If you’re beginning a camper van road trip from Phoenix and want to find the best destinations for your adventure, we have you covered. In this article, we’ll discuss some places you can drive to within a few hours of Phoenix, sample itineraries, and how to optimize with the right travel vehicle with information on camper van and class B RV rentals. 

What Is the Best Road Trip to Take? 

If you’ve been looking for the best road trips from Phoenix on Reddit or other sources and haven’t quite found what you were looking for, let’s explore some of the top destinations you can find in the area. 

One of the top destinations in Arizona is Grand Canyon National Park. It is a 3-hour drive, and you can explore, camp overnight, and then head back home the next day.

Another great option is exploring the destinations along Arizona’s historic Route 66. When you want a great 7-day road trip from Phoenix, you could go to popular destinations along Route 66, such as:

• Petrified Forest National Park
• Homolovi State Park
• Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument
• Walnut Canyon National Monument
• Peach Springs
• Lava River Cave
• The Orpheum Theater

What Is the Best Scenic Drive from Phoenix to Sedona? 

When you’re looking for the best scenic drive from Phoenix to Sedona, there are a lot of great stops you can find along the way. Here’s a great example of a 4-day road trip from Phoenix and ending in Sedona. 

• Day 1: Drive about 1.5 hours to Prescott, where you can spend time exploring the historic Whiskey Row, known for its old Western saloons and boutique shops. Then, visit the Sharlot Hall Museum to learn about the region’s history.
• Day 2: Drive 50 minutes to Jerome, AZ, a fascinating former mining town set on a steep hillside. It’s now filled with art galleries, quirky shops, and historical sites. Don’t miss the Jerome State Historic Park for a glimpse into its copper mining past.
• Day 3: Drive 20 minutes to Cottonwood, AZ. Explore the historic old town, visit the local wineries, or take a leisurely stroll along Main Street.
• Day 4: Drive 30 minutes to Sedona, where you can hike on one of Sedona’s many trails, such as the Devil’s Bridge Trail, which offers breathtaking views and a natural rock bridge. Then, relax with a spa treatment at one of Sedona’s renowned spas or explore the Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village, an attractive center styled after a traditional Mexican village

What Is 8 Hours from Phoenix?

You’ll find several destinations 8 hours from Phoenix. Let’s review some of the top options in different categories, which you can often combine to make a great 5-day road trip from Phoenix without driving too far out of your way. 

Nature and Scenery

1. Grand Canyon National Park, AZ – About 3.5 hours away. A must-see natural wonder offering breathtaking views, hiking trails, and the opportunity to raft down the Colorado River.
2. Zion National Park, UT – Roughly 6.5 hours away. Known for its stunning red cliffs, forest trails, and the challenging hike through the Narrows.
3. Joshua Tree National Park, CA – About 4 hours away. Famous for its fascinating desert landscape, unique rock formations, and night skies perfect for stargazing.
4. Monument Valley, UT/AZ – About 5.5 hours away. Iconic red sandstone buttes and vast desert landscapes have been the backdrop for numerous films

Entertainment and Excursions

1. Las Vegas, NV – Just about 4.5 hours away. Offers entertainment, dining, shopping, and nightlife, along with nearby natural attractions like Red Rock Canyon.
2. Los Angeles, CA – Approximately 6 hours. A sprawling city known for its film and entertainment industry, beaches, museums, and multicultural dining options.
3. San Diego, CA – Roughly 5.5 hours away. Known for beautiful beaches, parks, and the famous San Diego Zoo.
4. Tucson, AZ – About 2 hours away. Offers a mix of cultural experiences, historic sites, and the beautiful landscapes of Saguaro National Park

Outdoor Recreation

1. Lake Powell, AZ/UT – Around 4.5 hours. Offers boating, fishing, and spectacular geological formations.
2. Sedona, AZ – About 2 hours away. Known for its vibrant art scene, spiritual retreats, and extensive network of hiking and mountain biking trails.
3. Bryce Canyon National Park, UT – Approximately 7 hours. Famous for its unique hoodoos and gorgeous panoramic views from trails like the Rim Trail.
4. Palm Springs, CA – Around 4 hours. Popular for its mid-century modern architecture, hot springs, and relaxing desert atmosphere

Where to Drive from Phoenix?

