6 Easy Weekend Road Trips from Phoenix
From lively mountain towns to scenic state parks, these six destinations are just a short drive from Arizona’s capital city
Phoenix is a popular destination for travelers, and for good reason: This bustling city is an easy flight from many major airports, and it’s at the center of Arizona’s scenic mountain trails, huge desert landscapes, charming small towns, and Southwest history and culture. Plus, if you’re looking for sunshine, Phoenix has approximately 300 days of it each year.
While Phoenix is a great place to begin longer adventures to Grand Canyon National Park and Las Vegas, there are plenty of wonderful micro escapes within a few hours of the city.
Whatever your itinerary, the team at Blackford can get you into the luxury RV or campervan of your dreams. When you book an RV rental from Blackford’s Phoenix location, you get a temporary home on wheels, premium comfort, and reliability for your epic weekend getaway.
Get behind the wheel on one of these six RV-friendly road trips for weekend adventurers.
Sedona, Arizona
Driving distance from Phoenix: 115 miles, 2 hours
Outdoor adventure meets southwestern art in the heart of red rock country. Sedona is known for its stunning red rock formations, vibrant art community, and uplifting spiritual energy. The two-hour drive to Sedona from Phoenix is just as picturesque as the destination, with scenic views to leave you in awe.
Activities
Pack your adventure gear to explore the numerous hiking trails in Sedona. The moderately difficult 1.2-mile hike to Cathedral Rock will take you to breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding red rock formations—a perfect sunset hike. Bell Trail is beginner-friendly at 2.8 miles round trip, leading to spectacular views of Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte.
While in Sedona, plan to visit the Chapel of the Holy Cross, a stunning church built into the red rocks. Wander through Sedona’s many art galleries—many local artists find inspiration and spirituality from Sedona’s unique energy vortexes.
Visitors can also enjoy a rejuvenating spa day at one of the area's world-class resorts.
Dining
Grab breakfast or lunch at the Coffee Pot Bakery Café, known for its 101 omelets! Yes, the menu lists them all.
For dinner, Elote Café serves up some of the best Mexican food in the region, with dishes like smoked pork cheeks and elote corn—grilled ears of corn, which are coated with a healthy helping of mayonnaise or crema, and completed with lime, chile, and Mexican cheese.
Start planning your perfect weekend getaway!
Jerome, Arizona
Driving distance from Phoenix: 110 miles, 2 hours
This town is built on its mining heritage—literally. Jerome is a historic mining town perched on Cleopatra Hill, offering a quirky mix of history, art, and ghost stories.
Once known as the “Wickedest Town in the West,” Jerome has transformed into a vibrant artist community while retaining its Wild West charm.
Activities
If you like history and art, you’re in the right place. Visit the Jerome State Historic Park to learn about the town’s interesting mining history and origin stories. Explore the Ghost Town and Gold King Mine for a peek into the past. It’s not as spooky as it sounds—the site is a fascinating collection of restored buildings, old vehicles, and retired mining equipment.
Check out the many art galleries to find unique pieces from local artists.
Dining
The Haunted Hamburger is a must-visit for a juicy burger and a side of spooky stories. The restaurant staff and owners have a lengthy collection of ghost stories. Who knows? You might even leave with some of your own.
For a more refined dining experience, try the Asylum Restaurant located in the historic Jerome Grand Hotel, which offers delicious American cuisine with stunning views of the Verde Valley.
Prescott, Arizona
Driving distance from Phoenix: 100 miles; 1 hour, 50 minutes
A charming town with four seasons of pure bliss, Prescott is known for its well-preserved, historically accurate downtown, beautiful lakes, and interesting Western history. It’s an ideal destination for those who want to experience Arizona’s Old West heritage with many museums and historical sites available to the public.
Activities
Take in the town’s unique architecture with a stroll around Courthouse Plaza, surrounded by historic buildings and shaded by towering trees. Outdoor lovers will enjoy a hike around Watson Lake, which is also a popular location for fishing, boating, kayaking, canoeing, and even rock climbing.
Whiskey Row, once home to a collection of saloons and brothels, now offers a new-age mix of bars, boutiques, and galleries.
