1. The Apache Trail
© aVoCado/stock.adobe.com
Location:
Central Arizona (via AZ-88)Highlights:
If you’re craving dramatic desert views, winding cliffside drives, and a taste of Old West history, the Apache Trail delivers an unforgettable Arizona road trip through the heart of the Superstition Mountains and beyond.Recommended For:
Scenic drive lovers, history buffs, off-road adventurers, photographers, and travelers eager to explore Arizona’s backcountry landscapes.What I Love: ♥
That perfect blend of jaw-dropping natural scenery, historic mining towns, and the sense that you’re driving through living history on a road once used by stagecoaches and the Apache people.- Drive the historic 40-mile Apache Trail, once a 19th-century stagecoach route, now following the rugged path of modern AZ-88.
- Learn the trail’s roots, named after the Apache tribe whose ancestral lands it crosses, and its historic role in Arizona frontier life.
- Take in breathtaking views of Canyon Lake, Apache Lake, and Theodore Roosevelt Lake, all nestled within the Tonto National Forest.
- Prepare for adventure—parts of the route between Roosevelt Dam and Tortilla Flat are unpaved and best suited for 4WD vehicles, with sheer drop-offs and dramatic curves.
- Stop at fascinating frontier attractions like:
- Lost Dutchman State Park – Gateway to Superstition Mountain legends.
- Goldfield Ghost Town – A restored mining town with saloons, shops, and gold-panning.
- Globe – A historic copper-mining town and great end-point for your day trip.
Distance from Phoenix:
About 45 minutes to the Apache Trail's western entrance near Apache Junction.How to Get There:
Start in Apache Junction and follow AZ-88 east. Be aware of road conditions—check local advisories if planning to drive the unpaved stretch.Map:
View Apache Trail on Google Maps2. Canyon Lake
© Don/stock.adobe.com
Location:
Salt River, near Apache Junction, AZHighlights:
Whether you’re craving a day of jet skiing, fishing, or soaking in desert canyon views, Canyon Lake along the Apache Trail delivers the perfect blend of outdoor recreation and Arizona wilderness. It's a serene reservoir nestled in rocky cliffs—ideal for family fun or a peaceful nature escape.Recommended For:
Outdoor enthusiasts, boaters, campers, anglers, and anyone looking to cool off or unwind in the Sonoran Desert’s natural playground.What I Love: ♥
Canyon Lake packs a punch in just 950 acres, offering big scenery with a relaxing vibe—plus access to some of the Apache Trail’s most scenic stops and remote campsites.- Visit this manmade reservoir formed in 1925 by the Mormon Flat Dam, now the smallest—but most scenic—of four Salt River lakes.
- Enjoy year-round recreation like:
- Boating and jet skiing on the lake’s sparkling waters
- Scuba diving in clear depths near submerged cliffs
- Hiking trails offering stunning desert views
- Swimming at a designated beach during summer months
- Fish for rainbow trout, channel catfish, walleye, and more—either from shore or using one of two boat launches.
- Relax at picnic areas or plan a night under the stars at Tortilla Flat Campground or Canyon Lake Marina Campground, both with marina services and water access.
Distance from Phoenix:
About 1 hour by car via US-60 E and AZ-88 N.How to Get There:
Start in Apache Junction and follow the scenic Apache Trail (AZ-88). Road conditions vary—check ahead for closures if you’re continuing east of Tortilla Flat.Map:
View Canyon Lake on Google Maps3. Cave Creek
© Hadrien/stock.adobe.com
Location:
Cave Creek, AZ (Maricopa County)Highlights:
If you're in the Phoenix area and craving a mix of Old West history, desert hikes, and quirky shopping, Cave Creek is a perfect desert escape. Just a short drive from Scottsdale, this rustic gem blends cowboy roots with artsy flair and wide-open wilderness.Recommended For:
History buffs, hikers, families, local explorers, and anyone who loves a town with personality, saguaro-studded trails, and artisan markets.What I Love: ♥
Cave Creek’s mashup of historic relics, Sonoran Desert landscapes, and downtown galleries—it’s got wild west soul and modern Arizona charm.- Explore local history at landmarks like the Tubercular Cabin, the First Church of Cave Creek, and the Golden Reef Stamp Mill, each echoing the area's rugged frontier past.
