Start from Phoenix in an RV to explore the treasures of the Arizona desert, from its urban parks to iconic canyons. These iconic itineraries, tailored to the Valley of the Sun, combine road freedom, accessible hikes, and dedicated van camping spots, with over 330 days of sunshine a year for unforgettable adventures starting from Phoenix.
7-10 days: Desert loop around Phoenix
Start in Phoenix at the Desert Botanical Garden and hike Camelback Mountain, before camping at Desert's Edge RV Park, 15 minutes from downtown. Head to Sedona for its spectacular red formations and trails like Boynton Canyon, with a stop at Oak Creek Canyon. Continue to the Grand Canyon South Rim, a must-see 4 hours from Phoenix, for breathtaking views and rim-side walks; justified by its proximity and status as a world wonder. Return via Flagstaff for the San Francisco Peaks. In Phoenix, enjoy South Mountain Park for biking trails. This 7-10 day itinerary offers a perfect balance of urbanity and nature in an RV, with paved roads ideal for vans and campgrounds like Lost Dutchman State Park near Phoenix for starry nights.
14 days: Immersion in Arizona's canyons
Depart from Phoenix to Saguaro National Park near Tucson to admire the giant cacti along Cactus Forest Drive, then head back to Sedona to hike Devil's Bridge and camp with views of the red rocks. Reach the Grand Canyon for two days of trails like Bright Angel Trail, essential for its unique geological scale accessible from Phoenix in 4 hours. Continue to Page for Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend, iconic desert spots. In Phoenix, integrate the Heard Museum for indigenous culture before looping back via Jerome, an artistic town perched high. For 14 days, this RV route favors highways like the scenic 89A, with areas like Indian Gardens near Phoenix for recharging and nights by Lake Powell, capturing the wild essence of Arizona.
21 days: Grand tour of the Southwest parks
From Phoenix, first explore South Mountain Park and the Downtown Farmers Market, then rush to Sedona and Monument Valley for its mythical buttes, with the Grand Canyon as a must-see pivot point midway. Continue to Page for Lake Powell, Zion, and Bryce Canyon in Utah – outings justified by their proximity (5-6 hours from Phoenix) and desert complementarity. In Phoenix, alternate with lakes 75 minutes away for water sports. Return via Flagstaff and the Lowell Observatory, or Tucson for the Santa Catalina Mountains. This 21-day RV itinerary embraces 1000 miles of varied roads, campgrounds like those at the Grand Canyon to Desert's Edge in Phoenix, and hikes like White House Trail at Canyon de Chelly if extended, for a complete odyssey of the desert under starry skies.