The best day trips from Phoenix.

The jagged Superstition Mountains rise sharply from the east edge of the Valley, the setting of the legend of the Lost Dutchman's gold mine. The state park at their base has trails for every level, from flat nature walks to the steep Siphon Draw, and spectacular light at sunset.

A rebuilt 1890s mining town with a narrow-gauge railroad, mine tour, gunfight shows and a saloon. It is next door to Lost Dutchman, so the two make an easy morning with children.

The road winds through the Superstitions to Canyon Lake, a reservoir set in a red-walled canyon with boat tours, and on to Tortilla Flat, a tiny old stagecoach stop with a saloon walled in dollar bills and prickly pear ice cream.

Cave Creek is an Old West town of saloons, steakhouses and live country music; neighboring Carefree is quieter, with a desert garden and a giant sundial. A relaxed afternoon and dinner with real desert all around.

Arizona's oldest and largest botanical garden, set beneath the dramatic cliffs of Picketpost Mountain. Trails loop past desert plants from around the world, a creek and a small lake. Spring and autumn are the best seasons.

A small Western town known for its dude ranches and the Desert Caballeros Western Museum, with a walkable historic downtown. Good for a slow day with a cowboy flavor.

Architect Paolo Soleri's experimental desert town, a striking concrete settlement built on the edge of a canyon, where the famous Soleri bells are made. Guided tours run most days, and it is an easy stop on the way to Sedona.

A five-story cliff dwelling built by the Sinagua people more than 800 years ago, set in a limestone cliff above Beaver Creek. A short paved loop leads to the viewpoint. It is right off Interstate 17, so it fits neatly into a Sedona day.

Climb from saguaros into pine forest on the way to Payson. Nearby, Tonto Natural Bridge State Park protects what is believed to be the largest natural travertine bridge in the world, with trails down into the creek below it.

Arizona's old territorial capital: Courthouse Plaza, Whiskey Row, antique shops and cool pine air. Add Watson Lake and the boulders of the Granite Dells for a short walk.

Saguaro National Park, the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum and Mission San Xavier del Bac fill a day easily, and Tucson's Sonoran-style food is reason enough to stay for dinner.

The classic. Red rock buttes, scenic drives, short and long hikes, galleries and sunset from Airport Mesa. See our full Sedona day trip guide.

A hillside mining town turned artists' colony, and below it the tasting rooms of Arizona's wine country. See our Verde Valley wine guide.

Cool mountain air, a historic Route 66 downtown, Lowell Observatory and the San Francisco Peaks. In summer it is the quickest escape from the heat; in winter, there is skiing at Arizona Snowbowl.

The O.K. Corral, Boot Hill and the boardwalks of Allen Street. A long day out and back; combine it with Bisbee if you can stay a night.

The longest day trip on the list and the most rewarding. Leave Phoenix by 7am, stop in Sedona or Williams on the way, spend the afternoon walking the rim and be home late in the evening. Read our Grand Canyon day trip guide before you go.