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'''Arizona''' is a geologically diverse state of mountains, canyons, river valleys and mesas. As most interstate highways span desert regions, road travellers sometimes wrongly assume the whole state is one vast, arid wasteland. Overall, Arizona has a ton of wide open land, amazing vistas and fairly friendly people. To see the best of Arizona, though, you will need to travel the smaller, scenic highways.

* [[Phoenix (Arizona)|Phoenix]]

* [[Tempe]], [[Tucson]]

* [[Sedona]]

* [[Prescott]]

== Major Highways ==

'''Interstate Highway 10 (I-10)''' through Arizona begins at the Colorado River bordering [[California]] and passes through [[Phoenix]], the state's largest city, before veering south into [[Tucson]] and then eastward to the New Mexico border. When hitchhiking this route between April through October, be prepared with sun cover (hat and long-sleeved, lightweight cotton clothes) and plenty of water. The temperatures can potentially reach over 100 degrees Fahrenheit during any day of these months. In late July through August, temperatures can soar over 120 degrees in some regions.

'''Interstate Highway 19 (I-19)''' dives due south from Tucson, to the [[Mexico]] border at Nogales. Mexican-Americans have been much more likely to pick up hitchhikers in Arizona, and many travel this route. Expect a through-ride to the border, if going that far.

== Lesser and Scenic Highways ==

To see the best of Arizona, get off the main highways! Routes include:

'''State Route 80''', heading south from Benson goes through the historic town of Tombstone, where gunslingers with blanks entertain tourists along the main drag. Worth the stop for a free visit to Boot Hill cemetary and a swig at the saloon. South from Tombstone is Bisbee, along Route 90. Once a mining town, Bisbee now has a thriving artists community and growing music scene. Check out the Blues festival in September and a very happening celebration at New Year's.

== Culture Shift ==

Over the last 10 years there has been a huge influx of new residents from big California cities to the small (and once super-affordable) towns of Arizona. As a result you will find many of these new residents to be more suspicious and less friendly than the true Arizona local. You may wait a little longer for a ride in the state than some neighboring regions like [[Utah]], [[Colorado]] and [[New Mexico]], but hang in there-- keep your thumb up and a smile on your face and the ride will come!

== Legal Issues ==

Note that Arizona has somewhat vague laws related to hitchhiking. There is no state-wide ban on hitchhiking, but some law enforcement may interpret the law differently. In city areas (Phoenix, Tucson, Tempe) and some regions patrolled by the Sheriffs office (most small towns) you may be hassled. Always have identification at the ready and be respectful if you expect to keep moving. Check [http://www.digihitch.com/usa320.html State Laws on Hitchhiking in Arizona at digihitch.com] for more information on this.

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