road trip from maryland to arizona

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Maryland to Arizona drive

Maryland to arizona road trip planner.

Here's a sample itinerary for a drive from Maryland to Arizona. If you're planning a road trip to Arizona, you can research locations to stop along the way. Make sure you check road conditions to double check the weather. Traveling with a dog or cat? Find pet-friendly stops . Camping along the way? Search for RV campgrounds . Find the best hotels, restaurants, and attractions based on the most talked about places recommended by Trippy members.

9:00 am  start at Maryland drive for about 4 hours

12:48 pm   Morgantown stay for about 1 hour and leave at 1:48 pm drive for about 6.5 hours

day 1 driving ≈ 10 hours find more stops

11:00 am  leave from Indianapolis drive for about 4 hours

day 2 driving ≈ 4 hours find more stops

10:00 am  leave from Hyatt Regency St. Louis at The Arch drive for about 3.5 hours

1:27 pm   Springfield (Missouri) stay for about 1 hour and leave at 2:27 pm drive for about 4 hours

day 3 driving ≈ 7.5 hours find more stops

10:00 am  leave from The Skirvin Hilton Oklahoma City drive for about 4 hours

1:58 pm   Amarillo stay for about 1 hour and leave at 2:58 pm drive for about 4 hours

day 4 driving ≈ 8 hours find more stops

10:00 am  leave from Los Poblanos Inn & Cultural Center drive for about 6.5 hours

4:34 pm  arrive at Arizona

day 5 driving ≈ 6.5 hours find more stops

Where should I stop along the way?

Morgantown   (14 answers)     questions about Morgantown:         What's the best neighborhood in Morgantown (West Virginia) for a first time visitor? Indianapolis   (60 answers)     Indianapolis Museum of Art   (4 mentions)     Indianapolis Zoo   (2 mentions)     questions about Indianapolis:         What is your favorite restaurant in Indianapolis?         Your Favorite Holiday Events in Indianapolis         Best free things to do in Indianapolis?         Awesome food trucks?         Safe area? St. Louis   (114 answers)     Forest Park   (10 mentions)     St. Louis Zoo   (6 mentions)     City Museum   (5 mentions)     Gateway Arch   (4 mentions)     Urban Chestnut Brewing Company   (4 mentions)     restaurants around St. Louis:         Pappy's Smokehouse         Ted Drewes         Iron Barley Eating Establishment         Pastaria         Companion     hotels around St. Louis:         Hyatt Regency St. Louis at The Arch         The Lemp Mansion     questions about St. Louis:         What is your favorite restaurant in St. Louis?         Good St. Louis dines?         Great lunch places in St Louis         Good family vacation within 10 hours of St. Louis (not Branson)?         Where are the best places to stay in St. Louis? Springfield (Missouri)   (11 answers)     questions about Springfield (Missouri):         Can't miss restaurants in Springfield?         What town is about 500 miles west of Springfield MO on Interstate 40 Oklahoma City   (60 answers)     Boathouse District   (4 mentions)     Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum   (3 mentions)     AT&T Bricktown Ballpark   (2 mentions)     Science Museum Oklahoma   (2 mentions)     Stockyards City Main Street   (2 mentions)     restaurants around Oklahoma City:         Kitchen No. 324         Big Truck Tacos         Waffle Champion         Cheever's Cafe         Museum Cafe     hotels around Oklahoma City:         The Skirvin Hilton Oklahoma City     questions about Oklahoma City:         What's the best neighborhood in Oklahoma City for a first time visitor?         Breakfast Restaurant in OKC         What sort of hands-on things can I experience in OKC? Amarillo   (43 answers)     questions about Amarillo:         THING TO SEE         Hotels Albuquerque   (117 answers)     Old Town Albuquerque   (3 mentions)     New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science   (2 mentions)     Explora!   (2 mentions)     Nob Hill   (2 mentions)     Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta   (2 mentions)     restaurants around Albuquerque:         Frontier Restaurant         Standard Diner         Frontier Restaurant     hotels around Albuquerque:         Los Poblanos Inn & Cultural Center     questions about Albuquerque:         What is your favorite restaurant in Albuquerque?         Affordable hotel in Albuquerque for the International Balloon Fiesta?         Temporary home!         Where to stay

What are some things to do in Arizona?

This section could be endless, so rather than trying to suggest every local activity or attraction, we'll leave it open-ended.

Of course, Trippy is the perfect place to ask questions because there's an entire community of travelers talking to each other and sharing tips and advice. Trippy is where you can get answers personalized for your tastes, budgets, trip dates & more!

For example, here are some questions people have asked about Arizona. Click on any question to see answers from the community!

Click the button below to explore more questions and answers related to Arizona.

Do I really have to go back home?

Yes, even this step is optional, because if you're on vacation who wants the trip to end? It's okay, you can start planning your next trip!

Want to plan the trip back? Get the reverse directions for a Arizona to Maryland drive , or go to the main page to plan a new road trip .

You can also compare the travel time if you're flying or driving by calculating the distance from Maryland to Arizona . Or get a full Maryland to Arizona flight plan .

Don't forget about exploring your own hometown with a staycation. You can also find some cool day trips or get away for a weekend. Maybe try typing in a faraway location like London, Hong Kong, or Sydney, and get inspired for your dream trip around the world.

And if you know Maryland well, please help your fellow travelers and answer their questions about Maryland!

More info on this route:

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Routing Recommendations from Maryland to Arizona - Road Trips Forum

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(1). Based on possible severe weather (snow, ice, fog), what is the best route from Maryland to Chandler Arizona in early December (1-5)?

(2). Also please elaborate on road conditions on recommended routes.

(3) If known, are the hotels along the recommended route pet friendly?

I-10 would be your best bet. If that is too far south I-20 would also likely be a safe bet.

Use http://www.bringfido.com to find pet friendly lodging. Check forecasts each day and have gps running so you know real time about any road issues.

You need to see the weather forecast will be prior to your trip.

You can get snow or ice along 8 and possibly along 40.

You can go 50/301to 95 and 85 to Atlanta.

At that point see how 20 looks and go 20/10. You can also opt to head down to 10 ( different paths) and take 10.

After San Antonio you don’t have much in terms of stopping points along 10 until you get to El Paso.

Day 1-3 you drive to I-35 in texas ( Dallas or San Antonio)

Day 4 to El Paso

Day 5 to chandler

Very early December is generally early for significant weather...

South to Rt 40, likely picking it up at Knoxville, then west to I-17 south at Flagstaff is the most obvious route... likely to be snow and ice free in early December...

If weather threatens then south to Knoxville for I-40, west to pick up I-30 in Little Rock, to Dallas are to I-20 west to I-10 near VanHorn TX... then I-10 west via Tucson to Chandler...

Along the way many motels are pet friendly... to a point... up to two dogs... some have weight limits for animals... Bring Fido is a good guide but call each property as you make reservations (not a hotel broker, not their national reservation number, the specific hotel/motel). I have found most Best Westerns are good. Many Brew pubs welcome dogs in outdoor seating... and so are good stops. (but this is winter and outside seating may be cold... and brewpubs in Flagstaff are generally not dog friendly)

Thank you for the thorough response.

