Canyons of Arizona and Nevada road trip

• This 268-mile road trip from Phoenix to the Hoover Dam takes just over four hours, showcasing Arizona and Nevada's most iconic canyons and natural wonders.
• The journey features 13 must-see stops including the Grand Canyon, Antelope Canyon, Red Rock Canyon, and Sedona's Cathedral Rock.
• Hertz rental locations are strategically positioned along the route, offering a fleet suited to desert driving conditions, from compact vehicles to SUVs and trucks.

The drive from Phoenix to the Hoover Dam

The drive from Phoenix, AZ, to the Hoover Dam, NV, takes just over four hours in a 268-mile trip. The key highways involved are the US-60, I-17, AZ-89, US-89 and the US-93. There are three routes and they take:

• US-93 North and US-93 North: 268 miles/four hours and 20 minutes
• I-40 West: 314 miles/four hours and 55 minutes
• I-10 West and US-95 North: 322 miles/five hours and 10 minutes

*There are no major tolls on these routes.

Starting point: Stop 1: Camelback Mountain

Phoenix, Arizona 85018
Camelback Mountain is a frequently visited mountain in Phoenix, Arizona. You don’t have to venture far on your road trip to encounter the first must-see hiking landmark – named for its ‘hump’ and ‘head’. It lies in the Phoenix Metropolitan area, just between the East Village and Paradise Valley. Head here to rock climb and take on its challenging trails.

Make it all the way onto the 2,700ft ‘hump’ and you’ll be rewarded with a 360-degree panorama of Phoenix and beyond. Nearby, you’ll find the beautiful Sonoran Desert, while Scottsdale is home to acclaimed resorts like Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass and Arizona Grand Resort & Spa. Plus, there’s great shopping at Tucson Mall, dining options like Ocotillo Cafe and Ironwood Terraces, and a vibrant nightlife in the local area.

Browse the Hertz American Collection to choose a car to accompany your road trip. North Scottsdale Road and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport are the closest Hertz locations to Camelback Mountain.
 

Stop 2: Tucson

Tucson, AZ 85701

Tucson was designated the first World City of Gastronomy in the United States – a title bestowed by UNESCO in 2015. It’s home to a thriving arts scene and a clutch of galleries and museums, like the Tucson Museum of Art, and DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun.

Just outside the city, in the foothills of the Santa Catalina Mountains, you’ll find Sabino Canyon. Formed over 10 million years ago, there are stone bridges criss-crossing the creek, secluded swimming holes, and walking trails that range from the easy to the extremely challenging. You can also take a guided tram tour, hopping off when you fancy.

A convertible from the American Collection is a good way to enjoy the highways with the sun kissing your skin, and the breezes wafting over your face. You can pick up car rentals from central Hertz locations, such as East Speedway Boulevard, or at Tucson International Airport (TUS).
 

Stop 3: Goldfield Ghost Town

650 North Mammoth Mine Road, Apache Junction, Arizona

Goldfield Ghost Town is a reconstructed 1890s mining settlement in Apache Junction, Arizona. Sitting near the wonderfully named Superstition Mountains, the town was the center of a gold rush back in 1892, only to close down in just as much of a rush as the gold dried up.

Close to the Apache Trail, the Ghost Town of today is largely a reproduction of how the town would have looked at the end of the 19th century, from the church to the saloon, the apothecary to the bordello. Take a carriage ride on a trip back in time to see the old mine seams and witness gunslingers in action.

The nearest Hertz locations to Goldfield Ghost Town are Mesa - East Main Street, Phoenix - Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX), and Mesa - Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport (AZA). GMCs and Volkswagens are popular here.
 

Stop 4: Red Rock State Park, Sedona

4050 Red Rock Loop Road, Sedona, AZ 86336

Red Rock State Park is a 286-acre nature preserve and environmental education center located just five miles southwest of Sedona, Arizona. It’s not to be confused with Red Rock Canyon just outside Las Vegas – they’re both different places.

