If you’ve reached the point where the beige-on-beige color palette of Gilbert and East Valley is driving you crazy, it’s time for a day trip. Thankfully, there’s no shortage of cool spots you can drive to in just a few hours.
Let’s get to it.
Sedona | For your aura (and your Instagram)
Just a two-hour shot north, the 140-mile drive to Sedona is a visual representation of your stress melting away. You’ll trade endless suburbia for classic Sonoran Desert scenery before climbing the glorious Red Rock Scenic Byway, a journey that feels like you’re driving straight into a postcard. By the time you arrive, you’ll already feel like a new, slightly more enlightened person who paid way too much for gas.
Sedona is world-famous for two things: jaw-droppingly beautiful red rock formations and its reputation as a spiritual mothership, built on the concept of energy “vortexes”. This unique combination attracts everyone from serious hikers to crystal-clutching soul-searchers, creating a vibe you won’t find anywhere else. It’s where the cosmic and the commercial hold hands and try to sell you a healing crystal.
The atmosphere is a wild mix of luxury resort town, New Age bazaar, and rugged outdoor hub. You can get your aura photographed, drop a grand on turquoise jewelry at the stunning Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Village, and then get bounced around in the back of a Jeep on a backcountry trail, all before dinner. It’s a choose-your-own-adventure for both your soul and your credit card, with lodging ranging from five-star resorts to cozy cabins and dining that spans from fine farm-to-table to casual cafes.
Flagstaff | Where you can actually wear a flannel in Arizona
Prepare for a dramatic change of scenery as you head north on I-17 for about two and a half hours, climbing 5,500 feet over 167 miles. You’ll watch the last saguaro disappear in your rearview mirror as you enter the largest contiguous Ponderosa pine forest in the United States. Yes, a forest. In Arizona. It’s the ultimate escape from the summer heat that relentlessly tries to cook us all alive.
Flagstaff is a genuine four-season mountain town, perched at a lofty 7,000 feet of elevation. It’s home to Humphreys Peak, the state’s highest point, and was proudly named the world’s first “International Dark Sky City,” making it a paradise for stargazers and anyone tired of the Valley’s perpetual orange glow. In winter there’s snow, in fall there are golden aspens, and in summer, there’s blessed relief.
The vibe is a perfect blend of energetic college town (thank you, NAU) and laid-back, outdoorsy mountain retreat. The historic downtown is legitimately charming, with buildings from the early 1900s now housing a fantastic collection of breweries, independent shops, and over 200 restaurants. It’s a place where you can hike a challenging peak in the morning and be on a brewery crawl by the afternoon, making it a popular, family-friendly destination with lodging from budget motels to historic hotels.
Prescott | Whiskey, ghosts, and Victorian houses, oh my!
A pleasant two-hour, 122-mile drive northwest from Gilbert will transport you to Prescott, a town that feels like it was plucked from a different part of the country entirely. As Arizona’s original territorial capital, its history isn’t just in museums; it’s in the Victorian architecture and the layout of the town itself, centered around a picturesque historic Courthouse Plaza. This is where the Old West feels a little less like a theme park and a little more like the real deal.
They call it “Everybody’s Hometown,” and the atmosphere lives up to it with a welcoming mix of authentic Western heritage and small-town friendliness. The infamous Whiskey Row, lined with historic saloons, faces the grassy courthouse square where locals and visitors alike gather for year-round events and festivals. It’s less overtly “touristy” than Sedona, attracting a crowd of families, history buffs, and anyone who appreciates a good porch to sit on.
Beyond the saloons of Whiskey Row, you can dive into history at the Sharlot Hall Museum or admire Western art at the Phippen Museum. For outdoor lovers, the granite dells of Watson Lake are a geological marvel, perfect for an afternoon of kayaking or paddleboarding. With a wide range of historic inns, modern hotels, and diverse dining, Prescott makes for an easy and endlessly charming getaway.
Jerome | The prettiest ghost town on a cliff
The 135-mile drive to Jerome takes about two hours and twenty minutes, but the final leg is the most memorable: a steep, winding climb up Cleopatra Hill that will have you questioning your life choices and marveling at the panoramic views of the Verde Valley below. They call it a ghost town, but the only spirits you’re guaranteed to find are at the local wine tasting rooms. The moniker comes from its history; after the last copper mines closed in 1953, the population famously dwindled from 15,000 to about 50 hardy souls.
