Arizona Regions

Copyright: USDA Forest Service Saguaro, on the Coronado National Forest

Description - Arizona is full of state and national parks, featuring everything from historic sites, Native American ruins, and dramatic landscapes to thick forests, wildlife preserves and camping. The state is divided into seven travel regions to help you find the recreation information you need, for the area in which you plan to recreate.

Attractions - From the deserts, mountains and canyons of Southern Arizona, through the High Country in east-central Arizona, to the Grand Canyon country in the north, Arizona is full of some of the most fascinating places in the country for outdoor recreation. The seven travel regions include the Grand Canyon Country, Northeast Arizona, Central Arizona, the Arizona High Country, the Phoenix Area, Western Arizona and Southern Arizona.

Recreation - Arizona's diverse landscape and climate offer virtually limitless outdoor recreation possibilities. Many visitors and locals enjoy rafting and kayaking in the Colorado River. Other opportunities include camping, hiking and backpacking in the ruin-filled canyons of the state. The large reservoirs along the Colorado River offer opportunities for boating, waterskiing and fishing. The high mountains offer winter opportunities that many don't normally associate with this state including downhill skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling.

Climate - The climate of Arizona is as diverse as it's landscape. Much of the southern half of the state and lower elevations have a desert climate. Winters in this area bring beautiful weather, with mild warm days (60- 70F) and cool nights (40's). Summers can be extremely hot with daytime temperatures of 100-115 degrees, and evening lows in the 70's to 80's. The higher elevations receive more precipitation, some in the form of snow during the winter months. The mountainous areas experience cooler temperatures with cold winter months. Dress in layers for your travels in this state of varying layers and be prepared for cool temperatures in high elevations.

Location - Grand Canyon Country encompasses the northeast section of the state, including the Grand Canyon, Glen Canyon Dam and Flagstaff. Northeast Arizona includes the areas around Canyon de Chelley, the Petrified Forest and the Hopi Indian Reservation. Central Arizona covers the area around Prescott and Camp Verde. The Arizona High Country the mountains of east-central Arizona and includes Springerville, Payson and San Carlos. The Western Arizona Travel Region lies along the Colorado River and its large reservoirs. It includes towns such as Yuma, Lake Havasu City and Bullhead City. Phoenix sits in south-central Arizona. The Phoenix Travel Region stretches out beyond Casa Grande, Cave Creek and Apache Junction. Southern Arizona includes Tucson, Nogales, Tombstone, and the entire southern portion of the state.