Last Updated on June 20, 2024 by Nikole
Intro
During our 8 day trip to Arizona, my husband and I made a few mistakes that we regret and want to share with you to help you plan your trip better. One thing we regretted was not allocating enough time to visit the Grand Canyon. We underestimated the size of the canyon and ended up rushing through it, not fully appreciating its beauty.
Another regret was not researching the laws, poisonous critters, and natural occurrences. Compared to North Carolina Arizona is brutal and shouldn’t be underestimated. It’s best to do your research on what to avoid in Arizona that way you won’t get hurt or end up with hefty fines.
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Don’t Hike a Trail Without Checking if You Need a Permit
My husband and I went without a plan, in fact, we do this just about every trip. Learn from our mistakes and make an itinerary. About half of the places we wanted to go to required reservations weeks in advance.
For example, Havasupai Falls along with several other hiking trails require a permit purchase. For some of those permits, you have to purchase weeks and sometimes months in advance.
So we missed out on some pretty amazing hiking trails in Sedona and numerous trails in Flagstaff. on the other hand, we were able to get last-minute tours at Antelope Canyons.
Don’t Go On the Train to the Grand Canyon
The train ride (Grand Canyon Railway and Hotel) to the canyon in Arizona was a 2-hour journey each way, and while they did their best to keep it entertaining with a storyline show featuring bandits and “robberies,” it wasn’t enough to keep my attention.
With a rental car, we could have reached the canyon in just 30 minutes and had more time to explore. However, for families without a car, this could still be a convenient option.
Don’t Miss out on Sedona
Arizona is home to some incredible places, and this is definitely one of them. Initially, we were considering skipping it, but after reading about it on Pinterest, we knew we couldn’t miss it.
I’m really grateful that we decided to go because it turned out to be one of the most stunning places I’ve ever seen. I only wish we had more time to spend there.
Whether you’re into kayaking or climbing, there’s something to do in Sedona for everyone. And if you’re a fan of shopping, the Uptown Mall and other areas offer some fantastic experiences.
Be Aware of Flash Floods
Flash floods during the monsoon season in Arizona can be extremely dangerous and unpredictable. These floods occur when heavy rainfall quickly accumulates in desert areas, causing sudden and powerful surges of water.
To avoid the dangers of flash floods especially if you are visiting areas like Slide Rock State Park, it’s important to stay informed about weather conditions and to never attempt to drive through flooded areas.
Speaking of what not to do in Arizona-Arizona has laws in place that prohibit driving on certain roads during monsoon season, and it’s crucial to heed these warnings for your own safety.
Avoid Driving in a Dust Storm
Arizona is known for its dangerous dust storms, also known as haboobs, which can arise suddenly and drastically reduce visibility on the roads. If you find yourself caught in one, it’s important to pull aside to a safe location and turn off your lights to avoid collisions.
The “Pull Aside, Stay Alive” campaign, spearheaded by the Arizona Department of Transportation, aims to educate drivers about the dangers of dust storms and the importance of safely pulling off the road during these hazardous conditions.
Try to Avoid Arizona’s Wildlife
It’s really important to be cautious around the wildlife in Arizona. The desert landscape is home to some pretty dangerous creatures, including the bark scorpion, Arizona black rattlesnake, and the western diamondback rattlesnake.
It’s best to admire these critters from a safe distance and avoid any unnecessary interaction. Stay safe and enjoy your time in the beautiful Arizona desert!
Don’t Cut Down or Take the Cactus
Taking cactus from Arizona is illegal and unethical for several reasons. Arizona state laws strictly forbid the removal of cacti from their natural habitat without proper permits.
The desert ecosystem relies on cacti for various ecological functions, including providing food and shelter for wildlife, preventing soil erosion, and contributing to the overall biodiversity of the region.
Furthermore, taking cactus from Arizona is harmful to the survival of these iconic plants. Cacti have adapted to thrive in the harsh desert environment, and removing them from their natural habitat can significantly impact their ability to survive and reproduce.
Don’t go to Havasupai Falls
You actually should be going here sometime in your life, but don’t expect to get in any time soon.
You can keep an eye on when reservations open through this website, Havasupaireservations. Also, keep in mind that reservations are HARD to get!
They go on sale starting February 1st but sell out within the first few minutes. I’ve read about people asking off of work and getting up super early just to get them.
Permits to hike also cost anywhere between $100 and $150 per night per person with a 3-night maximum stay ( this all depends on when you go and how many people you go with).
Don’t Forget to Pack the Necessary Items
Like with any trip we take, we don’t do the appropriate research before we go. We end up forgetting to pack necessary things and end up having to purchase them on our trip. We were not prepared for the strange climate and weather changes.
We arrived in the desert, Phoenix Arizona, which was dry and HOT. I was expecting everywhere to be hot like Phoenix, but when we got to Flagstaff we ended up purchasing long pants and jackets because it was about 60 degrees and rainy.
Flagstaff was cold the whole time we visited, but when we ventured out into the prairie land or the desert it was scorching hot.
We also came across rocky terrain on some of the hiking trails in Sedona, but we didn’t have appropriate footwear. We kept sliding around on the rocks and were unable to complete some of the more strenuous hikes.
Don’t Forget the Snacks/ Cooler
I’ve found that having snacks, drinks, and a good cooler has been a real lifesaver when exploring Arizona.
The desert landscapes are stunning, but it can be a long drive between scenic spots with no restaurants in sight. I personally recommend Lifetime coolers – they’re similar to Yetis but more budget-friendly.
Avoid the Heat as Much as Possible
Hey there! If you’re planning to spend time outdoors in Arizona, it’s really important to be mindful of not staying in the heat too long. The intense heat in Arizona can lead to heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
These conditions can be really serious and even life-threatening if not treated promptly. It’s crucial to stay hydrated, take breaks in the shade, and listen to your body’s signals. So, if you’re out and about in Arizona, make sure to take care and stay safe in the heat!
Don’t Go on an Empty Tank of Gas
If you’ve rented a car, be sure to fill up the tank before heading into unfamiliar territory.
Sometimes we came across signs warning of long stretches without gas stations, but other times there were no warnings at all.
Planning your trips ahead of time is crucial for this reason. You definitely don’t want to find yourself stranded with no fuel and no way to call for help in the middle of nowhere.
Concluding Thoughts on What Not to Do in Arizona
The most important takeaway from this post is to always plan your trip to Arizona so you know what to do and what not to do. Better results come from a well-thought-out plan. Let me know in the comments how some of your trips have failed, and what you did to have a better trip the next time.
