Flagstaff
A mountain town on Route 66 and the best base for the Grand Canyon.
Points of interest
- Grand Canyon
- Lowell Observatory
- Route 66
- Breweries
State guide
Things to do in Arizona
The Grand Canyon, red-rock Sedona, the slot canyons and Horseshoe Bend near Page, Monument Valley on Navajo land, and saguaro cactus deserts around Phoenix and Tucson.
2
Hostels across its 5 main cities
3.9
Average, from 667 reviews
5–7
Days to do it properly
Canyon country
Arizona is home to one of the natural wonders of the world: the Grand Canyon, a mile deep and up to 29 km wide, carved by the Colorado River over millions of years. Most visitors see it from the South Rim, which is open all year. The North Rim reopened in May 2026 after the 2025 Dragon Bravo Fire, with limited services.
The rest of the state is just as striking. Sedona is surrounded by red sandstone buttes and hiking trails. Near Page, Antelope Canyon's narrow, glowing slot canyons and the curve of Horseshoe Bend are famous photo spots. Monument Valley, on Navajo Nation land in the north-east, is the landscape of countless westerns. In the south, the Sonoran Desert around Phoenix and Tucson is full of giant saguaro cactus.
Give Arizona five days to a week, ideally as part of a Southwest road trip from Las Vegas. Flagstaff, a mountain town on Route 66, is the best base for the Grand Canyon. Spring and autumn are the best seasons; summer is extremely hot in the desert.
Where to base yourself
Flagstaff or Williams for the Grand Canyon, and Phoenix for the south.
Williams
1 hostel
A Route 66 town with the train to the South Rim.
Points of interest
- Grand Canyon Railway
- Route 66
- Bearizona
Phoenix
1 hostel · dorms from $30
Arizona's biggest city, in the Sonoran Desert.
Points of interest
- Desert Botanical Garden
- Heard Museum
- Camelback Mountain
- Scottsdale
Sedona
A red-rock town with famous hiking.
Points of interest
- Devil's Bridge
- Cathedral Rock
- Red Rock Scenic Byway
Page
The base for Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend.
Points of interest
- Antelope Canyon
- Horseshoe Bend
- Lake Powell
Regions of Arizona
Canyons and mountains in the north, red rocks in the middle and desert cities in the south.
Grand Canyon Country
The canyon, Route 66The South and North Rims, Flagstaff and Williams.
Red Rock Country
Sedona, hikingSedona's red buttes and Oak Creek Canyon.
Lake Powell and Page
Slot canyons, Horseshoe BendAntelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend and Lake Powell.
Navajo Nation
Monument Valley, cultureThe largest Native American reservation, with Monument Valley and Canyon de Chelly.
Phoenix and Central Arizona
City, desertPhoenix, Scottsdale and the Sonoran Desert.
Southern Arizona
Tucson, saguarosTucson, Saguaro National Park and the Mexican border.
Things to do
Things to do in Arizona
At the Grand Canyon's South Rim, walk the Rim Trail between viewpoints, watch sunset at Hopi Point or Mather Point, and hike part of the way down the Bright Angel or South Kaibab trails. Do not try to hike to the river and back in a day, especially in summer. The North Rim is quieter and higher, and reopened for 2026 with limited services.
In Sedona, hike among red rocks to Devil's Bridge or Cathedral Rock, and drive the scenic Red Rock Scenic Byway. Near Page, take a guided tour of Antelope Canyon (only possible with Navajo guides) and walk to the Horseshoe Bend overlook. Visit Monument Valley's tribal park and its loop drive.
In the south, see saguaro forests in Saguaro National Park near Tucson, and visit the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix. Route 66 runs through Williams, Flagstaff and Seligman, and the Petrified Forest National Park has fossilised trees and painted desert.
Free things
And what it costs nothing to do
Many of Sedona's trails are free to hike, though parking at trailheads needs a Red Rock Pass. Old Route 66 towns such as Williams and Seligman are free to wander.
The Horseshoe Bend overlook charges only for parking. Phoenix and Tucson have free museum days and free desert trails, such as South Mountain Park.
National parks charge entry, and from 2026 international visitors pay an extra $100 per person at the Grand Canyon.
Food and drink
Eating and drinking
Arizona has excellent Mexican and Sonoran food: try a Sonoran hot dog, wrapped in bacon, in Tucson, carne asada, and chimichangas, which Tucson claims to have invented. Tucson is a UNESCO City of Gastronomy. Navajo fry bread and Navajo tacos are served on the reservation.
Phoenix has a big restaurant scene, and Flagstaff has breweries and cafés.
Prickly pear appears in drinks, sweets and lemonade.
Nightlife
Going out
Phoenix's Old Town Scottsdale has bars and clubs, and Tempe has a student scene around Arizona State University. Tucson's Fourth Avenue and downtown have bars and live music.
Flagstaff has a lively college-town bar and brewery scene on Route 66.
At the Grand Canyon and in small towns, nights are quiet, but the stars are spectacular.
Getting around
Getting around
Phoenix Sky Harbor is the main airport, and Las Vegas is the other common gateway for the north of the state. Flagstaff has a small airport and is on Amtrak's Southwest Chief line.
