🌍 Ashley Travels: State 3 of 50 — Arizona

In November 2023, I took off on my third solo state adventure in my alphabetical journey across the U.S. This time, I headed west to the wild and wildly diverse landscape of Arizona. Canyons, cacti, cozy towns, haunted hotels—Arizona had it all.

And while I was chasing sunsets, historic ruins, and desert trails, I also learned a lot about myself (including the fact that 12 days is probably my solo travel limit before I start crying in the Grand Canyon—more on that later).

✈️ From Phoenix to the Desert Botanical Garden

I flew into Phoenix, picked up a rental car, and headed straight to the Desert Botanical Garden. Honestly? Not my favorite. It felt a little odd paying to see plants that grow freely all over the state. If you’re short on time, I'd say skip this one and just explore the natural desert on a hike.

🌌 Scottsdale Sunsets & Sweet Reunions

From Phoenix, I drove to Scottsdale to visit my friend Sara, who I used to teach with. We wandered downtown Scottsdale for dinner and then hiked up to Hole in the Rock to watch a breathtaking desert sunset together. It was short, sweet, and special.

⛰️ Tucson Desert Days

After sunset, I hit the road to Tucson and checked into a beautiful hotel—though I didn’t realize it had mountain views until the morning (Arizona is pitch black at night!). The next day, I explored Saguaro National Park on a desert hike. Even in late November, the heat was real!

I also visited San Xavier del Bac Mission, a gorgeous old church that’s free to walk through and has an awesome gift shop attached. In terms of food, I tried two new things: a chimichanga (didn’t love it—a fried burrito is a lot) and a Sonoran hot dog, which was okay but not mind-blowing.

🚼 Bisbee Vibes & Haunted Dreams

Next up: Bisbee. I wandered the quirky, hilly town (they even have an annual stair-climb race!) and took a fantastic mine tour at the Copper Queen Mine. The guides were full of knowledge, and they take safety seriously with all the gear.

That night, I stayed at the Copper Queen Hotel, which is famously haunted. I completely psyched myself out and had such a weird dream that I couldn’t wait to leave in the morning!

🪖 Tombstone + Tiny Towns

I drove to Tombstone and explored its Wild West charm. I watched the movie "Tombstone" before the trip for extra vibes (it wasn’t filmed there, but the town lives up to the legend). I hopped on a trolley tour and caught a theatrical gunfight show before heading to Globe, AZ.

The vibe in Globe was much colder—literally and figuratively. It was snowy and hilly, and I stayed in one of the only places on this trip where I felt a little unsafe. The next morning, though, Besh-ba-Gowah Ruins completely turned things around. For just $5, I learned so much history and wandered through preserved ancient dwellings.

⛰️ Forests, Canyons & Curveballs

From Globe, I drove to Petrified Forest National Park (free with my America the Beautiful Pass!). It was beautiful but cold and rainy, so I didn’t stay long. I continued to Canyon de Chelly, where snow and ice made driving wild, but the views were worth every white-knuckle moment.

There was no signal leaving the canyon, so I had to stop and ask for directions—a very humbling moment in this digital world.

🌿 Four Corners & Freezing Tours

I made a quick stop at the Four Corners Monument where I shopped for Navajo souvenirs before heading to Page, AZ for the night. The next morning, I toured Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon, which were freezing (like, 5 degrees F kind of freezing), but breathtaking. Our guides taught us how to take awesome photos and use phone filters to enhance the natural colors.

Afterward, I visited Horseshoe Bend for even more desert beauty.

☕ Flagstaff, Sedona, and Final Goodbyes

From Page, I drove to Flagstaff and visited a local brewery before heading with a friend to hike Devil’s Bridge in Sedona. That hike was tough due to altitude (Illinois girl problems), but the view and photos were completely worth it.

Finally, I headed to Chandler to visit my grandpa before flying home.

💬 Final Thoughts: Arizona Adventures & Growing Pains

Arizona was everything: beautiful, overwhelming, spiritual, exhausting, hilarious, and unforgettable. I packed so much into this trip and made some incredible memories. But I also learned something about myself:

I get homesick. Fast.

On day 9 of 12, I found myself crying in the Grand Canyon, missing my people. And you know what? That’s okay. I don’t regret a single mile.

Three states down. Forty-seven to go.

🚒 What I Used and Loved in Arizona

Here are a few of my real-deal road trip MVPs—the things that helped me survive the heat, the altitude, the snow, and the haunted hotel dreams:

⛰️ Desert & Mountain Must-Haves

• Hydration Pack — A total essential for those long hikes in Saguaro and Sedona. Hands-free, light, and holds way more than a regular water bottle.

• Sun Hat & Sunglasses — The Arizona sun is no joke, even in November.

• Trail Shoes with Grip — Especially useful in Bisbee and Sedona’s rocky trails.

🛋 Road Trip & Hotel Gear

• Portable Phone Charger — Crucial when you’re in a no-signal zone like Canyon de Chelly.

• Neck Pillow + Blanket — For those chilly hotels and long drives between towns.

• Mini Flashlight — Don’t laugh! Arizona gets dark at night. This was a lifesaver.

📸 Adventure Extras

• Phone Tripod — Helped me get amazing solo shots at Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon.

• Compression Packing Cubes — My suitcase stayed shockingly organized despite the 12-day chaos.

• Travel Journal — I wrote down reflections every night, even the teary Grand Canyon ones.

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