News

It’s still winter. I’m just as ready for spring as anyone, but as RVers, the best move is usually to make the most of where we are. Every year, full-timers migrate to places like Florida and Arizona to ride out the colder months — and honestly, there’s no shortage of ways to stay busy, no matter what you’re into.

In this post, I’m focusing on Arizona, a state where I’ve spent many winters over the years. Instead of rehashing the obvious must-sees like the Big Tent Show or the Grand Canyon (both absolutely worth visiting), I wanted to highlight a few experiences I’ve personally enjoyed during winter stays in the state.

Here are five things to do in Arizona during the winter months — with some bonus ideas sprinkled in — that make the season feel like something to enjoy, not just wait out.

 

 

1. Antelope Canyon (and Horseshoe Bend)

Antelope Canyon is one of the most photographed slot canyons in the world, located near Page, Arizona, on Navajo Nation land. Carved over millions of years by flash flooding and erosion, the smooth sandstone walls glow in shades of orange, red, and gold.

The canyon is famous for its narrow passageways, wave-like formations, and dramatic light beams that appear when sunlight filters through the cracks above. It’s one of those places that somehow lives up to the hype.

Because Antelope Canyon is on Native land, guided tours and reservations are required. There are several tour companies to choose from, but I highly recommend booking with a Native-owned guide — it adds depth and context that makes the experience even more memorable. You’ll also want to read about the two main canyon options (Upper and Lower), as one requires climbing down ladders.

Bonus: Horseshoe Bend is just south of Page and is an absolute must-see. Parking is $10, and the walk takes about 15–20 minutes. It’s an easy stop to pair with Antelope Canyon — just plan ahead, as it can get busy.

Where to Stay: I’ve camped at Lake Powell each time I’ve visited. Wahweap RV & Campground is a well-established option with showers and laundry. Just up the road, there’s also a $10 dry-camping area right on the lake if you prefer something simpler.

 

2. Biosphere 2 (and Saguaro National Park)

Biosphere 2 is one of the most unique scientific research facilities on Earth. Located near Oracle, Arizona — about 30–35 miles north of Tucson — it’s a massive glass-and-steel complex designed to mimic Earth’s ecosystems.

Unlike most attractions, Biosphere 2 isn’t a natural wonder. It’s a fully constructed environment created to study how living systems interact. Earth itself is considered “Biosphere 1,” and this was humanity’s ambitious attempt at building a second one. Touring it is fascinating, whether you’re into science or just curious about big ideas.

Bonus:Saguaro National Park surrounds Tucson on both the east and west sides and protects one of the most iconic landscapes in the Southwest. This is the only place in the world where giant saguaro cacti grow naturally. If the desert had a personality, this park would be it.

Where to Stay: Oracle State Park is very close to Biosphere 2 and offers a beautiful setting with hiking. There’s also a campground on the north side near Saguaro National Park called Gilbert Ray that I recommend checking out.

 

 

 

3. Los Algodones, Mexico (and the Imperial Sand Dunes)

Los Algodones is a small Mexican town just across the border from Yuma, Arizona, known worldwide for one thing: affordable, high-quality dental care. Despite having only a few thousand residents, it attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year from the U.S. and Canada.

Locals call it “Molar City,” and once you see the streets lined with dental offices, pharmacies, and optical shops, the nickname makes sense.

Even if you don’t need dental work, it’s still worth a visit. The border crossing is easy — you can walk across from Yuma — and it’s a fun way to spend the day. Wander through shops selling Mexican handicrafts, leather goods, pottery, and jewelry, and enjoy authentic, budget-friendly street food.

 Bonus: Not far from the American Girl Mine, the Imperial Sand Dunes are free to visit and are the largest mass of sand dunes in California. Stretching over 40 miles, they’re a popular destination for off-road vehicles. If you plan to ride, be sure to research permits and regulations ahead of time.

Where to Stay: There are plenty of RV parks around Yuma, but I usually stay at American Girl Mine — free dry camping about 15 minutes from Yuma, just across the California border.

 

 

4. The Superstition Mountains (and Spring Training)

Rising sharply east of Phoenix, the Superstition Mountains are one of the most dramatic and legendary landscapes in the Southwest. Jagged volcanic peaks, deep canyons, and harsh desert terrain give the area a wild, almost intimidating feel — especially at sunrise and sunset.

This isn’t just a place you hike. It’s a place people argue about, warn each other about, and tell stories about. You can hike, fish, boat, camp, off-road, or even take a scenic cruise nearby.

What truly sets the Superstitions apart is the legend of the Lost Dutchman’s Gold Mine. Supposedly discovered in the 1800s, the mine’s location was kept secret, and several people searching for it died under mysterious circumstances. The mine has never been definitively found — and yes, there’s even been a TV show about it.
Another great option is driving Highway 87 to 188 toward Theodore Roosevelt Dam and Tonto National Monument. It’s a beautiful drive with plenty of places to stop and explore.

 Bonus: Baseball fans, this one’s for you. Mesa and the surrounding area host many Major League Baseball spring training stadiums. Catching a game or two is a fun winter activity — just know that tickets aren’t as cheap as they used to be, and popular teams (like the Cubs) can sell out quickly.

Where to Stay: Usery Mountain Regional Park is a favorite. The scenery is stunning, the cacti are massive, and the sunsets might be the best around. Plus, it’s close enough to Mesa when you need to head into town.

 

 

 

5. Road Trip: Highway 89A from Sedona to Flagstaff

If you love scenic drives, Arizona State Route 89A — especially the stretch between Sedona and Flagstaff — is hard to beat. In just 30 miles, the road climbs over 3,000 feet, transitioning from red rock desert to pine forest in dramatic fashion.
This isn’t a road you rush. It’s one you remember.

The drive starts in Sedona, surrounded by glowing red sandstone formations. As you head north, red rock canyons give way to steep switchbacks, Oak Creek winds alongside the road, canyon walls close in, and eventually ponderosa pines take over near Flagstaff. It feels like traveling through multiple ecosystems in under an hour.

The most iconic section runs through Oak Creek Canyon, often compared to a smaller, greener version of the Grand Canyon. Flowing water, shaded picnic areas, sheer canyon walls, and even fall colors — rare in Arizona — make it special. In summer, it’s a refuge from the heat; in fall, it’s unexpectedly colorful.

Bonus: Spend a couple of hours exploring Flagstaff. It can be chilly in winter, but there’s plenty to do indoors, including great restaurants and breweries. Flagstaff also embraces its Route 66 roots, with historic signage and character. For even more nostalgia, drive west to Williams.

Where to Stay: I’m mostly a boondocker, so options change. I recommend checking Campendium for current spots around Flagstaff and Sedona. There’s free camping on both the east and west sides of Flagstaff,  research Forest Road 171 Dispersed, and I’ve stayed at a free spot off the highway in Sedona before called Forest Road 226 Dispersed. If you want to escape the crowds, consider Cottonwood — Dead Horse Ranch State Park is a solid campground worth a look.

 

 

Arizona has a way of turning winter into something worth savoring. Whether you’re chasing warmer weather, incredible landscapes, or just a change of scenery, it’s a state that rewards slowing down and exploring.

Hope this gets you started enjoying Arizona in the winter.