Arizona scenic destinations, outdoor recreation and travel attractions

Arizona Travel Articles & Vacation Stories

Originally prepared by Tony Subia

Updated by AZ Leisure Staff Writers on September 8, 2026

Explore Arizona travel articles that go beyond basic vacation planning, with stories about scenic landscapes, mountain towns, historic routes, outdoor recreation and memorable places throughout the state. These features offer a closer look at destinations and experiences that make Arizona worth exploring beyond its best-known attractions.

From the colorful badlands of the Painted Desert to the cool forests and streams of Arizona's White Mountains, these travel stories combine destination information with personal experiences, local character and ideas for discovering scenic places at a slower pace.

Featured Arizona Travel Articles
Scenic Arizona
Mountain & Outdoor Stories
More Arizona Travel Ideas
FAQ

Featured Arizona Travel Articles

These featured stories explore Arizona through personal travel experiences, scenic destinations and outdoor places that reveal a different side of the state.

Magic in the Painted Desert

Colorful Painted Desert landscape near Petrified Forest National Park in northern Arizona

A personal Arizona travel story about an unexpected stop at the Painted Desert and Petrified Forest that became an unforgettable experience. Follow the journey through colorful badlands, historic Route 66 country, scenic overlooks, Blue Mesa and the petrified landscapes of one of Northern Arizona's most distinctive destinations.

By Lucy Brite

Greer Arizona: No Longer A Secret

Discover Greer, a small White Mountains community surrounded by forests, streams, wildlife and high-country scenery. This Arizona travel story explores Greer's cabins, trout fishing, hiking, cool summer weather, autumn colors and winter recreation near Sunrise Park Resort.

By Tony Subia

Little Colorado River At Greer

Explore the Little Colorado River as it winds through the forests and meadows around Greer in Arizona's White Mountains. The article covers scenic river settings, hiking opportunities and trout fishing for rainbow, brown, brook and native Apache trout along different stretches of this high-country stream.

By Tony Subia

Scenic Arizona Travel & Road Trip Ideas

Arizona's most memorable scenery extends far beyond its major cities. Northern Arizona offers the Painted Desert, Petrified Forest, Route 66 communities, mountain forests and dramatic canyon country, while other regions feature desert landscapes, historic towns and scenic highways that make the journey part of the experience.

Arizona Mountain & Outdoor Travel Stories

Arizona's higher elevations provide a striking contrast to the Sonoran and Colorado deserts. The White Mountains, Flagstaff area and other high-country destinations offer forests, lakes, streams, wildlife, hiking, fishing, cabins and cooler temperatures that appeal to travelers throughout much of the year.

More Arizona Travel Ideas

Use these Arizona Leisure guides to continue planning a trip by destination, activity or travel interest. They connect the personal stories featured above with practical information about places to visit and things to do throughout the state.

Arizona Travel Articles FAQ

What kinds of Arizona travel stories are featured here?

Arizona Leisure features travel stories about scenic landscapes, mountain communities, outdoor recreation, historic routes and memorable destinations throughout Arizona.

Where can I find stories about Northern Arizona?

Featured Northern Arizona content includes the Painted Desert and Petrified Forest region, along with additional guides to Flagstaff, Route 66, the Grand Canyon and other destinations across northern Arizona.

Are there articles about Arizona's White Mountains?

Yes. Featured White Mountains articles include stories about Greer and the Little Colorado River, with additional Arizona Leisure guides covering mountain towns, lakes, fishing, cabins and outdoor recreation.

Do these articles include personal travel experiences?

Some do. Arizona Leisure combines traditional destination guides with personal travel stories that describe individual experiences, discoveries and impressions of Arizona places.

Where can I find Arizona road trip ideas?

The Painted Desert, Petrified Forest, historic Route 66 and Arizona's mountain communities are good starting points for scenic road trips. Arizona Leisure also provides maps and driving-distance guides for planning routes between destinations.

Does Arizona have good mountain destinations as well as desert scenery?

Yes. Higher-elevation destinations such as Greer, the White Mountains and Flagstaff offer forests, streams, lakes, wildlife and substantially different scenery from Arizona's lower deserts.

Where can I find more things to do in Arizona?

The Arizona Leisure Things To Do and Arizona Attractions guides cover parks, outdoor recreation, historic places, tours, wildlife, scenic destinations and other activities throughout the state.

Are new Arizona articles added to this page?

This page serves as a collection of featured Arizona travel stories and can be expanded as additional destination stories and travel features are published.