Top Things to do in Arizona
Top 10 Outdoor Activities in Arizona, United States
The state of Arizona is one that features a fantastic diversity of landscapes and areas of geological interest. North Arizona is famous for the Grand Canyon, a colorful chasm with steep rocky walls more than a mile deep and stretching some 277 miles alongside the Colorado River. Other notable destinations in North Arizona include Flagstaff set alongside the San Francisco Peaks which has the largest ponderosa pine forest, Museum of Northern Arizona, and is close to a number of national parks and monuments. On the south side of Arizona lies the city of Phoenix, the largest in Arizona. Notable day trips in Phoenix include the Heard Museum which is one of America's largest collections of Native American art, Phoenix Museum of History, as well as the Desert Botanical garden which has a great collection of desert plants.
Restaurants in Arizona
1. South Kaibab Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,687 reviews
One of the two superhighways into the Canyon, the other being the Bright Angel Trail, this path runs along a ridge offering stunning views. During the summer, visitors are advised to bring at least two quarts of water along because it can get very hot and the trail offers no shade.
Reviewed By Traveling007Texan
My son and I hiked down the South Kaibab Trail and spent the evening at Phantom Ranch before hiking up the Bright Angel Trail the next morning. Hiking the the S. Kaibab was relatively easy as it is downhill the entire way. THERE IS NO WATER so you must carry enough with you. We took 3 liters each and that was plenty. We made it in 4.5 hours taking our time at a steady pace without breaks. It is a beautiful trail with breathtaking views around every turn. I would recommend hiking down the South Kaibab and back up the Bright Angel, as it has water along the middle and upper trail. It's very hot in July but downhill all the way!
2. Bright Angel Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2,318 reviews
One of the two superhighways of the Grand Canyon, this well maintained and popular trail offers breathtaking vistas, some shaded areas.
Reviewed By 60Kelly - Sydney, Australia
We started the walk down at 5am knowing we'd be returning in the heat of the day. After 2.5hours we reached Indian Gardens, a luscious oasis on the canyon floor. We replenished our water bottles, ate snack and at 9am started off to the rest house about 4 miles back up the trail. The sun rose high in the sky,l shade became less and our pace slowed on the very steep climb up. we found any shade we could to take refuge and rehydrate although this slowed our return.. At the 3 mile rest house we found a little shade, slight breeze, and fresh water for our bottles, had another snack and wet our bandanas and hats and set off for the next resthouse 1.5 miles further up the trail. We found ourselves, along with many others, stopping every few hundred feet under any amount of shade. We drank more water and pushed on to the final resthouse 1.5miles from the rim to drink more water and cool down. By the time we reached the rim 10 hours after starting out we could barely put one foot after the other. So to anyone wanting to go down to the canyon floor I'd say do it, start as early in the day as possible if you go in summer, prepare well, take notice of all the warning signs about the hike, take plenty of water and snacks then enjoy the vistas on the way down, the welcoming Indian Gardens at the bottom and appreciate the friendships you will make on the way back up as you encourage each other to get back to the rim safely. It is definitely worth every step.
3. Rim Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,503 reviews
Scenic and level walking trail, which is easy enough to bring the kids.
Reviewed By royv647 - Traralgon, Australia
This is truly a great walk to do , there are so many beautifull viewspots for taking photos, We spent a couple of nights in the Village and walked the trail a lot , it is easy going , a lot of it is paved .. We walked some and also used the shuttle buses that are going along the route all the time. There is a lot of information to read along the way, helps you understand the history of the place and learn about the people who made it all happen Their are toilet facilities at some of the main view spots which are very handy. This is a must thing to do , you will take home visions of a lifetime , do it
4. Thompson Trail (Forest Service Trail 629)
5. Red Rock Scenic Byway (SR 179)
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4,151 reviews
The Red Rock Scenic Byway is your Gateway to the world-famous Red Rock Country of Sedona, Arizona … just 110 miles north of Phoenix, about 40 miles south of Flagstaff, and only a few hours south of the Grand Canyon.
Reviewed By kathyfI6813BE - Big Water, United States
Beautiful drive in the red rocks..we stopped several times to take photos and do a bit of browsing at several arts and craft shows.
6. Tom's Thumb Trailhead
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 393 reviews
Reviewed By ca847
Beautiful scenery. Fun walk in the heat. Trails are marked very well. Be sure to bring plenty of water and proper shoes.
7. Broken Arrow Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,400 reviews
Reviewed By geridicola - Chicago, United States
We took the Broken Arrow trail to the High on the Hog, Hog Heaven to Hog Wash back to Broken Arrow it was about a four mile Hike that was absolutely amazing. bring water and a snack so you can stop and soak it all in.
8. Mt. Lemmon Scenic Byway
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3,150 reviews
Reviewed By seb36 - Tucson, United States
We did this drive during the Covid 19 scare and just before the big fire. It was a perfect outing during the Covid 19 outbreak. You can stay in your car, or stop at various pull-off or trails and basically be all alone with few other visitors on this drive. It is a really educational and beautiful drive, staring out at the desert level and gradually going through multiple nature zones and changes of vegetation, trees, bushes, birds, etc until you get to the top, which is a high mountain zone with lots of green and trees and other nature -- just like mountain areas in Colorado or Canada. It makes us feel like we are on vacation, with all the changes in scenery and temperature. It was 98 degrees at the bottom and 67 degrees at the top. There couldn't be a better half day drive for those of us who have been feeling so very house bound. Actually we do this drive almost every season change and always marvel at the new things we see and feel. There is also a wonderful smartphone app that really helps you to understand the miraculous changes you are experiencing. Going down is like having different scenery even though it is the sam road, so the whole adventure is quit uplifting no matter when you go. Our batteries really get recharged and the trapped feeling lifts for quite a while.
9. KOLI Equestrian Center
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 505 reviews
KOLI Equestrian Center, located in the heart of the Gila River Indian Reservation and just minutes away from Downtown Phoenix, offers miles of breathtaking scenery and horseback riding trails that you and your family is sure to enjoy while visiting the Phoenix area. With wide open views and landscape, you just might be able to see the wild horses on a private horseback trail ride at Wild Horse Pass. Out here at KOLI Equestrian Center there is never any “head to tail” single line horseback riding. Everyone is spread out and can get to know each other along the way. Friendly, qualified wranglers will advise you of the surroundings and what you need to know about our well trained horses during your horseback riding adventure. If you are looking for relaxation and fun in the Phoenix area, KOLI Equestrian Center is the place to be. Book your horseback trail ride today where our knowledgeable wranglers and gentle horses are waiting for you… To avoid the Phoenix heat, we leave earlier in the day so you can enjoy your horseback trail ride. Whether it is Summer or Winter, within a 24 hour notice we can provide Private Horseback Trail Riding at any time. We recommend advance reservations to ensure your horseback ride time during your stay in Chandler or the Phoenix area. Contact us for the latest pricing. Please check in 15 minutes prior to your scheduled horseback riding time for our group to depart promptly.
Reviewed By dakgrl
Had a great private ride got to see the wild horses and was just a very nice peaceful relaxing ride. I learned a lot about the reservation and area. Horses all look very nice and well cared for.
10. Black Mountain Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 20 reviews
Reviewed By 468evat - San Diego, United States
This short trail is in the very center of town. While the 2.2 mile round trip hike is nearly all vertical on the way up, it is lovely. The trail is well marked and wide enough. At the top there is monument to war veterans. It is lovely on top and the views every step of the way up are divine!
