Adventures are my favourite and Arizona did not disappoint. There is plenty on offer to suit all tastes and some really memorable experiences that are a must.
Grand Canyon
What an experience, honestly pictures and videos can not portray how incredible it was. Flying over mountains and giant red rocks then huge alpine trees covered in snow. The Grand Canyon is breath taking and nothing will prepare you for how vast it really is.
The flight itself was Phoenix Deer Valley Airport to Grand Canyon Nation Park Airport. The flights were approx 2 hours outbound, showing all the sights and landmarks en route and approx 1 hour 15 return. The flight is much more direct back.
On arrival to the Grand Canyon we flew over and around for quite some time to really take in the view from about. It’s breath taking.
We explored by jeep and foot too which was also great. Our tour guide was brilliant and we were lucky to be off season again meaning zero queues and a massive jeep to ourselves.
A truly unforgettable experience, I’m so glad when I suggested we drive John came back with this because it really was incredible.
We booked through Westward Air Service, click here for them.
Phoenix
Roosevelt Arts District and Japanese Friendship Garden are a few things to spot whilst exploring via foot. Some incredible art work and a fun park to chill out and maybe have a picnic.
Desert Botanical Garden – Phoenix
If you know John you’ll know he loves a botanical garden. It was great and had an art installation too. I would say it wasn’t looking its best, but lets be honest things don’t bloom all year round. One to visit if its your kind thing. Priced at $14.95 it’s not too bad either. For their website click here.
Floor 13 Roof Bar
My kind of bar, cocktails and Views. I’ve written more in my foodie post here, so I won’t bore you all again but definitely worth a visit for a cocktail and a view of Phoenix.
Hiking
The is so much hiking in Arizona and I’m almost ashamed we didn’t do more. I thought 10 days would be endless time and to be honest it quickly disappeared. If you’re experienced Camel Mountain in Phoenix is the main route that came up. We did trails around our hotel in Tucson, Ritz Carlton Dove Mountain and although smaller and a little easier they were great and the views make the effort so worth it.
Houstons Horseback Riding
Another favourite from the trip. We love horse riding and going through the desert through all the cactus was great fun. It was perfect for beginners, experienced riders may find it a little slow. I do however think it’s about taking in the experience and surroundings rather than charging off. The guides were lovely and full of knowledge. One had relocated from the UK and knew the area that we live, I kinda liked that. You can book them here.
Dove Mountain Spa
I did write about this one in my Dove Mountain post here, however it was just so lovely it needed to be included. A great spa, amazing treatments and just pure relaxation. Very much needed after a lot of exploring through out the trip.
Tempe Town Lake
A man made lake with water from Colorado, great in the warmer months for water sports. A nice spot to walk along the lake. If you’re feeling up to it a 45 min walk takes you to a shopping complex complete with Sephora, yes girls and guys you can always rely on me to sniff out a Sephora.
Shopping
There are so many malls and outlets like everywhere in America really. I will be here all day listing them. But rest assured you’re gonna find all the shopping you need and I actually found a little Ralph Lauren bargain this trip so apparently bargains do still exist in America. Hard to believe with the exchange rate.
Pima Air and Space Museum / Falcon Field Airport
One for the husband, or two places. Let’s be honest it can’t all be about me and I do find it fascinating. I always say John opens my eyes up to so much history, culture and knowledge and I just give him shopping and beauty. Anyway I digress, basically all kinds of planes from tiny to the weird and wonderful.
When we said we were going to Arizona a lot of people said why would you want to go there. I really hope this post shows you that there is so much on offer, not to mention if you pick the right months some insane weather. I liked January it wasn’t too hot. It’s an amazing place and I can’t wait to go back at some point.
For more Arizona click for Dove Mountain and Food
See you in the next post
Rach xx