When you’re looking for short road trips or unique day trips from Phoenix, there are several destinations that work well. Here are the 50 best day trips from Phoenix that offer something for anyone. 

Natural Attractions

1. Sedona – Red rock hiking trails and art galleries.
2. Grand Canyon National Park – Majestic landscapes and hiking.
3. Tonto Natural Bridge State Park – Natural rock bridge and trails.
4. Prescott – Lakes, trails, and historic downtown.
5. Flagstaff – Cool climate, forests, and hiking.
6. Montezuma Castle National Monument – Well-preserved cliff dwellings.
7. Petrified Forest National Park – Fossilized trees and colorful badlands.
8. Saguaro National Park – Iconic cactus-filled landscapes.
9. Picacho Peak State Park – Hiking and wildflowers.
10. Superstition Mountains – Hiking, legends, and Lost Dutchman State Park

Water-Based Excursions

1. Lake Pleasant Regional Park – Boating and fishing.
2. Roosevelt Lake – Fishing and water sports.
3. Bartlett Lake – Less crowded lake activities.
4. Canyon Lake – Water activities and scenic views.
5. Apache Lake – Remote boating and fishing.

Historic & Cultural Sites

1. Tombstone – Historic Wild West town.
2. Bisbee – Mining history and vibrant arts scene.
3. Jerome – Historic copper mining town turned artist village.
4. Mission San Xavier del Bac – Historic Spanish mission.
5. Wickenburg – Western history and culture.
6. Globe – Mining history and antique shops.
7. Tubac – Art and history in a quaint setting.
8. Tucson is rich in cultural, historical, and culinary attractions.
9. Yuma – Historic sites and the Colorado River

Outdoor Activities

1. White Tank Mountain Regional Park – Hiking and petroglyphs.
2. South Mountain Park and Preserve – Extensive trails and city views.
3. Boyce Thompson Arboretum – Plant collections and scenic trails.
4. Sabino Canyon – Desert landscapes and tram tours.
5. Hassayampa River Preserve – Birdwatching and nature walks.
6. Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument – Unique desert scenery.
7. Agua Fria National Monument – Prehistoric sites and hiking.
8. Kartchner Caverns State Park – Underground cave tours.
9. Chiricahua National Monument – Fantastic rock formations and hiking.
10. Coconino National Forest – Varied landscapes, including forests and deserts.
11. Mogollon Rim – Dramatic overlooks and forested trails

Unique Arizona Experiences

1. Payson – Forests and a cooler climate.
2. Pine/Strawberry – Small-town charm and antique shops.
3. Arcosanti – Experimental architectural site.
4. Oak Creek Canyon – Beautiful canyon drive and hiking.
5. Pinal Airpark – Aircraft boneyard tours.
6. Meteor Crater – Best preserved meteorite impact site.
7. Gilbert Riparian Preserve – Wildlife and birdwatching.
8. Kofa National Wildlife Refuge – Wilderness and wildlife viewing.
9. Alamo Lake State Park – Remote and great for stargazing.
10. Goldfield Ghost Town – An old mining town and tourist attraction

Leisure and Relaxation

1. Scottsdale – Upscale shopping and dining.
2. Tempe is a college town that offers cultural and recreational activities.
3. Lake Havasu City is famous for its London Bridge and lake activities.
4. Queen Creek – Olive Mill and farm-to-table experiences.
5. Verde Valley Wine Trail – Wine tasting and vineyard tours

Rent a Camper Van from Escape Camper Vans When Taking a Road Trip from Phoenix

A convenient camper van with sleeping space and helpful amenities will help you get the most out of your road trip, whether you’re planning day trips from Phoenix in summer, fall, or any other time of the year.  

Escape Camper Vans has a pickup and dropoff location right in Phoenix, where you can begin and end your trip. We also have ten other locations across the U.S. for all your traveling needs. 

Our vans come equipped with:

• Queen size beds
• Propane stove
• Sink with a water tank
• Refrigerator
• Extra storage
• Foldaway tables and benches 
• And mor

Reserve yours today, or contact us with any other questions.