I want to visit the southwest in late July or early August and although I know this forum is specifically for Arizona, I wasn't sure where to post this question, so, I figured I'd start here. For those familiar with the scenery in both southwestern states, what is your opinion of where my husband and I should go for our first trip there other than Las Vegas and a trip to the Grand Canyon that we took years ago. I want to see beautiful scenery with the red rocks, buttes, mesas like you see on tv that is completely different from the boring landscape of Florida where we live. I know from what I've read that the Sedona, AZ area has much of that but, then, New Mexico has some of the similar scenery also, right? Please give me your opinions. We'll be flying into Albuquerque if we go to Santa Fe, and the surrounding areas in NM or Phoenix if we decide on AZ and Sedona and surrounding area. I should say we have about a week and that's why I figured only one state. We are both in good physical shape and can do moderate hikes and are both active. Thank you so much for any help ad advice you can provide.

Well, much of Arizona will be over 110 F each day. Even Sedona will be 97 F. Santa Fe will be tolerable at 86 F and low humidity. There are some nice trails near SF. Now, AZ has more attractive red buttes and mesas but NM also has some.

Hi, PrairieHikerl. Yes, I figured it's very hot in both states and looked up temperatures for both last night and even now, the temps in Arizona and the Sedona area are warmer than in New Mexico. However, I've done more reading and researching and since as you say, AZ has the scenery I'm looking for, I'm leaning towards Sedona. I'd love to do both, but, don't have the amount of time we would need to do it justice. Maybe if we are well prepared and start early in the morning the heat will be tolerable? We live in Key West, Florida where is is very hot and humid although I know this heat is different. Thank you so much for your response and any other information or advice you may have.

Hi Josie
I admit that I am very biased towards New Mexico. However, given that you are traveling in July/August and the amount of time that you have, I would still recommend New Mexico over Arizona. Depending on your arrival time at ABQ, you can spend one night in Albuquerque and the rest of your time exploring the Santa Fe and Taos environs. Our family really finds the state to be as enchanting as their logo claims.

Hi Cats,
I really want to go to New Mexico, too. Santa Fe and the surrounding area has been on my travel list for so many years but as I said, I think Arizona is more of the scenery that I'm envisioning. Why do you recommend New Mexico over AZ, is it the heat? I'm not asking with any sarcasm or snark ( I know it can be hard to tell someone's tone from a post). I'm primarily worried about the heat. I was in Nevada (Las Vegas) and also the Grand Canyon years ago and it was hot but I was ok. In Florida, you get temps in the 90's with terrible humidity and I find that unbearable. Do you think that New Mexico is more scenic in terms of natural beauty? I'm asking because I really want to know. Thank you so much.

Hi Josie
No snark observed, though yes, at the time of year that you're traveling, the extreme heat would be a consideration. We have traveled quite a bit in Arizona but keep returning to New Mexico. Not sure that I can adequately do justice but the vistas are spectacular. Even the high desert weather creates it's own drama.

Santa Fe offers a wide range of museums, art galleries, good food and activities - particularly in the summer months with the Santa Fe Opera, Chamber Music Festival, etc. Plus it's easily accessible to hiking and exploring such as Bandelier National Monument and other nature sites. Taos is an easy drive - some people go there as a day trip but staying one or two nights would allow you to visit the Taos Pueblo and other sites. If you had more time, I'd suggest exploring places in Southern New Mexico such as Carlsbad Caverns, Ruidoso and other areas - but you can save those for your next visit!

Let me know which you decide. I'd be happy to offer suggestions.

Josie, yes you can hike early in the morning in Sedona which bills itself as the "Day Hike Capital of America" and the region has more than 100 trails Oak Creek Canyon is spectacular, Just west of town is the Red Rock-Secret Mt. Wilderness with the Robbers Roost cave on a ½ mile trail. Lots of outdoor activities including biking and horseback riding. Visit the Red Rock Canyon State Park, Slide Rock State Park. See Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte. There are many shops selling Western and American Indian artwork and jewelry. There are two visitor centers: Sedona Visitor Center and the Red Rock Ranger Visitor Center (for hiking, camping, etc).

I've lived in Arizona & have spent time over the years in New Mexico. I prefer Arizona for living & New Mexico for visiting. I have some theories why this is true for me but in a nutshell I like the social environment better in Arizona & prefer the scenery of Northern New Mexico. So that being so, I'd recommend NM for your vacation.

" . . . although I know this forum is specifically for Arizona, I wasn't sure where to post this question, so, I figured I'd start here."

Welcome to Fodors. To explain a bit how it works -- there is no 'Arizona Forum' nor one for New Mexico or California or New York (or any other state). There is one United States Forums and threads can be tagged for one state or two or several. So your topic is tagged for Arizona and New Mexico -- just as it should be

This is probably true. If you are an early bird, and in Arizona without daylight time a person needs to be a really early bird, an Arizona visit can work in the summer, with the caveat of being done hiking by 10 am. I have found in June even in the lowest elevation deserts it can be cool enough to need a jacket, talking about 5 am (it is completely daylight), even days when the highs are 105 F the mornings are great.

New Mexico can work, more alpine scenery in the north than Arizona, this is the Rockies so similar to Colorado. A person can find the rocky cliffy glories of Arizona in NM but it takes a little work. Santa Fe is a little tricky because the chain hotel area out on Cerillos is pretty ugly, people who stay there and don't see the very center, the old part, can get a negative impression of SF.

If you're looking for the classic Southwest scenery with red rocks, mesas, and dramatic desert landscapes, Arizona-especially around Sedona-might be the best choice. New Mexico is beautiful too, particularly around Santa Fe and Taos, but the red rock scenery in Arizona is really iconic. Just keep in mind that summer temperatures can be quite high, so starting hikes early in the morning is a good idea.

I know you're focusing on Arizona and/or New Mexico, but I'll throw Arches National Park and Moab, Utah, into the mix. Spectacular scenery.

I admit I'm not a big fan of Sedona, but it does offer more shopping, restaurants, spas etc. than, say, Monument Valley which I think has the most dramatic and iconic scenery.

And, sorry, but I wouldn't go to most of these places in August. I'm a wimp.

This thread is from June of last year - I'm pretty sure the OP meant last August so we are a bit late to the party . . .

But we mean well!!