The drive between Phoenix and Flagstaff along Interstate 17 can be done in less than two hours. It is a scenic drive on its own, as you can watch the dramatic landscape change from desert to pine trees as you gain in elevation the closer you get to Flagstaff. If you are looking to explore a little more between Flagstaff and Phoenix, you will be rewarded with a chance to wander through artistic communities, unique geological formations, quirky mountain towns, experimental architecture, and some amazing views.
The Drive Between Phoenix and Flagstaff
I grew up in Phoenix and went to college in Tucson, so I spent a significant part of my life in Arizona. As an adult, I’ve done the drive between my parents’ cabin just south of Flagstaff and Phoenix many times. Sometimes, I’ve opted for the fastest route along I-17, which is still quite scenic. There are parts that wind along the hill as you climb in elevation and watch the landscape change. You can even see the red rocks of Sedona in the distance.
Other times, I chose to take the scenic route and stop along the way. To stay close to I-17, Arcosanti is not far off the road. If you have time to venture a little farther and detour along AZ 89A, you will find some amazing small towns and natural wonders to explore. Here are some of my favorite detours and day trips between Phoenix and Flagstaff.
Road Trip Stops and Day Trips
Depending on your route preference, you can visit these in different orders. There are suggestions of destinations you can combine within the descriptions of what to do. I also included a map you can open in Google Maps to help plan your route and see the relationship of each location.
The Map
Arcosanti – For Architecture and Art
Why Visit: Arcosanti is an experimental urban community founded by Italian architect Paolo Soleri. It is a real life-size experiment of the principles of arcology (architecture and ecology). It was founded in the 1970s to offer an alternate to urban sprawl. We learned about Arcosanti in architecture school and I find it fascinating that people are still living here to participate in the artist community.
Location: The exit for Arcosanti is along I-17, making it an easy detour to take.
What to do: Take a tour and hike the trails. Just walking around to see the architecture and the bronze bells Arcosanti is known for is worth the visit. If you appreciate art and architecture, you will enjoy the visit.
Sedona – For Red Rocks and Art
Why Visit: Sedona is famous for its red rock formations, vortex sites, and artist scene. It is such a unique location and an easy day trip from Flagstaff or Phoenix to visit for a hike and to walk around the town before returning home for the day. There is plenty to do here that you could easily spend the night to extend the stay.
Location: Detour from I-17. From Phoenix, take AZ 179 North, From Flagstaff, take AZ 89A South. The drive along AZ 89A through Oak Creek Canyon is gorgeous if you have time to do both.
What to do: My favorite thing to do in Sedona is go for a hike and enjoy the views of the unique red rock sandstone formations. There are tons of hiking trails to choose from. The most popular are Devil’s Bridge and Cathedral Rock trails. There are many alternatives if you want a less crowded trail, and many along Oak Creek if you want the option to cool down during the summer. On my last trip, I stopped in the Red Rock Ranger Station since I came from the south and needed some recommendations for a hike in the summer with a puppy (very specific!). I hiked along the Baldwin Trail that had some portions along the creek to keep cool in the summer but still gave us some great views.
Other things to do include a quick stop to see the Chapel of the Holy Cross. This is a church that is built into the red rocks and is worth a quick stop to walk around and admire the unique architecture.
If you have time, walk around in town. There are a ton of art galleries and shops.
Oak Creek Canyon – For Nature
Why Visit: A scenic drive between Sedona and Flagstaff along Oak Creek with natural rock slides
Location: AZ 89A between Sedona and Flagstaff
What to do: Enjoy the scenic drive, stop along some viewpoints to check out the views, or even stop at Slide Rock State Park for the natural formed rock slides and swimming holes. Oak Creek Vista Point is an easy pull out with parking that has a small trail and often has vendors selling crafts.
Watson Lake – For Unique Rock Formations
Why Visit: Unique granite rock formations at a reservoir with hiking trails.
Location: Along AZ 89 just north of Prescott, there is plenty of parking just past Watson Lake Park.
What to Do: If you are driving past Prescott, Watson Lake has some unique scenery and is easy to access just off of AZ 89. You can park and walk around the trails and rock formations and admire the scenery.
Prescott – For History
Why Visit: An adorable western mountain town
Location: On AZ 89, about a 1 hour and 45 minute drive from Flagstaff or Phoenix
What to Do: Wander around downtown Prescott and don’t miss Whiskey Row, a small strip on South Montezuma across from the Courthouse. This is close to Watson Lake so you can combine the two in the same trip.
Jerome – For Art and History
Why Visit: A quirky small town on top of Cleopatra Hill known for mining, art, and ghosts! The town’s tag line is “The Wickedest Town in the West.” This is a former copper-mining town that is now a touristy destination for the art, views, and ghost stories. Even if you don’t stop, just driving the hairpin turns on this portion of AZ 89A is worth seeing.
Location: Along AZ 89A between Sedona and Prescott. If you are driving from Flagstaff to Phoenix you can stop at Jerome, Watson Lake, and Prescott in a day if you keep the stops short.
What to Do: Even just driving through this town is an experience with the hairpin turns along the highway as it passes through Jerome! Wander around Jerome’s steep streets and pop into artist studios and unique shops. I had my dog with me, and we walked around outside at the Jerome State Historic Park. Another notable location is the Sliding Jail that is an old jail that slid down the hill!
Itinerary Recommendations Between Phoenix and Flagstaff
I recommend Sedona as a full day trip or even overnight. I have done this as a day trip from Phoenix and Flagstaff. The best route is making a day loop from Flagstaff by going South on I-17 to approach Sedona from the south along AZ 179. My favorite way to spend a day in Sedona is to go for a long hike and then head back to Flagstaff along AZ 89A along Oak Creek Canyon to complete the scenic route.
Arcosanti is an easy stop if you are taking the direct route between Phoenix and Flagstaff and are looking for an interesting stop along the way.
If you have the luxury of taking all day to drive between Flagstaff and Phoenix the scenic route along AZ 89A with stops at Jerome, Watson Lake, and Precott is all possible in a day if you keep the stops short.
Enjoy the Scenic Route!
I hope you have the chance to stop in some of these unique places between Flagstaff and Phoenix! They are all scenic and special in their own ways. If you have other favorite stops or something you think I need to see, let me know in the comments below.
If you love road trips, I have other posts about a dog-friendly road trip stop in Boise, a winter road trip guide, working remote on a road trip, and my favorite travel gear.
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