Arizona: 9 Days of Cacti, Canyons & Controlled Chaos

Published on 16 June 2025 at 21:02

Day 1: Arrival in Phoenix & Desert Chill

  • Touchdown Phoenix! Settle into your hotel and prepare for sunny days and stunning sunsets.

  • Evening: Head to Downtown Phoenix for dinner and check out the local art scene — street murals and quirky galleries everywhere.

Day 2: Desert Botanical Garden & Old Town Scottsdale

  • Morning: Explore the Desert Botanical Garden — cacti, succulents, and desert blooms that look like they belong on another planet.

  • Afternoon: Visit Old Town Scottsdale for unique shops, cowboy vibes, and plenty of opportunities to accidentally buy too many souvenirs.

  • Chaos moment: Trying to pronounce “saguaro” without sounding like a confused tourist.

Day 3: Sedona’s Red Rocks & Vortex Energy

  • Day Trip: Drive 2 hours to Sedona, famous for its stunning red rock formations and so-called “energy vortexes.”

  • Activities: Go hiking (Cathedral Rock is a must), visit Chapel of the Holy Cross, and maybe try a bit of meditation or yoga — or just take a ton of photos pretending to be zen.

Day 4: Jerome Ghost Town & Wine Tasting

  • Morning: Explore Jerome, an old mining town turned artsy ghost town with funky shops and history.

  • Afternoon: Hit some nearby vineyards for wine tasting — Arizona’s wine country might surprise you!

  • Chaos moment: Accidentally ordering grape juice at the wine bar and realizing it only after the first sip.

Day 5: Grand Canyon Day Trip — The Big One

  • Early Morning: Drive (or join a tour) to the Grand Canyon South Rim (about 3.5-4 hours from Phoenix).

  • Activities: Hike along the Rim Trail, take in breathtaking views, and attempt not to get overwhelmed by how massive it is.

  • Evening: Head back to Phoenix or stay overnight nearby for sunrise views.

Day 6: Flagstaff & Route 66 Vibes

  • Morning: Visit Flagstaff, a charming mountain town with cool cafes and vintage Route 66 nostalgia.

  • Afternoon: Check out the Lowell Observatory or just relax in the pine-scented air.

Day 7: Antelope Canyon & Horseshoe Bend (Page)

  • Day Trip: Head up north to Page, Arizona (about 4.5 hours from Phoenix). Book a tour of the Antelope Canyon slot canyons — a photographer’s dream.

  • Afternoon: Visit Horseshoe Bend for those iconic river views.

  • Chaos moment: Fighting the crowds for the perfect Instagram shot but making some new friends in line.

Day 8: Back to Phoenix — Relax & Local Eats

  • Morning: Return to Phoenix. Treat yourself to a leisurely brunch.

  • Afternoon: Explore Roosevelt Row Arts District for street art and coffee.

  • Evening: Try Southwestern cuisine — think spicy, smoky, and delicious.

Day 9: Departure — Last Minute Chaos

  • Morning: Last-minute souvenir shopping or a quick hike nearby if time allows.

  • Afternoon: Head to the airport with a sun-kissed glow and stories to tell.

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