📍 United States

ARIZONA GRAND LOOP: CANYON DEPTHS TO DESERT CATHEDRALS

Mile-deep canyons carving painted stone, saguaros raising arms to sun, red rock spires channeling energy. Arizona stuns.

≈ 9
Days
875
Km
5
Stops
📖 5 min read 🔄 Last updated: 2026-01-17

Start in Phoenix in the Sonoran Desert, then descend toward Tucson and its giant saguaros. Cross Petrified Forest and its mineralized trunks, before reaching the Grand Canyon and its vertigo. End at Sedona, red rocks and trails, where evening light transforms everything. Arizona alternates desert, altitude and landscapes that stay in memory.

Your day-by-day itinerary

1
Day

Phoenix

sonoran desert camelback mountain valley sun

Phoenix - Photo 1Phoenix - Photo 2Phoenix - Photo 3
3 photos
Day 1
🔍

Discover

1
Phoenix warm‑up — desert museum options and provisioning for long miles ahead.
🎯

Activities

→
Evening downtown or Roosevelt Row stroll.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 221.9 km
Travel time: 2h46
2
Day

Tucson

saguaro national park mission san xavier

Tucson - Photo 1Tucson - Photo 2Tucson - Photo 3Tucson - Photo 4
4 photos
Day 2
🔍

Discover

1
Saguaro National Park East — loop drive and short nature trails among towering cacti.
🎯

Activities

→
Sunset among saguaros with Rincon silhouettes.
3
Day

Holbrook

petrified forest painted desert route nostalgia

Holbrook - Photo 1Holbrook - Photo 2Holbrook - Photo 3Holbrook - Photo 4Holbrook - Photo 5Holbrook - Photo 6
6 photos
Day 3
🔍

Discover

1
Drive north via Salt River Canyon or interstate corridors; Route 66 glimpses.
🎯

Activities

→
Holbrook dinner and rest.
4
Day

Holbrook

petrified forest painted desert route nostalgia

Holbrook - Photo 1Holbrook - Photo 2Holbrook - Photo 3Holbrook - Photo 4Holbrook - Photo 5Holbrook - Photo 6
6 photos
Day 4
🔍

Discover

1
Petrified Forest — Painted Desert overlooks and short walks to petrified log fields.
🎯

Activities

→
Historic Route 66 exhibits within the park.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 279.1 km
Travel time: 3h29
5
Day

Tusayan

grand canyon south rim mather point

Tusayan - Photo 1Tusayan - Photo 2Tusayan - Photo 3Tusayan - Photo 4Tusayan - Photo 5Tusayan - Photo 6Tusayan - Photo 7Tusayan - Photo 8Tusayan - Photo 9Tusayan - Photo 10
10 photos
Day 5
🔍

Discover

1
Long drive west to Grand Canyon; optional Cameron Trading Post stop via US‑89.
🎯

Activities

→
Golden hour along the South Rim.
6
Day

Tusayan

grand canyon south rim mather point

Tusayan - Photo 1Tusayan - Photo 2Tusayan - Photo 3Tusayan - Photo 4Tusayan - Photo 5Tusayan - Photo 6Tusayan - Photo 7Tusayan - Photo 8Tusayan - Photo 9Tusayan - Photo 10
10 photos
Day 6
🔍

Discover

1
Grand Canyon — Mather Point and Rim Trail segments with shuttle logistics.
🎯

Activities

→
Interpretive geology panels and viewpoints beyond Village core.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 165.3 km
Travel time: 2h04
7
Day

Sedona

red rock vortex jeep tours spiritual

Sedona - Photo 1Sedona - Photo 2Sedona - Photo 3Sedona - Photo 4Sedona - Photo 5Sedona - Photo 6
6 photos
Day 7
🔍

Discover

1
Oak Creek Canyon overlook en route to Sedona; red rock sunsets.
🎯

Activities

→
Sedona town walk and galleries.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 208.8 km
Travel time: 2h37
8
Day

Phoenix

sonoran desert camelback mountain valley sun

Phoenix - Photo 1Phoenix - Photo 2Phoenix - Photo 3
3 photos
Day 8

🗺️ Itinerary map

🗺️ Nearby itineraries

ROUTE 66 IN 14 DAYS: FROM CHICAGO TO THE PACIFIC

📅 18 days 🛣️ 3969 Km

SOUTHWEST DESERT LOOP — ZION, BRYCE, ARCHES, CANYONLANDS & GRAND CANYON

📅 8 days 🛣️ 746.7 Km

THELMA AND LOUISE - ESCAPE TO THE GRAND CANYON

📅 5 days 🛣️ ? Km

🛡️ Travel advice - United States

Check official recommendations

UK Foreign Travel Advice →

❓ Frequently asked questions

What weather should you expect?

Spring (April-May): Perfect weather across most regions (15-25°C) with blooming landscapes, moderate crowds, and excellent conditions for national parks and cities. Ideal for diverse activities nationwide.

Autumn (September-October): Excellent temperatures with spectacular fall foliage, harvest festivals, and comfortable weather. Perfect for outdoor activities, cultural events, fewer crowds than summer.

Summer (June-August): Peak season with warmest weather but highest crowds and prices. Excellent for northern regions, challenging in southwestern deserts, perfect for beaches and national parks.

Winter (December-February): Variable conditions from tropical Florida to snowy Colorado. Perfect for skiing, southern destinations, indoor attractions, lowest prices outside holiday periods.

How many days should I plan?

We believe you will enjoy this itinerary best by dedicating between 7 and 11 days. The next step will allow you to adjust the duration of your stay.

What to discover in United States?

Continental diversity with iconic landmarks, cultural melting pot, and endless possibilities. Experience natural wonders, vibrant cities, and authentic American dreams from coast to coast. The country offers incredible diversity with modern amenities and cultural richness. United States provides life-changing experiences with natural beauty and cultural authenticity.