Planning an Arizona street journey or a metropolis break within the desert state? Visiting Arizona is ideal for the outdoorsy and adventurous type, with a powerful array of otherworldly nationwide parks.
It could nearly be overwhelming for those who don’t know the place to start out. Do you head straight to the Grand Canyon or linger on the mystical vortexes in Sedona? (We’ll get into that in a minute.)
Use this information to plan your Arizona journey from begin to end, together with the right way to prioritize what to see in Arizona.
What number of days ought to I spend in Arizona?
If you happen to solely have a number of days, two to 3 days is sufficient to go to Sedona, Flagstaff, or a mix of Phoenix and Scottsdale.
Every week offers you sufficient time for an Arizona street journey that can hit the pure highlights. That features the Grand Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, Antelope Canyon — each Decrease Antelope Canyon and the Higher Canyon are price your time — and the crimson rocks of Sedona.
Horseshoe Bend (Web page, AZ)
With extra time, you’ll be able to add extra of the state’s distinctive landscapes, just like the astounding Monument Valley of northern Arizona, Petrified Forest Nationwide Park, and Lake Powell.
What’s the prettiest place in Arizona?
Sedona at all times involves thoughts as one of many prettiest locations in Arizona. Truthfully, it’s some of the scenic locations in america.
Close by Oak Creek Canyon and Slide Rock State Park solely add to the intrigue within the area on Arizona street journeys, with sufficient chance to fill weeks’ price of adventurous actions.
10 Enjoyable Information About Arizona
Petrified Forest Nationwide Park – Blue Forest Path
Arizona is sort of an attention-grabbing place, which makes it rife with prospects the place enjoyable info are involved. Try 10 of my favourite Arizona enjoyable info to impress any locals you come throughout.
- Arizona has wine! In truth, there are over 100 completely different wineries doing their factor in Arizona.
- If you happen to simply can’t deprive your self of these fries everytime you see these golden arches, you will have Arizona to thank. The primary McDonald’s drive-through opened in Sierra Vista again in 1975.
- The film Oklahoma! was filmed in Arizona, so after they’re occurring about these wide-open plains or no matter they’re occurring about, the inspiration was Arizona.
- These saguaro cacti are much more spectacular if you discover out that the Sonoran Desert is the one place on the earth the place they develop.
- The state has an official state fossil: petrified wooden. Stand up shut and private with samples at Petrified Forest Nationwide Park.
- Sure, the massive nationwide parks are superior, particularly for those who’ve skilled the Grand Canyon South Rim. Arizona can also be dwelling to 18 nationwide monuments, greater than every other state. The Vermilion Cliffs and Walnut Canyon are amongst them, and properly price an add on any Arizona itinerary.
- If you happen to’re an enormous fan of hummingbirds, head to Arizona. Relying on the yr — generally Texas stories extra of the quickly buzzing birds — Arizona has extra hummingbird exercise than anyplace else in america.
- Arizona did one thing magical in 1973 when the bola tie was designated the official neckwear of the state.
- Most of Arizona observes Mountain Normal Time year-round, which implies they don’t get all fuzzy when many of the remainder of the nation is coping with daylight financial savings.
- That mentioned, Arizona’s Navajo Nation does observe the daylight financial savings time change, which makes me unhappy for them.
High Locations to Go to in Arizona
It may be onerous to slim down the most effective locations to go to in Arizona. Whether or not you’re brief on time or plotting your route for an Arizona street journey, listed here are my favorites, in no specific order.
Antelope Canyon
Higher Antelope Canyon (Web page, AZ)
This slot canyon close to Web page will transport you to what you’re nearly sure is one other planet. That’s how unusual the landscapes are as you descend beneath the bottom.
If you happen to’re in a position, discover each the decrease and the higher canyons. Each provide one thing just a bit bit completely different from the opposite.
Be aware: Remember the fact that the canyons are solely accessible on a guided tour. That is Navajo land you’ll be visiting right here.
Planning a visit to Arizona with youngsters? There may be some climbing concerned with an Antelope Canyon go to, but it surely’s an amazing Arizona day journey for adventurous little ones.
Need an adventurous twist? As a substitute of exploring the canyon with a basic strolling tour, go for a novel and much less crowded expertise by renting a kayak and paddling from Lake Powell to Antelope Canyon.
Grand Canyon Nationwide Park
Desert View East Rim, Grand Canyon Nationwide Park
This is without doubt one of the most spectacular pure wonders you’ll encounter on this earth, though I do know somebody who known as this one a “big gap within the floor.”
If you happen to’re in a position, take one of many mountain climbing paths down into the canyon to soak up a number of the finest Grand Canyon views. Mirror on how small you’re feeling trying up on the canyon partitions rising round you. This place is spectacular, and under no circumstances overrated.
