Best Week Full Itinerary from Phoenix

Ever feel like you’re long overdue for a proper break, the kind that actually recharges you instead of leaving you more tired?

The best week full itinerary from Phoenix makes it easy to swap burnout for balance without overthinking the details.

If you’re the type of traveller who loves warm weather, bold scenery, and food that tastes like a vacation, Arizona’s got you covered.

Think red rock hikes, hidden swimming holes, desert sunsets, and road trip-worthy pit stops—all without catching a flight.

You’ll hit seven days of epic views and chill vibes that feel earned.

So if your calendar’s open and your gas tank is full, this week might be exactly what you need.

Starting and Ending Points

Most travellers benefit from a loop beginning and ending in Phoenix:

• Fly into: Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (excellent domestic/international connections).
• Benefits: Avoid one-way rental car fees by returning to your origin.
• Furthest point: The Grand Canyon South Rim is approximately four hours from Phoenix.

Maximize time: Book early morning arrivals and late evening departures for full first/last days.

Pro tip: If extending to Zion National Park (10+ day itineraries), consider flying out of Las Vegas (two and a half hours from Zion).

Rental Car Requirements

A rental car is essential. Public transportation between destinations is limited, and personal vehicle access enables flexible exploration.

Recommendations:

• Rent from Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport for convenience.
• Return to the same location to avoid one-way fees.
• Choose fuel-efficient vehicles (hundreds of miles will be covered).
• Opt for a small SUV if planning unpaved road exploration (common near Sedona).

Day One: Arrival and Phoenix Exploration

While many visitors rush from Phoenix to other destinations, the city’s desert experiences deserve a full day.

Morning:

• Land at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.
• Collect your rental car.
• Check into accommodation or store luggage.

Afternoon:

• Desert Botanical Garden (Papago Park): Explore 55 hectares showcasing more than 50,000 desert plants. Trails highlight Sonoran Desert flora and survival adaptations.
• Papago Park: Hike 0.3 kilometres to “Hole in the Rock” for sunset views over red sandstone formations.

Evening:

• Dine in Phoenix’s thriving culinary scene.
• Sunset viewing at “Hole in the Rock” or rest at your hotel.

Local Tip: Phoenix temperatures often exceed 38 degrees Celsius in summer. Schedule outdoor activities for early mornings or evenings. Carry extra water.

Accommodation in Phoenix

Stay between downtown and uptown (Highways 51 and 17) for central access.

Top Hotels:

• Rise Uptown: Boutique hotel with spacious rooms, a pool, and on-site specialty coffee.
• Cambria Hotel Downtown Phoenix: Affordable rates with modern décor near freeway access.
• AC Hotel Phoenix Biltmore: Upscale boutique option in the Biltmore area.

Day Two: Superstition Mountains Adventure

The Superstition Mountains offer dramatic desert landscapes east of Phoenix.

Morning:

• Depart early to avoid heat.
• Stop for coffee en route (e.g., Mythical Coffee in Gilbert).
• Drive 40 minutes to Lost Dutchman State Park ($10 entry fee).

Hike (Four-Hour Loop):

1. Treasure Loop Trail (East): Gradual ascent to ridge views.
2. Prospector’s Ridge Trail (West): Traverse rugged geology.
3. Jacob’s Crosscut Trail: Return via desert flora like saguaro and ocotillo.

Safety: Carry two litres of water per person, sun protection, and sturdy shoes.

Afternoon Stops (Mesa/Gilbert):

• Mythical Coffee: Expertly prepared espresso drinks.
• Spooky Swirls: Themed gluten-free cupcakes.
• Intentional Foods Cafe: Allergy-friendly loaded fries and doughnuts.
• Cider Corps: Veteran-owned cidery with slushies and patio seating.

Evening:

• Return to Phoenix for dinner or dine at Cider Corps (outside food allowed).

Local Secret: Ask rangers about the Lost Dutchman’s Gold Mine legend for added intrigue.

Sedona Exploration: Days Three and Four

Drive Time: Phoenix to Sedona – Two hours (185 kilometres).

Sedona’s red-rock formations create one of America’s most striking landscapes. Two full days allow exploration of popular sites and hidden gems.

Day Three: Arrival and Initial Discoveries

Morning:

• Check out of Phoenix accommodation.
• Drive scenic route via I-17 and Highway 179.
• Stop at Bell Rock Pathway Vista for first views.
• Check into Sedona lodging.

Afternoon:

• Bell Rock Pathway Hike: Moderate 5.8-kilometre loop introducing Sedona’s terrain.
• Tlaquepaque Arts and Shopping Village: Spanish-colonial complex with galleries, shops, and restaurants.

Evening:

• Sunset at Airport Mesa (arrive early for parking).
• Dine at a local restaurant.

Day Four: Full-Day Sedona Immersion

Morning:

• West Fork Trail Hike: 11-kilometre out-and-back trail through Oak Creek Canyon. Cross the creek 13 times (waterproof shoes advised).

Afternoon:

• Crescent Moon Picnic Area: Iconic Cathedral Rock views. Swim in Oak Creek.
• The Chai Spot: Refresh with chai while supporting women’s empowerment initiatives.

Late Afternoon/Evening Options:

• Wine Tasting: Sample Arizona wines at Art of Wine.
• Boynton Canyon Trail: 9.8-kilometre hike with Indigenous cultural significance.
• Cathedral Rock Sunset Hike: Steep 1.9-kilometre climb for panoramic views.

