Road Trips from Scottsdale, AZ
Looking for a weekend escape from Scottsdale? You've got options ranging from quick half-day drives to longer excursions. Several nearby destinations offer park access, making them great for nature lovers. You can also find routes with varied terrain, including high-altitude climbs and gently rolling hills, ensuring a dynamic driving experience. Consider these routes for your next adventure.
Total Routes
18
Shortest
0.9h
With Parks Nearby
14
Under 2 hours
Full-day getaway
Winslow, AZ
3h 38m206.9 mi one way
Wellton, AZ
3h 14m177.3 mi one way
This 3.2-hour drive to Wellton is mostly surface roads with a drive score of 8. It’s longer than the South Tucson option but also features park access, with Casa Grande Ruins National Monument within reach. The terrain is gently rolling, similar to the South Tucson route.
East Sahuarita, AZ
2h 35m140.2 mi one way
Williams, AZ
3h 9m166.2 mi one way
Weekend trip
10 total in this range
Saint Michaels, AZ
5h 26m269 mi one way
Page, AZ
5h 24m284.3 mi one way
At 5.4 hours, this is one of the longer drives, covering 284.3 miles with a drive score of 9. You'll encounter mountain driving with significant elevation changes. This route offers extensive park access, including Glen Canyon National Recreation Area and Montezuma Castle National Monument.
Houck, AZ
4h 45m237.4 mi one way
This 4.8-hour drive to Houck is 237.4 miles and boasts a drive score of 9. The route involves mountain driving with significant elevation changes. It provides access to Petrified Forest National Park and Tonto National Monument, making it a good choice for exploring natural wonders.
Naco, AZ
4h 16m224.1 mi one way
Covering 224.1 miles and taking 4.3 hours, this route to Naco has a drive score of 9. The terrain is hilly with moderate elevation changes. It’s a solid option for park access, with Coronado National Memorial and Saguaro National Park nearby.
First Mesa, AZ
5h 1m278.4 mi one way
This 5-hour drive to First Mesa is 278.4 miles and has a drive score of 9. The terrain includes high-altitude sections with notable climbs. It’s a route with significant park access, including Montezuma Castle National Monument and Walnut Canyon National Monument.
Browse by Mood
Saint Michaels, AZ
5h 26m269 mi one way
Page, AZ
5h 24m284.3 mi one way
Houck, AZ
4h 45m237.4 mi one way
Naco, AZ
4h 16m224.1 mi one way
When to Go
Spring
Spring offers pleasant driving conditions for all routes, with mild temperatures ideal for exploring the parks accessible from destinations like South Tucson or Page.
Summer
Summer heat makes the higher altitude drives, such as to Taylor or First Mesa, more appealing for cooler temperatures.
Fall
Fall provides comfortable temperatures for the longer drives to places like Houck or Page, with vibrant scenery.
Winter
Winter driving is generally clear across Arizona, making any of these routes viable, though high-altitude areas might see occasional frost.
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 Scottsdale, AZ city hub for all incoming and outgoing routes.