Whether you're wanting to enjoy the state's warmer climates, delve deep into its history or simply take in the inner-city atmosphere of Phoenix, you'll find a whole host of things to see and do when you’re in Arizona.
The Big One
There’s no denying that the Grand Canyon is the state’s biggest sight – in fact, it is one of the world’s biggest natural tourism sites. The Canyon itself is an incredible deep chasm that has been etched through orange and red rock by the Colorado River. On average it is ten miles across and a mile deep, and it runs for an astonishing 277 miles through Arizona. There are viewing points, including a daunting glass ‘Skywalk’ if you're feeling brave, but it’s also a destination for lots of outdoor activities too, including hiking, mule and horse rides and white-water rafting. Take a sightseeing flight over the Canyon in a helicopter or light aircraft and you'll be able to truly take in the size of this natural phenomenon.
By the time you get to Phoenix
It’s warm all year in Arizona's state capital Phoenix, with visitors flocking here for the top golf courses and luxury resorts. However, there are plenty of sights for you to explore too. The Heard Museum is a nationally recognised hub of Native American art and culture that celebrates the artefacts of local tribes, and includes regularly-changing exhibitions of contemporary native art and craft. And if you're fanatic about flowers, check out the Desert Botanical Garden, a collection of desert plants including giant cacti brought to life by a nightly light show. Don’t underestimate the garden: there are 140-acres with more than 10,000 plants to see.
Down a dark desert highway
It’s easy to experience a little of the spirit of the Old Wild West in southern Arizona. You can take guided horse treks along Apache trails or visit 19th century frontier towns like Rawhide and Tombstone - look out for cowboy re-enactments and special tours of Wild West heritage sites. Take a tours of the outback and hire equipment to bike or hike among the distinctive rock formations and desert cacti. For a truly memorable experience, take a balloon ride across the vast open landscape.
Northern exposure
Towards the north of the state, you'll find mountain ranges with lively resort cities among them. The city of Flagstaff stands on the famous Route 66, more than a mile high among the pine forests and is the perfect for exploring in your hire car. There’s a charming old-fashioned centre packed with diners and hotels and a backdrop of jagged mountain peaks to see.
Towards the state border with Utah you’ll discover Monument Valley, one of America’s most photographic landscapes. The colourful rock towers and outcrops have been the setting for scores of western movies. At the far north-eastern corner of the Arizona, visitors flock to the only place in the US where you can stand in four states at once. The Four Corners Monument and visitor centre marks the spot where Arizona, New Mexico, Utah and Colorado meet.