Thank you for sharing options.

This info was very helpful.

Thank you for the info

This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity.

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How to Plan an Amazing Arizona Road Trip (7-14 Days)

How were we so late to the Arizona party? Despite both having been to Arizona MULTIPLE TIMES before, we were radically unprepared for the sheer beauty that we experienced over the course of our Arizona road trip. We spent around two weeks in Arizona, and already started making plans for our return. Because there is SO MUCH to do and see in Arizona that it’s honestly a little overwhelming.

We originally had plans to go all over the state, but ended up having to cut our trip a little short. Which turned out to be a good thing, because it forced us to focus in on the things we really wanted to do and see while we were in Arizona.

We used our experience road tripping in Arizona – along with the hours of research that went into planning our own trip – to put together this guide to planning an amazing Arizona adventure.

In it, you’ll find the logistics – when to go, where to fly in, etc etc – along with our favorite stops in Arizona and exactly what to do and see while you’re there.

We think that you should spend your time going deep (or, as deep as you can go with 2-3 days) in each of the stops you make rather than trying to see everything in one trip. The latter approach means you’re spending 4-5 hours a day in the car, which, honestly, sucks.

Instead, spend your time exploring hiking trails, stuffing your face with food and drinks, and seeing some of Arizona’s most spectacular landscapes.

Sound good to you? Let’s get into it.

Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post, like hotel links, are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, we make a little bit of money if you click through and book. That being said, we would never recommend something to you that we don’t stand behind 100%.

How Many Days in Arizona?

Arizona is huge, and if you’re trying to hit all of the different corners of the state, you’ll need at least two weeks .

If you have less than that, we’d strongly recommend focusing your Arizona road trip itinerary on three main areas : Phoenix and the Superstition Mountains, Sedona, and Grand Canyon National Park.

You will need at least seven days – more would be better – to do Phoenix, Sedona, and the Grand Canyon.

We’ve written the road trip itinerary below for seven days, but have suggestions for what to do with extra time that are equally as detailed as the 7 day itinerary below – you can find them at the end of this guide.

• With a few extra days – 10 or so – you can add on Tucson and Saguaro National Park.
• With 14 days, add the southern loop through Tucson , plus Page and Zion National Park , ending your time by flying out of Vegas. 

Monument Valley, which is spectacular, is FAR from most of the places on this itinerary. For example, it’ll take you three to four hours to get there from the Grand Canyon.

Other than the drive, which is beautiful, there’s nothing else to really do there, so we don’t think it really makes sense to take a huge detour to get there . In fact, it would be a better addition to a broader Arizona / Utah road trip on your way to Moab .

Instead, we’d STRONGLY recommend focusing your time on the corridor between Phoenix and the Grand Canyon, immersing yourself in the spectacular landscapes along the way rather than spending all day in the car.

Where to Start and End Your Arizona Road Trip

For most people, a loop that starts and ends in Phoenix, Arizona is going to be the best way to do this road trip.

Fly into Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, which generally has a good selection of flights from around the country (and even the world, in some cases). Click here to check flight prices into Phoenix’s Sky Harbor International Airport for your dates.

The benefit of doing this as a loop is that you won’t have to pay a one-way rental car fee.

From the furthest points on the itinerary below – either Page or the Grand Canyon South Rim – it’s about a four hour drive back to the airport.

Plan on booking the earliest possible flight into Phoenix, and the latest possible flight out to maximize your time.

Note : The exception to doing this as a loop is if you have 14 days and decide to add on Zion National Park at the end. Then, it would actually be better to end in Las Vegas – about two and a half hours or 172 miles from Zion.

Do You Need to Rent a Car for this Road Trip?

In short, yes. You’ll need to rent a car for the entirety of this itinerary. We’d recommend picking up and dropping off at the same place – Sky Harbor International Airport in Phoenix – to avoid a one-way rental car fee if you can. 

We like using Kayak for booking rental cars because they aggregate all the different car rental sites to help you find the best price. Make sure to rent from a reputable company – Hertz, Enterprise, National, or Avis, which you can do by using Kayak’s helpful filters.  Cl i ck here to check prices for rental cars in Phoenix.

A Complete 7 Day Itinerary for a Road Trip in Arizona

Now that we’ve got all the logistics out of the way, time to get into the exact itinerary we’d recommend. 

Day 1: Fly in and Explore Phoenix

A lot of people pick up their rental car and head straight for either Sedona or Tucson, depending on what route you’re taking.

However, we think there are a few things to do in Phoenix that are well worth a day of your time.

We’d spend your first day, night, and second day in the Phoenix area, focusing on the many outdoor activities nearby, most notably the Superstition Mountains, which were a highlight of our Arizona trip. Then, on your second night, head up to Sedona and sleep there so you can get an early start the next morning.

What to Do in Phoenix

There are a couple of things worth doing in Phoenix itself on your first day in Arizona – we’ll cover the Superstition Mountains on day 2 of this itinerary.

• The Desert Botanical Garden in Papago Park is worth a stop to see all sorts of desert flora – over 50,000 different kinds! There are multiple loops that take you on a journey through the plant life of the Sonoran desert, which will give you a great foundation for the rest of your trip (“Hey Alysha! It’s a teddy bear cholla cactus!”).
• Speaking of Papago Park, Hole in the Wall is a short climb that takes you to a perfect spot to take in your first Arizona sunset! Unlike places on the west coast, there’s no marine layer or clouds in the sky to ruin the evening glow – sunsets in Arizona are spectacular.
• There are a surprising number of great hikes within 45 minutes of Phoenix. Camelback Mountain is seemingly right in the middle of town, and gives you sweeping views of the surrounding area from the summit, which is reached with a 2.5 mile out-and-back trail that is basically straight up. Tom’s Thumb is another great hike that takes you to a saddle with panoramic views – it’s a little further out to the north of town, but is worth the journey in our opinion.
• Get coffee at Cartel Coffee Lab , who has the best coffee in Phoenix (in our opinion, anyway) and has created a mini empire in southern Arizona.

Where to Stay in Phoenix

We were walking through Uptown Phoenix on our way to Cartel Coffee – some of the best coffee in Phoenix – when we found ourselves in the courtyard of a hip-looking hotel.

That hotel was Rise Uptown , and we wish we would have stayed there. It’s a great location for exploring Phoenix, and the rooms are spacious and beautiful. Plus, there’s a nice pool, and Cartel Coffee is essentially in the lobby. 

In general, we’d recommend staying somewhere between Downtown and uptown, between the two highways that run north-south (51 and 17).

Here are a couple of other good choices in Phoenix.

• Cambria Hotel Downtown Phoenix : Great value with bright-colored rooms and charming décor. Plus, it’s super affordable! It’s also near the freeway that you’ll take out to the Superstitions, which puts you in a great location for exploring.
• Aloft Phoenix Airport : Location is nothing special, but it’s convenient for the airport, and it’s an affordable choice with nice rooms and a pool.
• The AC Hotel Phoenix Biltmore : A little more on the boutique end of the spectrum, this hotel is beautiful, and is well-located in the Biltmore area of Phoenix, which is a perfect home base for exploring the city and surrounding area.

