In the wide open spaces of Arizona, the American myth takes on its full dimension. Seven days might not even be enough to explore these amazing mineral landscapes, where the vintage signs of Route 66 stand side-by-side with the ancient heritage of Native peoples. Arizona might just be the best state for road trips, as if America had shaped it to be driven across, engine roaring and hair blowing in the wind. And with Air France flying direct from Paris to Phoenix, this adventure has never been so accessible.
The idea of a road trip really took off on America’s highways during the 1950s, and it reaches its pinnacle in this setting. Arizona perfectly embodies this quintessential American dream with its array of outdoor adventures. spectacular national parks The ancient traditions of the Navajo and Hopi tribes, alongside the spirits of the Wild West and the iconic Route 66, combine with a distinctive fusion cuisine that merges classic flavors with modern innovation. Traverse from the majestic clifftops of the Grand Canyon to the striking mesas of Monument Valley over the course of an exhilarating seven-day journey across Arizona.
Day 1: Phoenix to Sedona
In Phoenix Today, we can truly appreciate the art created by Native peoples. For nearly a hundred years, the Heard Museum has showcased some of their most exceptional pieces. Meanwhile, the Fry Bread House honors their enduring spirit through a simple yet beloved dish. It’s then time to venture outside into nature along Route 87 as it leads you further north into another part of Arizona. As you travel, notice how the iconic saguaros of the Sonoran Desert transition to the grandeur of the Rim Country woodlands.
In Payson, pause at the Beeline Café, a classic roadside diner where the coffee seems endless and conversation knows no bounds. From there, make your way to Sedona with its striking red rock formations, which serve as fertile ground for countless legends: since the 1980s, mysterious sites called "vortexes" such as Cathedral Rock and Bell Rock have attracted devotees from the New Age movement. Here, the spiritual realm often overlaps with the physical landscape.
- Travel time: about 2h30
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Heard Museum
2301 North Central Avenue, Phoenix, Arizona 85004
+1 602-252-8840
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Fry Bread House
4545 North 7th Avenue, Phoenix, Arizona 85013
+1 602-351-2345
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Beeline Café
815 S Beeline Highway, Payson, AZ 85541
+1 928-474-996
Day 2: Sedona - Grand Canyon
There are two methods available for this task. uncover the incredible Grand Canyon As a hurried traveler or as someone who takes their time observing, if you belong to the latter group, prepare yourself for sunrise at the South Rim — the sole section open throughout the year. This area undoubtedly offers the most breathtaking view within the Grand Canyon when the morning’s initial beams illuminate these ancient layered rocks.
For those seeking an adrenaline-pumping experience, the Bright Angel Trail provides the perfect opportunity to venture deep into the heart of the canyon with a thrilling multi-day trek. Alternatively, hikers who prefer staying above ground can opt for the Rim Trail, which features a more leisurely 8-kilometer walk connecting Mather Point and Yavapai Point. This shorter route still allows you to explore over two billion years of geological history.
- Travel time: about 2h
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Grand Canyon National Park Welcome Center
20 South Entrance Road, Grand Canyon Village, AZ 86023
+1 928-638-7888
Day 3: Grand Canyon - Monument Valley
The hallowed grounds of the Navajo nation span across Arizona and Utah. The plateaus of Monument Valley stand as the final remnants of an ancient time; they were sanctified by the Navajos and later became filming locations for Western movies directed by John Ford.
The Valley Drive follows a 27-kilometer loop through these cinematic rock formations, yet the lesser-known treasures nearby—the enigmatic Mystery Valley and Antelope Canyon slightly to the north—can only be explored with the assistance of a Navajo guide, who serves as the modern guardian of this age-old heritage.
