Planning your first trip to Arizona? 12 essential tips

Embarking on an adventure and a trip to Arizona requires more than just a packed bag; it demands insight from those who know it best. This article distills expert knowledge into essential tips that promise to enhance any first-time visit to the Grand Canyon State. From navigating the unique climate to savoring local cuisine, unlock the secrets to making the most of Arizona’s diverse experiences.

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  • Plan Your Days Around The Sun
  • Bring Layers For Temperature Changes
  • Prioritize Quality Over Quantity
  • Prepare For High Altitudes
  • Be Ready For The Desert Climate
  • Book Local Dining Spots In Advance
  • Plan For Arizona’s Extreme Climate
  • Go Stargazing At Lowell Observatory
  • Slow Down And Truly Experience Arizona
  • Apply And Reapply Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen
  • Prepare For Extreme Weather Conditions
  • Visit Arizona During Spring Or Fall

Plan Your Days Around The Sun

When I planned my first trip to Arizona, I had no idea how much the desert climate and vast landscapes would shape my experience. If I could give one essential piece of advice, it would be this: “plan your days around the sun.” This tip might sound simple, but it completely transformed how I enjoyed my time there.

I remember my first morning in Phoenix vividly. I had scheduled a hike up Camelback Mountain for midday, thinking I’d have plenty of time to sleep in and enjoy breakfast.

Big mistake. By the time I hit the trail, the sun was blazing, and the heat was relentless. Despite carrying water, I felt drained within minutes and ended up cutting the hike short. That evening, a local named Greg shared some wisdom with me over dinner: “In Arizona, you live by the sun.” He explained that mornings and evenings are the best times to explore because the heat is far more manageable.

The next day, I took his advice and started my hike at sunrise. The difference was incredible. The air was cool and crisp, the desert landscape glowed in soft light, and I felt energized enough to reach the summit. Watching the sun rise over Phoenix from such a height was unforgettable—it felt like the desert was waking up with me.

This approach carried through the rest of my trip. In Sedona, I explored Cathedral Rock at dawn, soaking in its famous energy vortex before the crowds arrived. At the Grand Canyon, I planned my visit to catch both sunrise and sunset views from different vantage points along the South Rim. Each moment felt magical because I wasn’t battling exhaustion or heat.

Of course, this means planning ahead—packing layers for chilly mornings, sunscreen for later in the day, and plenty of water no matter where you go. But by aligning your activities with Arizona’s natural rhythm, you’ll not only stay comfortable but also experience its beauty at its most serene.

Looking back, Greg’s advice wasn’t just practical—it helped me connect with Arizona’s unique environment in a way that felt intentional and deeply rewarding. If you’re heading there for the first time, let the sun guide you—it’ll make your trip unforgettable.

John Lattanzio, Owner, John Angelo Photography

Bring Layers For Temperature Changes

I have been to Arizona multiple times, and if there is one piece of advice I would give, it is to never underestimate how quickly the temperature changes, especially in the desert. Most people know Arizona gets hot, but a lot of first-time visitors don’t realize how extreme the temperature shifts can be. You can start the day in the sun wearing a t-shirt and end up freezing once the sun goes down. If you are hiking in places like the Grand Canyon or Sedona, that change is even more noticeable.

Desert climates have low humidity, so the air doesn’t hold heat the same way it does in other places. A warm afternoon can drop to near freezing at night, even in spring and fall. The elevation plays a big role too. Cities like Phoenix stay hot all day and night, but higher elevations like Flagstaff or the northern parts of the state can feel like a completely different season just a few hours away.

The best way to be prepared is to always bring layers. A light jacket, a hat, and even a pair of gloves make a huge difference, especially if you are planning to be outside after sunset. It’s something that catches a lot of people off guard, but knowing how to dress for the changing temperatures will make your trip much more comfortable.