Day 2: Day Trip to the Superstition Mountains

Stay in Phoenix for the night, and head out early to the east, where you’ll find the Superstition Wilderness, a highlight of our time in Arizona. You can explore most of the main part of the western end of the park in a morning, which is exactly what you’re going to do here.

Head to Lost Dutchman State Park , which will be your base for exploring, and park at either the Treasure Loop or Siphon Draw Trailheads . There’s a day use fee of $10 to enter the park.

There are a couple of established hikes in the park, but we created our own by putting together multiple hikes into one big loop.

Start with the eastern part of the Treasure Loop Trail , which winds its way up to the ridge. From there, rather than heading back down via the Treasure Loop Trail, take the Prospector’s Ridge Trail to the west until it intersects with the Siphon Draw Trail . From that intersection, take the Jacob’s Crosscut trail back to the trailhead.

All-in, it’ll be around four miles, and you’ll see the Superstition Mountains and a ton of desert flora and fauna along the way.

On your way back into Phoenix, stop in Mesa, Arizona for a couple of our favorite spots in the Phoenix Metro Area. 

• Get coffee at Mythical Coffee , which is actually in Gilbert, but is roughly on the way. This is the best coffee in the Phoenix area, we think. An alternative would be Peixoto Coffee , which we like because they own a coffee farm in Brazil (or more accurately, are owned by a family who also owns a coffee farm in Brazil) and highlight the coffees from their farm in their shop. 
• Need to refuel post-hike? There are two great gluten free spots in Mesa, which we’d recommend whether you have Celiac Disease (like me) or not. First is Spooky Swirls , a cupcake shop (they make all sorts of baked goods) that makes fun, themed cupcakes that are not only beautiful, but they’re also delicious. We got a Baby Yoda cupcake (see below), that didn’t quite survive the Arizona heat, but was delicious either way. The second spot is Intentional Foods Cafe , which is a 100% gluten free restaurant that is also free of eight other allergens, so it’s perfect if you or any of your traveling companions have food sensitivities. Get the donuts and the fries. 
• Last, but certainly not least, head up to Cider Corps , a veteran-owned cidery in Mesa to try some local cider. I believe (I could be wrong) that they are Phoenix’s only cider bar! They have a nice outdoor patio if it’s cool enough, otherwise they have a high-ceilinged, light-filled indoor space. Plus, CIDER SLUSHIES! You can bring outside food, so we’d recommend grabbing lunch and heading here to eat and sip on some cider. 

Days 3 & 4: Sedona

Drive Time from Phoenix: 2 hours / 115 miles

Sedona is gorgeous. We did Sedona and Zion on the same trip (see our recommendations for 14 days below to see how we did it), and in a lot of ways, they’re very similar. You’ll find red rock walls and towering buttes with lush greenery in the canyons below.

Another thing that makes them similar? The crowds.

We were in Sedona in April, and it was a zoo. Think hundreds of cars parked at the most popular trailheads, and roads to trailheads closed because the trailhead is full.

Still, it’s a beautiful place, and as long as you know what you’re getting into before you get there, you’ll enjoy your visit.

What to Do in Sedona

Sedona, like Bend, Oregon, is an outdoor lover’s paradise. There’s all sorts of fantastic hikes (psst! We have a guide to our favorite hikes in Sedona ), 4×4 offroading, areas to spend a summer day lounging at the river, and more. Here are some of our favorite things to do in Sedona.

Crescent Moon Picnic Area : At this park on the south side of town, you’ll have some of the best views of Cathedral Rock that you’ll find anywhere in Sedona. Plus, there’s a river, so bring a picnic, a blanket and some towels, your swimsuit, and make an afternoon of it. 

Drink Mind-blowing Chai at the Chai Spot : This was unexpected. As I was scrolling Google Maps getting myself oriented, I realized that there was a chai shop in Sedona called the Chai Spot . Not only do they make INCREDIBLE chai (get the butter chai, it’s creamy and rich and delicious), but their story is worth looking into as well. It’s a social project that focuses on economic empowerment of women and education of children in Pakistan. The inside of the shop is colorful and vibrant, and the outdoor patio is a welcome refuge from the heat – it’s the perfect spot for chai lovers (like Alysha) to relax in Sedona. 

Hiking in Sedona: There are an incredible number of great hikes in Sedona. So many, that we have a whole separate post highlighting the best hikes in Sedona – if you want to spend most of your time on the hiking trails, you should absolutely go read that. We really enjoyed the West Fork of Oak Creek , which is a beautiful meander through a lush canyon with towering red rock walls. You cross the river 13 times, but none of the crossings are particularly hard, especially if you have waterproof shoes on. The Boynton Canyon Trail and Soldier Pass Trail were our next two picks, though you need to read our hiking guide to figure out the parking situation for Soldier Pass, which is a bonafide nightmare. Devils Bridge is cool, but you’ll probably have to wait in line at the top for a picture, which isn’t our cup of tea. 

Sunset Spots: Arizona sunsets are amazing. Catch sunset at Airport Mesa , which is one of the most popular spots (there were literally hundreds of people there when we were there) or the top of Cathedral Rock , which requires a steep hike to reach. Another good option that should be less crowded is Bell Rock . Make the climb about halfway up the south side of the towering rock formation and find a nice spot to relax and watch the sun dip below the horizon. It’ll light up the red rocks of the valley in front of you as it does. 

Wine Tasting: I bet you didn’t expect to see wine tasting on an itinerary for Arizona, did you? The Verde Valley Wine Trail is just outside of Sedona, in nearby Cottonwood and Corndale (~30 minutes from Sedona by car) and a trip out there would make for a great afternoon activity after a morning hike. Head to Oak Creek Vineyards for wine flights and small plates (also dog + kid friendly!), or Arizona Stronghold Vineyards (no reservations, tables are first-come-first-served) for a delightfully rustic tasting experience just outside of Cottonwood. If you don’t want to make the journey out of town, head to Art of Wine in Sedona and get a flight of the Arizona reds or whites, depending on what you’re into. 

Where to Stay in Sedona

There are a couple of options in Sedona in terms of style and budget. You could stay in a hotel or resort, which will give you a nice refuge from the heat if you’re visiting in the summertime (or the cold if it’s winter or early spring). Or, you could camp at one of the campgrounds along 89A just north of Sedona. 

Hotels in Sedona

If you’re looking to stay in a hotel, you’ve got a pretty impressive number of options. 

We like Sky Ranch Lodge , which is walkable to the best sunset spot in the area at Airport Mesa. It’s where we’d stay if we were planning a trip to Sedona and weren’t living in our van.

They have a beautiful, lush property that has a patio with a great view of Sedona, and rooms are spacious. Plus, they’re certified sustainable by the Sustainability Alliance of Arizona!

Plus, a free shuttle to areas within five miles of the hotel means you won’t have to deal with parking at some of the most popular trailheads like the Soldier Pass Trail (though you should be careful, because cell-service is nonexistent in some parts of Sedona). It’s also walkable from the airport, which is a nice bonus if you’re flying in. 

The other spot we’d recommend looking at is Junipine Resort , which is along 89A north of town and offers a quieter, more private place to stay. We drove past it on our way to our campground and were intrigued. Sure enough, it looks like an amazing place to stay!