- Hike or ride through Spur Cross Ranch, a 2,154-acre recreation area and portal to the Tonto National Forest.
- Wander Cave Creek Regional Park, spanning 3,000 acres of Sonoran Desert terrain ideal for birdwatching, hiking, and photography.
- Bring the family to Gateway Desert Awareness Park for educational fun, or enjoy the natural beauty of Seven Springs Recreation Area.
- Shop your way through Downtown Cave Creek, home to Southwestern art galleries, vintage boutiques, and Mexican pottery shops that give the town its creative, colorful vibe.
Distance from Phoenix:
About 45 minutes by car via AZ-101 Loop and Cave Creek Road.How to Get There:
Cave Creek is easily reached from Phoenix or Scottsdale by car. Once there, most attractions are clustered close together and best explored on foot or by bike.Map:
View Cave Creek on Google Maps4. Desert Botanical Garden
© Daniel Meunier/stock.adobe.com
Location:
Papago Park, Phoenix, AZHighlights:
If you think the desert is all dust and tumbleweeds, Desert Botanical Garden will totally change your mind. With 140 acres of brilliantly designed trails and over 50,000 vibrant desert plants, it’s a must-see for anyone curious about the beauty and resilience of desert life.Recommended For:
Garden enthusiasts, photographers, hikers, families, and those looking to experience the lush side of the Sonoran Desert.What I Love: ♥
World-class cacti collections, rare native flora, scenic walking trails, and outdoor concerts—all in a peaceful desert oasis that’s just minutes from downtown Phoenix.- Stroll through a living gallery of over 50,000 plants from more than 4,000 species, including 379 rare and endangered varieties.
- Discover themed plantings showcasing agave, cacti, and plants native to mesquite bosque, chaparral, and semidesert grasslands.
- Walk three signature trails:
- Sonoran Desert Nature Loop Trail – with views of the Papago Buttes
- Desert Discovery Loop Trail – an easy overview of desert life
- Plants and People of the Sonoran Desert Loop Trail – focusing on indigenous knowledge and usage
- Dine at the garden’s patio café, serving fresh American fare in a scenic setting.
- Attend seasonal concerts and events, from spring jazz nights to festive winter light displays.
Distance from Scottsdale:
About 20 minutes by car, located inside Papago Park.How to Get There:
Easily accessible by car via N Galvin Parkway. Plenty of onsite parking is available. Be sure to wear sun protection and comfortable shoes for the trails!Address:
1201 N Galvin Pkwy, Phoenix, AZ 85008Phone: 480-941-1225
5. Flagstaff
© oscity/stock.adobe.com
Location:
Flagstaff, AZ (Coconino County)Highlights:
Need to cool off in summer or hit the slopes in winter? Flagstaff is your high-altitude haven, offering mountain views, historic pueblos, and the perfect base for Grand Canyon adventures. It's a city where crisp air, pine forests, and culture converge beautifully.Recommended For:
Nature lovers, skiers, hikers, road trippers, history enthusiasts, and anyone escaping the desert heat.What I Love: ♥
That Flagstaff gives you snowy slopes in winter, trailheads in summer, and fascinating Indigenous history—all in a laid-back college town setting.- Visit the Arizona Snowbowl for skiing and snowboarding at 9,200 feet—plus sweeping views of the San Francisco Peaks and the surrounding ponderosa pine forest.
- Explore national monuments like Wupatki and Walnut Canyon to see ancient Puebloan cliff dwellings and ruins preserved in breathtaking desert canyons.
