Exploring Arizona is like being transported to another world! Deserts, mountains, and canyons there is so much to explore! I highly recommend a 5-7 day trip to the Grand Canyon State. This gives you the perfect amount of time to explore the southern and northern areas. If you do plan a road trip through the Southwest, here are the top places to visit in Arizona!
Route 66
Route 66 goes right through the heart of Arizona. And what better way to visit this historical highway, than right where it started? About an hour’s drive west from Flagstaff; enjoy a day exploring the many shops from the past, taking photos with the “cars with eye” inspiration for Pixar’s Cars.
Sedona, Arizona
You could probably spend an entire week just exploring the Sedona area. However, if you have a limited amount of time pick a fun hike! My favorite is Cathedral Rock. It is a short, but steep hike up. And you are rewarded with the most epic views! The trailhead begins at the Back of Beyond Road. Get there early as the parking lot tends to fill up quickly!
Meteor Crater, Arizona
If you are any kind of space nerd with activity is for you! Stop by the World’s best-preserved impact site! Walk in the footsteps of US Astronauts and experience the enormous size of the crater. (20 football games can be played simultaneously on the floor, while 2 million people watch from the sides!)You can choose to view it inside or outside on the many observation decks. The average adult ticket is $40.
Saguaro National Park Travel Guide
Saguaro National Park protects over 1.5 million giant saguaro cacti, the largest of its species in America. These desert monarchs are one of the iconic symbols of the American Southwest. As you look into this stunning landscape, you feel as if you have stepped right into a scene from an old western movie. But do not let this desert terrain fool you. Saguaro is full of life: lizards, owls, and Gila monsters; plus rare desert blooms, and even desert tortoises. If you are planning a trip to the desert, here is the perfect travel guide to Saguaro National Park.
Where To Find It
This park is located in the American Southwest state of Arizona. Being on the southern tip of the state, the air is extremely dry and the heat can be comfortable, yet dangerous. The most interesting fact about this park is it is actually broken into two sections. One on the Westside and the other on the Eastside of Tucson, Arizona. It is a vital part of the Sonoran Desert, preserved as Saguaro National Park. The park offers gorgeous trails off some of the most unique and diverse lands.
Climate and Best Time To Go
Winter Season – Late Fall to Early Spring: This is the perfect time to visit the desert. With temperatures ranging from the low 50s in the evening to the high 70s during the day, You will be able to enjoy walking through Saguaro National Park comfortably.
Summer Season – Late Spring to Early Fall: Temperatures start to rise during this time, in the mid-90s to low 110’s. I highly recommend exploring the park in the early morning hours (from sunrise to about 10 am) or in the evening (5 pm -sunset).
Bucket List Activities
West Side of Saguaro National Park:
Look out for roadrunners on the Bajada Loop Drive – this is a 5-mile loop, but unpaved (not recommended for motorhomes and buses). If you are tired of being out in the sun, Bajada Loop is the way to go! You will get a great view of the park while staying out of the heat.
Soak in the gorgeous colors at sunset at Gates Pass Overlook – after a scenic drive through the mountains, enjoy the epic view of the sunset. A perfect way to end the day, relax in the many lookout areas as the sun sets behind the Tucson Mountains.
East Side of Saguaro National Park:
Bike or drive the Cactus Forest Loop – this is an 8-mile loop, but paved, perfect if you wish to stay out of the hot sun. This is the perfect path to take as you start your day in the park. The loop will take you to some wonderful overlooks and different trails.
Search for desert lizards on the Desert Ecology Trail (.3 Miles) – this short trail is just what you need to explore that desert life. The desert trails can be hot and strenuous. If you are not prepared for walking miles in the hot sun, try out the quick and easy Ecology Trail!
Petrified Forest National Park Travel Guide
Petrified Forest National Park is one of the most unique national parks in the US. What is a petrified forest anyway? Petrified wood is created when trees are covered by volcanic sediment, preventing decay. Then erosion has exposed the logs once more and this park is full of crystallized wood.
