Some experiences in life are singular to a particular place. And just like there's only one Grand Canyon, there are many unique Arizona experiences one can only have in the Copper State. We've rounded up seven distinct tours that will show off our beautiful state in a memorable way. And once you book one of these unique Arizona experiences, you'll want to tell everyone about them! Let's take a look at a few experiences that belong on everyone's Arizona bucket list.
You'll absolutely love this Half-Day Emerald Cove Kayak Tour adventure. You'll start out at the Willow Beach Marina where you'll get outfitted with your kayak and safety gear. Your guide will then lead you on a paddle up the Colorado River to the Emerald Cave, a gorgeous natural attraction with a cave and emerald-green water. Along the way, you'll stop for snacks and swimming. If you happen to be in Las Vegas, round-trip hotel transportation is provided to Willow Beach, Arizona with this tour.
On the Lower Antelope Canyon Tour, you'll be led through the lower portion of this canyon and its otherworldly landscape. The Lower Canyon is less crowded than the Upper Canyon but is also more physically demanding. Climbing up and down ladders is involved. However, if you're able to meet the physical demands, this tour is well worth it! Get a close up look at this astonishing canyon:
As someone who has taken a hot air balloon flight over Phoenix, I can attest to the fact that it's a bucket list-worthy experience. On this Morning Hot Air Balloon Flight Over Phoenix, you'll view the sunrise over the valley in an experience like no other. Aside from the spectacular views, what I love about hot air ballooning is how peaceful and quiet it is as the balloon floats hundreds of feet above the landscape. After you land, you'll be treated to a champagne breakfast.
4. 45-minute Helicopter Flight Over the Grand Canyon from Tusayan, Arizona
Maybe, just maybe, you've seen the Grand Canyon in person. But, chances are, you've never seen this remarkable natural wonder quite like this! Book a 45-minute Helicopter Flight Over the Grand Canyon for the most jaw-dropping views you just can't get while standing on the edge of the canyon. Flying above the Grand Canyon between the South and North Rims is one of the most memorable and exhilarating experiences you can have. See what it’s like to fly over the Grand Canyon:
If you're as mesmerized as I am by the red rock landscape of Sedona, then you must book the Sedona Outback Trail Jeep Adventure. Set out on an off-road adventure through the otherworldly landscape that can only be found in this part of Arizona. You'll get an up-close-and-personal look at Cathedral Rock, Bear Mountain, and countless other rock formations.
6. 2 Hours Water to Wine Kayak Trip from Cottonwood
If you love outdoor adventures but also love wine, then this exciting tour is for you! On the 2 Hours Water to Wine Kayak Trip from Cottonwood, you'll start out with a guided paddle along the Verde River. Afterward, you'll stop at a winery for a tasting led by a sommelier. Now, how's that for a fun day? Go on a virtual version of this tour:
There's just something about riding a train that brings out a sense of wonder and adventure. This Starlight Ride on Verde Canyon Railroad certainly fits the wonder and adventure bill as you travel through the Verde Valley in the evening. While it's still light outside, sit back and admire the scenery going by. After dark, stare up at the dazzling stars in the night sky. You'll see plenty more stars on this train ride than you would in any city.
So, which of these Arizona bucket list experiences will you try first? What are some of the most unique experiences in Arizona that you've had? Let us know in the comments! To see some history, pack up the car and visit these Old West towns in Arizona.
Is Antelope Canyon on your bucket list? Well, it should be if it isn't. It's been on my Arizona bucket list for a number of years, and this is the year I made it happen. The entire week before our pre-booked tour, my friend and I were giddy with excitement, saying, "I can't wait for our trip to Page," every time we spoke. Well, my friends, we did it. My friend and I both crossed Antelope Canyon off our bucket lists and felt so accomplished when we did. If you're looking for guided tours of Antelope Canyon similar to what we did, I highly recommend the Antelope Canyon X Tour by Taadidiinn Tours.
