- The Copper State or Grand Canyon State – whatever you call it, get to know Arizona and its beauty.
- Enjoy some of the most scenic sites of the state thanks to drone photos and videos.
- Find out the basics of the drone laws and regulations in effect in Arizona.
Located in the southwestern U.S., the Copper State offers a unique landscape filled with red-rock deserts, cacti, versatile and metropolitan cities, sites for sports and recreation, and, of course, the Grand Canyon. All of these marvelous sites can be experienced from an entirely different perspective thanks to drone photography and videography. Traveling to Arizona by drone from the comfort of your home is a remarkable experience. You can check out the beautiful views from Phoenix, Sedona, Monument Valley, Watson Lake, Tucson, Barringer Meteor Crater, and more. Your admiration for the state will definitely increase and you will appreciate the natural wonders it offers more.
Beautiful Arizona
The first synonym for Arizona that comes to mind is the Grand Canyon. This deep chasm formed by the Colorado River is one of the country’s most iconic locations, visited and respected by both natives and tourists alike. It is considered one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Also, it’s the only such monument located in the States.
The breath-taking natural wonders don’t stop there. The state is home to Saguaro National Park and the Sonoran Desert, stunning landscapes of Tucson, Monument Valley, and several lakes (contrary to popular belief). In total, it has more than 22 national parks and monuments. Also, Arizona is quite close to Colorado, so you can take some time of your vacation and head there as well.
If nature and opportunities for hiking, kayaking, and rock-climbing aren’t your thing, you can still enjoy Arizona’s dynamic cities like Phoenix, Tucson, Flagstaff, and similar.
Speaking of it, if you’re a drone pilot, remember to take your drone with you. You definitely won’t be spared with marvelous spots to take drone videos and photos of.
CHECK OUT CALIFORNIA BY DRONE!
Phoenix
Credits to Max Swiergol
As one of America’s fastest-growing cities, Arizona’s capital is one of the most fun places to visit in the state.
Of course, when you’re taking your drone with you, you should be aware that you’ll have plenty of locations to shoot. The opportunities for seeing Phoenix and the whole of Arizona by drone are numerous. Just be careful of the drone laws in place and the no-fly zones around the city. Speaking of that, you can freely fly your drone at Esteban Park, Dynamite Park, Butcher Jones Recreational Site, Mountain View II Park, Skyline Regional Park, and more.
Part of what draws thousands of visitors to the city is its blend of the metropolitan urban hub of Downtown Phoenix and the mystic, almost desert-like landscape. If you’re ready for an adventure as well as sports and recreational activities, the city would be a real treat for you.
Besides that, Phoenix is famous for its swanky resorts and hotels, incredibly delicious Mexican and Southwestern food, hiking, and golf.
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Monument Valley
Credits to taleofanodyssey (left) and thearizonadrone (right)
Prepare to be transported to the Wild West at one of America’s most recognizable locations, which is Monument Valley Park. Some of your favorite films and TV shows have been filmed here, including Forrest Gump, Back to the Future III, Doctor Who, Mission: Impossible 2, and more.
Besides this common name, the park has a Navajo name, too – Tsé Biiʼ Ndzisgaii, because it’s part of the Navajo Nation. Another interesting fact about its location is that it sprawls across both Arizona and Utah, so you can have fun jumping across state lines.
Monument Valley Park has 27 viewpoints, each even more marvelous than the previous one. Make sure to visit John Ford’s Point, the Three Sisters, and similar iconic spots. The red-sand desert is much more picturesque and vivid when seen in person. Moreover, the stunning sandstone buttes will make your jaw drop when you experience them from an aerial perspective thanks to drones.
Sedona
Pine forests, steep canyons, red rocks… This is Sedona – a desert town in Arizona. Aside from the natural wonders, the town is home to vibrant shops and a remarkable art community. Visitors can also enjoy bird-watching, organizing picnics, and hiking on the outskirts of the town, close to Red Rock State Park.
Plus, the picturesque city Flagstaff is very close, so you can hop in there, too, and see as much of Arizona as possible.
Watson Lake
Credits to brookscrandellphoto
As one of the most popular lakes for tourists and natives alike, Watson Lake attracts with its beauty and scenic views. Located around 4 miles (around 6.4 kilometers) from Prescott’s downtown area.
Besides droning, visitors can enjoy tours on boats, canoes, and kayaks, then, fishing, hiking, camping, rock climbing, and similar fun activities. However, swimming isn’t allowed in this so-called oasis away from the desert.
Furthermore, you can get to the lake from Highway 89. From the lake, visitors can also head to Watson Woods and enjoy the Granite Dells boulders.
Tucson
Credits to Drone Eye
Being the second biggest city in the state, Tucson is a real metropolitan megacity of many cultures, traditions, and lifestyles.
What makes the city fascinating is its unique climate consisting of desert-like conditions and monsoons in the summer. This shouldn’t come as a surprise since the city lies in the breathtaking Sonoran Desert.
Moreover, visitors can see and engage in a plethora of versatile activities – from photography and stargazing to seeing shows of vintage cars and amazing rodeo shows. The Southwestern cuisine is a treat for your taste buds, too.
Let’s not forget that Tucson is one of the capitals of education as it is home to the famous University of Arizona.
Make sure to find out the drone laws and regulations where you are and aren’t allowed to fly your drone in the city.
Meteor Crater & Barringer Space Museum
It is said that 50 thousand years ago, a huge fireball graced the sky above what we now know as Arizona. The explosion of the impact was 150 times stronger than an atomic bomb.
Space enthusiasts can explore this one-of-a-kind event at the Meteor Crater & Barringer Space Museum. With attractions and activities for both younger and older enthusiasts, you can check out interactive exhibitions, 4D adventures, and more.
A fun fact – this crater is the first proven meteorite impact site and one of the best-preserved ones, too. You can find it just a few minutes away from Interstate 40, near the city of Winslow.
Since it’s private property and there are no-drone signs posted across the venue, it’s best to call and ask for permission if you want to fly a drone. Also, you can still catch amazing views even outside the museum and the crater. This is why it’s crucial to check out the local drone laws.
Arizona by Drone: A Sneak Peek at the Drone Regulations and Laws
The United States is a federation. So, Arizona as one of the states, is subject first to federal laws, regulating drone usage. The institution in charge of this is the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
There is a difference if you’re flying as a hobbyist or for work and business purposes. Hobbyist drone pilots should sit for the so-called TRUST test, meaning the Recreational UAS Safety Test. Also, they should obey the outlined FAA’s rules including registering your drone, the rule regarding the drone’s weight, and similar. On the other hand, commercial drone operators have to follow Part 107’s requirements. In other words, that is FAA’s Part 107 Small UAS Rule. It requires drone pilots to have a Remote Pilot Certificate.
Moreover, Arizona State Legislature has created a state-wide drone law – SB 1449.
In terms of state parks across Arizona, the recreational use of drones is banned. If you’re using a drone commercially, you can apply for a permit. Regardless, if you’re in doubt, it’s always a great idea to call and ask the property or the relevant institution if you’re allowed to fly a drone there.
We, at The Drones World, believe it’s imperative to abide by the current drone laws and regulations wherever you go. Only that way you can enjoy Arizona by drone to the fullest.
What are your favorite locations in Arizona to see from a bird’s-eye view? Which U.S. state is on the top of your list for droning? Feel free to tell us in the comments below!
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