How to Spend 3 Days in Arizona
Visiting Arizona for the first time or hoping to see as much as possible in a short trip? This 3 day Arizona itinerary is designed to help you experience the best of the state, from desert hikes near Phoenix to the incredible views of the Grand Canyon and the red rocks of Sedona. It works great if you are flying into Phoenix, but it can easily be adjusted no matter how you arrive.
Arizona is the sixth largest state by land area, so it is nearly impossible to see it all in one visit. But this route covers three unforgettable regions in just a few days. These are suggestions based on places we have explored and loved, and we hope they inspire an amazing Arizona adventure.
Before you head out, we want to remind you to follow Leave No Trace principles. Stay on trail, pack out all trash, and come prepared for changing weather and trail conditions. You can also check out our hiking tips for more guidance.
Day 1: Phoenix and the Superstition Mountains
Visit the Superstitions + Lost Dutchman State Park
Start your Arizona adventure with a full day exploring the Phoenix area. There are many great hiking options within the city and even more just outside of it. One of our favorite areas to visit is the Superstition Mountains, located within Tonto National Forest. This region is filled with beautiful Sonoran Desert landscapes and hundreds of miles of trails.
Lost Dutchman State Park sits on the western edge of the Superstitions and is a great spot to start. The park has well-marked trails, scenic desert views, and access to the larger Superstition Wilderness. If you are not sure where to begin, check out our list of the top five hikes in the Superstition Mountains.
Locals often refer to the Superstitions as “the Supes,” and we love them for their layered desert scenery. The area is home to saguaro cactus, palo verde trees, and a variety of native wildlife.
If you are not able to make it out to the Superstitions, other great hikes near Phoenix include South Mountain, Piestewa Peak, and the McDowell Sonoran Preserve.
Things to Know
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Lost Dutchman State Park and the Superstitions are about 35 minutes east of the Phoenix airport
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There is a fee to enter Lost Dutchman State Park. You can check current pricing on the Arizona State Parks website
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We do not recommend hiking here in the summer unless you start very early. You can find our beginner hiking tips here.
Where to Eat
There are so many great places to eat in the Phoenix metro area. We live on the east side of Phoenix, so many of these suggestions are nearby:
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Blanco Tacos
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Hundred Mile Brewery
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Walter Station Brewery (near airport) – dog friendly
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Fate Brewery – dog friendly
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OHSO Brewery – dog friendly
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Wilderness Brewery – dog friendly
Day 2: Grand Canyon and Sedona Road Trip
Drive to The Grand Canyon and Sedona
If you have never been to the Grand Canyon or Sedona, we highly recommend dedicating your second day to visiting both. It will be a long day on the road, but absolutely worth it. Start as early as possible to make the most of your time. The South Rim of the Grand Canyon is about a three and a half hour drive from Sky Harbor Airport in Phoenix.
The Grand Canyon has three shuttle routes that take you to different areas of the park. These routes are seasonal, so always check the Grand Canyon National Park website for the most up-to-date info. If you arrive early, we recommend taking the Hermit Road Red Route, which runs from March through November. You can also explore the Kaibab Rim Orange Route, which offers excellent viewpoints of the canyon and the Colorado River a mile below.
We love immersing ourselves in the places we visit by learning about the geological and cultural history. The Grand Canyon is a perfect place to do this. The canyon began forming nearly 2 billion years ago, and its layers tell the story of Earth’s deep past. It is also home to 11 Native American tribes, historic mining sites, and the powerful Colorado River, famously explored by John Wesley Powell.
If you are lucky, you might spot a California Condor during your visit. These endangered birds have the largest wingspan of any bird in North America and are making a slow but steady comeback in this region.
Drive from the Grand Canyon drive to Sedona
Sedona is just over two hours south of the Grand Canyon, and since you will be heading back toward Phoenix anyway, it is absolutely worth a stop, even if you only have time to drive through the red rock scenery.
We recommend taking Highway 89A into Sedona. It is one of our favorite drives in Arizona, and the views along the way are stunning. Depending on the time of year and how much energy you have left, you might even have time for a short hike.
Some easy and scenic options include Bell Rock or any trail in that area, since the views are incredible from almost every direction. If you want a little more elevation, Doe Mountain on the west side of town is another great option.
If hiking is not in your plans, you can still enjoy amazing views from Airport Mesa, Upper Red Rock Loop Road, or Yavapai Vista off Highway 179 south of town. These stops are perfect for sunset or a quick photo break.
If you do have time to hike in Sedona, check out our guide to our favorite trails here.
Where to eat:
If you have time to grab a quick dinner in Sedona, here are a few places we recommend:
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Hideaway House – Delicious food with incredible views of the red rocks
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Pizza Lisa – Cozy spot with wood-fired pizzas and local charm
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Butterfly Burger – A gourmet burger bar by Chef Lisa Dahl
For more restaurant recommendations, things to do, and where to stay in Sedona, check out our full Sedona guide here.
Day 3: Culture, Art, and More
Visit Desert Botanical Garden + Local Attractions
After two days of driving and exploring, you will probably want a slower start. One of our top recommendations for first-time visitors to Phoenix is the Desert Botanical Garden. Located near the airport, it is an easy stop before heading home and a great way to experience the beauty of the Sonoran Desert without hiking.
The garden features native desert plants and a wide variety of species from around the world. One of our favorite areas is the section with all the Organ Pipe cactus, which you can see in the photos below. There is an entrance fee, and you can learn more or get tickets on their website.
The Phoenix metro area is home to nearly five million people and offers more than just outdoor adventure. If you have extra time, here are a few cultural, artistic, and educational spots worth visiting:
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The Arizona Science Center
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The Heard Museum – focused on Native American art and history
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Old Town Scottsdale and Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art
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Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West
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Musical Instrument Museum
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Phoenix Art Museum
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Arizona Heritage Center
Final Thoughts
We hope this 3 day Arizona itinerary helps you experience some of the best this state has to offer — from desert trails and red rock views to natural wonders and cultural gems. Whether it is your first time visiting or a return trip, Arizona always has something new to explore.
Looking for more ideas? Check out our guides!
