Arizona, USA: where is it, when to go and what to see

The Grand Canyon and Monument Valley, the National Forests and Antelope Canyon, the Sedona Desert, Phoenix and Tucson are just some of the sights to be found in Arizona, the southwestern US state. The area is famous for its dreamlike landscapes that immediately bring to mind old films set in the Wild West.

Despite a central area with a mild climate, the rest of the state is scorched by the sun, there is very little rain and the temperatures are scorching hot in summer. Not only that, the semi-desert terrain is the cause of large temperature swings between day and night.
To clear your doubts about when to go and what to see in Arizona, here is some useful information.

Where is it located and how to get there

Arizona is part of the southwestern United States and is therefore located in the southwest of the country. It borders New Mexico, Utah, Nevada, California and Colorado.

From Italy there is usually a stopover in Frankfurt or Philadelphia, before landing at Sky Arbor International in Phoenix. The flight duration is about 10 hours(compare flights). From the airport to the city there are only 5 km, the train from terminal 4 arrives downtown in 15 min and costs $2/€1.80. The city has an efficient connection to other cities, and therefore an excellent starting point for a trip to Arizona.

When to go? Info on climate and best time

• Climate: the climate is desert and semi-desert, with a temperate zone in the central area. Temperatures reach 40 °C in summer and rainfall is low.

• Best period: spring and autumn, when temperatures are mild.

• Period to avoid: summer due to high temperatures, winter due to cold temperatures in the mountains and the northern part of the Grand Canyon, with frequent snowfall.

• Tips: layered and comfortable clothing, especially for those planning to hike at the Grand Canyon and Monument Valley. Due to the temperature range between day and night, some heavy clothing is recommended.

What to see in Arizona: must-see towns and attractions

1 - Monument Valley

Hearing the name Arizona, it is impossible not to immediately think of the gigantic sandstone blocks that dominate Monument Valley. This area, which straddles the border between Arizona and Utah, is dotted with jagged rock formations, sometimes turning into stone spires, sometimes into hills and sand dunes.

It is possible to tackle the endless highways that criss-cross the valley on one's own, allowing oneself to be captivated by the boundless views along the plains, or to contact the Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park visitor centre for assistance from one of the highly trained guides. Prices vary depending on the route you choose to take.
SEE ALSO: Monument Valley, Arizona: where it is, when to go and what to see

2 - Grand Canyon

It is a huge crack in the Earth that would need no introduction. It is one of Arizona's iconic attractions and can even be seen from space! It is on almost everyone's bucket list, as this magnificent natural formation is the result of millions of years of erosion caused by the flowing waters of the mighty Colorado River.

Visitors can admire the layers of red rocks that testify to its long geological history on the walls of the canyon, which is about 450 km long, more than a metre and a half deep and up to about 30 km wide. Its magnificent colours and unique shape attract millions of visitors every year. Most tourists enjoy the canyon from its southern rim, but the more adventurous climb its walls or enjoy rafting on the Colorado River. While some parts of the canyon, located on the upper plateau, are forested, most of the area is arid.
SEE ALSO: Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona: where it is, when to go and what to see

3 - Saguaro National Park

The giant saguaro is the cactus species that has become one of the symbols of the American West. It grows in very few places in the United States and this National Park near Tucson was created precisely to protect these rare and magnificent plants. The park is located in the heart of the Sonora Desert, about 1,000 metres above sea level and is one of Arizona's main attractions.

Themonths between November and March are the best time to visit the park, as the temperatures are cooler. In February and March, these giant cacti, together with other plants typical of desert areas, create an unforgettable spectacle with their colourful blooms.
The park is an ideal place for short, leisurely hikes with the family, but it is also possible to venture into more challenging wilderness ventures. There are different rates for entering the park, depending on the vehicle used or whether you enter on foot, on average ranging from $15/€13.60 to $25/€23.00.

