6 Amazing Days in Arizona

An unforgettable week in the “Grand Canyon State” and How I fell in LOVE with the Saguaro Cactus!

My gosh, every time I visit Arizona I am surprised by how much I LOVE this State. I guess growing up and visiting Bullhead City in the Summers with my Grandma, had me believing that (although those summer visits were memorable and fun) Arizona is the portal to hell, sometimes slow, and boring. Now an adult and having adventured to different cities in this beautiful State, I can say;

1. Arizona IS the portal to Hell during the Summer; However it is still a wonderful place!

2. Arizona has so much natural beauty and wonder to see. The views and hikes are absolutely AMAZING!

3. I LOVE this STATE and all its Cacti!

4. GO!

A life Goal

I set a goal to visit all the National Parks in the United States during my lifetime, and Arizona has a few. So when I was looking for a quick Spring Break trip that also allowed me to check off some Parks, Arizona was an option.

On this trip we visited Two National Parks; Saguaro and Petrified Forest. I have already been to Grand Canyon a couple Winters back so opted for areas surrounding the Grand Canyon Like Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend in Page Arizona. But, before I get ahead of myself I’ll continue by giving a breakdown of each day.

DAY 1:

A wonderful afternoon in Phoenix and Scottsdale. We landed in Phoenix the evening before and booked a stay at Scottsdale -Sleep Inn. It was not too far from the airport and near TPC Golf Course where my travel partner was excited to golf, giving us our own time to adventure and enjoy the area independently, I was thrilled to visit a nearby botanical garden.

TPC Scottsdale Is part of the PGA Tour and an absolutely beautiful course. It is one that is on many a Golfer’s Bucket List, and for good reason. The panoramic views and layout of the courses are grand! The amenities and restaurants are upscale, and the cacti seem to set with such elegance and grace.

Now as he was enjoying 18 holes in luxury I adventured to the most fantastic botanical garden I have been to! Desert Botanical Garden ♥

But First Coffee!

I must tell you about an awesome coffee joint I found in Phoenix! Of course, I had to start my adventurous morning with a great cup of coffee and a bite (and boy did I find the perfect spot.)

Deseo Coffee Shack

They pride themselves in local fair trade and farm-to-table style options. Utilizing their local bakeries and dairies for products, and providing a unique and fun vibe while enjoying a cup. If you visit the area – Check them out!

Desert Botanical Garden

See link above for all the details and events at the garden!

Oh my goodness, I fell in love ♥ If you enjoy visiting gardens, if you love succulents, if you go crazy for cacti, art and color, or love the art of nature… You will LOVE this place!

I had the best time meandering leisurely through all the trails and garden exhibits. This visit was in Late-March and the temperature was already rising in this part of Arizona, so I decided to get there as early as opening. I was sure glad I did because by 11 am it was high 70s and getting crowded.

It was lovely having the morning hours to freely move about the beautiful garden so I do suggest enjoying early if possible. The early bird catches the worm (or in my case) the gilded flicker ♥

Take a walking tour in the Butterfly Pavilion a 3,200 square foot opened-aired habitat with lush gardens, a water feature, thousands of butterflies, and a live butterfly nursery with interactive learning. This pavilion was such a great feature ♥

This Garden is absolutely lovely. Enjoy a full beautiful day of exploring, relaxing under an arbor, dining, and shopping, and don’t miss out on their art installations all around the 55-acre garden. It truly was a wonderful way to kick off the first day of my Arizona adventure!

For more lovely garden experiences I have shared about, check out my post of the lovely Ruth Bancroft Garden located in the East Bay of California’s San Francisco region, of Walnut Creek.

Lunchtime Mention!

After a wonderful day of exploring one could say an appetite was worked up so we stopped off at a yummy restaurant in Old Town Scottsdale, Culinary Dropout.

It had some really delicious bites, like the BBQ PORK BELLY NACHOS, yum yum. There are various locations throughout Arizona and other States, but the vibe and ambiance at the Old Town Scottsdale was a perfect way to enjoy a meal before hitting the road!

DAY 2:

Tucson, AZ

We arrived in Tucson the evening before, after a lovely day in Phoenix and Scottsdale. We booked a stay at the 3 Palms Tucson and it was PERFECT. The price is very reasonable, with amenities such as a pool, spa, workout room, and even a putting green! We enjoyed the view of the mountains from our room, and a great location near many restaurants and one of the coolest WHOLEFOODS I have ever been to! This one has a brewery and delicious pizza that you can eat there in their lodge area or get to go. We got a pizza, some wine, and a salad to take back to the hotel, for a relaxing dinner.

