Planning the perfect fall getaway? Look no further than the ultimate road trip from Phoenix, Arizona, to Pagosa Springs, Colorado. This trip is packed with breathtaking scenery, iconic landmarks, and unique Fall experiences. As the leaves turn golden and temperatures drop, this adventure offers the best way to enjoy the beauty of the Southwest. Along the way, you’ll explore the Grand Canyon, the charming town of Page, Arizona, the unique Four Corners Monument, and finally, the serene hot springs of Pagosa Springs. So let’s get started…
Contents
- 1 Phoenix, Arizona: Road Trip Starting Point
- 2 The Grand Canyon: First Stop on the Phoenix to Pagosa Springs Road Trip
- 3 Page, Arizona: Stop Number Two on the Phoenix to Pagosa Springs Road Trip
- 4 Four Corners Monument: Third Stop on the Phoenix to Pagosa Springs Road Trip
- 5 Pagosa Springs, Colorado: Final Destination
- 6 Alternative Phoenix to Pagosa Springs Stops
- 7 Phoenix to Las Vegas Road Trip with an Electric Car
- 8 Road trip activities with kids
- 9 Is Driving from Phoenix to Pagosa Springs Worth It?
Phoenix, Arizona: Road Trip Starting Point
We live in Scottsdale, Arizona, where we don’t always have opportunities to really soak in all that Fall has to offer. So when we have the perfect opportunity to escape the city heat, you know we will!.
Before hitting the road, make sure your vehicle is road-trip ready: vehicle checks, lots of snacks and road trip activities, and for us – fully charging the car. The entire journey to Pagosa Springs, Colorado is an 8 ½ hour road trip, which is why we broke it up into days and stops. But the epic journey takes you through some of the most iconic and picturesque stops in Arizona and Colorado.
The Grand Canyon: First Stop on the Phoenix to Pagosa Springs Road Trip
Driving Distance: 3.5 hours from Phoenix
Our first stop was none other than the Grand Canyon, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. But did you know that In the fall, the Grand Canyon offers cooler temperatures, fewer crowds, and stunning views of the canyon draped in warm autumn hues? AND, if you go late in the Fall Season, it can even snow there. We were there the last week in October, and it snowed!
Things to Do at the Grand Canyon:
- Mather Point Overlook: Start your visit with a stop at Mather Point, one of the most popular viewpoints along the South Rim. From here, you can take in panoramic views of the canyon.
- Hiking the Rim Trail: If you’re up for a walk, hike a portion of the Rim Trail. This relatively easy trail runs along the canyon’s edge and provides spectacular photo opportunities at various viewpoints. And if you’re really up for a challenge, you can hike Rim to Rim – an all day hike!
- Sunset at Hopi Point: For a truly magical experience, stay to watch the sunset at Hopi Point. As the sun dips below the horizon, the canyon transforms into a kaleidoscope of colors.
Tips for Visiting the Grand Canyon in Fall:
- Dress in layers, especially in the early morning and evening. It can still be quite warm and sunny during the day when the sun comes so layering is key.
- Consider staying overnight in the Grand Canyon – camping or at the lodge – to make the most of your time here. We’ve both RV and car camped at the Grand Canyon. Both were unforgettable experiences.
Want more info about a trip to the Grand Canyon? Check out our full Grand Canyon guide here
Page, Arizona: Stop Number Two on the Phoenix to Pagosa Springs Road Trip
Driving Distance: 2.5 hours from the Grand Canyon
Leaving the Grand Canyon, our next stop was the charming town of Page, Arizona. Located near Lake Powell, Page is a gateway to some of the most stunning natural attractions in the Southwest. And since moving to Arizona, Page was on the top of my list, and we finally added it to our Arizona road trip adventures.
Things to do in Page:
- Horseshoe Bend: Just a short drive from Page, this iconic bend in the Colorado River offers breathtaking views. A short 1.5-mile round-trip hike will take you to the overlook where you can marvel at the river as it curves dramatically below you.
- Antelope Canyon: Page is also home to the world-famous Antelope Canyon, a slot canyon known for its smooth, flowing walls and beams of light that filter down through narrow openings. Book a guided tour to explore either the Upper or Lower Antelope Canyon and capture photos of the mesmerizing sandstone formations.
- Lake Powell: If you have time, consider renting a boat, paddleboard or kayak on Lake Powell. Surrounded by towering red cliffs and crystal-clear waters, it’s a stunning spot to relax or explore by water. We didn’t have time on this trip, but you can bet we’ll be back to kayak in this incredible area of Arizona.
- Glen Canyon: Glen Canyon is part of the National Park system, and even though it’s technically a National Recreation Area, you can still get your stamps and Jr. Ranger badge. Plus, there’s so much to do in the canyon, like visiting Rainbow Bridge, the dam, and Lees Ferry. Make sure to stop in the Visitors Center to learn more and complete a Jr. Ranger program.
- Hyatt Desert Photo Frame: One of our favorite places that we’ve EVER taken family photos has been at the Hyatt Photo Frame. Plan out time during sunset to visit – it’s the BEST time of the day to capture those moments.
Tips for Visiting Page, Arizona
- Make sure to book your Antelope Canyon tour in advance, as it’s a popular attraction with limited availability. And because it’s located on the reservation, you cannot hike it without a tour.
- Bring sunscreen, hats and lots of water. Even though it’s Fall, Page is still quite warm in the daytime. Sites like Horseshoe and Glen Canyon don’t have a lot of shade, so you want to be prepared.
Where to Stay in Page Arizona
There are a few different options if you’re looking at hotels from more luxurious like the Hyatt Place to more budget friendly, like the Comfort Inn (where we stayed). We loved the free breakfast everyday and the convenient location.
