Arizona Travel Guide
From the depths of the Grand Canyon to the towering red rocks of Sedona, Arizona is home to some of the most spectacular landscapes in the American Southwest. Hike through colorful slot canyons, stand among giant saguaro cacti, explore the otherworldly landscapes of Petrified Forest, and take a road trip through Monument Valley.
Arizona is also home to four national parks, including Chiricahua, which became America’s newest national park in October 2026.
We’ve explored Arizona on multiple trips, hiking its famous trails, visiting its national parks, and road tripping through its deserts and red rock landscapes. In this Arizona Travel Guide, you’ll find our favorite places to visit, hiking guides, road trip itineraries, and practical tips to help you plan your trip.
Arizona Itineraries
One of the best ways to explore Arizona is on a road trip. Whether you want to visit the Grand Canyon, explore Sedona, or combine Arizona with Utah’s national parks, these itineraries will help you plan your route and make the most of your time.
Arizona Road Trip Itinerary: The Best of Arizona in 10 Days
On this Arizona road trip itinerary, you will visit three national parks, drive past the buttes and mesas of Monument Valley, walk through magical Antelope Canyon, and hike the desert hills of Sedona. Arizona is home to some of the most iconic landscapes in the United States and this road trip is the perfect way to see them.
10 Days in the American Southwest: The Ultimate Road Trip
This itinerary includes some of the most popular places to visit in the American Southwest, such as the Grand Canyon and Zion National Park. But you also get to go off-the-beaten-path, and explore lesser known by no less amazing places like Willis Creek and Spooky Gulch.
Two Week American Southwest Road Trip: Grand Canyon & Utah’s Mighty 5
This is one of the best road trips in the USA. On this two week American Southwest road trip, you will visit Utah’s Mighty 5, the Grand Canyon, and a handful of wonderful state parks and national monuments.
This is the itinerary I wish we had when we planned our first road trip to the American Southwest.
Grand Canyon Road Trip: 5 Itineraries from Las Vegas
Here are five sample itineraries, ranging from 5 to 10 days. All of these itineraries include Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon. Depending on the length of time of the itinerary, we also add in places like Zion National Park, Antelope Canyon, Sedona, Death Valley, and Monument Valley. Several of these itineraries can be done as a Las Vegas loop road trip.
Grand Canyon
From the top things to do in the park, to the best trails to hike, and sample itineraries to help you plan your time, here are our articles about Grand Canyon National Park.
Grand Canyon National Park: Plan Your Perfect Trip
In our Guide to Grand Canyon National Park, learn about the best things to do, the best hiking trails, where to eat, and where to stay.
14 Best Things to Do on the Grand Canyon South Rim
There’s more to do on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon than simply stand at a viewpoint and admire the scenery. You can hike below the rim for an entirely different perspective, bike along a scenic road, watch the sunrise illuminate the canyon walls, or take a helicopter flight over one of the most […]
Best Views of the Grand Canyon: 17 South Rim Viewpoints Rated
The South Rim of the Grand Canyon is lined with spectacular viewpoints, from the famous overlooks near Grand Canyon Village to the quieter stops along Hermit Road and Desert View Drive. But with so many viewpoints to choose from, which ones are actually worth your time? We’ve explored the South Rim on multiple visits to […]
Grand Canyon Helicopter Tour: Is It Worth It? Our Experience & Tips
Seeing the Grand Canyon from a helicopter is an unforgettable experience. As you fly over the rim and the canyon opens up beneath you, you get an entirely different perspective on its enormous size, colorful cliffs, and dramatic landscape. When we visited the Grand Canyon, our original plan was for all four of us to […]
Grand Canyon Skywalk: Overhyped or Worth It? Our Experience
Located on the West Rim of the Grand Canyon, the Skywalk is an easily accessible viewpoint from Las Vegas. It looks and sounds thrilling…a glass walkway perched high above the canyon floor, offering spectacular views of the Grand Canyon. But is the Grand Canyon Skywalk worth it? We visited the Skywalk as a family of […]
One Day in the Grand Canyon: 5 Itineraries for Every Traveler
One day in the Grand Canyon is just enough time to see some of its most spectacular viewpoints, hike below the rim, and experience one of America’s most remarkable landscapes. But with so much to see and do, how do you plan the perfect day? The answer depends on how much time you have and […]
Sedona
We have a long list of articles lots to help you plan your trip to Sedona. In our Sedona Travel Guide, learn about the best things to do, the best hiking trails, where to eat, and where to stay. You will also find sample itineraries, whether you are planning a very quick visit or even one wonderful week here.
