Arizona Road Trip Itinerary from Oklahoma, Texas, or New Mexico

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If you’re dreaming of an epic adventure packed with iconic sights, quirky roadside stops, natural wonders, and unforgettable memories, then an Arizona Road Trip is the perfect getaway. Whether you’re starting in Oklahoma, Texas, or New Mexico, hopping on I-40—or taking the scenic Old Route 66—sets you up for one of the most beautiful drives in the country.

For our family, this was a trip to remember. We loaded our pull-behind camper, brought along our adult son Ryan and our two dogs, and hit the road. Along the way, we explored everything from Cadillac Ranch and Meteor Crater to the Painted Desert and the awe-inspiring Grand Canyon.

Distance from Oklahoma City to Grand Canyon (South Rim):
Approx. 865 miles — about 13 to 14 hours of drive time (not including stops)

Start: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Your Arizona Road Trip journey starts in Oklahoma City, right off I-40. Before hitting the road, you might want to fuel up with a good breakfast or explore the Oklahoma Route 66 Museum in nearby Clinton to set the nostalgic tone for your trip.

Optional Stay:

• Rockwell RV Park, Oklahoma City – Full hookups, indoor pool, easy access to I-40.
• 21c Museum Hotel Oklahoma City – Great for a splurge night before hitting the road.

First Stop: Cadillac Ranch (Amarillo, Texas) on Your Arizona Road Trip

About 4 hours into your drive, you’ll reach Cadillac Ranch outside Amarillo. Bring a can of spray paint and leave your mark on the row of half-buried Cadillacs—a true Route 66 icon.

Optional Stay:

• Amarillo KOA – Dog-friendly and clean.
• Big Texan Motel – Right next to the Big Texan Steak Ranch.

Don’t Miss:
Dinner at the Big Texan Steak Ranch, home of the famous 72-ounce steak challenge!

Second Stop: Tucumcari, New Mexico on Your Arizona Road Trip

Continuing west, Tucumcari is a charming town full of neon signs and Route 66 nostalgia. It’s a great spot to stretch your legs and snap a few photos.

Optional Stay:

• Blaze-in-Saddle RV Park
• Blue Swallow Motel – A vintage Route 66 classic.

Third Stop: Painted Desert and Petrified Forest National Park (Arizona)

As you cross into Arizona, your first natural wonder awaits. Drive through the Painted Desert, where colorful rock formations stretch as far as the eye can see, and continue into Petrified Forest National Park, where ancient, glittering petrified logs are scattered across the landscape.

This was one of our favorite parts of the drive. You can read about our full experience here: Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona

Optional Stay:

• Holbrook / Petrified Forest KOA Journey
• Brad’s Desert Inn, Holbrook

Tip:
Drive the full 28-mile park road to experience both the Petrified Forest and Painted Desert in one visit. Check out our information on the Painted Desert.

Fourth Stop: Meteor Crater Natural Landmark (Winslow, Arizona)

Less than an hour west of Holbrook is Meteor Crater Natural Landmark, one of the best-preserved meteorite impact sites on Earth. Standing at the rim, you really get a sense of the power of nature.

More about our visit: Exploring Meteor Crater Natural Landmark: Road Trip Ideas

Optional Stay:

• Flagstaff KOA Holiday
• La Quinta Inn & Suites Flagstaff

Fifth Stop: Bearizona Wildlife Park (Williams, Arizona)

Located near Williams, Bearizona Wildlife Park is a drive-through experience where you’ll see bears, wolves, bison, and more—all from the comfort of your car.

Learn more here: Ultimate Guide to Visiting Bearizona Wildlife Park

Optional Stay:

• Williams / Circle Pines KOA Holiday
• Grand Canyon Railway Hotel

Sixth Stop: Grand Canyon National Park on Your Arizona Road Trip

Your main destination—Grand Canyon National Park! We stayed at Trailer Village RV Park inside the South Rim and loved the easy access to trails and shuttles. Watching Ryan see the Grand Canyon for the first time is a memory we’ll always cherish.

You can read all the details here: Grand Canyon National Park Road Trip

Optional Stay:

• El Tovar Hotel
• Grand Canyon Camper Village

Seventh Stop: Horseshoe Bend (Page, Arizona)

After visiting the Grand Canyon, consider making a scenic drive north to Horseshoe Bend, one of Arizona’s most photographed landmarks. It’s about a 2-hour drive from the South Rim to Page, but the dramatic view over the Colorado River is 100% worth it. The hike to the overlook is short (about 1.5 miles round trip) but be prepared for the sun and heat.

You can read all the details here: Visiting Horseshoe Bend with Dogs

Optional Stay:

• Page Lake Powell Campground
• Hyatt Place Page/Lake Powell

Optional Eighth Stop: Antelope Canyon on Your Arizona Road Trip

While you’re in Page, don’t miss Antelope Canyon, a series of breathtaking slot canyons carved by flash floods. You’ll need to book a guided tour to explore them, but it’s truly an unforgettable experience with light beams and swirling sandstone walls.

Tip:
Tours often book out weeks in advance, so plan ahead!

Road Trip Map for Your Arizona Road Trip

Click on the road trip map for directions.

Our Unforgettable Arizona Road Trip Adventure!

This Arizona Road Trip was one of the most unforgettable adventures our family has taken together. From quirky roadside art to jaw-dropping natural landmarks, every mile brought something new. Sharing this experience with our son Ryan, seeing it through his eyes, and having our pups along for the ride made it even more special.

Whether you’re traveling with a camper like we did, staying at KOAs, or booking hotels, this route is full of heart, history, and beauty at every turn. Slow down, take the scenic routes when you can, and make sure your camera is ready—Arizona’s magic is waiting for you.