My Week Exploring Arizona Wasn’t What I Expected – Here’s Why You Should Visit

From the moment I landed in Phoenix, Arizona threw adventure after adventure at me, flipping every expectation I had upside down. I came for the hikes, the scenery, and a bit of sun, but I left with an entirely new appreciation for the state’s insane landscapes, adrenaline-packed experiences, and the kind of road trip stories you can’t make up.

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I expected lots of this, but there was so much more to explore

From Cacti to Campfires: The Ultimate Road Trip Begins

After a failed attempt at sleep, thanks to my jet lag, I figured a sunrise mission to Mount Lemmon was going to be more fun than staring at the ceiling for another three hours. I hit the road at 2am, bound for the 25-million-year-old Hoodoos perched on the side of Mount Lemmon. Arizona isn’t all red rock and desert – this mountain has pine trees, crisp mountain air, and even skiing in the winter. 

As the sun illuminated the eroded rocks, I completely understood how the Hoodoos got their name. When early pioneers saw these rocks emerging from the mist they thought they looked like magical beings. Magical it was!

Read more: The Best of Arizona’s Outdoors in 6 Days – My Road Trip Itinerary

Hoodoos look like little gurus

Hiking to the summit here was a humbling experience. Even the 3.4km Meadow & Mount Lemmon Loop had steep trails, wild views, and my legs burning within minutes. But stumbling across a fire lookout with views all the way back to Tucson was worth every second. Post-hike, I inhaled a ridiculously good burger at a roadside café called Beyond Bread before making my way south to my first campsite.

Camping in Patagonia Lake State Park: The First Surprise

Patagonia Lake was nothing like I expected. I assumed ‘lake’ meant a small desert reservoir – wrong. This place looked straight out of a postcard. Rolling green hills, crystal-clear water, and cliff-jumping spots that I may have tested out after setting up camp. (Yes, the water was cold. Yes, I’d do it again.)

That night, I sat by the fire, listening to the wind moving through the trees, wondering how I ever thought Arizona was just a barren desert.

Patagonia Lake: a hub for birdlife

The Open Road: Roosevelt, Apache Falls & A Lot of Coffee

The next few days were all about chasing adventure. From Patagonia, I wound my way north, stopping at Windy Hill Campground by the Salt River. This place had everything – hiking, kayaking, wild horses, cacti, and some seriously cool rock formations.

Tonto National Monument was just around the corner from the campsite. Admittedly, I’m not one to be pulled toward historical attractions when travelling. Maybe I’m getting old, or maybe it was Ranger Steve’s captivating stories, but this place was one of my highlights of the trip. It’s one of the few places you can walk through Native American structures from the 1300s – they’re built into the side of the cliff and the view is mental.

Then there was Apache Falls, one of those spots that makes you do a double-take. Deep in the Salt River Canyon – also known as the Grand Canyon’s little sibling – this is a popular rafting spot in the summer months. After a swim and some obligatory rock scrambling, I hit the road again, bound for Sedona – arguably one of the most jaw-dropping places I’ve ever laid eyes on.

The red rocks of Apache Falls

Sedona: Where Hiking Meets Magic

The moment I pulled into Sedona, I knew that it was special. Red rock formations towered overhead, the smell of juniper hung in the air, and there were more hiking trails than I could count. I started my morning with a sunrise hike up Bell Rock. With many perfect perches to watch the sun rise over the red rocks surrounding you, the beauty is that you can keep scrambling until you find that perfect spot with no one else around. Your own red rock sunrise sanctuary.  

Bell Rock bringing the serenity

Mountain biking Arizona’s famous Sedona trails was incredible with a touch of madness. I rented a bike and spent hours weaving through towering red rock spires, dodging cacti, and trying not to stack it on loose sandstone. Even if you’re not a pro, there are trails for every level, and the views alone make it worth the effort. My pick is the Carroll Canyon trailhead thanks to the stunning views from the trails. 

Hot tip: Bring water, and lots of it!

Soaked in sweat, it was time to cool down, and I had just the spot in mind. Slide Rock State Park, where you can literally slide down a natural rock water chute. I’ve gotta say, I highly recommend it, even if you end up with a few bruises. The freezing water temps, paired with the blistering sun, are a match made in heaven.

That night, I did a Dark Sky experience with Sedona Stargazing, where I got to stare up one of the clearest night skies I’ve ever seen. My timing couldn’t have been better with Venus, Mars, and Jupiter all out on show. Sedona is truly an amazing place to check out the cosmos.

Dark Sky places offer unreal cosmic vision

Canyons, Kayaks & A Little Bit of Chaos

Next stop: Antelope Canyon. If you’ve ever seen those iconic swirling sandstone walls on Instagram, you already know that this place is unreal. But being there in person? Simply incredible. Walking through those narrow passageways, watching the light beams dance across the walls – it’s like stepping onto another planet.

But my favourite part of this leg? Kayaking through Antelope Canyon. Paddling through the flooded slot canyons was equal parts peaceful and surreal. I took my time, floating through the winding waterways, soaking in the silence (and, let’s be real, snapping a million photos).

That night, I camped at Lees Ferry Campground, just down the river from Horseshoe Bend. Sitting by the river, watching the sunset paint the canyon in shades of orange and pink, I had one of those ‘this is why I travel’ moments.

This is why we do it

Final Thoughts: Why Arizona Needs to Be on Your List

Before this trip, I thought Arizona was just a pit stop on a bigger USA itinerary. Now? I’d come back in a heartbeat. All of my hiking through Arizona’s insane landscapes, mountain biking Sedona’s rugged trails, camping under the stars, and discovering hidden waterfalls barely scratched the surface, but I left feeling like I’d unlocked a whole new side of adventure travel.

If you’re the kind of person who loves hitting the trails, pushing your limits, and chasing those ‘no way this is real’ moments, Arizona needs to be on your list. Pack your hiking boots and bring your sense of adventure because it’s gonna exceed your expectations. 

Camping gear supplied by our mates at Sea to Summit

Cacti aplenty, but so much more