My Arizona Adventure: 10 Must-Do Experiences

I never thought one state could offer so much variety, but Arizona really surprised me. One day I was hiking through a bright red canyon, the next I was snowboarding down a quiet mountain. I floated in blue-green water, walked beneath glowing canyon walls, and even got caught in a snowstorm while wearing hiking boots. That’s Arizona for you, wild, unexpected, and absolutely unforgettable.

If you’re planning a trip here, or maybe you’re already in the state wondering what to do next, I’ve got you covered. These 10 experiences were the best parts of my Arizona adventure, and they should definitely be on your bucket list too.

Havasupai Falls was one of the hardest places to get to, but it was 100% worth it. Picture bright blue waterfalls pouring over orange canyon walls, surrounded by wild desert landscape. It honestly looked unreal.

The hike is about 20 miles round trip, and you’ll need to carry all your camping gear in and out. You also need a permit, and those sell out fast, like, gone-in-minutes fast. Permits go on sale every February through the Havasupai Tribe’s website, and it’s best to create an account ahead of time so you’re ready when they open.

If you’re not much of a hiker, there’s a helicopter option, but spots are first-come, first-served and not always reliable. I went the hiking route, and despite the sore legs, it was my favorite memory from Arizona.

Antelope Canyon is one of those places you just have to see with your own eyes. The slot canyons are narrow and twisty, with sunlight beaming through the cracks and painting the walls in pinks and oranges.

I visited Antelope Canyon X, which is less crowded than the famous Upper and Lower canyons. It still had those iconic wave-like walls, and I got amazing photos without the huge crowds. I booked a tour through Taadidiin Tours, which is the only group allowed to guide visitors in Canyon X.

A quick note: Antelope Canyon is on Navajo land, and they follow Daylight Saving Time while most of Arizona doesn’t. Double-check your tour time so you don’t show up an hour late like I almost did.

Most people just walk to the overlook and snap a photo, but kayaking through Horseshoe Bend was way more exciting. I paddled past red cliffs, wild horses, and even stopped for lunch on a quiet beach.

To do this, I booked a backhaul service with Kayak the Colorado. They drove me and my gear upriver and dropped me off at Petroglyph Beach. Then I paddled about 10 miles down the Colorado River back to Lee’s Ferry. It took me around six hours, and the views the whole way were incredible.

You don’t need much experience to do this trip. The water is calm, and the scenery changes around every bend. Definitely one of my top Arizona adventures.

Sedona feels like another planet. The red rock formations are huge, and they glow during sunrise and sunset. I spent two full days here and barely scratched the surface.

I hiked Cathedral Rock, which is short but steep. It took less than two hours round trip, but the view from the top felt like I was standing on the edge of the world. I also visited Bell Rock and Devil’s Bridge, both great photo spots.

When I wasn’t hiking, I browsed art galleries, ate at cute cafes, and even had a quick energy reading (because, you know, Sedona is famous for its “vortexes”). Whether you believe in that or not, there’s something peaceful and calming about this place.

You can’t go to Arizona without seeing the Grand Canyon. Pictures don’t even come close to showing how massive and deep it is. I stood at the South Rim for nearly an hour just staring because it didn’t even look real.

I hiked part of the Bright Angel Trail, which goes down into the canyon. I only did a small section, but if you’re up for a challenge, you can hike all the way from rim to rim (just be sure to train first). Some people also camp or book a stay at Phantom Ranch, but spots are limited and must be booked months, sometimes even a year in advance.

If you’re short on time, even just driving the scenic viewpoints along Desert View Drive is worth it. Every stop offers a different view, and you might even catch elk wandering nearby.

After days of hiking in the Arizona sun, Fossil Creek was the perfect way to cool off. The water is a beautiful turquoise color, and there are waterfalls and swimming holes everywhere. It’s like a hidden oasis.

Getting there takes some planning. You’ll need a permit to park between April and October, and the road is super bumpy, definitely not friendly to small cars. But once you’re there, it’s amazing. I spent the day swimming, lounging by the falls, and even cliff jumping (carefully!). It’s a great place to relax and recharge.

I was in Tucson during a summer heatwave, and someone suggested driving up Mt. Lemmon to escape the heat. Best advice ever. In less than an hour, I went from 110°F in the desert to 70°F in the mountains. The drive itself is beautiful. You go through different landscapes, from cactus-covered hills to pine forests. And there are places to pull over and enjoy the view.

At the top, I explored small trails, checked out the town of Summerhaven, and even got a slice of fresh pie from Mt. Lemmon Cookie Cabin. It was such a peaceful break from the desert heat below.

This was the hardest hike I’ve ever done, but I’m glad I pushed through. Mt. Humphreys, just outside of Flagstaff, is the highest point in Arizona at 12,633 feet. The hike is about 10.7 miles round trip, and you climb nearly 3,400 feet in elevation.

It’s not easy, especially toward the top where the air gets thinner, but the views are unbeatable. On a clear day, you can even see the Grand Canyon from the summit. I hiked in late summer, which is the best time to avoid snow. If you go earlier or later in the season, check conditions first. The weather can change fast up there.

Yes, Arizona gets snow! In fact, one of my favorite winter spots is Greer, a tiny mountain town in eastern Arizona. It’s home to Sunrise Park Resort, where I went snowboarding for the first time.

The resort has multiple runs for different skill levels, plus tubing and ski rentals. I didn’t expect powdery snow in Arizona, but Greer gets plenty during winter. It was quiet, peaceful, and much less crowded than big-name ski resorts.

After snowboarding, I stayed in a cozy cabin with a fireplace and enjoyed the snowy views. Greer felt like a secret winter hideaway, and I’m already planning to go back.

The best part about Arizona is how different every place feels. One day you’re paddling through a red canyon, the next you’re hiking in pine-covered mountains, and then you’re snowboarding down a quiet slope. It’s the kind of state where you’ll never run out of things to do.

No matter what time of year you visit, there’s always an adventure waiting. If you’re planning a trip, I suggest booking early for big-ticket spots like Havasupai, the Grand Canyon, or Horseshoe Bend. Permits go fast, and accommodations fill up quickly too. And don’t forget to pack layers. Arizona’s temperatures can swing wildly depending on the elevation. For more travel tips and trail advice check out our blog here for planning your next unforgettable trips.

Arizona surprised me in the best way possible. From waterfalls and slot canyons to snowy peaks and desert sunsets, this state has something for every kind of traveler. These 10 places made my trip unforgettable, and I hope they help you plan yours too. If you found this helpful, feel free to save or share it with fellow adventurers. And if you’ve been to any of these places or plan to soon, let me know! I’d love to hear about your Arizona experience.

 As always, my thoughts and opinions are my own.

Angie xoxo