Best Things to do on a Road Trip from Columbus, Ohio and Phoenix, Arizona

Columbus, Ohio and Phoenix, Arizona are two great cities with plenty to see and do. Making the road trip between these two cities offers the opportunity to see some of the best sights in the American Midwest and Southwest. Hinton, Oklahoma is the halfway point of the trip and offers a great stopping point with plenty of attractions to take advantage of. The trip covers over 1,800 miles, taking approximately 25 hours of driving.

The Best Things to do on a Road Trip from Columbus, Ohio and Phoenix, Arizona

Visit the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Missouri

The Gateway Arch is a symbol of America's westward expansion and is an iconic monument to the pioneers who helped shape the country. Visitors can take a tram ride to the top for stunning views of the Mississippi River and downtown St. Louis. The arch is also part of the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial, a historic park that offers a range of outdoor activities.

Interesting Fact: The arch is the tallest man-made monument in the Western Hemisphere, standing at 630 feet.

Explore the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

The memorial and museum honor the victims, survivors, rescuers, and all who were affected by the Oklahoma City bombing on April 19, 1995. The outdoor symbolic memorial consists of a reflecting pool, field of empty chairs, and a survivor tree, while the museum provides an interactive and educational experience about the events of that day.

Interesting Fact: The outdoor memorial contains 168 empty chairs, each representing a life lost in the bombing.

Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride in Albuquerque, New Mexico

Albuquerque is known as the hot air ballooning capital of the world, and a road trip between Columbus and Phoenix wouldn't be complete without experiencing this unique adventure. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the Rio Grande Valley and the Sandia Mountains while floating peacefully above the ground.

Interesting Fact: The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is the largest hot air balloon festival in the world, attracting hundreds of balloons and thousands of spectators each year.

Hike in the Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona

Visiting the Grand Canyon is a must-see experience for anyone on a road trip between Columbus and Phoenix. The park offers numerous hiking trails of varying difficulty, providing breathtaking views of the canyon's stunning natural beauty. Whether it's a short walk along the rim or a more adventurous trek into the canyon itself, there's something for everyone to enjoy.

Interesting Fact: The Grand Canyon is over a mile deep and 18 miles wide at its widest point, with rocks at the bottom dating back nearly 2 billion years.

Relax at Papago Park in Phoenix, Arizona

Papago Park is a great spot to unwind and take in the natural beauty of the desert landscape. Visitors can explore the park's many trails, visit the Desert Botanical Garden, and check out the famous Hole in the Rock formation for panoramic views of Phoenix and the surrounding area.

Interesting Fact: Papago Park is home to the largest municipally operated botanical garden in the United States, with over 50,000 plant displays.

Conclusion

The road trip from Columbus, Ohio to Phoenix, Arizona offers a diverse range of attractions and experiences. From iconic landmarks and historical memorials to natural wonders and outdoor adventures, there's something for everyone to enjoy along the way. The trip takes approximately 25 hours of driving, covering over 1,800 miles. With plenty of stops and sights to take in, it's a journey that offers a great mix of urban excitement and natural beauty.