Arizona: Red Rocks, Canyons & Desert Luxury

Arizona is one of the most jaw-dropping states in the country, red rocks, slot canyons, desert-glam resorts, and one of the seven natural wonders of the world. I have explored Scottsdale, Sedona, Antelope Canyon, and Phoenix, and here is how I would plan it.

Scottsdale

Scottsdale is desert luxury: world-class resorts and spas, golf, and a lively dining and nightlife scene. It is the polished, relaxing base for a Sonoran-desert trip.

Sedona

Sedona is pure magic, towering red-rock formations, incredible hiking, jeep tours, and a wellness-and-vortex energy all its own. It is the soulful counterpoint to Scottsdale.

Antelope Canyon

Up near Page, Antelope Canyon is a surreal slot canyon of glowing, wave-like walls, visited on a guided tour on Navajo land, and nearby Horseshoe Bend is a stunning stop.

The Grand Canyon: two very different ways

The Grand Canyon is a bucket-list wonder, I once did a helicopter ride over it that I will never forget. Here is the key thing to know: you can reach it as a quick add from a Las Vegas trip (the West Rim, with the Skywalk) or as part of an Arizona/Sedona trip (the classic South Rim). The two are very different in feel, so I match it to the trip you want.

The part that trips people up. The distances are deceptive: Sedona to Antelope Canyon runs well over two hours each way, the South Rim is farther still, and the guided slot-canyon tours on Navajo land sell out their best midday light slots weeks ahead. Add summer heat that dictates when you can even be outside, and a self-planned route can mean hours of backtracking. I sequence the drives and lock in the tours through my local vetted partners on the ground, which is where I come in.

When to go, and why plan with me

Spring and fall are ideal; summer in Phoenix and Scottsdale is brutally hot. I sequence the desert, the red rocks, and the canyon, book the resorts and the guided tours, and match the Grand Canyon approach to your trip. In English or Español.