Best Day Trips From Glendale: Easy One-Day Adventures

Lace up for easy day trips from Glendale—Grand Canyon viewpoints, Sedona red rocks, and Salt River mustangs await just a short drive away.

Written by: Hunter James

Published on: October 16, 2025

Most people don’t realize you can reach the Grand Canyon, Sedona’s red rocks, and wild mustangs on the Salt River all within a few hours from Glendale. You’ll find short hikes, scenic drives, and cool swimming holes that fit into a single day without frantic packing. If you want fresh air, big views, and easy logistics, keep going—there’s a trip here that’ll match the pace you want.

Paddle Board the Salt River and See Wild Mustangs

paddleboarding salt river mustangs

Head out to the Salt River for a rejuvenating stand-up paddleboarding float that often lasts about two hours and puts you nose-to-nose with desert wildlife, including the iconic wild mustangs—just keep your distance and don’t feed them. You’ll drive roughly 2½ hours from Glendale/Phoenix, so start early or aim for post-3:00 p.m. departures to avoid peak sun. Local outfitters like AZ Kayaks make logistics simple: they rent boards, provide life jackets, handle shuttles, and advise on sections suited to your skill and desired float time. On the water, the light will shift across red rock and cottonwood stands while horses graze on the banks—observe quietly and let them choose their distance. Bring plenty of water, sun protection, and a waterproof bag or bucket tube for essentials and cold drinks. With basic safety gear supplied and route tips from pros, you’ll enjoy a peaceful, scenic outing that feels adventurous without being complicated.

Explore Tonto Natural Bridge State Park

world s largest travertine bridge

You’ll be surprised to learn Tonto Natural Bridge is the world’s largest known travertine bridge, about a 1 hour 45 minute drive from Glendale. Walk the roughly 1.5-mile loop to viewpoints—expect uneven, rocky footing, steps, and cooler, tree-shaded trails that make it a great summer escape. Bring water, sturdy shoes, and extra time for slow sections and photos; dogs on leash are welcome and there are picnic tables and parking at the trailhead.

Tonto Natural Bridge Facts

A cool, shady oasis awaits at Tonto Natural Bridge State Park, about a 1 hour 45 minute drive from Phoenix/Glendale, where the world’s largest known natural travertine bridge arches over a deep canyon. You’ll feel the temperature drop as you enter this Tonto Natural setting, perfect for an invigorating day trip away from the valley heat. The main loop is roughly 1.5 miles, uneven and rocky, but it rewards you with viewpoints beneath the travertine arch and leafy shade.

  • Pack sturdy shoes and water; trails can be slippery.
  • Use picnic tables and parking at the trailhead for a relaxed break.
  • Expect a possible $10 vehicle fee; dogs are allowed on some trails.

Take in the calm canyon scenery and plan a short, memorable escape.

Trail Tips and Safety

Because the trail winds through shaded canyon walls and rocky switchbacks, plan your hike so you’re comfortable and safe: wear sturdy closed-toe shoes, carry plenty of water, and don’t skip sunscreen and a hat for exposed stretches. At Tonto Natural Bridge State Park the 1.5-mile loop drops and climbs over uneven travertine, so move deliberately on loose rock and use rail-backed viewpoints to steady yourself. Bring extra water, watch small children and leashed dogs on narrow sections, and expect short steep pitches that demand careful footing. Pack a picnic for the nearby tables, budget the Tonto National Forest vehicle fee, and if you’ll add Water Wheel Falls, follow the same trail tips—stay aware of heat and aim to finish before midday.

Day Trip to Sedona’s Red Rocks

red rocks short hikes

Though the drive from Glendale clocks in at just under two hours, you’ll feel transported the moment Sedona’s towering red sandstone and winding Oak Creek Canyon come into view; plan to spend 4–6 hours exploring scenic overlooks, short hikes like Bell Rock or Cathedral Rock, and browsing Tlaquepaque’s galleries before heading back. You’ll want to arrive early or late to dodge heat and crowds, and you’ll notice how light sculpts the rocks at sunrise and sunset.

  • Hike short trails (Bell Rock, Cathedral Rock) for dramatic photo ops and quick elevation gains.
  • Take a Pink Jeep Tour to reach remote red-rock viewpoints without extra planning.
  • Stroll Tlaquepaque for art, lunch, and a shaded break near downtown vortex sites.

Sedona feels cinematic but stays accessible: you can mix a scenic drive, a gentle hike, and relaxed shopping in one day, then head home refreshed and full of desert-color memories.

