it’s also a piece of history with, you know, some pretty amazing views to go with it. You can also make your experience one you will never forget. I can see you doing that right? Very memorable.

Also, a quick tip for this particular route: Arrive early! That way you will completely avoid the crowds. Consider going during the off-season, too; fewer people kinda translate to a way more peaceful experience. Very important to be peaceful.

Read our full review: Grand Canyon South Rim Drive Full Review and Details

2. Sedona’s Red Rock Scenic Byway (SR 179)

Next up, we’ve got the Red Rock Scenic Byway, which, really, is just SR 179, near Sedona. So, this route isn’t too long, but its just breathtaking from beginning to, pretty much, end. As you’re, in a way, driving, the red rock formations seem to, almost, come alive, glowing in the sun. Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte are kinda the stars of the show here, but there is still something else too it’s just the whole drive is gorgeous. Every curve in the road has, as a matter of fact, a new viewpoint to appreciate. That’s what is really important. Beauty is all around. I promise.

You, like your, should definitely plan for some stops. There is trailheads galore. This, honestly, makes the whole scenic drive experience all the more immersive. Hike a little, maybe, or just kinda find a quiet spot to really soak it all in. You might also consider stopping at the Chapel of the Holy Cross, I guess; it’s, sort of, built right into the rock and has stunning views, actually.

Read our full review: Sedona Red Rock Scenic Byway Full Review and Details

3. Apache Trail (Highway 88)

Now, alright, this one’s for those who enjoy, actually, a little adventure. The Apache Trail, that is Highway 88, it’s partly unpaved and gets, literally, pretty rugged. It is very worth it for the spectacular views, though. That being said, some rental companies don’t allow you to drive on unpaved surfaces, alright, so it’s seriously something to consider.

As I was saying, this isn’t your typical scenic drive; it is got history, too. As a matter of fact, the route winds through the Superstition Mountains and past Canyon Lake and Apache Lake. You also can stretch your legs with a stop in Tortilla Flat. This happens to be a kinda quirky little town that embraces its Wild West roots. So, the drive can be a little challenging, sure, but if you’re after something different that has views and a story, then you can’t find nothing better, in that case.

Read our full review: Apache Trail (Highway 88) Full Review and Details

4. Monument Valley Scenic Drive

So, you may think Monument Valley looks totally familiar. If you do that it is ’cause, well, it is, as a matter of fact, been featured in many movies. Very beautiful landscape and, well, you’re basically driving through a living movie set. This area’s on Navajo Tribal Park land, actually, so there’s an entrance fee. The 17-mile loop is usually manageable in a standard vehicle, anyway, yet you can also book a tour with a Navajo guide who is, for example, totally able to give you a different, I guess, perspective and will also make your experience more meaningful. I mean you gotta admit that is really awesome to know about the land.

Plan, I mean, to catch the sunrise or sunset here; I mean you can totally watch it as those towering sandstone buttes come alive with color. I swear you can watch them come alive. It’s an experience that will make a memory that just about sticks with you, like, a super-long time. And also keep in mind, being a tribal park, that cultural sensitivity is really key.

Read our full review: Monument Valley Scenic Drive Full Review and Details

5. Petrified Forest National Park Drive

Finally, this trip takes you through a land which time apparently forgot. The Petrified Forest National Park, that, literally, features ancient petrified wood scattered across a desert landscape. If you travel in that way you’re on a drive kinda unlike any other.

The drive has overlooks and short trails at points, such as the Giant Logs Trail and Agate Bridge. Check out the Rainbow Forest Museum; it’s really useful for, for example, getting an insight into what you’re actually seeing. And I guess there are, really, ancient petroglyphs at Newspaper Rock that show the long history of people in this area, too. So just kinda respect the environment, don’t remove any petrified wood, and I mean just really enjoy that, like, unique environment.

Read our full review: Petrified Forest National Park Drive Full Review and Details

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