The Perfect 5-Day Arizona Road Trip: Phoenix, Sedona, and Antelope Canyon

Arizona is like the epitome of the American West. The desert terrain, red rock canyons, and wide-open highways feel like you’ve driven straight into a classic western movie—and honestly, there aren’t many other places in the world that offer this kind of landscape.

From dusty backroads to cinematic canyon views, Arizona is unmistakably American.

This road trip through Arizona was one of the most memorable trips I’ve ever taken with my parents.

It was their first time seeing the Southwest, and even though we visited in the peak of summer (yes, it was very hot), the heat almost added to the experience. It felt like we were starring in our own western adventure—sweat, scenery, and all.

If you’ve got 4–5 days to spare and want a mix of natural beauty, mystical vortex energy (I’ll explain later), and good food, I’ve got you covered on one heck of a road trip.

In this road trip guide, I’m sharing the exact itinerary I used to show my parents the best of Arizona. We traversed from the red rocks of Sedona to the wavy slot canyons of Antelope Canyon, plus mixed in a little city flavor in Phoenix and Scottsdale!

This post may contain affiliate links. You won’t be paying a cent more, but in the event of a sale, the small affiliate commission I receive will help keep this blog running/pumping out useful and free content. Thanks a lot!

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5-Day Arizona Road Trip Overview: Phoenix, Sedona, and Antelope Canyon

On this itinerary, you’ll get to visit highlights like Phoenix, Sedona, Antelope Canyon, and Horseshoe Bend, all while enjoying the amazing scenery and kitschy road trip stops that Arizona has to offer (like Goldfield Ghost Town!).

Here’s a quick breakdown of what this 5-day Phoenix, Antelope Canyon, and Sedona road trip looks like at a glance:

• Day 1: Phoenix
• Day 2: Scottsdale / Page
• Day 3: Antelope Canyon / Horseshoe Bend
• Day 4: Sedona
• Day 5: Sedona / Drive back to Phoenix

Let’s quickly cover the highlights:

Phoenix

Phoenix is a great city to fly into and start your road trip. There isn’t too much to do there, which is fine because we need all the time we can get to see other spots on this road trip!

With your time in town, you can visit the Desert Botanical Garden, take a hike up Camelback Mountain, float down the Salt River, eat some surprisingly good pizza, and check out the local arts scene.

Scottsdale

Just a 25-minute drive from Phoenix, Scottsdale is a no-brainer destination if you’re starting your drive from Phoenix.

While it used to have a reputation as a retirement town, it’s evolved into a buzzing hotspot—especially for weekenders, bachelorette groups, and people looking to soak up some sun with a cocktail in hand.

We personally love it for the walkable Old Town shopping district—it’s full of quirky boutiques, vintage shops, local art galleries, and Southwestern knick-knacks that make for way better souvenirs than anything you’d find at the airport.

But there’s more to do than just shop. You’ve got top-notch golf courses, resort-style spas, desert hiking trails, and even spots like the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art or the Western Spirit Museum if you’re into history and culture.

Sedona

The mystical outdoor town of Sedona is a must-see. This red rock town is famous for its so-called “vortexes,” energy centers that some say promote healing, clarity, and spiritual connection.

Whether you believe in that kind of thing or not, the vortex sites are undeniably beautiful, and there are tons of fascinating jeep tours that’ll take you right to them so you can see (or feel) for yourself.

Beyond the woo-woo side, Sedona is packed with art galleries, wellness spas, crystal shops, and incredible hiking trails that wind through bright red canyons and buttes.

Pro tip: Book a Jeep tour for a fun (and bumpy) ride through off-road terrain—vortex or not, the views are amazing!

Antelope Canyon

Antelope Canyon is by far one of the major highlights of this road trip. This is the furthest point on this road trip from Phoenix, so you’ll be intentionally making the drive out to see this incredible landmark!

Antelope Canyon is loved for its wave-like canyon walls that twist and swirl around you like sculptures come to life. Expect gorgeous beams of sunlight slicing through narrow crevices, lighting the walls up in glowing shades of orange, pink, and gold.

You’ll feel like you’re walking through the veins of the Earth, never sure what shape and patterns will come up next. It’s a certified must-visit when you’re in AZ!

