Posted in Arizona Road Trips May 25, 2023 by

The Stunning Arizona Drive That Is One Of The Best Road Trips You Can Take In America

Call us biased, but we’re convinced that Arizona has the most breathtaking natural scenery in America. From the lowland deserts down south to the lush alpine forests up north, our state has a little bit of everything. This road trip, centered around north-central and northeast Arizona, takes you from Canyon de Chelly National Monument to Humphreys Peak, making a few other scenic stops along the way. The 5.5-hour drive showcases some of the most beautiful places in Arizona, from the tallest mountain in the state to a 100-room ancient ruin to a waterfall that’s taller than Niagara Falls itself. This is one road trip in Arizona that you will definitely want to check out for yourself. And, don’t forget to read our Road Trip Essentials Packing List & Guide before you hit the road!

You’ll find the customizable route for the trip on Google Maps.

Google Maps
1. Canyon de Chelly National Monument (Chinle)
JLR / Moment via Getty Images
Your first stop on one of the best road trips in Arizona is to the ancient and sacred Canyon de Chelly National Monument. This area has been home to indigenous groups for nearly 5,000 years. Today, it's located on the Navajo Nation, and its people still live and work in the canyon. There are a couple of different ways to explore this fascinating place: you can either embark on a guided hike into the canyon and marvel at hand-built cliff dwellings or take a scenic drive and enjoy the scenery from several different overlooks. Learn more on the National Park Service website.

Take a look at this video by @milosh9k:
Canyon de Chelly, Canyon De Chelly, Arizona 86503, USA
2. Petrified Forest National Park (Holbrook)
Photo by James Keith / Moment via Getty Images
Part of the world-famous Painted Desert, Petrified Forest National Park tells the story of a 200-million-year-old forest whose fossilized logs create the colorful rock layers iconic to the region. Take in the scenery from the comfort of your own vehicle by driving through the park, or stretch your legs on a hiking trail or two. Learn more on the National Park Service website.
Petrified Forest National Park, AZ 86028, USA
3. Grand Falls (Leupp) - CLOSED
Chen Su / Moment via Getty Images
Editor's Note: Unfortunately, Grand Falls is closed to the public due to misuse. You can visit the Flagstaff website for more information.

Just outside of Flagstaff, Grand Falls is a hidden treasure within the Navajo Nation. The 185-foot waterfall isn't always flowing - usually just in the spring or after heavy rainfall - but either way, this magical place is worth visiting. Plus, the walk from the parking lot to the falls is only about a mile long!
Grand Falls, Arizona, Arizona 86035, USA
4. Wupatki National Monument (Flagstaff)
powerofforever / E+ via Getty Images
Also near Flagstaff, Wupatki National Monument preserves a 200-room pueblo constructed by the Sinagua people circa 500 AD. The structure has been abandoned for almost a millennia, but it remains surprisingly intact despite being fully exposed to the elements. Visitors are welcome to look around on foot, but there's also a 73-mile scenic drive that cuts through the Painted Desert en route to the monument. You'll even get to see an ancient volcano along the way! Learn more on the National Park Service website.

Take a look at this video by @ArizonaTourism:
Wupatki National Monument, 25137 North Wupatki Lane, Flagstaff, AZ 86004, USA
5. Humphreys Peak (Flagstaff) - Currently CLOSED
digidreamgrafix / iStock / Getty Images Plus via Getty Images
Editor's Note: The area is currently closed due to the Pipeline Fire Closure Order. Stay up-to-date with reopening by visiting the U.S. Forest Service website.

Last, but certainly not least, our trip concludes with Humphreys Peak. The highest natural point in Arizona, the often snowcapped mountain towers at an impressive elevation of 12,637 feet. It's easily one of the most beautiful places in Arizona! The trail leading to the summit is over 10 miles long and extremely challenging, so we recommend driving the Around the Peaks Loop, instead. This scenic drive meanders around the base of the San Francisco Peaks (of which Humphreys Peak is one), meandering through lush aspen and ponderosa pine forests. Learn more on the U.S. Forest Service website.
Humphreys Peak, Arizona 86001, USA

 

Would you take this road trip to some of the most beautiful places in Arizona? What are some of your favorite Arizona road trips? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below!

Don’t forget to check out our previous article for another road trip that will make you fall in love with the Grand Canyon State all over again.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.

The OIYS Visitor Center

Road trips in Arizona

December 09, 2022
Courtnie Erickson

What are some other Arizona road trips I should take?

If you love a good road trip, the Grand Canyon State is the place to be. All around the state, you can easily create an unforgettable road trip adventure. We have created dozens of road trips in Arizona with a variety of focuses. Some of our favorite Arizona road trips that we think you should check out include:

 

However, before you head on any road trip in Arizona, make sure you are prepared! Check out our ultimate road trip packing list to ensure you don’t forget a thing. By following this list, you can be assured you will enjoy a comfortable, exciting, and safe road trip throughout the state.

What are some of the best scenic drives in Arizona?

When you are searching for some of the best scenic drives in Arizona, we have you covered. A few scenic drives in the Grand Canyon State that deserve a spot on your bucket list include:

 

What are some of the most beautiful places in Arizona that I should visit?

It is hard to narrow down the most beautiful places in Arizona as there are hundreds scattered all over the state. Whether this is your first time visiting the Grand Canyon State or you have lived here your entire life, some of the most beautiful places in Arizona that definitely deserve a visit include: