Discover Arizona's Spectacular Landscapes: Saguaro, Petrified Forest, and the Grand Canyon National Parks

Arizona Road Trip: Saguaro → Petrified Forest → Grand Canyon

Three icons. One unforgettable drive. This Arizona road trip starts in the cactus kingdom of Saguaro, cuts across a surreal landscape of ancient stone trees in Petrified Forest, and ends with the big one: the Grand Canyon.

Perfect for: first-time Arizona visitors, winter sun seekers, spring break planners, and anyone who likes their road trips scenic with a side of awe.

Quick Route Overview

• Start: Saguaro National Park (Tucson)
• Middle: Petrified Forest National Park (near Holbrook)
• Finish: Grand Canyon National Park (South Rim)
• Best trip length: 5–7 days

Before You Go (So You Actually Enjoy It)

This is an easy route to love, but it pays to plan the basics. Check the weather and road conditions before you go—Arizona can get brutally hot in summer, and conditions can change quickly at the canyon rim. Hydrate constantly and protect yourself from the sun.

Also: lodging and camping can book out early, especially at the Grand Canyon. If you’re traveling during peak season, make reservations well in advance.

Suggested 5–7 Day Itinerary

Day 1–2: Saguaro National Park (Tucson)

Welcome to the Sonoran Desert—where the sunsets look edited and the cacti stand like living sculptures.

• Don’t miss: scenic drives, short hikes at golden hour, and a sunrise that makes you whisper “wow” even if you’re not a morning person.
• Pro tip: split your time between the two districts for totally different vibes.

Click here to see the Saguaro National Park Poster.

First up is Saguaro National Park, located just outside of Tucson. This park is home to some of the largest and oldest saguaro cacti in the world, and it's a sight to behold. The park is divided into two sections, with the east and west districts both offering unique hiking trails, scenic drives, and breathtaking views.

Day 3: Drive to Petrified Forest National Park

This drive is part of the fun. The landscape changes fast—from desert to wide-open high country.

• Road trip rhythm: start early, snack often, stop whenever the light gets dramatic.

To get from Saguaro National Park to Petrified Forest National Park, you'll need to make your way north on I-17, then head east on I-40. This will take you through some stunning desert landscapes, with plenty of opportunities to stop and stretch your legs along the way.

Day 3–4: Petrified Forest National Park

Petrified Forest feels like another planet. Ancient logs turned to stone. Painted desert colors. Quiet that feels huge.

• Don’t miss: overlooks, short walks, and the moment you realize you’re looking at trees that lived long before human history.
• Pro tip: this park rewards slow wandering and curiosity.

Petrified Forest National Park is truly a unique destination, featuring colorful badlands, petrified wood, and ancient fossils. The park is home to the largest collection of petrified wood in the world, with logs that date back to the Late Triassic Period. Don't miss the chance to hike the Blue Mesa Trail, which takes you through a surreal landscape of colorful badlands and petrified wood.

Click here to see the Petrified Forest National Park Poster.

Day 5: Drive to the Grand Canyon (South Rim)

Save some energy. You’re about to hit one of the most jaw-dropping views on Earth.

Day 5–7: Grand Canyon National Park

The Grand Canyon isn’t just big—it’s emotionally big. Sunrise. Sunset. Endless layers. You’ll want to see it in different light.

• Don’t miss: a sunrise viewpoint, an easy rim walk, and one “how is this real?” moment per day.
• Pro tip: the best plan is to do less, but do it at the right times.

Click here to see the Grand Canyon National Park Poster.

From Petrified Forest National Park, it's a short drive north to Grand Canyon National Park. This iconic destination needs no introduction, as it's one of the most famous national parks in the world. The Grand Canyon is a natural wonder that's over 277 miles long and up to 18 miles wide, with depths that reach over a mile. The park offers plenty of opportunities to explore the canyon, from hiking and camping to helicopter tours and mule rides.

Optional Stops That Are Worth the Detour

If you want to make the driving days even better, consider adding one of these classic Arizona bonus stops:

• Sedona — stunning red rock formations, great food, and a vibrant arts scene.
• Monument Valley — iconic sandstone buttes and big-sky panoramas (Navajo Tribal Park).
• Horseshoe Bend — a dramatic overlook just outside Page, AZ with a short hike to the viewpoint.

Best Time to Do This Trip

• Fall–Spring: ideal for hiking and comfortable temps
• Summer: doable, but plan early mornings + lots of water

What to Pack (The Short List)

• Water (more than you think), sunscreen, hat
• Layers (desert mornings and rim evenings can surprise you)
• Snacks + a small cooler (road trip happiness)
• Phone charger + offline maps

Make It Yours

If you’ve been to one of these parks, you already know: places like this stick with you. If you’re going, this is the kind of trip you’ll talk about for years.

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Read More: “Best Things To Do in Saguaro National Park” • “Best Things To Do at the Grand Canyon (South Rim)”

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Meet the Artist

Rob Decker is a photographer and graphic artist who had the rare privilege of studying under Ansel Adams in Yosemite National Park when he was just 19 years old. Now, Rob is on a journey to explore and photograph all of America’s National Parks. He’s creating WPA-style posters to help people celebrate their own national park adventures — as well as encourage others to get out and explore!

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