Central Arizona

Home to the state capital and great swaths of natural beauty, the heart of Arizona is artistic, spiritual and undeniably quirky.

Stunning red-rock cliffs tower over deep valleys in the Central Arizona region. The deserts, mountains and valleys of the region are studded with important spiritual and cultural sites in this area of great importance to Native American people. The state capital of Phoenix is a lively commercial and cultural city at its core that acts as an ideal base for exploring Central Arizona. Rent a car and embark on a thrilling road trip around one of North America’s most picturesque areas.

Fly into Phoenix to begin your adventures in Central Arizona. Served by an international airport, the city is a thriving metropolis that is continually growing. A young population is spurred on by Arizona’s high standard of universities and a fascinating arts scene. Visit the state’s major art institutions or stop by Roosevelt Row to see the next generation of artists at work. The formerly neglected downtown precinct is today home to some of the city’s most progressive galleries, bars and studios.

Learn about Arizona’s indigenous communities by visiting some of the state’s important Native American cultural sites. Just a short drive from Phoenix you’ll find the Casa Grande Ruins National Monument, the United States’ first prehistoric and cultural reserve. Learn about the Ancestral Sonoran Desert People who are believed to have built the structure from the early 14th century.

Discover the spiritual and artist community of Sedona, nestled deep within Arizona’s Red Rock State Park. Surrounded by pine forests and stunning cliffs, the area is a regional highlight. Visit several of the vortex areas said to heighten spiritual and metaphysical energy. See the cliff dwellings created by Native American communities, including famous Montezuma’s Castle just outside town.

Central Arizona experiences high temperatures in its desert regions throughout summer but offers respite from the cold North American winters in the colder months. Explore the region by train, bus or rented car. Find accommodations in central Phoenix or in the rural towns surrounding it.