The Best Day Trips from Scottsdale

One of the best things about staying in Scottsdale is how much of Arizona sits within a day's drive. In a couple of hours you can trade saguaros for red sandstone, pine forest or a copper-mining town hanging off a mountainside. Here are the day trips our team recommends most, with honest drive times so you can plan a relaxed day and still be back for a sunset swim.

Sedona: red rocks and big skies

Sedona is the classic Scottsdale day trip, about two hours north on Interstate 17. The red rock formations around town are stunning at any hour, and the drive itself climbs from desert to high country. Spend the morning on a trail, have lunch in Uptown or the Tlaquepaque area, and catch the late afternoon light on the rocks before heading home.

• Leave early. Popular trailheads fill by mid-morning, especially on weekends and holidays.
• Check parking rules. Many trailheads in the surrounding Coconino National Forest require a recreation pass. Check the national forest website before you go.
• Dress in layers. Sedona is higher and cooler than Scottsdale, and the difference is noticeable in winter.

Jerome: a mining town on the mountain

About two hours away, Jerome clings to the side of Cleopatra Hill above the Verde Valley. Once a booming copper town, it is now full of galleries, tasting rooms, quirky shops and spectacular views. The streets are steep and winding, so wear good shoes. Jerome pairs easily with Sedona for a long loop day, or with the wineries of the Verde Valley below.

• Learn the history. Jerome State Historic Park tells the story of the town's mining boom and the families who built it.
• Take the scenic route home. Cottonwood and Old Town Cottonwood make a good stop for dinner on the way back.

The Grand Canyon: a long day worth it

The South Rim is about three and a half to four hours each way, so this is a full day. It is also one of the most memorable things you can do in Arizona. Leave before sunrise, plan on two or three viewpoints along the rim, and be honest with yourself about the drive home. Many visitors make it an overnight trip instead.

• Check fees and alerts first. Entrance fees, road work and weather alerts are posted on the National Park Service website for Grand Canyon.
• Pack for cold. The rim sits around 7,000 feet, so it can be freezing in winter even when Scottsdale is sunny and warm.
• Do not hike down and back in a day. The park strongly warns against it. Enjoy the rim trails instead.

Tucson: saguaros, missions and great food

Tucson is about two hours south and feels completely different from Scottsdale: older, artsier and proud of its food scene. Drive through Saguaro National Park for forests of giant cactus, visit the historic Mission San Xavier del Bac, and eat your way through the city's famous Sonoran-style Mexican food before driving home.

Closer to home: desert lakes and the Salt River

If you want a half-day trip, head east toward the Tonto National Forest. Saguaro Lake is about 45 minutes from Old Town, with boat rentals and cruises, desert cliffs and wild horses along the Salt River nearby. It is a great option for families and for anyone who wants water views without a long drive.

Day trip tips from our team

• Fill up and pack water. Gas stations get sparse between towns, and water is a must in any season.
• Check the weather where you are going. Mountain towns can get snow and ice in winter, and summer monsoon storms can close roads.
• Plan for a sunset return. Driving desert highways after dark is fine, but wildlife and long stretches without lights make an earlier start worth it.
• Stay in season. Our weather by month guide helps you pick the best days for a road trip.

Drive times are rough estimates from Old Town Scottsdale in typical traffic. Before you go, check the National Park Service (Grand Canyon and Saguaro National Parks), the USDA Forest Service (Coconino and Tonto National Forests) and Arizona State Parks for current fees, closures and weather.