Pack Up Your Nissan! Here are 9 of Arizona's Best Summer Road Trips!
With its endless desert vistas, towering red rocks, and hidden gems just waiting to be explored, Arizona is a dream for road trippers. Whether you're in a Nissan Rogue, Altima, or Frontier, Arizona’s diverse landscapes are the perfect playground for your next road trip. From quick weekend getaways to epic summer adventures, here are some of the best road trips from Phoenix, AZ, tailored to families, solo travelers, and thrill-seekers.
The upcoming July 4th holiday is expected to be huge for travel. More than 72 million Americans are planning to go away, according to AAA, and the majority of them will be driving.
Before you hit the road this summer, let’s make sure your Nissan is road-trip ready!
3 Things to Have a Nissan Service Expert Check Before You Hit the Road
When planning your getaway(s), you want to start by making sure your Nissan is in top shape. Coulter Nissan's Service Center in Surprise can help you with that.
Here are the three things to check before heading out on any Arizona road trip this summer. Safety first!
- Tires: Ensure your tires are properly inflated and have adequate tread depth. The Arizona heat can take a toll on your tires, and you don’t want to risk a blowout in the middle of nowhere.
- Cooling System: The desert heat can push your engine to its limits. Have your coolant levels checked, and make sure your radiator is working properly to avoid overheating.
- Battery: Extreme temperatures can impact your car battery’s performance. A simple battery check will give you peace of mind that it won’t leave you stranded on a remote desert road.
Related: Nissan Dashboard Symbol Guide: All Warning & Indicator Lights
Related: Prepare Your Car's AC for Arizona Summer
For Families: Scenic Drives with Something for Everyone
1. Sedona: The Red Rock Adventure
Why It’s Great for Families: Just a 2-hour drive from Phoenix, Sedona offers awe-inspiring red rock formations, family-friendly hikes, and fun outdoor activities.
What to Expect: Explore Slide Rock State Park for a natural water slide, hike Bell Rock, or visit the Chapel of the Holy Cross.
Nissan Advantage: The Nissan Pathfinder offers plenty of room for your crew and cargo, making it ideal for families with gear, snacks, and extra supplies.
Road Trip Tip: Take the scenic Oak Creek Canyon drive; it's a perfect place to stretch your legs and snap some family photos.
Flagstaff: High Altitude, Cool Vibes & Getaway
Why It’s Great for Families: Flagstaff is a perfect 2-hour drive from Phoenix, with a cooler climate and endless outdoor fun.
What to Expect: Visit the Lowell Observatory, explore historic Route 66, or take a short hike at Walnut Canyon to explore ancient cliff dwellings. For the more adventurous types, you can even go to the Lava Tubes, also known as the Lava River Cave. These ‘Lava Tubes’ are a mile-long cave system formed by a volcanic eruption about 700,000 years ago. The lava flowed and cooled, forming a tube-like structure beneath the surface. The Flagstaff Lava Tubes are located in the Coconino National Forest, about 14 miles north of Flagstaff, and is a popular spot for hiking and spelunking.
Nissan Advantage: The Nissan Murano has a smooth ride with the perfect balance of space and comfort for a family road trip.
Road Trip Tip: Stop by the Arizona Snowbowl for a scenic chairlift ride; it’s a great way to get stunning views without breaking a sweat!
3. Lake Pleasant: Water Fun for the Whole Family
Why It’s Great for Families: Located just 45 minutes north of Phoenix, Lake Pleasant offers water sports, fishing, and a relaxing day in nature.
What to Expect: Rent a boat, go fishing, or try paddleboarding for some family fun by the water.
Nissan Advantage: The Nissan Frontier can tow boats or jet skis, making it perfect for families with water toys.
Road Trip Tip: Arrive early to snag a prime parking spot by the lake and avoid the weekend rush.
Related: What is the Best Nissan Family Car in 2025?
For Solo Travelers: Scenic Solitude and Personal Exploration
4. Antelope Canyon: A Photographer’s Dream
Why It’s Great for Solo Travelers: Located 4 hours from Phoenix, Antelope Canyon offers jaw-dropping slot canyons, perfect for a solo adventure.
