8 Great Daytrips to Escape the Phoenix Heat

While fall & winter are ideal for exploring the beauty of the Sonoran desert, the summer season can be brutal. The Phoenix metro area is a bit limited in terms of indoor attractions. Besides a few gems like the Musical Instrument Museum and Scottsdale’s Museum of the West, Phoenix lacks the diversity of world-class indoor attractions you find in other major cities. Sure, you will find plenty of shopping malls, endless theaters, endless strip malls, and entertainment centers like Dave & Busters, Topgolf, and Escape Rooms, however, these can be found in almost every major city.

What Phoenix does excel in above other cities is easy access to gorgeous, unique natural surroundings. That being said, it’s too hot most of the year to explore the desert and indoor activities are lacking. So what do you do to escape the heat? A beautiful daytrip is your best bet! Living in the desert for many years, I spent many weekends exploring nearby mountain destinations like Flagstaff, Sedona, and Mt. Lemmon.

Daytrips – the best way to escape the desert heat!

If you want to be active in the summer as opposed to spending your days cooped up in the air conditioning, a daytrip becomes a necessity. While San Diego & L.A. are typically the roadtrips of choice, these trips are time consuming and expensive, especially during the summer season when everyone else is trying to flee the heat too. Taking advantage of more affordable summer rates at resorts is always an option, although it really is too hot to do much else besides lie in the pool all day. Phoenix daytrips

Fortunately, there are many interesting daytrips within a day’s drive, all of which offer a break from the brutal heat. Take a look at my favorite daytrips, all located with a reasonable 4 hour drive!

1. Sedona

Sedona, a growing tourist hotspot just 2 hours north of Phoenix, is home to mesmerizing ancient red rock sandstone formations, and is easily one of the most beautiful places in the entire country. If you only have time for one daytrip from Phoenix, Sedona is definitely the way to go for the immense beauty alone. I would even venture to say that if you have to choose between Sedona and Grand Canyon, Sedona definitely wins for the world-class red rock scenery, amazing diversity of hikes, and picturesque drives which rival the most scenic in the country. Many Sedona trails are shady, particularly West Fork along the Oak Creek Canyon drive and Fay Canyon, one of Sedona’s easiest, yet most scenic hikes.

How much cooler is Sedona?

Because the altitude is a bit higher (4300 ft), the temps are slightly cooler in the summer, on average only reaching the mid-upper 90’s or so and much cooler in the morning (60’s & 70’s are the norm). While this may still seem pretty hot, compared to 115+, it feels drastically cooler. Take a drive along Oak Creek Canyon where the elevation slowly climbs 3000 feet over the course of 14 miles. It’s much cooler in the canyon, and more importantly, very shady with all the leafy trees. Near the end of the drive, near Flagstaff, the altitude climbs up to 7000 feet, the temp drops even more, and the landscape transforms into lush pine covered forests.

Some of the gorgeous views you will take in on the fabulous Oak Creek Canyon drive. Note – you can to drive this one in person to truly appreciate the beauty!

The best short Sedona summer hikes

Sedona is home to hundreds of miles of jaw dropping hiking trails, many of which are short & shady, and thus, perfect for summer season. Here are a few of my recommended easy Sedona trails to consider. While more moderate in intensity, the stunning Devil’s Bridge hike is amongst the most spectacular hikes in the state. If you are reasonably in shape you will want to put this one near the top of your list. A stroll of about 2 miles leads you to the largest sandstone arch in Sedona.

Not a hiker? Here’s the best views, no hike required

Don’t worry if you are not a hiker – there are many ways to take in the breathtaking scenery including scenic drives (check out Oak Creek as well as the Red Rock Scenic Byway), swimming holes (check out Slide Rock State Park’s natural sandstone waterslides), trolley tours, and a fun little shopping/dining area known as Uptown Sedona where you will find all sorts of Southwestern restaurants, galleries, and specialty shops, all while enjoying some fabulous red rock scenery in the background. Jeep tours are overpriced & overrated in my opinion. However, the trolley ride is a good alternative for those not interested in hiking.

For more great views, simply head over to any Sedona restaurant -most of which offer shady patios facing the red rocks. Check out my list of the top restaurants in Sedona.

You will also want to make time for a visit to the Chapel of the Holy Cross, a gorgeous Roman Catholic church designed by a student of Frank Lloyd Wright. This church really is unique as it was built between 2 rock formations. From the overlook, you will enjoy jaw dropping views of the red rocks. It’s no surprise that this was rated as one of the top 7 man made wonders in Arizona. In a state with many wonders, this says a lot.