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Per journalistic integrity, we disclose that the writer of this piece was invited on this tour by Taadidiin Tours and Proof PR Agency with expenses covered. However, all opinions and thoughts expressed in this piece are their own.
Taadidiin Tours was founded in 2016 by Logan Tsinigine with his mother. And if you're wondering where the name "Taadidiin" came from, here's a quote from its co-founder:
"Taadidin translates to corn pollen in Navajo," Tsinigine shares. "Our great-great-grandfather carried that name as he protected his people by hiding them in Antelope Canyon during the Navajo Long Walk. His name, Tadidinii, means Corn Pollen Man."
This family-owned company takes adventurous visitors on tours to both Antelope Canyon X and Cardiac Canyon, both of which are located within Antelope Canyon. Taadidiin is the only company that leads tours to these slot canyons.
Antelope Canyon X is located at the southern tip of the Antelope Canyon wash. There are two parts to the canyon and a 5-minute walk in between. The first part of the canyon had walls that towered approximately 100 feet. The narrow passageways and curving walls are made of Navajo sandstone that's been formed by rain and wind over millions of years. Walking through was a magical experience, to say the least.
The tour started out at the office in the parking lot. We checked in and waited until we were called to board a van. Our tour group had 10 people, which is a nice manageable size for a tour like this. The drive to the trailhead was 3 miles and took approximately 10 minutes. Along the way, our driver gave us some information about the Navajo tribe and said more than 450,000 members were living in the Navajo Nation, which covers the northeastern part of Arizona along with parts of Utah and New Mexico.
She also told us that Lower and Upper Antelope Canyons were more popular than Canyon X, and therefore a lot more crowded. As someone who prefers hidden gems as opposed to crowded areas, this was good news.
Once we arrived at the trailhead, we met our tour guide, Justin, who led us down a long flight of stairs into the canyon. We explored both Antelope Canyon X North which is approximately 500 feet long followed by Canyon X South which is 200 feet in length. There was a short walk between the two sections of the canyon.
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As our tour guide led us through the slot canyon, my friend and I lagged behind as we took photo after photo in an effort to capture the beauty of this bucket-list experience. This hidden gem is such a marvel that it was difficult not to slow down and take it all in.
Once the tour ended, we climbed up the stairs out of the canyon, and boarded the passenger van back to the parking lot. As sad as we were that one of the best guided hikes in Arizona we've ever taken was over, we were happy to have had the experience.
You can only visit Antelope Canyon on a guided tour - there's no other way. So, why not book a tour with Taadidiin Tours, the best way to see Antelope Canyon? Not only is there the 1.5-hour Antelope Canyon X Tour but there's also a 3-hour Antelope Canyon X Photo Tour and a 6-hour Cardiac Canyon Tour. You can book any one of these guided tours of Antelope Canyon on the Taadidiin Tours website. You also have the option to show up without a reservation, but for peace of mind, I suggest you book a tour before you arrive to guarantee a spot.
Need a place to stay during your trip to Page? We stayed at Lake Powell Resort located right on the lake. You can reserve your stay on Booking.com.
Best Travel Gifts of 2024, Hand-picked by Our Travel Experts
If you're looking for gifting ideas for the travelers in your life this holiday season, check out our list of our favorite, tried and true travel gifts.
Welcome to Hand-Picked, a curated series highlighting the travel gear and goods our staff truly love. From practical essentials to playful extras, these are the items that make travel fun—and shopping even better! Each pick is independently selected by our editors, and if you make a purchase through our links, Only In Your State may earn a commission.
There is nothing that makes me happier than picking out the perfect gift. Friends often ask me for ideas of what to gift to their family, children, partners, friends... the challenge of finding that special item (or experience) is my favorite kind of adrenaline rush. And because of this, the holiday season is like my version of sky diving.