Grand Canyon Nationwide Park is straightforward sufficient to discover by yourself, however for those who’re on the lookout for a bucket listy guided expertise, guided excursions are additionally an possibility.
Biking lover? Masking 800 miles, the Arizona Nationwide Scenic Path affords an opportunity to traverse the whole state from north to south, together with a quick journey by way of the Grand Canyon.
Saguaro Nationwide Park
Saguaro Nationwide Park West – Sendero Esperanza Path to Wasson Peak
If you happen to’re speaking about saguaro, a easy cactus will be very spectacular.
Enjoyable reality: The specimens within the park can develop as much as 40 ft tall, with arms reaching out for the solar in probably the most amusing methods.
Quite a few trails at Saguaro Nationwide Park will get you proper up shut and private with the featured cacti. Exterior of the
Scottsdale
Taliesin West (Scottsdale)
The sprawling metropolis of Phoenix is probably going the place most vacationers are beginning their Arizona adventures, but when the sprawl of the massive metropolis overwhelms you, head to Scottsdale, as a substitute.
Benefit from the quite a few spas right here and deal with your self to a day of rest. Stroll town’s Previous City with its Nineteenth-century olive bushes and eat your approach by way of a burgeoning foodie scene. Go to Taliesin West, a should for followers of structure and Frank Lloyd Wright.
All of that makes Scottsdale the right cease for weekend getaways in Arizona, whether or not you’re touring as a pair or with your mates.
Scottsdale is cool, and it needs you to realize it.
Sedona
Soldier Go Path – Sedona
Sedona looks like worlds away from the remainder of the state, with a number of the most spectacular landscapes you’ll discover throughout the nation. A Sedona journey can also be standard with these in search of a religious expertise. Apparently, there are vortexes right here that radiate the Earth’s power.
Hike among the many crimson sandstone in your personal religious journey, and comply with it up with dinner on this foodie paradise. Sedona can also be a preferred place for guided excursions, together with journeys to see a number of the finest stargazing throughout the state.
Finest Instances to Go to Arizona
The winter and spring months are usually the occasions of yr to go to Arizona for the most effective likelihood at respectable climate, particularly for those who’re trying to hit any of the nationwide parks and state parks within the state.
We’ve visited throughout each of these seasons on our Arizona trip and located winter preferable.
That mentioned, when to go to Arizona does rely some on the place you’re going within the state and what you’ll be doing, as these winter months do see snow in areas of the state with some elevation.
Summer season (June-August)
There’s a motive why snowbirds depart Arizona in the summertime months for his or her major properties within the Midwest. It’s SO scorching within the state in the summertime. If you happen to’re high-quality dwelling because the locals do, inside their air-conditioned areas, plan to trip Arizona in the summertime.
The one perk I can consider with a go to throughout this time is decrease charges on airfare and lodging within the state’s primary cities, with the state’s tourism trade itching to get you to go to in that summer season warmth.
The exception to the above is Grand Canyon Nationwide Park, which sees most of its vacationers in the summertime months, regardless of the potential for extreme thunderstorms at the moment.
Keep away from visiting the state’s slot canyons through the summer season months. On high of the warmth, flash floods are additionally a harmful chance.
Fall (September-November)
If you happen to’re excited by visiting the Grand Canyon, this can be a nice time to go, as street closures are attainable as soon as the snows come within the area.
Cooler temperatures make the cities extra interesting within the fall as properly, with many standard state festivals occurring throughout autumn.
Winter (December-February)
Winter is a peak journey time all through Arizona, notably for those who’re hitting the spas of Phoenix or Previous City Scottsdale in your Arizona street journey itinerary.
The snowbirds are in full pressure, crowding outside patios to get some outdoors time they seemingly wouldn’t be capable to wherever they got here from.
Arizona does get snow in sure elements of the state, although, so hold that in thoughts on the high of your Arizona journey suggestions for those who’re anticipating to have the ability to do all of these hikes you’ve been enthusiastic about. We hiked a number of trails slick with ice on our go to to Sedona in February.
Spring (March-Might)
Regardless of a better likelihood of rain throughout the state, spring is a wonderful time to go to Arizona due to the desert blooms possible throughout a go to then.
You’ll see the cacti of Saguaro Nationwide Park topped with blooms, for instance, a magical sight, and every kind of floral exercise in locations just like the Desert Botanical Backyard in Phoenix.
If you happen to’re visiting early within the season, you should still expertise some snow on the bottom in areas of the state at greater elevations. Temperatures expectedly start to rise by mid-Might because the summer season season approaches.
