Whether you enjoy history, nature or anything in between, there are plenty of easy road trips from Tucson and an array of options to choose from. Explore the history of our great state in towns like Tombstone, where the ghosts of the Old West pound their chests as we recall them. Spend the day in an underground cave and flip out over the stalactites. Visit Saguaro National Park, to hike among the largest collection of Saguaros in the world. We highly recommend doing this on a mild day so that you can roll the windows down and blast The Drive Tucson throughout the hills. Actually, one of the best ways to experience the Saguaro National Monument is windows down, but in total silence. There is something magical about it. With their human-like postures, each one takes on its own personality. Some are happy and seem to be applauding the sky and others look heavy-hearted and ready to die. If you're more in the mood for a trip to a bigger city, head to Phoenix, where you can enjoy the blistering hot sun and watch your friend's face melt off. There are so many amazing things to see in our great state. According to vacationidea.com, the following are the top five road trips to take in Arizona. We kind of have to agree! Just remember, wherever your drive takes you, be sure to take us along!
Sedona
Sedona is a unique city known for attracting artists and spiritual seekers. Many people believe that the area is home to spiritual energy centers known as "vortexes," and alternative medicine practitioners and workshops can be found all throughout the city, offering everything from reiki healing to lessons in interpreting dreams. Seeking out the vortexes is a popular Sedona activity, but the idyllic landscape boasts much more than just the potential of vortexes; many visitors come here simply to hike, climb, and mountain bike amidst the incredible rock spires.
Coconino National Forest
The Coconino National Forest is a true paradise for nature lovers. The forest has much more to offer than just trees; an incredibly diverse selection of terrain can be found here, including alpine tundra, towering red sandstone formations, and the peaceful pine and juniper woodlands you'd expect. Thanks to this wonderful diversity activity, popular activities include hiking, picnicking, camping, and simply driving around to admire the scenery.
Flagstaff
Flagstaff offers the perfect combination of outdoor adventure and big city amenities. Depending on the season, it's worth taking a few hours in the morning to explore one of the world-class trails on Mt. Humphreys or to hit the slopes at the Arizona Snowbowl. The afternoon can be spent browsing the downtown art galleries and shops, enjoying a beer at one of the local breweries, or strolling through the Arboretum. When it comes to dinner, there are plenty of excellent restaurants to choose from, many of which boost fantastic patios.
Grand Canyon
The Grand Canyon is easily one of the most famous landmarks in the country, and once you've paid it a visit, it's not hard to understand why. To get the most out of the site on a day trip, you can take a free shuttle bus around the rim to explore the best viewpoints and museums. If you're feeling energetic, you can even take a short walk along the South Kaibab Trail to get a view of the canyon from below the rim. Don't forget to stay for sunset if you can; the lookout points along Hermit Rest Road are the best.
Jerome
Perched on top of Cleopatra Hill, the town of Jerome is a historic copper mining community that has been transformed from a spooky ghost town into a bustling hub of art and culture. The steep streets make for a good workout, and they're lined with local art galleries, pottery studios, and unique shops, including one of the largest kaleidoscope stores in the world. If you're more interested in the town's macabre history than in a day of shopping, you can stop by the Sliding Jail or book a spot on one of the town's ghost tours.
