What is 2 hours from Phoenix? Top 10 Day Trips

Roger Naylor
| Especially for the Republic

During the sweltering summer, long escapes from Phoenix are critical to mental health. That urgency fades as the temperature begins to drop. Being close to home suddenly feels very good. Even though it’s nice to get out of the city, there’s no need for a long drive. No one wants to give up the sun and 70 degrees.

Instead, let’s focus on quick and easy day trips. Hit the highway, enjoy the adventure, then come home the same day. There’s plenty to do within a two-hour drive of the Phoenix metro area.

Here are the top 10 day trips from the Phoenix area.

Tonto National Monument

Tucked into the recesses of the steep mountainsides above Roosevelt Lake, two prehistoric Salado Cliff Dwellings, built more than 700 years ago, still overlook the wide Tonto Basin.

Built in natural caves, they sit high on the slopes above the tourist center, which houses an impressive collection of artefacts. The Lower Cliff Dwelling is open year-round and is located at the end of a 0.5 mile paved path.

The guided tour is only available from November to April. Reservations fill up quickly. Rangers lead small groups on a 3-mile round-trip hike with 600 feet of elevation gain. The Upper Rock dwelling contains about 40 rooms, some partially intact roofs and parapet walls.

Entrance to the park is $10 per person; there is no additional fee for the tour.

Details: 26260 State Route 188, Roosevelt. 928-467-2241, www.nps.gov/tont.

Arcosanti

This community is like a Dr. Seuss construction site, consisting of a series of structures that are both impressive and whimsical. Clustered modular residences, large circular windows and curved rooflines rise above the dry riverbed.

Architect Paolo Soleri, a former student of Frank Lloyd Wright, started Arcosanti in 1970. He coined the term “arcology” to describe the concept of architecture shaped by ecology to create a new type of urban habitat that is compact and efficient. and sensitive to the environment.

Soleri died in 2013, but Arcosanti is held by his followers. Today it serves as an educational institution.

There are daily general tours of Arcosante. These tours offer insight into the history, design and functionality of the project, and you’ll often see Soleri’s famous wind chimes being cast in the foundry. The cafe serves simple, healthy meals and homemade pastries. Tours cost $22, $13 for children 12-17 years old.

Details: 928-632-7135, www.arcosanti.org.

Florence

To appreciate what Arizona looked like in the territorial days, take a stroll through downtown Florence. The city maintains a strong western flavor with more than 120 buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Many of the structures date from the 1870s and 80s and include Sonoran, Arizona Territorial, American Victorian, and Mission styles.

Don’t miss it McFarland State Historic Park24 W. Ruggles St., the oldest existing courthouse in Arizona. Built in 1878 of mud brick, it also serves as a visitor center and contains some outstanding exhibits. Entrance is free.

Near Pinal County Historical Museum715 S. Main St., visitors can wander past a 1930s-built room with gorgeous cactus furniture, learn details of the famous shootout and learn more about the state prison. Admission is $7, free for under 18s. Admission is free to all on the first Saturday of every month.

Details: www.florenceaz.gov/historic-district.

Camp Verde

Nestled between Sedona and Jerome, Camp Verde is often overlooked by travelers. Yet the city is rich in attractions, including just minutes from Interstate 17 Montezuma CastleMontezuma Well Fort Verde State Historic Park.

Lions, tigers, hippos, giraffes and more can be seen at Out of Africa Wildlife Park. Shows and tours are offered throughout the day. General admission is $42.95. USA, $27.95. USA for ages 3 to 12. 928-567-2840, www.outofafricapark.com.

Try an unforgettable meal at Moscato Italian Restaurant. Housed in an Old West-style building, Hotel Moscato offers an authentic taste of the Italian countryside in the heart of Camp Verde. 368 S. Main St., 928-567-7417, www.moscatoaz.com.

Dolly steamer

Of all the rides you’d expect to find in the middle of the desert, a steamboat ride might not be high on the list. But after driving to Canyon Lake, you can take a scenic cruise on the Dolly Steamboat. The rock-lined waterway is one of a chain of lakes along the Apache Trail formed by dams that dam the Salt River.

