Phoenix to Prescott AZ road trip: Drive time, distance & best stops

The distance from Phoenix to Prescott AZ by car is 100 miles, with a 1h48m driving time. The best road trip stops on the Phoenix to Prescott drive are the Pioneer Living History Museum, the Agua Fria National Monument and Black Canyon Heritage Park.

Planning a Phoenix to Prescott road trip itinerary

The Phoenix to Prescott drive takes you from the capital of Arizona to an enjoyable weekend break destination.

A stay in Phoenix is at its best when you explore the surrounding Sonoran Desert. That might be in a hot air balloon flight, on an ATV tour or on a guided sunset hiking adventure. You can also do day tours along the Apache Trail.

For other Phoenix experiences, try a downtown food tour, a street art tour or a spooky nighttime ghost walk.

Attractions that you might wish to buy advance include cell phone-friendly tickets for include Phoenix Zoo, the Sea Life aquarium or a drunk Shakespeare performance.

For Phoenix accommodation options with a bit of character, try the art-splashed Foundre or the resort-like Raintree at Phoenix South Mountain Preserve.

Prescott is an enjoyably lively city in central Arizona, where the bars of Whiskey Row have a notorious good time vibe. There are also a couple of solid cultural attractions here. The Sharlot Hall Museum looks at pioneer-era history and the Museum of Indigenous People concentrates on Native American heritage.

You can also explore the spectacular surrounding landscapes. Try an off-road adventure, horseback-riding or taking an e-bike ride down the Peavine Trail.

Browse plenty more Prescott activities here, or fix up great rates on Prescott accommodation here.

Phoenix to Prescott distance and driving time

By car, the distance from Phoenix to Prescott is 100 miles. You can expect a driving time of around one hour and 48 minutes. The quickest route is along the I-17 and AZ-69.

The best stops to add to a Phoenix to Prescott road trip itinerary are the Pioneer Living History Museum, the Agua Fria National Monument and Black Canyon Heritage Park.

Phoenix to Prescott road trip attractions: Pioneer Living History Museum

The Pioneer Living History Museum to the north of Phoenix takes you back to the days when Arizona was a territory rather than a state. Across 20 reconstructed buildings and 90 acres, there’s a real Old West feel. Visitors can nosy around the blacksmith’s shop, dress shop and plenty more. Entrance to the on-site Telephone History Museum is included in the price.

Phoenix to Prescott drive: Agua Fria National Monument

The Agua Fria National Monument is primarily of interest for its architectural record. Hundreds of Native American pueblo structures, built between 1250 and 1450, have been found here. The Pueblo La Plata section is the best bet for visitors wanting to know more.

There’s also an extensive haul of petroglyphs between the dormant volcano and two mesas that provide the monument’s visual appeal. It’s a good spot for hiking and wildlife-viewing.

Best stops between Phoenix and Prescott: Black Canyon Heritage Park

The Black Canyon Heritage Park is a great spot for seeing birds and butterflies. In Black Canyon City, this park is close to the I-17, and has a short, accessible nature trail running through it. Interpretive signs help you learn more about the creatures you’re looking at.