Sedona is famed for its towering red rock formations, with the official Red Rock State Park home to one of Arizona’s iconic landmarks – the spectacular Cathedral Rock. Head to the park’s visitor centre, where you can learn about the history of the area and sign up for guided walks and hikes that explore the preserve’s highlights. Nearby, you’ll find the quirky Chapel of the Holy Cross – a small, contemporary church built into the side of the mountain that boasts breathtaking views.

If you want to drive this scenic route with some pizzazz, consider renting a Ford Mustang GT from the American Muscle collection. The closest Hertz branch to Red Rock State Park in Sedona is at Flagstaff Pulliam Airport (FLG), around 40 miles and a 50-minute drive away.
 

Stop 5: Flagstaff

Flagstaff, AZ 86001

Drive through the Coconino National Forest to reach Flagstaff – a friendly and pretty town scented by the nearby pine forest and just a short hop, skip and jump from fantastic skiing areas.

Flagstaff attractions include old western history waiting to be uncovered, a university town vibe, brilliant coffee and plenty of places to enjoy great food. For something a little different, head just out of town to the Lowell Observatory, where Pluto was first sighted back in 1930.

A road trip from Flagstaff to the Grand Canyon takes around 1.5 hours, in a journey of around 80 miles. The closest Hertz location to Flagstaff is Flagstaff Pulliam Airport (flg), with Nissan’s being popular here. Or you could rent a Cadillac Escalade from the American Muscle collection if you’re after something bigger.

Stop 6: Grand Canyon

The Grand Canyon in Arizona is the next stop in the road trip – where the Colorado River cuts through the American West to create one of the wonders of the planet. A total of 277 miles long and up to a mile deep, it’s a geological masterpiece, with great vantage points along both the North and South rims.

The rocks shift in shades of red and rust, and you can learn plenty from the knowledgeable rangers, as well as in the museums and visitors’ center. Best of all though is the Skywalk, a Grand Canyon road trip itinerary essential – a glass platform at Eagle Point that hovers 4,000 feet above the canyon. The closest Hertz is Flagstaff Pulliam Airport (FLG).

Stop 7: Horseshoe Bend

Mile Marker 545, Highway 89, Page, AZ 86040

Horseshoe Bend in Arizona is a point where the Colorado River bends dramatically within the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. Please note that Horseshoe Bend is not a part of the Grand Canyon; both are distinct.

This natural phenomenon gets its name from its unusual and distinctive shape. To get to Horseshoe Bend itself is a one-and-a-half-mile round trip on foot from U.S. Route 89 – then take your time soaking up the magnificent views from the steep cliffs above and snapping Instagram-worthy images.

The Page Municipal Airport (PGA) Hertz location is closest to here. Jeeps from the American Collection could work well on routes like this due to their robust nature, ideal for driving on long country highways in Arizona’s desert conditions. 

Stop 8: Antelope Canyon

Page, Arizona

Perhaps the most photogenic canyon in the whole of the US, Antelope Canyon in Arizona is a slot canyon, some five miles long, known for its vividly colored twists of rock.

This otherworldly landscape looks like it has melted, the result of water shaping the rocks over millennia, and is split into two parts – The Corkscrew and The Crack. You’ll have to arrange a licensed guide to take you to either the Upper or Lower Canyon, as they’re part of a Navajo Tribal Park, but there’s plenty of time to explore once you’re there.

You can pick up Hertz car rentals for your Antelope Canyon road trip from Page Municipal Airport (PGA) – roughly a 10 to 15-minute drive from the natural wonder. It’s the kind of scenic backdrop that makes for impressive wallpaper covers on your computers and devices.
 

Stop 9: Virgin Valley Heritage Museum

35 West Mesquite Boulevard, Mesquite, NV 89027

A true oasis in the desert, Mesquite straddles the Nevada–Arizona border and boasts no fewer than six golf courses if you feel like getting into the swing of things. It’s one of the top Nevada road trip destinations.

