Arizona is centred around Greater Phoenix, a metropolis of 20 cities including the state capital of Phoenix itself. More affectionately known as the Valley of the Sun, Greater Phoenix is a sun-trap characterised by its magnificent cacti-covered burnt orange mountains and valleys, and year-round blue skies. If you’re picturing the Wild West right now, you wouldn’t be far off. From Old Town Scottsdale to Goldfield Ghost Town, you’re bound the run into a saloon door-swinging, gun-slinging cowboy sooner or later. Nowadays though, Phoenix and the surrounding cities have replaced the saloons with hipster bars, alternative eateries, and contemporary art collectives. Yet, with Phoenix Mountains Reserve to the north, Camelback Mountain to the east, and South Mountain Park to the south, you can go from swinging through the city to hiking through a cactus field in no time at all.
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) offers direct flights to and from most major US cities, as well as London and Frankfurt. Those travelling internationally may consider taking a connecting flight to Phoenix via a busier international airport. It is located 6.5 km east of Downtown Phoenix, which can be reached in around 20 minutes by taking the 19th Avenue/Dunlap train from 44th Street/Washington to McDowell/Central Avenue.
Phoenix is usually warm in February, with highs of 20°C and an average temperature of 15°C. The climate tends to be very dry, with an average 13% chance of rain each day.