Phoenix Day Trips

Explore the surrounding areas of Phoenix on a scenic day trip. Its centralized location allows for adventures in all directions. Head north to find Cave Creek, the eclectic town of Carefree and the Grand Canyon. Travel south and you'll encounter the historic Casa Grande Ruins National Monument. To the east lies the Apache Junction, rich in culture. Venture west and experience the awesomeness of the desert. Here is a sampling of some top notch day trips.

Cave Creek and Care Free

Situated 30 miles north of Phoenix, within the foothills of the Sonoran Desert, is the quaint little town of Cave Creek. Back in the gold rush days this town flourished with miners and travelers who looked to claim great fortunes. These days, it's the perfect place to throw on your spurs, mosey on down to the saloon, and guzzle a few back as you two-step like you're from the Wild West. As Cave Creek expanded, its neighboring community Carefree was born. Unlike its adjacent counterpart, Carefree focuses more on souvenir shops, galleries and bistros. It's also home to the world's largest sundial.

Casa Grande Ruins National Monument

For over 1,000 years the ancient civilization of the Hohokam inhabited the Casa Grande in the Southwest Desert until they mysteriously vanished in the mid-1400's. Within their deserted villages they left behind artifacts that detailed their civilization and provided a glimpse of how they lived. (All of which are currently on display at the Pueblo Grande Museum and Archaeological Park.) In the early 1900's, the Casa Grande Ruins was deemed the nation's first archeological preserve. These days, a tour includes the Casa Grande Ruins National Monument, archeological dig sites and the vast openness of the desert.