Looking for a 4-day Arizona itinerary? This is the guide for you!
I will walk you in detail through four amazing days in Arizona, covering all of the essential traveling details for planning an unforgettable Arizona road trip in 2026.
Arizona is the place I have spent the most time in outside of my home state throughout my life.
There are so many amazing things to see and do across the state- from Sedona’s red rocks to the Grand Canyon, scenic forests, and vibrant desert cities. In four days, you get to experience a bit of each.
Prepare for four days of exploration, relaxation, and discovery in this magnificent Southwestern state!
Map of This 4 Day Arizona Itinerary
This 4-day Arizona road trip itinerary follows a scenic loop through some of the state’s most famous landscapes.
The route includes:
- Sedona
- Grand Canyon South Rim
- Mogollon Rim
- Phoenix and Scottsdale
Driving between these destinations allows you to experience Arizona’s incredible variety of scenery, from red rock deserts and pine forests to canyon vistas and vibrant cities.
Many travelers choose to rent a car for this itinerary because it provides the flexibility to stop at viewpoints, hiking trails, and scenic overlooks along the way.
Tip: If you prefer a slower pace, you can easily extend this into a 5–7 day Arizona road trip by adding Flagstaff, Antelope Canyon, or Page.
Arizona Road Trip Driving Distances
This 4-day Arizona itinerary involves several scenic drives between destinations. Here are the approximate travel times between each stop:
📍Phoenix → Sedona: 2 hours
📍Sedona → Grand Canyon South Rim: 2–2.5 hours
📍Grand Canyon → Mogollon Rim: 3 hours
📍Mogollon Rim → Phoenix / Scottsdale: 2 hours
Arizona’s highways are generally well-maintained, but travel times can increase during peak tourist seasons or holiday weekends.
Starting early each day will help you maximize sightseeing time and avoid afternoon heat during the summer months!
Day 1: Sedona
1. Hiking
Begin your day bright and early with a Sedona hike. Sedona is so huge and has so many hiking trails that there is always something for everyone.
One of my favorite easy hiking trails is Yavapai Vista. This feels like more of a flat walk that leads you to panoramic red rock views.
Longer trails like Devil’s Trail require an early arrival to secure parking. Over the weekend during the summer months, Devil’s Trail has closed the parking lots altogether and requires taking a shuttle.
Check the official Sedona shuttle website before you go for the most up-to-date parking lot closures and shuttle schedules to provide a seamless trip in 2026.
I also recommend checking AllTrails for the most up-to-date trail conditions and any recent parking lot information.
Some of the most highly rated hikes in Sedona include:
- Boynton Canyon
- Devil’s Trail
- Cathedral Rock
These trails are consistently ranked among the best hikes in Sedona and offer stunning red rock viewpoints.
2. Tour
There are tons of adventure tours in Sedona to experience the red rock region outside of viewpoints and hiking.
The most popular tours involve ATVing or taking an off-road jeep through the red rocks.
I have never taken one of these tours in Sedona, but I would love to experience the region this way!
⭐Popular Sedona Tours
3. Red Rock Scenic Byway
The Red Rock Scenic Byway is a famous, beautiful drive in Sedona spanning approximately 7.5 miles.
This picturesque route, officially designated as State Route 179, offers stunning views of Sedona’s iconic red rock formations.
Popular stops along the way include Bell Rock Vista and Courthouse Butte, both perfect for photography and leisurely walks.
The Chapel of the Holy Cross, a unique architectural marvel built into the rocks, is also a must-see attraction on this journey.
⭐Popular Sedona Hotels
Day 2: Grand Canyon
A visit to the Grand Canyon National Park is essential on any Arizona road trip itinerary.
Driving from Sedona to the Grand Canyon South Rim takes roughly 2.5 hours, making it an easy and unforgettable day trip
1. South Rim
I recommend beginning your drive to the Grand Canyon early so you can maximize your entire day here.
Like other items on this itinerary, you will not have time to hike the entire Grand Canyon if you are visiting for only one day.
There is a Visitor Center at the South Rim that can get your trip started on the right foot and provide updated trail information for 2026.
Consider hiking a portion of Bright Angel Trail or South Kaibab Trail to Ooh Aah Point, both of which provide incredible canyon views without requiring a full-day hike.
