Arizona Travel Guide
Make no mistake, Arizona is set in the sweltering heat of the crossroads of four different deserts. It has a dry and sunny climate that can reach higher than 100 degrees in the summertime, and depending on where you step you may encounter rattlesnakes, scorpions, gila monsters, and so much more.
However, Arizona is a haven with beautiful, vibrant rock formations, starry night skies, and the famously tall saguaro cactus! Take a trip to Arizona on Route 66 and see just how grand the Grand Canyon is, explore its state and national parks, and try some cactus candy or a chimichanga! Arizona has something for everyone.
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12 Epic Hikes in Sedona, Arizona (+ Stats, Photos & Map)
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, […]
Should You Visit Upper or Lower Antelope Canyon?
With its glowing, red canyon walls and beams of light shining through the dusty air, Antelope Canyon is a breathtaking destination. Two different slot canyons make up Antelope Canyon and both offer very different experiences. If you can only visit one, how do you decide which one? Upper or Lower Antelope Canyon? Antelope Canyon is […]
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 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. […]
Arizona Itineraries
If you are planning a trip to Arizona and don’t know where to start, here are a few travel itineraries to help get you started.
The Ultimate Arizona Road Trip Itinerary
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 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 Travel Guide
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.
11 EPIC Things to Do on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon
For millions of years, the Colorado River has carved its way through the Colorado Plateau, forming this expansive, awe-inspiring landscape that we call the Grand Canyon. And it certainly is grand. Words cannot describe what it is like to gaze across the Grand Canyon for the first time. On a visit to the Grand Canyon, […]
17 Breathtaking South Rim Viewpoints in the Grand Canyon
Epic, awe-inspiring, jaw-dropping…these are all words that describe the Grand Canyon. But in all honesty, words, and even photos, cannot quite capture what it is like to stand on the rim and gaze out across the canyon. There are dozens of viewpoints along the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. Each one of these viewpoints […]
Grand Canyon Helicopter Tour: Everything You Need to Know
A Grand Canyon helicopter tour can be a thrilling way to experience the awe-inspiring views and stunning beauty that the Grand Canyon has to offer. Soar across the Grand Canyon like an eagle and be amazed by the sheer size and grandeur of the canyon. Helicopter tours depart from Las Vegas, the West Rim of […]
Grand Canyon Skywalk: What to Expect & Is It Worth It?
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? What to Expect at Grand Canyon West and […]
One Day in the Grand Canyon Itinerary: Things to Do, Map, Photos
If you only have one day in the Grand Canyon, what should you do? Grand Canyon National Park is enormous. With thousands of acres of land, four rims to visit, plus the option to hike below the rim, there is no way that you will get to everything in just one day. However, with one […]
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
12 Epic Hikes in Sedona, Arizona (+ Stats, Photos & Map)
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 Best Things to Do in Sedona, Arizona
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 […]
Complete Guide to the Soldier Pass Trail & Soldier Pass Cave
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. […]
Devils Bridge Hike in Sedona: Step-By-Step Trail Guide
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 Boynton Canyon & the Subway Cave | Sedona, Arizona
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 […]
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 […]
One Perfect 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 […]
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 […]
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: Ultimate Guide for First Time Visitors
With sandstone buttes, colossal mesas, and panoramic vistas, Monument Valley is one of the USA’s iconic landscapes. Sure, it’s possible to drive right through Monument Valley, visiting the main sites in just two or three hours, but if you really want to explore it, consider spending at least one day here. We were surprised at […]
Is Teardrop Arch in Monument Valley Worth It?
We are always on the lookout for interesting, off-the-beaten-path places to explore. In Monument Valley, that place would be Teardrop Arch. On a visit to Monument Valley, most people self-drive the 17-mile Tribal Park Loop, which takes you past the very popular sites such as The Mittens and John Ford’s Point. Taking a tour lets […]
What to Expect on a Monument Valley Sunrise Tour
Are you considering a Monument Valley sunrise tour? If so, it is a great experience, but there are a few things to know before you go. You Must Take a Tour Monument Valley is located on the Utah-Arizona border not far from the Four Corners region. It is a Tribal Park owned and managed by the […]
Antelope Canyon
Journey through Antelope Canyon in photos and learn how to plan your visit.
How to Visit Lower Antelope Canyon & Photo Tour
Lower Antelope Canyon is a gorgeous place to visit. With its glowing red canyon walls and narrow, twisting passageways, this place is fun to visit and a joy to photograph. Antelope Canyon is made up of two slot canyons, Upper Antelope Canyon and Lower Antelope Canyon. When people refer to Antelope Canyon, they are usually […]
How to Visit Upper Antelope Canyon & Photo Tour
Isn’t it awesome when a new place completely astounds you? For me, that was Upper Antelope Canyon. A few years ago, I saw my first photos of Antelope Canyon, with its glowing, red canyon walls, twisted, scalloped rock faces, and beams of light shining through the dusty air. Does this place really exist? Yes, it […]
Should You Visit Upper or Lower Antelope Canyon?
With its glowing, red canyon walls and beams of light shining through the dusty air, Antelope Canyon is a breathtaking destination. Two different slot canyons make up Antelope Canyon and both offer very different experiences. If you can only visit one, how do you decide which one? Upper or Lower Antelope Canyon? Antelope Canyon is […]
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
Petrified Forest National Park: Travel Guide & Itinerary
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.
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 National Parks in the USA: 15 Amazing Parks for Your Bucket List
Stretching from the South Pacific, across the United States and into the Caribbean, are 63 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 […]
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 […]
Ultimate US National Parks List for 2024 (+ Printable Checklist)
The US national parks are one of this country’s best ideas…land set aside for the preservation of the natural world and the enjoyment of the people. Every few years, another park gets added and the US national parks list grows a little longer. Over the past 150 years, 63 national parks have been created in […]
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.
Take a trip to Phoenix. Phoenix is the capital city of Arizona, and is known for lavish hotels, authentic Southwestern and Mexican cuisine, and rodeos. You can see yourself how the Sonoran Desert mingles with the city when taking a stroll in the Desert Botanical Garden or taking a swim in the beach around Lake Havasu.
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.
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.
US National Parks
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.
More Travel Inspiration
20 Best Travel Movies to Inspire the Wanderer in You
Have you ever been inspired to visit a new place just because you saw it in a movie? Movies have a way of bringing the world to our TV sets. They can be inspiring, they can be motivational, and they can make us want to go out and explore the world. Here are 20 of […]
30 Amazing Travel Books to Feed Your Wanderlust
Reading goes hand in hand with traveling. Books open you up to new places, new experiences, and new adventures, all from the comfort of your own home. They broaden your horizons and sometimes inspire you to travel to new places. Here is a list of our favorite travel books of all time. If any of […]
60 Best Travel Quotes (with Photos) to Feed Your Wanderlust
There’s something about travel quotes. They can be inspirational, thought provoking, or just entertaining to read. For several years now, I have been creating travel quote images…putting our favorite travel quotes on some of our favorite photos from around the world. I share them on Twitter, Facebook, and Pinterest, and now I have rounded up the best […]
Our Top 10 Bucket List Destinations
There are so many life-changing places in the world to visit. Some are magical, some are ancient, and some are just downright gorgeous. All will have you wistfully dreaming about them before you arrive. After you visit them, they become a part of you, forming lifelong memories and altering the way you see the world. […]
Travel Photography Gear Guide: What’s In Our Camera Bag
Do you want to know how we capture the images that you see on our website? Here is our photography gear guide, with links and explanations of our photography gear and accessories. At the end of this post, we offer tips and tricks on how to take better photographs while traveling. Photography Gear Guide The […]