Phoenix to Grand Canyon South Rim drive: 17 ranked stops worth the detour

Chrome-and-neon 1950s diner right on West Route 66, rescued by its longtime manager after a 2019 closure and back to slinging shakes and blue-plate breakfasts. Kids love the jukebox-era booths.

Nepalese and Indian curries, momos, and tandoori on the Milton Road strip — the town's go-to when a road trip needs a break from burgers. Mountain-town portions built for post-hike appetites.

Where Pluto was discovered, on a hill above Route 66 Flagstaff — the night sky as the main event.

Flagstaff's original brewpub since 1994, pouring house brews alongside comfort food and wood-fired pizza — a cozy landing spot after a mountain day.

ski the San Francisco Peaks high above the desert

Flagstaff's special-occasion standby in a 1911 Craftsman bungalow with a stone fireplace and porch seating. The polished-but-unfussy move for dinner after a South Rim day trip.

A 35-time Best of Flag winner where everything — bagels, breads, quiche, cinnamon rolls — is baked from scratch each morning. Fuel up here before the 80-minute run to the South Rim.

A cool, pine-shaded city course at nearly 6,800 feet, a perfect summer detour on the way to the Grand Canyon. The original nine dates to the 1920s and the mountain air is a tonic after the desert.

A pine-lined course at 7,000 feet with the San Francisco Peaks watching over you. One of Flagstaff's best public escapes when the valley is baking.

Gary Panks framed this one against Sedona's red-rock cathedrals, and the par-3 10th may be the most photographed hole in the Southwest. Bring a wide-angle lens and play slow.

A wedding-cake "castle" on a cactus hill in Phoenix, ringed by one of the oldest saguaro gardens in the country.

Sedona red rock and ponderosa high country

A classic parkland course threading the junipers with red-rock views in every direction. Semi-private but happy to give visitors a tee time.

the highest summit above Sedona (7,122 ft) — a long, steep climb to a massive panorama

Chef Lisa Dahl's playful 'couture burger lounge' in the Village of Oak Creek, with a marble bar, 40-plus bourbons and boozy milkshakes — the most fun, low-key stop in her Sedona family.