Phoenix is within reach of some of America’s most awe-inspiring natural attractions, making it the ideal base for Arizona day-trips.
(Photo: Detours Arizona / Courtesy GetYourGuide)
The Arizona capital anchors a sprawling, multicity metropolitan area known as the Valley of the Sun, but beyond the city’ bright lights, high-end spa resorts and world class golf courses can be found an equally dazzling array of landmarks and places of interest that can be explored in just a day. We’ve picked out 8 of the best organised day tours that start in Phoenix currently on offer.
Grand Canyon Day Tour
Witness the incredible landscapes of the Arizona desert during this full-day guided tour that takes in both the Grand Canyon equally iconic Route 66. The tour starts aboard an air-conditioned van as it begins cruising the historic highway in the town of Williams, with an optional stop off for lunch. Next up, after a scenic drive through the Sonoran Desert and Conconino National Forest, it’s on to the world famous Grand Canyon, where you’ll explore the canyon rim with its panoramic views. You can spend around three hours within the National Park at your own leisure before your return journey. From $203 per person.
Sedona Small-Group Tour
(Photo: Detours Arizona / Courtesy GetYourGuide)
This full-day tour lets you explore ancient Native American civilizations and the natural beauty of the local environment, as well as Sedona’s more contemporary delights including local artisan shops. During the tour, you and your small group will travel by vehicle to two Sinagua Indian ruins that existed along a busy trade route over 1,000 years ago, as well as pick from either the ruins at Tuzigoot National Monument or Montezuma Castle National Monument. There’ll also be ample time to explore Sedona itself and its myriad of galleries and shops, while helicopter or jeep tours are also availabled. From $157 per person.
Small Group Antelope Canyon Day Trip from Phoenix
Embark on a full-day tour that takes in Route 66, Flagstaff, the San Francisco Peaks, Lake Powell, and a Navajo Trading Post on the way to Antelope Canyon. Once at the canyon, in the company of a Navajo guide you’ll see the Colorado River from the Horseshoe Bend Overlook. As you go you’ll hear insightful commentary from your guide about the history of the region and its unique geographical and geological characteristics. The tour price includes a light breakfast and lunch, plus hotel pick-up and drop-off. From $383 per person.
Apache Trail & Dolly Steamboat Day Trip
(Photo: Across Arizona Tours / Courtesy GetYourGuide)
Transporting you into the desert, through the mountains, and then over Canyon Lake by Dolly Steamboat, this 7-hour action-packed tour introduces you to the region’s diverse attractions. Driving into the Superstition Mountains, you’ll visit Tortilla Flat, a quaint Arizona town with a population of just six people, before relaxing on a 90-minute cruise over picturesque Canyon Lake, with its magnificent desert surroundings. Your guide will then lead you into the desert for an explanation of the local flora, including the majestic Saguaro cactus and Arizona’s state tree, the Palo Verde. From $152 per person.
Tombstone and Bisbee Day Tour
Discover the Old West on this evocative day trip. The tour starts with a three-hour drive to the town of Tombstone with your guide. Along the way, you’ll stop to admire the stunning views of Saguaro National Park and take photos of the largest saguaro cactus field in the Southwest. Once in Tombstone, you’ll amble around the old town, then, after lunch, witness a thrilling 30-minute staged gunfight. Later, you’ll continue to the copper mining town of Bisbee where you’ll stroll the street – lined with historic buildings and preserved copper workshops – and browse the local shops before heading home. From $248 per person.
Verde Canyon Rail Day Tour
(Photo: Wandering Heart Adventures / Courtesy GetYourGuide)
Jump aboard the historic Verde Valley Railroad and enjoy the beautiful Verde Canyon on this all-day tour. Other highlights include visits to the two Native American monuments of Montezuma Castle and Tuzigoot and the quaint copper mining town of Jerome. The tour starts with an early morning pick-up from your Phoenix hotel, before travelling deep into the famous Verde Valley to Montezuma Castle. Then it’s on to Tuzigoot, Jerome and finally the depot for the grand finale – the Verde Valley Railroad. Board this iconic train, traveling first class with a luxurious glass of champagne, before being returned to your hotel late afternoon. From $348 per person.
Small Group Tombstone & San Xavier Mission Day Trip
(Photo: Detours of Arizona / Courtesy Viator)
This historic day trip from Phoenix to Tombstone is like traveling back in time to the days of the old Wild West. During the tour, you’ll hear the tales of debauchery and crime from this legendary frontier mining camp, where wooden buildings and dusty streets make it feel like it’s still 1880. While wandering the streets full of damsels and outlaws, stroll past Big Nose Kate’s Saloon that was once the Grand Hotel. You’ll also see the Birdcage Theater, a combination of a theatre, gambling parlor, saloon and brothel. On the winding drive back to Phoenix, stop outside Tucson for one of Arizona’s most popular Mission attractions: The White Dove of the Desert, Spanish-style Mission at San Xavier del Bac, for the final stop of your tour. From £174 per person.
Sedona Day Trip w/ Optional Wine Tasting
Experience an awe-inspiring day trip to the red rock country of Sedona, where you can enjoy the sights and scenery, discover art galleries and local shops, and taste local wines with an optional wine tasting. After pick-up at your Phoenix hotel, you’ll travel north from Phoenix through the scenic Black Canyon Hills of the Sonoran Desert and see the amazing desert plant-life and mountain scenery along the way. Upon arrival in Sedona, admire the view of Bell Rock Vista from the Chapel of the Holy Cross, visit Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Village, the rustic shopping district of Uptown, and enjoy lunch in a local restaurant before your return transfer to Phoenix. From $223 per person.