Saguaro National Park East

We woke early and headed out to Saguaro National. This park is split into two sections East and West with Tucson in the middle. On this day we visited the EAST side of the Park, which I mapped by using the Rincon Mountain Visitor Center location.

Entrance Fee: $25 per vehicle or if you have the America The Beautiful – The National Parks and Federal Lands Pass, then entrance is covered.  I am a firm believer that EVERY adventurer should have this pass! They even have FREE passes available for Military, Disabled, Park Volunteers, and Students. You can check out that info HERE. 

This park was more than I anticipated it to be. I had absolutely no idea the impact it would have on me. Driving the roads to The East Park I felt an energy. I’d say similar to what I felt my couple of times visiting Joshua Tree. The day we went, Tucson was already hitting the 80s and this was late March so arriving early was ideal. As in true fashion, we beat the heat and crowds!

Trails: There are plenty of great trails in the East Park. As we wanted to squeeze in much for this day we opted to do a shorter trail and then drive the park and stop along the route to explore a bit.

Mica View Loop – 2 wonderful miles full of Saguaros and as it was Springtime, beautiful blooms ♥

Love at First Hike ♥

How could you not fall in love with this Cacti? The trails were filled with these beautiful tree-sized wonders and hiking through was a wonderful fulfilling experience. In addition to hiking through Mica View (which was an easy 2 miles) We also enjoyed the Cactus Forest Drive Loop and stopped to hike up rocks and hills along the route. ADVICE: go early and bring plenty of water as it does get hot.

For a PDF Map of Trails see Here!

The road was fully paved and the stops were just lovely. Desert full of cacti and sunshine and adventure ♥

What I wore and recommend to bring for your Arizona Hiking Adventures ♥

Post recommendations are tried-and-true by Andee; Thus this post has affiliate links that may earn commissions. The links are at no cost to you, the reader, but help show support for the efforts of andeeonthego.com. Thank You ♥

On to the next adventure of the day a visit to the Original Wild West ♥

Tombstone, AZ

This is the home of the most infamous gunfight at the OK Corral. And you wouldn’t believe that this small town was once one of the fastest-growing cities in the US. It even ranked more populated than San Francisco at one time! You can learn about this and so much more by booking one of the many Historic tours offered.

We booked the Old Tombstone Western Theme Park Wyatt Earp Combo Deal. This included the gunfight show which was interactive and so much fun in an awesome Hollywood-style western set. It then included the Historic Tombstone Trolley Tour. Where the driver shared bits of history as he drove you around the city of Tombstone. This experience gets two thumbs up! Find details HERE.

Tombstone was a blast into the past. We walked the dirt roads and wood-planked walkways looking at art, reading history and even enjoying a great scoop of ice cream. Is it worth adventuring to? Yes! And do get yourself that sheriff pin, (I regret not having one)

Favorite Bites of the Day

Waffle House in Tucson ♥

Jerimiah’s Italian Ice

What a lovely treat to enjoy after a day of adventure. If you lodge in Tucson look them up!

DAY 3:

But First Coffee!

Snooze A. M. Eatery in Tucson, was happily down the road from our hotel. Open 6:30 AM – 2:30 PM

Found a cool Art Deco-styled breakfast joint that opened early in the morning, and as we wanted to hit the road by 6 AM this was perfect! No one could have guessed that this place would not only hit the timing spot, but also the ambiance, most importantly delicious food, and a darn good hot cup of coffee spot as well!

Now that we are fueled we are ready for the day’s adventure!

Saguaro National Park West ♥

This Tucson Mountain District side of the park is (if you can believe it) even more breathtaking than the East park. Entrance Fee: $25 per vehicle unless you hit both sides the same day or as stated prior you have the America The Beautiful – The National Parks and Federal Lands Pass.

This day was absolutely gorgeous out, with blue clear skies, full fluffy white clouds, and rays of sunshine. Truly couldn’t have asked for a better day to visit the Park ♥ This Park is not huge and can be fully explored within a half-day adventure. We had only a few hours to spend here but were able to squeeze in some lovely trails.

Easy Trail To Enjoy

Valley View Overlook Trail

This stunning trail is just under 1 Mile and is pretty easy to navigate. It is breathtaking at the peak with sweeping views of the Valley. There are some steps depending on direction but nothing too strenuous. You can reach this trail just off the Bajada Loop Scenic Drive.