Vortex, UFO’s, & New Age Utopia

Sedona is also well-known for its’ strong New Age community, so there’s lot to do in the way of New age shops, psychic readings, spiritual healing, aura reading, etc. – if that’s your thing. If you are into mystery & the supernatural, a night tour of Bell Rock – rumored to be a UFO sighting hotspot – is an interesting evening activity. You will also want to check out one of Sedona’s vortex sites. Vortex sites reportedly possess intense natural positive energy. Visitors claim to feel rejuvenated or healed of various ailments when in the presence of these sites. The whole Sedona area is considered to be an energy vortex, with some sites stronger than others, particularly Boynton Canyon (my personal favorite), Airport Mesa, Cathedral Rock, & Bell Rock.

The best breakfast in Northern Arizona

The best place to eat in Sedona, be it for breakfast or lunch, is Indian Gardens located on the scenic Oak Creek Canyon drive. They have a gorgeous shady patio with lots of leafy trees, plus delicious food and the best coffee in Arizona. The focus on using non-GMO local ingredients is also a plus. The breakfast burrito and Grains and Greens bowl are 2 excellent choices. I highly recommend picking up a loaf of their amazing homemade sourdough bread. They also offer lots of healthy salads and sandwiches to bring along for a picnic or hike. The drive over here is beautiful enough in and of itself to warrant a visit.

Overall, Sedona is the perfect daytrip destination for hikers, photographers, nature lovers, and anyone else seeking a beautiful place to escape the Phoenix heat. As a resident of neighboring Flagstaff for several years, I have basically seen it all, and therefore, have compiled a list of the best-of-the-best Sedona has to offer – check out my list of 29 must-do’s in Sedona.

Distance from Central Phoenix: About 2 Hours

Top things to do: Devil’s Bridge hike, Oak Creek Canyon Drive, West Fork trail, breakfast at Indian Gardens, Red Rock State Park, Chapel of the Holy Cross, Doe Mountain trail, Teacup Trail, Strolling around Uptown, Brunch at the gorgeous Enchantment Resort

Where to eat: Indian Gardens, Cucina Rustica, Hideaway House, Pisa Lisa, Che-Ah-Chi, Picazzo’s, Barking Frog, The Black Cow (great homemade Prickly Pear ice cream)

2. Flagstaff

Flagstaff is a mid-size, high altitude mountain community about 2 hours north of Phoenix. The town is most well-known for being home to Northern Arizona University, as well as its’ close distance to the Grand Canyon (1.5 hrs). Flagstaff is also a popular roadstop for those traveling west on I-40 towards Vegas and Los Angeles.

Great Hiking within one of America’s Highest Located Towns

Of course, it is also a very popular destination with Phoenix locals seeking to escape the summer heat. Flagstaff is one of America’s highest elevated towns at 7000 ft, and thus, summer temps barely climb above the mid 80’s. Compare this to the unending 110+ summer temps in Phoenix and you will easily see why Flagstaff is so popular come summertime. Plus, most Flagstaff trails sit at about 8000-9000 feet, so you will experience even cooler temps while hiking. The summer scenic chairlift ride at the Arizona Snowbowl ski resort will take you up to “the coolest spot in Arizona.” This should be a real treat if coming from Phoenix during the summer season.

The Largest Ponderosa Pine Forest

Flagstaff is located amidst the largest ponderosa pine forest in the world, and thus, the views around town are pretty much polar opposite of that which you find in the cacti studded Sonoran Desert. Many of the higher elevated trails feature an attractive mix of ponderosa pines and aspens. The aspens in town turn a brilliant fall color, thus making Flagstaff a prime place for leaf peeping, even rivaling some of the best places in New England. I highly recommend checking out a few trails during Flagstaff’s amazing fall color season – here are my top leaf peeping trails in Flagstaff.

Home to the Highest Peak in Arizona

The town is also home to the beautiful San Francisco Peak Mountains, the highest range in Arizona with Humphrey’s standing tall at 12,637 feet. Great views of the peaks are accessible at various locales around town, with the best views enjoyed via a short 2 mile nature stroll at Buffalo Park. The challenging Slate Mountain trail, about 30 minutes outside of town, by far offers the most magnificent views and is definitely worth a trek if you are an avid hiker. The incline is gradual, so the hike does not feel as difficult as it would seem and is much, much easier and more scenic than Humphrey’s Peak.

Scenic Drives!

