Claudia Collins
If you’re anything like me, breaking heat records in July is throwing a major dagger in your plans for summer adventure. Fortunately, there are plenty of places to escape the heat across Arizona. Here are five of my favorite watering holes, higher elevation destinations and summer escapes in State 48.
1. Mount Lemmon, Tuscon
Mount Lemmon is SO underrated! In fact, it will be one of the first places I revisit for a fresh On The Rocks episode when I return to AZ from the Midwest. The drive itself is pretty wild – just go straight up the mountain. I remember watching the temperature drop on the dashboard practically every mile on the way up. It’s incredibly doable as a day trip from Phoenix and is probably the best option for Tucson-area residents. This trail in particular provided a lot of shade and widespread viewpoints. Make extra time in your itinerary to enjoy the drive too and stop at the scenic viewpoints along the road!
2. Saguaro Lake Guest Ranch – Kayaking, Mesa
My all-time favorite summer activity in AZ. I’ve done it a dozen times and I’ll do it a dozen more. The nearly ice cold temperatures of the Salt River are sure to keep you cool, even on those nasty triple-digit “in the teens” days (oooof). Just load on the sunblock and let yourself get splashed in the water. This adventure is sure to come with the perfect blend of wildlife, scenic views and a lower body temp.
3. Tonto Natural Bridge State Park, Payson
The ideal day-trip for those in the Phoenix area. Check the highs and lows for the day before making your way to Payson – but you’re sure to stay much more comfortable in rim country. This state park blew my expectations out of the water. I hesitate to spoil it or set expectations too high, although I don’t think that’s possible. I think this is a really fun option for families, even with young children. Spend hours in the “cave” and enjoy the cool water and drizzle around you. Regardless of the time of year, this absolutely should be added to your AZ Bucket List.
4. Government Springs Loop, Greer
Not a day trip for most but a must-visit for all. Want to feel like you’re not in Arizona at all? Visit Greer, you won’t be disappointed. With a similar landscape to Santa Fe, NM – Greer, AZ offers a total escape. This trail in particular is very succluded and you won’t see many people along the way but the peace, quiet and crisp air is certainly going to give you a mental refresh.
5. West Fork Trail, Sedona
A hike located in Sedona needs to be on every Arizona bucket list…in fact, it should be on every bucket list…ever. Sedona is truly out of this world and West Fork Trail is no different. The trail provides shade, water access with a bunch of water-crossings and several views of the red rocks. I typically do day trips to Sedona but it can also make the perfect weekend getaway. If you are very sensitive to the heat (like me) just check the weather beforehand as Sedona can still reach very warm temperatures in the summer months. However, this trail is more than likely going to be several degrees cooler than it is in downtown Sedona.