How one can Get to Arizona
Arizona has some main transportation hubs so that you can fly into for those who’re touring by aircraft, together with Phoenix Sky Harbor Worldwide Airport and Tucson Worldwide Airport.
Mission San Xavier del Bac – Tucson
Connections from there can be found to smaller airports all through the state, together with Yuma Worldwide Airport and Flagstaff Pulliam Airport.
Offers to the main hubs, particularly Phoenix, are simpler to search out for those who’re versatile on timing. Anticipate greater costs within the winter months, a peak journey season for snowbirds.
Use a software like Skyscanner for those who’re capable of watch flights for a bit to catch these Arizona journey offers.
One other technique is following the main airways that fly there for offers on low cost Arizona journey which will come up out of your metropolis. Watch Southwest and Delta, two massive canine that provide tons of flights into the state from across the nation.
What to Pack to Arizona
What to pack to Arizona will rely a bit on if you’re going — for those who’re hitting Vegas on the way in which, for instance, deliver all of the sequins — however listed here are a number of gadgets that can cowl the preferred Arizona journey itineraries.
- Cowboy Boots: A cowboy hat is at all times a very good wager for those who’re headed to Arizona’s western cities. Full the look with a scorching pair of cowboy boots.
- Cowboy Hat: If you happen to’ve added Tombstone to your record of issues to do in Arizona, a cowboy hat is much more of a no brainer. Get in on a few of that line dancing whilst you’re at it.
- Flannels: It’s not scorching in Arizona year-round. In these transitional months, you’ll need layers. Flannels are a flexible alternative when these desert evenings hit.
- Mountain climbing Backpack: If you happen to’re exploring a number of the state’s parks, head on the market ready with a very good mountain climbing backpack. Get your self an identical water bladder to remain hydrated.
- Mountain climbing Pants: A pair of excellent weather-resistant pants will be fairly clutch on winter visits to mountain climbing locations like Sedona the place stream crossings are an enormous factor.
- Mountain climbing Footwear: If you happen to’re mountain climbing, whether or not you’re hitting the deserts or crossing streams in Sedona, deliver alongside a sturdy mountain climbing shoe.
- Layered Jacket: Except you’re touring within the useless of summer season — I’d advocate towards planning day journey actions to the desert then — Arizona climate can get sneaky.
- Rain Jacket: Summer season showers are a chance regardless of the place you’re visiting in Arizona. Pack one thing light-weight simply in case.
- Sundresses: Make that spa weekend in Phoenix or Scottsdale even fancier with a sundress or two. You’ll need breezy supplies for warm-weather journey in Arizona.
- Wool Socks: If you happen to’re doing any mountain climbing in your journey, pack a number of pairs of wool socks it doesn’t matter what time of yr you’re going. They’ll hold you dry and funky.
How one can Get Round Arizona
Arizona is a good state for street journeys.
E-book a automobile rental earlier than you arrive, so what you’re getting in your drive by way of the state. It’s at all times best to simply decide your trip up from the airport.
If you happen to’re on the lookout for extra choices for long-distance journey, Amtrak does have a number of routes that lower by way of the state to get you to hubs like Flagstaff, Kingman, Tucson, and Yuma, however you’ll nonetheless seemingly want a automobile when you get there.
Greyhound is absolutely your solely long-distance bus possibility.
Dobbins Lookout (Phoenix)
In case your journey is proscribed to Phoenix, you could possibly get round utilizing town’s community of buses and lightweight rail system. Tucson additionally has greater than 40 bus routes that run in and across the metropolis.
Widespread Arizona Phrases
Though you need to count on to be spoken to in English in Arizona, that doesn’t imply you’ll mechanically perceive what somebody’s saying to you whilst you’re there.
Try these frequent Arizona phrases and all the most effective Arizona slang so that you’re ready for all of that conversing with the locals.
The Large Ditch
Arizonans are pleased with their pure wonders, however they do wish to poke enjoyable at rampant vacationer fascination with the Grand Canyon, or The Large Ditch.
However it’s a dry warmth.
Natives don’t truly say this, however these new to Arizona do. Does dry warmth actually matter when temps are within the triple digits?
Carneceria
You’re extra more likely to get your meats from a carniceria than a butcher store whereas in Arizona, partly due to a lot of the state’s proximity to the Mexican border.
Chubasco
A chubasco refers to inclement climate throughout monsoon season and Arizona’s torrential downpours.
Oven Mitts
OK, this isn’t slang however a warning to these visiting Arizona in the summertime months. The summers get so scorching some take to carrying oven mitts for defense when their fingers are on the steering wheel.
Raspados
Raspados are the Arizona model of snow cones or shave ice for those who’re fortunate sufficient to be in Hawaii.
