The Best Way To Travel Through the Grand Canyon State

If setting out for an unforgettable experience across Arizona, where dramatic landscapes and natural wonders are in abundance, this itinerary is the perfect way to visit the state’s most beautiful sites and discover lesser-known spots. This is the best way to travel through the Grand Canyon State.

Start your vacation in Sedona, a place where artists and outdoor lovers alike can find respite and adventure. Cross the red-rock formations through hiking trails like Devil’s Bridge, Bell Rock, and Cathedral Rock. Every path presents rather relative challenges but with vistas more than sufficiently rewarding. The thing about Sedona is there’s no pressure to hurry from site to site. You can take your time absorbing the local customs and perhaps linger for a few days so you can fully appreciate the area’s beauty.

After Sedona, make your way to Havasu Falls and its striking blue waters. If you get a permit, you’ll be allowed passage to tackle the 10-mile trek to a breathtaking oasis. You can even camp along the route to enhance the experience, but remember: this isn’t a hike to be taken lightly. Adequate preparation is a must. In the event all permits for the season have been exhausted, explore the Hopi region instead for insights into this indigenous people and the region’s archaeological significance.

Now, of course, no trip to Arizona is really complete without stopping to see the grandeur—no pun intended—of the Grand Canyon. The South Rim has incredible overlooks along Desert View Drive, just make sure you stop at some of the lesser-known lookouts like Lipan Point (for fewer crowds) and Yavapai Point (the sunset here is a must).

Round out your stay at the Painted Desert and Petrified Forest National Park. The vibrant colors, ancient fossils, and petroglyphs are incredible, and thanks to short trails and multiple overlooks, it’s easy to admire this distinctive location.

If you can, plan your Arizona vacation with open-ended return tickets. The natural landscapes and varied adventures here should be enjoyed without a care in the world—without a voice in the back of your mind rushing you from site to site. Make the most of it. That is the best way to travel through the Grand Canyon State.