Experience a taste of the area’s rich pioneer history at the Virgin Valley Heritage Museum, where you can uncover stories of gold mining, ranch life and more. Head out to Little Finland to see intricate formations of deep red Aztec sandstone, then recharge your batteries with a soothing mineral bath at one of the town’s sumptuous spas.

The St. George Regional Airport Hertz spot is the closest to here. Imagine renting a truck from the American Collection, giving you the strength and space to conquer the road. They’re also great for carrying camping, climbing, and fishing equipment.
 

Stop 10: Valley of Fire State Park

29450 Valley of Fire Road, Overton, NV 89040

Crossing into Nevada, have your camera ready for the Valley of Fire State Park. The rock formations are unbelievable, with red sandstone whipped into peaks, contrasting with strata of paler rock.

Look out for Native American petroglyphs - delicate rock arches that seem set to tumble (don’t worry – they’ve stood for thousands of years) and petrified trees. It’s a dream to drive across, through a landscape that has passed for distant planets in many a Hollywood film. Stargazers will be in their element – the heavens are a tapestry of celestial objects when the sun goes down.

The Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) Hertz is closest to here. If you want to turn heads while driving around here, why not opt for an American Muscle option from the American Collection, like a Ford Mustang or Chevrolet Camaro.
 

Stop 11: Red Rock Canyon

1000 Scenic Loop Drive, Las Vegas, NV 89161

Stand face-to-face with the resplendent formations of Red Rock Canyon and it can be hard to believe you’re less than 20 miles from the neon delights of Las Vegas and its famed Strip. Red Rock Canyon is a road trip itinerary staple if you’re visiting Sin City.

The sandstone walls here tower over 3,000 feet, and there’s a one-way loop you can drive through to see it all, or park up to follow a hiking trail or go rock-climbing. It’s one of nature’s most breathtaking playgrounds, sprinkled with Mojave magic. The official website details the trails – ranging from simple to strenuous.

The Las Vegas - West Sahara Avenue Hertz is not far from here, around 15 miles and 20 minutes’ drive, with Teslas proving to be popular rentals here.

Stop 12: Lake Mead

10 Lakeshore Road, Boulder City, NV 89005

Just 25 miles outside Las Vegas, Lake Mead National Recreation Area offers more than 550 miles of shoreline and year-round outdoor adventure. Whether it’s swimming, water skiing, boating or fishing, it’s all possible in this spectacular setting.

Spend a night camping under the stars and paddle through the Black Canyon in a kayak. There are plenty of river tours of the Colorado River, most of them starting off at the Hoover Dam.

The Hertz Henderson – North Gibson Road is only 16 miles away, taking 20 minutes to drive in a rental car. Peugeots are highly sought after at this branch.

Finish point: Stop 13: Hoover Dam

The last stop on the road trip is a must-visit – the Hoover Dam. An engineering marvel, it tamed the mighty Colorado River to provide much-needed water supplies and hydroelectric power for the parched southwest, creating Lake Mead in the process.

Rising 726 feet above the canyon floor, five million barrels of cement, 45 million pounds of reinforced steel and more than 20,000 workers were involved in the dam’s creation. Today, the iconic Art Deco-influenced structure continues to provide a spectacular contrast to the stark landscape, with tours starting from the visitor center.

The closest Hertz branch is also Henderson - North Gibson Road, around 22 minutes away from the Hoover Dam in a 30-minute road trip. Limited Edition Camaros from the American  Collection could complement your trip nicely.

Canyons of Arizona and Nevada road trip, let’s go!

Hertz is the reliable road trip companion to explore the dramatic canyon landscapes of Arizona and Nevada. Now that you know where to go and what to do on this route, why not take a trip of your own? With a wide selection of vehicles, you can find one that matches your own personal needs and preferences. Get ready to hit the road with Hertz.