It’s along the banks of Oak Creek, they’re certified sustainable, and they have “Creekhomes” that have plenty of space and a full kitchen. It’s only 10-15 minutes outside of Sedona, and is perfect if you’re in search of a bit of tranquility, which you might not find if you’re staying in downtown Sedona. 

Camping in Sedona

If you want to camp, there are a bunch of campgrounds north of Sedona along Highway 89A. We’ll cover three of them, starting with the closest to Sedona and ending with one that’s about 15-20 minutes outside of town that we stayed at and really liked. 

Manzanita Campground : Right along the creek in a nice shady spot, this is the closest campground to town, which also means it’s the most competitive. There are only 18 sites, 11 of which are reservable in advance. Seven sites are first-come-first-served, so plan on getting there early in the day to secure a spot. More info here . 

Cave Springs Campground: With 84 sites, this is the biggest campground in the area. You must make reservations in advance (at least three days before you show up), and there’s usually availability (though we’d recommend grabbing a spot well in advance for the month of April, which is high season in Sedona). More info here .  

Pine Flat Campground : This is the one we stayed at, and 18 of the 54 sites here are reservable in advance. It’s a nice campground, though it is right along the road (though all of them are, really). Try to get a site on the side of the campground that’s along Oak Creek – that’s on the west side of the road, and the west side of the campground (look at a map and you’ll see what I mean). More info here . 

Days 5 & 6: The Grand Canyon

Drive Time from Sedona: 2 hours / 115 miles

We think 2 days in the Grand Canyon is the perfect amount of time to explore the rim, take the scenic drive out to the East Entrance of the park and Desert View, and do one of the difficult but spectacular hikes that take you below the rim.

There’s plenty to do and see to fill a few more days if you have extra time on this road trip and you’re particularly interested in the Grand Canyon – like the North Rim, or backpacking to the floor of the canyon – but we think your time is actually better spent elsewhere unless you’re up for a long drive around to the North Rim, or a long overnight backpacking trip.

So spend a couple of days exploring the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, which is plenty of time to see the highlights.

What to Do in Grand Canyon National Park (South Rim)

Like we mentioned above, there are three things we think are “must-do” at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.

• Hike the Rim Trail : All along the Rim Trail, you’ll have spectacular and ever-changing views of the vastness of the canyon below. We like the stretch from Mather Point to the Bright Angel Trailhead, which is a 3.1 mile hike that is mostly flat with plenty of viewpoints along the way. Don’t miss Mather Point , Yavapai Point , and the Yavapai Geology Museum . This hike is best done in the early morning before 10am, which is when the crowds start to show up, or within an hour of sunset for stunning light on the canyon.
• Scenic Drive out to Desert View : This drive is amazing, with about a half-dozen viewpoints that are worth stopping at along the way. You’ll have a different perspective on the canyon from the eastern end, and it’s the only part of the rim road that you can drive in a private vehicle (except between December and February, when the road out to Hermit’s Rest is open to private vehicles). Start two hours before sunset, stopping at the viewpoints along the way, and ending at Desert View to take in the usually-stunning Arizona sunset.
• Get below the Canyon Rim : Like Bryce Canyon , one of our favorite national parks in the United States, the best way to really get a feel for the Grand Canyon is to hike down into it. You’re sure to appreciate the scale of the canyon if you have to make the climb up the canyon walls, gaining several thousand feet over the course of your journey! The two most popular trails are the South Kaibab Trail and the Bright Angel Trail. The Bright Angel Trail is more of a way to get all the way to the canyon floor, which you won’t be able to do in a day hike. We’d recommend taking the South Kaibab Trail out to Skeleton Point , which is 6 miles roundtrip with an elevation gain of 2,000 feet on the way back. Shorten it to 3 miles / 1,100 feet by turning around at Cedar Point instead.

The hikes below the rim are not for the faint of heart – you’ll need to be prepared with plenty of water, sun protection, and salty snacks.

The interior of the canyon is often 20+ degrees hotter than the rim, which means you’re going to be at risk of heat exhaustion and dehydration, particularly in the summer months. Do not underestimate the difficulty of these hikes.

It’s probably better to underestimate your abilities rather than overestimating them, in this case.

Where to Stay in the Grand Canyon

There are three places we’d recommend staying on the Grand Canyon’s South Rim, and it largely depends on your budget and style.

If you’re camping, stay at Mather Campground , which is within walking distance (~1 mile one-way) of the main Visitors Center and the Marketplace. We stayed here and although it’s a massive campground, it’s relatively nice with flush toilets, shaded sites, and good water. Honestly, we were surprised at how nice it was.

Staying inside the park on the Rim is a great option, but like most national parks, you’re going to pay a little extra for the convenience of having the Grand Canyon literally out your front door (in most cases). Along the rim, the best options are going to be El Tovar Hotel , the Bright Angel Lodge , and the Maswik Lodge .

Staying outside of the south entrance of the park (which is the best place to stay outside the park), is going to be cheaper, but means a little bit of a journey to get to the rim of the canyon, and often a line at the park entrance (though, not if you get there early enough!).

We’d recommend looking in the town of Tusayan (15 minutes from the rim), which is just outside the South Entrance, or Grand Canyon Junction (30 minutes to the rim), which has a better selection of places to stay, but is a little further out. Here are three places to check out:

• Under Canvas Grand Canyon (Grand Canyon Junction): Bucket list-worthy glamping! If you’re looking for a once-in-a-lifetime experience, check out their safari tents in the desert.
• Red Feather Lodge (Tusayan): Located a few minutes from the entrance to the park, this is a solid value with simple rooms in a perfect location. Plus, relatively affordable!
• Holiday Inn Express or Best Western Premier (Tusayan): Two well-rated, good value hotels just outside the south entrance. Not a whole lot of bells and whistles here, but a pleasant place to use as a home base for exploring the Grand Canyon.

Williams and Flagstaff will have you driving for an hour (or more) each way to and from the rim of the Grand Canyon, and we wouldn’t recommend staying there if you can avoid it.

Day 7: Drive to Phoenix & Fly Home

The drive back to Phoenix is going to take you about four hours from the Grand Canyon’s South Rim. Plan on booking an afternoon / evening flight to give yourself plenty of time for the drive back.

Longer Itinerary Options (10 & 14 Days)

If you have a full 10 days or even two weeks, you’ll unlock more possibilities for your trip.

Here’s how we would spend 10 days and 14 days in Arizona.

How to Spend 10 Days in Arizona

With 10 days, we think you should add on Tucson and Saguaro National Park on the front end of your road trip, and Page, Arizona on the tail end after the Grand Canyon.

For this version of the itinerary, pick up your rental car in Phoenix and head south to Tucson, where you’ll spend the first 2-3 days. Then, continue on the road trip above as written. On the second-to-last day, head up to Page.

