How to Navigate Arizona by Car: Scenic Routes and Road Trip Tips

Arizona is a road trip paradise. Here's how to navigate it like a local — safely, smartly, and scenic as heck.

1. Understand the Terrain

Arizona includes:
- High desert (Flagstaff, Prescott)
- Low desert (Phoenix, Tucson)
- Mountains (Payson, Mogollon Rim)
- Canyons (Grand Canyon, Antelope Canyon)

Distances can be long. Always check the route time — 100 miles can still mean 3+ hours.

2. Scenic Drives to Know

Top routes:
- AZ-89A (Sedona to Flagstaff): Canyon switchbacks + red rock magic
- US-93 (Phoenix to Vegas): Desert solitude + long stretches
- AZ-64: To Grand Canyon South Rim, often elk-filled
- Apache Trail (SR-88): Unpaved but gorgeous
- Monument Valley Loop: Rugged, iconic — check rental rules first

3. Road Rules + Safety

- Arizona is strict on speed and distracted driving
- Hands-free devices required
- Watch for monsoon flooding June–Sept
- Heat affects cars — check fluids, AC, and tire pressure

4. Gas Stops = Essential Planning

Rural zones can go 50+ miles with no station.

Tips:
- Fill up before remote areas (e.g., Navajo Nation, Route 66)
- Circle K, Maverik = reliable options
- Don’t rely on single tank ranges

5. Don’t Rely Only on GPS

Some zones lack signal — especially tribal land, national forests, and old Route 66 areas.

Download:
- Google Maps offline
- Maps.me for hiking/park roads
- Bring paper backup for Grand Canyon and Vermilion Cliffs areas

6. Rental Car Tips

Most companies:
- Forbid unpaved roads
- Restrict driving into Mexico
- Don't cover Monument Valley access roads

Need off-road? Use Turo or specialty Jeep rentals.

7. Best Rest Stops + Oddball Attractions

Don’t miss:
- Meteor Crater off I-40
- Winslow (Route 66 photo stop)
- Montezuma Castle (quick detour)
- “Alien Jerky” and stand-alone desert diners

8. Tribal Lands = Respect Rules

Drive slow, stay on main roads, and don’t trespass. Ask before taking photos of people or sacred spaces. Some require permits.

9. Monsoon Season Tips

June–Sept:
- Flash floods can block roads instantly
- Dust storms reduce visibility fast
- Never cross flowing water — even 6 inches can sweep a car

10. Final Tip

Driving Arizona is the best way to explore it. Respect the land, prep smart, and enjoy the jaw-dropping freedom of the open Southwest road.