The best day trips in Arizona

With warming weather and much of the past year likely spent in your house, you may be ready to burst out and do something — anything — fun. Luckily, Arizona offers many beautiful and entertaining possibilities.

After all, the state is home to national and state parks, monuments, historic sites, and recreation areas. And, if you’re not outdoorsy or just want a break after a day of exploring, you have plenty of relaxation choices.

To help you plan your next outing, here are some of the best day trips in Arizona.

Gold Canyon

Just 40 minutes from downtown Phoenix, Gold Canyon is a beautiful community tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the city. If you like hiking, try Hieroglyphic Canyon Trail, an easy 1.5 miles that ends at some seasonal pools with ancient petroglyphs. Wave Cave Trail and Peralta Canyon are a little more challenging and ideal for the adventurous.

You can also see the wild desert from the back of a horse with Don Donnelly’s D-spur Ranch and Stables or check out the scenery on a hot air balloon ride or ATV adventure. Finally, tee up or wind down at Gold Canyon Golf Resort & Spa.

Prescott

Boating enthusiasts have several options in Prescott, with Goldwater Lake, Lynx Lake, and the Watson Lake reservoir. Watson Lake is particularly well rated and boasts shore jumping, among other features. As for hiking, check out Thumb Butte Trail #33 in Prescott National Forest, a major landmark that finishes with a view of the city.

If you’re a history buff, visit historic downtown to learn more about the original capital of Arizona and stop at Sharlot Hall Museum. Visit in late June to early July to take part in Prescott Frontier Days, an Arizona tradition since the 1800s.

Sedona

A well-known town, Sedona has a lot to offer. The hiking and biking trails have stunning views of the red rock. You can also enjoy the sights with a Pink Adventure Tour, which gives guided adventures in one-of-a-kind Jeeps or Tour Trekkers from Sedona and the Grand Canyon. Even your drive to Sedona is an adventure when you take the Red Rock Scenic Byway.

Sedona also offers cultural opportunities at Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village, authentically fashioned after a traditional Mexican village, where you can visit unique shops and galleries.

Flagstaff

When it starts to feel too hot at home, hop in your car to drive the Red Rock Scenic Byway as you make your way to Flagstaff. The cool temperature means you may even see snow into the spring.

Popular activities include small-group Grand Canyon tours, Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend Day tours, or even Inner Canyon River tours at the bottom of the Grand Canyon.

Tucson

 Tucson offers a variety of bike tours, like the Historic Bike Tour or the Mural Bike Tour. For a beautiful drive, consider the Mt Lemmon Scenic Byway, taking you through the Coronado National Forest.

You can also gather a group for a Scavenger Hunt Adventure that takes you around town as you solve clues and complete challenges. Or have an adventure while you work with or compete against your friends and take in the local bars, with Tucson Bar Hunt: Cacti and Cocktails.

No matter what day trips you take this spring and summer, you can travel in comfort with a vehicle that fits your lifestyle. This is Sanderson Ford Country! Visit SandersonFord.com to see what’s available, learn about specials, and even buy from home.