Cool Off at Water Wheel Falls

After a morning among Sedona’s sun-baked red rocks, head east toward the cooler, green shade of Tonto National Forest where Water Wheel Falls offers a brisk, rejuvenating counterpoint. In about an hour and 45 minutes from Glendale you’ll find cascades spilling into a clear pool that invites a quick dip—perfect after a hot morning. The trail from the lot is just over a mile round trip, family-friendly but with some rocky footing and modest elevation change, so lace up sturdy shoes and bring water. Picnic tables near the parking area make it easy to unpack a leisurely lunch, soak up the shade, and stretch before or after swimming. Expect tree cover and noticeably cooler air than the valley. Dogs are welcome on leash, and there’s a Tonto National vehicle fee to budget for. Go prepared, stay aware on the rocks, and you’ll leave refreshed—this short outing gives big payoff for little time.

Tube Down the Salt River

Set out early or late in the day and you’ll find the Salt River’s gentle current a perfect way to cool off and unwind — a roughly 2‑hour float from launch to takeout (with longer 4‑hour options) that sits about 2½ hours east of Glendale. You’ll be on the water within a two-hour drive of central Phoenix suburbs if traffic’s light, and local outfitters handle tubes, SUPs and shuttles so you don’t worry about logistics. The landscape opens up: red-rock banks, cottonwoods, and the occasional wild mustang grazing near the shore.

Set out at dawn or dusk for a mellow 2-hour Salt River float — red rocks, cottonwoods, and maybe a wild mustang.

  • Rent tubes or stand-up boards and book shuttle service from outfitters like Salt River Tubing.
  • Start early or after 3 p.m. to beat the heat and catch calmer water.
  • Bring sun protection, plenty of water, and a waterproof bag or bucket tube for belongings.

Float relaxed, respect wildlife from a distance, and let the steady current set an easy pace for your day trip.

Visit the Grand Canyon South Rim

You can reach the South Rim in about 3.5 hours from Glendale via I‑17 to Flagstaff and Route 180, so an early start lets you make the most of the day. Once there, walk short sections of the Rim Trail and stop at Mather Point, Yavapai Point and Desert View for iconic vistas, ranger talks and visitor‑center exhibits that explain what you’re seeing. Plan your timing, bring water and sun protection, and use the village parking and shuttle system to move between overlooks while avoiding peak crowds.

Driving Routes and Times

If you’re planning a day trip to the South Rim, expect about 3.5 hours of driving each way (roughly 230 miles) when you take the fastest route north on I‑17 to Flagstaff and west on SR‑180, with alternate scenic options through Cameron via US‑89 and SR‑64; allow extra time in winter or shoulder seasons for weather-related delays, and consider staging in Williams — about 1.5–2 hours from Glendale — if you want a car-free experience aboard the Grand Canyon Railway. You’ll spend roughly seven hours on the road round-trip, so start early and pack snacks. Choose what matters most: speed, scenery, or convenience.

  • Fastest route: I‑17 → Flagstaff → SR‑180
  • Scenic detour: US‑89 → SR‑64 through Cameron
  • Car-free option: Grand Canyon Railway from Williams

Park Highlights and Viewpoints

After a long drive you’ll want to spend your time on the rim, where a handful of viewpoints and short walks deliver the canyon’s most dramatic moments without extra mileage. You’ll hit Mather Point first for sprawling panoramas, then stroll paved Rim Trail sections past Bright Angel Lodge and Kolb Studio for easy overlooks and interpretive signs. Pop into the Grand Canyon Visitor Center and Yavapai Geology Museum at Yavapai Point for exhibits, restrooms, and crystal-clear context. If you press east, Desert View Watchtower rewards you with Colorado River vistas. To see more without extra driving, ride the free park shuttle through Grand Canyon Village; Hermit Road is shuttle-only or seasonal. For Day Trips from Glendale, Grand Canyon National Park gives maximum scenery with minimal walking.

Practical Tips and Timing

While the drive from Glendale takes about 3.5 hours, plan on at least 7–8 hours at the South Rim so you’re not rushed—arrive at sunrise or early morning to beat crowds and heat, see Mather Point, Yavapai, and Bright Angel overlooks with plenty of daylight, and leave time for the Visitor Center and short rim walks. Aim for sunrise for the best light and cooler temps; later mornings fill up fast. Decide whether to drive or take the Grand Canyon Railway from Williams for a relaxed option. Check road and seasonal updates—North Rim access is limited seasonally. Pack water, sun protection, a charged phone, and sturdy shoes. Consider:

  • Early parking and shuttle timing
  • Short rim walks and photo spots
  • Weather, closures, and timing flexibility

Drive Oak Creek Canyon and Stop in Sedona

Take the winding State Route 89A through Oak Creek Canyon and you’ll be rewarded with a tree‑lined gorge, hanging cliffs and riparian stretches that frame one of Arizona’s most photogenic drives. You’ll cover roughly 100–115 miles in about 90–100 minutes from Glendale, watching pines give way to redrock as you descend toward Sedona. Pull over at scenic viewpoints and short creekside trails—sturdy shoes let you reach photo ops and cooling swims at designated spots. In Sedona, stroll Tlaquepaque’s galleries, hop short trailheads to Cathedral Rock or Bell Rock, or book a Pink Jeep Tour for narrated off‑road access to iconic formations and vortex sites. If you visit in summer, plan early or late stops, bring plenty of water and sun protection, and consider Slide Rock State Park for natural slides (note fees and parking limits). This loop mixes effortless driving, crisp vistas and hands‑on outdoor moments—perfect for a one‑day escape from the valley.