Here’s what that looks like:

• Day 1: Fly into Phoenix, drive to Tucson
• Day 2: Tucson / Saguaro National Park
• Day 3: Tucson / Saguaro National Park
• Day 4: Drive to Phoenix, afternoon in Phoenix
• Day 5: Superstition Mountains, drive to Sedona
• Day 6: Sedona
• Day 7: Sedona + Drive to Grand Canyon
• Day 8: Grand Canyon National Park
• Day 9: Grand Canyon National Park + Drive to Page
• Day 10: Page + Drive to Phoenix + Head Home

Tucson and Saguaro National Park

Southern Arizona is a vastly different landscape than northern Arizona, which is what the 7 day itinerary above focuses on. With more time, you’ll be able to dip your toes in the southern Arizona water (just kidding, this is the desert!), but you won’t be able to see it all.

For your introduction to southern Arizona, we think you should focus on the area around Tucson.

What to Do in Tucson

There are two main focuses for your time in Tucson – Saguaro National Park (there are two parts!) and Mt. Lemmon .

Saguaro National Park

First, you should know that there are two parts of Saguaro National Park that straddle Tucson, one on either side. They are the Rincon Mountain District , which is on the east side of Tucson, and the Tucson Mountain District to the west. 

Stop at the Visitor Center in each part of the park to grab a map, fill up your water, and get ready to explore. There is nowhere to get food or drinks other than water within the park, so you’ll want to pack a lunch and plenty of snacks. 

Here are some things to do in each region of the park. 

In the Tucson Mountain District, which is smaller in area but has a higher density of cacti and is therefore more popular: 

• Drive the 5 mile Bajada Loop scenic drive , which is a loop consisting of Golden Gate Road and Hohokam Road. It’s unpaved, but is passable by all vehicles. Drive it counterclockwise, starting with Hohokam road and ending on Golden Gate. This is a great way to explore the park, especially if you make stops at the Valley View Overlook Trail (extend it a bit by combining it with the Wild Dog Trail ) to get up close and personal with a ton of cacti, and the Signal Hill area, where you’ll find petroglyphs at the top of the hill. 
• If you’re looking for a longer hike , do the hike up to Wasson Peak either from the Sendero Esperanza Trailhead (7.5 miles / 1,600 feet of elevation) or via the Hugh Norris Trailhead (8.9 miles / 2,400 feet of elevation gain). 
• Stop at the Red Hills Visitor Center to walk the short loop through the cactus garden and pick up some maps and park information. 
• The Desert Discovery Center , which is outside the park’s southern boundary, is worth a stop either on the way in or out to learn about all the flora and fauna in the desert. 

In the Rincon Mountain District, which is the bigger but less popular part of the park on the east side of Tucson (If you only have time for one, we’d recommend the Tucson Mountain District. However, if you have time for both, this section of the park makes for a nice combination with Mt. Lemmon, since there’s only really about a half day worth of things to do and see here.):

• The number one thing you should do is drive Cactus Forest Loop Drive , which is a huge loop that takes you through the majority of the park. It is paved, and well worth the time. Stop at the Freeman Homestead Nature Trail , the Loma Verde Trail (do a loop with the Squeeze Pen Trail for a nice stroll through the desert), and the Cactus Forest Overlook . 
• If you’re looking for a longer hike, there are a bunch of great options leaving from the Broadway Trailhead at the northwest corner of the park and the Douglas Spring Trailhead along the northern boundary. 

Then, head to Mt. Lemmon for a completely different perspective on Tucson and the surrounding area. 

At 9,159 feet above sea level, Mt. Lemmon is a completely different place than Tucson. It’s likely going to be 20-30 degrees cooler, which means different ecosystems thrive here on the highest peak in the Santa Catalina Mountains. 

To put it in perspective, the average high temperature in July in Tucson is 100 degrees F. On Mt. Lemmon, it’s 76 degrees. 

Would you believe me if I told you there’s a SKI RESORT on Mt. Lemmon?

You should definitely drive all the way to the top – Summerhaven. It’s 26 miles, and the landscape gradually shifts over the course of the journey. At the top, you’ll be in the woods. In Arizona. Which is an odd feeling when just an hour or two ago you were driving through Saguaro National Park, home of a bazillion cacti. 

Stop by Windy Point Vista and San Pedro Vista on the way up for great views of the surrounding area. 

There’s a bunch of things to do and see in the town of Summerhaven at the top, whether you want to hike or just peruse shops, but we think the drive itself is by far the best part about Mt. Lemmon.

If you’re looking for a great, relatively easy hike, head out to the Mt. Lemmon Fire Lookout Station. It’s 2.1 miles round trip with 360 feet of elevation gain, and you can make a nice loop of it by returning via the Meadow trail. 

Where to Stay in Tucson

There are exactly zero campgrounds to stay at in Tucson, so your only options are going to be hotels and vacation rentals. Since you have two nights, you have your choice between staying in a hotel, which will provide more convenience and flexibility but less space, and vacation rentals, which give you more space and usually a kitchen, but less flexibility.

If you’re looking for a hotel, stay at Hotel McCoy , a cool hotel on the outskirts of town that’s perfect for exploring Saguaro National Park, or the Tuxon or the Graduate Hotel , which are both closer in to town and the amenities in Tucson.

Page, Arizona: Antelope Canyon & Horseshoe Bend

Page is a good home base for exploring two now Insta-famous sights in Arizona: Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend .

I know Page as the jumping off point for renting a houseboat on Lake Powell, which my family has done twice now. Other than those three things, there’s not a whole lot going on, which makes it a perfect half-day addition after the Grand Canyon.

We’d recommend leaving the Grand Canyon on the afternoon of your last day to make it to Horseshoe Bend for sunset. Keep in mind, you’ll be with hundreds of your new closest friends – it’s a popular spot. You’ll need to get there early if you want a prime location.

Then, the next morning, get up early and head to Antelope Canyon . It’s on Navajo land, and is only accessible via guided tours, which take between one and a half to two hours. Grab an early 8am departure, which will give you plenty of time to head back to Phoenix afterwards and catch your flight home (or start the drive home, if you drove).

Where to Stay in Page

Stay at the Desert Canyon Inn , which is where we had booked a room before we had to cut our trip a bit short. They have basic apartments – complete with kitchens! – in a perfect location in downtown Page.

What to Do in Arizona With 14 Days

With a full two weeks, you’ve got options. At a high level, you could either make a big loop, including Monument Valley and Page, or you could tack on Zion National Park at the end of your trip, and fly out of Vegas.

For this itinerary, head south to Tucson first, then spend two days in Phoenix before heading up to Sedona, on to the Grand Canyon, then to Page for a night before heading to Zion National Park, which is technically in Utah, but close enough, right?

Note that we’re skipping Petrified Forest National Park and Monument Valley. It’s not that they aren’t cool and worth seeing. It’s that we think you’re better served focusing on western Arizona here, and making a return trip to explore eastern Arizona. 

Otherwise, you’ll spend WAY too much time driving – and those drives are not particularly scenic, though there are some nice spots along the way – and not enough time actually exploring. 

For reference, it’s going to take you four and a half hours to go from Tucson to Petrified Forest National Park, another three or more hours to go from there to Monument Valley, and another two hours to get to Page. All in the span of about 36 hours, because there’s really not that much to do along that route. 

We think your time is better spent immersing yourself in Tucson, Sedona, and the Grand Canyon (and Zion). Some might disagree, but that’s our perspective. 

