The countdown is on: From 8 November 2021, many travellers from Europe will finally be able to return to the United States . One state in particular lends itself to a road trip: The Grand Canyon State, Arizona. There, visitors can expect an unparalleled variety of flora and fauna and diverse activities for adventure seekers. These five activities are not to be missed on your first trip to Arizona.

The Petrified Forest National Park and the Painted Desert

One of the most beautiful and interesting national parks in the state is located in the northeast and is rarely visited, so visitors can enjoy the impressive nature alone: the Petrified Forest National Park. Visitors are treated to spectacular views of jagged rock formations, colorful rocks and historic rock carvings of the so-called Painted Desert. The park is easily accessible by car, and you can park your vehicle on site to explore the area on foot. The most breathtaking panoramic views can be found at the Tiponi, Kachina, Whipple or Lacey viewpoints - a beautiful holiday photo is therefore guaranteed.

Spectacular views from the helicopter over the Grand Canyon

If you're traveling to Arizona, the Grand Canyon is a must-see. Instead of traveling by car, you can explore the impressive landscape from a bird's eye view via helicopter flight. The southern rim of the canyon, also known as the "Jewel of the Southwest", is the most popular for such an experience. A flight over the Grand Canyon is an unforgettable experience at any time of year, but in winter the view is more peaceful and tranquil as there are fewer visitors.

Cycling through the Grand Canyon

Not only can you explore the vast area of the Grand Canyon on foot or by helicopter, biking is also a great way to discover this Arizona highlight. There are several mountain bike trails along the famous canyon, which offer great views of the canyon thanks to their location at 903 meters above sea level. One of the trails along the northern rim is called Rainbow Rim Trail and is about 36 kilometers long. The trail runs through the Kaibab National Forest and connects five famous viewpoints. If it's your first time in Arizona, you can also join a guided bike tour and learn some exciting facts about the Grand Canyon from the experienced tour guides.

The right place for wine lovers

Connoisseurs also get their money's worth in Arizona, where fabulous red and white wine varieties have been produced since the 16th century. If you want to combine exercise, nature and tasting fine wines, you can do so in southern Arizona on three different Wine Trails: the Verde Valley Wine Trail, the Sonoita Wine Trail or the Willcox Wine Trail. On all three trails, you'll pass by a variety of wineries, each time enjoying top wines and the warm hospitality of charming winemakers who are happy to show off their cellars and tasting rooms. Embarking on one of the wine trails allows connoisseurs not only to taste different regional wines, but also to get to know the nature and people of the region from a different side.

 

 

 

 

 

Check out this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by Wines of Willcox (@willcoxwines).

Enjoy the sparkling starry sky in Flagstaff

It's not for nothing that stargazing is one of the most popular recreational activities here and the state is an absolute astrotourism hotspot, because in Arizona the stars twinkle brighter than in almost any other place in the world. Nowhere else on earth are there so many certified "Dark Sky Places," places that have low nighttime light pollution and hardly any artificial lighting. These places include Grand Canyon National Park, Petrified Forest National Park, and Kartchner Caverns State Park in far southern Arizona. Especially suitable is the Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff, the city known as the gateway to the Grand Canyon.