Scenic Drive Along the Apache Trail

Winding through the Superstition Mountains, the Apache Trail delivers a dramatic 42‑mile slice of Arizonajagged canyon walls, shimmering man‑made lakes, and relics of the territory’s mining past. You’ll leave Glendale in just over two hours and enter a world of narrow switchbacks, three lakes (Canyon, Apache, Roosevelt), and photo-ready ruins. About half the route is unpaved with steep drop-offs; bring a high-clearance vehicle and skip the RV if you value your nerves.

  • Stop at Goldfield for ghost-town atmosphere and short walks.
  • Pull over near Weavers Needle for iconic Superstition Mountains shots.
  • Visit Roosevelt Dam or launch a boat tour for different perspectives.

Plan fuel, water, and supplies—services are sparse—and aim for morning or late afternoon to dodge heat and crowds. If you want dramatic views, easy hikes, and a dose of frontier history, the Apache Trail rewards careful drivers with a memorable, manageable day trip.

Historic Small-Town Stops: Williams, Tombstone, Bisbee, and Yuma

Venture beyond Glendale and you’ll find four small Arizona towns that each serve up a distinct slice of history and character. You’ll start in Williams, a charming last stretch of Route 66 where antique shops and a vintage soda fountain set a nostalgic tone; hop aboard the Grand Canyon Railway for a relaxed 2.5-hour roundtrip to the South Rim or simply wander town for retro finds. In Tombstone, you’ll step into the Wild West with daily staged gunfights, creaky saloons, mine tours, and the storied Longhorn Restaurant—perfect if you crave theatrical history. Bisbee transforms mining grit into an arts haven: galleries, quirky lodgings like the Copper Queen Hotel, and guided mine tours reveal layered stories and creative energy. Yuma offers a different frontier—Yuma Crossing’s river history, a preserved territorial prison museum, and nearly endless sunshine make it vivid and restorative. Each town rewards you with immersive, walkable history that’s easy to reach from Glendale.

Antelope Canyon and Nearby Navajo Landmarks

If you’re chasing those surreal beams and sculpted, wave-like walls, Antelope Canyon near Page delivers an unforgettable, otherworldly experience—and you’ll need a Navajo-led tour to enter. You’ll walk narrow sandstone corridors carved by water, watch light slice into the dust, and hear your guide explain cultural and safety protocols. Tours run about 1–1.5 hours inside, with permits and Navajo Nation fees required, so book early—spring and fall offer the best light and milder temps.

  • Pack water, sun protection, and sturdy shoes; flash flood warnings and photography rules matter.
  • Combine your trip with Horseshoe Bend for a short hike to a dramatic Colorado River overlook.
  • Add Lake Powell or Glen Canyon National Recreation Area for shoreline views and boat options.

You’ll feel both reverence and exhilaration here—respect Navajo guidance, check monsoon-season forecasts, and savor a compact, stunning slice of desert geology and living culture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where to Go From LA for a Day Trip?

Head north to Santa Barbara for beaches and wine, east to Joshua Tree for surreal hikes, south to Laguna Beach for tide pools and art, or unwind in Palm Springs’ pools and mid‑century charm — all easy day escapes.

Are There Good Day Trips From Phoenix?

Yes — you can escape Phoenix to cooler Flagstaff, scenic Sedona, historic Prescott, the Tonto Natural Bridge, or river fun like Salt River tubing; you’ll find varied landscapes, easy drives, and memorable outdoor adventures within a few hours.

What Is the Number One Thing to Do in Arizona?

Visit the Grand Canyon — you’ll stand at the rim, feel vastness overwhelm your senses, photograph impossibly layered colors, hike or watch sunrise, and leave convinced that Arizona’s signature, awe-inspiring natural wonder changed how you see the world.

What Is Within 2 Hours of Phoenix?

Within two hours of Phoenix you can reach Sedona’s red rocks and Slide Rock, Prescott’s Whiskey Row and Granite Dells, Mogollon Rim pines, Camp Verde’s Verde River and vineyards, or Tucson’s desert museums and Sabino Canyon.

Conclusion

You’ve seen how one day can flip from desert hush to rushing water, crimson cliffs to ghost-town whispers—now imagine which will pull you next. Picture yourself steering a paddle board past wild mustangs, or watching sunrise spill gold over the Grand Canyon rim. You can chase cool canyon pools, float lazy rivers, or follow an old mining road into history. Which adventure will snag your breath tomorrow? Pack a day, and go find out.

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