Travel Guides

15 reasons to visit Arizona this year

15 reasons to visit Arizona this year

World Heritage must-sees like the Grand Canyon and Tucson. The untamed scenes of Monument Valley, Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, Saguaro and the Sonoran Desert, dotted with unearthly formations, ancient ruins, hiking trails, towering cacti, Navajo sacred sites, and mighty rivers. Then there’s the innovative dining and Americana icons like Route 66, Wild West villages and tumbleweed-strewn ghost towns. And all this barely scratches Arizona’s spectacular surface…

Also known as the Grand Canyon State, Arizona is the wildest heart of southwestern USA, bordered by California, Nevada, New Mexico, Colorado and Utah. As you’ll see on this handy map, it’s a vast region spanning some 295,000km² to offer plenty of space to exhale, go outside and play, and to make the most of its annual 300 days of sunshine. There are a billion reasons why Arizona deserves the top spot on your must-see-ASAP list, but get started with this handy hitlist for a holiday packed with one-of-a-kind, meaningful experiences.

People climbing up stairs out of Antelope Canyon
Antelope Canyon

1. The Grand Canyon will drop your jaw

Arizona’s most iconic landmark isn’t only one of the world’s Seven Natural Wonders, its beauty is so overwhelming that US explorer John Wesley Powell once aptly said, “The wonders of the Grand Canyon cannot be adequately represented in symbols of speech, nor by speech itself.” One of the few wilderness areas that can be seen from space, the canyon spans an area of 4,931km² and at some points is almost 2km deep, carved by the mighty Colorado River nearly 6 million years ago. Today this vast expanse supports an array of ecosystems including Ponderosa pine and boreal forests, desert scrub, Pinyon-juniper woodlands and riparian zones, home to everything from elk to bobcats and condors. Above the canyon, the Grand Canyon National Park’s South Rim, North Rim, and the Hualapai Nation’s West Rim areas offer excellent vantage points along with accommodation, restaurants and attractions like The Grand Canyon Railway and the Skywalk – a glass bridge that hovers1.2km above the canyon for unrivalled views. Flightseeing by helicopter and mountain bike trails also offer thrilling perspectives but if you’re an experienced hiker, take advantage of the canyon’s vast network of trails. The most popular is the Bright Angel Trail, a 31km two-day trip that begins at the South Rim’s Grand Canyon Village then descends into the canyon via the challenging Devil’s Corkscrew switchbacks and a transparent suspension bridge to take in Garden Creek, the Indian Garden, Plateau Point and the Inner Gorge. For more trails and tips, visit the National Parks Service’s official website here.

Grand Canyon, North Rim
North Rim of the Grand Canyon

2. Experience authentic Native American heritage

As it’s home to 22 Native American Tribes including the Navajo, Hopi, and Zuni Nations, an Arizona adventure is an immersion in the Indigenous heritage embedded in the scenery – especially when it’s a culture-focused itinerary like the 15-day Following the Native Americans journey. A diverse array of authentic experiences leads to a profound connection to the land, its people, and their stories. Visit a hogan (a sacred Navajo dwelling); learn to cook traditional frybread; discover important cultural sites like the Wupatki, Sunset Crater Volcano and Tuzigoot National Monuments; and see the land through First Nations eyes with guided experiences at the Walpi/Hopi Nation, Middle Village at Zuni Pueblo, Toadlena Trading Post and Ute Tribal Park. And don’t miss the Canyon de Chelly National Monument sacred site, where human occupation dates back to 350AD and the White House Ruins were built by the Ancestral Puebloans a thousand year ago.

For a unique immersion in Arizona’s First Nations cultures, check out our Following the Native Americans small-group adventure.

Woman weaving in traditional house
Navajo woman weaving in a Hogan

3. Get your kicks on Route 66

Stretching 620km from the New Mexico border to the outskirts of Kingman, Arizona is home to the longest section of the ‘Mother Road’ – it was created in 1926 and quickly became an American icon. Though Route 66 was decommissioned in 1985, it’s still a beloved part of US history, offering a nostalgic journey through some of the most picturesque scenes of the American Southwest. Hit the road for quirky roadside attractions like Holbrook’s rustic diners and its Wigwam Motel, and the nearby Petrified Forest National Park. Williams, split by the road, offers a blend of old-time Americana charm and modern conveniences. Seligman stands out for its kitschy, photogenic scenes; the Powerhouse Visitor Center & Museum offers a deeper dive into the highway’s rich past and, further west, the former goldmining town of Oatman has wild burros roaming its main street!

4. Iconic Monument Valley is even more impressive in person

In northern Arizona, Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park’s red mesas and colossal sandstone buttes seem to have been hand-sculpted by giants, forming part of the storied, sacred lands of the Navajo Nation who call the area Tsé Biiʼ Ndzisgaii (which roughly translates to ‘valley of the rocks’). Encompassing some 370km² of the Colorado Plateau, the park is a unique masterpiece of geological artistry and a place to exhale, breathe in the views, and be awed by both the human and natural history embedded in the landscape. The area was first home to the Ancestral Pueblo, who lived there from around 1AD to 1300AD, with the Navajo (Diné) arriving in the 15th century. Take a guided excursion to hunt for more than 25,000 sacred petroglyphs and archaeological sites; keep an eye out for intriguing formations like the North Window, Totem Pole, Three Sisters, Mittens and Elephant Butte; explore the sights on the Valley Drive loop road; hike the Wildcat Trail, and shop for handicrafts at the local Trading Post.

