How long is the Grand Canyon & Red Rock Country: A Northern Arizona Loop route?

This route takes 8 days taking in 7 stops.

Where does this route start and end?

The route runs from Phoenix, Arizona to Phoenix, Arizona in Northern Arizona, Southwest USA, United States.

When is the best time to travel this route?

The best time to travel this route is April to May and September to October.

How active is this route?

Activity level: Active. Moderately active — expect some walking and light physical activity.

What transport do I need for this route?

This route works best with a car.

What budget do I need for this route?

Mid-range spending — expect comfortable accommodation and a mix of dining options.

What type of accommodation suits this route?

Mixed accommodation works well along this route.

What is the pace of this trip?

Balanced — a good mix of sightseeing and downtime.

What type of trip is this?

This route is well-suited to: Scenic, Nature, Classic road trip, Adventure, Culture.

Grand Canyon & Red Rock Country: A Northern Arizona Loop

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The route · 7 stops

6 overnight bases · 1 stop on the way

Phoenix

1 night

The Sonoran Desert gateway and the loop's start and end. Pick up the hire car and acclimatise among giant saguaro at Desert Botanical Garden or on the trails of South Mountain and Camelback. An easy first night before the climb north into red rock and pine country.The Sonoran Desert gateway and the loop's start and end. Pick up the hire car and acclimatise among giant saguaro at Desert Botanical Garden or on the trails of South Mountain and Camelback. An easy first night before the climb north into red rock and pine country.

Recommendations

2h 37m · 188 km drive to Jerome

Jerome

1 night

A copper boom town clinging to Cleopatra Hill, once one of Arizona's largest cities and near abandoned after the mines closed in the 1950s. Artists saved it: galleries, saloons and wine rooms now fill the old buildings. Jerome State Historic Park and the Douglas Mansion tell the mining story, with wide Verde Valley views.A copper boom town clinging to Cleopatra Hill, once one of Arizona's largest cities and near abandoned after the mines closed in the 1950s. Artists saved it: galleries, saloons and wine rooms now fill the old buildings. Jerome State Historic Park and the Douglas Mansion tell the mining story, with wide Verde Valley views.

Recommendations

38m · 45 km drive to Sedona

Sedona

2 nights

Red rock country, and the place to slow down for two nights. Hike to Cathedral Rock or Devil's Bridge, drive the Red Rock Scenic Byway, and take a backcountry Jeep tour. Sunset on the sandstone buttes is the headline. Galleries and good food cluster in Tlaquepaque and uptown.Red rock country, and the place to slow down for two nights. Hike to Cathedral Rock or Devil's Bridge, drive the Red Rock Scenic Byway, and take a backcountry Jeep tour. Sunset on the sandstone buttes is the headline. Galleries and good food cluster in Tlaquepaque and uptown.

Recommendations

41m · 49 km drive to Flagstaff

Flagstaff

1 night

A high pine country town at 7,000 feet, cool when the desert bakes. Reached from Sedona on the AZ-89A scenic byway through Oak Creek Canyon, one of the route's best drives. Walk the Route 66 downtown, tour Lowell Observatory where Pluto was found, and visit Walnut Canyon's cliff dwellings nearby.A high pine country town at 7,000 feet, cool when the desert bakes. Reached from Sedona on the AZ-89A scenic byway through Oak Creek Canyon, one of the route's best drives. Walk the Route 66 downtown, tour Lowell Observatory where Pluto was found, and visit Walnut Canyon's cliff dwellings nearby.

Recommendations

1h 53m · 136 km drive to Grand Canyon South Rim

Grand Canyon South Rim

2 nights

The headline of the loop. Two nights at the South Rim allow a sunrise and a sunset over the canyon and time to walk the Rim Trail or descend a little of the Bright Angel Trail. Hermit Road and Desert View Drive string together the classic overlooks. Around 90 percent of canyon visitors come here.The headline of the loop. Two nights at the South Rim allow a sunrise and a sunset over the canyon and time to walk the Rim Trail or descend a little of the Bright Angel Trail. Hermit Road and Desert View Drive string together the classic overlooks. Around 90 percent of canyon visitors come here.

Recommendations

1h 38m · 117 km drive to Williams

Williams

1 night

A Route 66 town and home of the Grand Canyon Railway, which runs 65 miles to the South Rim depot. The walkable main street keeps its mid-century neon, diners and saloons. A relaxed final night before the drive back to Phoenix on I-40 and I-17.A Route 66 town and home of the Grand Canyon Railway, which runs 65 miles to the South Rim depot. The walkable main street keeps its mid-century neon, diners and saloons. A relaxed final night before the drive back to Phoenix on I-40 and I-17.

Recommendations

On the way

Phoenix
3h 38m · 261 km
The loop closes back in Phoenix after the long I-40 and I-17 descent from the high country. Time a late flight, or add a final night for the resorts, the Heard Museum and Sonoran Desert dining before heading home.The loop closes back in Phoenix after the long I-40 and I-17 descent from the high country. Time a late flight, or add a final night for the resorts, the Heard Museum and Sonoran Desert dining before heading home.
Recommendations

Grand Canyon & Red Rock Country: A Northern Arizona Loop