Arizona is located in the southwest corner of the United States and is the perfect spot for a “choose your own adventure” holiday.
With its fascinating Wild West history and views that will knock your socks off, Arizona is a great road trip destination that's ideal for a small group tour as there's plenty to see and do. Take in the natural beauty of this stunning state as you explore dramatic deserts, hike the Grand Canyon, and connect with the First Nations history of the area. With great weather and incredible rock formations, Arizona’s national parks offer an impressive network of hiking and cycling trails with some of the best views you’ll find anywhere. Add lively cities like Phoenix, Sedona and Tucson and you’ve got the perfect United States adventure.
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Things to do in Arizona

Ride the Bell Rock Trail
Stretch your legs on two wheels on a guided mountain bike ride. Bell Rock Trail is widely regarded as one of the most extensive, best-connected trails systems in the USA. Join an expert mountain biking guide who will lead the way along this mellow trail with plenty of ups and downs to keep things interesting. If you’re more experienced, you may like to pick up speed and get some air along the way. You don’t need to be an expert off-road cyclist to enjoy this trail which is suitable for all riding abilities.

Drive Route 66
Arizona is home to the most famous section of one of the world’s most famous driving routes: Route 66. You’ll get to see all the best bits on the 140km section of the route that travels from Kingman to Seligman, both of which are in Arizona. Kick off your trip at the Arizona Route 66 Museum which is packed with fascinating vehicles and photographs and has a movie theatre dedicated to Route 66. After passing through several atmospheric small towns, you’ll finish your trip in Seligman, the place that’s known as the birthplace of Route 66.

Visit the Grand Canyon
Arizona is home to the Grand Canyon, one of the largest canyon systems in the world. Spend a few days exploring the Grand Canyon’s South Rim, including the 4-hour trail to Skeleton Point, which offers great views of the river. Or you could head east to the Navajo Nation town of Cameron where you can buy traditional Navajo arts and crafts at the historic Cameron Trading Post. If you enjoy walking without the crowds, lace up your hiking boots and hit the trails at the Grand Canyon’s lesser visited North Rim where the Coconino Overlook offers spectacular canyon views.

Go hiking in Sedona
See two of Sedona’s most celebrated landmarks, Courthouse Butte and Bell Rock, on a hiking trip with your leader. After you’ve climbed towards layered red sandstone, admire the desert plants that thrive in this region before you continue walking to Cathedral Rock, an impressive sandstone monolith that’s famous for its grand spires and arches. Follow original wagon trails up to a red rock saddle and take a moment to appreciate the view as you listen to stories about T.C. Schnebly and his wife Sedona, whom the town is named after.

Stroll along Whiskey Row
Walk in the footsteps of prospectors and cowboys and raise a glass at one of the saloons along Whiskey Row in Prescott then gather your courage for a visit to the historic ghost town of Jerome which many people believe is haunted. Once a booming settlement, the town was home to more than 10,000 people in the 1920s, but mine closures have left Jerome with a population of just over 400. The people may have left, but their stories live on – take a tour with your leader through the town’s zig zagging streets and uncover its fascinating multilayered history.

Visit Montezuma Castle
Marvel at the well-preserved Montezuma Castle, a five-story building with 20 rooms built into the side of a cliff by the Sinagua People. Many local tribes believed the site was sacred and appreciated its natural beauty and tranquility. This significant structure was declared one of America’s first National Monuments by President Roosevelt in the early 1900s. Nearby you’ll discover an original irrigation canal, picnic areas, a historic homestead, and Montezuma Well which is still filled with water. If the day is warm, cool down with a stroll through the forest near the well.
Arizona Tour Reviews
Arizona FAQs
Trips on or before 31 December 2022
If your Intrepid trip starts on or before 31 December 2022, you must provide proof of full vaccination against COVID-19.
If you are unable to be vaccinated for medical reasons, you may apply for an exemption. Exemptions will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. To apply, you must provide a medical certificate from a medical professional.
Children under 18 are exempt. Children aged between 5 and 17 years old must provide proof of either vaccination, recovery or a negative COVID-19 test.
Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards
From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travellers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises).
However, we continue to strongly recommend that all Intrepid travellers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.
Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.
Getting to Arizona is relatively easy with a number of different transportation options available. You can fly into Arizona's main airport, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, or a smaller regional airport such as the ones in Tucson or Yuma. You can also embark on a road trip from one of the neighbouring states, or catch public transport in the form of a bus or a train with several routes taking you to various destinations within the state.
Getting around Arizona is relatively easy due to the number of different transportation options available but your best bet is to hire a car. If you're arriving by car the easiest way to get around Arizona is to drive with major highways that are easy to navigate and well maintained. You can also fly between popular destinations within the state. It is possible to travel by bus between many of the major towns in Arizona but the train network is limited and not well suited to seeing the sights.
Arizona's climate is very similar to that of neighbouring states such as Nevada in that it is sunny most of the time. However, temperatures can vary quite a bit throughout the state depending on what time of the year you're visiting and where you're travelling to. In winter, it's not unusual to see people walking around in shorts and t-shirts in the southern part of Arizona while heavy snow is falling up north. In winter, temperatures can drop to minus eight degrees Celcius near Flagstaff but remain close to 10 degrees Celcius in and around Phoenix. Summer is pleasantly warm throughout the state with overnight temperatures staying in the double digits.
What to pack for Arizona depends on what time of the year you're travelling but regardless of the season, there are items you should always pack. Some of these include sensible and comfortable walking shoes (most likely you'll be doing a lot of hiking during your time in Arizona), a sun hat or cap, and some sunscreen (especially in summer). If you're travelling in winter, be sure to pack trousers, sweaters, waterproof jackets, and thick coats to keep yourself warm if you're heading to the ski fields or cooler parts of the state like Flagstaff.
The best time to visit Arizona largely depends on what you want to get out of your vacation and what kind of activities you want to participate in while you're there. When it comes to the weather, the best time to visit Arizona is between April and mid-June (before temperatures get too high) or from September to mid-October as the state is filled with the beautiful autumn colors of orange, red, and brown. If you're planning on trekking through some of the state's national parks, then travelling during summer is advised against (unless you undertake extra planning) as temperatures can exceed 40 degrees Celcius.
If you stick to the popular cities in Arizona such as Phoenix and Tucson, then your mobile coverage shouldn't be affected. However, if you're planning on spending time in one of the state's many national parks then you could experience some disruptions. Most national parks have reception areas or tourist hubs where mobile phone access is available but if you're hiking through the park or you've stopped at a high-altitude viewpoint then your service is likely to be weak and unreliable.
Intrepid is committed to making travel widely accessible, regardless of ability or disability. That’s why we do our best to help as many people see the world as possible, regardless of any physical or mental limitations they might have. Major cities such as Phoenix and Tucson offer excellent access for travellers with disabilities but some of Arizona's natural wonders can make walking difficult for travellers who are less mobile on foot. However, we’re always happy to talk to travellers with disabilities and see if we can help guide them towards the most suitable itinerary for their needs and where possible, make reasonable adjustments to our itineraries.
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