For many travellers, the Grand Canyon is the main attraction of a holiday to Arizona. The scale of this jaw-dropping landmark is impossible to comprehend. Measuring 277 miles long and 18 miles at its widest point, this place truly needs to be seen to be believed.

There are many ways you can explore the Grand Canyon. The hiking trails have great views and, if you wish, you can even walk down to the canyon floor to see the Colorado River.

Want to get your adrenaline pumping? Step out on to the glass floor of the horseshoe-shaped Grand Canyon Skywalk, and gaze down to the valley floor 4,000 feet below. Or, for a bird’s-eye view, book a helicopter flight or hot air balloon trip. It’s also worth spending some time learning about the Native American tribes who have lived here for centuries. Visit a reservation to find out more about their culture and traditions, and buy authentic art and jewellery.

You can stay the night in Grand Canyon National Park, as there are a variety of lodges and campsites dotted around. Alternatively, daytrips are readily available from large cities like Phoenix and Tucson.

The state capital of Arizona, Phoenix basks in sunshine all year round – so it can be very tempting to simple lie by the pool with a cold drink. But, if you venture out, you’ll find a lively city full of things to do. Visit Phoenix Zoo, discover Roosevelt Row’s galleries and mural-covered walls, or browse the boutiques of the Fifth Avenue district. Feeling active? Trek to the top of Camelback Mountain for sweeping desert views, or stroll among cacti and wildflowers at the Desert Botanical Gardens.

While you’re in Phoenix, why not visit nearby Scottsdale? Ideal for chilled-out Arizona holidays, this sunny spot boasts luxurious spas and top-class golf courses. If you’re a keen golfer, make sure you book a round at TPC Scottsdale. The complex has two 18-hole Championship courses, both of which are open to the public.

A trip to Arizona also allows you to explore other exciting cities, like Sedona and Tucson. The former is surrounded by striking rock formations – Cathedral Rock is our favourite – making it ideal for hikers. Meanwhile, Tucson is a bustling city home to grand churches, great restaurants and the University of Arizona. There are also several beauty spots within easy reach, such as the cacti-covered Saguaro National Park.

Lake Powell is a popular stop on Arizona holidays. Right on the Colorado River, this man-made reservoir is breathtakingly beautiful, as the bright blue waters give way to rust-coloured mountains and the rolling desert beyond. The town was created in 1963 when the Glen Canyon Dam was built and, since then, it’s grown into an action-packed resort.

You can enjoy endless activities at Lake Powell. Ride jet-skis across the water, hop in a speedboat, or enjoy a guided sailing to the incredible Navajo Canyon. Or, if you’d prefer to keep your feet firmly on the ground, check out some of the walking trails around the lake. You could hike to Rainbow Bridge which – as the name suggests – looks like a stone rainbow, and is sacred to several Native American tribes. Or book a Jeep tour to walk through the pastel-coloured caverns of Antelope Canyon. After a fun-filled day, you can enjoy dinner at one of the waterfront restaurants at Wahweap Marina.

Not sure where to stay? Snuggle up in a lakeside lodge, sleep aboard a modern houseboat or – if you’re travelling in an RV – park up at one of the campgrounds.

Arizona sees more than 300 sunny days a year so, really, there’s never a bad time to go. Dry, warm weather is pretty much guaranteed – but it’s worth noting that temperatures vary slightly across the state. Phoenix tends to be the hottest city, while Lake Powell, Sedona and Tucson are usually a few degrees cooler.

Between June and August, temperatures across Arizona regularly soar above 35°C and the desert heat can be fierce. If that sounds too warm for you, consider booking your Arizona trip for autumn when the mercury usually hovers around 30°C. Alternatively, if you’re planning to do lots of hiking, spring might be best. Between March and May, temperatures average 22°C. Fancy some winter sun or a Christmas getaway? You’ll be lovely and warm in Arizona, where ‘winter’ means 15°C.