Arizona
Discover Arizona
Arizona, also known as the Grand Canyon State, is in the American Southwest. Admitted as the 48th State of the Union in 1912, Arizona is home to the Grand Canyon as well as a variety of terrain, climates and cultures. To the west are California and Nevada, to the north is Utah, to the east is New Mexico, to the northeast is Colorado, and to the south is the Mexican state of Sonora. It is one of the Four Corners states. Arizona covers 113,909 square miles (29,502,000 ha; 295,020 km), with about 350 square miles (91,000 ha; 910 km) of water surface including Lake Havasu, Lake Powell, Lake Mead and the Colorado River. The state consists of three primary topographical features: a high plateau in the northeast of the state, averaging between 5,000 to 7,000 feet (1,500 to 2,100 m) in elevation; a mountainous region which runs from the southeast to the northwest with peak elevations between 9,000 to 12,000 feet (2,700 to 3,700 m); and low mountain ranges and desert valleys in the southwestern of the state.
What to Experience in Arizona
Taste of Arizona...
Although, like most large metro areas, Phoenix is home to a wide variety of eateries of myriad ethic and cultural influences, Arizona is best known for its great Southwestern style food, including great traditional Mexican cuisine, particularly of the northern or Sonoran variety, upscale Mexican fusion eateries, and working neighborhood catering trucks and street-side burrito stands. Arizonans have claimed that they brought chimichangas (deep-fried burritos) to the U.S. On the wilder side, cactus is also edible and can be eaten fried or in salads. Large amounts of water are a necessity during the summer months. The amount of water suggested varies from person to person, but dehydration or exhaustion can occur if one is not vigilant; especially in areas without air conditioning. Summer days can be so warm that most convenience stores sell fountain drink cups in sizes up to a half gallon. The official currency of Arizona is the U.S. Dollar (USD). Credit cards are widely accepted in Arizona, as are debit cards. Be aware that ATMs found outside banks often charge substantial fees to withdraw cash in Arizona, as much as $8 to $15 fixed fee per withdrawal irrespective of the amount, plus a currency conversion fee when withdrawing cash from an account in EUR or other foreign currency. Carefully check the overview presented by the ATM before committing to the transaction.
Climate
A primary reason for travelers to visit to Arizona, specifically in the low desert regions around Phoenix and Tucson, is the state's mild climate during the fall, winter and spring. The warm weather and low precipitation provide travelers with an enjoyable climate for numerous outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, golf and sightseeing. At higher elevations during the winter, snowfall allows visitors to enjoy winter sports such as cross-country skiing. During the summer months, temperatures in the low desert regions can reach well above 100 °F (38 °C), however the climate at higher elevations, as in Flagstaff, stays mild and allows for enjoyable outdoor activities as well as a break from the summer heat. High temperatures in the summer months in the lower elevations reach into the "triple digits" of 100 °F (38 °C) and above, with 110 °F (43 °C) common and record highs above 120 °F (49 °C).
Essential Information
Getting There
Multiple OptionsArizona's main entry point by air is 33.4355-112.00841 Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX). Nestled between downtown Phoenix and Tempe, Sky Harbor is served by most major airlines and provides non-stop service to over 100 cities in the U.S., Canada, Germany, Taiwan, United Kingdom, Mexico and Costa Rica. It is a hub & focus city for American Airlines/American Eagle and Southwest Airlines. Additional direct international connections to/from Phoenix are through Dallas Ft Worth International Airport, Los Angeles International Airport or through another city depending on the airline(s). From Phoenix Sky Harbor most travelers rent cars and drive to their destinations in Arizona. In addition to Phoenix Sky Harbor, several regional airports are throughout Arizona including: All parts of Arizona are accessible by federal or state highways as well as 22 'Ports of Entry' from surrounding states and Sonora, Mexico....
Regions
Explore AreasOther cities of are listed in their regions that they are in. Arizona covers 113,909 square miles (29,502,000 ha; 295,020 km), with about 350 square miles (91,000 ha; 910 km) of water surface includin…...
Getting Around & Staying
Getting Around
As with most western states, the easiest way to get around Arizona is via car. The federal and state highway system offers travelers easy access around Arizona whether you are driving your personal car or a rental car. While most major cities in Arizona do offer public transportation, including Greater Phoenix, Tucson, Flagstaff, and Sedona, state-wide public transportation is very limited. Nearly all major attractions and tourist destinations in Arizona are accessible via car. Renting a car in Arizona is very similar to any other state. Rental cars are available at most major airports, especially the main entry points of Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and Tucson International Airport. Bus service to Arizona is available via Greyhound with several stops available including Flagstaff, Glendale, Phoenix, Tucson and Yuma. American Eagle operates limited intrastate offer flights (within Arizona) from Phoenix Sky Harbor to Tucson, Flagstaff and Yuma.
Money & Budget
The official currency of Arizona is the U.S. Dollar (USD). Credit cards are widely accepted in Arizona, as are debit cards. Be aware that ATMs found outside banks often charge substantial fees to withdraw cash in Arizona, as much as $8 to $15 fixed fee per withdrawal irrespective of the amount, plus a currency conversion fee when withdrawing cash from an account in EUR or other foreign currency. Carefully check the overview presented by the ATM before committing to the transaction. Like many western states, Arizona has had cases of hantaviral pulmonary syndrome (an average of three confirmed cases each year in recent decades; usually, two of them survive). There is no cure for the disease; treatment mainly consists of supportive therapies while the body tries to overcome the virus itself.
Language & Talk
As with all states in the U.S., the primary spoken language in Arizona is English. A large population base speaks Spanish. Due to the state's history and its proximity to Mexico, Arizona is home to a large population of Mexican-Americans as well as populations from several other Hispanic countries who typically speak the Spanish language (with some Hispanic cultures using a country-specific dialect) in addition to or instead of English. Arizona is home to several Native American reservations, with the Navajo Nation being the largest in the state and nationwide. Most of the Native American tribes have their own distinct language, though just about all members of those tribes are fluent in English. Arizona's main entry point by air is 33.4355-112.
Safety Information
Safety Overview
Due to Arizona's proximity to the International Boundary with Mexico, visitors should be cautious while in areas near the border. Thousands of U.S citizens visit the state of Sonora, Mexico from Arizona every year with the majority of travelers returning from an enjoyable experience. However, Sonora can be very dangerous for travelers, and the U.S. State Department encourages travelers to limit travel to the main roads during daylight hours. Before traveling to Mexico, ensure that you have the proper documentation and are familiar with the recommendations for foreign travel from the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs and with the current Mexico travel warnings. A large portion of Arizona's land area consists of extensive desert landscapes, many of which are very remote and can easily become disorienting to a tourist who is unfamiliar with these locations.
Nearby Destinations
Glimpses of Arizona
Desert Sunrise at Sabino Canyon with Saguaros
Walking down the Wildcat trail in Monument Valley opens up this magnificent view to everyone. Amazing weather and good light helped us with this picture.
Saguaro National Park
Monument vallet
shot from the hip right before the sun went down
Arizona cacti
Daylight End
Sunlight cuts through the desert at sundown.
(contact me for the full resoluton image)
brown and black mountains under blue sky
Desert Sunrise at Sabino Canyon with Saguaros
Walking down the Wildcat trail in Monument Valley opens up this magnificent view to everyone. Amazing weather and good light helped us with this picture.
Saguaro National Park