The Grand Canyon State offers visitors a vibrant blend of cultures traditions and terrain to explore. Large cacti are a popular symbol of the American west, and nowhere are they more prevalent than Arizona . The state has a reputation for hot weather and the Sonoran desert dominates much of the southern half. But Arizona 's terrain varies dramatically from region to region, from ta ll thickly forested mountains to some of the states hottest cities or the Grand Canyon up north. Arizona also offers visitors a tremendous range of activities, from hiking in superb parks on some of the country's most-traveled trails to golfing on championship courses, while Southwestern cuisine, which has swept the country, was born here.

The Grand Canyon of the Colorado River is Arizona 's most famous natural attraction. Phoenix the capital of Arizona is an easy going city and a good base for exploring the rest of the state; it offers a variety of attractions, unique shopping, fine art galleries and many cultural events, while its location in the Valley of the Sun brings it an average of 330 days of sunshine every year. Scottsdale is Arizona 's most popular resort area. Most visitors come to Scottsdale to wander through its popular downtown shopping district known as Old Town for its early 20 th century buildings. From Phoenix you can head north to visit Indian sites, cowboy and mining towns of the region. While Hwy 89A between Prescott and Flagstaff , passing through Jerome and Sedona, is one of the most dramatic scenic drives in the state.