Once known as the “Wickedest Town in the West,” Jerome has been reborn as a quirky, thriving artist community perched precariously on a 30-degree slope. The entire town is a National Historic Landmark, a chaotic collection of preserved buildings, narrow, switch-backing streets, and hidden stairways. It’s a vertical city where every turn reveals a new vista, a tiny art gallery, or a restaurant clinging to the side of the mountain.
The vibe is eccentric, artistic, and just a little bit spooky. Jerome fully embraces its haunted reputation with ghost tours and cheeky establishments like the Haunted Hamburger, which boasts some of the best views in town. It’s a haven for artists, history lovers, and motorcyclists, with a surprisingly good food scene and a handful of unique historic hotels and B&Bs that require booking well in advance.
Payson & The Rim Country | A cool mountain escape that’s not Flagstaff
When the heat becomes unbearable but you can’t stomach the I-17 traffic to Flagstaff, Payson is your answer. It’s an easy and scenic 90-minute, 80-mile drive northeast on the Beeline Highway (AZ-87), taking you straight up to the majestic Mogollon Rim. This massive escarpment marks the edge of the Colorado Plateau and offers a stunning temperature drop and views that stretch for miles.
Payson itself is a relaxed, unpretentious gateway to the vast wilderness of the Tonto National Forest. The vibe is less about catering to tourists and more about providing a base for authentic outdoor recreation like fishing, hiking, and camping. For an even more charming and rustic experience, venture a few miles further to the tiny sister communities of Pine and Strawberry, where the pace of life slows to a crawl.
The main attraction is the great outdoors. Drive the scenic roads along the Rim, visit the breathtaking Tonto Natural Bridge State Park to see one of the world’s largest travertine bridges, or hike along the beautiful Horton Creek. In Strawberry, you can tour the oldest standing schoolhouse in Arizona, a relic from 1885, before grabbing a beer at a local brewery in Pine.
The Apache Trail & Tortilla Flat | A bumpy ride into the Wild West
Let me be the friend who tells you the hard truth: you cannot drive the full Apache Trail loop. It’s been partially closed for years due to biblical-level flood damage from a 2019 storm, and anyone who tells you otherwise is misinformed or trying to sell you a time machine. Think of it as a spectacular out-and-back adventure, not the scenic circle it once was, and check the ADOT website before you even think about putting the car in drive.
The accessible part of this historic highway starts near Apache Junction, just a 35-minute drive from Gilbert, and winds its way into the rugged Superstition Wilderness. The paved road twists past the stunning Canyon Lake before arriving at Tortilla Flat, an authentic stagecoach stop with a current population of six. For the truly adventurous with a high-clearance vehicle, a recently reopened unpaved section continues a few miles further to the Fish Creek Hill overlook, offering even more dramatic views.
The atmosphere is wild, remote, and thrilling. The drive itself, originally carved out of the mountainside in 1904 to build Roosevelt Dam, is the main event, with sheer cliffs and breathtaking vistas at every turn. Stop at Tortilla Flat for their famous prickly pear gelato and have a drink in the Superstition Saloon, where the barstools are actual saddles, before heading back the way you came.
Tucson | Phoenix’s cooler, weirder southern sibling
The drive to Tucson is a straight, 105-mile shot south on I-10 that takes just under two hours and is, frankly, boring as dirt. But don’t let the journey fool you; the destination is a world away from the Valley. Tucson is older, artsier, and has a rich, multicultural identity—a blend of Native American, Spanish Colonial, Mexican, and Anglo history that’s visible everywhere you look.
It’s a UNESCO City of Gastronomy for a reason, and that reason is a culinary scene, particularly its Mexican food, that is second to none. The vibe is funky, laid-back, and deeply connected to its Sonoran Desert surroundings. It’s a big university city that somehow manages to feel like a collection of unique, tight-knit neighborhoods.
You can’t go wrong with a visit to Saguaro National Park to stand among the giants, or a trip to the world-renowned Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, which is a stunning combination of zoo, botanical garden, and natural history museum. History lovers must see the breathtaking Mission San Xavier del Bac, a perfectly preserved Spanish Catholic mission just south of the city. With a huge range of lodging and dining, Tucson offers an incredible cultural escape.