- Use Flagstaff as a summer launchpad to the Grand Canyon and Humphreys Peak, the tallest mountain in Arizona (a popular day hike).
- Enjoy Flagstaff’s cultural scene, with live music, theater performances, and events from groups like:
- Clifford E. White Theater
- Studio Theater
- Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra
Distance from Phoenix:
About 2 hours and 15 minutes north via I-17 N.How to Get There:
Drive from Phoenix or fly into Flagstaff Pulliam Airport. Once in town, use a car or explore the compact downtown on foot. Bike paths and hiking trails are also abundant in the area.Map:
View Flagstaff on Google MapsRomantic Day Trips from Scottsdale:
6. Grand Canyon National Park
© Christopher/stock.adobe.com
Location:
Northern Arizona, Coconino CountyHighlights:
It’s one of the most jaw-dropping sights on Earth—Grand Canyon National Park draws millions each year to witness the staggering scale, color, and natural beauty of a canyon carved over eons by the Colorado River. If it's not on your bucket list yet, it should be.Recommended For:
First-time visitors to the Southwest, nature lovers, hikers, families, photographers, and anyone craving an unforgettable view.What I Love: ♥
The way the canyon reveals itself in layers—of time, color, and depth—and how no two viewpoints ever feel quite the same.- Experience one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and top national park destination since its designation in 1919.
- Marvel at layers of ancient rock formations—from deep reds to sun-bleached gold—carved by the Colorado River across millions of years.
- Visit the South Rim for the most accessible views, family-friendly attractions, and a range of lodging options from classic lodges to modern resorts.
- Explore the more remote North Rim, home to quiet lodges, campgrounds, and serene outlooks such as the Yavapai Observation Station (watch video).
Distance from Flagstaff:
Roughly 1 hour 30 minutes by car to the South Rim via US-180 and AZ-64 N.How to Get There:
Drive from Flagstaff, Phoenix, or Las Vegas. Shuttle and tour services are also available. Be sure to plan ahead—lodging and park access may require reservations in peak seasons.Map:
View Grand Canyon on Google Maps7. Jerome
© Jamie & Judy Wild and Danita Delimont/stock.adobe.com
Location:
Jerome, AZ (Yavapai County)Highlights:
Want to spend the day in a ghost town turned artist haven? Jerome is perched high on Cleopatra Hill with sweeping views and a wild past. Once Arizona’s copper king, it’s now a quirky blend of haunted hotels, art galleries, and vintage charm.Recommended For:
History buffs, antique hunters, art lovers, families, and anyone who appreciates a town with a colorful backstory and unforgettable views.What I Love: ♥
How Jerome mixes ghost-town grit with a vibrant arts scene—plus those cliffside roads make for one memorable drive!- Step back in time at Jerome State Historic Park, where the restored 1916 Douglas Mansion offers a glimpse into mining life through guided tours and preserved exhibits.
- Stand over history on the glass platform above a real 1918 copper mine shaft at Audrey Headframe Park—it’s both thrilling and educational.
- Stroll the downtown district, filled with antique stores, art galleries, and eclectic boutiques nestled in restored historic buildings.
- Dine at restaurants with character, ranging from cozy cafés to upscale spots with sweeping views of Verde Valley.
Distance from Scottsdale:
About 2 hours and 15 minutes north via AZ-260 W and AZ-89A S.How to Get There:
Take a scenic drive through Prescott Valley or Sedona. The winding mountain roads offer gorgeous vistas—plan for a few photo stops!Map:
View Jerome on Google Maps8. Kartchner Caverns
© swisshippo/stock.adobe.com
Location:
Benson, ArizonaHighlights:
If you're craving something cool—literally—Kartchner Caverns is your underground escape. These limestone show caves are full of jaw-dropping rock formations and are one of the best-preserved cave systems in the U.S.Recommended For:
Cave explorers, geology buffs, families, and anyone who enjoys unique natural wonders and wildlife conservation.What I Love: ♥
The fact that these caverns stayed a secret for 14 years so they could be protected—and now we get to experience them without disturbing the ecosystem.- Tour the Throne Room to see one of the longest soda straw stalactites in the world—over 21 feet long.
