Visitors who see Arizona’s most popular attraction, the Grand Canyon National Park, generally view the natural wonder from the edge of its north or south rims. Instead, splurge and go deep—a mile deep. Experience the awe-inspiring cliffs, rugged mountain trails, sandy beaches, desert critters and vegetation via a river raft (not the noisy motorized versions).
Arizona, the country’s 48th state of the union, greatly appeals to the person who loves the outdoors. With 300 days of sunshine, it’s easy to explore the mountainous terrain in all four corners on foot or by bike and car. The beautiful mix of high and low desert landscape beckons.
Start with the Grand Canyon, the attraction John Wesley Powell first explored in 1869 that eventually opened doors to Arizona’s first tourism, paving the way for the spas, fantastic hotels and diverse restaurants the state boasts today. Then walk the path of the Giant Saguaro, taking in the majesty of this important desert plant that only grows in the Sonoran Desert. From there, play in the spots where Old West history has been made, then meet some of the people who live here now. There’s so much more to explore, so many things to do, but these are some of the best.