What time is it in Arizona? It is a common question among people all over the U.S. And if you’ve lived in Arizona for more than a couple of months, you’re obviously aware that our state doesn’t observe Daylight Savings Time – but do you know why? We’ll give you a hint: the answer has to do with the weather. Read on to learn the details, plus why the rest of the U.S. should follow our lead.

It all starts with springing forward.
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Although the date changes slightly every year, this generally takes place in March. And March in Arizona is spectacular--right before it starts moving into the warm months of the year--and there are plenty of things to see and do.
When November rolls around, it's time to "fall back."
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Daylight Savings Time is observed by 48 of the 50 states across the U.S. And despite the fact that most Americans change their clocks twice per year, it's safe to say that few get overly excited about it. Luckily, we Arizonans don't have to worry about that! We're too busy getting out on the trails, for hiking, biking, and enjoying nature!
For the past 40 years, Arizona has not observed Daylight Savings Time, but not everyone - even lifelong Grand Canyon State residents - knows why.
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So just what time is it in Arizona? The answer lies in the weather. You see, Daylight Savings Time was enacted in an attempt to conserve energy. Setting clocks forward ahead of summertime provides an extra hour of sunlight in the evening, so homes and businesses don't have to use as much electricity.

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Arizona was granted an exception to Daylight Savings Time in the late 1900s due to the extreme heat our state experiences.
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If the Grand Canyon State were to "spring forward," the sun wouldn't set until 9 p.m. during the summer. This would impede nighttime activities as well as push back bedtime for children.
The Navajo Nation, which extends into three other states besides Arizona, does set its clocks forward or back.
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This allows everyone on the expansive reservation in the Navajo Nation community to live by the same clock schedule.
Our state might be on to something. According to an opinion piece published on CNN several years ago, the U.S. Department of Energy stated in a 2008 report that sticking with one consistent time could save enough electricity to power 100,000 households per year.
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Additionally, switching the clocks results in a 25% increase in heart attacks in the first few days of the time change. Lives could be spared if the rest of the nation took after us! So instead of worrying about the Arizona time zone, you could redirect your efforts to finding your favorite coffee shop and getting something to go to enjoy along with a spectacular morning sunrise.

How do you feel about Arizona not participating in Daylight Savings Time? Tell us your thoughts in the comments section below!

And while you’re out and about, at any time of the year, you can always enjoy some of our absolutely stunning Grand Canyon State sunsets! We’d love to have you share your sunset photos as well. Feeling state pride for the Grand Canyon State? Check out this unique apparel from Wear Your Roots!

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Lysa Allman-Baldwin | October 07, 2022

Where are some of the best places to enjoy the sunrise in Arizona?

With so much natural spectacular beauty, you really couldn’t go wrong in any place you choose to enjoy the sunrise in Arizona! But a few pointers in the right direction are always helpful. Among them are, of course, the Grand Canyon. At the San Francisco Peaks from Marshall Lake, anywhere in Green Valley, at Canyon de Chelly, and at the mountains in Apache Junction are just a few colorful sunrise suggestions.

When is the best time to go to the Grand Canyon?

It really depends on whom you ask and their temperature tolerance level, but in general, the best time to go to the Gran Canyon is in the fall. For one thing, you’ll avoid a lot of the crowds who come during the spring and summer months (especially for families when the kids are out of school). Moreover, the weather is obviously perfect and you’ll get to experience the autumn colors.

I’m looking for some of the best hiking trails in Arizona.

Hiking in Arizona is a hugely popular recreational activity, given the distinctive terrain all over the state. You can literally find trails to suit every hiking ability and desire—from popular crowded trails to remote locales with nary a soul around—and everything in between. To get you started, one of the best trails in the state is the Marshall Gulch Trail in the Santa Catalina Mountains. It’s not too long and the elevation gain is moderate, making it a good trail for most hiking levels.

 

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