Horseshoe Bend

You’ve probably seen this one on a desktop screensaver or Instagram at some point—it’s that iconic. Horseshoe Bend is a horseshoe-shaped meander in the Colorado River, and it’s a photographer’s dream thanks to the sweeping views and dramatic canyon drop-offs.

Best of all? It’s just a 10–15 minute drive from Antelope Canyon, making it a no-brainer to pair the two in one day. After a short, flat hike (about 1.5 miles round trip), you’ll be rewarded with one of the most jaw-dropping views in the Southwest.

Now that you know a little bit about what each place has to offer, let’s get into the details of the road trip!

Looking to visit the Grand Canyon as well? Simply tack on another day to this itinerary to make it a 6-day adventure. Heck, you can make it 7 days too! There’s so much to see and do in Arizona! Alternatively, if you’re short on time, you can also check out my 4-day Las Vegas to Grand Canyon National Park road trip.

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5-Day Arizona Road Trip: Rental Car Logistics

For our road trips, we typically like to pick up rental cars from a nearby airport (there’s often more availability at the airports compared to rental car shops in town). For this road trip, aim to pick up a rental car from the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX).

To make this road trip work, you’re going to pick it up from PHX and drop it right back off at PHX, where you’ll ultimately take your flight home.

Need a rental car for your trip? To find cheap rental cars, I recommend using Rentalcars.com. Their search tool is one of the best I’ve found!

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Day 1: Phoenix / Scottsdale, AZ

After flying/driving into Pheonix, the first thing you’ll want to do is check in to your hotel, especially if you’re arriving later in the day.

Because we took the first flight of the day out to PHX, we had ample time on our first day to explore the city.

Since we had at least 6 hours before we were able to check in to our hotel, we picked up our rental car and headed to check out the city of Phoenix. The first thing we did? We ate!

Breakfast at Matt’s Big Breakfast

Start your morning off with a hearty breakfast at Matt’s Big Breakfast. You will find all the classic staples like eggs, griddlecakes, waffles, and more.

As the name suggests, you can expect big portions here!

Desert Botanical Garden

From there, head to the Desert Botanical Garden.

The Desert Botanical Garden is a beautiful place to see some of the best flora in Arizona. From the moment we arrived, we all absolutely fell in love with the landscaping and atmosphere of the place!

At the garden, visitors can stroll through five thematic trails to explore the fascinating beauty of the Sonoran Desert, from cacti and succulents to wildflowers and trees. The garden also provides opportunities to learn more about desert landscaping, nature art, cooking and wellness, and more through various adult and children’s classes.

Before you visit, be sure to take a peek at the garden’s calendar to see if there are any festive events or exhibitions that fall on the day of your visit.

During our visit, Chihuly in the Desert was the featured exhibit, which honestly elevated the whole experience so much more.

Combining art, architecture and nature, Chihuly in the Desert showcases some of Dave Chihuly’s best works set against majestic saguaros and other desert gardens. There was even an indoor Chihuly exhibit as well that was absolutely gorgeous and not to be missed!

Goldfield Ghost Town

If you’re open to embracing the Wild West vibe that Arizona does so well, head to Goldfield Ghost Town, located just 45 minutes from Phoenix.

Goldfield Ghost Town is a former mining town located in the Superstition Mountains east of Apache Junction. The town was founded in 1892 and ultimately abandoned by 1898.

Today, it is a popular tourist destination with a variety of shops and restaurants. There are a number of historical buildings to ogle at, including a courthouse and a jail.

Spend an hour or so walking through the town, perusing the gift shops, trying your hand at gold panning, and taking the quick mine tour.

There are a number of other attractions in the area, including the Superstition Mountain Museum and the Lost Dutchman State Park. There are also several hiking trails in the area if you’ve got a group that’s interested in being outdoors.

Because we visited in June and the daytime temperature was over 100° F, it was simply too hot for us to want to do any hiking! If you don’t mind the heat or you are visiting the Apache Junction area during cooler seasons, you can consider hiking.

Roosevelt Street

After an hour or two of exploring Goldfield Ghost Town, it’s time to head back to Phoenix to get a dose of arts and culture. Take a stroll along Roosevelt Street, the center of Phoenix’s arts district, teeming with a slew of creative people, eateries, and art galleries.

If you need a midday pick-me-up, head to Lux Central where you’ll find all kinds of decadent desserts, pastries, and coffee drinks.

