Outdoor Adventures You Can Only Have in Arizona
Hike the Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim
You simply can't have a conversation about Arizona adventures without mentioning the Grand Canyon. And the 24-mile Rim-to-Rim Hike is an immense challenge that gives those who complete it an intimate understanding of the canyon that's impossible to attain without dipping below its surface.
Start on the North Kaibab Trail and descend 6,000 feet to the bottom of the canyon, where the Colorado River awaits. On the way down, you'll pass through every ecosystem that exists between Canada and Mexico. Cross the Colorado and connect with the Bright Angel Trail and return to the surface along the South Rim, passing hundreds of millions of years' worth of history preserved in the surrounding rocks.
Most guides suggest planning on two to five days to complete the trail at a regular pace. For more tips, visit Grand Canyon Hiking.
Longboard (or bicycle) down Mt. Lemmon
Rising 9,000-plus feet in the north of Tucson, Mt. Lemmon is the highest peak in the Santa Catalina Mountains and, for longboarders, one of the truly epic runs in the country. The 20-plus miles of highway are paved smooth and offer great views and a challenging ride.
Ride horses around the legendary landscape of Sedona
If the red-rock cliffs that preside over Sedona don't make you pause, it's time to book a trip to Mars, because Earth has nothing left to offer. In the early evening, the spires reflect a reddish-purple hue that no photo could ever hope to do justice. Whether or not you subscribe to New Age beliefs, it's easy to understand why people say there's an energy here that's different than anywhere else on the planet.
From taking a walk to taking a Jeep tour, there are many ways to explore the desert scenery around the cliffs, but none gives you the chance to interact with nature on its own terms quite like riding a horse. Horseback trips typically last between one and three hours, with sunrise and sunset options available. Beyond the red rocks, you can catch glimpses of the Verde Valley, the Mogollon Rim, and, if you're lucky, some wildlife as well.