Three stone formations in a desert, Monument Valley.
Monument Valley

5. Outdoor adventures are a statewide thrill

You don’t have to look far for a hit of adrenaline – Arizona’s natural playgrounds offer every outdoor adventure under the ever-shining sun. Get a condor’s eye view of its earth-toned patchwork on a hot air balloon ride over the Sonoran Desert, or a helicopter tour of the Grand Canyon. Prefer something more active? Make the most of all the paddling and pedalling opportunities on offer. Lake Powell, Lake Pleasant, Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area and Watson Lake are a dream for kayakers, while white water rafting excursions on the Colorado River can last anywhere from a few hours to a couple of weeks. For mountain-bikers, the Rainbow Rim Trail reveals the rugged heart of the northern Grand Canyon via a moderate 29km trail, while road cyclists shouldn’t miss the challenging ride up Mount Lemmon near Tucson. If you’re keen to hit the road minus the legwork, offroad adventuring by 4×4 vehicle is also a highlight, with the state’s many 4WD tracks leading to ghost towns and abandoned mining settlements. Check out the Off-Highway Vehicle Program for handy tips.

Our 12-day Arizona’s Outdoor Adventures journey reveals the state’s wildest heart, including hot-air ballooning, Native American cultural experiences, Grand Canyon helicopter flightseeing, and Old West ranch stays.

People rafting within Colorado River
Rafting in Colorado River

6. Live your ‘cowboys and outlaws’ Wild West dream

Known as The Town Too Tough To Die, Tombstone brings the old west to life quicker than you can say “yee-haw”, with its historic streets, courthouse, theatre, storefronts, saloons and legendary O.K. Corral setting the scene for reenactments of classic gunfights and shootouts. Level up your experience with a stay at the Tombstone Monument Ranch, where you can take your pick of traditional western town buildings to stay in, including a jail, grand hotel and post office.

Three Cowboys in Tombstone, Arizona
Cowboys in Tombstone, Arizona

7. Arizona is a hiker’s happy place

According to the acclaimed hiker’s resource AllTrails, Arizona boasts more than 3,000 trails, so whether you’re an experienced trekker or a leisurely ambler, you’re spoilt for choice. For example, in Mesa’s Usery Mountain Regional Park, the easy is a 5km wander to a shady, atmospheric cave perfect for a picnic, while the moderate Devil’s Bridge Trail via Dry Creek Road is a popular choice close to Sedona, unfurling views of the Coconino National Forest and Red Rock country enroute to its giant sandstone-arch namesake. For fit adventurers with plenty of stamina, the incredibly challenging 32km Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim walk takes up to five days, offering the most intensive immersion in the canyon’s landscapes as well as serious bragging rights.

8. Its vast skies are ideal for stargazing

With 13 designated Dark Sky Parks and a series of Dark Sky Places all offering low humidity, elevated viewpoints, minimal light pollution and exceptional scenery in general, Arizona’s skies are a sparkling treasure trove for astro enthusiasts. In fact, when conditions are clear, it’s possible to see not only stars and clusters, but also Mercury, Mars, Jupiter and the Andromeda galaxy. For a closer look at the cosmos, also make time to explore the state’s standout observatories, including those at Whipple, Kitt Peak, Mount Graham and Lowell.

Sleep under the stars on a glamping safari across Arizona: our 9-night Under The Desert Sky journey is stellar in every sense! 

Tents under the stars
Under Canvas Grand Canyon

9. Tucson’s foodie scene is World Heritage-listed

America’s first UNESCO City of Gastronomy, Tucson serves memorable dining on a platter with its rich culinary heritage dating back some 4,000 years and blending Native American, Mexican, and Spanish epicurean traditions. Look for ingredients like mesquite pod flour, Medjool dates, Sonoran desert honey, prickly pear, chiltepin, cacti and sunflowers, and dishes like frybread (Native American bread), chimichangas (deep-fried burritos), cheese crisps (crunchy open-face quesadillas), Navajo tacos and Sonoran hotdogs. Savour these local flavours at popular eateries like El Charro Café and El Güero Canelo, farmers markets, and legendary foodie festivals.