4 - Phoenix

Looking at the city from the plane, one sees a huge urban centre in the middle of a desert. It is the capital of Arizona and also the largest city in the western United States, and is surrounded by desert and huge cactus plants. It is very hot in the city all year round, so it is best to visit in spring when temperatures are milder. The city is rich in historical monuments of great value, but also in museums, modern architectural works and, above all, fascinating places where flora, fauna and, in general, nature dominate. Among the most interesting museums is theHeard Museum, where evidence of the ancient Indian tribes that populated the American Southwest is collected. Full-price tickets cost $25/€23, concessions range from $9/€8.16 to $15/€13.60, and children up to 5 years old get in free. The Desert Botanical Garden, on the other hand, is one of the city's botanical parks with many plants typical of the desert landscape. Theatmosphere of the Old West can be relived not far from the city, namely at the Old City in Scottsdale, where the original settings of saloons and old relics have been recreated.
SEE ALSO: Phoenix, Arizona: where is it, when to go and what to see

5 - Antelope Canyon

This is one of the most photogenic and photographed attractions in the entire state. It is a sandstone canyon called slot canyon because of its peculiar shape, narrow but fairly easy to cross, with mesmerising internal shapes created by wind and water.

Light can only enter from the top, and at certain times of the day the smooth sandstone walls turn a beautiful shade, with brilliant orange-violet hues and shading. It is a unique sight, one of the most striking in the entire United States. Its main feature, however, is its division into two different, not directly connected sections called Upper and Lower. The former is the most famous and is located at the end of a dirt road that cannot be travelled by private vehicles, the latter is closer to Lake Powell, where the canyon proper begins.
Itis compulsory to book a guided tour in both sections, prices vary depending on the route you intend to take and the vehicle to be used.
SEE ALSO: Antelope Canyon, Arizona: where it is, when to go and what to see

6 - Petrified Forest and Painted Desert

Located in Apache and Navajo counties in north-eastern Arizona, the park owes its name to the petrified wood formations that cover an area of about 380 square kilometres. The scenery is truly impressive, thanks to the colourful, weathered gullies and semi-desert terrain. The park became a national monument in 1906 and a national park in 1962. Manybackpacking activities, hikes, photographic expeditions and much more are possible here.
The Painted Desert is perhaps the most bizarre area of the park, it is arid and multi-coloured: it is the rocks that, due to their particular formation, create a rainbow of colours ranging from yellow to blue, red to grey. The particular concentration of minerals such as manganese and iron in the rocks creates a wide and imaginative palette, a true paradise for those who love particularly evocative photographic shots. The cost of the pass depends on the vehicle used to cross the park and ranges from $15/€13.60 to $20/€18.00.

7 - Sedona

This charming town is located about halfway between Flagstaff and Phoenix, nestled between vertiginous red rock canyons and green forests.
It is precisely its close relationship with the nature that surrounds it that makes it irresistible, an almost spiritual bond that many of its visitors say they feel: it is said that in this part of Arizona, the earth releases powerful vortexes of energy. No one can say for sure, but it is true that Sedona has become, over time, one of the capitals of new-age culture, attracting all kinds of artists,'holy men' and souls sensitive to the'Spirit of Nature'. One of the most iconic natural attractions is Cathedral Rock, a rock formation carved out of red sandstone that resembles a great Gothic cathedral. The highest point, which can be reached on foot by following the special trail, is at about 1,500 metres and is a rather difficult hike with steep spots to climb.

8 - Canyon De Chelly National Monument

This is a lesser-known canyon, but no less worthy than its more famous cousins. It covers an area of 83,840 acres and is one of the oldest inhabited places in North America: man has lived here continuously for almost 5,000 years. It is located within the boundaries of the Navajo Nation, so it is not entirely freely explorable. The White House Ruins Trail, however, is a self-drive trail that leads through the centuries-old settlements of the ancient Anasazi people, built directly into the cliffs. Being less famous, it is, consequently, less frequented and therefore more leisurely to explore and, moreover, there is no charge for access.

