10 Things You Should Try

Top 10 Things to Do in Arizona

It is no secret that Arizona is a state that has much more things to do than other states. You can experience the city life in Phoenix, but you can also go completely off grid just an hour or two away to one of the many national parks. There’s a variety of things to do for all types of people. Of course there are many mountains, so naturally you can find a great hiking trail anywhere you look in Arizona, but there are is also fine dining, spa resorts, ghost towns, horseback riding, nightlife, hot air balloon riding, the list goes on.

Here is a list of our top favorite things to all around Arizona.

1. Grand Canyon: Located in Kaibib National Park, Arizona. When you first set your eyes on the Grand Canyon it’s like something you have never seen before in your life, the views of endless valleys and different layers of sediment colors are stunning. It takes your breath away metaphorically and literally (if you plan on going to hike the canyon). It is 10 miles wide and 1 mile deep so there are numerous different trails to start from. If you do plan on hiking, definitely proceed with caution, the Grand Canyon is not for the faint of heart to hike. From the South Rim trail, it is a 6 mile trek from top of the rim to the bottom, and every step you take going down you will have to take going back up! If you plan on hiking the entire Grand Canyon you should be very well prepared. Practice hiking a few months out before the big day; bring lots of water and food. If you are lucky enough to stay in the cabins at the bottom, it’s a perfect way to end a long day of hiking at the bottom of the Grand Canyon surrounded by nature, the river, and gives your legs and feet some time to rest before trekking back up the mountain! Many have said the Grand Canyon is life changing and is a spiritual journey. If you are going to Arizona it is an absolute must to visit!
2. Hike Camelback Mountain: If you are planning to stay in Scottsdale or Phoenix, Arizona, Camelback Mountain has explosive views of the city. It is named Camelback Mountain because the peaks of the mountain resemble a camel’s back from a distance. It is a rugged trail with rocks, boulders, and brilliant robust colors of red and orange.

3. Star Gazing: There are many areas around Arizona to catch a brilliant night sky but the best areas are going to be at the national parks away from the city lights. Situated at the top of Quinlan Mountains on the Tohono O’odham Nation is the Kitt Peak National Observatory. It holds the world’s largest collection of telescopes! They hold the Nightly Observing Program which runs every night outside of the monsoon season (July 15- September 1). You can observe the night sky and shooting comets. This is a must for all the star gazers and space enthusiasts.
4. Ghost town of Jerome: If you want to travel back in time to the “Wickedest Town of the West,” Jerome might be the place for you to visit. During the 1800’s when miners came to Arizona to discover gold and copper, they set up shop and founded Jerome in 1876. When gold was discovered in brought an influx of miners, gamblers, and Wild West gang members. Naturally, after working at the mines, workers winded down at the saloons and brothels. It became a rowdy Wild West town of 15,000. However, after the mines dried out, the town dwindled to less than 50 residents, becoming a ghost town. At some point later, during the 60’s and 70’s groups of diverse artists, writers, and craftspeople discovered the town and made home. Now it’s thriving with shops, wine bars and restaurants and is a tourist spot. Many of the original buildings still stand today and many people have said to experience ghost sitings!
5. Cave Creek Bull Riding: Cave Creek is just north of Scottsdale and Phoenix, but it feels like a different world. If you visit you will find people riding their horses down the main streets, motorcycles crossing through and cowboys riding bulls! One of Arizona’s best western saloon and restaurant is the Buffalo Chip Saloon where you’ll have a rootin’ tootin good time! They have bull riding every Wednesday and Friday at 6 p.m.
6. Old Town Scottsdale Nightlife: Ok so you are in Scottsdale for a visit, you’ve golfed, relaxed by the pool, but now you’re ready for some fun nightlife. Old Town Scottsdale is a top nightlife spot in Arizona. If you’re trying to have a rowdy night out with your friends for a birthday or bachelor/ bachelorette party, it’s the place to be. You can ride down the streets on a sparkly party bike with your friends, or grab a table at one of the clubs. There are endless bars to hop.
7. Havasu Falls: Another intense hike in Arizona, but with rushing blue waters and not so many canyons. It is one of the hottest tourist attractions in Arizona with endless photo ops. A great hike for the summer to go on and cool off in the water.
8. Horseback riding at Saguaro Lake: Love to take a moment and get out of the city? Saguaro Lake is only a 45 minute from Phoenix! It is a peaceful lake surrounded by mountains that you can order a platoon for a day and relax on, or you can take one of the guided horse tours around the lake!
9. Helicopter Ride Through Sedona: With its red mountains, mystic crystal shops, hiking trails, and dining, Sedona makes top of tourist’s lists. So why not see all of Sedona from above on a helicopter tour?
10. Salt River Tubing: If you’re looking for a day of fun in the water with family or friends, Salt River Tubing is fun for everyone. Lower Salt River rapids is located at the beautiful Tonto National Forest near Mesa, Arizona! Enjoy a floating picnic while experiencing the natural river. It only costs $17 a tube/ person. Just make sure to wear your sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses.The list goes on for amazing things to do in Arizona!