Such an easy and rewarding trail and there are other paths you can wander down to make it a longer hike. We also continued and enjoyed the Wild Hog Trail 1.8 Miles of Sonoran Desert beauty.

Wheelchair Accessible Trail

Desert Discovery Trail

Just off Kinney Road, This 1/2 Mile Trail is fully paved and accessible. It was a very enjoyable trail and we saw all kinds of birds, lizards, and scurrying rodents enjoying this area. What I LOVE about our National Parks is they always have trail(s) and other areas that are accessible and can be enjoyed by all!

For a good look at all the trails available see HERE it is a wonderful link to the National Park Map and gives all the details needed!

Red Hills Visitor Center

Open 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM (although maps, water, and hiking guides are available on the exterior 24/7)

This is by far one of my favorite Visitor’s Centers I have been to at a National Park. They offer guided walks, informational videos to watch, really nice restrooms, and great drinking fountains and water bottle stations. This gorgeous southwest-style center has a patio with a spectacular overlook of the Red Hills and majestic Saguaro cactus forest ♥

DAY 3 Cont.

San Xavier del Bac Mission

Also known as the “White Dove of the Desert,” Because of its beautiful striking White South West structure that stand outs in the brown of the Tucson Desert.

This Mission is on Tribal Land and Follows Tribal regulations. It is Open to the public 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM Monday – Friday and is a must-visit if in the area! For more details on Tours and such see HERE.

This Mission was moving, peaceful, rich with history, and gorgeous! It also had a hill to do a nice little trail hike that overlooked the mission and surrounding area. In the parking lot, there were Southwest Tribal food pop-ups with various snacks and bites to enjoy. Across the way was a nice shopping center where we found some great items to bring back to our loved ones.

Sedona Bond ♥

Would you believe we squeezed in all we did on day three already and are now en route to the Red Rocks of Sedona? When you have a well-thought-out itinerary, you can get much in! Including a quick stop at one of the cool Rest Stops en route. Sun Point Rest Area. A quick restroom break, stretching the legs, and even a snack. This stop was perfect!

Once we got to Sedona, we got to unpack and rest a bit in the lovely place we rented on Airbnb called the Eye of the Vortex Casita, Hosted by Greg ♥ This place had everything we needed for a most spectacular adventure and relaxation in the Majestic Sedona. Located in the center of several small vortexes to help channel some peace, and steps away from private access to the most popular trails like Chapel and Bell Rock, this lovely Casita is a jewel found!

Evening Trail Hikes are A MUST!

(IMPORTANT to note, that while in Sedona you will need either a Red Rock Pass $5 per day or $15 for the week, to hike any of the trails and parks of Sedona. Or if you have the America The Beautiful Pass then just display that in your vehicle.)

One would think after a full day of adventure that we’d call it a night, but when there are trails just steps from our stay, how could we not go for an evening wander in the Red Rock paths? With no destination decided we just began to adventure on the trails and enjoyed a couple of hours meandering in brisk air, setting sun, and picturesque views ♥

DAY 4: The Loveliness of Sedona

Snow in Sedona

When we woke, there was the most beautiful thin layer of snow covering the Red Rocks of Sedona and it made for the most majestic morning. It was Easter Sunday Morning, we planned to hike Chapel Trail and sit in awe at the Chapel of the Holy Cross. What a beautiful hike indeed! And the trail was just steps from our Airbnb door ♥

Chapel Trail to Chapel of the Holy Cross

We took Little Horse trail for an approximate 1 Mile and then onto Chapel Trail approximate 2 miles up to the Chapel of the Holy Cross. Just under 3 miles one direction and absolutely beautiful especially when winter is still trying to peak through ♥ (If you go in the hotter months I suggest go early morning or later evening, and be sure to bring lots of water!)

After our hike, we decided to enjoy our relaxing Airbnb, cook a delicious dinner and stay in, to just relax the rest of the day, because tomorrow was another adventure!

DAY 5:

Sedona, a Meteor Crater, and the Petrified Forest

We were well rested and ready to hit the road for a fun day of travel and site seeing. On this day we were adventuring to another National Park that I was able to check off my list, and en route was another cool site to see that involves one of the largest craters in the United States.

Meteor Crater Natural Landmark

Located in Winslow, Arizona, off of Hwy 40, is where you will find this fun attraction with awesome views, interactive tours, an informational theater, space museum, and much more. This place is a wonderful interactive learning experience and would be great fun for all ages too!