Gal Cohen, Business Development Leader & Field Area Manager, JDM Sliding Doors

Prioritize Quality Over Quantity

Most first-time visitors cram too much into one trip, but Arizona is best experienced slowly. I once packed my schedule with the Grand Canyon, Sedona, and Scottsdale in three days, and it felt like checking boxes, not enjoying the experience. The second time, I spent a full day hiking Sedona’s trails, watching the sunset at Cathedral Rock, and actually soaking in the views. It was a completely different experience. My advice? Prioritize quality over quantity. Pick two key places and give yourself time to enjoy them. Arizona rewards those who take their time.

Tornike Asatiani, CEO, Edumentors

Prepare For High Altitudes

Anyone visiting Arizona should be ready for high altitudes. I learned that the hard way when I went hiking in Flagstaff. I was only a few minutes into the trail when I started feeling way more tired than usual. My legs felt heavy, and I had to stop to catch my breath way more often than I expected. Coming from lower altitude, I had no idea how much the thinner air at 7,000 feet would affect me.

Drinking extra water helped, but the biggest thing was pacing myself. I pushed too hard at the start, and it made the hike feel twice as difficult. If you are planning to hike in higher areas like Flagstaff, Sedona, or the Grand Canyon, take it slow on the first day. Even if you are in great shape, the altitude can sneak up on you. Once I gave my body time to adjust, I felt way better and was able to enjoy the hikes a lot more.

Barbara Robinson, Marketing Manager, Weather Solve

Be Ready For The Desert Climate

Arizona is all about dramatic landscapes and wild beauty, so the key to a great trip is being prepared for the climate. The desert heat is no joke, even if it doesn’t feel as intense because of the low humidity. Bring more water than you think you’ll need, wear sunscreen, and dress in layers since temperatures can drop quickly at night. If you’re hiking, start early in the morning—both to avoid the heat and to have places like Sedona’s red rocks or the Grand Canyon’s rim trails all to yourself.

To make your trip unforgettable, explore beyond the obvious. While the Grand Canyon is a bucket-list destination, Arizona has so much more—Antelope Canyon’s glowing sandstone, the saguaro-covered landscapes near Tucson, and the artsy, haunted town of Jerome. Even Phoenix, often just seen as a starting point, has incredible food and scenic hikes like Piestewa Peak. Slow down, take the scenic routes, and let the state’s mix of history, culture, and stunning nature surprise you.

Claudia Mora, Senior Marketing Coordinator, Richards-Wilcox Canada

Book Local Dining Spots In Advance

Having explored Arizona’s food scene extensively, I’d definitely recommend booking dinner at smaller local spots in advance, especially during peak season. Last winter, I missed out on trying the amazing Southwestern cuisine at Elote Cafe in Sedona because I didn’t plan ahead. A local food tour on your first day can really help you discover hidden gems and understand regional specialties like Sonoran hot dogs or authentic Native American fry bread.

Allen Kou, Owner and Operator, Zinfandel Grille

Plan For Arizona’s Extreme Climate

Arizona’s beauty is all about extremes—scorching deserts, towering red rocks, and deep canyons—so the best advice is to plan for the climate. The dry heat can be deceiving, especially if you’re not used to it. Hydration is key, and so is layering. Mornings and evenings can be surprisingly cool, even in summer. If you’re visiting in the hotter months, plan outdoor activities early in the morning or late in the day to avoid the worst of the heat.

Beyond that, don’t just stick to the well-known spots like the Grand Canyon. Arizona is packed with hidden gems—Sedona’s vortexes, Antelope Canyon’s surreal light beams, and the eerie Wild West charm of Bisbee. Even Phoenix, often overlooked as just a big city, has incredible hikes like Camelback Mountain and a food scene that’ll surprise you. Take your time, explore beyond the obvious, and you’ll walk away with a much richer experience.