A replica of a classic American sternwheeler gives you a close-up look at the towering cliffs that define Canyon Lake’s jagged shoreline. The 90-minute scenic nature cruise explores secluded inland waterways with frequent sightings of desert bighorn sheep, bald eagles and other wildlife.

Enjoy the captain’s narration while sitting in a comfortable chair in the lower or upper cabins or in the open-air viewing areas. The price is $35, 5-12 years $17.

Details: 16802 SR 88, Tortilla Flat. 480-827-9144, www.dollysteamboat.com.

Boyce Thompson Arboretum

Located in Superior, Boyce Thompson is a shady preserve, a quiet oasis where cacti rub thorny elbows with a stunning collection of drought-tolerant trees. Thousands of different plant species from the world’s arid regions are spread across the landscape. Three miles of trails wind through the themed gardens.

The Maine Trail makes a 1.5-mile loop, a wide, level trail that is wheelchair-friendly, at least until you reach Ayer Lake. (The Demonstration Garden, Hummingbird Butterfly Garden, and Children’s Garden are also wheelchair accessible.) Ayer Lake, located at the foot of a ridge of jagged, jagged bare rock and framed by cattails, is home to endangered desert fish and tip Gila .

Bird walks, geological walks, historical tours, photography workshops and more are regular events. Check the calendar for specific dates. Admission is $24.95, $10 for ages 5-12.

Details: 37615 E. Arboretum Way, Superior. 520-689-2723, www.btarboretum.org.

Hassayampa River Reserve

Enjoy a leisurely walk along the green coastal corridor southeast of Wickenburg. For most of its 100-mile course, the Hassayampa River flows underground, but it surfaces as a perennial flow through the preserve, creating a rare habitat for the cotton willow.

Almost 300 species of birds can be seen in this amazing forest, including the red-tailed hawk, the Mississippi kite and the yellow-billed cuckoo. Several trails follow the riverbed, cross the floodplains, and skirt Palm Lake. Guided walks are offered in the cooler months. Admission is $5 per person, free for children 12 and under.

Details: 49614 US 60, near Wickenburg. 602-506-2930, ext. 9; www.maricopacountyparks.net.

Prescott

There is so much to do in Prescott, it’s hard to limit your visit to just a day trip. Try this plan: Go on a hike and then have a snack. This gives you a chance to explore one of Arizona’s underrated scenic wonders, Prescott’s Granite Dells.

A vast field of exposed bedrock had been eroded into strange formations and jumbled piles of boulders. Some of the trails that explore this rocky outcrop include Granite Gardens, Constellation, Centennial, and Watson Lake Loop. Get more information at www.prrescotttrails.com.

When you’re ready to fill up, Lazy G’s Brewhouse (220 W. LeRoux St., 928-445-2994, www.lazybrewhouse.com) offers burgers, sandwiches, salads and shared plates. Or try homey comfort food at Uncle Bud’s Place (150 E. Sheldon St., 928-237-4316, www.unclebudsplace.com), serving Cajun, Creole and barbecue.

Details: www.experienceprescott.com.

Casa Grande Ruins National Monument

An impressive four-story structure rises in Coolidge, made of earth and still standing 700 years later. Casa Grande Ruins National Monument protects the largest single structure remaining from the Hohokam culture.

The 35-foot-tall Casa Grande, or “Great House,” was built of unreinforced clay (caliche) in the mid-1300s and is believed to have been used for astronomical observations. There is also a wonderful museum, smaller structures and a ceremonial ball court on the grounds. Entrance is free.

Details: 1100 W. Ruins Drive, Coolidge. 520-723-3172, www.nps.gov/cagr.

Biosphere 2

Located in the foothills of the Santa Catalina Mountains in Oracle, north of Tucson, this giant experiment contains seven model ecosystems, earning it the title of the world’s largest Earth science laboratory. The facility is operated by the University of Arizona for research purposes, and tours are available.

Visitors can wander through rainforests and savanna grasslands and even smell the ocean with its coral reefs. Tours cost $27 ($17 for ages 5-23) and are self-guided with a smartphone and headphones.

Details: 32540 S. Biosphere Road, Oracle. 520-620-4800, www.biosphere2.org.

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