10. Take your pick of standout city experiences

Along with Tucson, the cities of Phoenix, Flagstaff and Scottsdale offer a wealth of standout experiences. In Phoenix, (also known as the Valley of the Sun) you can visit an impressive hitlist of museums, explore the stunning Desert Botanical Garden and make the most of the city’s easy access to wilderness areas like Camelback Mountain, the Sonoran Desert and South Mountain Park and Preserve. A hub for creativity, golf and wellness resorts, vibrant Scottsdale offers more than 100 art galleries and some of the best pampering in the USA with more than 50 luxury resort and day spas. Meanwhile, in the world’s largest contiguous ponderosa pine forest of Arizona’s north, Flagstaff has its own bounty of attractions – such as the Museum of Northern Arizona, the Wupatki National Monument, and the Flagstaff Ale Trail – as well as easy access to Grand Canyon, Sedona and Route 66.

ruins in the desert
Wupatki National Monument

11. You’ll give back to local communities

Adventure World’s MAKE TRAVEL MATTER experiences positively impact the people and places we visit, offering authentic, ethical excursions for travellers while encouraging the greatest community benefit from tourism. In Arizona, you can experience the feelgood thrill of giving back at Red Heritage. This Navajo-owned and operated Native American dinner theatre showcases traditional dance, food, language and music, offering an authentic immersion in Native American culture while helping to preserve the Navajo Nation’s ages old traditions for future generations.

Experience Red Heritage as part of Adventure World’s 14-day Authentic Southwest itinerary, which combines the Rocky Mountaineer’s newest rail journey with a road trip to the Grand Canyon, Lake Powell and beyond. 

12. Recharge your body, soul and imagination in Sedona

Known for its red-orange sandstone formations, extensive trails, thriving arts scene and rejuvenating atmosphere, Sedona offers feelgood adventures aplenty. Hot-foot it to Oak Creek Canyon, Red Rock State Park, and intriguingly named rock formations like Bell, Snoopy and the Coffee Pot, and visit the area’s renowned energy vortexes – sites where powerful energy is said to swirl to boost healing and inspiration. See how locals harness the area’s creative energy in various galleries and shops in Uptown, West Sedona and Tlaquepaque, take your pick of New Age spa treatments at Sedona’s famed wellness resorts, and Make Travel Matter by taking the Sedona Cares Pledge before you visit.

Bell Rock

13. Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend are a photographer’s dream

Bring plenty of memory cards for your camera – Arizona’s scenery seems to make photographers extra snap-happy. And while you’re spoilt for choice of inspiration across the state, you won’t want to miss Antelope Canyon. Part of the Lake Powell Navajo Tribal Park, near Page on the Utah border, this jaw-dropper was created by millions of years of erosion, with both its upper and lower sections offering an ever-changing dance of shifting light along narrow sandstone walls and surreal passages. Nearby, Horseshoe Bend is the highlight of Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, a picturesque wonder that formed when the Colorado River looped around a sandstone escarpment.

Explore the Grand Canyon and beyond on our 10-day Canyon Adventure Holiday, which also includes sunset safaris, guided hikes, helicopter tours, horseback rides and Native American experiences.

Looking up at the canyon formations
Antelope Canyon

14. The whole state is a wildlife and biodiversity hotspot

With 28 national parks and forests, and 30 designated wildlife areas, Arizona is a haven for unique plants and wildlife. One of its many iconic locations is Saguaro National Park in the Sonoran Desert, home to mountain lions, spiny lizards, desert tortoises, and 60 types of cactus – including the towering 12m saguaro, which can live for 150 years. For birders, Sipe White Mountain Wildlife Area is hummingbird heaven, while Glen Canyon offers rare views of California condors. For large mammals, Kofa National Wildlife Refuge boasts excellent bighorn sheep sightings, House Rock Wildlife Area is a great spot to see bison, and the Lamar Haines Memorial Wildlife Area is home to elk and mule deer.

Saguaro Cactus in Desert
Saguaro in Sonoran Desert

15. Its high-desert vineyards grow award-winning wines

Wet your whistle with a homegrown Arizona tipple. The Grand Canyon state boasts three major wine-growing regions at Sonoita, Willcox and the Verde Valley, which are home to more than 30 cellar doors including Sonoita Vineyards, Keeling-Schaefer Vineyards, Page Springs Cellars and Alcantara Vineyards. Plus, there’s an impressive lineup of festivals to tempt thirsty travellers, including the Willcox Wine Country Festival, Sedona Winefest, HarvestFest, and The Great Crush Festival.

Discover Arizona’s highlights on our 13-day Desert Dreams self-drive journey, which takes the scenic route from Los Angeles to Las Vegas. 

Your Arizona questions, answered

What you need to know before you go.

Do I need a visa to visit Arizona?

If you’re visiting the USA for less than 90 days, an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) may be applicable. This grants access into the USA under the Visa Waiver Program – head to the official ESTA site to check your eligibility. If you’re planning to stay longer, you’ll need to secure a visa before you travel. Either way, for up-to-date information for Australian travellers to the US, keep an eye on the official Smart Traveller website or contact our Destination Experts.

When’s the best time to visit Arizona?

Across the state spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) offer the mildest conditions for outdoor activities and exploration. However Arizona can be a year round destination with regions in the Northern and Eastern parts of Arizona offering some relief from the desert summer temperatures often experienced in Central and Southern Arizona from (June to August). 

What’s the best way to reach Arizona?

Arizona is easily accessed via both domestic and international flights, if you aren’t visiting as part of an interstate road trip. The state has more than 60 public and private airports, including Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, Tucson International Airport, Phoenix-Mesa Gateway and Flagstaff Pulliam Airport.

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