Here’s what that itinerary looks like:

• Day 3: Tucson / Saguaro National Park + Mt. Lemmon
• Day 4: Phoenix
• Day 5: Superstition Mountains (sleep in Phoenix)
• Day 7: Sedona
• Day 8: Sedona + Drive to Grand Canyon in evening
• Day 9: Grand Canyon National Park
• Day 10: Grand Canyon National Park
• Day 11: Page (Antelope Canyon morning + Horseshoe Bend sunset)
• Day 12: Drive to Zion
• Day 13: Zion 
• Day 14: Drive to Vegas and Fly Home (stop at Valley of Fire if you have time)

Wondering what to do in Zion National Park? We’ve got you covered. 

• How to Plan a Perfect Zion National Park Itinerary
• Where to Stay at Zion National Park

The Best Time to Road Trip in Arizona

Essentially, we’d say “anytime other than the summer.” But ideally spring and fall – March and April, and September and October being the best months.

We spent three weeks on this road trip in the spring in April, and it was very, very pleasant. In Phoenix, it’s still going to be warm, but not unbearable just yet – think 80’s and 90’s during the day. In higher elevation Sedona and the Grand Canyon, it’ll be slightly cooler, even downright cold in the Grand Canyon at night.

In the fall , it’s going to be similar, with relatively warm temperatures in Phoenix and southern Arizona that start to cool off as you head north into the higher elevation parts of the state.

The winter is also a decent time to visit, particularly in southern Arizona (Phoenix and Tucson). However, you could run into snow in Sedona and the Grand Canyon, which can put a damper on your trip.

Summer in Arizona is going to be borderline unbearable, with temperatures regularly over 100 degrees, and huge crowds of people – particularly families with kids out of school – flocking to places like the Grand Canyon. You’ll need to book things well in advance if you visit during the summer, and be prepared for incredibly hot weather.

More Arizona + Utah Travel Guides

If you liked this guide, you’re going to love our other Arizona and Utah travel guides.

Phoenix : Plan a perfect weekend in Phoenix , and figure out where to stay in Phoenix.

The Grand Canyon : Planning a trip that includes the Grand Canyon? We’ve got you covered with a guide on exactly how to plan an amazing Grand Canyon itinerary and how to find the perfect place to stay .

Sedona : Plan the perfect weekend getaway to Sedona , and learn everything you need to know to go hiking in Sedona .

If you’re making your way into Utah , you’ll want to read our guides to:

• Zion ( 2 day itinerary and where to stay )
• Bryce Canyon (the best hikes and how to spend one day in Bryce Canyon )
• Moab ( a perfect itinerary , the best hikes in Arches , and the best places to stay and things to do )

Plus, our 10 day Utah National Parks road trip is a super detailed guide to exploring Utah, if you’ve got the time. Otherwise, save it for later.

Matt is the founder and main writer behind Wheatless Wanderlust, which he started back in 2018 as a way to share his gluten free travel guides with his fellow Celiac travelers.

Since then, Matt and his wife Alysha have visited 18 national parks, spent three months in Europe and six weeks in Colombia, and have explored every corner of the Pacific Northwest, which is where Matt grew up.

He writes super detailed guides to the places they visit, bringing together personal experience and historical context to help YOU plan an amazing trip.

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Road Trip Guide: Seeing the Highlights on Interstate 70

There’s an interstate highway that runs through the entirety of Middle America, starting in Cove Fort, Utah, and pushes eastward to its terminus in Baltimore, Maryland. Interstate 70 covers 2,150 miles, and passes major attractions like the magnificent Rockies of Colorado and the iconic city of St. Louis, Missouri. Of course, there are lesser-known pit stops you'll find on an I-70 road trip , like the Dwight D. Eisenhower Library & Museum in Abilene, Kansas, that punctuate even the flattest stretches of plains and prairie.

Where To Stop

You may not have been on the road all that long, but you'll want to take your first stop in Moab, home to Arches National Park . Here you’ll find gravity-defying rock formations in various states of erosion dating back millions of years. Weather-hollowed fins and red rock arches are best at sunrise and sunset, when the light emphasizes the dramatic shapes.

The next state you’ll pass through is Colorado, which is a dream destination for outdoors enthusiasts. Budget plenty of time in your road trip to check out Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado National Monument, and Glenwood Canyon. Spend the night in Colorado's capital, Denver. Also known as “The Mile-High City,” Denver has enough breweries, hip restaurants, and diversions to keep you occupied for a long weekend. (If you want to keep moving, stick to the highlights : the River North Art District, Union Station, and — if you're lucky — a show at the Red Rocks Amphitheatre.)

Next, you'll encounter the seemingly endless Sunflower State, a heartland with rolling plains that seem to rush toward the horizon without an end. Pull over in Abilene to see the childhood home of Dwight "Ike" Eisenhower, and in Topeka for the Brown vs. Board of Education National Historic Site.

Where Kansas and Missouri meet, you'll find Kansas City, which is not to be driven through too quickly. It's been hailed by Travel + Leisure readers as the No. 1 city in the United States for barbecue. A distinctive blend of tomato and molasses adds an unmistakable sweet tang to the beef briskets and slow-smoked mutton the city is known for.

Soon, you'll see the impressive Gateway Arch — the tallest man-made monument in the United States — in the city of St. Louis. While visiting this historic metropolis, be sure to drop by the ever-popular Anheuser-Busch Brewery, or take a stroll through Forest Park . This 1,300-plus acre green space was home to the 1904 World’s Fair.

When you've arrived in Ohio state’s capital, Columbus, stop again for at least a full day. South of Columbus’ downtown scene is German Village, a neighborhood that prides itself on the heritage of German immigrants who held a third of the city’s population centuries ago. Today, it’s a privately funded preservation district that has kept the look and feel of a 19th-century town, with its distinct architecture, renovated cottages, and businesses that boast vintage-style storefronts.

After driving through West Virginia and Pennsylvania, travelers pushing on to the final leg of the journey (after no less than 32 hours behind the wheel) will finally find themselves in Baltimore , Maryland. This famously quirky East Coast city is a perfect place to unwind after your lengthy road trip. Peruse the totally unusual works at the American Visionary Art Museum, and grab a plate of bibimap from the Korean-fusion Koco Truck. Treat yourself to at least one night of pampering at The Ivy Hotel — a historic boutique property with 18 rooms and an impressive collection of vintage tomes.

Good to Know

Your elevation will rise and fall dramatically as you travel from mountainous states like Colorado into ultra-flat plains regions. Be sure to pack everything from sunblock to windbreakers and multiple layers.

Maryland Road Trip Ideas: 11 Best Road Trips + Itinerary

Melissa Mahoney

I'm an east coast girl living in a west coast world. I grew up in New England before moving to SoCal for several years. I then lived in NYC or a year before moving to AZ in 2009. I worked in the entertainment industry for many years of my adult life and have a deep love for photography, writing, and traveling around the U.S. as well as to far-flung locations around the world. Travel is my life and writing about it is a dream!

More by this Author

Who’s ready for an adventure around the Old Line State? With all the amazing places this state has to offer from Baltimore to Annapolis, the Chesapeake Bay, and beyond, there’s just so much to see. Well, we’re here to help with some of our best Maryland road trip ideas. So gas up your car or charge your EV, pack some snacks, and hit the road!

