A Bucket List Arizona Road Trip: The Perfect 4-Day Itinerary

Nov 18, 2017

Last updated on October 29th, 2024 at 11:05 pm

If you have never been to Arizona, then spending a long weekend in this desert state would be a perfect start. Last year we did an Arizona road trip during our Thanksgiving long weekend holiday. In this blog post, we will share our favorite pitstops in this Arizona getaway.

I know, I know, Thanksgiving is all about coming home together as a family. Before you start judging, we didn’t skip our family reunion. We all just traveled together to a new destination 🙂 We even enjoyed a delicious homestyle meal on Thanksgiving Day “thanks” to the only restaurant that was open in Flagstaff that evening – Majerle’s Sports Grill. Honestly, I am still surprised they were even open. 

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links.

This image shows a group of five people smiling and posing together at a scenic overlook of the Grand Canyon. The bright, clear sky and vast canyon landscape create a stunning backdrop, while the group, dressed warmly, stands close, radiating a sense of joy and togetherness. The setting highlights the grandeur of the Grand Canyon and the memorable experience of visiting with loved ones.

Arizona Weather in November

As hot as Arizona can be in the summertime, it can get really cold in the winters especially up in the mountains. Mountains would be north of Phoenix i.e. Sedona, Flagstaff, Grand Canyon, and Page. North Rim of Grand Canyon is even closed in the winters.

However, South Rim is open and that is where we went. November was actually just the perfect weather you want here. We needed light jackets during the day when the sun was out and only had to bundle up in early mornings and late nights.

4-day Arizona road trip: Day by day itinerary 

This itinerary covers Northern Arizona and is based on your arrival in Phoenix. If you are coming from Las Vegas or California then you should consider making a stopover at the West Rim of Grand Canyon and the Skywalk.

We also did not account for any hiking time since we were traveling with our parents. If you have more time and are physically fit then add a few hikes to your trip. Sedona has one of the most amazing landscapes in the world and here are some of the best hikes in Sedona to consider. Read more about the hiking trails in Grand Canyon National Park’s website.

If you want to explore Southern Arizona then consider doing a weekend trip to Bisbee. 

This map image displays a road trip route in Arizona, beginning in Phoenix and passing through Sedona, Flagstaff, and the Grand Canyon Visitor Center, with final stops at Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend in Page, AZ. The route covers several iconic attractions and scenic destinations in northern Arizona, with an estimated driving time of 6 hours and 58 minutes. The map serves as a visual guide for a classic Arizona road trip experience.
Spending the four perfect days in Arizona on this route. We love maps!

Day 1 (Phoenix – Sedona – Flagstaff)

  • Fly to Phoenix in the morning and drive to Sedona. It takes about two hours (2:00 hrs) to get to Sedona from Phoenix.
  • Visit Red Rock State Park in Sedona or try some of the hikes we recommended in Sedona earlier.
  • Drive to Flagstaff, spend the night here. It is an hour (1 hr) drive from Sedona to Flagstaff. Our accommodation suggestions are mentioned at the end of this post.

Find fun things to do in Arizona.

This collage features three scenic images from Sedona, Arizona. The top image showcases towering red rock formations against a blue sky, with rustic buildings nestled among trees in the foreground. The bottom left image captures a person walking along a trail surrounded by dry grass and autumn foliage, with a wooden bench on the side. The bottom right image highlights iconic red rock formations viewed through tall grasses, emphasizing the natural beauty and warm colors of Sedona's landscape.
Exploring Red Rock State Park in Sedona.
This image captures a quiet downtown street along historic Route 66, with a "Route 66" sign attached to a traffic light pole. A classic brick building with arched windows and retro signage lines the street, while a hotel marquee in the background adds to the nostalgic charm. The scene reflects the small-town Americana atmosphere often associated with Route 66.
The only restaurant, Majerle’s Sports Grill, that was open on the eve of Thanksgiving. It is located right on the famous Route 66 in Flagstaff.