Crowd Management:

• Visit popular trails before 8:00 a.m. or after 4:00 p.m.
• Use Sedona Shuttle for limited-parking trailheads.
• Opt for quieter trails like Fay Canyon or Mescal Trail.

Sedona Accommodation

Hotels:

• Sky Ranch Lodge: Sustainable option near Airport Mesa with free shuttle access.
• Junipine Resort: Creek-side cabins 15 minutes north of downtown.

Campgrounds (Highway 89A):

• Manzanita Campground: 18 sites (11 reservable) along Oak Creek.
• Cave Springs Campground: 84 reservable sites.
• Pine Flat Campground: 54 sites (18 reservable); request creek-side spots.

Grand Canyon South Rim: Days Five and Six

Drive Time: Sedona to Grand Canyon – Two hours (185 kilometres).

Day Five: Grand Canyon Introduction

Morning:

• Check out of Sedona accommodation.
• Drive via Highway 89A through Oak Creek Canyon.
• Enter South Entrance; visit Grand Canyon Visitor Center.

Afternoon:

• Rim Trail Hike: 5-kilometre section (Mather Point to Bright Angel Trailhead).
• Yavapai Geology Museum: Learn about the canyon’s formation.

Evening:

• Desert View Drive Sunset Tour: Stop at Grandview Point, Moran Point, and Desert View Watchtower.
• Dine at park restaurants or accommodation.

Day Six: Below-the-Rim Adventure

Morning Hike Options:

• South Kaibab Trail to Skeleton Point: 9.6-kilometre round trip with 610-metre elevation gain.
• Bright Angel Trail: Hike to 2.4-kilometre or 4.8-kilometre resthouses.

Safety:

• Start at sunrise; avoid 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. heat.
• Carry three litres of water per person, electrolytes, and sun protection.
• Allow double time for ascent.

Afternoon:

• Rest and explore Grand Canyon Village.
• Visit Kolb Studio (early photography exhibits).
• Watch 22-minute park film at Visitor Center.

Evening:

• Attend ranger-led program.
• Dine at El Tovar Dining Room (reservations essential).
• Stargaze at Mather Point (International Dark Sky Park).

Where to Stay at the Grand Canyon

Staying inside Grand Canyon National Park provides unmatched convenience but requires booking well in advance (up to 13 months for some lodges). Here are our recommendations:

Inside the Park:

• El Tovar Hotel: The park’s historic luxury option, perched right on the rim
• Bright Angel Lodge: More affordable rim-side accommodation with rustic charm
• Mather Campground: Spacious, well-maintained campground within walking distance of the rim

Just Outside the Park (Tusayan):

• Red Feather Lodge: Solid value just minutes from the park entrance
• Best Western Premier Grand Canyon Squire Inn: Comfortable rooms with amenities like a pool and restaurants
• Under Canvas Grand Canyon: Premium glamping experience about 25 minutes from the South Entrance

Avoid staying in Williams or Flagstaff if possible, as these locations require at least an hour’s drive each way to/from the canyon rim, significantly cutting into your exploration time.

Day 7: Return to Phoenix and Departure

Drive time: 4 hours / 230 miles

Morning:

• Check out of your Grand Canyon lodging.
• Catch sunrise views at Mather Point before leaving.
• Begin your drive back to Phoenix.

En route options:

• Pause in Flagstaff for lunch and a stroll through its historic downtown.
• If time permits, visit Montezuma Castle National Monument near Camp Verde to explore 12th-century cliff dwellings.

Afternoon:

• Drop off your rental car at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport.
• Depart with unforgettable memories of your Arizona journey.

Best Time to Visit Arizona

Arizona’s seasons shape road trip experiences:

• Spring (March–May): Mild weather and desert blooms, but busy and pricey.
• Summer (June–August): Scorching heat in deserts (over 100°F/38°C), cooler at higher elevations. Monsoon storms likely in July–August.
• Fall (September–November): Ideal weather with fewer crowds.
• Winter (December–February): Chilly at the Grand Canyon (possible snow), mild in Phoenix. Low prices except holidays.

Tip: Late September to early November balances great weather, affordability, and smaller crowds.

Essential Arizona Road Trip Tips

• Water is vital: Pack extra—dry air dehydrates quickly.
• Sun protection: Use SPF 50+, sunglasses, hats, and light layers daily.
• Wildlife caution: Keep distance from animals, including snakes and scorpions.
• Respect tribal lands: Research rules and fees before visiting Indigenous sites.
• Offline maps: Download navigation—cell service fades in remote areas.
• Fuel smartly: Refuel before your tank hits half-empty; stations can be sparse.
• Early starts: Beat heat and crowds by beginning hikes or drives at dawn.
• Altitude shifts: Phoenix sits at 1,086 ft; Grand Canyon’s South Rim is 7,000 ft. Acclimate slowly.
• Flash floods: Avoid canyons if rain is forecast—even distant storms pose risks.
• Park passes: Save money with an America the Beautiful Pass ($80) for multiple park visits.

Final Thoughts

Arizona’s landscapes rank among America’s most striking natural wonders.

This seven-day road trip prioritizes meaningful experiences over cramming in destinations, letting you fully absorb the desert’s beauty, towering rock formations, and the iconic Grand Canyon.

Bring your curiosity, respect for the outdoors, and ample photo storage—Arizona’s vistas will leave you with stories to share for years.