Planning a trip to Arizona’s great outdoors? Here’s what to prioritize

Embark on an unforgettable journey through Arizona’s vast landscapes, equipped with invaluable insights from seasoned outdoor aficionados. Discover the essential tips and hidden gems that will amplify your adventure, ensuring a truly memorable experience in the great outdoors. This guide lays out expert-recommended strategies to navigate the desert’s challenges and embrace its wonders.

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  • Respect The Desert
  • Plan Around The Seasons
  • Prepare For Extreme Temperatures
  • Avoid Desert During Warmer Months
  • Explore Unique Natural Spaces
  • Rent A High-Clearance Vehicle
  • Keep An Open Mind
  • Visit Kartchner Caverns State Park
  • Go To Chiricahua National Monument
  • Stay Hydrated and Know Your Limits

Respect The Desert

If you’re heading to Arizona for an outdoor adventure, my biggest piece of advice is to respect the desert, it’s stunning but unforgiving. The sun here isn’t messing around, so pack plenty of water, wear breathable layers, and don’t underestimate how quickly temperatures can change. Now, as for where to go, start with the Grand Canyon. No matter how many pictures you’ve seen, nothing compares to standing at the edge of that massive, ancient wonder.

Next, head to Sedona, where the red rock landscapes feel almost otherworldly, hike up to Devil’s Bridge for an epic photo or catch a sunrise at Cathedral Rock. If you want something surreal, Antelope Canyon’s winding sandstone walls will leave you speechless (seriously, it looks like something from another planet).

For a classic Arizona vibe, Saguaro National Park is a must, those towering cacti are straight out of a Wild West postcard. And if you’re feeling adventurous, The Wave in Vermilion Cliffs is like stepping into a painting (just make sure to snag a permit in advance). Arizona is packed with jaw-dropping landscapes; just be ready for adventure, and don’t forget your camera!

Kevin Mercier, Entrepreneur & Travel Expert, KEVMRC TRAVEL

Plan Around The Seasons

Visiting Arizona is not like visiting a regular state. Travelers must plan their visit around the seasons. In summer, the temperature often gets above 100°F, making it too dangerous to visit the great outdoors due to the risk of dehydration. However, in spring, between October and April, the temperatures are perfect (60s to 80s°F) for a visit.

One piece of advice: make sure to pay a visit to the Saguaro National Park, one of the best places in the world to see the saguaro cacti, the largest cacti in North America. In May, the cacti are in bloom with their flowers opening at night! Why at night? Cactus flowers are rich in nectar, which would evaporate quickly in the heat during the day. By blooming at night, cacti reduce water loss and preserve energy for their slow growth and survival in desert conditions.

The national park welcomes over 1 million visitors per year showing its popularity. It is even a much-loved filming destination. Parts of Hollywood movies like Three Amigos and Tombstone have been shot in the national park.

The Saguaro National Park has two districts: Saguaro East (Rincon Mountain District) and Saguaro West (Tucson Mountain District). Each side offers travelers scenic drives, 190 miles of hiking trails, and desert landscapes that look like they come from a postcard. Travelers can explore trails like the Valley View Overlook Trail or the more challenging Wasson Peak Trail. For wildlife, there are regular sightings of roadrunners, horned lizards, Gila monsters, kangaroo rats, and collared peccaries.

Laura Bernazano, Expert Travel Blogger, Lost Between Oceans

Prepare For Extreme Temperatures

If you’re heading to Arizona, be prepared for extreme temperature shifts. It can be scorching during the day and surprisingly cool at night, especially in desert areas. Bring plenty of water, sun protection, and layers of clothing to stay comfortable.

In terms of must-see destinations, Sedona’s red rock formations are breathtaking, offering everything from scenic drives to world-class hiking trails like Cathedral Rock or Devil’s Bridge. Of course, you can’t skip Grand Canyon National Park, where you can hike the South Kaibab Trail or just soak in the panoramic views from the rim.

If you’re looking for something less crowded, consider heading south to Saguaro National Park near Tucson to explore unique desert landscapes and iconic saguaro cacti.

Inge Von Aulock, Travel Advisor // Editor in Chief, Outdoorsy

Avoid Desert During Warmer Months

If someone is planning to explore Arizona’s great outdoors during the warmer months, they should absolutely take much more water than they would normally consume. While the sun is hot as expected, the dry heat means sweat dries out faster than usual. This can mean people don’t notice how much they are sweating and fail to replace those fluids, leading to potentially serious medical issues like heatstroke and dehydration.

Hiking is obviously a major highlight, but avoiding the desert for Rim Country is a wise decision, especially when the temperature rises. Thanks to the region’s higher altitude, conditions remain more suited to exploring the outdoors. Plus, there are fascinating natural landmarks everywhere you look, like mountain plateaus, creeks, canyons, lakes, and volcanic fields. As long as you take a few precautions, Arizona is a mind-blowing place to visit.

Dean Van Es, CEO, Fast Cover Travel Insurance

Explore Unique Natural Spaces

If you’re heading to Arizona then you can’t overlook the wonderful outdoors as a way to spend your time. The joy of going anywhere you go will be the unique natural spaces that you can explore. From forests to lakes and mountains, the fact that no place is the same makes for memorable activities on your vacation. In such a global world, finding uniqueness can be hard, so wherever you are, including Arizona, explore the outdoors.

