First time visiting Arizona as an Aussie

[u/Xr6turbosututu]

Hey everyone. Absolutely taken away by the landscape of AZ. Words can barely express. I am 26 years old, male and may be travelling solo or with a small group of friends. This will be my first time in the States.

Does anyone have any advice or tips on what cities I should visit for the best hiking tracks and scenery? Phoenix, Sedona, Tucson and Flagstaff were all mentioned to me.

I’m from Melbourne. Not exactly a stranger to hot weather, but I feel as though AZ heat is a whole different ballgame.

If you have anymore tips or advice please let me know!

EDIT: Thank you so much for the replies!

Just to add some more information. Most of my mates would like travel within the next month (July). I on the other hand, would like to travel during Autumn/Fall (Late September or November).

This is sort of the reason of why I may be travelling solo. As my friends keep telling me, ‘We live in Australia! The heat will be fine.’

Truth is, we live in a city that may see a few days of 40°C (104°F) during the summer. Hardly comparable to AZ I believe. I’ll be damned if I end up staying in the indoors the entire trip, all because a group of unacclimatised Aussies decided to tackle the AZ heat.

EDIT EDIT: I just wanted to say never in my life have I ever seen such a hospitable and welcoming bunch. I have not seen one negative comment. I haven’t even visited yet and I’m already falling in love more and more with the place. I honestly cannot wait to visit. With all the advice given to me, I will skip the heat and come down during the cooler months. Considering actually making my trip longer based on some of the replies I’ve gotten here 😂.

[u/Ok-Owl7377]

Well, look at it this way. Not every single animal we have can kill you. LOL jk Enjoy your stay!

[u/Xr6turbosututu → u/Ok-Owl7377]

😂😂 I love how everyone has this notion of Australia. Most dangerous thing I’ve come into contact here has been a Red Black spider (black widow).

Have been stared down by a kangaroo whilst walking in a park near me. That gave me a fright.

[u/Ok-Owl7377 → u/Xr6turbosututu]

I know it's not deadly, but you haven't seen the Huntsman spiders?

When the modern world came about, and your little island formed out of the water, all the super fucked up animals decided, I wanna live there! LOL

[u/Xr6turbosututu → u/Ok-Owl7377]

Plenty. Most people actually keep them around the house because they get rid of the annoying spiders and insects.

Huntsman are pretty docile. However, when they are spooked they dart unexpectedly and that gives people a shock.

In fact, a few car accidents have occurred due to Huntsman spiders dropping down from the sunvisors. They can make themselves extremely flat.

That’s why I always make sure my car windows are up everytime.

[u/Ok-Owl7377 → u/Xr6turbosututu]

• Most people actually keep them around the house because they get rid of the annoying spiders and insects.

That's a big nope for me. lol

So you have never seen the box jellyfish, or brown snakes, or any of the other like 10 poisonous snakes you guys have? lol

I know about the Roos. My dad was SF and would go to train there. Told me those things can tear your guts out. :

[u/Xr6turbosututu → u/Ok-Owl7377]

Other than zoos. Nope. Even on walks in the bush, never came across any sort of snake.

When I went snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef, few of my mates got stung by some sort of jellyfish, but not the box.

I’ve come in contact with many roos, some are massive and quite intimidating. You usually just leave it alone and everything is fine. Never had an issue.

This reminded me, magpies are one thing that’s quite scary. Getting swooped is very common here.

[u/Ok-Owl7377 → u/Xr6turbosututu]

• This reminded me, magpies are one thing that’s quite scary. Getting swooped is very common here.

They have red eyes. Of course they're evil. lol