Four Corners Monument: Third Stop on the Phoenix to Pagosa Springs Road Trip
Driving Distance: 2.5 hours from Page
Once you leave Page, you’ll start heading out of Arizona and closer to our final destination of Pagosa Springs, Colorado. And a cool stop to break up the journey is a visit to the Four Corners Monument, where Arizona, Utah, Colorado, and New Mexico meet. This unique landmark is the ONLY PLACE IN THE US where four states meet, making it a must-visit for anyone road-tripping through the Southwest.
Things to do at Four Corners:
- Stand in Four States at Once: There’s pretty much just one main attraction at Four Corners, and this is it: standing at the exact spot where all four states meet. You can place one hand or foot in each state and take a photo to commemorate the moment.
- Shop for Local Crafts: The monument is surrounded by stands where Native American artisans sell handmade jewelry, pottery, and other crafts. It’s a great place to pick up souvenirs that reflect the region’s rich cultural heritage.
Tips for Visiting Four Corners
- There is an entrance fee to visit the monument is $8 per person, and they DO NOT accept cash. So make sure you have your credit card with you.
- The monument can get crowded, so visiting earlier in the day is a way to avoid the crowds and wait in line for the corners. Lines have been known to wait for more than an hour!
Pagosa Springs, Colorado: Final Destination
Driving Distance: 2.5 hours from Four Corners
After leaving Four Corners and stopping in New Mexico to charge the car, we finally arrived in Pagosa Springs, Colorado. Pagosa Springs is a cute little mountain town known for its natural hot springs, stunning fall foliage, and outdoor recreation. After several days of driving and desert exploring, Pagosa Springs was the perfect place to relax and recharge.
Things to do in Pagosa Springs:
- Soak in the Hot Springs: The highlight of Pagosa Springs is, of course, its natural hot springs.There are actually many free geothermal pools located along the San Juan River, offering picturesque views while you relax. Or you can spend a day at one of the gorgeous spas that offer a variety of hot springs options, which was what we did at The Springs Resort & Spa.
- Hiking: If you’re ready for adventure, Pagosa Springs is surrounded by hiking trails. Head out to nearby Treasure Falls, a beautiful waterfall located just off Highway 160, or explore the Piedra River Trail for a scenic walk through the forest.
- Downtown Pagosa Springs: Stroll through the quaint downtown area, where you’ll find local shops, cafes, and restaurants. Grab a warm cup of coffee or a hearty meal after a day of exploring or soaking in the springs.
Where to Stay in Pagosa Springs
- The Springs Resort & Spa: If you’re looking for a luxurious experience, stay at The Springs Resort, which offers access to multiple hot spring pools on-site, perfect for soaking under the stars after a long day of driving.
- Rustic Cabin Rentals: If you prefer a more secluded stay, there are plenty of rustic cabin rentals in the area that offer cozy accommodations with beautiful mountain views.
- Cozy Inn Stay: And if you want a cozy, inexpensive stay, we recommend staying at the Alpine Inn. It’s a family-owned inn, and it’s the most adorable place to stay. They have a delicious breakfast and the Inn was decked out in Fall decorations. We really loved our stay there.
Alternative Phoenix to Pagosa Springs Stops
Because we only had about a week to play with for our trip, there were a few places that we didn’t manage to get to. (Next trip) But if you have time, here are some other stops that are worth it.
Sedona: I will always add Sedona to any list of must-see stops on an Arizona road trip because it’s just THAT AWESOME! And in the Fall, Sedona is gorgeous! It’s another great alternative stop on this road trip.
Mesa Verde National Park: Mesa Verde is a hugely popular park for a reason. So if you have extra time, make sure to add it to your list of stops. And if you want to see the cliff dwellings up close, don’t forget to make a reservation, which are only available with ranger-led tours.
Utah Hoodoos: If you have extra time in Page, AZ, hop over the border and hit up Utah’s incredible southern area. We did a short hoodoo hike, and it was amazing! Other National Parks nearby include Zion, Red Cliffs and Grand Staircase.
Phoenix to Las Vegas Road Trip with an Electric Car
If you have an electric car and are planning a road trip from Phoenix, AZ to Pagosa Springs, Colorado, here are some tips to make your road trip the best one ever.
- Before setting off on your road trip, make sure you plan your route and charging stops. Arizona offers a lot more options when it comes to charging stations (especially Tesla supercharging stations) compared to New Mexico and Colorado.
- There are NO Tesla chargers in Pagosa Springs, so if you have a Tesla, make sure you have the attachment to be able to charge at a generic electric charger. There are a few places in Pagosa Springs and Durango that have generic electric chargers.
- Many hotels have electric chargers at the hotel so you can charge overnight – it’s a huge plus for charging.
- We always plan our charging stops around eating stops so we can take a lunch or dinner break while our car charges to save us time on the road trip.
Road trip activities with kids
You might be surprised to know, but we don’t use screens during our road trips. So the secret to our road trips with kids is our survival kit of activities. Over the years, we’ve had to adjust our road trip kit as Mia has gotten older, but the basic idea our kit remains the same – fun road trip activities.
Our favorite Road Trip with Kids gems:
Is Driving from Phoenix to Pagosa Springs Worth It?
If you have read any of my guides, you know how much I love to end with this question. So if you’re wondering if this epic road trip is worth it, YES, it is ABSOLUTELY is worth it!
This Phoenix to Pagosa Springs road trip offers an incredible mix of natural wonders, cultural landmarks, and relaxation, making it the perfect fall getaway for all of us Phoenix peeps looking to get away from the crazy heat.
It’s really difficult to pick favorites on this trip – they’re just all so good. I can honestly say we didn’t have a bad day throughout the entire trip and each stop was unique in it’s own way. So pack your bags, hit the road, and experience the beauty and diversity of the Southwest in one epic adventure.
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