1-Day Road Trip In Maryland

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• Route: National Shrine Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes > Catoctin Mountain Orchard > Red Heifer Winery > High Rock >
• Distance: 22 miles
• Trip Time: 41 minutes

• Route: Kilgore Falls > Turf Valley Resort > Great Falls / Billy Goat Trail > Bay Farms Bed & Breakfast > Swallow Falls State Park
• Distance: 285 miles
• Trip Time: 5 hours 20 minutes

• Route: Sang Run State Park > Casselman River Bridge State Park > Fort Frederick > Gathland State Park > Patuxent River State Park > Palmer State Park > Rosaryville State Park > Chapel Point State Park
• Distance: 346 miles
• Trip Time: 7 hours

• Route: Blue Goose Fruit Market & Bakery > Pennsylvania Dutch Market > Deb's Artisan Bakehouse > Baugher's Fruit Market > Dangerously Delicious Pies >
• Distance: 145 miles
• Trip Time: 3 hours

• Route: Kilgore Falls > Cascade Falls > Clyde's Towers Oaks Lodge > Cunningham Falls State Park > Paw Paw Falls > Mountain State Brewing Co. > Swallow Falls State Park
• Distance: 296 miles
• Trip Time: 5 hours 46 minutes

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• Route: Witch's Grave > Crybaby Bridge > Decoursey Bridge > Pocomoke Forest > Witch's Tree > Ocean City Life-Saving Museum
• Distance: 234 miles
• Trip Time: 4 hours 51 minutes

• Route: Mallows Bay > Dr. Samuel A. Mudd House Museum > Historic Sotterley > Point Lookout State Park
• Distance: 90 miles
• Trip Time: 2 hours

• Route: Miracle on 34th Street, Baltimore > Ellicott City Lights > Symphony of Lights, Columbia > Winter Lights Festival, Gaithersburg > Festival of Lights, Upper Marlboro > Lights on the Bay, Annapolis
• Distance: 137 miles

• Route: Delmarva Discovery Museum > Mad Hatter Cafe > Salisbury Zoo > The Mermaid Museum > Frontier Town > Baja Amusements > Dead Freddies Island Grill
• Distance: 66 miles
• Trip Time: 1 hour 40 minutes

• Route: Swallow Falls State Park > Dans Rock Overlook > Crystal Grottoes Caverns > Cunningham Falls State Park > Patapsco Valley State Park > Billy Goat Trail > Calvert Cliffs State Park > Rocks State Park > Elk Neck State Park > Assateague State Park
• Distance: 645 miles
• Trip Time: 12 hours 41 minutes

• Route: Solomons > North Beach > Annapolis > Havre de Grace > Chesapeake City > Chestertown > Rock Hall > St. Michaels > Ocean City > Crisfield
• Distance: 368 miles
• Trip Time: 8 hours

Which of these Maryland road trip ideas are you most excited about? Tell us in the comments!

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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Maryland road trip ideas.

What are the most popular landmarks to visit in Maryland?

The most popular landmarks to visit in Maryland include:

• Oriole Park at Camden Yards in Baltimore
• The U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis
• Antietam National Battlefield in Sharpsburg
• B&O Railroad Museum in Baltimore
• Federal Hill Park in Baltimore
• Edgar Allen Poe’s Gravesite in Baltimore
• Ocean City Boardwalk

What are the most popular state parks to visit in Maryland?

Some of the most popular state parks to visit in Maryland include:

• Assateague State Park along the state’s eastern shore where you can see wild horses roam free.
• Cunningham Falls State Park
• Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge
• Patapsco Valley State Park
• Rocky Gap State Park

What are the major highways in Maryland?

Major highways in Maryland include:

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7 Arizona Road Trips With Scenic Mountain Views

• Scenic mountain drives in Arizona are aplenty given the state's majestic terrain, from the Superstition Mountains to the White Mountains and beyond.
• These scenic Arizona mountain road trip itineraries, like the Apache Trail and the Catalina Highway, offer breathtaking views of stunning mountainous terrain and imposing peaks along the way.
• Don't miss these scenic mountain road trips in Arizona, like the Coronado Trail and the journey to Salt River Canyon.

Home to the top tourist attraction in the US, the Grand Canyon , Arizona is consistently a traveler's favorite. With many beautiful hikes in Arizona , along with iconic cities like Phoenix and adventurous towns like Sedona and its seven sacred vortex spots , it's no wonder the state drew in over 40 million visitors in 2022 .

A fantastic way to see more of Arizona in one go, though, is a road trip. Heck, even a lot of the best stops on the iconic Route 66 are in Arizona! The basis of many unforgettable road trip ideas in the US , Arizona's landscape diversity makes it worth exploring on wheels.

From arid deserts to towering red rocks and even glistening lakes, like the amazing Lake Powell , as well as the majestic White and Superstition Mountains, the state boasts awe-inspiring samples of Mother Nature's finest work. The latter, however, might sometimes get overlooked; the cacti-decorated landscapes, mighty red rocks, and gorgeous desert towns of Arizona tend to get all the attention, after all, and Arizona certainly doesn't lack desert road trips , either.

From those in the Grand Canyon area, Saguaro National Park, and the Petrified Forest to peaks that serve as backdrops for a multitude of ghost towns, there are a lot of stunning mountains in Arizona to see on a road trip. Be it the Apache Trail Scenic Byway showing off the Superstition Mountains or the ​​​​​​Coronado Trail Scenic Byway's vistas of the White Mountains, choosing any one of these scenic Arizona road trips with mountains en route is a choice for the bucket list.

7 Small Arizona Towns To Visit For Less Than $1,000 A week

Apache trail scenic byway, drive 40 miles to witness the stunning beauty of the superstition mountains and tonto national forest.

The Apache Trail, formally Arizona State Route 88, is an approximately 39-mile route that starts in Apache Junction and ends at Theodore Roosevelt Dam. The historic trail offers amazing views of craggy gorges, arid landscapes, and dazzling lakes as it winds through the Superstition Mountains and Tonto National Forest.

Major picturesque locations along this stretch include Goldfield Ghost Town, Canyon Lake, Apache Lake, and Tortilla Flat. Some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the entire West are on this route, making it one of the most scenic road trips in Arizona .

The road is narrow and unpaved from Tortilla Flat to Roosevelt Dam, with steep cliff drops and few safety barriers. Driving on the trail calls for caution, and big RVs, SUVs, or caravans are not allowed. Also, this scenic highway is currently CLOSED between Fish Point and the Apache Lake Marina, pending repairs by ADOT . So, travelers looking for scenic views should plan accordingly.

Oak Creek Canyon Scenic Drive

Drive 24 miles to see red-rock deserts, rainbow-colored sandstone cliffs, and unique rock formations.

The Oak Creek Canyon Scenic Drive between Sedona and Flagstaff, which runs along Route 89A in Arizona, offers breathtaking views of the area's majestic red-rock deserts, rainbow-colored sandstone cliffs, and unusual rock formations.