Day 2

  • Drive early morning from Flagstaff to Grand Canyon. It takes roughly one and a half hours (1:30 hrs) to get to the visitor center from Flagstaff. 
  • Explore Grand Canyon‘s Blue and Red bus routes. We will talk about Grand Canyon shuttle buses more in detail in a bit.
  • Spend the night in Grand Canyon Lodges or Tusayan, a small town right outside South Rim entrance.
This image features a couple smiling at each other against the breathtaking backdrop of the Grand Canyon. The deep canyon, layered with red and orange rock formations, stretches out under a clear blue sky, while a railing in the foreground marks the overlook. The scene captures a joyful moment of shared experience in a spectacular natural setting.
There are multiple vista points that the shuttle buses stop at, pick and choose which ones you want to stop at. After a point, they will all look the same.
This image is a detailed map of the Grand Canyon Village area, highlighting key locations such as the Visitor Center, shuttle routes, scenic overlooks, lodging, and dining areas. Various points of interest along the South Rim are marked, providing visitors with an overview of accessible trails, viewpoints, and essential facilities within the park. This map serves as a guide for navigating the main attractions of the Grand Canyon's South Rim.
NPS map of South Rim at Grand Canyon, click on the map to go to NPS website.
This image captures a stunning view of the Grand Canyon at sunset, with soft pastel hues illuminating the vast canyon and its layered rock formations. The Colorado River winds through the deep valley, while the rugged cliffs and distant mesas fade into the evening light. The tranquil colors of the sky enhance the grandeur and depth of this iconic landscape.
We saw sunset at Mohave Point on the red bus route, can you spot me in this photo? Keep in mind that the shuttle buses end their service soon after sunset so don’t forget to hop on the last shuttle. Otherwise, it will be a long hike back.

Day 3

  • Get up super early in the morning to watch the sunrise at Grand Canyon.
  • Explore the orange bus route as you exit Grand Canyon from Desert View Station (refer NPS bus map above).
  • Drive East towards Page, AZ. It will take you about two and a half hours (2:30 hrs) or more from the visitor center of Grand Canyon South Rim to Horseshoe Bend.
  • Hike the Horseshoe Bend to catch the sunset on top. 

Find fun things to do in Arizona.

This image is a side-by-side comparison of a person sitting at the edge of the Grand Canyon, wearing a bright yellow beanie with cartoon-like eyes. The vast canyon stretches out in the background, fading into the colors of sunrise or sunset. The comparison likely highlights subtle differences, capturing the fun and awe of the Grand Canyon experience with a playful touch.
Watching the sunrise at Grand Canyon cannot be missed, neither can be having some fun. We saw sunrise at Yavapai Point, in this photo you can see Vishnu Peak in the top left.
This collage includes three images showcasing a visit to Horseshoe Bend in Arizona. The top image shows a group of people walking along a desert trail surrounded by scrub vegetation under a cloudy sky. The bottom two images capture a person sitting at the edge, admiring the iconic view of the Colorado River winding around the horseshoe-shaped rock formation. The scene emphasizes the expansive desert landscape and the breathtaking vista of Horseshoe Bend.
Horseshoe Bend is an easy hike to the top of the mountain which overlooks the bend on Colorado River.

Day 4

  • Very close to Horseshoe Bend in Page is the Antelope Canyons. Take the guided tour of Antelope Canyons. If you are wondering which ones to visit – Upper or Lower Canyon then you must read our post on Antelope Canyons to find out.
  • Visit Lake Powell recreational area.
  • Drive back to Phoenix and fly out that night or the next morning. It is about four hours drive (4 hrs) from Page to Phoenix, AZ.

Important tips on visiting Antelope Canyons for the first time

This image captures the flowing, sculptural sandstone walls of Antelope Canyon, illuminated by soft light that enhances the rich red and orange hues. The smooth, wave-like formations create an almost liquid appearance, highlighting the canyon's unique textures and natural beauty. The interplay of shadow and light accentuates the canyon's depth and graceful curves.
Beautiful strokes of brushes that mother nature has marked on the soft red rocks in Antelope Canyons. These marks are due to millions of years of flooding water passing through the slot canyons.

Here are some more outdoor adventures in Arizona if you are interested. Now we only had 4 days but if you have more time to explore this area then definitely read how to spend 7 days in the Southwest of the USA.

Transportation within Grand Canyon – Shuttle Buses

Although this is a road trip itinerary we would highly advise you to utilize the free shuttle buses that run through the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. Especially the Red Route shuttle bus since private vehicles are not allowed on that road up to Hermit’s Rest.

You can park your own rental car at the Grand Canyon National Park Visitor Center. Take the Blue Route shuttle bus all the way to the starting point of the red route. The buses stop at all the major vista points in Grand Canyon. Pick and choose your hop off and on points wisely since after a while, all views start looking alike.

Although we must add that most people tend to use these shuttles in peak season, so you might find long lines of people wanting to get on to buses at stopovers. TIP: Carry bottles of water and snacks to keep you hydrated and energized.