A car is the best way to see Arizona. Shuttles and tours run from Flagstaff and Williams to the Grand Canyon, and the Grand Canyon Railway runs from Williams to the South Rim. Free shuttle buses run inside Grand Canyon Village.
Most of Arizona does not change the clock for daylight saving time, but the Navajo Nation does, so watch the time around Monument Valley.
Costs
What Arizona costs
Arizona is moderately priced, cheaper than California. Dorm beds start around $30 to $45 in Flagstaff and Phoenix, and motels near the parks are often the budget option. Lodges inside the Grand Canyon book up months ahead.
State sales tax is 5.6 per cent, with local taxes taking it to around 8 to 9 per cent. Tip 18 to 22 per cent in restaurants.
The Grand Canyon charges entry plus $100 per person for international visitors from 2026, and Antelope Canyon tours are a significant extra.
Safety
Safety and scams
Heat is the biggest danger in Arizona. Summer temperatures in Phoenix and the canyon bottom can pass 45°C. Hikers die in the Grand Canyon every year: never try to hike to the river and back in a day, carry plenty of water and salty snacks, and rest in the shade.
Flash floods can fill slot canyons suddenly during the summer monsoon, from July to September; only enter with guides and check the weather. Keep away from canyon edges, especially when taking photos.
Health insurance is essential in the USA. In an emergency, call 911.
What's on
What is on while you are there
Rodeos, festivals and desert blooms.
Staff pick
1 Oct – 1 Nov
Arizona State Fair
Phoenix
Celebrate the agriculture and history of the area at the Arizona State Fair. Enjoy vintage American exhibits, grandstand racing, magic shows, and live entertainment.…
Staff pick
16–18 October
Phoenix Greek Festival
Phoenix
Celebrate Greek culture at the Phoenix Greek Festival, a beloved event for over 65 years. Enjoy authentic Greek cuisine, pastries, and specialty drinks, browse…
Staff pick
16–18 October
The Original Phoenix Greek Festival
Phoenix
Greek food, live music, and traditional dancing come together at this annual celebration of Hellenic culture in Phoenix. You can browse jewelry and art,…
Staff pick
17 October
Kacey Musgraves
Phoenix
Kacey's glittering career has been filled with six Grammy Awards, seven Country Music Association Awards, and five very successful albums. Kacey has been headlining…
Staff pick
11 November
The Smashing Pumpkins
Phoenix
Emerging from the grunge explosion of the early '90s, The Smashing Pumpkins carved out a unique niche with their mesmerizing blend of alternative rock,…
Staff pick
17 November
Steve Lacy
Phoenix
Steve Lacy is an acclaimed singer and multi-instrumentalist who has been making music for the past 15 years. He emerged onto the scene in…
Staff pick
1 November
Skillet
Phoenix
Christian rock band, Skillet, consists of husband and wife, John and Korey Cooper, John Ledger, and Seth Morrison. Two of Skillet’s albums, Comatose and…
Staff pick
11–27 December
The Nutcracker
Phoenix
The Nutcracker tells a story of whimsical characters for those who are always young at heart. This perfect ballet for the holiday season comes…
Hostels
Where to stay
The highest-rated hostels in Arizona's main towns, straight from Hostelworld. Prices and availability are live on each property page.
When to go
March to May and September to November are the best months. Summer is extremely hot in the south and at the canyon bottom, with monsoon storms in July and August. Winter is mild in the south and snowy at the Grand Canyon and in Flagstaff.
Jan
Mild in the south, snow up north
Feb
Spring training baseball
Mar
Desert blooms, busy
Apr
Ideal
May
Getting hot
Jun
Extreme heat
Jul
Monsoon storms
Aug
Monsoon storms
Sep
Hot, easing
Oct
Ideal
Nov
Pleasant
Dec
Mild, snow at the canyon
Bar height is temperature. Colour is how busy it gets:
quiet
busy
peak
Average highs for Phoenix, rounded. Flagstaff and the South Rim are much cooler.
What your trip will cost
Per night, for one person, based on Flagstaff and Phoenix prices.
Treat these as a guide. Park fees and tours cost extra.
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- Beds—
- Food and drink—
- Getting around—
- Doing things—
Arizona questions
The ones we get asked most.
Is the Grand Canyon North Rim open?
It reopened in May 2026 after the Dragon Bravo Fire, with limited services and no drinking water on the rim. The South Rim is open all year.
Where should I stay for the Grand Canyon?
Flagstaff or Williams, or inside the park at Grand Canyon Village if you book far ahead.
How do I visit Antelope Canyon?
Only on guided tours with Navajo-licensed operators, from Page. Book ahead.
Can I hike to the bottom of the Grand Canyon?
Not to the river and back in one day. Plan an overnight trip with a permit, or hike part of the way down.
When is the best time to visit Arizona?
March to May and September to November.
Does Arizona change the clock for summer?
No, except on the Navajo Nation, which does. Watch the time around Monument Valley.
How much is the Grand Canyon for international visitors?
The standard entry fee plus $100 per person aged 16 and over, from 2026. The $250 annual pass covers it.
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