Arizona is one of the most traveled states in the United States bringing millions of tourists worldwide, and for good reason. They call Arizona, the "Grand Canyon State" because people travel near and far just to visit the Grand Canyon, the kind of attraction that carries a vast beauty unlike no other, a place very much worth visiting. Since bordered by Las Vegas, California, Utah, Colorado, Mexico, and New Mexico, people nearby see Arizona as a MUST to stop by for a few days just to witness the beautiful desert landscapes and learn its rich history.
Arizona has so much more to offer than just the Grand Canyon, most popular places in Arizona include Sedona, Tuscan, Lake Havasu, Petrified Forest National Park, and more. Arizona is perfect for adventure travelers or backpackers who love a good hike with a beautiful view. However, there are activities and attractions in Arizona for all types of travelers, in places that don't require much walking.
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The Best Time to Visit
Although Arizona is in the "Sun Belt," the southern part of the US that receives the most sun, you will be humbly surprised at how cold Arizona can get. I was ignorant that it can get as cold as Canada. Arriving in early November, the weather in Phoenix was around -10C during the night. So, sightseeing came with many many layers. All this to say the seasons are hard to determine precisely, so check the weather before planning at these recommended times.
The Best time to visit Grand Canyon & surrounding attractions: April and May. Not too hot and can enjoy fewer crowds before school finishes in June. If planning to go to the North Rim, avoid winter as it is closed.
Fewer Crowds: November- May.
Cheapest: Low season is typically in November - February
What To Know Before You Go
The North Rim of the Grand Canyon as well as nearby roads and restaurants are closed from fall to spring, due to the dangers of the cold winters.
Do not wear WHITE shoes, you're almost guaranteed to get dirty.
Prepare for any type of weather
Book and planning ahead is ideal
Transportation
It is ideal to rent a car or use a car-sharing service but that can be quite expensive going from attraction to attraction.
1. Grand Canyon
At number one, and probably the reason you are going to Arizona. Grand Canyon is so popular because of how the force of one river, the Colorado river, eroded the earth and formed these beautiful 4,000 ft deep carvings in the ground over 6 million years ago forming the canyon today.
Grand Canyon National Park is so incredibly big, most people plan days for hiking, lodging, and other activities. But if you are like us and are only going for one day, it is still enough to grasp its beauty.
We went to the South Rim, which you can access from Arizona. Grand Canyon also has a North Rim which you can access through Utah and a West Rim through Nevada.
Fee: National Park (North and South rims) entrance fees - $30 per vehicle.
It is FREE on these dates: Source: https://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/fees.htm
Once you enter the park, you are given a map and there are several points you can walk, drive, and hike to for amazing views, some are:
Mather Point https://goo.gl/maps/hmp795t55mTLMGkC9
Yaki Point https://goo.gl/maps/nwaQQupSJAYSYb4Z9
Bright Angel Point https://goo.gl/maps/k1p2LfzfHgE2dsNFA
Angels Window (need to hike to) https://goo.gl/maps/hUakTJFJ89byi1yy8
What you need:
Running shoes (These are my favorites)
2. Antelope Canyon
Visit the Antelope Canyon, which is one of the most visited slot canyons, which was formed through the eroded rock over time by the force of rainwater, creating unique abstract carvings in the rock. Millions of people come to witness how the light of the sun shines through, feeling as if they're on another planet. You cannot come alone here as it belongs to the Lake Powell Navajo Tribal Park, so you must book a tour guide with an authorized Navajo guide.
What to know: There is an Upper & Lower Antelope Canyon, upper is usually the most popular
When to go: Cheaper & fewer People off-season- Nov- Jan
Fee: For 1 hour can range from $40 -$80 per person
Drive: We went from the Horseshoe Bend -> Antelope Canyon which was 11 minute's drive.
South Rim -> Antelope = 2 hours
What to Bring: The most comfortable shoes that you wouldn't mind getting dirty. A sweater can get quite cold in the canyon, and a water bottle. (My absolute favorite is the Brimma Bottle)
3. Red Rocks of Sedona- State Park
Visit the red rocks of Sedona and see an array of different rock formations uniquely still standing. It was a thin layer of a mineral called iron oxide in the rock that turned it into a rich bright red color. Sedona is located between Phoenix, and Grand Canyon so it is a great place to stop if you have more time. The Bell Rock is one of the most famous rocks people come to see.
Some popular hiking trails:
Cathedral Rock Trailhead
Devil's Bridge Tail - Start from the parking lot at Dry Creek Road - Challenging hike
Fee: $7 daily per person
Drive/ How to access: Just arrive at the State Park parking lot and begin you can wander around
What to Bring: The most comfortable shoes that you wouldn't mind getting dirty. Stay hydrated by bringing a water bottle.
4. Monument Valley
If you truly want to feel as if you're on Mars, you MUST visit Monument Valley located in the Monument Valley Tribal Park. Being known for its appearance on Forest Gump, Mission Impossible ll, and more, it clearly is a famous sight to see.
