Arizona is filled with challenging trails, impressive cacti, and all the red rock you could hope for. It has many cities, activities, and sights for everyone to see; a trip to Arizona is an experience that you will never forget. Here are a few must-see places in this desert state.
Grand Canyon
This historical canyon has put Arizona on the map! While visiting Arizona, plan to wake up early and make your way to the Grand Canyon to watch the sunrise; it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
This canyon has multiple hiking paths for active seniors. If you start at the South Rim, you can hike the South Kaibab Trail or the Bright Angel Trail. These two paths lead right to the Colorado River, but remember that you will have to make your way back up the trail. If you aren’t into hiking but still want to experience the Grand Canyon, you can ride a horse, take a train, or even better, take a helicopter ride! Don’t forget to pack water, snacks, and sun protection; shade is sometimes hard to come by in Arizona.
Sedona
Sedona is an Arizona city renowned for its natural red rock formations; it’s considered a place of great spiritual energy. When exploring the town of Sedona, make sure to add Tlaquepaque as one of your stops.
Tlaquepaque is an art and shopping village filled with both tradition and innovation. Its fantastic architecture and abundant art galleries draw visitors from around the globe.
The village has awe-inspiring landscaping. In the 1970s, the village founder promised that the beautiful sycamore trees would remain untouched. When you stroll through the village, you will notice the large sycamore limbs climbing from roof to roof and growing through the walls in some of the art galleries.
Make sure to stop by one of Tlaquepaque’s many restaurants. Choose from among urban eateries, wine bars, and classic garden cafes. Before visiting, check to see if the village is hosting any special events during your stay.
Phoenix
You may have visited your fair share of botanical gardens before, but have you ever experienced one that is desert-style? The Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix, AZ, is known to be a natural, living art collection. The garden was established in 1939.
The Desert Botanical Garden is the perfect way to learn about the Sonoran Desert’s unique history and unusual vegetation. This garden spreads across 140 acres, displays over 50,000 plants in outdoor and indoor exhibits, and has 379 rare and endangered species.
You’ll love exploring its trails and admiring the colorful wildflowers and blooming cacti. One of the largest exhibits is a long path dedicated to helping visitors understand the cultural relationships between plants and people. You will leave this garden with an appreciation for the desert and its vegetation.
Arizona has much more to offer than its desert and red rocky mountains. Visit this unique state in the Southwest and get to know its culture and incredible views.
Danielle K. Roberts is the Vice President and co-founder at Boomer Benefits, where her team of experts help baby boomers with their Medicare decisions nationwide.