- Stand beneath the massive Kubla Khan column, one of the tallest cave formations in Arizona at over 58 feet.
- Explore other stunning areas like the Rotunda and Strawberry Rooms, the eerie Mud Flats, and the twisting Cul-de-Sac Passage.
- Witness the caverns' role as a bat sanctuary, hosting a colony of maternity bats from late spring through early fall.
- Hike the surrounding Kartchner Caverns State Park trails for panoramic desert views and interpretive signs about local flora and fauna.
Distance from Tucson:
About 50 minutes southeast via I-10 E and AZ-90 S.How to Get There:
Drive from Tucson or Phoenix. Guided cave tours require reservations—book early, especially on weekends and during peak seasons.Map:
View Kartchner Caverns on Google MapsFamily-friendly Day Trips from Scottsdale:
9. Lost Dutchman State Park
© Tom/stock.adobe.com
Location:
Apache Junction, ArizonaHighlights:
Set against the rugged backdrop of the Superstition Mountains, Lost Dutchman State Park is where legend meets landscape. Whether you’re chasing tales of buried treasure or just craving a killer desert hike, this spot delivers.Recommended For:
Hikers, campers, folklore fans, desert photographers, and those looking for a scenic, uncrowded escape near Phoenix.What I Love: ♥
The blend of mysterious gold rush lore with open desert trails and jagged mountain views—plus epic stargazing after sunset.- Discover the lore of the elusive Lost Dutchman's Gold Mine, a legendary treasure said to be hidden nearby by Jacob Waltz, a German immigrant in the 1800s.
- Hike through the 320-acre park via scenic trails like Siphon Draw or Treasure Loop, each offering panoramic mountain views.
- Ride your mountain bike across rugged desert terrain or picnic under the shadows of the Superstition cliffs.
- Camp in comfort with access to 134 campsites, including sites with RV hookups, clean restrooms, and stunning night skies.
Distance from Phoenix:
Just under 50 minutes east of downtown via US-60 E and AZ-88 N.How to Get There:
Take US-60 to Apache Junction, then head north on AZ-88 (Apache Trail) to the park entrance. Come early on weekends—sunrise hikes are especially popular.Map:
View Lost Dutchman State Park on Google Maps10. McDowell Mountain Regional Park
© lynda lehmann/stock.adobe.com
Location:
Fountain Hills, ArizonaHighlights:
If you're looking for wide-open skies, epic desert views, and some of the best trails in central Arizona, McDowell Mountain Regional Park is a must. Whether you're hiking, biking, or just enjoying a peaceful sunrise, this 21,000-acre gem hits the spot.Recommended For:
Outdoor enthusiasts, mountain bikers, wildlife lovers, trail runners, and weekend campers escaping the city buzz.What I Love: ♥
The expansive multi-use trail network, the breathtaking Sonoran Desert views, and campsites that feel remote—but still have restrooms.- Explore over 50 miles of hiking and biking trails across saguaro-dotted terrain and scenic ridgelines.
- Ride the park’s three competitive mountain bike loop trails tailored for every skill level—from casual rides to race training.
- Spot native desert wildlife like javelina, deer, and coyotes in the early mornings and evenings.
- Camp under the stars at sites equipped with RV hookups, tent pads, fire rings, and clean restrooms.
- Relax with a picnic at day-use ramadas, perfect for unwinding after your trail time.
Distance from Scottsdale:
About 40 minutes northeast via AZ-87 N.How to Get There:
From Scottsdale, head north on AZ-87 and turn east on McDowell Mountain Park Dr. The entrance is clearly marked and easy to find—just don’t forget your water bottles and sunblock.Map:
View McDowell Mountain Park on Google MapsPlan Your Trip