Arizona

We’ve had quite a few trips to Arizona because we are obsessed with the Grand Canyon; on our most recent visit, we went to Scottsdale as well as Sedona.

We had the opportunity to see the beautiful Christmas setup at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess.

And we climbed Pinnacle Peak with our family.

The city center for Scottsdale is also a treat with the historic western architecture.

This is also a video from one of our earlier visits where we started in Phoenix and made our way up to Sedona, Grand Canyon National Park, Horseshoe Bend, Monument Valley, Glen Canyon Dam, Antelope Canyon, Lake Powell, Jerome, Page, and back down to Scottsdale.

We also had an opportunity to visit during a colder month when snow was still on the ground during a February 2017 road-trip, where we visited Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, and Utah.

Arizona is a state full of diverse landscapes and attractions. Here are some top travel recommendations:

Grand Canyon National Park

1. South Rim: Visit the most popular area with stunning viewpoints like Mather Point and Bright Angel Trail.

2. North Rim: For a quieter experience, explore the North Rim, open from mid-May to mid-October.

3. Hiking and Rafting: Consider hiking down to the Colorado River or taking a whitewater rafting trip.

Sedona

1. Red Rock State Park: Enjoy hiking and photography in this beautiful park with its iconic red rock formations.

2. Chapel of the Holy Cross: Visit this unique chapel built into the red rocks.

3. Art and Culture: Explore the many art galleries and shops in Sedona.

Phoenix

1. Desert Botanical Garden: Discover a variety of desert plants and beautiful landscapes.

2. Heard Museum: Learn about Native American cultures and history.

3. Camelback Mountain: Hike to the top for panoramic views of the city.

Tucson

1. Saguaro National Park: See the iconic saguaro cacti and enjoy scenic drives and hikes.

2. Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum: A combination of zoo, botanical garden, and natural history museum.

3. Mission San Xavier del Bac: Visit this historic Spanish mission.

Flagstaff

1. Lowell Observatory: Explore the observatory where Pluto was discovered.

2. Walnut Canyon National Monument: Hike among ancient cliff dwellings.

3. Arizona Snowbowl: Enjoy skiing and snowboarding in winter, and scenic chairlift rides in summer.

Monument Valley

1. Scenic Drives: Take the 17-mile Valley Drive to see iconic formations like the Mittens and John Ford’s Point.

2. Guided Tours: Consider a guided tour to learn about the Navajo culture and history.

Lake Powell and Glen Canyon National Recreation Area

1. Boating and Water Sports: Enjoy boating, kayaking, and fishing on Lake Powell.

2. Antelope Canyon: Visit this stunning slot canyon for incredible photo opportunities.

Petrified Forest National Park

1. Rainbow Forest: See colorful petrified wood and ancient fossils.

2. Painted Desert: Explore the vibrant badlands and scenic overlooks.

Arizona offers a mix of natural wonders, cultural experiences, and outdoor adventures.

Check out our recommendations on Trip Advisor to help plan your next trip or to book a tour. You can also use Yelp and Open Table for more ideas as well as restaurant reservations. More photos from our visit are posted on Instagram and Facebook.