Think Phoenix is all scorching desert heat, towering cacti, and endless sunshine? You might be surprised by what’s waiting just a short drive outside the city!
Within a couple of hours, you can find cool pine forests, abandoned mining towns, sparkling lakes surrounded by towering cliffs, and massive rock formations that look almost too wild to be real.
And the best part? You don’t need to pack a suitcase or book a hotel to experience any of it!
Pack your backpacks and ready your wanderlust, because these 9 easy day trips from Phoenix will show you a completely different side of Arizona.
1. Sedona
Located about 2 hours away from Phoenix, Sedona is a stunning city famous for its massive red sandstone formations, energy vortices, and incredible hiking trails that’ll often take you to the most breathtaking views.
One of the best things to do here is hike the 1.1-mile round-trip Cathedral Rock Trail, which climbs about 669 feet and rewards you with jaw-dropping views of Sedona’s famous red rocks.
You can also explore the 3.5-mile one-way Bell Rock Pathway, take a Pink Jeep Tour through the rocky desert, or visit the Chapel of the Holy Cross, a striking church built right atop a 1,000-foot rock wall.
Don’t miss a visit to the city’s four energy vortex sites, which some people believe have special healing powers, and its downtown packed with art galleries, unique boutiques, and restaurants overlooking the mountains.
2. Flagstaff
If you’re craving cooler temperatures, pine forests, and mountain views, head to Flagstaff, about 2.5 hours from Phoenix, where you’ll find a charming mountain town sitting at a 7,000-foot elevation.
Surrounded by the massive Coconino National Forest, Flagstaff is packed with outdoor adventures, such as the 2.1-mile round-trip Buffalo Park Loop, which offers beautiful views of the San Francisco Peaks, home to Arizona’s tallest mountain.
You can also explore the 900-year-old cliff dwellings at Walnut Canyon National Monument, ride the scenic gondola at the seasonal Arizona Snowbowl, or wander through downtown Flagstaff along historic Route 66.
And here’s a fun fact: Flagstaff became the world’s first International Dark Sky City in 2001, making Lowell Observatory an awesome spot to see planets and stars.
3. Jerome
For something completely different, head to Jerome, a former copper mining town perched on Cleopatra Hill, where narrow streets, century-old buildings, and sweeping views of the Verde Valley make every corner worth exploring.
Once known as the “Wickedest Town in the West,” Jerome was home to around 15,000 people during its mining boom but now has roughly 400 residents.
Explore historic exhibits, artifacts, and even a 3D model of the town and its underground mines at Jerome State Historic Park, or visit the Jerome Historical Society Mine Museum, home to old mining equipment.
Don’t miss a visit to the Jerome Grand Hotel, a former hospital built in 1926 that’s now famous for its ghost stories and spooky overnight stays!
4. Prescott
If you love Wild West history, Prescott will make a fantastic day trip, a city famous for being a Wild West territorial capital, and for keeping its cowboy heritage alive throughout the years.
Start at Whiskey Row, a stretch of historic saloons along Montezuma Street where you can grab a drink at iconic places such as The Palace Restaurant and Saloon, which dates back to 1877 and claims to be Arizona’s oldest operating bar.
For outdoor fun, head to Watson Lake, where you can kayak, enjoy a picnic, admire the surrounding Granite Dells, or hike the almost 5-mile Watson Lake Loop Trail.
You can also explore the shops around Courthouse Plaza, visit the 4-acre Sharlot Hall Museum, or check out the World’s Oldest Rodeo at the Prescott Rodeo Grounds, held every summer since 1888.
5. Tonto Natural Bridge State Park
For a completely different kind of adventure, head to Tonto Natural Bridge State Park, where a massive natural travertine bridge towers over a tunnel with pools of water and multiple trails.
Standing 183 feet tall and stretching 150 feet across the tunnel, this incredible rock formation is believed to be the world’s largest natural travertine bridge.
You can admire the bridge from four viewpoints or tackle the steep 0.4-mile Gowan Trail, which takes you down to an observation deck near the creek beneath the bridge.
It’s best to wear sturdy shoes and watch out for wet rocks sprayed by the nearby waterfall, as they can often make the trails slippery.
6. Canyon Lake
If cruising across sparkling blue water while being surrounded by desert cliffs sounds like your kind of adventure, Canyon Lake is calling your name!
This stunning 950-acre reservoir stretches for about 30 miles, with steep canyon walls, hidden coves, and activity-safe waters that make it one of the most scenic lakes in Arizona.
You can rent a pontoon boat at Canyon Lake Marina, kayak or swim at the Acacia Day Use area, or hop aboard the Dolly Steamboat for a 90-minute sightseeing cruise past dramatic rock formations and desert wildlife.
Keep an eye out for bighorn sheep, javelina, eagles soaring overhead, and other local wildlife in this flora and fauna-rich destination!
(Note: Canyon Lake is temporarily closed to public water recreation at the time of writing. Please check the official website for updates.)
7. Boyce Thompson Arboretum
Head to Boyce Thompson Arboretum in Superior, where you can explore Arizona’s oldest and largest botanical garden spread across 372 acres of sprawling nature.
Founded in 1924 by mining millionaire William Boyce Thompson, this incredible garden features about 20,000 plants from deserts around the world, including a variety of cacti, tall eucalyptus trees, and colorful wildflowers.
You can wander along roughly 5 miles of trails, cross the Berber Suspension Bridge, or explore the 1.5-mile Main Trail, which winds past gardens, shady groves, and plenty of flora.
Don’t miss the historic Smith Building, dating back to 1925 and preserved to now house rare and endangered cacti and other plant species from all over the world!
8. Saguaro National Park
If you’ve ever wanted to see thousands of giant cacti stretching across the desert, Saguaro National Park is the place to go, boasting some of Arizona’s most iconic landscapes.
The park is split into two districts on opposite sides of Tucson, both of which protect and are home to massive saguaro cacti that can reach up to 50 feet in height and around 200 years of age.
For an easy adventure, drive the 5.2-mile Bajada Loop Drive, hike the 0.8-mile Valley View Overlook Trail, or explore prehistoric petroglyphs along the 0.3-mile Signal Hill Trail.
Visit in spring to catch the saguaros blooming with flowers, or come at sunset when the giant cacti create incredible silhouettes against the orange desert sky.
9. Wickenburg
For a taste of Arizona’s cowboy life, head to Wickenburg, about 1.5 hours from Phoenix, where wooden storefronts, an old-fashioned saloon, and historic ranches tell the story of a town founded during the 1863 gold rush.
Start at Sigler Western Museum (formerly Desert Caballeros Western Museum), where you can explore bronze sculptures inspired by the American West and exhibits dedicated to the people who shaped the town.
Next, take a stroll through the historic downtown area and discover over 25 buildings listed on the National Historic Register, each one brimming with stories and architectural charm.
Lastly, for some outdoor fun, explore the almost 5-mile Vulture Peak Trail, a challenging hike that takes you to a rocky summit with sweeping views of the Sonoran Desert and surrounding mountains.
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