Vehicles are allowed on the orange bus route so we would recommend you to drive that part yourself on your way out of the Desert View Station exit. TIP: The shuttle buses end their service soon after sunset so don’t forget to hop on the last shuttle otherwise, it will be a long hike back.

This image collage shows two scenes featuring the Grand Canyon shuttle bus. The top image provides a close-up view of the bus, marked with the "Grand Canyon" logo and National Park Service emblem, as passengers board. The bottom image captures the bus at a station with rustic visitor facilities in the background, emphasizing the convenience of shuttle services for exploring the park. The images highlight the transportation options available to visitors within the Grand Canyon National Park.
Shuttle buses are colored based on their routes.

If you are traveling to Grand Canyon with a senior US citizen or a senior Green Card holder, then buy a lifetime pass for National Parks for them. This one time $10 fee allows them and anyone in their car a free entry to all the National Parks in the US.

Accommodation and Food

In Flagstaff: The town of Flagstaff is relatively bigger than Tusayan but much smaller than Phoenix. You will find a bunch of eating options here as well as a few superstores. The Holiday Inn Express in Flagstaff and Hilton Garden Inn are a couple of better options to stay than some other places here.

In Grand Canyon: You can either book one of the 3 lodges that are located in Grand Canyon National Park. Although with lodges make sure you book it ahead of time since these lodges are in high demand due to their proximity and they sell out fast. Another great option is to stay in the village of Tusayan. It’s only a 5 minutes drive from the entrance of South Rim. We stayed at Holiday Inn Express in Tusayan which turned out pretty nice. Our other option was The Grand Hotel in Tusayan but even that was sold out for the Thanksgiving weekend. In Tusayan, there are a handful of food options including fast food and everything is within a mile in radius.

In Page Arizona: I would again suggest Holiday Inn Express in Page since there are really very limited options for good stay in this small town. There are a few Asian food options in Page downtown as well as Mexican and American BBQ.

More on Road Trips in the US

An ultimate guide to spending a long weekend in Arizona
Four amazing days in Arizona - a detailed guide

While there are many places to be explored in Arizona, this Grand Canyon circuit we talked about is definitely going to be the highlight of your trip.

Hope you guys have a wonderful long weekend in Arizona! Do share it with your friends and family and leave us a comment if you liked this post. Also, don’t forget to pin this post for later. Hover over the photos above to pin it 🙂

Happy Traveling!

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53 comments on “A Bucket List Arizona Road Trip: The Perfect 4-Day Itinerary”

  1. Hey, we are planning on second week of December, will this itinerary still works.

    I am pretty new and the first timer to Arizona. Any clue highly appreciated. Thank you

    Reply

    • Hi & sorry for the late response. Guessing you are in Arizona right now, this itinerary will still work but you might see some snow at Grand Canyon at this time of the year which I think is pretty cool too.

      Reply

  2. Pingback: All the warm colours of nature at Lower Antelope Canyon - Zest In A Tote

  4. Admiring the hard work you put into your site and detailed information you offer. It’s good to come across a blog every once in a while that isn’t the same unwanted rehashed material. Wonderful read! I’ve bookmarked your site and I’m adding your RSS feeds to my Google account. daegedddebdgkdkf

    Reply

  5. I’ve lived in Phoenix almost 15 years and I’ve only visited the Grand Canyon and Sedona (Slide Rock). I need to get out more lol!!

    Reply

    • Our backyards usually are the least explored 😉 I love your State and cannot wait to come back to explore more, maybe you will give me some ideas for next visit!

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    • Thanks a lot Agness!! 🙂 Really appreciate your kind words on our photography. Since we didn’t do any major hikes on this trip so yes a weekend was absolutely enough to explore these places in AZ. All these places are within a couple of hours of drive. (We went on Thanksgiving long weekend actually where we got 4 days of off)

      Reply

  7. What an awesome itinerary! I’m so impressed by how much you packed into a long weekend. I’ve never been to Arizona before but I’m having major National Park envy after seeing your photos. Your post inspired me to start planning an Arizona adventure!

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  8. Thanks for sharing this guide I actually as thinking of going around November this year but the timing didn’t work out. That’s a great point about just picking one or two vistas since they all could look the same! How early did you guys have to get up for the sun rise?! The photos you took turned out amazing. Definitely saving for next year!

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    • Yeah after a while we couldn’t tell which photo we took where.. lol Thanks a lot Hanna!!
      Since sunrise in Nov is not super early, I think we reached this vista point at around 6.15am maybe (sunrise must have been a little before 7am). We like to get there early to set up our camera etc. PS: We weren’t alone, there were a dozen or more people already out there waiting for the sunrise.

