1Step 1 · Aviasales
Flights to PHX
Compare arrival dates before fixing your first night.
Find flights to PHX
Gateway Road Trip · Arizona
Southern Arizona Road Trip from Phoenix
Fly into PHX5–7 days~378 mi loop (straight-line)Trip snapshot
Arrival airport- PHX
Suggested stay- 5–7 days
Reservation demand- 5 stops · check each guide
Who this route is for
Built for winter-sun seekers and Wild West fans who want giant cacti, old towns and easy driving.
Drive from Phoenix to Tucson and Saguaro National Park, then on to Tombstone and the old mining town of Bisbee before heading back north.
Start in Phoenix
Arrange your arrival, choose your wheels and get connected before the first park day.
Book in this order
2Step 2 · Motorhome Republic
Est. from $120/night · typical rate
- ✓ Compare RV & campervan suppliers
Motorhome or campervan
Professional fleets; check pickup hours and park vehicle limits.
Compare RVs near PHX
2Step 2 · Airport Rentals
Est. from $45/day · typical rate
- ✓ Compare suppliers at PHX
- ✓ Free cancellation on many rates
Car or SUV at PHX
Choose PHX pickup, dates and a standard car or SUV.
Compare cars at PHX
3Step 3 · Vrbo
Est. from $120/night · typical rate
Stays near Phoenix
Choose your overnight stops and check dates on Vrbo.
Find cabins & homesBefore you go · Airalo
Mobile data for the U.S.
Check phone compatibility; download maps before entering the parks.
Get a U.S. eSIMBefore you fly: essentials for overseas visitors
Entry: ESTA or visa
Visa Waiver Program travellers need an approved ESTA before boarding. Apply only on the official U.S. government ESTA website and allow at least 72 hours.
Driving licence
A valid licence in the Latin alphabet is generally accepted for rentals; an International Driving Permit is recommended alongside it and required by some rental desks.
Park pass
The America the Beautiful annual pass covers entrance fees at Saguaro National Park and Chiricahua National Monument. Non-U.S. residents pay a higher rate since 2026; check the current price on the NPS website.
Arizona time
Arizona does not observe daylight saving time, so the time difference with other states changes in summer.
Border checkpoints
Highways near the Mexican border have U.S. Border Patrol checkpoints. Carry your passport while driving.
Heat
Summer temperatures pass 40 °C. Visit October to April and carry water on every hike.
The loop, stop by stop
1Phoenix
Suggested: 2 days
~106 mi straight-line from Phoenix
2Tucson
Suggested: 2 days
Sonoran Desert Seasonal Access and Camping
~14 mi straight-line from Tucson
3Saguaro National Park
Suggested: 1 day
Desert District Access and Special Use Permits
~49 mi straight-line from Saguaro National Park
4Tombstone
Suggested: 1 day
~22 mi straight-line from Tombstone
Add a day trip east to Chiricahua National Monument for its rock pinnacles.
5Bisbee
Suggested: 2 days
- Return to Phoenix and drop the car at PHX.
Experiences worth planning ahead
Guided tours along the loop: choose what fits your route and allow time for the meeting point.
Curated Trip Essentials
Five picks for Southern Arizona Saguaro & Wild West Loop from Phoenix
Water on walking days
2L Hydration Pack
Carry drinking water on longer walks; refill before leaving services.
Eye protection
Polarized Cycling Sunglasses
Wrap-around cycling sunglasses with polarized lenses and a lightweight TR90 frame, according to the listing.
Travel documents & cards
Crossbody Card Holder
Keep cards close on sightseeing days; check dimensions for what you want to carry.
Uneven walking trails
Adjustable Trekking Pole
An optional support on uneven walks. Check trail rules, pole length and airline baggage rules.
Wildlife & night viewing
Hawknite 1 4K Night Vision Binoculars
52MP photo · 1,200m range · full color at night. Check park rules before using lights at night.
$299.99 USD · store price
Shop at WILDGUARDEROptional picks, not a complete packing or safety list. Photos from the ROCKBROS and WILDGUARDER stores. Prices as of 2026-10-19 / 2026-10-20; price, stock and shipping may change.
Quick answers
How many days do I need for Tucson, Tombstone and Bisbee?
Plan 5 to 7 days: two or three nights in Tucson for Saguaro, one in Tombstone or Bisbee and a night in Phoenix.
Can I return the rental car in Phoenix?
Yes. The loop ends back in Phoenix, so you can drop the car at PHX where you picked it up and usually avoid one-way fees.
When is the best time to visit southern Arizona?
October to April is warm and dry. Saguaros bloom in May and June, but it is already very hot.
More road trips
Utah Mighty 5 Road Trip Loop Grand Canyon & Northern Arizona Loop California Sierra Parks Loop Yellowstone & Grand Teton Loop Colorado Rockies Loop Black Hills & Badlands Loop From the airport: Arizona Red Rocks Loop from Phoenix From the airport: The Grand Circle from Las Vegas From the airport: California Icons Loop from San Francisco From the airport: Florida Tropical & Keys Loop from Miami From the airport: Pacific Northwest Loop from Seattle From the airport: Colorado Rockies Loop from Denver