As you may know we are big proponents of road trips here at The Washington Post.
And there is no better road trip than one that takes you from our nation’s capital all the way out to the beautiful state of Arizona.
This particular road trip will take you through some of the most stunning scenery in the country and you’ll have the opportunity to experience a wide variety of different landscapes and cultures along the way.
We’ve put together a comprehensive guide to help you plan and prepare for your trip so be sure to check it out before you hit the road.
Here are some of the things you’ll need to keep in mind as you plan your trip:
- Map out your route.
This is probably the most important step in planning any road trip.
You’ll want to take into account things like the distance you’re willing to drive each day what kinds of scenery you’re hoping to see and whether you want to make any stops along the way. - Choose your transportation.
Once you’ve figured out your route you’ll need to decide how you’re going to get from point A to point B.
If you’re driving your own car you’ll need to make sure it’s in good condition and that you have all the necessary supplies (e.g.
maps snacks etc.).
If you’re renting a car be sure to read the rental agreement carefully so you know what’s included and what’s not. - Pack your bags.
This is where things can get a little tricky.
You’ll want to bring enough clothes and personal items to last the entire trip but you don’t want to bring so much stuff that you can’t fit it all in the car.
A good rule of thumb is to pack light and pack smart. - Plan your meals.
Unless you’re planning to eat out at restaurants every day you’ll need to figure out what you’re going to eat while you’re on the road.
If you’re going to be doing any cooking be sure to pack all the necessary supplies.
And of course don’t forget the snacks! - Make a list of things to do.
A road trip is a perfect opportunity to explore new places and try new things.
Make a list of all the things you want to see and do and be sure to add a few backup options in case you run into bad weather or other unforeseen delays.
Now that you’ve got the basics down it’s time to start planning your trip! We can’t wait to see all the amazing things you’ll discover along the way.
Washington To Arizona Distance:
On a car the distance is 23 hr 33 min (1439.2 mi) via I-84 E.
Road Trip From Washington To Arizona: Gas Stations On The Way
If you’re planning a road trip from Washington to Arizona you’ll want to make sure you have plenty of gas in the tank.
Here are a few gas stations along the way:
In Washington:
Shell – 3300 188th St SW Lynnwood WA 98037
Chevron – 16001 Aurora Ave N Shoreline WA 98133
In Oregon:
Shell – 12900 NW Cornell Rd Portland OR 97229
Chevron – 1475 NW 185th Ave Beaverton OR 97006
In California:
Chevron – 2060 W Main St Turlock CA 95380
Shell – 5985 W Los Angeles Ave Moorpark CA 93021
In Nevada:
Chevron – 4890 W Tropicana Ave Las Vegas NV 89103
Shell – 5985 W Los Angeles Ave Moorpark CA 93021
In Utah:
Shell – 875 W Main St Price UT 84501
Chevron – 1555 W North Temple Salt Lake City UT 84116
In Arizona:
Shell – 2727 E Speedway Blvd Tucson AZ 85716
Chevron – 5151 E Speedway Blvd Tucson AZ 85712
How To Hire A Car For A Road Trip From Washington To Arizona
Some factors to consider include the type of car you need the length of your trip your budget and whether you plan to do any driving off the beaten path.
You may also want to consider whether you want to rent from a national chain or a local company.
Here are a few tips to help you get started:
- Decide what type of car you need.
If you’re just doing a short road trip a compact car may be sufficient.
However if you’re planning a longer trip or will be driving in mountainous or other challenging terrains you may want to rent an SUV or other larger vehicle. - Consider the length of your trip.
If you’re only going to be driving for a few days you may be able to get by with a shorter rental period.
However if you’re planning a longer trip you’ll need to make sure you have enough time to complete your journey. - Think about your budget.
Car rentals can vary widely in price so it’s important to consider your budget when choosing a company. - Do some research.
Once you’ve decided on the type of car you need and the length of your trip it’s time to start looking at companies.
Read reviews online ask friends or family for recommendations and compare prices. - Make a reservation.
Once you’ve found the perfect company make a reservation for your trip.
Be sure to have your credit card handy – most companies will require a deposit when you make your reservation. - Pick up your car.
When you arrive at your destination head to the rental company to pick up your car.
Be sure to have your driver’s license and credit card with you. - Start driving! Once you have your car it’s time to hit the open road.
Enjoy your trip and don’t forget to take plenty of pictures.
Road Trip From Washington To Arizona: Attractions To See On The Way
Are you planning a road trip from Washington to Arizona? If so you’re in for a treat! This route takes you through some of the most stunning scenery in the country and there are plenty of great attractions to see along the way.
Here are just a few of the highlights:
The Columbia River Gorge
The Columbia River Gorge is one of the most beautiful places in the Pacific Northwest.
The river canyon is up to 4000 feet deep in places and the views from the cliffs are simply breathtaking.
There are plenty of hiking and biking trails in the area and the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area is a great place to explore.
Mount Rainier National Park
Mount Rainier is the tallest mountain in the Cascade Range and it’s an absolutely stunning sight.
The national park is home to glaciers wildflower meadows old-growth forests and of course the majestic mountain itself.
There are plenty of hiking and camping opportunities in the park and it’s a great place to enjoy the outdoors.
Crater Lake National Park
Crater Lake is the deepest lake in the United States and it’s one of the most beautiful places in the world.
The blue waters of the lake are simply stunning and the surrounding cliffs and forests are also very impressive.
There are plenty of hiking trails in the area and the park is also home to a variety of wildlife.
The Painted Desert
The Painted Desert is a beautiful place to see some of the unique landscapes of the American Southwest.
The area is full of colorful rock formations and other interesting geological features.
It’s a great place to explore on foot and there are also some nice scenic drives in the area.
The Grand Canyon
Of course no road trip from Washington to Arizona would be complete without a stop at the Grand Canyon.
This is one of the most famous natural wonders in the world and it’s definitely worth a visit.
There are plenty of viewpoints along the rim of the canyon and there are also some great hiking trails if you want to get closer to the action.
So if you’re planning a road trip from Washington to Arizona be sure to check out all of these great attractions!
Road Trip From Washington To Arizona: What Hotels To Stay In?
There’s no shortage of amazing hotels to stay in when you’re taking a road trip from Washington to Arizona.
Whether you’re looking for luxury accommodations or more budget-friendly options you’ll be able to find the perfect place to rest your head each night.
Here are just a few of the incredible hotels you could consider during your travels:
The Ritz-Carlton Phoenix:
This 5-star hotel is the perfect place to pamper yourself after a long day of driving.
With a heated outdoor pool spa and fine dining restaurants you’ll have everything you need to relax and recharge.
The Phoenician Scottsdale:
Another luxurious option The Phoenician offers stunning desert views championship golf and a world-class spa.
It’s the perfect place to unwind and enjoy some of the best that Arizona has to offer.
The Wigwam Litchfield Park:
This historic hotel first opened its doors in 1929 and has been welcoming travelers ever since.
With 450 acres of beautiful grounds three golf courses and a full-service spa it’s easy to see why this is a popular choice for road trippers.
The Saguaro Scottsdale:
This hip and trendy hotel is a great option for those who want to be close to all the action in Scottsdale.
With a vibrant lobby bar poolside cabanas and a 24-hour fitness center it’s the perfect place to stay active and social during your trip.
Hampton Inn & Suites Phoenix Chandler Fashion Center:
This budget-friendly hotel is a great option for those who want to save some money without sacrificing comfort.
With free breakfast and WiFi an outdoor pool and a convenient location near shopping and dining it’s perfect for road trippers.