After you’re done exploring Roosevelt Street, it’s time for you to eat dinner, grab drinks, and rest up at your hotel. Below are a few tips to guide you in your evening.

Other Things To Do In Phoenix

• Phoenix Art Museum
• Japanese Friendship Garden
• Phoenix Zoo – Arizona Center for Nature Conservation
• Pueblo Grande Museum
• See a show or do trivia night at the Crescent Ballroom
• Go river tubing or kayaking on the Salt River – a super popular summer activity!
• Sunrise hot air ballooning 
• See a magic show at Carnival of Illusion

Where To Eat/Drink In Phoenix

• Cibo – munch on delicious wood-fired pizza in a cute little house/restaurant with a cute outdoor patio.
• Pizzeria Bianco – artisanal wood-fired pizza crafted by the legendary chef Chris Bianco.
• Virtu – restaurant by Chef Gio Osso that has appeared on national best restaurant lists; don’t miss their iconic charred octopus dish!
• Grab a drink at Melinda’s Alley – an old-fashioned speakeasy in the basement of a building in the historical red light district; open Fridays and Saturdays
• Cobra Arcade Bar – home to 40 vintage arcade games
• Valley Bar – listen to live music and DJ sets in an intimate setting

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Day 2: Scottsdale / Drive To Page, AZ

You’ll start your second day by exploring the lovely town of Scottsdale, AZ.

Scottsdale used to carry the stigma of being a posh destination for retirees, but these days, the town has a lot more to offer than just spas and golf courses. Expect tons of art, food, outdoor adventure, and a very cool vibe that appeals to younger people.

Once you’re done in Scottsdale, you’ll be spending a lot of time in the car making the drive over to Page, Arizona! And by a lot, I mean 4-5 hours’ worth of driving.

Historic Old Town Scottsdale

Historic Old Town Scottsdale is a great place to start your second day! This quaint part of town is filled with charming shops and great restaurants.

The Wild West vibe of Old Town is unlike any other! Not only is the architecture so quintessentially ‘Arizona’, but it’s also just so darn photogenic.

By far, one of the most fun things to do here is to explore all the gift shops selling everything from cactus candy to Native American crafts.

This part of town is very walkable, so you can park your car, grab a bite to eat, and spend the next few hours on foot burning off all those morning calories.

Fifth Avenue Shopping District

Once you’re done shopping and embracing the old-timey vibes of Historic Old Town Scottsdale, head to the Fifth Ave Shopping District. This part of Scottsdale is known for vintage clothing shops, designer fashion boutiques, and Native American jewelry shops.

More chances to buy gifts and home decor from the Southwest? Yes, please.

Other Things To Do In Scottsdale

• Bike Pub Crawl of Old Town Scottsdale – 2-hour pub crawl on a party bike!
• Sonoran Desert Jeep Tour at Sunset – if you’re interested in this, try to fit this into Day 1 instead (you won’t have time during Day 2)
• Sonoran Desert Mountain Bike Adventure – 1.5-hour beginner-friendly tour, good for kids and adults alike
• Butterfly Wonderland
• Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin West

Where To Eat In Scottsdale

• Hash Kitchen North Scottsdale – super fun, boozy brunch restaurant
• Buddha’s Ritual – Asian fusion breakfast/brunch
• Sophia’s Kitchen – delicious Italian spot
• Cook & Craft – Scottsdale – features modern American fare and crafted cocktails
• The Sicilian Butcher – absolutely scrumptious Italian food

Where To Drink In Scottsdale

• Craft 64 – artisan wood-fired pizza, local craft beer
• A bunch of the spots listed above also serve drinks!

Drive To Page, AZ

Once you’re done exploring Scottsdale, it’s time to make the long drive over to Page, Arizona. The plan is to stay in Page for the night, allowing you to sleep in and enjoy the morning in Page before embarking on your Antelope Canyon tour.

While the total drive time is about 4 hours 20 minutes, you should allow about 5.5 hours for the drive over to Page from Scottsdale. You’ll likely stop for restrooms, dinner, stretch breaks, etc.

Along the way, you’ll pass by a few really cool attractions. I’d take note of these attractions in case you want to slot them into your itinerary when you leave Page and backtrack to Sedona.

