Looking for the perfect long weekend road trip from Phoenix? Get ready for an unforgettable adventure through Arizona’s most iconic landscapes.
This scenic road trip takes you away from the bustling city to the breathtaking wonders of Antelope Canyon, Monument Valley, the Grand Canyon and more. Along the way, you’ll experience winding desert roads, towering rock formations, and some of the most photogenic spots in the Southwest.
Itinerary:
- Day 1: South Rim Grand Canyon
- Day 2: Antelope Point Marina, Lake Powell and Horseshoe Bend
- Day 3: Lower Antelope Canyon and Monument Valley
- Day 4: Lone Rock Beach
Day 1: South Rim Grand Canyon
Leave early in the morning to make the most of your day exploring the Grand Canyon. From Phoenix, it’s a three-and-a-half-hour drive to the South Rim Visitor Center.
The Grand Canyon offers endless activities and experiences. Hike along the rim for incredible views or venture down into the canyon on one of the many trials. For a more relaxed experience, take a scenic drive and stop at stunning viewpoints such as Mather Point and Desert View.
We hiked a few miles on the Bright Angel Trail before heading into Grand Canyon Village to check out a few museums and exhibits. Other popular activities include helicopter tours, mule rides and rafting along the Colorado River.
After watching the sunset at Mather Point we ate dinner at Big E Steakhouse and Saloon.
Accommodations: Yavapai Lodge, 11 Yavapai Lodge Road, Grand Canyon Village.
Day 2: Antelope Point Marina, Lake Powell and Horseshoe Bend
We started out the day driving from the South Rim to Antelope Point Marina, about a two-and-a-half hour drive. Once we got there we checked in and departed from the marina on our Antelope Canyon Boat Tour.
This hour-long guided tour offers unique views of the slot canyon walls from Lake Powell.
We had a late lunch at the Antelope Point Restaurant then went to Grand Canyon Brewing + Distillery. You can order a flight to taste some of their unique craft beers and spirits inspired by the rugged beauty of the Grand Canyon. Some highlights on their core beer lineup include the Sunset Amber Ale, Hop Canyon Juicy IPA, Horseshoe Bend Pale Ale, Prickly Pear IPA and Kachina Wheat Ale.
We spent time playing darts and other games at the brewery before heading out to Horseshoe Bend to watch the sunset. For dinner we ate at the Prickly Pear Kitchen at Hyatt Place Page/Lake Powell then explored the beautiful views from our room.
Don't forget to take a picture in the hotel's iconic Instagram frame. Just outside the hotel there’s a large, wooden frame that overlooks and encapsulates the beauty of Arizona’s landscape.
Accommodations: Hyatt Place Page/Lake Powell, 1126 N. Navajo Dr., Page.
Day 3: Lower Antelope Canyon and Monument Valley
We started the day with Ken’s Tours of Lower Antelope Canyon. Every turn in the canyon reveals different views of sunlight filtering through the narrow openings of the slot canyon. The tour is a little under an hour-long and you’ll get to learn all about the history and stories of the canyon from your guide.
The stunning textures and shapes of Lower Antelope Canyon, also known as Hasdeztwazi or “Spiral Rock Arches” in Navajo, are the result of millions of years of water and wind erosion.
Unsure whether to book a tour of Upper or Lower Antelope Canyon? Upper Antelope Canyon is more accessible with a flat, easy walk through entrance while Lower Antelope Canyon is a more hand-on adventure. While touring Lower Antelope Canyon you’ll navigate through a series of ladders and uneven pathways. Upper Antelope Canyon is famous for its light beams and towering walls, while Lower Antelope Canyon highlights the canyon’s sculpted sandstone.
Our next stop was Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park. It took just over two hours to get there, and we made a quick stop at the Welcome to Utah sign for a photo before continuing along the Highway 163 Scenic Drive. This is a free alternative to entering the park and allows you to see the Monument Valley Overlook in addition to Forrest Gump Point, Mexican Hat Rock, the Valley Viewpoint and more.
Accommodations: Hyatt Place Page/Lake Powell.
Day 4: Lone Rock Beach
Our last stop before heading back to Phoenix was Lone Rock Beach. We watched the sunrise over the iconic Lone Rock, a large, solitary formation that rises dramatically from the sandy shoreline. The stillness of the lake created a stunning reflection as the colors of the sky slowly transitioned into day.
This place was recommended to us from a worker at Grand Canyon Brewing + Distillery and was one of my favorite stops on this road trip.
Whether you're a nature lover, photography enthusiast, or just craving a long weekend away, this Phoenix to Page road trip itinerary has everything you need for an incredible four-day getaway.