What to know: It is run by an Indian reservation called Navajo Nation and is located on the border between Arizona and Utah. A popular point many people stop at is called John Ford's point. There is even a Forest Gump point with views of the long narrow road and the abstract rocks in the distance.
Where to stay: There are many lodges, cans, and hotels nearby that give you up-close views of the insanely beautiful mesas. This is the one I recommend (LINK)
Fee: $8 per person per day to enter the park, which allows unlimited access for the day.
Drive/ How to access: About a 2.5-3 hour drive from Grand Canyon. You can simply drive through Monument Valley on a 17-mile road called Tribal Park Loop and take stops along with way. But if you want to go beyond and explore past this loop you have to go with an authorized guide. (LINK)
What to Bring: Your most comfortable shoes with good grip or shoes specific for hiking. Stay hydrated by bringing a water bottle.
5. Mooney/ Havasu Waterfall
If you miss seeing water, head to Mooney Falls, one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Arizona. To access it, you must buy a permit from them, which you can do online, better to do it ahead of time as it gets booked up pretty fast.
What to know: It is located on an Indian reservation called Havasupai. This hike requires an overnight stay at the reservation. To access it, you must buy a permit from them, which you can do online, better to do it ahead of time as it gets booked up pretty fast. This hike is suited for adventure travelers who love a good challenging hike, as this hike is just that.
When to go: Cheaper & fewer People off-season- Nov- Jan
Fee: $100-$125 per person/night including all taxes and environmental fees
Drive/ How to access: Access through Havasu Falls trailhead, which begins at the Hualapai Hilltop parking lot.
What to Bring: Your most comfortable shoes with good grip or shoes specific for hiking. Stay hydrated by bringing a water bottle.
6. Horseshoe Bend
Just like the Grand Canyon, the horseshoe bend was formed over millions of years as the river as well as strong weather conditions impacted the rock and formed a unique stand-alone masterpiece, resembling a horseshoe.
What to know: It can get quite packed with people taking pictures at the edge point. So, it is best to go as early as possible. You can take a shortcut by cutting through the path and it makes for some great pictures, seeing the huge hole in the distance!
Fee: $10 per car
Drive/ How to access: You enter the parking lot and begin your walk along a simple path to the bend, takes about 15-20 minutes of walking to finally see it.
What to Bring: The most comfortable shoes that you wouldn't mind getting dirty. Water bottle.
7. Saguaro National Park
When you think of Arizona you probably think of the desert and all the cacti, well you're not wrong. There is an entire park dedicated to cacti, specifically what it is named after, Saguaro Cactus! A great place in Arizona for photographers to take amazing shots, and for content creators to take cool Instagram pictures. It is more of an underrated spot compared to other places in Arizona but somewhere well worth the visit.
What to know: If you are near the area, this is a great place to visit especially at night when you can see all the silhouettes of the cactus.
Fee: $25 per car or $15 per person
Drive/ How to access: You enter the parking lot at the Parks entrance.
What to Bring: The most comfortable shoes that you wouldn't mind getting dirty. Water bottle.
8. Drive on Route 66
At first, I had no idea why Route 66 was so famous, as I was seeing these signs everywhere. I came to learn that this was the first ever highway in the US that was used to get from downtown Chicago where it starts and Santa Monica pier in California where it ends. Having so much history and forming a lot of American cultures, it has become popularized to drive through and witness its evolution along the way.
We stopped by Seligman which is where you can get a true glimpse and sense the spirit of how it looked almost 100 years ago. Here you can see Kitsch shops, motels, signs, old police cars, and more. Driving through this road would make for a great road trip from Arizona to California.
9. Eat at In-N-Out Burger
If you're a foodie like me, and not from America. I recommend you try In & Out, as we don't have these in Canada. A fast-food burger chain, with pretty delicious burgers and popular animal fries. It is a great way to start or end your Arizona trip. The fries alone are not the best if I'm being honest, but I think the burgers are so delicious and definitely worth it! You can find these all over Arizona, so head to the drive-thru or dine in and thank me later!
10. Dinner with a view
Now you have seen that Arizona has some of the best views and monuments in America. Why not mix a delicious meal with site seeing for the ultimate Arizona experience? Treat yourself to a fine dining experience at Different Pointe of View located in Phoenix, and witness the mountains, desert, and twinkling lights of Phoenix in the distance. A great ambiance for a romantic date night or friend's night out, this highly-rated restaurant has amazing appetizers, main dishes ranging from seafood to steak, and delicious desserts, thank me later.
As I come to the end of this blog post, I realize there is so much more to share about this topic. From the hidden gems tucked away in the streets to the latest trends, there is always something new to discover. I hope this blog at least piqued your interest of Arizona and left you wanting to explore for yourself. What awaits you next?
Plan on going to Arizona? Have any questions? Have you been to Arizona, if so what was your experience like? Please comment down below, I would love to hear about it!
Until the next trip, adios! <3
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