One hike in Arizona that I highly recommend is the South Kaibab Trail in the Grand Canyon. It’s a strenuous hike, so not for the more casual walker, but if you’ve got the skills and fitness, then the views of the canyon are absolutely worth the effort and bring people in from around the world. Of course, it’s not for everyone, so if you are looking for something similar but more accessible, try hiking to Havasu Falls, where you’ll be rewarded with a beautiful, turquoise waterfall that’s a perfect spot for a refreshing swim.

As a climbing fanatic, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the brilliant Superstition Mountains, but whatever your preferred landscape, Arizona comes with a unique set of natural beauty, so spend some time in it to make your travels extra special.

Brian Raffio, Senior Travel Coordinator & Specialist, Climbing Kilimanjaro

Rent A High-Clearance Vehicle

I’ve spent plenty of time exploring Arizona, and if there’s one unexpected tip that makes a huge difference, it’s this: rent a high-clearance vehicle, even if you don’t think you need one.

Some of Arizona’s best outdoor spots are technically “accessible,” but standard cars struggle on the rough roads. Places like Alstrom Point, Sycamore Canyon, and parts of the Superstition Mountains have insane views that most people never see because they stop when the pavement ends. A 4×4 or even a solid SUV turns your trip into a real adventure. No stressing over road conditions, no missing out on hidden gems. Just pure, go-anywhere freedom.

Patrick Beltran, Marketing Director, Ardoz Digital

Keep An Open Mind

The number one piece of advice I’d give someone is to not assume Arizona outdoors are all the same. I’ve traveled extensively through the state and while people iconically think of Tucson and Phoenix—the state is extremely diverse with some great highland areas hosting fabulous wineries to mountain peaks for rock climbers to dense forests for hiking and biking. So if you’re traveling to AZ for the outdoors…keep an open mind and never stop exploring!

James Hills, Editor / Publisher – Men’s Travel and Lifestyle, ManTripping

Visit Kartchner Caverns State Park

Someone traveling to Arizona must first go to Kartchner Caverns State Park. When I went there the first time, I was a bit regretful because I chose to visit some of the more well-known spots first, and by the time I got to the caverns, I was already exhausted. That was a mistake. This place deserves your full attention.

Kartchner Caverns is a massive underground cave system with some of the most incredible limestone formations you will ever see. The humidity inside keeps the stalactites and stalagmites growing, so everything looks almost alive. The experience of walking through those caverns feels like stepping into another world. The Throne Room and the Big Room are must-sees, especially when they turn off the lights for a moment, leaving you in complete darkness.

The trick to getting the most out of this trip is timing and preparation. Go early, book your tour in advance, and wear comfortable clothes because the caves stay warm and humid year-round. After exploring underground, take some time to hike the trails around the park. The desert landscape outside is just as breathtaking in a completely different way. If you have time, stay for sunset. The way the light hits the mountains changes by the minute, and it is the perfect way to end the day.

Sean Clancy, Managing Director, SEO Gold Coast

Go To Chiricahua National Monument

I have been to Arizona more times than I can count, and someone planning to experience the outdoors there should immediately go to Chiricahua National Monument. Most people think of the Grand Canyon or Sedona, but Chiricahua is one of the most breathtaking and underrated places in the state. It is like walking through a landscape that belongs on another planet, filled with towering rock formations that have been sculpted by millions of years of volcanic activity and erosion. The massive stone spires, known as hoodoos, create a maze of twisting trails that feel both ancient and alive.

Hiking through this area is an experience that stays with you. The Heart of Rocks Loop is a must, taking you right into the densest collection of these unique formations. Every turn reveals a new, almost surreal scene, where the rocks seem to balance impossibly on top of each other. The air is crisp, and depending on the season, you might catch the early morning mist weaving between the formations, making everything almost mystical. The elevation gives you stunning views of the valleys below, and the silence, broken only by the sound of the wind or the distant call of a hawk, makes it an ideal place to disconnect from the outside world.

Jean Christophe Gabler, Publisher & Founder, YOGI TIMES

Stay Hydrated and Know Your Limits

If you are heading to Arizona to enjoy the beauty of nature, my best advice would be to focus on how to handle both extremes in temperature: desert heat during the day and cold at night. It is also really important to always stay hydrated and carry more water with you always.

You should make sure to spend some time in Sedona first because it has stunning red rock formations. You can go hiking around Cathedral Rock and also the famous Devil’s Bridge. You can also get more adventurous and visit Antelope Canyon’s slot canyons or take a boat ride around Lake Powell. No trip would be complete without visiting the Grand Canyon. You need to hike a little into the canyon and appreciate it from inside to see how magnificent it really is.

When I did a hike near Horseshoe Bend, I did not expect it to be too intense, and I was wrong. The Arizona sun can dehydrate you really quickly. The best thing you can do is start your hike really early and apply sunscreen. Remember, it is important to know your limits. Arizona is lovely in terms of natural beauty, but you need to be sure of what you want to go for in order to be safe.

Silvia Lupone, owner

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