Arizona Road Trip: Grand Canyon to Monument Valley
Explore Arizona's most iconic natural landmarks across 3,568 km, from the Grand Canyon and Horseshoe Bend to Monument Valley, Antelope Canyon, and the Sonoran Desert. This comprehensive route connects northern Arizona's dramatic red rock formations with southern attractions including Saguaro National Park, Sabino Canyon, and historic Route 66.
- Distance
- 3568.2 km
- Mode
- route
- Start
- Welcome to Arizona
- End
- Grand Falls
- Stops
- 22
- Video author
- travmap
- Updated
Stops on this route
- Welcome to Arizona — Southwestern U.S. state renowned for dramatic desert landscapes, ancient Native American ruins, and iconic geological formations spanning millions of years.
- Grand Canyon National Park — Standing at the edge watching sunlight dance across towering cliffs in shades of orange, red, and gold
- Horseshoe Bend — Marveling with beauty and color changes near Glen Canyon Dam
- Glen Canyon Dam — Massive concrete wall stretching across the Colorado River, built between 1956 and 1966
- Lake Powell — One of the biggest man-made lakes in the US, created by Glen Canyon Dam
- Antelope Canyon — Narrow walls twist and turn like a maze made of soft flowing rock shaped by time, includes upper and lower sections
- Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park — Giant sandstone formations reach high into the sky like ancient giants standing guard
- Painted Desert — Giant canvas painted with vibrant colors, a famous natural site in Arizona
- Vermilion Cliffs — Striking red rock escarpment stretching across northern Arizona, famous for its vibrant crimson hues and rare California condor habitat.
- Superstition Mountains — Area explored via Apache Trail, museum full of Native American artifacts and stories of the Lost Dutchman Mine
- Camelback Mountain — Legendary peak standing watch over Scottsdale, described as a big friendly giant
- Mount Lemmon — High-elevation peak near Tucson offering pine forests, skiing, and cool refuge from desert heat with panoramic valley views.
- Sonoran Desert — Hot desert ecosystem in southwestern Arizona characterized by iconic saguaro cacti, diverse wildlife, and extreme summer temperatures exceeding 120°F.
- Lake Havasu — Reservoir on the Colorado River famous for its water recreation, historic London Bridge relocated here in 1968, and turquoise waters.
- Meteor Crater
- Bartlett Lake
- Sabino Canyon
- Saguaro National Park — Protected area preserving vast forests of giant saguaro cacti, split into eastern and western sections near Tucson with scenic trails.
- Oak Creek Canyon — Scenic 28-mile gorge between Flagstaff and Sedona featuring red rock walls, seasonal water flows, and dramatic elevation changes through forest.
- Historic Route 66 — Legendary 1926 highway crossing Arizona with vintage towns, diners, and motels representing classic American road-trip culture and history.
- Canyon de Chelly National Monument
- Grand Falls — Seasonal waterfall on the Little Colorado River that flows only during spring snowmelt and monsoon rains, creating a rare desert cascade.
Useful for your trip
- Timing
- Arizona enjoys sunshine for more than 300 days a year, making it ideal for outdoor activities year-round.
- Timing
- Visit Horseshoe Bend during late morning or just before sunset for the best lighting and color changes from orange to purple.
- Tip
- The Grand Canyon has a rim trail where you can walk and spot wildlife like lizards and California condors.
- Tip
- Take a tour at Glen Canyon Dam's visitor center to learn about the engineering and history of the dam and Lake Powell.
- Tip
- Arizona is home to over 20 distinct Native American tribes, each with unique traditions, languages, and stories worth exploring.
- Tip
- The Colorado River winds through multiple scenic locations including the Grand Canyon and Horseshoe Bend.
- Tip
- Glen Canyon Dam area offers activities including hiking, boating, and scenic viewing.
Video on this route
Wonders of Arizona | The Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Arizona | Travel Video 4K