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Monument Valley
On the Navajo Nation in northeastern Arizona, Monument Valley offer stunning scenic views made famous in countless Western movies.
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Grand Canyon
Located just four hours north of Scottsdale, the Canyon’s South Rim is open year-round and offers numerous scenic overlooks.
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Sedona
The towering red rock formations of Sedona create a breathtaking backdrop for Jeep tours, vortex hikes and air tours.
Explore Arizona
Scottsdale’s central-Arizona location means you’re within easy reach of the state’s most popular attractions and natural wonders. Here are a handful of signature Arizona experiences that you can enjoy on a leisurely day or overnight trip from Scottsdale.
There’s plenty to see and do in Scottsdale, but the city’s central location means that other popular Arizona destinations are just a short drive away. Read on for fun day or overnight trips you can take from Scottsdale.
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start planning your day trip!
start planning your day trip!
North
A drive north on the I-17 freeway will take you to the eccentric artist colony of Jerome and then to the stunning red rocks of Sedona before hitting Flagstaff, a city where whispering pines make you feel worlds away. Continue along this route and you’ll eventually hit Arizona’s most-recognizable landmark, the Grand Canyon.
(One-way trip: 2 to 4 hours)
A drive north on the I-17 freeway will take you to the eccentric artist colony of Jerome and then to the stunning red rocks of Sedona before hitting Flagstaff, a city where whispering pines make you feel worlds away. Continue along this route and you’ll eventually hit Arizona’s most-recognizable landmark, the Grand Canyon.
(One-way trip: 2 to 4 hours)
East
Travel along the scenic Apache Trail and retrace one of the area’s oldest stagecoach routes, a path also used by the Apache to navigate the storied Superstition Mountains. Along the way, visit Goldfield Ghost Town and pan for gold or take in the 110+ years of history.
(One-way trip: 45 minutes to 1 hour)
Travel along the scenic Apache Trail and retrace one of the area’s oldest stagecoach routes, a path also used by the Apache to navigate the storied Superstition Mountains. Along the way, visit Goldfield Ghost Town and pan for gold or take in the 110+ years of history.
(One-way trip: 45 minutes to 1 hour)
South
Tombstone is the sight of the Gunfight at O.K. Corral and to this day, the town re-enacts the infamous confrontation every afternoon. Wet your whistle at a saloon – try Big Nose Kate’s – then move on to Bisbee, an old mining town that’s now one of Arizona’s most popular artist communities.
(One-way trip: 3 to 3.5 hours)
Tombstone is the sight of the Gunfight at O.K. Corral and to this day, the town re-enacts the infamous confrontation every afternoon. Wet your whistle at a saloon – try Big Nose Kate’s – then move on to Bisbee, an old mining town that’s now one of Arizona’s most popular artist communities.
(One-way trip: 3 to 3.5 hours)
West
The Wild West is alive and well in Wickenburg and you can get a glimpse of it at attractions like Robsons Ranch & or the Hassayampa River Preserve. If water sports are your thing, continue on to Lake Havasu. Arizona’s aquatic playground has 60 miles of navigable waterways perfect for boating.
(One-way trip: 1.5 to 4 hours)
The Wild West is alive and well in Wickenburg and you can get a glimpse of it at attractions like Robsons Ranch & or the Hassayampa River Preserve. If water sports are your thing, continue on to Lake Havasu. Arizona’s aquatic playground has 60 miles of navigable waterways perfect for boating.
(One-way trip: 1.5 to 4 hours)
The Grand Canyon
The majestic Grand Canyon, one of the world’s most amazing natural wonders, is located just five hours north of Scottsdale by car. The Canyon’s South Rim is open year-round and offers numerous scenic overlooks, hiking trails, the Tusayan Museum, Desert View Watchtower and hotel and campground accommodations. The North Rim is open from mid-May to mid-October and provides a more tranquil experience, with hiking trails, ranger programs and lodge and camping accommodations.
Sedona
Sedona’s spectacular red-rock landscape provides the ideal setting for a host of outdoor recreation options, including Jeep tours, hiking, and vortex and air tours. In town, you’ll find a bustling tourist mecca that combines award-winning resorts and spas with unique boutiques, fine dining and a renowned arts and cultural scene. Photographers and nature lovers won’t want to miss Slide Rock State Park in nearby Oak Creek.
Prescott
History buffs will enjoy Prescott, which was named the state’s territorial capital from 1864-67 and again from 1877-89. Spend some time at the Sharlot Hall Museum where you can see the restored territorial Governor’s Mansion. Prescott also is home to the World’s Oldest Rodeo, which celebrates its 124th anniversary in summer 2012.
Wine Country
If you love wine, be sure to add some of Arizona’s celebrated wineries to your itinerary. Central Arizona is home to favorites like Caduceus Cellars in Jerome, Pillsbury Wine Company in Cottonwood and Page Springs Vineyards in Cornville. The state’s southern regions, in and around Sonoita and Willcox, boast offerings including Callaghan Vineyards, Dos Cabezas Wineworks, Carlson Creek Vineyard and Coronado Vineyard.
Monument Valley
Arizona’s northeastern corner is home to the Navajo (Diné) and Hopi tribes. On the Navajo Nation, Monument Valley Tribal Park and Canyon de Chelly provide stunning scenic views made famous in countless Western movies. Start your visit to the Hopi Mesas at the Hopi Cultural Center, where you can arrange for a guided tour.
Kartchner Caverns
Kartchner Caverns, located southeast of Tucson, is one of the world’s only “living” caves accessible to the public. See delicate formations like soda straws, as well as “Kubla Khan,” the largest column formation in Arizona.