Wickenburg | For when you genuinely want to be a cowboy
If your idea of a getaway involves less woo-woo and more yee-haw, point your car northwest for the 90-minute, 76-mile drive to Wickenburg. This isn’t a town that just plays dress-up; it’s an authentic Old West community where ranching and team roping are still a way of life. It’s a place to disconnect from the suburban grind and reconnect with Arizona’s rugged, pioneering spirit.
Wickenburg’s vibe is genuinely Western—quiet, friendly, and proud of its cowboy culture. The historic downtown is charming and walkable, with bronze statues depicting scenes from its past and shops selling actual Western wear, not just tourist trinkets. It’s a place that has successfully merged its past with the present, offering a slower pace of life that feels like a true escape.
The must-visit spot is the Desert Caballeros Western Museum, which houses a world-class collection of Western art and historical artifacts. You can also take a historic walking tour of downtown or explore the rare riparian habitat of the Hassayampa River Preserve. While many of the famous guest ranches are for overnight stays, they contribute to the town’s authentic atmosphere and are the cornerstone of its identity.
Other day trips worth planning
- Queen Creek: For when you want to get “out of town” without really leaving. It’s perfect for families, with the Queen Creek Olive Mill and Schnepf Farms offering year-round “agritainment”.
- Apache Junction: The rugged and beautiful gateway to the Superstition Mountains and the start of the Apache Trail. This is your spot for serious hiking and dramatic desert scenery.
- Superior, AZ: For a dose of gritty, authentic Arizona mining history. Don’t miss the stunning Boyce Thompson Arboretum near Superior or the fascinating Besh-Ba-Gowah Archeological Park in Globe.
- Fountain Hills: A quick, easy getaway known for its famously tall fountain and beautiful park. It’s a great choice for a low-key afternoon with lovely walking paths and mountain views.
- Tonto National Forest: The closest lake to Gilbert for boating, kayaking, and taking a scenic cruise on the Desert Belle. Be warned: it gets incredibly crowded on weekends, so go early.
- Canyon Lake: A bit further down the Apache Trail, this lake is arguably more scenic than Saguaro, with dramatic canyon walls. It’s also home to the iconic Dolly Steamboat.
- Riparian Reserve at Water Ranch: Okay, it’s in Gilbert, but this 110-acre wildlife sanctuary feels like a different world. It’s perfect for bird watching and peaceful walks when you only have an hour or two to escape.
Pro tips from an over-prepared friend
Stay cool and hydrated: Let’s be clear: “drink water” is not advice, it’s a threat. You should bring more water than you think is humanly possible for any trip, especially in summer. If you think one bottle per person is enough, go back to the drawing board. Your car’s A/C is your lifeline; get it serviced.
And never, ever touch a metal seatbelt buckle with your bare skin if your car has been parked in the sun. You’ve been warned.
The snack mandate: Some of these destinations are wonderfully remote, which is another way of saying there’s nowhere to buy a sandwich. A successful day trip runs on a well-stocked cooler. Don’t be the person who gets hangry in the middle of the Tonto National Forest. Be the hero with the snacks.
Seasonal sanity & crowd control: Desert destinations (Tucson, Apache Trail, Wickenburg) are glorious in the winter and spring. Mountain towns (Flagstaff, Prescott, Payson) are your salvation in the summer and fall when you need to escape the triple-digit heat.
Popular spots like Sedona and the lakes will hit capacity on weekends and holidays; if you don’t arrive by 9 a.m., you might as well have stayed home.
How to survive parking: It can be a soul-crushing experience. For Sedona’s most popular trailheads, we suggest the shuttle service. In Jerome, the first parking spot you see is the one you take, no matter how far up the hill it is. In Prescott, skip the endless circling of the Courthouse Plaza and head for the side streets or the public parking garage.
To plan or not to plan?
A final, practical breakdown for different trip-planning archetypes:
- Spur of the moment: Fountain Hills, the Riparian Preserve, and Queen Creek are easy, no-fuss trips you can decide to do over your morning coffee.
- Requires some planning: For Prescott, Wickenburg, and Tucson, it’s a good idea to check event calendars and museum hours before you go.
- Requires serious prep: For Sedona, book tours or popular restaurants in advance. For Flagstaff, book lodging way ahead for peak seasons. And for the Apache Trail, you absolutely must check the ADOT road status before you leave home.