Sedona Travel Guide: How to Plan a Trip to Sedona
12 Best Sedona Hikes, Ranked Shortest to Longest
If you are looking for an epic hiking destination, it’s tough to beat Sedona, Arizona. With its red rock scenery, arches, hidden caves, and network of hiking trails, this is a great place to explore on foot. Add in the abundance of top-notch hotels and restaurants in Sedona and you have an awesome getaway destination, […]
15 Amazing Things to Do in Sedona (Beyond Just Hiking the Trails)
What do you look for when picking the perfect vacation spot? Outdoor adventures? Shopping? Wineries? Great restaurants? Beautiful sunsets? A fun place to take the kids? What if I told you that you could get all of these in one place…Sedona, Arizona. In this article, learn about the best things to do in Sedona with […]
Best Way to Spend One Day in Sedona, Arizona
Sedona, with its short but thrilling hiking trails, scenic drives, shops, and restaurants, makes an epic road trip destination in Arizona. If you have one day in Sedona, we have several great suggestions on how to spend your time. “One day” can mean several different things. Whether you will just be passing through, or if […]
Boynton Canyon Trail & the Subway Cave | One of Sedona’s Top Hikes
Boynton Canyon is one of Sedona’s top hikes. This is a relatively easy hike, as you walk on a mostly flat trail that is sheltered from the sun. The trail ends at the back of the canyon, where a short climb takes you up to a viewpoint, offering sweeping views of Boynton Canyon. Along the […]
Exactly How to Hike Devils Bridge in Sedona
Devils Bridge is a wonderful hike in Sedona. With an easy hiking trail, beautiful red rock scenery, and of course, the chance to have your photo taken on top of Devils Bridge, this hike makes the top of the list for many visitors to Sedona. This is one of the most popular trails in Sedona […]
How to Drive the Broken Arrow 4WD Trail in Sedona, Arizona
The Broken Arrow Trail is known as being one of the best 4×4 roads in Sedona. Not only is it extremely fun to drive but the views along the trail are amazing. If you only have the time for one 4×4 road in Sedona, this is the one that we recommend. This was, by far, […]
How to Hike the Bear Mountain Trail in Sedona, Arizona
Bear Mountain is one of the tallest peaks in Sedona. From the top, you are rewarded with panoramic views of the red rocks of Sedona as well as the San Francisco Peaks near Flagstaff. Getting here is a challenge. This is a short hike, just 5 miles round trip, but the elevation gain is huge. […]
How to Hike the Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte Loop Trail
If you are looking for an easy hike with great views of two of Sedona’s most iconic formations, Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte, then put the Bell Rock and Courthouse Loop Butte Trail on your to do list. This hike is done as a loop, so your views are always changing. It’s a relatively flat […]
How to Hike the Brins Mesa – Soldier Pass Loop in Sedona
The Brins Mesa and Soldier Pass Loop combines two scenic hiking trails into one awesome experience. Since this is done as a loop, you are always hiking through new landscapes, so the view is always changing. From Brins Mesa, you get panoramic views of the surrounding red rock mountains. On the Soldier Pass Trail, you […]
How to Hike to Cathedral Rock in Sedona, Arizona
Hiking to Cathedral Rock is an essential experience in Sedona. This hike is short and sweet, and with some rock scrambling and jaw-dropping views, it’s tons of fun from start to finish. Cathedral Rock is one of the most popular hikes in Sedona. Do not expect solitude on this trail. This experience is much more […]
How to Photograph Cathedral Rock from the Crescent Moon Picnic Site
The Crescent Moon Picnic Site is one of the best photography locations in Sedona. If you want to photograph Cathedral Rock with Oak Creek, which is one of the iconic shots in Sedona, this is the place to go. There is more to do at the Crescent Moon Picnic Site than just take a picture […]
Sedona Itinerary | Best Way to Spend 1 to 6 Days in Sedona
There are many different ways to piece together a Sedona itinerary. Your perfect itinerary depends on your traveling style. Whether you are an avid hiker, a family traveling with kids, or someone who wants to experience Sedona without spending time on the hiking trails, we have some great suggestions for you. In this guide, learn […]
Six 4WD Roads in Sedona…Which Ones are Worth It?
