Arizona is a beautiful state full of stunning landscapes and outdoor activities. There are plenty of opportunities for adventure and exploration, from the Grand Canyon to the Sonoran Desert. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing day trip or an adrenaline-filled weekend getaway, here are the top 10 things to see and do in Arizona.
1. Explore the Grand Canyon
The Grand Canyon is one of the most iconic natural wonders in the world, and it’s easy to see why. This vast canyon stretches 277 miles long, 18 miles wide, and more than a mile deep. It’s an excellent place for hiking, camping, rafting, or just taking in the breathtaking views from one of its many overlooks.
If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, you can also try hiking down into the canyon. Just be sure to bring plenty of water and sunscreen because it can get scorching at the bottom.
2. Go Hiking at Sedona
Sedona is known for its stunning red rock formations and vibrant desert landscape. There are plenty of trails to explore here, ranging from leisurely strolls along creekside paths to challenging hikes up steep canyons. No matter your experience level, you’ll find something that suits your needs here.
3. Take a Jeep Tour in Scottsdale
According to a tour operator specializing in adventure tours in Scottsdale, “Nothing’s quite like the serenity of the desert, and exploring it in a Jeep is the best way to experience it.”
Scottsdale is perhaps the most famous city in Arizona for its year-round sunshine, beautiful resorts, and stunning architecture. It’s also known for its vibrant nightlife scene, thanks to the many bars and restaurants in the city. If you’re looking for an exciting way to explore Scottsdale, consider signing up for a Jeep tour of the area.
4. Visit Monument Valley
Monument Valley is an iconic destination located on the border between Utah and Arizona that has been featured in countless films over the years. Rumors have it that the valley was used as a filming location for the movie Star Wars, and it’s easy to see why: the red sandstone buttes are almost otherworldly in their beauty.
You can explore Monument Valley on your own or take an escorted tour with one of several companies that offer Jeep tours here. Here you can explore ancient ruins, sandstone buttes rising hundreds of feet into the sky, and spectacular sunsets over this otherworldly landscape.
5. Go Canyoneering at Antelope Canyon
Antelope Canyon is one of Arizona’s most popular attractions due to its stunning beauty and unique geological features, such as narrow passageways carved out by flash floods thousands of years ago. You can explore this fantastic canyon on guided tours or go canyoneering with experienced guides who will show you all its hidden secrets!
6. Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride Over Phoenix
If you’re looking for something unique, why not take a hot-air balloon ride over Phoenix? You’ll get incredible views from above as you float through the sky with nothing but blue skies above you. It’s an unforgettable experience that everyone should try at least once.
7. Explore Saguaro National Park
Saguaro National Park is home to some of Arizona’s most iconic landscapes, including towering saguaro cacti, rugged mountains, and colorful deserts. The park offers many activities, such as hiking, biking, bird watching, horseback riding, camping, stargazing, and more.
8. Go Kayaking on Lake Powell
Lake Powell is one of Arizona’s largest man-made lakes, with more than 2 million acres surrounded by dramatic red rock cliffs. It’s perfect for kayaking or canoeing, fishing, swimming, house boating, waterskiing, wakeboarding, tubing, sailing, jet skiing – whatever your heart desires!
9. Visit Tombstone & Old Tucson Studios
Tombstone was once known as “the town too tough to die” due to its wild history during America’s Wild West days, while Old Tucson Studios was used as a filming location for classic western movies like Rio Bravo (1959) starring John Wayne. Both locations offer activities like gunfights reenactments (at Tombstone) or movie set tours (at Old Tucson).
10. Go Horseback Riding Through Oak Creek Canyon
Oak Creek Canyon is one of Arizona’s most scenic areas, with lush forests and tall pine trees cascading down into deep canyons below. There are plenty of trails here perfect for horseback riding where you can enjoy peaceful rides through nature while taking in all its beauty.
Conclusion
Arizona is a state with many wonders to explore. From its vast desert landscapes to the towering mountains and red rocks of Sedona that make for great hiking trails, it’s a place you can spend your entire life exploring and still not see everything!