Living in Phoenix, you know it’s brutally hot for 10 months out of the year. Like the kind of hot where it’s sometimes necessary for you to seek out cooler weather and crystal-clear waters. Get out of the city and away from the heat with these four “winter” vacations.
Puerto Peñasco (Rocky Point), Mexico
Just a few hours drive from Phoenix, you can find yourself sipping margaritas on the beaches of Puerto Peñasco, or Rocky Point, Mexico. Indulge in delicious tacos, inexpensive cerveza, and the sight of beautiful crystal-clear waters. You can’t help but immerse yourself in the rich culture of Rocky Point, which makes this short drive feel as if you are worlds away from home.
Sedona
Sedona makes for an excellent weekend getaway when you’re looking to escape the heat and crowds. With plenty of water recreation options and family fun to go around, there’s something for everyone in Sedona. Check out the West Fork Trail, which is lined with trees and a water crossing every half-mile or so to keep you cool.
Flagstaff
Just two hours north of Phoenix, Flagstaff’s summer temps barely break the mid-80s due to its high elevation – 6,909 feet, to be exact. There’s tons of hiking in and around Flagstaff, and, with most trails sitting at roughly 8,000 to 9,000 feet in elevation, they offer even cooler temps. While you’re there, take a chairlift ride at the Arizona Snowbowl ski resort, dubbed “the coolest place in Arizona.”
Grand Canyon South Rim
Do yourself a favor and head out on a weekend trip to visit one of the seven wonders of the world, the stunning Grand Canyon. At just under four hours from Phoenix, take in the mesmerizing sights of this 6,093-foot deep, 277-mile-long geologic wonder. Make sure to stroll at least a section of the 13-mile Rim Trail with plenty of scenic overlooks, along with the historic interpretive trail. Thanks to the South Rim’s high altitude of 7,000 feet, you can expect cooler temps and dry weather.
Escape the heat in Phoenix with these four “winter” vacation getaways not far from home. For more Arizona goodness, check out The Tessera blog.