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  9. Arizona turned out beautiful! I have no idea at all until I searched places of interest beside Grand Canyon. We went there 4 summers ago and spent a couple of nights in Grand Canyon. We also went to Page but didn’t have time to stop in Flagstaff. But we will be back. There are so much to see and do there.

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    • Yeah most people just come to Arizona for Grand Canyon only but it has so much more to offer 🙂 Nothing much to do in Flagstaff actually, most people use it as a base for Grand Canyon if they don’t get lodging closer to the park. I would suggest you check out Sedona next time, even we still have to see more of Sedona besides the state park we went to.

      Reply

  11. Oh my oh my. It’s so cool that you could do this with your family. I’ve seen so many photos of The horseshoe over the past 4 months via Instagram that I have put it on my bucketlist, next to Grand Canyon. Great photos dear and thanks for the tips. I am definitely pinning this!!

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    • I know right!! Thanks girl 😀 Instagram introduced me to Horseshoe Bend too.. LOL But seriously it’s so closeby you cannot miss.

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  13. OMG! Grand Canyon! The view is stunning. How I wish that these places in Arizona is reachable by Filipinos. Haha I envy you girl! At least, it seems that I have been to Grand Canyon as well.

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  14. Grand Canyon images have always fascinated me. I missed visiting them when briefly lived in Houston. Never realised the trip to Grand Canyon is so organised.

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  16. Ok you’ve inspired me that I need to get back to Arizona ASAP! I have been to the Grand Canyon, but would love to explore Sedona, Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon! Thanks for the details and recommendations! Your pictures are lovely too!

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    • If you want to skip Grand Canyon on your next trip then you can possibly do Monument Valley instead along with the rest (I hear that is stunning too). There is so much awesomeness all so close by in this region! 🙂 Thanks a lot girl for appreciating our photos!

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  17. What an amazing way to spend Thanksgiving! It looks like you and your family had a blast. Definitely pinning this itinerary to refer to for my trip to Arizona! 🙂

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  19. Another Holiday Inn Express fan 🙂 We stay at a lot as they are dog-friendly and their rewards program makes it easy to get free nights! Next time, you’ll have to include Tucson in your itinerary – I just moved here and can’t believe all the fun things to do!

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    • Thanks Leigh!! Yes Tuscon it has to be on my next AZ trip 😀 And a Holiday Inn is a no-brainer when I don’t want to sit and research hotels .. Love ’em!

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    • Yes you are right! It doesn’t look real at all!! Do me a favor and go to horseshoe at sunset… the orange light cast on the rocks is actually surreal. I kept asking my family, do you see what I see or is it just my camera adding the effect.. haha 😉

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  23. These are my favorite places in USA and what makes Arizona my favorite State due to its amazing national parks. And oh I love the sunrise shot in Grand Canyon! I wish I have done an early trip there.

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    • Thanks a lot!! Yeah you think you are the only one who wants to see the sunrise and then there are a hundred other people with their cameras having the same idea… haha. But I would do it again, sunrise and sunset both at GC were phenomenal! 😀

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    • I agree, I took notes of a few hikes that I would want to do next time I visit Grand Canyon. Definitely can spend a lot of time in this area. 🙂

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  25. Wow, amazing what you can do and see in only a couple of days! Seems like an amazing itinerary. I’ve been to Arizona for over two weeks and didn’t even see the Antelope Canyon!! I would love to go back to see more and of it!

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  26. I have been dying to visit the Grand Canyon with the kids- it looks gorgeous! Love your photos! Thanks for sharing the handy tips about the buses. Is it easier using them as opposed to driving yourself?

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    • Thanks Sally!! 🙂 I’d say the bus is definitely easier to use since you are not allowed to drive the red route anyway (which is the most famous route) at South Rim. So why not take the blue shuttle from visitor center anyway till red route starting point. Although I must add since most people tend to use the shuttles in peak season you might find long lines of people wanting to get on the buses at each vista point. I should add this tidbit to the blog too, ha! 🙂

      Reply

  27. I got to see a few of the spots you mentioned when I was last in Arizona (Antelope Canyon was incredible), and totally agree with their spot on your itinerary! Such a beautiful state. I’ll have to visit the spots I didn’t make it to on my next visit.

    Reply

    • Thanks Sarah!! I have a list of spots I still need to see in Arizona too .. lol That would make for another long weekend trip 😉

      Reply

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