9 - Tucson

It is not only the starting point for visiting Saguaro National Park, but also offers the opportunity to learn more about the area thanks to theArizona-Sonora Desert Museum. Here you will find more than 200 animal species and 1200 plant species, an aquarium, botanical gardens, an art gallery, a natural history museum and a zoo. To immerse oneself in the local atmosphere, a visit to the St. Philips Farmers Market, one of the largest markets in the state, which takes place every Saturday and Sunday, is also recommended. Here, many local farmers come together to sell top-quality produce. There is also room, of course, for western movie fans: the Old Tucson Studios is a real movie set that has now become a theme park. It was built in 1939 for the filming of the movie'Arizona' and later used to film scenes for more than 300 films and TV series, including 'Little House on the Prairie' and'Shootout at the O.K. Corral'. Full tickets cost $21.95/€19.91, concessions $10.95/€9.90, children under 4 get in free.
SEE ALSO: Tucson, Arizona: where to go, when to go and what to see

10 - Hoover Dam

Those who don't believe that a dam can attract more than a million visitors each year will have to change their minds when they learn about Hoover Dam.
It is indeed a dam located on the Nevada-Arizona border that, after the release of the video game Fallout New Vegas, has gained more fame especially among young people: here, in fact, the decisive battle of the game's plot takes place. Once known as Boulder Dam, it was built between 1931 and 1936 during the Great Depression. Thousands of men participated in its construction and more than a hundred people died during the work. It was built to control the Colorado River and to provide hydroelectric power to the state, and it is possible to visit both the dam and its powerhouse. Admission for a stand-alone visit costs $10.00/€9.07, a guided tour of the power plant costs $15.00/€13.60 and a guided tour of the entire site is $30.00/€27.21.

The main itineraries in Arizona

The main itineraries in Arizona are more or less classic and take place on the road: among the most popular attractions there is a lot to see and it is possible to take advantage of the long highways to enjoy the state's unique views.

1. From Monument Valley to the Grand Canyon on the road: classic itinerary to visit the parks, about 300 km apart. The stops: Baby Rocks, Navajo National Monument, Elephant Feet, Moenkopi Dinosaur Tracks, Little Colorado River Navajo Tribal Park.

2. Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend: between the two natural wonders are: Upper Antelope Canyon and Lower Antelope Canyon (organised tour compulsory), the centre of Page from which you can travel to Horseshoe Bend. All can be visited in one day.

3. Route 66: America's most famous highway passes through the best of nature in the west: Petrified Forest, Grand Canyon, Holbrook and Wigwam Village Motel, Winslow, Meteor Crater, Flagstaff.

What to do in Arizona: hikes and tours

How much does a holiday in Arizona cost? Prices, offers and tips

Calculating the cost of a holiday in Arizona is not easy, there are many factors to consider. On flight and accommodation costs, you can save money if you decide to leave in low season and book in advance.
Expenses that affect the budget are car rental (recommended) and entrance fees to the parks. Moreover, some excursions cannot be tackled independently and it is necessary to book a guided tour, for which a fee is charged.

The cost of living respects the average in the United States, although thanks to the proximity to Mexico it is possible to find, for example, excellent street food at very affordable prices. Admission to the parks is often free, the cost of the entrance ticket for those with a fee ranges from $15.00/€13.60 to $35.00/€32.00 while guided tours can be quite expensive, up to $200.00/€181.00 per person.

• Where to stay: Hotels and B&Bs from €65.00 per room

• Low cost flights: from €479.00 - look at the offers

• Flight + hotel: A/R flight + 7 days/6 nights from €1.300,00 per person - look at the offers

Travel information: useful info

• Inhabitants: 7,171,646

• Capital: Phoenix

• Languages: English, Spanish

• Local currency: US dollar (€1.00 = $1.11)

• Climate: desert, with very little rain, high temperatures and wide temperature range

• Time zone: GMT-7 (-7h compared to Italy, -8h when daylight saving time applies in Italy)

• Entry requirements: Passport with residual validity of at least 6 months, return ticket, ESTA authorisation

• Distance from Italy: 9,900 km (10-hour flight)