Arizona is a perfect place to get away during the winter or spring. Arizona is full of deserts, canyons, volcanic mountain ranges, and a range of bodies of water. It is also home to hundreds of unique topographic features. Arizona has hues of red, orange, brown, and green that blend perfectly. The state also has cities perfect for nightlife. Popular cities to visit include Sedona, Page, Scottsdale, and Tucson. 

Sedona

I have never been to Sedona, but it is on my bucket list. Sedona, being the capital of Arizona, is full of life. Aside from being a well-populated city, it also has perfect places to hike. Hikes range from short to long and easy to strenuous. Shorter hikes include Cathedral Rock Trail, Merry-Go-Round Trail, Birthing Cave Trail, Robbers Roust, Devils Bridge Trail, and Soldier Pass Trail. Cathedral Rock Trail is 1.2 miles out and back. You need a Red Rock Pass or America the Beautiful Pass to park. Merry-Go Round Trail is 1.4 miles out and back and requires a Red Rock or America the Beautiful pass for parking. Birthing Cave Trail, a 2-mile hike, and Robbers Roost, a 3-mile out-and-back hike, do not require parking passes. Devils Bridge Trail and Soldier Pass Trail also do not require parking passes. Devils Bridge is 4 miles long, and Soldier Pass is 4.5 miles. Longer hikes include Subway Cave Trail, Window Cave Lookout, Hangover Trail, West Fort Trail, and Boynton Canyon Trail. Hangover and Boynton require either a Red Rock or America the Beautiful pass. Hangover Trail is 5.8 miles out-and-back, and Boynton Canyon Trail is 7.2 miles out-and-back. Subway Cave Trail is 5.8 miles, Window Cave Lookout is 6.3 miles, and West Fort Trail is 6.5 miles out and back. All of the hikes are either in Sedona or near the city. The hikes on the top of my bucket list are Subway Cave, Soldier’s Pass, Devils Bridge, Birthing Cave, Window Cave, and Cathedral Rock. Hiking is not the only thing to do while in Sedona. You can kayak on the Verde River, stargaze at night, or drive around. 

Page

I have been to Page once. We visited the city after visiting Zion National Park. We did not hike there, but we did find fun activities to do in and around the city. My favorite thing we did was watching the sunset at Horseshoe Bend. It was breathtaking, and I want to go back.

There was a short walk to get there, but it was more than worth it. Another place to visit if you like Horseshoe Bend is 6 minutes away. It is located behind the Shell Gas Station at 1510 AZ-98, Coppermine Rd, Page, AZ 86040. The view is just as beautiful and free. Horseshoe Bend has a one-time parking fee that varies amongst vehicles. The Wave is possibly the most famous place in Page. However, each day sixty-four people are allowed to visit. We got denied to visit, but I hope one day I can visit the site. White Pocket is an alternative to the Wave. No permits are required, but you need either a 4×4, high clearance vehicle or a guide to take you. White Pocket is 45 miles east of Kanab and perfect if you were denied to go to The Wave. We went on ATVs with Epic Adventure near Lake Powell. I would highly recommend going ATVing with them. You follow a guide who takes you across different terrains and talks to you about the land. We went while the sun was setting, and it was picture-perfect. There were lots of laughs and breathtaking views. Sledding down dunes at Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park was another thing we did. The sand was hot, and you had to walk back up after sledding down, but it was worth it. You can rent sleds or sandboards to ride down the dunes. There is a bit of a walk to get to the dunes, but it is not far.

While in Page, we also visited Antelope Canyon. I recommend going here at least once in your lifetime. The guides know tons about the area and take you through the canyon. They help you take pictures and teach you anything you want to know. There is an alternative to Antelope Canyon called Cardiac Canyon in the Navajo Nation. Canyon X Tours offers a private guided tour, but only six people a day are allowed to visit. The tour, however, can last up to 6 hours, unlike the shorter Antelope Canyon tour. 

Havasupai Indian Reservation, Grand Canyon, and other areas

My family and I have never visited the Havasupai Indian Reservation, but I have heard many positive things about the area. You will need a permit to enter this reservation, but it is well worth it. The views are stunning, and the area is a perfect desert oasis. Places to visit on the reservation include Mooney Falls and the Grand Canyon. Mooney Falls does require you to hike a short but adventurous 1.36 miles. You cannot go to the falls on a day trip because you need to spend a night at Havasupai. The reservation does require you to stay a minimum of 4 days and 3 nights. There is a recently built lodge, but most people just camp on the reservation. There are plenty of hikes to take and sites to see. If you do go camping, that is a perfect time to stargaze. With little to no light pollution, the skies will be clear and well-populated with celestial objects. Seeing the Grand Canyon is less strict. You will need a permit, but you can spend the day there. Access to the Grand Canyon includes the Havasupai Reservation, which is surrounded by the canyon, as well as the South Rim and North Rim, and the Grand Canyon East and West. The South Rim is considered to be the best area to visit. It is said to be authentic and offers a variety of activities, restaurants, and accommodations. Other places to visit in the state include the White Mountains, located on the border of Arizona and New Mexico, and Emerald Cove, located on the Nevada and Arizona border.