ARIZONA & GRAND CANYON DESTINATION SPECIALIST
Discover the wonders of Arizona and the Grand Canyon with our Destination Specialist

Arizona, a southwestern U.S. state, is best known for the Grand Canyon, the mile-deep chasm carved by the Colorado River. Flagstaff, a ponderosa pine–covered mountain town, is a major gateway to the Grand Canyon. Other natural sites include Saguaro National Park, protecting cactus-filled Sonoran Desert landscape. Southern Arizona is known for its desert climate, with very hot summers and mild winters. Northern Arizona features forests of pine, Douglas fir, and spruce trees; the Colorado Plateau; mountain ranges (such as the San Francisco Mountains); as well as large, deep canyons, with much more moderate summer temperatures and significant winter snowfalls. There are ski resorts in the areas of Flagstaff, Sunrise, and Tucson. In addition to the internationally known Grand Canyon National Park, which is one of the world's seven natural wonders, there are several national forests, national parks, and national monuments. Of the state's 113,998 square miles, approximately 15% is privately owned. The remaining area is public forest and parkland, state trust land and Native American reservations. There are 24 National Park Service maintained sites in Arizona, including the three national parks of Grand Canyon National Park, Saguaro National Park, and the Petrified Forest National Park. Like other states of the Southwest United States, Arizona is marked by high mountains, the Colorado plateau, and mesas. Despite the state's aridity, 27% of Arizona is forest. Arizona is home to a diverse population. About one-quarter of the state is made up of Indian reservations that serve as the home of 27 federally recognized Native American tribes, including the Navajo Nation, the largest in the state and the United States, with more than 300,000 citizens. The world's largest stand of ponderosa pine trees is in Arizona. Due to its large area and variations in elevation, the state has a wide variety of localized climate conditions. In the lower elevations the climate is primarily desert, with mild winters and extremely hot summers. Typically, from late fall to early spring, the weather is mild, averaging a minimum of 60 °F. November through February are the coldest months, with temperatures typically ranging from 40 to 75 °F, with occasional frosts. About midway through February, the temperatures start to rise, with warm days, and cool, breezy nights. The summer months of June through September bring dry heat from 90 to 120 °F, with occasional high temperatures exceeding 125 °F. Arizona has much to offer in the form of exploration and excursions. Some of the activities found in Arizona are canyons, cliffs, rivers, lakes, forest, valleys, and desert. Some of the excursions you can find in Arizona are snow skiing, horseback riding, white-water rafting, hiking, camping, museums, casinos, Route 66, and visiting the national parks. The cuisine in Arizona is American Indian, Mexican, and cowboy/ranch style. Arizona is also known for its craft beer and wine. Accommodation in Arizona can be found on a Dude Ranch, Camping, hotels, resorts, upscale lodges, historic inns and so much more. Some of our partner hotels in Arizona are Arizona Grand Resort & Spa Phoenix, Mountain Shadows Resort Scottsdale, Boulders Resort & Spa Scottsdale Curio Collection by Hilton, Twin Arrows Navajo Casino Resort Flagstaff, Holiday Inn Express & Suites Grand Canyon, an IHG Hotel, Under Canvas Grand Canyon Williams, and Clear Sky Resorts - Grand Canyon - Unique Sky Domes Williams. Are you dreaming of a vacation to Arizona? I am an Arizona Destination Specialist and would love to help you plan and get ready for the experience of a lifetime. Contact me and start packing those bags, you’re going to Arizona!

Certified Arizona and Grand Canyon Specialist
Certified Arizona and Grand Canyon Specialist
Marian Laughland


Marian Laughland, a dedicated Arizona and Grand Canyon specialist, immerses herself in the diverse landscapes and rich culture of the American Southwest. Marian's expertise lies in the iconic landscapes of Arizona, particularly the majestic Grand Canyon. With a keen eye for detail and a deep appreciation for the region's natural beauty, she has become a trusted authority for travelers seeking unforgettable experiences in the desert Southwest. Her intimate knowledge of Arizona's hidden gems, along with her passion for storytelling, allows Marian to craft personalized itineraries that showcase the state's diverse attractions, from the towering saguaro cacti of Saguaro National Park to the ancient cliff dwellings of Montezuma Castle. As a seasoned traveler and avid outdoorswoman, Marian understands the importance of sustainable tourism and strives to promote responsible travel practices in the region. Marian's dedication to her craft shines through, inspiring others to explore the wonders of Arizona and the Grand Canyon with curiosity and respect.

Experience Arizona
Best Time of Year to Visit Arizona
Experience Arizona

The best time to visit Arizona largely depends on what you want to do and what kind of weather you prefer. Generally, the spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) offer the most pleasant weather with mild temperatures and clear skies. During these times, you can enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, sightseeing, and exploring the natural beauty of the state without having to contend with extreme heat. 


However, if you're looking to escape colder climates, winter (December to February) can be a great time to visit Arizona, especially the southern parts of the state like Phoenix and Tucson, where temperatures are mild and comfortable during the day. Winter is also the prime season for golfing and other outdoor activities in the desert regions.


Summer (June to August) can be quite hot, especially in the desert areas like Phoenix and Tucson, with temperatures often exceeding 100°F (38°C). However, if you're planning to visit higher elevation areas like Flagstaff or the Grand Canyon, summer can offer relief from the intense heat of the lower elevations.


Ultimately, the best time to visit Arizona depends on your preferences and what you want to experience during your trip.