Part of our Arizona guide.
2 places and guides from our Arizona coverage, gathered into one page.
Related travel guides: Hidden Trail Adventures In Arizona.
What To Pack For A 10-Day Trip To The Grand Canyon
Pack layers for a 10-day Grand Canyon trip: temperatures vary from below freezing at the rim in winter to over 100°F (38°C) at the river in summer. Bring sturdy hiking boots, a wide-brimmed hat, sunscreen, and at least one liter of water per hour of hiking. Include a headlamp, a first-aid kit, and a map — cell service is unreliable below the rim. For camping, pack a tent rated for wind, a sleeping bag good to 20°F (-6°C), and a camp stove (fires are often restricted). A daypack for rim walks and a larger bag for overnight mule trips or backcountry hikes will cover your bases. Don’t forget a reusable water bottle and electrolyte packets; the dry air dehydrates you fast. Binoculars help spot condors and bighorn sheep from the South Rim. If you plan to visit the North Rim, note it closes mid-October to mid-May. For those seeking less-crowded spots, the area is full of secret destinations in Arizona just outside the park boundaries.
How To Plan An Arizona Road Trip With Kayak
Plan your Arizona road trip with a kayak by choosing a route that connects desert highways with accessible waterways. Start in Phoenix, then drive north to the Lower Salt River (Tonto National Forest) for Class II–III rapids, best in spring. Next, head to Lake Pleasant northwest of Phoenix for flatwater paddling and camping. From there, drive to the Colorado River near Yuma — check how far is Yuma from the Mexico border to plan a side trip (it’s about 22 miles). Continue to the San Juan River at Mexican Hat, Utah, a 4-hour drive from the Grand Canyon, for a multi-day float through Monument Valley. For a shorter leg, stop at Sabino Canyon near Tucson: the Sabino canyon's thrilling desert tram ride gets you to trailheads, and you can kayak Sabino Lake in winter months. Each segment requires a kayak cart for portaging, a dry bag for gear, and a roof rack or inflatable kayak for easy transport. Reserve permits for the Colorado River and San Juan River at least six months ahead. Arizona’s lakes — Roosevelt, Apache, and Canyon — also allow kayaking without permits. For those intrigued by the state's lore, the region around the Superstition Mountains holds lost mines and travel in Arizona stories that add a layer of adventure to any paddle stop.
