- Destination -

Arizona

Welcome to Arizona — the land of red rock drama, big-sky sunsets, saguaros posing like they’re in a Western movie, and road trips that turn into core memories. This Arizona Travel Guide is your starting point for planning everything from a weekend getaway to a full-blown desert adventure. Whether you’re chasing slot canyons, hiking epic trails, relaxing at a spa in Scottsdale, or finally seeing the Grand Canyon with your own eyes (trust me… photos do not prepare you), Arizona has that perfect blend of scenic, outdoorsy, foodie, and “wow did nature really make this?” moments. Use this Arizona Travel Guide to map out your dream itinerary, find where to go, and know exactly what to expect before you ever hit that desert highway.

Best Time to Visit

Arizona is a choose-your-own-weather adventure, which is why I love using this Arizona Travel Guide to plan trips by season:

Spring (March–May): Chef’s kiss. Perfect hiking temps, wildflowers blooming, pool weather in Scottsdale, and the kind of sunshine that makes you want to extend your trip forever.
Fall (September–November): Another all-star season. Fewer crowds than spring, still warm, and ideal for Sedona, Flagstaff, and national parks.
Summer (June–August): HOT. And I mean “don’t touch your rental car seatbelt” hot. But it’s great for lake days, water activities, early-morning hikes, and snagging luxury resort deals. The higher elevation towns (Flagstaff, Williams, the Grand Canyon) stay surprisingly cool.
Winter (December–February): Mild in Phoenix and Tucson (hello, golf and sunshine), but snowy and magical up north. If you want a two-season vacation in one trip, this is your sign to visit in winter.

Top Things to Do

If you’re using this Arizona Travel Guide to build your itinerary, start with these highlights:

Grand Canyon National Park

Bucket list–level views that look Photoshopped in real life.

Sedona

Red rock hikes, vortexes for your mystical side, and the best sunrise scenery in the state.

Antelope Canyon & Horseshoe Bend (Page, AZ)

Experience the famous light beams of Antelope Canyon and the dramatic curve of Horseshoe Bend.

Scottsdale

Foodie heaven, relaxing spas, golf, shopping, and resort pools that deserve their own award show.

Flagstaff

Cool mountain weather, breweries, and a great home base for Route 66 or Grand Canyon adventures.

Saguaro National Park (Tucson)

An entire park dedicated to giant saguaros — peak “Arizona aesthetic.”

Monument Valley

For when you want to feel like you’re inside a movie scene. Because you basically are.

Blogs & Itineraries

Travel information

Getting There

Flying into Arizona is super easy, and this Arizona Travel Guide breaks down the best options:

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX): The main hub with endless flight options, rental cars, and quick access to Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Tempe.
Tucson International Airport (TUS): Perfect for Southern Arizona trips (Tucson, Saguaro NP, Bisbee).
Flagstaff Pulliam Airport (FLG): A smaller airport, but incredibly convenient for Northern Arizona and the Grand Canyon.
Las Vegas (LAS): Believe it or not, it’s a popular starting point for Grand Canyon, Page, Lake Powell, and Monument Valley road trips.

Travel Tips

A few things I always tell people (and now they’re officially in this Arizona Travel Guide):

  • Hydrate like you’re training for the desert Olympics. Seriously — bring electrolytes.

  • Start hikes early. Sunrise will be your new best friend.

  • Don’t rely on cell service. Download offline maps before you go.

  • Pack layers. Arizona can swing 30 degrees in a single day—desert drama.

  • Respect tribal land rules. Places like Antelope Canyon and Monument Valley are Navajo Nation lands and require guided tours.

  • Sun protection is not optional. Hat, SPF 50, sunglasses, the whole kit.

Getting Around

This Arizona Travel Guide recommends renting a car — and I mean strongly recommends. Arizona is built for road trips, scenic drives, and hopping between destinations at your own pace.

Options include:

  • Rental Car: Best flexibility for all major regions.

  • Rideshare: Fine for Phoenix/Scottsdale but not designed for national park days.

  • Tours: Great for Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, and Grand Canyon day trips if you prefer not to drive.

Stayed at The Maven in Denver’s Dairy Block and the location alone sold me, walking distance to Union Station and most of downtown, string lights right outside at night. The room was spacious and quiet, even had a swing in it. Real talk though, there’s a $28 daily resort fee and parking isn’t cheap, valet ran us $59 a day. Bed was a little firm, but that’s the only complaint I’ve got. Save this before you book.
Four Denver dinners, four totally different nights out. 🍽️

BRUTØ is the Michelin splurge, fermentation-heavy tasting menu, priciest of the bunch, and I still think about it. Tavernetta is the classic pick, warm and polished with focaccia that lives up to the hype. Corsica is my actual favorite: French-Italian small plates, best value by far, the one I’d rebook every time. Hop Alley keeps it laid-back with RiNo energy and shareable plates that hit way harder than the vibe suggests. 

Save this before your next Denver trip.✈️

#DenverEats #DenverRestaurants #ColoradoFoodie #RiNoDenver
Red Rocks Amphitheatre isn’t just for concerts, you can walk the venue, hike nearby trails, and see the sandstone formations up close any day of the week. 15 minutes from downtown Denver and worth it even with no show on the calendar.

Save this for your Colorado trip 🎸🏔️

#RedRocks #Denver #Colorado #ExploreColorado

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My Exact Packing List

I use this packing list for every trip — grab it and make packing way easier.

Embark. Explore. Eat.

Follow @travelwithwendyplummer for Beautiful Beach Destinations, City Guides, Foodie Spots, and Luxury Hotel Recommendations.

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