• Out of Africa Wildlife Park
• Bearizona – a drive-thru wildlife park
• Grand Canyon South Rim – just a 1-hour detour from Highway 89 / Cameron, AZ
• Cameron Trading Post – great restroom break and pitstop to try a Navajo taco or pick up gifts! We visited the trading post on the way from Page to Sedona. More on this later.

If you make it to Page by dinner time, I’d highly recommend eating dinner at El Tapatio, a super cute and colorful restaurant serving up huge plates of traditional Mexican food.

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Day 3: Antelope Canyon / Horseshoe Bend (Page, AZ)

Day 3 is all about two of AZ’s most famed landmarks: Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend.

They are both very close to each other, so you won’t have to do very much driving at all.

Antelope Canyon

Today is the day we get to see the iconic Antelope Canyon! You’ll need to book a tour in advance (guided tours are a must these days). Pick a tour between the times of 11 am to 1:30 pm for the best lighting conditions during your tour.

First off, you’re going to need to choose between seeing Upper or Lower Antelope Canyon. Choosing between the Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon is fully dependent on what you want to see, how much time you have, and how much money you want to shell out for a guided tour.

Use this guide to determine which part of the canyon you want to explore.

We went on a guided tour of Lower Antelope Canyon and it was absolutely breathtaking.

When it comes to choosing which tour company to go with, I personally don’t think it matters because honestly, each tour operator will offer a similar experience. We did our small-group tour of Lower Antelope Canyon with Ken’s Tours and had a fantastic time.

Lunchtime

Depending on the time of your Antelope Canyon tour, you’ll either eat before or after your tour.

If you didn’t get a chance to make it to El Tapatio, go there! Otherwise, I also recommend BirdHouse, serving up the best fried chicken meals in town!

At this point, you can head straight to Horseshoe Bend or rest up/rehydrate before visiting Horseshoe Bend.

Horseshoe Bend

Horseshoe Bend is a fun little stop where you can truly admire the power of erosion caused by the river over time.

You can access the bend by ‘hiking’ a short 0.6-mile trail from a nearby parking lot. Honestly, it’s more of a walk than a hike! There is a gradual incline on the path, so just be mindful of that when coming back up from the viewpoint.

Horseshoe Bend can take anywhere from 1-2 hours, depending on walking speed and how long you plan to linger at the viewpoints.

Tips for visiting Horseshoe Bend

• Horseshoe Bend can be visited without a guide, but there is an entrance fee of $10 per vehicle these days.
• The Horseshoe Bend trail is a sandy, dirt path. The dirt/sand on the path gets quite hot during the summer, so I’d advise you to avoid sandals or open-toed shoes.
• Bring water, sunglasses, and a hat!

Drive to Sedona, AZ

Once you’re done enjoying what the town of Page offers, it’s time to head to the next destination for the next 2 days–Sedona!

Once you depart from Page, after about 2 to 2.5 hours of driving, you’ll arrive in Sedona!

Pitstop at Cameron Trading Post

Want a quick break to stretch your legs? Make a stop at Cameron Trading Post! This complex is huge, containing several buildings serving as a motel, a large gift shop, a restaurant, a gallery, and a gas station.

The Cameron Trading Post is a great place to buy gifts and souvenirs. It’s also a great place to learn about the history of the area. The staff is very friendly and knowledgeable, and they’re always happy to help.

If you’re hungry, there is also a great restaurant here where you can try a Navajo Taco (a taco made with traditional fry bread in lieu of a tortilla).

Entering Sedona via Red Rock Scenic Byway

As you drive into Sedona from the north, you’re going to want to keep your eyes peeled.

Why? Because this isn’t any old road. This is the Red Rock Scenic Byway!

The Red Rock Scenic Byway is the gateway to the world-famous Red Rock Country of Sedona, Arizona. It’s located just 110 miles north of Phoenix (or about 40 miles south of Flagstaff).

This highly acclaimed National Scenic Byway begins shortly after you exit #298 off Interstate 17 and has earned the distinction of being Arizona’s First ‘All-American Road’. This prestigious designation means it’s a national destination in itself!

Although the Scenic Byway is only 7.5 miles, it sure packs a heavy punch of drop-dead gorgeousness. Trust me when I say this was such a beautiful drive!

Check-in to your hotel

As you drive into Sedona, you’ll want to check in to your hotel, drop off your bags, and perhaps freshen up for dinner.

