Arizona is the ideal winter getaway destination because it offers the best of both worlds: warm, sunny areas in the southern and central parts of the state and wintery ski spots to the north and east. Read on to learn about the best winter getaway spots in Phoenix, one of Arizona’s warmer cities, as well as Flagstaff, Arizona’s colder part of the state.

Phoenix

While the rest of the country is covered in snowfall, the daytime temperature in Phoenix remains in the 60s and 70s throughout the year. Mornings and evenings in the desert get chilly but rarely drop below freezing. Here are some great winter activities to try in Phoenix:

1. Indulge in One of the Best Pizzas in the Country

If you spend any time in Phoenix, there’s a good chance you’re going to hear the name Chris Bianco. You may recognize him from his feature on the hit Netflix series, Chef’s Table. A legend in the area, Bronx native Chris Bianco is a James Beard Award-winning chef and one of the most well-regarded restaurant owners in Phoenix. His popular eatery, Pizzeria Bianco, serves up wood-fired pizzas made from flour he creates himself as well as his own brand of California tomatoes.

2. Become One with Nature on a Wintery Hike through the Wilderness

Phoenix offers a wide range of easy, moderate, and difficult hiking trails depending on ability level. Best of all, hikers don’t even have to leave the city of Phoenix to enjoy the beautiful trails.

Some of the easier trails include Blevins Trail in Usery Mountain Regional ParkWaterfall Trail in White Tank Mountain Regional Park, and Judith Tunnell Accessible Trails in South Mountain Park/Preserve.

Some moderate-level trails include Hidden Valley Trail Via Mormon TrailHolbert Trail to Dobbins Lookout, and Telegraph Pass Trail. Some more challenging trails for advanced hikers include Piestewa Peak Summit Trail #300, the Corona de Loma trail, and the Ranger, Pyramid, and Bees Knees National Trail Loop.

3. Enjoy Some of the Top Golf Courses in the Country (Even in Winter!)

Among the many advantages that Arizona has includes the opportunity to play golf all year, even in winter! Phoenix offers some of the best golf courses in the country, and the weather is warm and sunny throughout the year, making it ideal for golfers.

Some of the best golf courses in Phoenix include the Wildfire Golf Club, an Arnold Palmer signature course that has been awarded the “Best Place to Tee Off for National Golf Month” by GlobalTravelerUSA.

Additionally, TPC Scottsdale is located only a 30-minute drive from downtown Phoenix and offers a 36-hole PGA TOUR destination designed by some of golf’s most elite architects.

4. Spot a Saguaro Cactus

Phoenix offers hundreds of cacti and succulent species, but the saguaro cactus is arguably the most well-known. The Phoenician Cactus Garden offers a beautiful area to see saguaro cacti and schedule a tour with a local horticulturist. The garden is decked out with festive lights during the holiday season, making it a great place to visit over the winter.A man in a read jacket sits on the edge of the Grand Canyon admiring the view on a sunny day. A quote says: "Arizona is the ideal winter getaway destination because it offers the best of both worlds: warm, sunny areas in the southern and central parts of the state and wintery ski spots to the north and east."

Flagstaff

Located in northern Arizona, Flagstaff is ideal for those looking for true winter weather. With temperatures typically ranging in the mid-30s, snowfall is common and ski resorts are abundant.

1. Go Skiing or Snowboarding at Snowbowl

Located only a 30-minute drive outside of Flagstaff, Flagstaff Snowbowl is Arizona’s second-largest ski destination. Home to 777 skiable acres and a 2,300 ft. vertical drop, Snowbowl sees an average of 260 inches of snowfall each year and offers the largest beginner terrain in the Southwest.

2. Try Snowshoeing or Cross-Country Skiing

If you want to partake in Flagstaff’s winter sports but traditional skiing or snowboarding isn’t your thing, there are plenty of other outdoor sports options to try out, from sledding and tubing to snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.

Snowshoeing is a free activity (if you have your own snowshoes) that is great for the whole family. Arizona Nordic Village in Flagstaff offers 25 miles of ski trails groomed for cross-country skiing as well as cabins and yurts to stay for the night. For those interested in tubing, Flagstaff Snow Park offers groomed tubing runs, a designated kiddie hill, food trucks, and a fire pit.

For those interested in sledding, Walker Lake Sledding Area (also known as the Kendrick Watchable Wildlife Trail) is located only 40 minutes north of Flagstaff and offers a great space to go sledding and cross-country skiing.

3. Check Out the Grand Canyon

A trip to Arizona isn’t complete without seeing the Grand Canyon. Located a little over an hour west of Flagstaff, the Grand Canyon is exceptionally beautiful during the winter months. Blanketed in snow, tourism is at its lowest during the winter months, making it a great time to visit.

The Grand Canyon’s north rim is closed during the winter months due to safety concerns, but the South Rim is open throughout the year and offers several beautiful lookout points. During the holiday season, Flagstaff also offers a Polar Express train trip to the Grand Canyon, which is extremely popular for families with young children. The journey begins at the Williams Depot and drives through the moonlight forest with elves and characters for entertainment. The train ride lasts around 90 minutes and features storytime, cookies, hot chocolate, and a journey to Santa’s Village.

Things to Consider

If you’re in the market for a new apartment, Draper and Kramer’s Senita on Cave Creek apartment complex in Phoenix offers a mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom residences with open layouts, gourmet kitchens, private outdoor space in select units, and much more.

Residents have access to an extensive amenity package, including a resort-style pool with cabanas, a 24-hour fitness center, a pet park and indoor wash station, and covered parking. The apartment complex is located only 25 minutes from downtown Phoenix, just north of Loop 101 and State Route 51 interchange. Senita on Cave Creek offers scenic views of the Phoenix Sonoran Preserve and surrounding mountains and is near walking paths and hiking trails. Contact us or visit our website to learn more about this luxurious residence.

A tall saguaro cactus stands before a mountainous desert landscape at sunset.

Phoenix offers hundreds of cacti and succulent species, but the saguaro cactus is arguably the most well-known. The Phoenician Cactus Garden offers a beautiful area to see saguaro cacti and schedule a tour with a local horticulturist.

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