One of the best ways to explore the desert landscapes and red rock scenery is to drive the 4WD roads in Sedona. These roads range from easy to difficult and take you to stunning overlooks and through remote terrain. They are lots of fun to drive and offer a unique experience if you are looking […]
Soldier Pass Trail & Soldier Pass Cave: Step-By-Step Trail Guide
There are several reasons why so many hikers rave about the Soldier Pass Trail. For one thing, it is relatively short and easy to hike. But the main reason why people love this trail is to visit the Seven Sacred Pools, hike past a sinkhole named Devil’s Kitchen, and hike to the Soldier Pass cave. […]
The Complete Guide to the Birthing Cave Hike | Sedona, Arizona
In Sedona, there are many hidden caves to hike to. The Birthing Cave is one of the fastest and easiest to visit. Round trip, this hike comes in at 2 miles and most people can do this in about an hour, if you move fast. However, the trick is finding parking (this is a very […]
Monument Valley
Monument Valley is one of the USA’s most iconic landscapes. Learn how to plan your visit and explore off-the-beaten-path places.
How to Visit Monument Valley (Everything We Learned From 2 Visits)
Monument Valley is one of the most recognizable landscapes in the American Southwest, with massive sandstone buttes rising from a wide-open desert landscape along the Arizona–Utah border. You can drive the scenic Valley Drive on your own, hike around one of the iconic Mittens, join a Navajo-guided tour into areas that are otherwise off limits, […]
Is Teardrop Arch in Monument Valley Worth It?
Teardrop Arch is one of the lesser-known places to visit in Monument Valley. Located away from the busy Valley Drive, this sandstone opening frames a beautiful view of Monument Valley and can be visited on a guided tour with a Navajo guide. Tim and I visited Teardrop Arch on our first trip to Monument Valley. […]
What to Expect on a Monument Valley Sunrise Tour
Watching the sunrise in Monument Valley is spectacular on its own, but a sunrise photography tour takes you beyond the classic viewpoints and into parts of the park that you can only visit with a Navajo guide. On our first trip to Monument Valley, Tim and I booked a sunrise photography tour with Phillips Photography […]
Antelope Canyon
Journey through Antelope Canyon in photos and learn how to plan your visit.
Lower Antelope Canyon: Tours, Pricing & What to Expect
Lower Antelope Canyon lives in the shadow of its more famous neighbor up the road, but Tim would argue it shouldn’t. When we visited both canyons on the same day, Upper was my favorite and Lower was his, and we’ve never quite agreed on which one wins. What makes Lower different is hard to describe […]
How to Visit Upper Antelope Canyon (+ Lots of Photos!)
Isn’t it awesome when a new place completely astounds you? For me, that was Upper Antelope Canyon. I first saw photos years before I visited – those glowing red walls, the twisted, scalloped rock, the famous beams of light cutting through dusty air. I genuinely wasn’t sure a place could look like that in real […]
Upper or Lower Antelope Canyon: Which One Should You Visit?
Tim and I visited Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon on the same day. We took the same tours, walked through the same red sandstone walls, and came away with completely different favorites. Tim’s was Lower. Mine was Upper. That split tells you something important: these aren’t two versions of the same experience. They’re genuinely different […]
Saguaro National Park
Saguaro National Park is named for the Saguaro cactus, which grows only in the Sonoran Desert. This is an easy park to visit, with scenic drives and short walks among the towering cacti. A half day is all you need to see the highlights, but with more time you can tour the entire park, go on a day hike, or camp in the backcountry.
8 Amazing Things to Do in Saguaro National Park
Petrified Forest National Park
One Day in Petrified Forest National Park: Our Itinerary & Best Stops
Petrified Forest National Park is small so you really only need one day to explore it. In this article, learn the best things to do in Petrified Forest National Park, how to manage your time, where to stay, and more.
Top Experiences in Arizona
Explore Antelope Canyon. This colorful slot canyon has two main parts, Upper Antelope Canyon and Lower Antelope Canyon. The Upper Canyon is incredibly photogenic, with light beams, falling sands, and very high canyon walls. Lower Antelope Canyon is known for its fun to be had squeezing through twisted narrow passageways and climbing ladders.
Sedona. Sedona is a beautiful city in Arizona known for the red rock formations, evergreens and more than 400 miles of trails around it for hiking and biking. Sedona was regarded as sacred in the past, and even today people cite Sedona’s magnetic vortices as a source of inspirational and healing energy. As such, Sedona has many famous locations and is famous for psychic readings, the Chapel of the Holy Cross, and its night sky.
