Arizona, the Hiking Paradise:

Do you love the outdoors and are looking for a vacation in Spring?  Arizona should be on your list.

Why? Arizona offers one of the USA’s best landscapes and numerous thrilling activities. You must already know that the Grand Canyon, one of the seven wonders of the world, is in Arizona.

Over that, in springtime, the temperature in Arizona ranges from 80 degrees during the day to comfortably cool nights. It is too hot in summer, so spring would be the perfect time to visit.

Moreover, there is much more to do in Arizona, from hiking opportunities, touring tribal lands, water activities, canyoning, etc.

What to carry with you

• Day Pack: To carry everything you will need on the hikes (listed in the following points) – My favorite Daypack with a water bladder included.
• Water: The last thing you want to do is be thirsty and dehydrated on a trail.  – Lightweight, collapsible water bottle
• Sunscreen: While hiking, you can be exposed to direct sun. Ensure you have a higher SPF!  – Buy Sunscreen
• Headlamp: It is an absolute must if you start your hike before sunrise or walk back the trail after enjoying a sunset. – Buy a headlamp now
• Snacks: I always carry nuts and energy bars on hikes. Energy bars
• Hiking Shoes: A good hiking boot is necessary to avoid foot injuries. Hiking boots
• Hiking socks:  You want to pick breathable socks while hiking, especially in winter when you want to wear thick socks but don’t want your feet to be all sweaty. 🙂 Merino wool socks
• Tripod: Optional, but it can help make your time-lapses and click good pictures of yourself. Buy Tripod
• Camera: I travel with my Sony A7C with a wide-range lens, and it does a great job. Buy Sony a7c
• First Aid Kit: Always carry a small first aid kit. You can make your custom kit as well. First Aid Kit

 1. Sedona, Arizona

Sedona is one of the most serene places to visit in the US. The majestic red rock scenery is worth an experience.

Red rock state park, connected to the town with numerous tails, is a hiker’s paradise. The energy of red rocks and vortexes (concentrated earth’s energy areas) is life-transforming.

Some people come to Sedona for hiking and wellness retreats; some come to experience the energy of Vortexes. People believe a  Vortex area has spiritual power and energy.

Sedona is the best place for healing travel as well. You can spend some days relaxing in Sedona, taking healing massages, going spas, doing yoga, etc.

There are various wellness retreats as well. Check out a few over here.

How to get there? Fly into Phoenix airport. Sedona is a two-hour drive from Phoenix.

Best time to travel: Spring

Things to do in Sedona: Hiking, Sightseeing, 4×4 tours, Buying Artwork, Stargazing, etc.

Popular Hiking Trails: The Cathedral Rock, The Devil’s Bridge trail, Munds Wagon Trail, Boynton Canyon Trail, Birthing Cave, Bell Rock, Bear Mountain Trail, Airport Mesa Trail.

Cathedral Rock, Sedona, Arizona

2. Page, Arizona :

Page is located at the border of Arizona and Utah. This place has so many experiences to offer.

Have you heard about Horseshoe bend or Antelope Canyon and the slot tours? Yes, that is in Page.

It became known to the public for its natural beauty and due to its proximity from the famous Zion National Park (2 hours drive), Bryce Canyon NP (3 hours), and Grand Canyon (2.5 hours).

How to get there? Get off at Las Vegas airport. Drive to Page from there is 4.5 hours.
Or, fly to Phoenix and drive up to Page, which is 5 hours.

Both drives are beautiful and worth a road trip.

I flew from New Jersey to Phoenix and back from Las Vegas. I drove from there to Sedona, then Page, then Grand Canyon. It was a memorable road trip and still stands on my top 5 list. 

Best time to travel: Spring

Things to do in Page: Hiking, Canyon Tours, Kayaking, Camping, Stargazing, etc.

Popular Hiking Trails: Horseshoe Bend Trail , Antelope Canyon, Upper Antelope Canyon, Glen Canyon Recreational Area: Alstrom Point , Dam Overlook Trail, Lake Powell : Waterhole Canyon Trail.

Antelope Canyon, Page, Arizona

3. Grand Canyon, Arizona

The Grand Canyon is located in Northern Arizona, only 4.5 hours from Las Vegas. Close to 5 million visitors come to visit here from around the world.

It is a mile deep, 277 miles long, and 18 miles wide. 

There are four major parts where tourists can go and experience the majestic grand canyons, the east, west, north, and south rim. 

My personal favorite is the South Rim. Tourists prefer South Rim because of the convenience of getting there, the panoramic views, and the amenities available. 

How to get there? Fly into Las Vegas airport. The drive to various viewpoints takes about 4.5 hours. 

Best time to travel: Spring

Things to do in Grand Canyon: Lodging, Hiking, Camping, Taking hop on and off bus to various viewpoints, walk or bike on the rim trail,  Stargazing, etc.

Popular Hiking Trails: Bright Angel Trail, South Kaibab Trail to Cedar Ridge , South Kaibab to ooh aah point, Mules to Mather Point , Havasu Falls , South Rim to North Rim : North Kaibab to Grand Canyon Village.

Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona 

Devil’s Bridge, Sedona

3. Goldfield Ghost Town

Arizona is famous for it’s ghost town. This one used to be a gold mining town and is now abandoned. Here you can explore old-time merchant shops, historic buildings, saloons, train, zipline, etc. 

4. Saguaro National Park

South to Phoenix, Saguaro has 2 sections either side of the Tucson city. This NP is named after its large Saguaro Cactus. Life of these cactus is 150-175 years and they reach approximately the height of 40 feets. 

Goldfield Ghost Town

Saguaro National Park, Tucson, AZ

Thank you for reading!! Time to know your thoughts!!

Share this blog post with your travel buddies, families, partners, and anyone who wants to know where to go this spring. Also with someone who has never been to Arizona.

Which of the above excites you for your next trip? Or would you like to plan a long roadtrip in Arizona as I did 2 years back?

Also, let me know if you have already visited Arizona and have found a hidden gem that I should visit next time.

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Gear Up, Travelers! Let’s explore & travel to foreign lands!