Factfile
- Population: Approximately 240,000
- Time zone: GMT -7 hours
- Currency: US Dollar
- Language: English
- Int. dialling code: +1
- Religion: Predominantly Christian
More information
- Scottsdale homepage
- Grand Canyon
- Golf
- Tombstone
- Museum of Contemporary Art
- Getting there - airport parking
- Getting there - airport hotels
- Getting there - holiday insurance
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Recommended by...
Stuart Hood
Regulars Editor, FHM www.fhm.com, regular columnist in Fabulous, News of the World Magazine
"Scottsdale, Arizona. Scorching in the summer, clement the rest of the year, stunning any time you go. The climate, the proximity to the Grand Canyon, the hiking trails, the desert scenery... there are many reasons to go, but mine was for a golf holiday and in this market it's incomparable - a desert oasis with the widest choice of quality facilities, courses, restaurants and nightlife of any destination currently being marketed around the world."
The Grand Canyon
Aerial tours, hiking and rafting.
It's world-famous and one of the most visually stunning sights the natural world has to offer. The gigantic 446km long, up to 29km wide canyon carves its way though the Arizona landscape exposing billions of years of Earth's history. Its proximity to Scottsdale is just one reason that the city is one of our top 25 destinations.
The Grand Canyon is the result of around 17 million years of erosion by the Colorado River. The walls of the canyon show layer upon layer of sediment, enabling geologists to get detailed information about the past of the North American continent. Because of its striking beauty and historical significance, the canyon has been a popular tourist destination for a long time. Former American president Theodore Roosevelt was known to be especially fond of the area, visiting it many times as well as promoting its preservation.
There are a wide range of activities available for tourists visiting the Grand Canyon including hiking, rafting and aerial tours. The canyon is a demanding location for hikes, with many walkers overestimating their abilities in the changing altitude and temperatures resulting in many rescues every year. If you intend on going hiking in the Grand Canyon we recommend only doing it if you're sure of your fitness levels and most of all, make sure you hike within your ability. Tours in helicopters and light aircraft are popular, with flights departing from the nearby Las Vegas, Phoenix and Grand Canyon National Park airport. A tour in a helicopter is a sure way to get the most breathtaking views of the canyon during your visit.
Your view
Did you eat at a fantastic restaurant or stay in a wonderful hotel in Scottsdale? Maybe you discovered a hidden sight or you have an Arizona travel tip that you want to share with other visitors?