Snowbirds
These are all the oldsters coming to Arizona from chilly climates, typically the Midwest.
Swamp Field
Arizonans are all about their air-con. A swamp field is an evaporative cooler.
Stravenues
Stravenues are streets, roads, avenues, and so forth. that run alongside a diagonal.
The Ten
It is a reference to Interstate 10, the main east-west freeway within the state.
Native Arizona Meals
Arizona is probably not recognized for its culinary delights, however there are fairly a number of issues you need to attempt in your go to to get an actual style of the state.
Cheese Crisp
The cheese crisp, standard all through Phoenix, is sort of a quesadilla that forgot its high and is sliced like a pizza. Something tacky sounds mighty high-quality to me.
Chimichanga
You’ll discover Mexico’s affect throughout Arizona delicacies. A chimichanga is a deep-fried burrito that’s served with dollops of bitter cream and guacamole.
Cowboy Steak
You didn’t put on these cowboy boots only for kicks. A cowboy steak, or Arizona steak, is usually fairly the hunk of meat: a 24-ounce, bone-in rib eye.
Fry Bread
Fry bread is a scrumptious Navajo custom, a plate of fluffy bread topped with beans, meat, and any method of savory substances.
The story behind the deal with isn’t as fantastic. The Navajo folks got here up with the thought after they have been compelled to depart their lands by their colonizers. Fry bread served as sustenance.
Margaritas
It’s a little bit bit obscure, however Arizonans love their Mexican meals, and alongside all of these chimichangas, they’re more likely to be sipping on margaritas.
You’ll discover fancied-up preparations within the massive cities. Prickly pear is a well-liked ingredient.
Navajo Tacos
When your fry bread is served up like a taco, you will have a Navajo taco. Floor beef is a well-liked protein, and you need to count on the fixings you’d discover at your favourite taco bar.
Piki
Piki bread comes from the Hopi tribe and is exclusive in its coloration. The bread is made with blue cornmeal and is so skinny that It melts in your mouth upon the primary chew.
Ranch Fries
Ranch fries are crinkle-cut fries layered with a number of heart-stopping substances, and by that I imply they’re each scrumptious and never nutritious.
Suppose bacon, numerous cheeses, chili, and sure, Ranch dressing.
Raspados
You already know the lingo from the frequent phrases above. Raspados are Arizona’s snow cones.
Sonoran Scorching Canine
This avenue meals is beloved in Tucson and fairly the intestine punch. The recent canine are wrapped in bacon and topped with beans, mayonnaise, and different toppings relying in your temper.
Particular Dates & Occasions in Arizona
If you happen to’re planning a visit to Arizona throughout a particular time of yr, contemplate whether or not any festivals or holidays are occurring. You might need to attend particular occasions or keep away from them, as holidays typically imply enterprise closures.
Tucson Pageant of Books (March)
The annual Tucson Pageant of Books is a free honest that celebrates the written phrase. Meet authors, take heed to readings, and hang around with like-minded people on the College of Arizona’s grassy mall.
Arizona Polish Pageant (April)
The Arizona Polish Pageant, held yearly in Phoenix, permits all Arizonans throughout the state to eat their weight in pierogi and dance it off to one of many polka bands going stay at any given second. I additionally think about gallons of Polish beer.
Phoenix Movie Pageant (August)
It’s not nearly Cannes, folks. The Phoenix Movie Pageant is an enormous deal on the movie circuit.
A whole lot of films are screened over 11 days on the pageant, which began in 2000 to get Arizona on the map within the movie trade.
Helldorado Days (October)
This annual occasion is an ode to the Wild West and the city of Tombstone. Watch staged gunfights, cowboy reenactments, and line dance to your coronary heart’s content material.
OK Corral
Arizona Journey FAQs
Is Arizona costly to trip?
Arizona will be costly to trip for those who plan winter journey to a spa vacation spot like Scottsdale. It may also be very budget-friendly for those who plan low season journey to the state’s nationwide parks or a metropolis break in Phoenix.
What time of yr is the most affordable to go to Arizona?
January is mostly the most affordable time of yr to go to Arizona, but it surely does rely upon the place you’re going within the state for those who’re on the lookout for budget-friendly journey. Summer season within the state’s massive cities can provide massive financial savings for those who don’t thoughts coping with the warmth.
Is the Grand Canyon nearer to Phoenix or Sedona?
The Grand Canyon is nearer to Sedona than Pheonix. The driving distance from Sedona to the Grand Canyon is roughly 117 miles. The gap from Phoenix is round 230 miles. Each provide a scenic path to the nationwide park, so it might rely upon the place you fly in.
Embark on an Arizona journey full of pure wonders, vibrant tradition, and unforgettable adventures—your final desert escape awaits!
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