Petrified Forest National Park

Further on Hwy 40 is a unique National Park that has fossilized wood dating back hundreds of millions of years, even before Dinosaurs roamed these parts!

Information and Fees

Entrance Fee: $25 per vehicle (as with most National Parks) or again, if you have America The Beautiful – The National Parks and Federal Lands Pass, then entrance is covered.

The park has Two Entrances: the North Entrance is located off of I-40. South Entrance is located off of Highway 180. (It is easily drivable from one end to the other and can be done in under a couple of hours even with stops)

Only Closed for Thanksgiving and Christmas this park is Open Monday – Sunday 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM as long as winter roads permit.

Dogs are permitted as long as they are leashed. One of the few National Parks that allow the roaming of pets!

Important to note:  Removal of any petrified wood from the park is illegal and can result in fines and prosecution.

There are some great sites, trails, and stops within the park for more details see Here ♥ My favorite were:

• Giant Logs Trail – Just behind the Rainbow Forest Museum is this half-mile loop of paved and stair-stepping trail with amazing views, and some of the coolest petrified wood in the park!
• Blue Mesa Trail – Beautiful hilled layers of bluish clay and petrified wood fill this short 1-mile trail and vista peak view.
• Painted Desert Overlooks – Beautiful overlooks of the desert ♥
• Painted Desert Visitor and Community Center – More history, interactive learning, a giftshop, and even a cafeteria.
• Route 66 Containing a portion left of the Historic Route 66 that once ran through the Park, you can stop to see an old abandoned 1932 Studebaker and some of the lasting images of this Historic Great American Route.

Sedona Dine

Creekside American Bistro

After a wonderful day of traveling and adventuring, we had a nice dinner with a lovely view. Unsure why I didn’t capture the view from our seats, my guess was I was hungry and focused on the yummy meal. So enjoy these pics, and if you find yourself in Sedona, Creekside American Bistro is a nice option for dining!

DAY 6: A Visit to Page, AZ

Today was a spectacularly early-rise morning as we headed to Page Arizona another longtime desired destination. Page is a beautiful City whose community borders Arizona and Utah. It has Navajo Reserved Tribal Lands that guests and travelers are only permitted on with Tribal Guides.

It is home to Glen Canyon National Recreation Area which is managed by the National Parks Services. It has hundreds of miles of recreation, scenic views, and geological beauty. So much to adventure in this small lovely city.

1st Stop: A Quick Morning Bite

Hot n Sweet Coffee and Donuts Shop. Sorry, I don’t have pictures to entice you, but trust me if you are in the area then stopping in for one of their gooey yums and a hot coffee will be worth it. I heard it gets busy but as we were there soon after opening, no wait, and everything was fresh and so yummy!

Antelope Canyon

Canyons, Caves, and Trails to explore

Located in the Navajo Nation of Page Arizona is Antelope Canyons, magical and beautiful sandstone canyons that capture light, and designs, like nothing I have ever seen! It is a natural wonder that over what is estimated millions of years, flooding waters have created some of the most amazing canyon designs, lined with textures and colors that reflect the rising and setting light of the sun.

The 411: You must book a guided tour. That is not an option but a requirement. This is Navajo Land and only tribe members are allowed to access and tour these lands. We booked through Adventurous Antelope Canyon Tours.

Booking a Tour: The Adventurous Antelope Canyon Tour was great overall. We loved our guide! He was full of information, fun celebrity stories, as well as the canyon’s history. He also helped us capture some beautiful images! However, the overall staff were not that friendly upon arrival. The land is on the border of a time change and we arrived an hour early. We were treated a bit rudely due to our (understandable) mix-up. There was no expectation on our part having arrived early so waiting was fine, but staff could have just been a bit nicer at check-in. Please note the time change and double-check what your arrival should be.

Canyons to Tour: There are numerous Canyons to choose from. These pic are from the Upper Canyon and it is a very popular choice. Known for its light beams and magnificent canyon walls, it is no wonder its popularity ♥ The Upper Canyon was breathtakingly massive and gorgeous. However, there is Lower Canyon, Rattle Snake, and a few other options to choose from.

When to Visit: If you want to visit when the famous Light Beams are shooting through the Upper Canyon walls then you will want to book for the 11 AM or 1:30 PM during Spring and Summer when the sun is sure to shine. However, I would not recommend Summer as it gets very hot in this desert called Arizona.

We opted to go at the first available tour which was 9 AM since the 11 AM tours were all sold out and I began looking 45 days in advance. So be sure to book ahead of time to secure a tour.