Where To Find It
Petrified Forest National Park is located off Highway 40, 110 miles east of Flagstaff. It may seem like an endless drive into the desert, but it is worth it! If you are planning a day at Petrified, I recommend starting at the southern entrance. Then you can drive north through the park, easily making stops along the way. As you reach the north entrance you can hop right back onto highway 40.
Climate and Best Time To Go
The Petrified Forest is considered a semi-arid grassland or semi-desert grassland. The temperatures can range from above 100 F or below freezing. Petrified has been known to receive some snow and the occasional thunderstorm. Keep in mind summer is the busiest season and often the rainiest (the monsoon season is July through September). However, wildflowers bloom from March through October, and the fall is a “lovely time to visit the park with less visitation, milder temperatures, and normally less precipitation.”
Bucket List Activities
Stop at the stunning overlook at Jasper Forest – this is a 360-panoramic view of the park. Get a taste of the painted desert as you soak in those glorious views.
As you continue into the middle of the park, get a peek at the beauties at Blue Mesa (3.5-mile trail). This is probably one of my favorite spots in the park. The scenery is just breathtaking and you can get so close to the amazing Blue Mesa.
Stare at the glory of the Chinde Point overlook and check out the original Route 66 as it passes through the park.
Favorite Instagram Spots
Pintado Point – although there are many stunning photo ops throughout the park, this one is my favorite. Location near the northern entrance, this overlook is the perfect spot to get that Insta shot!
Grand Canyon National Park Travel Guide
Grand Canyon National Park is the second most visited park in the US. The entire Canyon is bigger than the state of Rhode Island however, the national park only covers a small portion of the Canyon. There is nothing like seeing the Grand Canyon for the first time. The depth, magnitude, and immense scale are hard to capture in words and pictures.
Where To Find It
Grand Canyon National Park is located in Northern Arizona, close to the borders of Utah and Nevada. It is about and 1.5 four drive from Flagstaff, Arizona. Phoenix and Las Vegas are the closest major cities to the Grand Canyon. There are two sections to the Park. The Southern and Northern Rim.
The Southern Rim is the most popular to visit. From here you can explore the rim walk and enjoy views of the Canyon. You can also see the Phantom Ranch and Bright Angel Campground. If you are willing to drive a few extra hours, the views from the Northern Rim are stunning. Plus fewer crowds! Being at a higher elevation, the temperatures are cooler and the forest is thicker. Take a short walk from the visitor center and see the Roaring Springs (the main source of drinking water in the Grand Canyon).
Climate and Best Time To Go
The South Rim at the Grand Canyon is open all year long. However, the most popular times to visit are spring, summer, and fall. The summer months can get very hot during the day, however, once that sun goes down, it can get quite cool. You are able to visit the Southern Rim in the Winter, however, be prepared for those winter storms, snowfall, and less congested drives.
The North Rim is open from May through October. The seasons can be similar to the Southern Rim, however, it does tend to be cooler due to the higher elevation.
Bucket List Activities
Visit (and possibly climb) the daring Desert View Watchtower. Capture the unique views of the Canyon from this stunning overlook. Make this stop your first one as you journey into the park!
Walk the Rim Trail near the Visitor Center. Experience the vastness and beauty of the Canyon from up top! Park at the Visitor Center to start your walk. It is about 0.7 miles and ends at the Grand Canyon Village.
Catch the magical sunset at Mather Point. A great way to end your journey at the Grand Canyon. This is one of the most popular overlooks at the Grand Canyon. So be sure to get there early and grab a spot to watch the sun go down over the stunning canyon!
Do not underestimate the power of the desert sun. Please protect yourself and bring these items with you on your trip. Hat and Sunglasses- these will keep the sun off your face and out of your eyes. Making your outdoor adventures must more enjoyable. Here is the hat I wore on our Arizona trip!
Thank you for reading!
If you have any specific questions, do not hesitate to comment down below! Or you can email us!
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