How to Plan a Road Trip Through Northern Arizona

Northern Arizona is road trip gold — but to do it right, you need a game plan. Here's how to see it all without missing the best parts.

1. Choose Your Loop

Two solid route options:

Classic Loop:
- Flagstaff → Grand Canyon → Page → Monument Valley → Petrified Forest → Winslow → Flagstaff

Red Rock Circuit:
- Phoenix → Sedona → Oak Creek → Flagstaff → Grand Canyon → Williams → Route 66 → Jerome (optional)

Plan for 5–7 days.

2. Start in the Right Spot

Fly into:
- PHX (Phoenix) for best car rentals
- FLG (Flagstaff) for close access to the canyon

Driving from Las Vegas? Grand Canyon West makes a good intro stop.

3. Pick a Good Vehicle

Recommended:
- SUV or crossover (for comfort + elevation)
- Compact car (if paved roads only)

Want to hit Monument Valley or rougher roads? Go 4WD.

4. Don’t Skip These Stops

Top picks:
- Grand Canyon South Rim
- Sedona (red rocks, jeep tours)
- Horseshoe Bend + Antelope Canyon (Page)
- Monument Valley (Navajo Nation)
- Petrified Forest
- Route 66 in Winslow + Williams

5. Book Lodging Early

Best windows:
- March–May
- Sept–Nov

Budget tips:
- Flagstaff = motels + hostels
- Page = basic hotels
- Campgrounds fill quickly — reserve ahead

6. Download Maps

Many zones = no signal.

Use:
- Google offline maps
- GAIA GPS or Avenza
- Paper maps east of Flagstaff

7. Pack for Wild Temps

Sedona = desert
Grand Canyon = alpine

Bring:
- Layers
- Sun gear
- Hiking shoes
- Water bottles (lots)

8. Tribal Land Tips

Respect Navajo Nation rules:
- Stick to marked routes
- Don’t photograph locals without asking
- No drones without permission

Antelope Canyon = guided tour only.

9. Road Hazards

Watch for:
- Deer, elk, javelina
- Speed traps in small towns
- Sudden elevation changes (slow down)

10. Final Tip

This is one of the most beautiful regions in the U.S. Take your time, prep well, and soak up every canyon, cliff, and quirky roadside stop.