Cost: These tours are not cheap and depending on who you book with and what kind of tour, be prepared to spend around $80 – $300 or more per individual, plus a tip for your guide is appreciated!

Should You Go? Yes, I truly loved the experience! The history and knowledge shared, the awe and beauty of the massive canyons, and the small hike that ended this adventure. It was truly a memorable experience. See the reel of our tour below!

Horseshoe Bend

The 411

Located: off of Hwy 89, just outside of Page, Arizona, is this beautiful National Recreation Site. It is a part of the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area and one of the most popularly visited sites! Standing above the sweeping views of an encapsulated Colorado River you will be in awe, as I was when I took this photo.

Fees: Vehicles are $10 to park in the nicely paved lot

Trail: An easy 1.5-mile roundtrip trail that is ADA and Stroller accessible.

Pets: Are allowed on a leash

Cautions: During the Summer, be prepared for extreme heat this is the Southwest, and there is minimal shade. Bring lots of water, sun protection, and any safety essential you feel is needed.

1000′ drop and overlook that is accessible in areas. Watch your pets and children very carefully!

Open: Sunrise to Sunset. It can be crowded if you go past 9 AM, as it was when we went, but we still enjoyed the trail hike and beautiful views!

Should You Go? Yes, It is a splendid site of natural beauty and a fun easily accessible trail. If you are in the area be sure to put this on your itinerary. See some of the trail and highlights in the reel below!

Coffee & Eats

On the way back to Sedona we wanted to see some of Flagstaff and more of Route 66 so we stopped there for a walk along Route 66, lunch, and coffee.

Lumberyard Brewing Co. This place had EVERYTHING a BBQ joint should have like, smothering gooey sides, various meat dishes to choice from, and a Asian fusion of flavors to dishes as well. This was a great find to fuel our hunger needs.

Firecreek Coffee Company We came upon this lovely little roasting company while enjoying our walk along Route 66. I was already intending to get a nice coffee jolt and was so excited to find this place. It is an independently owned company that specializes in small batch roasting. The vibe of their Flagstaff location was artsy, eclectic, chill, with the aroma of coffee beans ♥

Another Wonderful Evening Hike in Sedona

Back in Sedona after a full morning and day of adventuring in others parts of Arizona and we decided to make the most of this evening, as it was clear and beautiful ♥

Courthouse Butte and Bell Rock Trail

We adventured again steps from our Airbnb and worked our way on the main Trail leading to Bell Rock Trailhead. We journeyed on the Bell Rock Courthouse Butte Loop 4-Miles and then climbed a half-mile up Bell Rock to some AMAZING vista views ♥

We scaled up a little over halfway to top of Bell Rock. The views from this vantage Point were amazing I am sure the peak offers an even more vast view of the surrounding Red Rock Beauties ♥

A Lovely Dinner ♥

On our last evening, we decided to dine surrounded by the views of this Red Rock heaven. We dined at The Hudson a lovely establishment located on a Hillside facing some stellar views. This place has a modern, romantic, and lively vibe, a full-service bar, and delicious food!

On The Menu ♥

Appetizers

Entrees

Dessert

A great meal to celebrate a wonderful week of adventure in Arizona ♥

Conclusion of this adventure’s travel

Arizona is a beautiful landscape of amazing views, fun trails, gorgeous sunrises and sunsets, delicious food, and peaceful places for rest and regeneration. The list of sites to see, things to do, shopping to shop, bites to enjoy are endless. In fact, below are some addition mentions that did not make it on the daily itineraries.

Phoenix / Scottsdale

• Vietnam Veterans Memorial Trail
• Taliesin West. One of Frank Lloyd Wright’s beloved home that is now a National Historic Landmark and museum that offers tours

Tucson

• Sweetwater Wetlands Park. 3.5 Miles of self-guided natural protected habitat.
• Tohono Chul Garden. Beautiful Botanical Garden, Gallery, and Dining

Sedona

• Dining at Mesa Grill for breakfast or dinner and then hiking Airport Loop Trail
• Shopping in luxury at Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village
• Site see with Sedona Trolley. Daily tours offered with guides that know the history and fun facts of Sedona
• Visit the Sedona Mc Donald’s. The only Mc Donald’s where the arches are made to blend with the beauty of Sedona
• Stargaze ♥

I hope this post shared some fun ideas and information for your Arizona Traveling. Until the next adventure my friends, Cheers!

Always, andee ♥