Road Trips from Flagstaff, AZ
Looking for a weekend escape from Flagstaff? You've got options ranging from quick half-day drives to longer adventures. The terrain generally involves high-altitude areas with climbs, and many routes offer access to national monuments and parks, including Walnut Canyon and Sunset Crater Volcano. You can choose a short trip to a nearby town or head further south for a longer drive, with most options being day trips.
Total Routes
9
Shortest
0.5h
With Parks Nearby
9
Under 2 hours
Full-day getaway
Gold Camp, AZ
3h 46m199.8 mi one way
For a longer day trip, Gold Camp is 199.8 miles and about 3.8 hours away. The drive is a mix of highway and surface roads, with a drive score of 10. You'll encounter high-altitude sections with climbs, and like many Flagstaff area drives, it provides access to Walnut Canyon and Sunset Crater Volcano National Monuments.
Guadalupe, AZ
2h 45m154.1 mi one way
This 154.1-mile drive to Guadalupe takes around 2.8 hours and has a high drive score of 10. The route mixes highway and surface roads, featuring the characteristic high-altitude terrain with climbs. It’s a good option for a substantial day trip with nearby park access to Walnut Canyon and Sunset Crater Volcano.
El Mirage, AZ
2h 35m142.9 mi one way
El Mirage is a 142.9-mile drive, taking approximately 2.6 hours. This route is primarily surface roads and scores a 9 for the drive. Expect high-altitude sections and climbs. It's a solid day trip choice, with access to several national monuments like Montezuma Castle and Walnut Canyon.
Weekend trip
Catalina Foothills, AZ
4h 36m257 mi one way
This is one of the longest options at 257 miles, requiring about 4.6 hours of driving. It's mainly surface roads with a drive score of 9. The terrain includes high-altitude stretches and climbs. You'll have access to national monuments such as Montezuma Castle and Walnut Canyon.
Avra Valley, AZ
4h 18m237.6 mi one way
Avra Valley is a substantial drive at 237.6 miles, taking around 4.3 hours. The route sticks to surface roads and boasts a drive score of 9. Be prepared for high-altitude sections and climbs. Nearby parks include Walnut Canyon and Montezuma Castle National Monuments.
Oro Valley, AZ
4h 33m253.1 mi one way
At 253.1 miles, this drive to Oro Valley will take about 4.6 hours. The profile is mostly surface roads, with a drive score of 9. You'll encounter high-altitude terrain with notable climbs. This trip offers proximity to national monuments like Walnut Canyon and Montezuma Castle.
Safford, AZ
5h 54m299.4 mi one way
This is one of the furthest destinations, clocking in at 299.4 miles and nearly 6 hours. It’s mostly surface roads with a drive score of 8. The terrain includes high-altitude sections and climbs. Nearby attractions include Walnut Canyon and Sunset Crater Volcano National Monuments.
Thatcher, AZ
5h 46m296.1 mi one way
Thatcher is a long day trip at 296.1 miles, taking approximately 5.8 hours. The drive is primarily on surface roads with a score of 8. You’ll navigate high-altitude sections with climbs. Parks nearby include Walnut Canyon and Sunset Crater Volcano National Monuments.
Browse by Mood
Gold Camp, AZ
3h 46m199.8 mi one way
Guadalupe, AZ
2h 45m154.1 mi one way
Catalina Foothills, AZ
4h 36m257 mi one way
El Mirage, AZ
2h 35m142.9 mi one way
Guadalupe, AZ
2h 45m154.1 mi one way
El Mirage, AZ
2h 35m142.9 mi one way
Safford, AZ
5h 54m299.4 mi one way
When to Go
Spring
Spring brings mild temperatures to the high-altitude terrain, making drives to places like Walnut Canyon National Monument enjoyable.
Summer
Summer heat in the lower elevations contrasts with Flagstaff's cooler climate, but the high-altitude drives with climbs remain a consistent feature.
Fall
Fall colors may enhance the high-altitude sections of these drives, offering scenic views before winter.
Winter
Winter conditions could impact the high-altitude terrain on these routes, potentially making drives more challenging.
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Ready to plan?
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