Are you looking to take a break from your busy schedule or simply get out of the house for an adventure? There are plenty of places to explore if you drive just a couple of hours from Goodyear, Arizona. From captivating landscapes to thrilling outdoor excursions, here are seven day trips you need to try:

Marvel at the Meteor Crater in Winslow

Meteor Crater, Arizona by Kevin Walsh is licensed with CC BY 2.0

Meteor Crater isn’t your average roadside attraction. It’s an incredible natural landmark depicting the aftermath of a meteorite strike that happened more than 50,000 years ago. What’s left is a huge crater measuring three-quarters of a mile wide and 750 feet deep. Take a three-hour day trip to Winslow, Arizona, and visit the Meteor Crater & Barringer Museum on Exit 233 of Interstate 40. General admission is $27 for ages 13 to 59 and $18 for children ages 6 to 12. Senior and military discounts are available.

After your museum visit ends, head over to Winslow’s historic downtown. This small town sits along Route 66 and has plenty of museums filled with memorabilia and historic hotels to take in the local culture. Complete your trip with a stop at the Hubbell trading post for souvenirs or authentic Navajo rugs and jewelry.

Experience the Wild West in Tombstone

Home of the infamous gunfight at the O.K. Corral, Tombstone, Arizona, takes you back to the 1800s when cowboys and outlaws thrived. Now, the town is much more peaceful, with lots of fun attractions, such as stagecoach rides, trolley tours, and horseback trail rides. There are daily gunfight shows with paid admission and nightly guided ghost tours. 

Tombstone is a little over 200 miles southeast of Goodyear, Arizona, and it’s an exciting place to spend the day. Visit the Old Tombstone Western Theme Park  to pan for gold, test your aim at the shooting gallery, or play a round of mini golf. Admission charges apply for many Tombstone attractions.

Cool Off at Kartchner Caverns

Come and see the world’s longest stalactite formation at Kartchner Caverns State Park, about one hour away from Tucson, Arizona. Guided tours take you underground into an impressive limestone cave, and tours vary in length from an hour and a half to two hours. Age restrictions and tour fees apply. Kartchner Caverns State Park is open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. General admission costs $7 per vehicle. 

Make the most of your trip and explore the nearby hiking trails after your cave excursion. Explore the beautiful landscape along the foothills of the Whetstone Mountains on the Ocotillo or Guindani Trail. If you’re not in a rush to return home, stay a little longer until the sun goes down. Kartchner Caverns is one of Arizona’s Dark Sky Parks, making it a perfect place to stargaze. 

Get Some Fresh Air in Flagstaff

For a more laid-back day trip, drive the two and a half hours to Flagstaff, Arizona. Flagstaff is located in the world’s largest ponderosa pine forest. Walk through several trails in the Coconino National Forest for an aromatherapy experience from the scented pines. Stop by any time of the year to enjoy the season and hike through the beautiful, nature-filled Arizona Trail. 

Cold weather enthusiasts can visit Arizona’s tallest mountain, Humphreys Peak, in the winter for some thrills in the snow at the Arizona Snowbowl Ski Resort. If you want something more tranquil, stroll through the Aspen Loop Trail in the spring, summer, or fall, and surround yourself with towering trees. Flagstaff is also a college town, so after your hike, grab a drink at a local brewery or enjoy a meal at one of its 200 restaurants.

Visit One of the 7 Natural Wonders of the World

Goodyear, Arizona, is just under four hours away from one of the most amazing natural wonders of the world — the Grand Canyon. Your best bet for maximizing your experience is to explore the South Rim, which is open year-round. Start your visit at the Grand Canyon Village and take a leisurely stroll on the paved walkways that line the rim. Check out the Trail of Time to learn about the canyon’s fascinating history through a geological timeline.

Book a fun South Rim tour if you’re looking for an immersive experience at the Grand Canyon. You can get an aerial view from a helicopter or drive to the bottom of the canyon in a tour bus and see the Colorado River up close. For more hands-on excursions, reserve a hiking tour into the canyon or a motorized raft tour on the river. Reservations are required, and booking fees apply.

Recharge in the Red Rock Country

Drive up to Sedona, Arizona, for a relaxing getaway surrounded by breathtaking red rock formations. While there are plenty of hiking trails and outdoor excursions, visitors love to come to Sedona for healing and spiritual renewal. Reserve a spa day at a Sedona spa or salon and indulge in a massage, facial, or beauty treatment. Venture out to the lush Verde Valley nearby and enjoy wine tasting at a local vineyard. 

Try an outdoor yoga retreat to connect your mind and body on your day trip. Families can pack a picnic and spend time at one of Sedona’s peaceful parks. After soaking up the sun, visit a local art gallery or cultural center to learn more about the area’s inspiring history. 

Spend a Day on the Water at Theodore Roosevelt Lake 

Does your ideal day trip involve water activities? There’s no better place to splash and play in the water than Theodore Roosevelt Lake in the Tonto National Forest. This manmade lake was created by the Roosevelt Dam on the Salt River in 1911. Now, boating enthusiasts who can travel across its 21,000 acres of water love it. 

Bring your family or friends and rent a boat or pontoon at the Roosevelt Lake Marina. You must be 21 or older with a valid driver’s license to rent a boat, and rental fees apply. Water-skiing and jet-skiing are available depending on the season. If you enjoy fishing, you can try catching a trophy largemouth bass or go for smaller channel catfish or crappie.

There’s something for everyone to enjoy on one of these seven day trips around Arizona. Which one are you most excited to try? Our team at Crème de la Crème of Goodyear looks forward to hearing about your next outdoor adventure. Did we forget to mention your favorite place? Let us know and we’ll plan a day trip there.