What to Expect: Book a guided tour and immerse yourself in the surreal beauty of these winding sandstone walls, with light beams streaming through narrow openings.
Nissan Advantage: The Nissan Altima is a compact yet reliable option for solo travelers, offering great fuel efficiency and smooth handling for long stretches of desert highways.
Road Trip Tip: Arrive early to avoid crowds and capture those famous light beams at their peak.
5. Jerome: The Ghost Town with a Twist
Why It’s Great for Solo Travelers: This quirky former mining town, just 2 hours from Phoenix, offers plenty of history, unique art, and offbeat charm.
What to Expect: Wander the steep, narrow streets, explore art galleries, and visit local cafes for a peaceful retreat.
Nissan Advantage: The Nissan Sentra is ideal for solo road trips—compact, fuel-efficient, and easy to maneuver through the winding roads of Jerome.
Road Trip Tip: Take the scenic route through Cottonwood to explore other cool, small towns on your way.
6. The Grand Canyon: Solo Reflection and Adventure
Why It’s Great for Solo Travelers: The Grand Canyon is an iconic destination, just a 3.5-hour drive from Phoenix, perfect for solo reflection and exploration.
What to Expect: Hike the rim trails, check out the viewpoints, or challenge yourself to venture down into the canyon.
Nissan Advantage: The compact size and agile handling of the Nissan Kicks make navigating parking lots and winding roads a breeze, leaving you free to focus on your adventure.
Road Trip Tip: Take your time at the viewpoints and soak in the sunset—the Grand Canyon offers one of the most peaceful, awe-inspiring moments.
For Adventure Seekers: Off-Road Thrills and Extreme Terrain
7. Saguaro National Park: Desert Adventures Await
Why It’s Great for Adventure Seekers: Located just 2 hours south of Phoenix, Saguaro National Park is home to Arizona’s iconic giant cacti and offers both rugged hikes and off-road trails.
What to Expect: Tackle the rugged desert trails, spot desert wildlife, or take the scenic drive through the park’s vast desert landscape.
Nissan Advantage: The Nissan Armada and Pathfinder are great for off-roading, with the durability to take on rough desert trails while providing a comfortable ride for your gear.
Road Trip Tip: Bring extra water and sun protection - summer heat can be intense, and you’ll want to stay hydrated during your desert adventures.
8. Canyon de Chelly: Explore Ancient Cliff Dwellings
Why It’s Great for Adventure Seekers: About 4.5 hours northeast of Phoenix, Canyon de Chelly offers not only stunning landscapes but a rich cultural history with ancient Navajo cliff dwellings.
What to Expect: Off-road tours and hiking opportunities will take you deep into this ancient canyon, offering a mix of exploration and culture.
Nissan Advantage: The Nissan Frontier is your ideal companion, with rugged off-road capability and plenty of room for adventure gear.
Road Trip Tip: Consider a guided tour—local Navajo guides can show you the most hidden spots in the canyon, offering a deeper connection to the land.
9. Tonto National Forest: A True Off-Road Adventure
Why It’s Great for Adventure Seekers: Tonto National Forest, just an hour from Phoenix, offers endless off-road trails, picturesque lakes, and hidden desert treasures.
What to Expect: Hit the trails for a true off-road experience, or hike to one of the many secret spots within the forest.
Nissan Advantage: The Nissan Pathfinder is built for adventure, combining the off-road prowess you need with ample interior space for all your gear.
Road Trip Tip: Make sure to check the weather conditions before heading into more remote parts of the forest - it can get extremely hot during summer.
Your Nissan Road Trip Awaits
With a Nissan as your road trip companion, Arizona’s diverse landscapes - from red rock canyons to desert dunes - are yours to explore. Whether you’re venturing out for a family adventure, seeking solitude, or hitting the trails for an adrenaline-packed getaway, Arizona’s got something for everyone. Pack up your Nissan, check your car’s health, and set out on one of the best AZ road trips. Your adventure starts here!