Arizona
- Lotch
- Feb 29, 2020
- 4 min read
State of the majestic Grand Canyon. State of the endless roads. Arizona is a natural wonder, where the earth meets the sky.
Located in the southwest region of the US, Arizona captivates us with its breathless and distinct beauty.
It's the 6th largest of the 50 states and is bordered by California, Nevada, Utah, New Mexico, and the country of Mexico. Although it gets extremely hot and dry during the summer — June through September, Arizona’s weather is incredible.
Monsoon season is my one of my favorites! It happens towards the end of the summer when hot moisture brings thunderstorms into the area. There is this specific smell in the air, a wet sand/dirt musk that’s just very unique.
Let's begin with my must-go places.
The iconic sandstone buttes of Monument Valley define the American West. Much of that beauty can be self explored by driving around the Navajo Nation reservation.
The Goulding’s Lodge is the place to spend the night, as it welcomes you to the ancestral culture of the Navajo lands. Don’t forget to step out at nightfall to let the dark timeless wonders of the Milky Way inspire you.
The Horseshoe Bend has a spectacular lookout point when you see the contrast between the green Colorado River water, the orange pigment of the rocks, and the blue tint of the sky. It's only 8 kilometers (5 miles) away from the beginning of the Grand Canyon National Park, so you could easily add it to your list if you plan on going there.
You can also find the Antelope Canyon with its popular undulated walls, located east of Page, on Navajo land.
One of the most powerful landscapes on Earth, the Grand Canyon affects our senses through its colossal size. Carved by the Colorado River, a basin that has developed over the past 40 million years, this wild and deep rugged canyon hosts a fascinating variety of animals and plants. You simply need to look for a nice spot on the side of a main trail and sit for a while. Observe, listen, and feel.
If your itinerary allows it, you should also drive north and stop by Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks, in Utah, for more amazing natural landscapes.
A dreamscape grounded in reality.
High up there at the top of my list is this magical place. Located in the Upper Sonoran Desert of northern Arizona, Sedona nestles among a very rare geological wonderland. The famous sandstones are formed by a thick layer of red to orange-colored rocks found only in the Sedona environs.
Here's to my all time favorite hike — Devil’s Bridge. Okay, the name sounds a bit dark, but don't be fooled. It’s a fairly smooth 2.9 km (1.8 mi) roundtrip trek that gets steeper right before you reach the top and discover the magnificent arch. Take small breaks to look up and enjoy this breathtaking journey.
Whether you catch a sunrise, stare at a blood orange evening, or stick around at night to let yourself be wrapped in a blanket of stars; the magic of this place is the same.
Almost 50,000 years ago, a huge nickel and iron meteorite hit the Earth. Today, you can visit this incredibly well preserved Meteor Crater Natural Landmark and wonder around its impressive hole in the ground. I’d suggest getting a quick guided tour to learn more about interesting fun facts. Be sure to stop by the souvenir store to bring some goodies back. (I’m obsess with postcards and stickers!)
You will most likely drive through Flagstaff at some point while in AZ. There are chill places downtown if you’re staying overnight. I also had to stop by the Lowell Observatory, where Pluto was discovered!
In the Phoenix area!
The Camelback Mountain offers several hikes with incredible views of Phoenix and the Cholla Trailhead is my go-to area for an early Saturday rise, and of course, ChopShop is where you’d find me right after hiking.
Also ideal for watching sunrises and sunsets is the Hole in the Rock, by the Phoenix Zoo. The colors in the sky are simply wonderful.
Fun places such as the MacDonald’s Ranch are great to go hang out with friends and family, especially if you enjoy horseback riding. The Apache Wash Trailhead up north is a nice spot with big, wide open spaces filled with giant cacti — nothing better! (And don’t forget a hat for the blistering sun!)
Did you know? Arizona is home to giant cacti — the saguaro. It frequently reaches a height of 12 meters (40 feet) and its fruits are pear-shaped and taste like figs!
The Goldfield Ghost Town is a reconstructed 1890s town with old West gunfight shows and gold-mine tours. Awesome for a family weekend activity.
The Desert Botanical Garden in PHX is great, although my favorite one is the Arizona Sedona Desert Museum, located in Tucson. These botanical gardens are a natural history collection of preserved plant specimens exclusive to this region, which is why I love them!
Excellent for a doggie walk, a calm picnic, or a quick yoga session, Chaparral Park is the ultimate neighborly spot. Oranges and bike roads are free! You can easily bike to old Town Scottsdale for charming boutiques, galleries, cafés, and museums.
It was refreshing to find the Singh Farms, a piece of oasis, surrounded by so many gardens, trails, and animals. The market stations sell yummy fruits and veggies, as well as fresh breads and jams. Outdoor yoga classes are also on option! Singh Meadows is another great location where you can find a café and juice bar.
Were you aware that AZ is the state with the most species of hummingbirds in the country? There are at least 14 different species during hummingbird migrations.
Besides these adorable tiny birds, I remember seeing coyotes, especially at night. I had one staying in the backyard for a few nights in a row. It was kind of cool and freaky at the same time!
“Arizona has a natural wonder which is in kind absolutely unparalleled throughout the rest of the world.” — T. Roosevelt
Arizona, I called you home.
One of the most beautiful states in the US.
Unique landscapes.
Gorgeous red sunsets.
Unbelievable clear skies.
From deserts to forests to canyons and rivers.
You cannot match the beauty of Arizona.