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Our team of travel experts here at Only In Your State joined me in selecting our favorite travel gifts of the season. We've hand-picked 24 gifts that we own and love and would joyfully wrap up with a shiny bow for other travel lovers in our lives. We've chosen a variety of options, from candles to books, to the perfect travel shoes and bags. There is also a wide range of prices for any gifting budget. Pick out a few to gift this season and maybe even send some of these ideas to those who are shopping for you. It may be the holiday season, but it is also always travel season in our minds.
Why We Love Them: How fun is this candle? I love picking out meaningful gifts and this one is perfect for the woman in your life who can't help but plan another trip. Or, maybe this is you and this candle needs to make its way into your own stocking! The LEADO store on Amazon actually has several unique gifts and it's worth checking out. Where to Buy Them: Shop this candle and more on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 Bonus: Manager of Editorial Megan Shute swears by these rechargeable USB lighters – add one to your favorite candle lover's stocking, and they will not be disappointed.
Why We Love It: We've tried some pretty spiffy eye masks, but have you ever experienced an eye massager? The Bob & Brad EyeOasis 2 is as relaxing as it gets. With adjustable pressure & heat settings, this is a must-have if you want to tune out the world and treat yourself. It's the first thing we reach for when we feel a migraine coming on! Where To Buy It: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $59.99 (normally $74.99)
Why We Love Them: It's safe to say I am in my sneaker era and I know I'm not alone. When I discovered Kizik shoes, especially their sneakers, I felt like I discovered gold at the end of the rainbow. I love that the brand is size inclusive (I have big feet) and you literally just slip these on and go. Hands-free shoes! This makes them perfect for travel and the fact that these go with everything means no over-packing necessary. Where to Buy Them: Check out the Milan sneaker and several other styles (boots, too!) on the Kizik website. Price (at time of publication): $149
Why We Love Them: I discovered Frankie Jean while in Austin with my daughter and once I saw the Y'ALL Baseball Cap, I knew it would make the perfect souvenir -- and travel hat! I always travel with a baseball hat; they're handy for post-plane hair and offer protection from the elements. Frankie Jean has an array of adorable caps for non-y'allers, too, with all 50 states represented in the web store. Where to Buy It: Visit Frankie Jean online for this hat and many others! Price (at time of publication): $32
Why We Love Them: The Yoto Mini is an excellent gadget for kids on the go. Physical cards allow children to expand their imagination through audiobooks, music, activities, and educational audio. Manager of Editorial Megan Shute purchased the mini-player for her daughter's 4th birthday earlier this year ahead of an overseas move and has been endlessly impressed: "Not only did it replace her standard sound machine with its white noise options, but it has given us another portable screen-free entertainment option for at home and while traveling. The Yoto is also perfect for anyone who asks what your child wants for the holidays — cards for their new Yoto collection, please!" Where to Buy Them: Yoto is available on their website and Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $69.99 for player
Why We Love Them: The Vuori Performance Joggers might just be the most comfortable piece of clothing we own. The buttery-soft, stretchy material is the perfect weight, and the slim yet relaxed fit is one of the most universally flattering styles we've tried. Engagement Editor Meg Archer has gifted these to many people over the last few years: "I have yet to hear anything but rave reviews (and a bit of friendly shaming for spawning new obsessions). Don't be surprised if these just so happen to, umm... multiply... in your closet. I couldn't stop at just one pair." Bonus: The matching Vuori Halo Performance Hoodie is one of our favorite lightweight layers for all types of travel! Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From Vuori Price (at time of publication): $94
Why We Love Them: If you have a friend or family member who loves to travel and loves bags (who doesn't?), then this Calpak tote bag is the ultimate gift. When I say ultimate, I mean it, because this is the ultimate bag. My own tote bag is pictured above, when used on an overnight trip. I've also used it as a carry-on bag on flights, to tote sports equipment around for my kids, and for a weekend getaway. It is much larger than it looks in this photo and keeps everything organized. It also wipes clean! Where to Buy Them: Calpak has countless travel bags, but you can find this particular one on their website. Price (at time of publication): $131.75
Why We Love Them: I've purchased two of these portable hammocks with lightweight frames throughout the years — one as a gift for my father and one for myself after realizing how fantastic the hammock was. While it's not a travel product, per se, it has made my everyday life feel more like a vacation, something we could all use a bit more of these days. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $69.99
