When you think of Arizona, you probably think of a cactus and unrelenting sunshine. That’s a good start, but there’s so much more to see in this state. You’ll find three national parks, the iconic rock formations of Monument Valley, and some amazing hiking. And did I mention the Grand Canyon?
If you’re not into nature, there’s still plenty for you to do. In the capital of Phoenix, you’ll find art museums, loads of sporting events, and plenty of museums. Tuscon, in southern Arizona, also has its fair share of museums, amazing Mexican food, and loads of activities to keep you busy.
Grand Canyon National Park
The Grand Canyon in One Day: Tips & Itinerary
From the town of Tusayan, spend one perfect day exploring the south rim of the Grand Canyon. Bike along the rim, descend briefly into the canyon, and check out several stunning view points.
Saguaro National Park
Top Things to Do With One Day at Saguaro National Park
Be prepared for your phone to end up full of cactus photos. With one day, you can visit both Saguaro West and Saguaro East to see the highlights of Saguaro National Park. You’ll do scenic drives, a little hiking, and see plenty of cacti.
Petrified Forest National Park
Top Things to Do at Petrified Forest National Park
Scenic views, petrified wood, and plenty of history are just three of the things you’ll find at Petrified Forest National Park. With one day, you can comfortably see all the highlights of this unique park.
Monument Valley
Sunrise at Monument Valley – Early, but Beautiful
One of the best ways to explore Monument Valley is with a guided tour. But to take it one step further, you can take a tour at sunrise and watch the sun come up and illuminate this stunning landscape.
Hoover Dam
Las Vegas to the Hoover Dam to the Grand Canyon
While technically more of a day trip from Las Vegas, the Hoover Dam straddles Nevada-Arizona state line along the Colorado River. If you’re headed to or from Las Vegas, consider adding this engineering marvel as a quick stop on your itinerary.
Top Experiences
Grand Canyon National Park – Out of all of the national parks in Arizona, Grand Canyon National Park is the most visited—and for a good reason. The views here are spectacular. There are several different places where you can access the Grand Canyon, but I recommend spending the night in the town of Tusayan.
Sedona – You’ll find great restaurants and cute shops, but the draw for a lot of people is the nature. Hike through canyons, caves, and natural arches. Go rock climbing, take a 4×4 down some scenic roads, or get out on trail on a mountain bike.
Petrified Forest National Park – Located in northern Arizona, Petrified Forest National Park is the place to see petrified wood. But it’s not just a geology lover’s paradise, history lovers will also enjoy this park. The original Route 66 ran straight through what is now the national park, plus you’ll find the petroglyphs and remnants from the Ancestral Pueblo people.
Saguaro National Park – The saguaro cactus is only found in the Sonoran Desert which extends from Arizona to Mexico. So a visit to Saguaro National Park is one of the best places to see these cacti. Beyond the cacti, you’ll also find some great hiking and scenic drives at this park. It’s split across two areas near Tuscon in southern Arizona.
Page & Horseshoe Bend – In recent years, Page has exploded in popularity thanks in part to Horseshoe Bend. This picture perfect bend in the river is a place that seemed to get added to so many Arizona itineraries. Beyond just Horseshoe Bend, you’ll also find plenty of other hikes in the area.
Monument Valley – While you may not recognize the name Monument Valley immediately, you’ll be sure to recognize its iconic rock formations. The buttes have shown up in numerous western films. Plus Monument Valley is the place where Forest Gump completed his run across the United States.
Phoenix – The capital of Phoenix and where it’s likely you’ll start or end your trip in Arizona. After a busy itinerary full of hiking and natural beauty, visit some museums or catch a game by one of the city’s sports teams.
Itineraries
Utah National Parks (+ Grand Canyon) in 10 Days
Start: Las Vegas, NV
End: Las Vegas, NV
Length: 10 Days
On this itinerary, you’ll visit all five of Utah’s National Parks, plus the Grand Canyon and Monument Valley. It’s another of my favorites US road trips ever.
Arizona in 5 Days
Rather than just giving you one option, here’s two itineraries for Arizona. In itinerary #1 starts in Flagstaff and visits the Grand Canyon and Monument Valley. Itinerary #2 starts in Phoenix and visits Saguaro and Petrified Forest National Parks.
When to Visit Arizona
Arizona can get unbearably hot in summers, with temperatures soaring into the 100s. In winter, temperatures are much more pleasant. However, there is a big difference between northern and southern Arizona. I visited in February and while I had beautiful temperatures in Tuscon, I drove through a snowstorm in the mountains as I drove from Holbrook to Arizona.
So I really recommend looking at where you want to go before you determine when to go. For visits to southern Arizona, winter is an great time to visit, but spring and fall will also be nice. For northern Arizona, I recommend sticking more to spring and fall.
Extend Your Trip
Want to keep traveling around the United States? Consider adding on nearby Utah or Nevada.