During our 2 night stay in Sedona, we stayed at Las Posadas of Sedona in the nearby Village of Oak Creek (just 10 minutes away from Sedona proper). It was a very homey stay, but if you want something cuter / more luxe, go with one of the options below:

Dinner: Butterfly Burger

Since we were staying in the Oak Creek area, also known as an area well known for its wonderful dining options, we decided to eat dinner at a place close to our hotel.

This decision led us to Butterfly Burger, a couture burger lounge by Chef Lisa Dahl. And couture it was! This place felt like a Las Vegas dinner lounge–except it was in Sedona and their main dish was good ol’ burgers!

With names like The Waco Kid, Oui Oui Monsieur and Mi Quiero Vaquero, your taste buds will be transported from the American southwest to France, Spain even Greece!

If you’re contemplating which burger to get, go with the Gringo Burger. We ordered the Gringo Burger, the Butterfly Burger, and the Nothing Burger. By far, the Gringo Burger was the best. My dad even called it the “best burger he’s ever had”.

Before you call it a night, don’t forget to visit the nearest grocery store to pick up snacks/drinks for your hike tomorrow!

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Day 4: Sedona, Arizona

Breakfast

If your hotel stay includes complimentary breakfast, enjoy your wonderful free breakfast there first thing in the morning.

If your hotel does not come with breakfast, head to one of the following restaurants to fuel up for the day:

• Creekside Sedona – breakfast with a view
• Red Rock Cafe – classic breakfast eats with a southwestern twist

Since our hotel, Las Posadas of Sedona, included breakfast (made-to-order at that!), we had breakfast there every morning before getting started for the day.

Here’s a peek at some of the fresh and delicious meals we ate–one morning it was chilaquiles and the other it was tamales.

Pro Tip: Picking a hotel that serves a fresh, hot breakfast can really save you money! Feeding 3 adults for no additional cost? You really can’t beat it. We were so happy we booked the hotel we did and wouldn’t change a thing about it!

Morning: Devil’s Bridge Hike

Devil’s Bridge is one of the most scenic hikes ever. I mean, look at that photo. It’s absolutely gorgeous!

For those of you who’ve never heard of Devil’s Bridge before, this geological wonder stands as one of the greatest and most beautiful formations in Sedona Red Rock County. This 4.2-mile hike definitely tops the “must do” hikes in Sedona.

If you’re someone who can get a hike in without eating first thing in the morning, I’d recommend you just get started on your Devil’s Bridge hike first thing in the morning!

The Devil’s Bridge hike has become super popular over the last few years, so expect the trailhead parking lot to be full even before 7:30 am, especially on weekends.

If you are planning on eating breakfast and taking your sweet time (like we did), then your best bet to avoid parking troubles is to park your car at the Posse Grounds Park and Ride and take the free shuttle to the Dry Creek Trailhead.

There will be a shuttle about every 15-30 minutes that will take you from the parking lot to the trailhead. Once you hop off the bus, walk the Dry Creek Trail for about a mile until you connect to the Devil’s Bridge Trail.

Before you know it, you’ll be at the iconic bridge area!

Read More: How To Get To Devil’s Bridge In Sedona, Arizona

Explore Uptown Sedona

After grabbing lunch (there are lots of great options in Sedona), it’s time to slow it down and explore the parts of town that aren’t related to hiking.

One of the most walkable areas is Uptown Sedona.

Uptown Sedona is a great place to visit if you’re looking for stunning red rock views and plenty of shopping and dining options. This vibrant community is home to a variety of businesses, including art galleries, clothing stores, restaurants, and more.

Visitors can enjoy the many scenic viewpoints that the area has to offer, as well as the many shopping plazas in town. Whether you’re looking to grab a refreshing drink, do some al fresco dining, or simply spend some time browsing the unique shops, Uptown Sedona is sure to keep you entertained for a few hours.

During your stroll, don’t miss all the statues, art sculptures, and galleries. Sedona is quite artsy, so do spend a few moments enjoying that aspect of the town!

Tlaquepaque Arts And Shopping Village

Now that I’ve mentioned Sedona’s deep artistic nature, I recommend heading over to the Tlaquepaque Arts Shopping Village. This ultra-unique spot is almost like a town in itself. It’s so lush with greenery, romantic, and magical!