Why We Love Them: All of the staff at Only In Your State loves to represent their roots and Wear Your Roots allows you to do that in a fashionable - and comfortable - way. We love the wears from this Montana-based company and we happen to believe that these hoodies, shirts, hats, and more make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: Shop now on the Wear Your Roots website Price (at time of publication): Varies by Product
Why We Love It: It's taken several trips for me to figure out my perfect "weekender bag that's TSA approved," but I've found my perfect carry on with the TOBIQ Colorado 30L. An Instagram ad caught my eye during a late-night scroll session and I was intrigued by the colorful compartments and versatility of the bag, which can be carried as a duffle or as a backpack (I prefer the backpack for even weight distribution and airport navigation.) Made of durable, weather-resistant recycled materials, I've stashed this bag under my seat and in the overhead compartment; it's easy to maneuver and the top zip pocket is perfect for easy phone/ID access. Bonus: I loved this carry on bag so much, I purchased TOBIQ's Toiletry Bag; it fits perfectly inside one of the Colorado's four compartments and has a smart, intuitive design with the brand's signature "plethora of zippered pouches and pockets."
Where to Buy Them: Visit tobiqtravel.com to purchase the Colorado 30L and/or Toiletry Bag. Price (at time of publication): $199 (Colorado 30L)/$69 (Toiletry Bag)
Why We Love Them: The Zestt Dreamsoft Travel Scarf doubles as a blanket, making it the perfect travel accessory for year-round adventures – especially on airplanes! Made from organic cotton and easy to wash and care for, we have even used this piece as a makeshift picnic blanket while traveling. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $50
Why I Love It: This raincoat is absolutely perfect: it's light (12.4 ounces!) and super packable, "self stuffing" into one of its pockets in a Houdini-like feat. The hood is generously sized to fit over a hat and has a cord-and-hook design that keeps rain out (seriously -- this photo was taken after a trip to Portland, Oregon, where its water resistance was put to the test!). I purchased my Torrentshellfive years ago and it still looks brand new, the fabric has never snagged or ripped despite being put through the ringer! Bonus: The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket comes in men's sizes, too! Where to Buy It: Buy it now on REI. Price (at time of publication): $179 (both men's and women's)
Why We Love Them: I love gifting books. Maybe it's the writer in me or the nostalgia I feel every time I sit down and open up an actual book. Coffee table books make for great gifts and I absolutely love this collection of photography of New York City. Whether you know someone who loves NYC or has a wanderlust for the Big Apple, this gorgeous book just needs a bow on top and it's ready to gift. Where to Buy Them: Buy this book and others in the collection on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $19.78
Why We Love Them: A well-stocked first aid kit is essential for any traveler, and we love these small Welly kits. They're the perfect option to keep in your car, diaper bag, or carry-on for accidents on the go. Another excellent stocking stuffer for anyone in your life. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Walmart Price (at time of publication): $9.70
Why We Love Them: The OluKai Pehuea Lī Sneaker is lightweight and breathable, but also extremely comfortable and surprisingly supportive. It's our go-to shoe when we know we're going to be on our feet all day! We love that they can be worn as either sneakers or slides, so they're easy to slip off when going through TSA checks. Plus, the style goes with just about everything. Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From OluKai Price (at time of publication): $110
Why I Love It: Fact: Airplanes are notoriously dry, dry, dry. No matter how much water I drink both before and during the flight, I always find myself in a hydration deficit for days. My skin feels so tight and parched during flights, and while I've been known to slap on a sheet mask at 12,000 feet, my 11 year old's mortification on a recent trip had me rethinking this strategy. My solution? BioRepublic's Lost Baggage biocellulose eye masks. These mini moisturizers contain an uber-hydrating cocktail of peptides, hyaluronic acid, squalene, rose water, and vitamin E that feel oh-so-refreshing on parched skin. Bonus: Each of these little masks has enough moisture that I'm able to massage the excess into the rest of my face after my brief, in-flight spa moment. Where to Buy It: I have a BioRepublic Lost Baggage Under Eye Emergency Repair Mask Subscribe & Save order through Amazon -- you'll get a slight discount if you set this up! Price (at time of publication): 3/$15.00
Why I Love It: I am a dedicated Stanley girl, but when I travel, I like to keep things as light and portable as possible. A recent trip to Washington D.C. had me singing the praises of my Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle, especially after paying $6 for a tiny bottle of water the afternoon we arrived and embarked sans water. I love the bottle's muted color options (I have the Hydaway in Twilight), sturdy handle, and fuss-free cleaning; fully extended it holds 17 ounces of water, making this smart little number perfect for filling up on the go. Where to Buy Them: The Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle is available at several online merchants; I purchased through REI. Available here on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $27.95.