- Travel time : about 3h
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Navajo Tribal Park at Monument Valley
U.S. Route 191, Oljato-Monument Valley, AZ 84536
+1 435-727-5874
Day 4: Visiting Monument Valley near Holbrook
Exiting Monument Valley onto the iconic Route 66, you'll notice a dramatic shift in scenery as the environment transforms into an untamed spectrum of colors. This leads you into the mesmerizing Painted Desert, where vibrant layers of ocher, violet, and grayish blue hues adorn the arid rock formations. Before your eyes lies a stunning vista which serves as a teaser for what’s next—the Petrified Forest. Here, ancient trees turned to stone over 225 million years ago lie scattered about, showcasing their timeless radiance through minerals preserved within them.
In the evening, make your way to the Wigwam Motel in Holbrook, which consists of unusual teepee-shaped rooms that are as sturdy as the surrounding forests. This iconic motel along Route 66 continues to welcome tired travelers with the charm of 1950s America.
- Travel time: 2h30
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Petrified Forest National Park
1 Park Road, Petrified Forest, AZ 86028
+1 928-524-6228
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Wigwam Motel 811 West Hopi Drive, Holbrook, Arizona 86025
+1 928-524-3048
Day 5: Holbrook to Flagstaff
Ranging between heaven and earth, Arizona serves as an unending testament across the state to humanity’s modest place in the scheme of things. At the Rock Art Ranch near Winslow, ancient petroglyphs remain intact, narrating the tale of the initial inhabitants who sought to etch their presence into existence.
Moving forward, the Meteor Crater stands as a profound reminder—a 50,000-year-old chasm formed by an extraterrestrial collision—that Arizona’s terrain reflects both earthly processes and cosmic interventions. As night falls, the Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff offers yet another chance to contemplate our minuscule existence under the vast expanse of the universe from this impressive observatory dedicated to exploring the heavens.
- Travel time: 1h30
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Lowell Observatory
1400 West Mars Hill Road, Flagstaff, Arizona 86001
+1 928-774-3358
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Rock Art Ranch
Winslow, AZ 86047
+1 928-288-3260
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Meteor Crater
Interstate 40, Exit 233, Winslow, Arizona 86047
+1 800-289-5898
Day 6: Flagstaff - Wickenburg
The first destination this morning was Delgadillos Snow Cap Drive-In in Seligman. This iconic spot along Route 66 captures the essence of the fifties so authentically that it even motivated the filmmakers who created the movie. Cars Next comes the amazing Joshua Tree Parkway. Along this breathtaking route, you'll see these enormous yucca trees with their gnarled limbs, likened by the Mormons to the outstretched arms of Prophet Joshua, standing tall as though they were natural works of art.
Located south of Wickenburg, Vulture City stands as a 'ghost town' where remnants from past eras still echo tales of nineteenth-century miners who built their community amidst Arizona’s arid landscapes seeking fortune in gold. This place exudes both mystery and permanence, embodying quintessential imagery of the legendary Old West.
- Travel time: 2h30
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Delgadillo's Snow Cap Drive-In
301 AZ-66, Seligman, AZ 86337
+1 928-422-3291
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Vulture City Ghost Town
36610 North 355th Avenue, Wickenburg, Arizona 85390
+1 877-425-9229
Day 7: Wickenburg to Phoenix
The ultimate outdoor experience awaits at Lake Pleasant as the final leg of this epic journey. Spanning across 4,000 hectares, this expansive artificial lake gleams like vivid blue water contrasting against the arid landscape. Known now as a surprising retreat for both kayaking enthusiasts and fish-hunting osprey birds, it also offers campers breathtaking sunset views right here in Arizona.
After visiting the spectacular Botanical Desert Garden, head back to Phoenix for an unforgettable end to your day’s adventure at The Arrogant Butcher, a high-end eatery. This place features rustic brick interiors and dishes like sizzling BBQ short ribs alongside buffalo chicken wings, offering a cozy blend of city sophistication with homely appeal.
- Travel time: 1h30
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Desert Botanical Garden
1201 North Galvin Parkway, Phoenix, Arizona 85008
+1 480-941-1225
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The Arrogant Butcher
2 East Jefferson Street Suite 150, Phoenix, Arizona 85004
+1 602-324-8502
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