5-Day Arizona Road Trip on a Shoestring Budget

Day 1: Explore Phoenix

Phoenix, AZ

9:00AM

Breakfast at Matt's Big Breakfast

Start your trip with a hearty breakfast at Matt's Big Breakfast, famous for its rustically prepared dishes and locally-sourced ingredients.
Drive to the restaurant from your accommodation.
USD15, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit Desert Botanical Garden

Stroll through the Desert Botanical Garden and marvel at the diverse flora native to the deserts of Arizona.
A quick 15-minute drive from the restaurant.
USD24, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Coronado

Savor a budget-friendly, delicious lunch at The Coronado, known for its sandwiches and local flavors.
Drive back for a 20-minute ride.
USD12, 1 hour

2:30PM

Explore Papago Park

Explore the unique geological formations in Papago Park, taking a leisurely hike to see the Hole in the Rock.
A quick 10-minute drive from the restaurant.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Pizzeria Bianco

Enjoy dinner at the iconic Pizzeria Bianco for some of the best pizza in the state.
15-minute drive to the restaurant.
USD20, 1 hour

7:30PM

Stay at a Budget Hotel

Check-in to a budget-friendly hotel or hostel in Phoenix for the night and prepare for a day of travel tomorrow.
Drive to your accommodation.
USD80, 30 minutes
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Sedona's Red Rocks

Sedona, AZ

8:00AM

Breakfast at Wildflower Bread Company

Fuel up with fresh pastries and artisan bread at Wildflower Bread Company, a local favorite.
Drive from Phoenix to Sedona, about a 2-hour drive.
USD10, 1 hour

10:00AM

Hike Cathedral Rock

Embark on a moderate hike up Cathedral Rock to enjoy breathtaking views of Sedona's red rocks.
Short drive to the Cathedral Rock Trailhead.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Secret Garden Café

Indulge in delicious and healthy options at The Secret Garden Café surrounded by beautiful gardens.
Drive back to town, about 10 minutes.
USD15, 1 hour

2:30PM

Explore Oak Creek Canyon

Spend the afternoon exploring Oak Creek Canyon, known for its stunning scenery and picnic spots.
About a 30-minute drive to the canyon.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Sedona Memories Bakery & Café

Grab a thoughtful dinner at Sedona Memories Bakery & Café, famous for its sandwiches and fresh bread.
Drive back to Sedona, around 20 minutes.
USD12, 1 hour

7:00PM

Stay at a Budget Hotel

Check-in to a budget-friendly motel or Airbnb to recharge for another adventurous day ahead.
Walk to your accommodation.
USD90, 30 minutes
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Grand Canyon Wonders

Grand Canyon National Park, AZ

7:00AM

Breakfast at Your Accommodation

Fuel up with a simple breakfast made at your accommodation to save money and maximize your time.
No travel required.
USD5, 30 minutes

8:00AM

Drive to Grand Canyon National Park

Take a scenic drive to the Grand Canyon, taking in the natural beauty along the way.
About a 2-hour drive from Sedona.
Free (gas excluded), 2 hours

11:00AM

Explore the South Rim

Spend the day marveling at the breathtaking views from various lookout points along the South Rim.
Park your car at designated areas in the park.
USD35 (vehicle pass), 3 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at a Picnic Spot

Pack a lunch and enjoy a picnic at one of the scenic overlooks in the park to save on food costs.
Prepare this at your accommodation before departing.
USD10 (for supplies), 1 hour

3:30PM

Hike the Rim Trail

Take a leisurely hike along the Rim Trail for stunning vistas of the canyon.
Start at the visitor center.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Canyon Village Market

Grab a casual dinner at the Canyon Village Market, offering sandwiches and convenience foods.
Drive back to the village area.
USD15, 1 hour

8:00PM

Camping at Mather Campground

Set up camp at Mather Campground within the park, allowing you to sleep under the stars.
Drive to the campground within the park.
USD20, 30 minutes
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Antelope Canyon & Lake Powell

Page, AZ

7:30AM

Breakfast at Mather Campground

Enjoy breakfast at your campsite, taking in the morning air before packing up your gear.
No travel required.
USD5, 30 minutes

8:30AM

Drive to Page, AZ

Travel to Page, a little over an hour away, eagerly anticipating the wonders ahead.
About a 1-hour drive.
Free (gas excluded), 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit Upper Antelope Canyon

Take a guided tour through the stunning Upper Antelope Canyon, known for its light beams and unique formations (book in advance).
Drive to the canyon tours location.
USD42, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Big John’s Texas BBQ

Enjoy hearty BBQ at Big John’s, a local favorite known for its generous portion sizes.
Short drive to the restaurant.
USD15, 1 hour

1:30PM

Explore Lake Powell

Spend the afternoon exploring Lake Powell, renting a kayak if your budget allows, or simply enjoying the views.
Drive to Lake Powell area.
USD20 (if renting a kayak), 3 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at The Ranch House Grille

Grab a tasty dinner at The Ranch House Grille, celebrating your adventurous day.
Drive about 10 minutes from Lake Powell.
USD12, 1 hour

8:00PM

Budget Accommodation

Choose a budget motel in Page to rest and prepare for your final day of adventures.
Drive to your accommodation.
USD80, 30 minutes
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Discover Flagstaff

Flagstaff, AZ

8:00AM

Breakfast at Your Accommodation

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast at your accommodation to start off your last day on the right note.
No travel required.
USD5, 30 minutes

9:00AM

Drive to Flagstaff

Hit the road for Flagstaff, soaking in the scenic views along the way.
About a 2-hour drive.
Free (gas excluded), 2 hours

11:00AM

Explore Lowell Observatory

Visit the historic Lowell Observatory, where you can learn about astronomy and stargaze (check for discounted admission).
Drive to the observatory.
USD20, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Diablo Burger

Grab a gourmet burger at Diablo Burger, known for its local beef and eco-friendly practices.
Drive to lunch, about 10 minutes.
USD15, 1 hour

2:30PM

Stroll in Thorpe Park

Take a leisurely afternoon stroll in Thorpe Park and enjoy the serene ambiance.
Drive to Thorpe Park.
Free, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Visit Historic Downtown Flagstaff

Wander through downtown Flagstaff, discovering unique shops and local art.
Short drive to downtown.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Farewell Dinner at Pizzicletta

Celebrate the end of your adventure with a delightful pizza at Pizzicletta, famous for its artisanal pies.
Drive to the restaurant.
USD15, 1 hour

8:00PM

Stay at a Budget Hotel

Stay at a budget hotel or hostel in Flagstaff to unwind and reflect on your incredible journey through Arizona.
Drive to your accommodation.
USD70, 30 minutes
View Hotel Availability