Hamzah Khadim, SEO Expert, Logik Digital

Go Stargazing At Lowell Observatory

If you want to go to Arizona and want to make the most of your trip, go stargazing. I saw this one on TikTok and it didn’t disappoint. Arizona has some of the darkest skies in the country, making it perfect for seeing stars, planets, and even the Milky Way with the naked eye. The best place to do this is the Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff. They have powerful telescopes open to the public, and you can see everything from Saturn’s rings to distant galaxies.

This observatory is famous for being the place where Pluto was discovered, adding a historic element to the experience. The staff provides guided tours, helping visitors understand what they are looking at even if they have no background in astronomy. The high elevation and dry air in Flagstaff create some of the clearest skies in the country, making this a must-visit spot for anyone who wants an unforgettable view of the stars.

Steve Nixon, Founder, Free Jazz Lessons

Slow Down And Truly Experience Arizona

When planning your first trip to Arizona, my best advice is to slow down and truly take in the place you’re visiting. In today’s world, we often rush through trips, trying to see as many attractions as possible in a short time. But instead of checking things off a list, find one place that really captures your interest, and take your time there. It could be a national park, a small town, or any charming spot that draws you in.

Spend a little extra time in that place, let it immerse you, and truly experience it. This approach will help you connect with Arizona on a deeper level, rather than just rushing through without fully appreciating its beauty and uniqueness. Let the place absorb you, and you’ll walk away with memories that will stay with you much longer.

Piotr Zabula, CEO, Cropink.com

Apply And Reapply Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen

I have been to Arizona six times already. If you want to enjoy the experience without getting burned to a crisp, apply broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 50 and reapply every two hours, especially after swimming or sweating. The Arizona sun is unforgiving, even in the cooler months. People assume they will be fine because they are used to sunny weather elsewhere, but the dry heat and elevation make sun exposure much more intense.

Sunscreen is not something to apply once in the morning and forget about. The heat dries out your skin faster, and sweat breaks down protection quicker than most people expect. Hiking in Sedona, exploring the Grand Canyon, or even walking through downtown Phoenix exposes you to hours of direct sunlight. Without proper protection, you will end up sunburned and uncomfortable, which will ruin the rest of your trip.

Tika Hitchkock, Founder & Creative Director, The Wooed

Prepare For Extreme Weather Conditions

Weather is always top of mind for me, and if someone is heading to Arizona for the first time, one thing matters most-preparing for the extremes.

Sun exposure is no joke. Tourists lather on sunscreen but miss one key detail—UV intensity skyrockets at elevation. Sedona sits at 4,300 feet. Flagstaff? Over 7,000. Sunburn happens faster, and it gets brutal. Long sleeves work better than sunscreen alone, and polarized sunglasses make a difference. I always tell people to treat Arizona like an endurance test. Respect the elements, plan hydration like a mission, and gear up properly. That mindset makes all the difference.

Nathan Mathews, CEO and Founder, Roofer

Visit Arizona During Spring Or Fall

Arizona is an amazing place with lots of exciting spots to make your visit memorable. To enjoy the outdoor activities in this place, the best time to visit is during spring or fall because it’s when temperatures are lower.

I have been to Arizona a couple of times, with the most recent being the hike I took through the red formations in Sedona, which I still remember vividly to this day. It was such an amazing trip, scorching as usual, thankfully I remembered to wear a cotton shirt to beat the heat. It’s also the perfect spot for those who love adventure biking, as there are loads of trails that you will be able to enjoy.

Apart from Sedona, I also recommend a trip to Saguaro National Park if you’re a nature enthusiast like me. This park gives a complete view of the desert landscapes that will leave you yearning for another visit. The desert looks especially stunning when bathed in golden light at sunrise and sunset.

There is a lot you can do in Arizona, from enjoying the awe-inspiring scenery to trekking through the desert landscape. So, if it is an adventure you are seeking then Arizona is the perfect place for you.

Brian Raffio, Senior Travel Coordinator & Specialist, Climbing Kilimanjaro

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