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 couple of 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 of the best road trips 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)

Canyon de Chelly, Canyon De Chelly, Arizona 86503, USA
JLR / Moment via Getty Images
Your first stop on one of the best road trips in Arizona is 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 in 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. You may think this is the best drive in Arizona! Learn more on the National Park Service website.

Take a look at this video by @milosh9k:

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2. Petrified Forest National Park (Holbrook)

Petrified Forest National Park, AZ 86028, USA
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.

3. Wupatki National Monument (Flagstaff)

Wupatki National Monument, 25137 North Wupatki Lane, Flagstaff, AZ 86004, USA
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:

4. Humphreys Peak (Flagstaff)

Humphreys Peak, Arizona 86001, USA
digidreamgrafix / iStock / Getty Images Plus via Getty Images
Last, but certainly not least, our Arizona road 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.

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! If you plan on spending the night somewhere along the route, check out the available vacation rentals on Vrbo!

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.

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More to Explore

Road trips in Arizona

Courtnie Erickson | December 09, 2022

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:

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