3 Cool Escapes From the Phoenix Heat: Flagstaff, Mount Lemmon, and Payson

After more than 30 years living and working in the Phoenix real estate market, I've learned that surviving an Arizona summer is as much about knowing when to leave town as it is about staying hydrated. When the temperatures climb into the triple digits here in Gilbert, Chandler, Mesa, Scottsdale, and Queen Creek, I start thinking about my favorite nearby escapes, and I wanted to share three of them with you.

Flagstaff

Flagstaff is one of my go-to recommendations for anyone who needs real relief from the heat. It sits at about 7,000 feet elevation, roughly two hours north of the Valley, and the temperature difference is dramatic. You can expect to be 20 to 30 degrees cooler than what we're dealing with back home. Beyond the weather, Flagstaff has a walkable downtown, easy access to the Grand Canyon, and a college town energy thanks to Northern Arizona University. It's an easy overnight trip or even a long weekend if you have the time.

Mount Lemmon

If you've never driven up Mount Lemmon near Tucson, it's worth putting on your list. What makes it special is how quickly the landscape changes. You start out surrounded by desert and cactus, and within about 40 minutes of driving the Sky Island Scenic Byway, you're winding through pine forest at nearly 9,000 feet. There's even a small ski area near the top for the winter months. It's one of the more unique day trips available to us here in Arizona, and a great option if you want a shorter drive with a big payoff.

Payson

For those of us in the East Valley, Payson is often the easiest of the three to get to. It's under two hours from most of our local communities and sits right in the heart of Rim Country. The air is noticeably cooler, there are plenty of hiking trails, and the town has a relaxed, small town feel that makes it easy to unwind. If you only have a day to spare, Payson is a solid choice for a quick escape from the heat.

Whether you're headed north to Flagstaff, south toward Mount Lemmon, or up to Payson, all three of these spots offer a welcome break from the Phoenix summer.