Road Trips from Flagstaff, AZ
Planning a weekend escape from Flagstaff? You've got options ranging from quick half-day trips to longer excursions. The terrain is consistently high-altitude with climbs, and all listed routes offer access to national monuments and parks. Whether you're after a short drive to a nearby park or a longer journey with a higher drive score, there's a route for you.
Total Routes
10
Shortest
0.5h
With Parks Nearby
10
Under 2 hours
Full-day getaway
Gold Camp, AZ
3h 46m199.8 mi one way
Gold Camp offers a longer drive at 199.8 miles and 3.8 hours, boasting a high drive score of 10. Expect a mix of highway and surface roads with high-altitude climbs. This route also provides access to Walnut Canyon National Monument and other significant park areas, suitable for a substantial day trip.
Guadalupe, AZ
2h 45m154.1 mi one way
This 154.1-mile, 2.8-hour drive to Guadalupe scores a 10 for its drive quality. It involves mixed highway and surface roads, traversing high-altitude terrain with notable climbs. Like many Flagstaff exits, it offers proximity to Walnut Canyon National Monument and other parks.
El Mirage, AZ
2h 35m142.9 mi one way
El Mirage is accessible via a 142.9-mile drive taking 2.6 hours, with a drive score of 9. This route is mainly surface roads and includes high-altitude sections with climbs. You'll have access to Walnut Canyon National Monument and other national parks close to your destination.
Weekend trip
6 total in this range
Catalina Foothills, AZ
4h 36m257 mi one way
At 257 miles and 4.6 hours, Catalina Foothills is one of the longer options, featuring a drive score of 9. The route is primarily surface roads, passing through high-altitude terrain with climbs. Nearby parks include Walnut Canyon National Monument and Casa Grande Ruins National Monument.
Tucson, AZ
4h 36m259.2 mi one way
Avra Valley, AZ
4h 18m237.6 mi one way
Avra Valley is a 237.6-mile drive requiring 4.3 hours and earning a drive score of 9. This route predominantly uses surface roads and navigates high-altitude areas with climbs. Your park access includes Walnut Canyon National Monument and Casa Grande Ruins National Monument.
Oro Valley, AZ
4h 33m253.1 mi one way
This 253.1-mile trip to Oro Valley takes 4.6 hours with a drive score of 9. The drive is mostly surface roads, characterized by high-altitude climbs. This option provides access to Walnut Canyon National Monument and Casa Grande Ruins National Monument.
Safford, AZ
5h 54m299.4 mi one way
Safford is a longer destination at 299.4 miles, taking 5.9 hours with a drive score of 8. The route is mostly surface roads, featuring high-altitude sections and climbs. You'll find Walnut Canyon National Monument, Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument, and Petrified Forest National Park in the vicinity.
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
Tucson, AZ
4h 36m259.2 mi one way
Guadalupe, AZ
2h 45m154.1 mi one way
Tucson, AZ
4h 36m259.2 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 drives offer access to high-altitude parks with varied terrain. Expect climbs on routes leading to Walnut Canyon National Monument and other nearby parks.
Summer
Summer travel provides opportunities to explore national monuments and parks. The high-altitude terrain with climbs remains consistent across all routes.
Fall
Fall routes are characterized by high-altitude sections and climbs, leading to parks like Walnut Canyon National Monument. The terrain remains consistent.
Winter
Winter drives in this region feature high-altitude terrain with climbs. Parks such as Walnut Canyon National Monument are accessible, though conditions may vary.
Starting Somewhere Else?
Other nearby cities with their own escape planners.
Ready to plan?
Pick any destination above for full turn-by-turn directions, fuel cost, rest stops, and weather. Or visit the Flagstaff, AZ city hub for all incoming and outgoing routes.