Known for saguaro cacti, the Grand Canyon and endless arid landscapes – Arizona is so much more than heat and rocks. Boasting exciting cities, incredible natural areas and lots of interesting cultural monuments to see – it is a fantastic place to visit and really epitomises notions of the American Southwest.
Whether you’re planning an unforgettable trip to Sedona or the Grand Canyon or have a weekend planned exploring the cool shops and great restaurants of Scottsdale, Arizona has a lot to offer visitors. With countless different climate zones and interesting places to explore, planning a trip to Arizona can sometimes seem a bit overwhelming when considering all things.
So if you’re mapping out an Arizona adventure and you want to ensure you plan the best trip possible, use this travel guide to help you on your way!
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Planning a Route in Arizona
Arguably the most important thing about planning your trip to Arizona is mapping out your ideal route. As it is certainly not a monolith, you can have a very different trip to this southwestern state depending on how you put together your itinerary.
Are you interested in seeing the natural highlight of Northern Arizona? Or do you simply want to base yourself in balmy Phoenix and do a few hikes and day trips from there? The world is your oyster here and you’re sure to find what you want in this incredible state.
Use the articles below to help you map out your perfect itinerary through Arizona and to iron out exactly where you want to go and how long you’d like to spend there.
Planning a Route in the Southwest
If you’ve set your sights not just on Arizona but on some of the neighbouring states, we’ve got you covered. Arizona makes for an excellent starting-off (or finishing!) point for any number of southwestern trips and there are so many different routes to take.
So if you’re looking for the ideal route to visit some neighbouring states along with Arizona, the articles below should help you plan the best trip for your needs.
Places to Visit in Arizona
Home to the fifth-most populous city in the USA (Phoenix) and countless smaller cities and towns, Arizona has a lot to offer if you’re looking for an urban escape. However, there are also countless natural areas for you to visit in this beautiful state that it can be hard to know what to see and what to do while you’re there.
Regardless of if you want to see all the cool hotspots in Tucson, want to spend a long weekend in the beautiful town of Sedona or want to ensure you do the Grand Canyon justice, there are a number of things you need to take into consideration.
No matter where you want to go in Arizona, the guides below are sure to help you when it comes to planning out what to do while you’re there.
Best Time to Visit Arizona
Arizona has a reputation for being incredibly hot and dry – and while this is true for a lot of the year, it isn’t entirely accurate. Phoenix, for instance, is the hottest capital city in the USA with average highs in the month of July clocking in at 106°F (41°C) daily.
If you are visiting Arizona in the summer, you do need to be careful – make sure to stay hydrated, keep in the shade and try not to be outside in the height of the day (plan outdoor activities for the mornings or evenings).
However, these blisteringly hot temperatures aren’t the norm for the entire year, nor do they reflect the entirety of the state. If, for instance, you’re visiting in the winter months, you could be experiencing below-freezing temperatures and heavy snow in Flagstaff before driving three hours south to Scottsdale – where you will have sunshine and t-shirt weather.
Below we have some guides to help you be prepared for the climate and weather if you’re visiting in the winter months.
Packing for Arizona
Whether you’re visiting in summer, winter or the shoulder seasons, you’re going to make sure you pack accordingly – especially if your Arizona trip has you moving all over the state.
As mentioned before, the state has a number of different climate zones and while you may not need a heavy winter coat or gloves when visiting Phoenix in December, you’re certainly going to need these if you have any intention of heading to the Grand Canyon.
Arizona is also very much an outdoor destination and having the proper gear for your trip is absolutely essential. If you’re in the market for some new hiking boots or don’t know what you may need, the guide below will surely help you out!
Read More: The Best Hiking Shoes for the Grand Canyon
Planning a trip to Arizona can be overwhelming when you consider all of the amazing places to visit (and your, likely, limited time). However, any length of trip to this beautiful Southwestern state is sure to leave you with memories that will last a lifetime.