2. West Rim
The West Rim of the Grand Canyon, managed by the Hualapai Tribe, is also beautiful.
One of the best things to do on this side of the park is to walk the Skywalk, a glass bridge extending 70 feet over the canyon.
Visitors can also experience Native American culture through the Hualapai Ranch and cultural performances.
Scenic helicopter tours and rafting trips on the Colorado River offer adventurous ways to explore the canyon’s beauty.
Tip: If you want to hike the entire Grand Canyon, I recommend customizing this itinerary and spending two or three full days in the Grand Canyon with one full day in Sedona.
Day 3: Mogollon Rim
The Mogollon Rim is one of Arizona’s most underrated landscapes.
Stretching across central Arizona, this dramatic escarpment features pine forests, alpine lakes, scenic overlooks, and cooler temperatures compared to the desert below.
1. Rim Lakes Vista Overlook
There are amazing pull-out viewpoints shortly after you pass the visitor center when entering the Mogollon Rim.
Rim Lakes Vista is one of the most notable viewpoints and offers incredible panoramic views of Arizona’s high country.
2. Willow Springs Lake
There are three beautiful Arizona lakes located at the Mogollon Rim.
Willow Springs Lake is the closest lake to Payson and to the Mogollon Rim visitors center.
This lake is popular for kayaking and relaxing in the cooler forest climate.
3. Hiking
The Rim Lakes Vista Trail brings you to one of the best viewpoints in the Mogollon Rim.
During my visit, I did not hike the entire trail. I just parked at the trailhead and checked out the incredible, sweeping views or the mountains.
Other popular hiking trails in the Mogollon Rim include:
- Derrick Trail
- Woods Canyon Lake Loop
- Canyon Point Rim Trail
These trails provide a quieter alternative to Arizona’s more crowded national parks.
4. Bear Canyon Lake
Bear Canyon Lake is deeper into the Mogollon Rim and offers a stunning oasis for water activities.
It’s about a 10-minute walk down to the lake from the parking lot.
5. Camping Overnight
Camping at the Mogollon Rim is free in many dispersed areas and provides an amazing way to experience the surrounding national forest.
Spending the night here allows you to enjoy cooler temperatures, star-filled skies, and peaceful forest scenery.
Day 4: Phoenix and Scottsdale
Finish your Arizona road trip itinerary by exploring the desert landscapes and vibrant food scene of Phoenix and Scottsdale.
These cities offer a mix of desert hiking, botanical gardens, and incredible restaurants.
1. Desert Botanic Garden
I recommend Desert Botanic Garden on any Phoenix or Scottsdale itinerary!
The vibrant desert garden is in full bloom throughout the year and showcases hundreds of species of desert plants, including towering saguaro cacti.
It’s my favorite way to learn about all the plants around Arizona.
There are photo opportunities around every corner. I think it’s well worth the entrance fee and definitely a fun thing to do in Scottsdale!
⭐Popular Scottsdale Hotels
2. Papago Park
Papago Park is an easy hiking trail in Phoenix with beautiful rewards.
It is most famous for the Hole In The Rock Trail, which is a short walk from the parking lot.
There are tons of other hiking options in the area if you are in the mood for something more challenging, like Camelback Mountain.
3. South Mountain Viewpoint
I think that South Mountain is one of the most gorgeous viewpoints in Phoenix! You can choose to hike it or drive all the way to the top.
During my girls’ trip, we drove to the top. This was convenient because we needed to conserve energy from our Joshua Tree trip the following day!
⭐Popular Scottsdale Tours
4. Culinary Dropout or OH SO
Culinary Dropout is a delicious restaurant spot in a fun atmosphere. There are various locations in the Scottsdale and Phoenix area.
Other fun patio restaurants to check out include OH SO or T. Cooks for finer dining.
5. Outrider Rooftop Lounge
Outrider Rooftop is an awesome viewpoint spot in Old Town Scottsdale. I love the aesthetic and ambiance!
They open around 11:00am, so you can head there earlier in the day for coffee with a view or wait until sunset.
Conclusion
The best part of planning any itinerary is that you can customize it to your preferences!
I highly recommend determining which parts of this itinerary are right for you and which parts you want to swap out to make it all your own.
I recommend reading about the best day trips from Phoenix and the best Things to do in Northern Arizona to help with your planning.