For a full understanding of the history of Prescott, Arizona, visit these excellent museums:
The Sharlot Hall, early 1900s Arizona history and artifacts
The Museum of Indigenous People, the culture and art of Native people
The Phippen Museum, American West, Western art and heritage
Dining
You won't leave Prescott hungry. Start your day with breakfast at The Lone Spur Café, known for its hearty portions and cowboy-themed décor. For dinner, head to Raven Café, which offers a menu full of organic and locally sourced ingredients, as well as a great selection of craft beers.
Tonto Natural Bridge State Park
Driving distance from Phoenix: 105 miles; 1 hour, 50 minutes
Home to one of the world’s largest natural travertine bridges, Tonto Natural Bridge State Park offers a unique outdoor adventure just a short drive from Phoenix. Stretching 150 feet, this natural arch bends over Pine Creek in a beautiful canyon full of diverse wildlife and native plant species.
This hidden gem is perfect for nature lovers and those looking for tranquility.
Activities
Although you can view the arch from four different parking areas, nothing beats an up-close look. The challenging 1.4-mile loop trail takes hikers past stunning viewpoints of the natural bridge and ventures down to Pine Creek to explore the area beneath the bridge.
Dining
After a day of exploring, head to Beeline Café in nearby Payson for some classic American diner fare. Another great option is Duza’s Kitchen, where you can enjoy inventive American brunch fare in an eclectic atmosphere. When you travel in a Blacksford RV or campervan, you have everything you need to make a meal on the go. Why not prepare a homecooked meal to enjoy with an unbeatable view of Tonto Natural Bridge?
Verde Valley
Driving distance from Phoenix: 110 miles, 1.5 hours
Verde Valley is the lush area in which Sedona and Jerome are nestled. It offers a variety of outdoor activities and attractions and is home to Verde River, one of Arizona's last free-flowing rivers. From an exquisite wine-tasting trail to expansive ancient ruins, there’s an activity for every type of adventurer in Verde Valley.
Activities
Take a trip into Valley Verde’s intriguing past with a visit to Montezuma Castle National Monument. You’ll have the opportunity to see the well-preserved cliff dwellings of the Sinagua people.
Next, explore the Verde Canyon Railroad and take a scenic four-hour train ride through the stunning canyon.
Wine enthusiasts will enjoy the Verde Valley Wine Trail, with several wineries offering tastings of Arizona’s best vintages across Cottonwood, Sedona, Clarkdale, and Jerome.
Dining
Stop by The Tavern Grille in Cottonwood for a casual meal and a great selection of local beers. For something sweet, visit Pizzeria Bocce Patio Bar also in Cottonwood, known for its wood-fired pizzas and delicious desserts.
Cave Creek, Arizona
Driving distance from Phoenix: 35 miles, 45 minutes
Cave Creek is a small town just north of Phoenix that offers a taste of the Old West, with a mix of cowboy culture, art, and outdoor adventure. It’s the perfect getaway for those looking to escape the city without straying too far from home or base camp for more adventures around Phoenix.
It’s a popular destination among bicyclists, hikers, motorcyclists, and equestrians.
Activities
There’s a lot to see and do in Cave Creek. Explore the Desert Foothills Land Trust preserve and hike through the beautiful Sonoran Desert. Visit the Frontier Town for a step back in time, complete with old-fashioned shops and live reenactments. The town also hosts a variety of annual events, such as rodeos and art festivals.
Dining
Experience all the flavors of Arizona’s western heritage at Harold’s Cave Creek Corral. It’s a local favorite, offering hearty Western fare and live country music. For a unique dining experience, try The Horny Toad, known for its famous fried chicken and old-timey ambiance.
Take Your Phoenix Road Trip in a Premium RV
Whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, or a bit of both, these weekend road trips from Phoenix offer something for every traveler.
With an unlimited-milage Phoenix RV rental from Blacksford packed and ready to go, all you’ll need do is hit the road and start exploring! Each destination promises unforgettable experiences, stunning scenery, and plenty of opportunities to create lasting memories.