ARIZONA VISITOR INFORMATION


TOPOGRAPHY Arizona is incredibly diverse.


From the high country to the Sonoran Desert in the Phoenix and Tucson areas, Arizona’s weather and topography can be extreme. When you travel throughout the state, you will encounter deserts, mountains, and large cities (Phoenix is the fifth largest in the country). Weather – During any season in


Clockwise: Monument Valley, Phoenix Skyline, San Francisco Peaks near Flagstaff


What Time Is It? Arizona is in the Mountain Time Zone. Sometimes Arizona’s time zones get a


bit confusing, especially when Day Light Savings is in effect as Arizona does not observe Daylight Savings Time (except on the Navajo Reservation).


Getting Here Served by 17 airlines reaching 85 domestic destinations and 19 international


destinations – most people fly into Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) – the largest international airport in the Southwest. It is located in central Arizona, in the heart of Phoenix proper, and is very convenient to the entire metropolitan area. Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport provides a convenient alternative in the East Valley and is served by Allegiant Air. In the southern part of Arizona, Tucson International Airport is served by eight airlines.


Getting Around If you want to see a lot of Arizona, renting a car is your best bet. Even if you


plan to base in the Phoenix or Tucson area, you’ll appreciate being able to ‘daytrip’ to numerous attractions at your leisure. Most national car rental companies offer service at the airports. On the other hand, if you want to check into a resort and just relax in the spa or poolside, transportation options include the resort’s shuttle, private shuttles, taxis, and public transportation via bus or the new light rail. In December, 2008 the first 20-mile starter line of the METRO light rail system for Phoenix started accepting passengers.


Dressing for Travel in the Southwest Sunglasses, hats and sunscreen are all standard attire for locals. Beyond


that, bring clothing that you can layer – on the same day, you may find yourself in the desert heat and in a matter of hours, as you climb toward the mountains, or watch the sun set, you will want a light sweater or jacket. Arizona, as a rule, is pretty casual when it comes to personal attire. Few restaurants require a coat or tie.


Sonoran Desert 6 www.AZMeet ings.com


Arizona, some part of the state enjoys near-perfect weather. Generally, the busiest season in the desert areas (southern half of the state) lasts from January through March; the next most popular is from April to May and September through December; and the season when visitors can find the greatest values is June through August. Peak and value seasons in the mountainous regions (in the northern half of the state) are the opposite of the desert areas. Peak season in some mid-climate areas of the state, such as Sedona, is from March to May and September through October. Topography – Arizona covers


almost 114,000 square miles, with about 350 square miles of water surface. The state has three main topographical areas: (1) a high plateau averaging between 5,000 and 7,000 feet in elevation in the northeast; (2) a mountainous region oriented southeast to northwest with maximum elevations between 9,000 and 12,000 feet; and (3) the Sonoran Desert in southwestern Arizona with elevations as low as 100 feet above sea level.


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