Why We Love Them: This is one of those things that we don't know how we traveled without them. Packing cubes keep things organized, save space in a suitcase, and take the pain out of the packing process. If you know and love someone who travels, this set would make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: There are so many options for packing cubes on Amazon, but we particularly LOVE this set. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 for 8 cubes
Why We Love Them: I've been a fan of Beis for years now, starting with the Weekender (it’s my absolute favorite travel bag for short car trips or flying and is surprisingly roomy). I recently purchased another Beis item — the backpack. With a padded interior sleeve, two water bottle pockets, and plenty of organization built-in — we’re talking zippered interior pockets, pen slots, a key leash, and more — this is the best backpack I’ve ever owned. It also has a full-zip opening, so it’s easy to pack, and the trolley pass-through makes it the perfect carry-on companion. This olive beauty is officially my new favorite personal item while traveling, and I’ve already brought it on several trips. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Beis Price (at time of publication): $88
Why We Love Them: We bought this set of two accessory organizers for a recent trip and think they would make a fun stocking stuffer filled with all sorts of small and useful travel goodies — chapstick, hair ties, mini lotions, bandaids, etc. The gift recipient can then use the organizers for travel. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $17.66
Why We Love It: The sleek style of the Away Everywhere Zip Backpack looks at home in just about any environment, making it a great transition bag if you need to hop right from a flight into a work meeting (or want to start exploring as soon as you land). It's water-resistant, has a padded laptop sleeve to keep your devices safe, and the full wrap-around zipper makes it incredibly easy to grab what you need in a cramped airplane seat. I love it! Where To Buy It:Buy Now From Away Price (at time of publication): $195
Why We Love It: Engagement Editor Meg Archer recently travel-testedthis high-end aluminum travel case, and it can only be described as the Lamborghini of Luggage: "The Sterling Pacific 40L Travel Case is hands down the best I've ever owned or reviewed. It's stunning inside and out, timelessly stylish, and rolls like a dream. Honestly, I didn't know luggage could move like this." It's undeniably a splurge, but if you're looking for a piece of eye-catching yet understated luxury-tier luggage, this is it. Where To Buy It: Buy Now From Sterling Pacific Price (at time of publication): $2,150
Why We Love It: Throw out all your assumptions about generators. The Anker Power Bank Portable Generator is all-electric (so it's totally silent), super compact, and has a massive 60,000 mAh capacity that can power multiple devices dozens of times on a single charge. It also retains an impressive 85% charge after a whole year of non-use, making it absolutely vital during emergencies. This bad boy kept us in touch with family during a multi-day blackout, but we also love it for camping trips and off-grid adventures. Where To Buy It:Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $149.99
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If you need anymore ideas for the best travel gifts of the season, we have you covered. Check out more of our travel-themed gift guides...
