Breathtaking national parks, vast desert landscapes, canyons and numerous impressive sights: Arizona is famous for its incredible diversity. In the state in the southwest of the USA on the border with Mexico, an unforgettable vacation is guaranteed. The biggest and best-known attraction in Arizona is the Grand Canyon National Park in the northwest of the state.
Canyon-State Arizona: The Grand Canyon as a tourist magnet
The canyon of the same name in the middle of the national park, which has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site for many years, is one of the most famous sights in the world and attracts many millions of tourists and locals every year. You should take a lot of time to visit the huge gorge in the middle of an impressive rock formation. After all, the entire national park is almost 5000 square kilometers in size and there is an incredible amount to discover. You can explore the park either on your own or as part of a guided tour. From a plateau about 2,000 meters high and various smaller viewpoints, you can enjoy a breathtaking view over the entire park.
In any case, you should always have your camera at the ready to capture all impressions. If you like it a little more spectacular, you can discover the Grand Canyon National Park with a boat tour on the mighty Colorado River. The Colorado River flows into the vast Lake Mead. The largest reservoir in the USA, which is dammed by the impressive Hoover Dam, is also visited by millions of Arizona tourists every year. In addition to the flagship “Grand Canyon”, there are many other canyons to discover in Arizona, which has also earned the state the nickname “Canyon State”.
In the footsteps of the past
But Arizona, as the state with the most so-called National Monuments, has much more to offer than the Grand Canyon. Built in the 12th century, Montezuma Castle near Flagstaff on the border with Utah is one of the best-preserved historic buildings in all of North America. Not far away, you can follow in the footsteps of the Navajo Indians in the Navajo Nation Reservation, the largest Indian reservation in the USA. In the middle of the reservation is also the world-famous Monument Valley, which should not be missing on any Arizona tour.
Phoenix: The City of Museums
The capital of the state of Arizona, Phoenix, is also always worth a visit. The metropolis of 1.6 million inhabitants is both the largest city and the cultural center of Arizona. The city, which is about a four-hour drive from the Grand Canyon, is characterized by an exciting architectural mix of history and modernity. To take it in, it’s worth taking a leisurely stroll through the city centre. Not to be missed in Phoenix are the Phoenix Art Museum and the Musical Instrument Museum, the absolute highlights of the city’s incredibly diverse museum landscape. In the Botanical Garden, you can also get a great insight into the exciting flora and fauna of the state. An absolute highlight, especially for families with children, is the Big Surf Waterpark. The water amusement park leaves nothing to be desired with its numerous attractions in and around the water – from numerous slides to a huge wave pool and beach volleyball courts.
Diverse paradise for nature lovers
In addition to lovers of American history, nature lovers also get their money’s worth in Arizona – especially due to the numerous national parks, which are mainly characterized by desert landscapes and canyons. To discover them, many tourists rent a car on site to explore the state on their own. The flora and fauna have adapted to the high temperatures and drought in recent centuries. Among other things, the vegetation is characterized by huge cacti. On a foray through the state, you have a good chance of running into wild animals in their natural habitat – including mule deer or pronghorns. In the desert regions, you should watch out for beatings or spiders. In the mountains, with a bit of luck, you can even spot cougars or bears. On the Mexican border in southwestern Arizona, the Sonoran Desert is one of the largest and most fascinating desert regions in the world.
Best time to visit Arizona between November and March
The climate in Arizona is characterized by high temperatures of sometimes well over 30 degrees Celsius, lots of sun and dryness. The best time to travel to Arizona is during the winter months between November and March. Then, as expected, the temperatures are a pleasant 20 to 25 degrees Celsius. Precipitation is also rarely to be expected during this time.