The village is filled with fantastic artisanal shops full of gorgeous pieces you’ll want to purchase, quaint restaurants, and beautiful architecture that’ll surely make you feel like you’re in a different country (perhaps Spain or even Morocco).

Its various fountains, cobblestone paths, and various archways are also ideal for random photoshoots.

I’m pretty sure we spend more time posing by all the nooks and crannies of the village than actually shopping! But we weren’t the only ones, there was an actual wedding photoshoot happening while we were there!

Dinner: Hideaway House

The Hideaway House restaurant is a great place to have dinner when you’re in Sedona, Arizona. The food is amazing, and the views of the red rocks from the outdoor dining patio are breathtaking.

If you’re looking for a romantic evening out or just a night of good food and great company, then this is the place for you. I loved the cozy treehouse vibes and the amazing food paired together!

I highly recommend the pasta dishes and the Pizza Blanco (it’s pure garlicky goodness)!

Do try and make a reservation though, because this place is always busy! Trust me, it’s worth the effort of calling/booking ahead.

Couldn’t snag a reservation? Other restaurants with a view include Creekside American Bistro, Cowboy Club Grill, and Oaxaca Restaurant.

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Day 5: Sedona / Back To Phoenix

This is your last morning in Sedona and the last day of this road trip itinerary! Today, you’ll be seeing Sedona by Jeep before making the 2-hour drive back to Phoenix.

Breakfast

Again, either eat breakfast at your hotel or dine at one of the many amazing breakfast joints!

Unless you plan on doing a morning hike or even a sunrise hike, there is no reason to get up too early today.

Sedona Jeep Tour

Taking an off-roading Jeep tour is by far the most popular thing to do in Sedona. With that said, how could I leave Sedona without allowing my parents to experience the exhilarating thrill of going off-roading up to majestic rock formations?

So what can you expect on a Jeep tour of Sedona? Well, you’ll be bouncing along and hanging on to your seats, all while your guide is telling you stories, pointing out important landmarks, and taking you to various vistas / photo ops among the red rock formations.

I absolutely loved the Jeep tour we went on with Arizona Safari Jeep Tours. While it was bumpy, it wasn’t too bumpy for older travelers.

Plus our guide Wyatt was so incredibly engaging when telling stories–we learned all about the town of Sedona, the Native American history that permeates the area, and the nature that surrounds this magical town!

Here are a few other Jeep tours offered by Arizona Safari Jeep Tours:

• Sedona Outback Trail Jeep Adventure – 2 hours total; this is the one we personally took and loved!
• The Outlaw Trail Jeep Tour of Sedona – 3 hours total; great for the entire family (we would have chosen this one had we not been short on time on our last day in Sedona)
• Extreme Sedona Off-Road Canyon Jeep Tour – 2.5 hours; great for those looking for more bumps and inclines

Pro Tip: These Jeep tours tend to get a bit dusty. Do bring a bandana or face mask to protect your face from the dust and dirt. You’re also going to want to bring along body wipes with you so you can quickly freshen up after the tour!

Pink Jeep or Arizona Safari Jeep Tours? I’ve done both. Honestly, Pink Jeep Tours are great, but they’re way more expensive. Arizona Safari Jeep Tours was a wonderful alternative, so my pick these days is Arizona Safari Jeep Tours.

Head back to Phoenix

Your epic Arizona road trip has finally come to an end. What a wonderful 5 days it has been indeed.

At this point in the day, pick up any last-minute gifts and refreshments, grab a quick meal, top-up on gas, and head back to Phoenix.

The drive from Sedona to Phoenix will only be about 2 hours.

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ARIZONA ROAD TRIP: ESSENTIAL PACKING LIST

Aside from the normal clothing and toiletries you’d pack for any regular trip, here are the things I’d recommend you not leave home without for your Arizona road trip:

• America the Beautiful National Parks Pass | The national parks annual pass is a great way to save on trailhead parking fees in Sedona. If you don’t want to invest in this pass, you’ll have to pay $5 for the daily Red Rock Pass. You can also use this pass if you end up going to Grand Canyon NP.
• License and registration | This is a no-brainer, but always good to check you have all documents before it’s too late and you get too far away from home. Do NOT leave home without them. They are road trip essentials!
• Roadside Emergency Kit | You never know what kind of car trouble you may encounter on the road. This kit contains 42 roadside emergency components, including jumper cables, an aluminum flashlight and batteries, 2-in-1 screwdriver, duct tape, poncho, cable ties, bandages, towelettes, and zipper-lock bags.
• Trunk Organizer | With any road trip comes lots and lots of stuff to pack. Keep your road trip essentials organized with a trunk organizer. Not only will this make it so much easier to find what you need, but it will also lead to more space in your trunk for you to pack other necessities.
• Flashlight | You never know when you’re going to be stranded on the road at night, out hiking late, or even exploring a dark cave. Leaving a flashlight in your car can really come in handy when you’re faced with unexpected situations.
• Portable Cooler | Coolers are a must for any road trip, but especially on desert road trips. The desert is a hot, hot place. Not only will you be able to keep beverages cold and refreshing, but you will also be able to keep perishables fresh. A portable hard cooler will allow you to pack picnic lunches, bring cheese and jams, and more. If you’re looking for the best cooler technology out there, the Yeti Portable Cooler is top of the line, with ColdCell Insulation that offers superior cold-holding compared to other soft coolers.
• Swiss Army Knife | A multi-tool is great to have in any car, regardless of if you’re going on a road trip or not. It can be useful in so many situations! There have been so many instances where I’ve needed to cut something or open up hard-to-open packaging while away from home, and this has been a lifesaver.
• First Aid Kit | It’s always good to carry a first aid kit around with you when traveling. Road trips make it easier to do this since all you need to do is toss it in the trunk! Note: This is not the same as the roadside emergency kit.
• Hiking Boots | If you plan on hiking, bring well broken-in boots with good ankle support and good traction. My all-time favorites are the Lowa Renegade GTX Mid Boots. They’re one of the lightest boots in its class, very durable, and provide out-of-the-box comfort, which is extremely important if you want to prevent blisters from the start.
• Hiking Socks | Make sure you have a good pair of cushioned wool hiking socks.
• Adventure Pants | A must-have for any outdoor adventure. I love the bottoms that prAna makes! They are built for the wild, yet still super breathable, lightweight, and stretchy. Check out the Halle Short II (women) and the Hybridizer Short (men).
• Waterproof Rain Jacket | A lightweight waterproof rain jacket is critical for any outdoor adventure. Desert nights can get cold, and you never know when rain may come. Since these weigh virtually nothing and are so easily packable, I recommend you carry one with you whenever you head outdoors. Depending on the weather forecast and chance of precipitation, I’ll either go with a rain shell or a puffier windbreaker. Despite the options I have here, one thing is for sure— I’m never without some sort of outer layer. My top recommendations are Marmot Men’s PreCip (for men) and The North Face Women’s Venture 2 Jacket (for women).
• Puffy Jacket | If you’re traveling in the fall or wintertime, you’re going to need layers in the desert, which tends to get windy in certain areas.
• Daypack | I’m a fan of the Osprey Daylite Daypack. It has ample room for all the snacks and water you’ll need, as well as for your camera and the safety essentials for the hike.
• Sun hat | Sun protection is key for any desert destination. Especially in the summer!
• Body Wipes / Feminine Wipes | Feeling a bit gross after a hike (or even after a walk outside on a scorching hot day) but don’t have the time to shower right in that instant? Just whip out one of these body wipes for a quick refresher. These are the feminine wipes I like. Ladies, don’t forget ’em. Trust me, you will feel and smell so much better. Always good to have a few handy in your travel bag.
• Portable Power Bank | You’re probably going to be out all day, snapping away taking pictures, GPSing to all the funk roadside stops and eateries… the last thing you want is to be driving along with no phone battery! A portable power bank is a must-have, and Anker’s ultra-light, ultra-portable power bank is tried and true by so many travelers! I never embark on a day of exploration without it.
• Travel Adapter | If you’re traveling from abroad, a universal travel adapter is a necessity. This 5 in 1 travel adapter is perfect for travel use with cell phones, laptops & other devices anywhere in the world.
• Soft Hydration Flask | Stay hydrated throughout the day with a water bottle that can go anywhere with you—and fold up when not in use. I love the packability of these bottles!
• Medications | Motion sickness pills for those windy roads; painkillers, anti-inflammatories, etc.

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