Beat the Heat With This One-Week Arizona Itinerary
Most people who don’t live in Arizona would say that it’s primarily a desert state of cacti, tumbleweeds, and rattlesnakes. Of course, that’s only a part of the story. More than one-third of the Grand Canyon State—including the South and North Rims of the Grand Canyon—is covered in evergreen forests. This itinerary, which starts in Flagstaff, the capital of the state’s forested northland, will take you through these forests along cool, secluded, tree-lined highways and to the top of the tallest mountains in the state. The best time to go is summer, when the deserts are too hot for comfort.
Day 1
Arrive in Flagstaff the night before and stay at one of the historic hotels downtown (the Weatherford Hotel or Hotel Monte Vista). Wake up early, have breakfast at the Morning Glory Café, and head out to the San Francisco Peaks. Hike through the pine-and-aspen forest on the Mount Humphrey Trail to the top of Arizona, at 12,633 feet (3,851 m). If you’re not into hiking, ride the Gondola at Arizona Snowbowl up to 11,500 feet (3,505 m). After a day in the forest, relax at one of the restaurants or bars in downtown Flagstaff.
Day 2
Get up early and drive to Williams, where you’ll park your car and hop on the Grand Canyon Railway. The historic train will drop you at the forested South Rim of the Grand Canyon, where you can spend the day looking into the canyon, exploring the charming buildings in Grand Canyon Village, and walking along the Rim Trail or taking a bike ride to Hermit’s Rest. Catch the train back to Williams and stay the night at The Lodge on Route 66.
Newsletter Signup
By clicking ‘Sign Up,’ I acknowledge that I have read and agree to Hachette Book Group’s Privacy Policy and Terms of Use
Day 3
Rise early once again and take AZ 89A through Oak Creek Canyon to Sedona, stopping along the way to admire the babbling forested creek. Have dinner at Creekside American Bistro & Bar and stay overnight in Sedona.
Day 4
Have breakfast in Sedona, hit AZ 179 south from Sedona to I-17, and then pick up AZ 260 east to the Mogollon Rim region. Drive through the forest along AZ 87, stopping in the small forest communities of Pine, Strawberry, and Payson to shop, hike, and eat. Check out the Zane Grey Cabin in Payson, and consider stopping at the gorgeous Tonto Natural Bridge State Park. Stay at the Majestic Mountain Inn in Payson and have dinner at Macky’s Grill.
Day 5
Get an early start for a drive across the Mogollon Rim to the White Mountains region. Drive slowly across the rim along Forest Road 300 for 51 miles (82 km) to the Mogollon Rim Visitor Center, where there’s a paved trail and some breathtaking views, stopping often to explore and enjoy the forest along the escarpment. Stay the night in Show Low or Pinetop-Lakeside in the White Mountains region.
Day 6
Rise early and lace up your hiking boots for a trek either to the top of Mount Baldy, the second-highest peak in the state, or Escudilla Mountain, the third-highest peak. Escudilla is the easier hike, and along the way you’ll see some of the most beautiful old-growth forests in the state. Have dinner at the Goob’s Pizza in Springerville and rest up for your last forest drive of the trip.
Day 7
Gas up the car and head south along the Coronado Trail, a twisting 120-mile (193-km) forested two-lane from the mountains down to the desert. Stop often to admire the wildflowers growing along the road, and keep a vigilant watch for wildlife. If you feel up to it, there are many hiking trails along the route that lead into the forest.
Vast open spaces, dreamy canyons, and colorful culture: experience it all with Moon Arizona & the Grand Canyon.
Newsletter Signup
By clicking ‘Sign Up,’ I acknowledge that I have read and agree to Hachette Book Group’s Privacy Policy and Terms of Use
Pin It for Later
