6-Nights Landscapes of Arizona & Colorado Road Trip - Road Trips from $2,359

Itinerary Details

Day 1: Arrive in Phoenix

Rental Car: Hertz - Phoenix-Sky Harbor Apto Phoenix-Sky Harbor Ap

Arrive at Phoenix International Airport and pick up your car rental. It’s a short 30-minute drive to your hotel in Scottsdale.

Hotel: Hilton Scottsdale Resort & Villas (4 Star Rating)

Hilton Scottsdale Resort & Villas offers a relaxing desert getaway just minutes from downtown Scottsdale. The resort features spacious rooms and private villas, ideal for both short stays and longer retreats. Enjoy modern amenities like flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and private patios or balconies. The resort boasts a range of facilities, including a heated outdoor pool, a fitness center, and several dining options. With its lush desert surroundings, tranquil atmosphere, and nearby attractions like golf courses and shopping, it’s the perfect spot for anyone looking to unwind or explore the vibrant Scottsdale area.

It’s a busy day today and you want to start early. Enjoy a guided hiking trip accessible to a wide range of abilities. Experience the unforgettable Sonoran Desert and marvel at the natural beauty of the desert. Following this excursion, you are back on the road to continue your trip. Montezuma Castle National Monument and Sedona, long considered a spiritual oasis because of the number of healers and artists living there, are must-stop destinations on the way to Flagstaff. The former is an Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwelling dating to around 1200, built by the indigenous Sinagua people. In Flagstaff, your final destination today, you can still cruise Route 66 and look back in time at iconic buildings, some still with their neon signs. For decades, Flagstaff has been a great American destination nestled between a railroad and a cross-country highway. Millions of tourists have come and gone, but the spirits never leave. Are you brave enough to hear their stories? Join our ‘Ghosts of Route 66 Haunted Walking tour to find out.

Hotel: Little America Hotel (3 Star Rating)

Little America Hotel in Flagstaff offers a cozy, comfortable retreat with a touch of luxury. Set amidst 500 acres of ponderosa pine forest, it’s perfect for both relaxation and adventure. Rooms are spacious and well-appointed, with modern amenities like flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and minibars. You’ll love the outdoor pool, fitness center, and the on-site restaurant serving fresh, local cuisine. The relaxed vibe of the hotel blends nature with comfort, creating an inviting escape from the everyday. Whether you’re here to explore the nearby attractions or just unwind, Little America offers a perfect home base.

On today’s trip you are bound to be mesmerized by the towering sandstone "sculptures" of Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, famous as the location for many Western movies. You might also want to visit Canyons of the Ancients National Monument, which has more than 6,000 archaeological sites of the Puebloan and Native American cultures. The ancestral Puebloans were the first settlers in Durango, your final destination today, but vanished around 1300.

Hotel: Doubletree by Hilton Hotel Durango (3 Star Rating)

DoubleTree by Hilton Durango offers a welcoming stay with modern amenities and a cozy atmosphere. Located in the heart of Durango, Colorado, it's the perfect spot for both adventure and relaxation. The hotel features spacious rooms with comfortable beds, free Wi-Fi, and flat-screen TVs. Enjoy a dip in the outdoor pool or a workout in the fitness center. The on-site restaurant serves up tasty meals, and the friendly staff ensures a pleasant experience from check-in to check-out. Whether you're here for outdoor activities or just to unwind, DoubleTree by Hilton offers everything you need for a great stay.

Start early today with a fascinating 5-hour tour into Mesa Verde National Park, one of Colorado’s most iconic landmarks. Your excursion includes a rare opportunity to explore the famous Cliff Palace, led by a National Park Service Ranger. Gain a unique glimpse into the lives of the Ancestral Puebloans who built and inhabited these incredible structures over 700 years ago. In the afternoon you continue your drive to Chinle, Arizona. Time permitting you might stop at Chaco Culture National Historic Park, considered to be one of the most important ancient ancestral homes of both the Hopi and Pueblo people and at the Navajo Nation to learn about art and culture at the Hubbell Trading Post National Historic site.

Hotel: Holiday Inn Canyon De Chelly (Chinle) (3 Star Rating)

Holiday Inn Canyon de Chelly offers a comfortable and convenient stay in Chinle, just a short drive from the iconic Canyon de Chelly National Monument. The hotel features spacious, modern rooms equipped with free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and mini-fridges for a relaxing experience. Guests can enjoy amenities like an outdoor pool, fitness center, and a restaurant serving a variety of flavorful dishes. The welcoming ambiance and warm service make it a great place to unwind after a day of exploring the canyon’s stunning landscapes and rich cultural history.

Today you need to decide how long to make your drive to the Grand Canyon. The shorter route is 225 miles, however if you want to drive along famous Route 66 to visit Petrified Forest National Park, known for its fossils, such as fallen trees from the late Triassic Period, about 200 million years ago, bluff overlooks, hoodoos and petroglyphs, it will add another 89-90 miles.

Hotel: El Tovar Hotel (4 Star Rating)

El Tovar Hotel offers a classic and comfortable stay right on the edge of the Grand Canyon in Arizona. Built in 1905, it blends historic charm with modern amenities. The rooms feature cozy, rustic décor and come with free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and beautiful views of the canyon or the surrounding area. Guests can enjoy a delicious meal at the on-site restaurant, which serves a range of dishes in a cozy, wood-paneled setting. With its prime location, El Tovar is a perfect spot to relax and take in the breathtaking beauty of the Grand Canyon, just steps away from the rim.

This morning, enjoy an excursion to the South Rim Grand Canyon National Park and travel the entire length of Desert View Drive, approximately 23 miles. Take in breathtaking canyon views and the best viewpoints. Our local, certified adventure guides will share hidden gems and first-hand knowledge of this natural world wonder. You'll make several stops along the South Rim where the scenery changes with the weather and time of day, ensuring that you never see the same view twice. The drive from Grand Canyon City to Phoenix covers about 230 miles and takes roughly 3.5 to 4 hours. You’ll travel along Highway 64 and Interstate 17, passing through scenic desert terrain, red rock formations, and wide-open spaces. The route also leads through small towns like Williams and, once again, Flagstaff, offering a glimpse of rural Arizona. As you near Phoenix, the landscape becomes more urban, leading into the bustling city

Hotel: Hilton Phoenix Resort at the Peak (4 Star Rating)

Hilton Phoenix Resort at the Peak is a great choice for a laid-back stay in the heart of Phoenix. Surrounded by scenic desert landscapes, the resort offers spacious rooms and suites with modern amenities like flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and private balconies. Guests can enjoy a variety of activities, including multiple pools, a lazy river, and tennis courts. There's also a well-equipped fitness center and dining options to suit any craving. With a relaxed atmosphere and beautiful views, this resort is perfect for anyone looking to unwind, explore Phoenix, or take a break in a tranquil desert setting.

Make your way to the airport for your flight home unless you plan to extend your stay in Phoenix.