The views, well-kept pavement, and easy-to-moderate hiking opportunities off the road make this 24-mile road trip highly recommended for both scenery and adventure seekers. In addition, there are several locations to pause and explore, like Oak Creek Canyon Vista Point, West Fork Oak Creek Trail, and Slide Rock State Park.

Catalina Highway Scenic Drive

Drive 27 miles to enjoy the breathtaking scenery of mount lemmon and the santa catalina mountains.

The 27-mile Catalina Highway, often known as the Sky Island Scenic Byway or Mount Lemmon Highway, runs from Tucson to the southernmost ski field in the US, Mount Lemmon Ski Valley . The road climbs to an elevation of approximately 6,000 feet, offering breathtaking scenery shifts from saguaro-cactus-dotted desert vistas to pine-clad mountains.

Road trippers can opt for a quick ride or an all-day adventure, as there are numerous picturesque overlooks, such as Windy Point, and short hikes throughout the route, especially at Coronado National Forest . This road offers the only paved access to Mount Lemmon's attractions and is possibly one of the best spring road trips in the United States .

10 Amazing One-Day Road Trips In Arizona

Salt river canyon scenic drive, drive 87 miles and enjoy amazing views of salt river canyon and imposing peaks.

This classic Arizona scenic drive, beginning in Globe and ending in Show Low , is well worth taking because of the amazing landscape and the exhilarating thrills it offers with its winding, steep stretch. Plus, in addition to mountain scenery, the journey is considered one of the many scenic canyon road trips in Arizona , as it heads to the striking Salt River Canyon.

Starting at the intersection of US Routes 60 and 70 in Globe, this scenic mountain Arizona road trip route takes US Route 60 northeast across undulating terrain. Later on, it drops into the magnificent Salt River Canyon, which provides sweeping vistas of rocky outcrops, meandering rivers, and vibrant rock formations.

The canyon, one of the most incredible places in Arizona , is about 40 miles from Globe, where there are many other scenic stops en route, such as the ghost town of Seneca. In Salt River Canyon Wilderness Area, a pair of bridges—a modern vehicle bridge and a historic pedestrian bridge—span the river and look awe-striking. Of course, there are many more canyons in Arizona besides the Grand Canyon and Salt River Canyon for those hoping for more adventures.

Coronado Trail Scenic Byway

Drive 120 miles to explore the captivating scenery of the white mountains, deep canyons, and dense forests.

This thrilling 120-mile-long road trip crosses the rough terrain of Arizona's White Mountains, offering panoramic views of narrow canyons, lush woods, and towering peaks. It starts in the former mining town of Clifton and ends in Springerville, following the underrated US-191, Arizona's longest highway , with many charming towns, including Alpine and Morenci.

The Coronado Trail Scenic Byway winds through the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest and is notoriously famous as "The Devil's Highway" for its 460 curves, which include hairpin turns and steep drop-offs that force drivers to slow down to at least 10 mph.

With amazing views of the White Mountains, Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, and Hannan Meadow, the Coronado Trail Scenic Byway is certainly one of the most underrated scenic road trip routes in Arizona for mountain scenery.

7 Hard Day Hikes In Arizona

Sunset crater volcano loop, drive 74 miles to see the beauty of the san francisco peaks, volcanic cinder cones, and wupatki national monument.

The 35-mile Sunset Crater-Wupatki Loop Road takes people to visit the Sunset Crater Volcano and Wupatki National Monument, enjoying the gorgeous scenery along the way. This scenic drive is around 12 miles north of Flagstaff and begins close to the park sign. It is amazing with its exotic scenery of volcanic cinder cones, lava fields, ancient lava flows, and mountain views.

This mountain drive in Arizona concludes at US-89, about 15 miles north of its starting location. While there are numerous picturesque stops and trails on the route, exploring the visitor centers at Sunset Crater and Wupatki Visitor Center, hiking the Lava Flow Trail, and looping around the pueblo and ball court are not to be missed.

The entire driving distance from Flagstaff is around 74 miles, and it will take about 2.5 hours to get there and back without stopping.

Vermilion Cliffs Scenic Highway

Drive 86 miles to experience the amazing scenery of lush woodland forests and ancient red rock formations.

With views of both old red rock formations and lush woodland trees, the Fredonia-Vermillion Cliffs Scenic Highway, or US-89A , is one of Arizona's most scenic mountain road trips. This 85.5-mile road trip begins in Fredonia, on the Utah-Arizona border, and ends in Bitter Springs, Arizona.

The meandering route is among Arizona's most scenic road trips with iconic, beautiful landmarks , offering a swift transition from dry scrubby shrubs to oak and aspen trees and revealing the state's natural beauty along the way.

The drive, without pauses, takes around 1.5 hours, although breaks are necessary to appreciate the grandeur of man-made marvels like the Navajo Bridge that spans the Colorado River and natural wonders such as the Vermillion Cliffs, Pasture Canyon Lookout, and Marble Canyon.

The driving time from Maryland (MD) to Arizona (AZ) is:

33 hours, 54 minutes.

Average driving speed: 66 mph Kilometers per hour: 106.3 km/h This is based on typical traffic conditions for this route.

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Map of driving directions from Maryland to Arizona

View a map with driving directions using your preferred map provider: Google Maps , Bing Maps , or MapQuest .

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Driving time from Maryland to Arizona

How long is the drive from Maryland to Arizona? The total driving time is 33 hours, 54 minutes .

Your trip begins in the state of Maryland. It ends in the state of Arizona.

If you're planning a road trip, you might be interested in seeing the total driving distance from Maryland to Arizona .

You can also calculate the cost to drive from Maryland to Arizona based on current local gas prices and an estimate of your car's best gas mileage.

If you're meeting a friend, you might be interested in finding the city that is halfway between Maryland and Arizona .

Planning to fly a plane instead? You might be more interested in calculating the flight time from Maryland to Arizona.

Maryland (MD)

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Road Trips & Tours

In Arizona, road trips are as much about the journey as they are the destination. No matter where you go, you're sure to spy sprawling expanses of nature and stunning panoramic views.

From Route 66 to Oak Creek Canyon and the Apache Trail Historic Road, Arizona is home to dozens of noteworthy roads, byways, and historic loops that make your window feel like a movie screen. No matter where you go, you're sure to spy sprawling expanses of nature and stunning panoramic views.

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TOUR PROVIDERS

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A Haunting Experience Tours

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Across Arizona Tours

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Action Tour Guide

Experience Arizona’s stunning natural beauty with this GPS-guided tour bundle. This bundle takes you through the Grand Canyon, Sedona, and...

Apache Trail Tours

For more than 20 years, Apache Trail Tours has been offering guided tours through the Superstition Mountain areas, as well as the world...

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We would love for you to join us on a 2-hour, 4-hour, or an all-day hike. Lead one of our llamas to a beautiful destination for a tasty...

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Arizona Climbing Guides

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Arizona Golf Trails

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Arizona iNG Tours

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Arizona Rafting by Wilderness Aware

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From the abundance of Saguaro cactuses and unique wildlife in the Sonoran Desert to the high country and forests of the White Mountains to the breathtaking Grand Canyon, Arizona’s regions are full of experiences that don’t disappoint.