Also, look into the Sunset-Wupatki Scenic Drive, which connects Sunset Crater and Wupatki National Monument as there is a really scenic overlook known as Bonito Meadow where you will get a pretty nice view of the peaks and Sunset Crater. Late summer is the best time to plan your drive as colorful wildflowers are in full bloom.

“The City of 7 Wonders”

Flagstaff has been nicknamed “The city of 7 wonders” for the 7 gorgeous natural landmarks within close proximity. Of these, Walnut Canyon is the top sight to check out if you are limited on time. This magnificent 20 foot long, 400 foot wide, and 1/4 mile deep canyon can be explored via numerous trails. The Island Trail involves a semi challenging 240 foot step climb, which rewards in return with big views. The trail will also take you past several ancient cliff dwellings occupied in 1100 AD by the Sinagua tribes.

Native American Heritage

Being adjacent to the largest Indian reservation in the country (Navajo nation), the Flagstaff region is rich in Native American history with numerous attractions (The Museum of Northern Arizona), ancient petroglyph evidence (check out Picture Canyon Natural Area and Veit Springs), and cultural events celebrating Native American heritage throughout the year.

Other things to do in Flagstaff include strolling the shops and galleries of the historic downtown neighborhood, mountain biking along the 50+ miles of trail known as the FUTS, and checking out the wonderful local coffee scene. Of course, you must also take a drive along the incredible Oak Creek Canyon drive (mentioned above), which starts just 7 miles or so out of town. Check out my list of 50+ fun and free things to do in Flagstaff for full details on all the unique things to do in this area.

Home to the best Indian food in the country!

The restaurant scene in Flagstaff is just mediocre, with the exception of the incredible Delhi Palace, a wonderful authentic Indian restaurant. This was the first Indian restaurant I’ve ever tried, and to this day, I’ve not found one that even comes close. My other top choice would be Salsa Brava, an excellent local Mexican restaurant known for their endless salsa bar and stuffed sopapillas, a fried pastry popular in New Mexican cuisine. This Rt 66 favorite was even featured on Food Network’s Diners, Drive Ins, and Dives. Additionally, here is my full list of the best restaurants in Flagstaff to check out during your visit.

Distance from Central Phoenix: 2 hours and 15 min

Top things to do: Hiking at Arizona Snowbowl, Walnut Canyon, Oak Creek Canyon Scenic Drive, Inner Basin trail, See a show by the wonderful Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra.

Also check out my full guide to exploring Northern Arizona featuring 100+ things to do and see!

Where to eat: Delhi Palace, Salsa Brava, Charly’s at the Weatherford, The Toasted Owl, Mix

3. Prescott

Prescott is a small community in the Verde Valley region of North Central Arizona. Although it is most popular with retirees due to the small town vibe and mild climate, it’s also a popular summer escape for Southern Arizona residents seeking a place to enjoy the outdoors in a cooler setting. Prescott is surrounded by the beautiful Prescott National Forest, home to an abundance of forested hiking trails and numerous lakes. I took numerous weekend trips here during my time living in Flagstaff. I love the historic architecture, small town charm, and lively Main Street shopping and dining district.

Beautiful lakes!

Prescott is home to 4 wonderful lakes. I love visiting over the summer season to take advantage of the beautiful kayaking and lakeside walking and bike trails!

How much cooler is Prescott?

While the town isn’t exactly overflowing with attractions and things to do, it’s a decent escape for those looking for a quick day trip which offers “cooler-than-Phoenix weather” and recreational opportunities in a nice forested setting. Prescott’s altitude is about 5000 feet, so you can expect temps similar to Sedona – typically in the upper 80’s-low 90’s on average. Like Sedona, there are numerous shady trails in the area, so hiking is still a possibility in the heat of summer.

Old School Main Street Charm

Prescott’s best feature is its’ historic, charming downtown, which has earned it the nickname of “Everybody’s Hometown.” This old-fashioned Main Street is home to lots of local restaurants, boutique shops, and businesses. Victorian style architecture gives the town a unique historical look & feel not really found elsewhere in Arizona.

Old-fashioned Western cowboy culture is alive and thriving with Whiskey Row (a block of old-fashioned, historic saloons) still standing strong as the city’s most popular attraction. You will find all sorts of Western and cowboy apparel shops and a few small western themed museums. You may also want to check out the World’s Oldest Rodeo, a 4th of July tradition dating back to 1888.

Ongoing events at the historic Yavapai County Courthouse include farmer’s markets, concerts, and a really nice Christmas lights festival. Prescott has been named “Arizona’s Christmas City.” The downtown has become a gathering spot for both locals and tourists.

