Road Trips from Tempe, AZ
Tempe is a good starting point if you're looking for a variety of drives, from quick jaunts to longer excursions. You've got options that are mostly flat and close by for a short day trip, plus several longer routes that climb into higher altitudes with a high drive score. There are also numerous parks and national monuments accessible within a few hours, making it easy to craft a trip around natural attractions.
Total Routes
13
Shortest
1h
With Parks Nearby
10
Under 2 hours
Full-day getaway
Bisbee, AZ
3h 54m207.4 mi one way
This 3.9-hour drive to Bisbee, AZ, features high-altitude sections and notable climbs, scoring a 9 for the drive. It's one of the longer options, and you'll pass by Saguaro National Park, Casa Grande Ruins National Monument, and Coronado National Memorial.
Big Park, AZ
2h 13m119.8 mi one way
Fortuna Foothills, AZ
3h 25m188.1 mi one way
Willcox, AZ
3h 24m191.6 mi one way
Weekend trip
6 total in this range
Peach Springs, AZ
4h 8m217 mi one way
Heading to Peach Springs, AZ takes 4.1 hours and involves high-altitude sections with climbs, earning a drive score of 9. This route is notable for its proximity to Tuzigoot National Monument and Montezuma Castle National Monument.
Mohave Valley, AZ
4h 52m248.8 mi one way
Kaibito, AZ
5h 36m274.7 mi one way
At 5.6 hours, the drive to Kaibito, AZ is one of the longest. It features high-altitude sections and climbs, with a drive score of 9. Nearby parks include Montezuma Castle National Monument, Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument, and Walnut Canyon National Monument.
Ganado, AZ
5h 29m261.5 mi one way
Houck, AZ
4h 48m238.7 mi one way
This 4.8-hour trip to Houck, AZ, is characterized by mountain driving with significant elevation changes and a drive score of 9. It provides access to Petrified Forest National Park and Tonto National Monument.
Browse by Mood
Bisbee, AZ
3h 54m207.4 mi one way
Peach Springs, AZ
4h 8m217 mi one way
Mohave Valley, AZ
4h 52m248.8 mi one way
Kaibito, AZ
5h 36m274.7 mi one way
When to Go
Spring
Spring offers a good time to explore the high-altitude routes. Parks like Saguaro National Park and Montezuma Castle National Monument are accessible with pleasant climbing terrain.
Summer
The high-altitude sections on drives to Page or Peach Springs could offer cooler temperatures. Summer is also viable for exploring national monuments like Tonto.
Fall
Fall is ideal for the mountain driving routes to Houck or the high-altitude climbs towards Bisbee. National monument visits are comfortable.
Winter
Winter driving is generally manageable across these routes. The gently rolling terrain to Congress or San Luis is accessible, and Casa Grande Ruins National Monument is a viable stop.
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 Tempe, AZ city hub for all incoming and outgoing routes.