Arizona

"The Grand Canyon State"

Arizona, the name itself inspires images of sun-drenched desert cities, spas and dazzling resorts. Experience Old West legends, Native American and Hispanic heritage, adventurous guest ranches, shopping, sports and much more. Blessed with bright sunshine and fine weather year round, Arizona has some of the most varied landscapes on the planet. Endless places in which to fish, sail, swim, peddle, paddle or even just sit around and be amazed. Climb into the sky by balloon or hang-glider, explore the depths of great caves, go white-water rafting or put miles between you and civilization on horseback or in the comfort of a roof down convertible.

Arizona is regarded as the birthplace of desert-style golf and is also home to many alpine fairways and more traditional courses – over 300 offering a tee to suit all tastes. As well as its many campgrounds and cabins, Arizona also offers some more unusual places to bed down including houseboats on Lake Powell, Navajo hogans near Monument Valley and yurts at Lyman Lake State Park. Whatever you are looking for in a holiday the chances are you'll find it in the Grand Canyon State.

From cosmopolitan cities to Native American culture, Grand Canyon camping to luxury resorts, sun-drenched desert to aquatic activities, exhilarating sports to relaxing spa treatments, Arizona has it all.

Arizona has the largest percentage of its land designated as tribal land in the US. It is home to 22 Native American tribes that span across the state. The largest of these is the Navajo Nation, with its capital being Window Rock.

Land Area: 114,000 Sq Miles

Local Time: Mountain time. GMT -7 hours behind the UK in winter and -8 in summer. Daylight saving in the Navajo Nation(North East) only.

Nearly consistent sunshine –over 330 days a year – with low humidity and low rainfall. Long hot summers and mild winters. Snow in the North during the Winter.

Grand Canyon, Petrified Forest plus 20 other areas

Start an outdoor adventure in Arizona at Grand Canyon National Park, one of the Seven Wonders of the Natural World. If you’re flying into Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport (PHX), it’s about three-and-a-half hours by car to the canyon’s South Rim, the park’s most visited area. Stop at one of the visitor centres or at the Yavapai Geology Museum to learn about the area’s unique topography. Enlist the help of an experienced adventure company or outfitter for a tour of the canyon, as well as the state’s many natural beauties: from Jeep tours in Sedona to float trips on the Colorado River to horseback treks in Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park. 

Arizona’s history is defined by Native American traditions, larger-than-life adventurers and Old West tales. Today, populations from 22 Tribal Nations live in Arizona. Visitors can tour tribal lands, visit Native American-operated museums and cultural centres, and purchase jewellery and artwork created by American Indians at a variety of shops and boutiques. Journey back to the Old West with a trip to one of the state’s ghost towns to learn about Arizona’s mining history. Or, explore the roadside attractions of old Route 66, the historic roadway known as the Mother Road. In Arizona, Route 66 winds through Petrified Forest National Park, the Kaibab Plateau, Meteor Crater, Grand Canyon Caverns and more. 

Arizona’s big cities offer plenty of cosmopolitan attractions. Whether you’re a lover of wine and food, luxury spas, art galleries or boutiques, you’ll find it here. Stroll one of the state’s award-winning wineries. Book a table at one of the many fine-dining restaurants in Phoenix, the state’s largest city. Plan an unforgettable spa day in Sedona, a city well-known for its wellness offerings and new-age vibe. Spend a day enjoying Western artwork at the Tucson Museum of Art or an evening stargazing under stunning skies in Flagstaff, an International Dark Sky City. Golfers will love playing some rounds on one of the state’s 300 courses.