Arizona’s best rail trail

The best thing to do while in town is taking a leisurely bike ride or stroll along the gorgeous Peavine National Recreational trail, one of the few remaining rail trails in Arizona. It’s very easy and really scenic with unending views of Watson Lake and the Granite Dells rock formations. This is a great place to enjoy the outdoors, particularly if you are coming from a congested, busy city like Phoenix or Tucson. The trail is in the middle of nowhere and very quiet with absolutely no business in sight – basically the complete opposite of what you would find in the big Arizona cities.

Other must do’s in Prescott include visiting the small non-profit Heritage Park Zoo, taking a stroll around beautiful Willow Lake, renting a kayak or paddleboat on Lynx Lake, and challenging yourself to the uphill climb up beautiful Thumb Butte.

Local eats

While in town, I recommend planning for a dinner Papa’s, a great authentic local Italian restaurant. As far as coffee goes, Wild Rose and Cuppers are both decent local choices, with each offering a quaint outdoor patio to enjoy the cooler summer weather.

Overall, Prescott is a nice day trip choice for those seeking an Arizona city offering small town, historic charm and plenty of outdoor recreational activities like hiking, boating, and biking. Visiting Prescott and enjoying the small-town, local ambiance is a refreshing change of pace from overly corporate Phoenix. Check out my full list of things to do in Prescott.

Distance from Central Phoenix: 1 Hour 45 min

Top things to do: Peavine National Recrational Trail, Thumb Butte trail, Lakeshore Trail at Lynx Lake, Lakeside trail around Willow Lake, Hiking trails at Watson Lake, Explore the shops, museums, and galleries downtown, Coffee at Wild Rose, Hiking the Constellation Trail Loop

Where to eat: Papa’s Italian, Rosa’s Pizzeria, Cuppers Coffeehouse, Bistro St. Michael, El Gato

4. Grand Canyon South Rim

The Grand Canyon is another great day trip from Phoenix, although this one is a bit further at just under 4 hours, yet of course worth the trek to see one of the 8th world wonders. It’s crazy to think that the canyon is not actually one of the 7 wonders of the world, although it is one of several attractions considered to be an 8th world wonder. Regardless, it’s definitely worth the trek if you are already staying in Arizona. Few natural sights are as mesmerizing as this 1 mile deep, 18 mile long, 277 mile long geologic wonder.

How much cooler is the Grand Canyon?

Many are surprised to learn that the weather at the Grand Canyon is not too bad during the summer season compared to Phoenix, courtesy of the high altitude (7000 ft). Expect the temps to be in the 80’s on average, although the intense sunshine at this high up can make it feel much warmer. However, it is extremely dry just like Phoenix, so you still have to take extra precautions to avoid dehydration and altitude sickness, especially if you plan on hiking.

Where to stay? How crowded is it?

As one of the country’s most magnificent natural wonders, it’s obviously a must to visit the Grand Canyon while in such close proximity. Staying at the canyon is great, although hotels are often booked out months in advance, and the closest big town (Flagstaff) is very pricey for this exact reason. A daytrip this long is quite tiresome, although it is something you may never have the chance to see again. Plus, there’s enough interesting things to do at the canyon, not to mention unique sites & detours along the drive (Flagstaff, Sedona, etc.), so in reality it’s not that bad.

Must-dos at the Canyon

To your bucket list, add strolling a section of the 14 mile Rim trail and enjoying the scenic overlooks, as well as the historical interpretive trail. Hiking the South Kaibab trail, which takes you into the heart of the canyon, is a must for any adventure seeker. Not only is the scenery out-of-this-world, but it is also super quiet with barely a person in sight after the first turn around, and thus, you truly feel as if you have the canyon all to yourself. Those not keen on hiking in such intense high altitude conditions, can opt for a guided mule ride along the same trail. Other unique ways to take in the scenery include helicopter rides and whitewater rafting trips.

North vs. South Rim

The North Rim of the Grand Canyon is perhaps even more amazing and also much less congested, although quite a trek at nearly 6 and a half hours from Phoenix. If you do decide on visiting, I recommend booking a stay at the Jacob Lake Lodge several months in advance.

As one of the top world wonders ,the Grand Canyon is a must-see for everyone, and even more so for avid hikers who can take advantage of the wonderful trails which travel through the heart of the canyon.

Check out my full guide to visiting the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.

Distance from Phoenix: 3hr, 45 min

Top things to do: Mather Point overlook, Rim Trail, Hiking the South Kalibab trail, Yavapai Point Overlook

Where to eat: El Tovar Restaurant