Explore Phoenix. Arizona’s capital city combines beautiful Sonoran Desert scenery with world-class resorts, excellent restaurants, and plenty of outdoor adventures. Stroll among towering cacti at the Desert Botanical Garden, hike the trails at Camelback Mountain or Papago Park, and explore the city’s museums and vibrant arts scene. Phoenix is also a great starting point for an Arizona road trip, with Sedona and the Grand Canyon farther north.
Monument Valley. When picturing old American westerns, a view like Monument Valley’s is sure to come to mind. With sandstone buttes, colossal mesas, and panoramic vistas, Monument Valley is one of America’s iconic landscapes. While far away from Arizona’s major cities, this Navajo Tribal Park has plenty of things for everyone. Most hikes of Monument Valley require a tour guide, but allow you to explore petroglyphs, Anasazi sites, and caves.
Grand Canyon National Park. Walk up to it, fly above it, hike around it, or take a rafting trip. The Grand Canyon is one of the US’s most popular tourist destinations and is both larger than the state of Rhode Island and a mile deep.
Petrified Forest National Park. Visiting Petrified Forest National Park feels like taking a step back in time. Walking into this relatively small park you will be greeted with colorful, uniquely beautiful hills of the Painted Desert, giant, petrified trees that puzzle the mind, and the chance to walk backcountry trails without another person in sight.
Saguaro National Park. Located near Tucson, Saguaro National Park is named for the Saguaro cactus, which grows only in the Sonoran Desert. This is an easy park to visit, with scenic drives and short walks among the towering cacti.
Chiricahua National Park. America’s newest national park, designated in October 2026, is located in southeastern Arizona near Willcox. Known as the “Wonderland of Rocks,” this park is filled with towering rock pinnacles, balanced rocks, and unusual volcanic formations. Drive the scenic Bonita Canyon Drive to Massai Point for panoramic views, or hike the Echo Canyon Trail to explore this fascinating landscape up close. It’s a wonderful destination for hikers and those looking to explore a lesser-visited corner of Arizona.
Best Time to Visit Arizona
The best time to visit to get the most out of your trip is fall and spring, when the weather is most mild, often from mid sixties to mid eighties.
However, Arizona is good to visit any time of the year, as long as you are willing to wake up early to do your outdoor activities. Keep in mind that the summer, more specifically the middle of June to the end of September, marks Arizona’s monsoon season.
Arizona can have huge storms, including dust storms, called haboobs, that can be dangerous especially to people with respiratory conditions.
If you plan to fly to Arizona, the cheapest flights are during summer and winter.
More Information About Arizona
Here are a few more articles about things to see and do in and around Arizona.
10 Amazing Slot Canyons to Explore in the American Southwest
The American Southwest is a playground for hikers, photographers, and adventurers. Fun to explore and extremely photogenic, slot canyons provide a unique hiking experience. We have assembled a short list of some of the best slot canyons in Utah, Arizona, and Nevada. This is not an all-inclusive list, because there are tons of slot canyons […]
15 Great Places to Work Remotely in the USA
The COVID-19 pandemic brought huge changes to how we live and work. With lockdowns and social distancing, employees of many businesses began to work remotely. Home offices, kitchens, and spare bedrooms became the new office space for many people. What we thought would be a temporary adjustment has now become a more permanent aspect of […]
Best USA Road Trips: 18 Ideas for Your Next Big Adventure
One of the best ways to explore the USA is on a good old-fashioned road trip. Cruise along Route 66, road trip through the Florida Keys, explore the American Southwest, or even drive from coast to coast. In this guide, we share 18 of the best USA road trips…18 great ideas for your next big […]
Our 15 Favorite US National Parks: A Few May Surprise You
Stretching from the South Pacific, across the United States and into the Caribbean, are 64 national parks. These national treasures are filled with scenic drives, hundreds of miles of hiking trails, wildlife, historic sites, and endless opportunities for adventure. In this guide, we cover 15 of the best national parks in the USA and what […]
US National Parks List: All 64 Parks, Map & Free Printable Checklist
There are 64 national parks in the United States, and we’ve visited 56 of them, from the remote wilderness of Denali to the coral reefs of the Virgin Islands. We’re a family of avid hikers who have spent over a decade exploring these parks, from multi-day backcountry trips to scenic drives with kids in tow. […]
US National Parks
The Ultimate Guide to the 64 US National Parks
The US National Parks make an excellent travel destination, whether you are planning a cross-country road trip or a weekend getaway. In our guide to the national parks, get detailed trip planning information, advice on which parks to visit by season, and itineraries to help simplify your travel planning process.