Arizonans live for the spring and fall months, the short window of respite from the heat of the summer. This year, why not take advantage of the weather with a road trip through some of the state’s most iconic locations as well as some of the less-known locations. Northern Arizona can be just the right place for a weekend to get out of the heat during the hot summer months, so save some of these locations for the Valley’s unavoidable hot season. From Arizona’s northern border down to the southern border, here’s a look at ten places worth exploring in Arizona.

Horseshoe Bend  

For your first view of the Colorado River during the trip, there’s Horseshoe Bend, one of the most-photographed places in Arizona, located just south of Page and Lake Powell. Only a short hike from the parking area, the best spot for pictures can also be dangerous, if you get too close to the edge. Morning and evening, for sunrise and sunset, will not only give you the best lighting for pictures, but will ensure the area is free of busloads of tourists.

Antelope Canyon  

Antelope Canyon has two sections to visit, Upper and Lower, which are only a short drive from each other. Upper Antelope Canyon is easier to access, with the entrance at ground level, so climbing isn’t necessary. Lower Antelope Canyon is much more narrow, and requires climbing down ladders to get inside, but can be more crowded because of the famous light beams that make the canyon look like it came directly from the front of a calendar. (Photographers: consider the $6.5 million photo from the canyon that was sold a few years ago.) With good planning, it’s possible to visit both in a day, but be aware of running into crowds later in the day, when the famous light beams are expected.

Grand Canyon Arizona is known as the Grand Canyon State, after all, and the Grand Canyon is the “most instagrammed” place in Arizona and one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, so we couldn’t leave it off the list. The South Rim has more than 20 different vantage points and gives the world-recognized view of the canyon. But when you’re looking for a quieter view of the canyon, the North Rim gets only a tenth of the visitors of the South Rim. But at 1,000 feet higher in elevation, it’s colder, snowier and therefore has a shorter season (mid-May to mid-October). And for fall foliage? Visit the North Rim and see the area’s deciduous trees put on a show.

Oak Creek Canyon  

The West Fork Trail hike into Oak Creek Canyon can be as long as you want, but expect a few hours in and out, and a creek at the end to swim. During the hike, you’ll cross creeks, walk through trees, and enjoy much cooler weather than the lower altitudes offer. Go in the fall to see the leaves change, or during the summer to experience some high-altitude cooler weather. Whenever you go, be sure to show up early – the parking is limited and the hike is popular. The canyon is about halfway between Sedona and Flagstaff.

Tonto Natural Bridge  

At 180 feet tall and 400 feet long, Tonto Natural Bridge State Park is thought to the be the largest natural travertine bridge in the world. Located on SR 87 between Pine and Payson, the park is open seven days a week, with several short trails, all toward the bridge itself. For the adventurous, you can climb up the bridge, and stand on top to look down, or stand underneath and see the enormousness. But in the case it’s a short stop on the road trip, the parking lot itself has observation points. With waterfalls and a tree-lined canyon, the park offers an unexpected look at Arizona nature.

And five more destinations, this time in southern Arizona, ordered from the southern border north.

Ramsey Canyon Preserve Hike  

Opening for the season at the end of February, Ramsey Canyon Preserve in Hereford is a favorite among bird-watchers, who come from all over the country to see the wildlife. The air inside the canyon is cool, because of the high canyon walls and water-loving trees along the banks. The preserve offers docent-led walks every Monday, Thursday and Saturday mornings at 9 a.m., for two hours. Pets aren’t welcome, but the wildlife will be more than enough to keep you entertained. Keep your eyes out for deer and a special watch for hummingbirds during the hike.

Sonoita  

Sonoita’s weather is perfect for grape-growing, and a great excuse to get out of the Valley for a weekend. Warm days and cool evenings are great for both the grapes and a visit to one of the many wineries. Operating since 1974, Sonoita Vineyards is the oldest commercial vineyard in the state and offers daily tastings, tours and festivals during the year. With rolling grasslands, Sonoita is a far cry from the cactus-speckled desert just north, and the new view feels like a real vacation.

Kitt Peak National Observatory  

About 60 miles south of Tucson, Kitt Peak National Observatory has been around for more than 50 years, and is home to the world’s largest collection of optical and radio telescopes. With stargazing and tours for everyone from the unknowledgeable to the astronomy proficient, you’ll leave having experienced the dark skies of the southwest. And for the really astronomically dedicated among us, there’s private, overnight observation event where you can drive the night’s activities.

Pima Air and Space Museum  

The museum all started when the Davis-Monthan Air Force Base started keeping planes, as examples of aviation history, and parked them near a fence to allow the public to see them. It’s now the third-largest aviation museum in the U.S. The Pima Air and Space Museum has more than 300 aircraft, in five hangars and on more than 80 acres. And if that’s not enough, you can go over to the airplane “boneyard”, the largest in the world, where the Air Force keeps more than 4,000 retired planes. With both outdoor and indoor exhibits, the museum is worth visiting on Arizona’s sunny days, as well as the handful of not-so-sunny days.