Guide to Visiting Arizona

If you’ve landed on our Phoenix web pages, chances are you’re planning a trip to Arizona.   While there is plenty to do in the Valley of the Sun, you’ll want to consider taking an extended tour south to Tucson and Mexico, or north to Sedona, Grand Canyon or Lake Powell.

Going north is by far the most popular choice.  What you do will be dictated by your time constraints and budget.

If you only have one day, the Grand Canyon is probably a bit too much to do from Phoenix – unless you plan to go up to the South Rim, stay a few minutes and return.  Realize you’ll spend about 8 hours driving, so consider an air tour instead.  I don’t recommend driving unless this is your once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see the Grand Canyon and you really don’t have any other choice.  

A better option would be a day trip to Sedona to see the incredible red rock cliffs and to take advantage of all there is to see and do in the area.  One popular attraction is the Verde Canyon Railroad from nearby Clarksdale.  This can be included in an extended day trip from Phoenix to Sedona, and will still allow plenty of time to explore art galleries and shops.  Sedona is about two hours from Phoenix and the drive is easy and scenic.

If you have an overnight available, Sedona is still a good option, but hotel rooms can be pricey.  Try nearby Cottonwood or Flagstaff if you need to save a few bucks.  If you have an extra night, consider a hot air balloon tour in Sedona or nearby Cottonwood.

Or, if you want to see the Grand Canyon, I recommend the Grand Canyon Railway tour from Williams with an overnight, about 3 hours from Phoenix.  The train trip is the most popular way to see the Grand Canyon and will allow you plenty of time to explore while avoiding all the traffic. 

If you have more than one day, consider a trip to beautiful Lake Powell, approximately five hours from Phoenix.  You can make stops along the way in Sedona, Flagstaff and the Grand Canyon.  This is an ideal way to spend two or more days.  There are boat rides, smooth water float trips, air tours, fishing, ground tours, and much more.

Still don’t know what you want to do?  Drop me a note and let me know the number of days you have, who you are traveling with and the activities you think you might like to do.  I’d be happy to make some recommendations.

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