If you're coming to Phoenix, try to be here during the first Friday of the month. There is an "art walk" where all the galleries downtown open for free and you can drink booze in the street. There is also usually lots of cool live music going on.
Sabino canyon, although a 3 mile walk from the end of the bus line, is the closest (and possibly most awesome) place to hike in Tucson.
Sedona is a really awesome place. The best cliff/trail to visit to really have a great view is the following:
* Bell Rock trail..actually located in Oak Creek Village (just south of Sedona). 2-3 miles into the hike, you will have an awesome view of the cliffs looking north towards Sedona. You will feel moved to either pray/meditate or both.
* CoffeePot Trail (accessed via CoffeePot Ln) has an awesome view of the cliffs, too as well. Definitely the 2 best trails to access if you are short on time, and also not an expedition level hiker. Anyone of reasonable fitness level can do the two above hikes...definitely makes the trip to Sedona worth it.
Also, finish your hiking day with a great meal at the Red Planet Diner, located on w89A...just go left at the "y" (heading north).
Phoenix area is a place where there is lots to see and to do. The bus system is not so great but it brings you everywhere you need to go -- you only have to have time because they take forever.
I lived eight years in Sedona, and continue to visit at least once a year. Yes, all the wonderful things you hear are true. Yes, the awful stories are also true. It's a land of extremes. Take your sense of humor with you, along with your sense of awe, and you'll be fine. Catch the sunset at the view point up Airport Road. Take the short drive to Soldiers' Pass for a sweet hike, and take your camera. If you can afford it, take the helicopter ride -- it's phenomenal.
Phoenix is a craphole. There are homeless people everywhere you turn and the bus system is bad!
Sedona has degenerated into a tourist trap and home of the very rich who without any concerns for the santicity of this place have built expensive and locked properties. You just try to meditate or just relax by the Kachina hill or other sacred place and you will be interrupted by jeeps, helicopters and the construction noises for the new subdivisions.
I will never return.
The bus station is very near the airport just west of downtown. The Amtrak however pulls up to a spitoon in the middle of a tiny Native American reserve town half-an-hour out of town. This year in Late September, it's still over 100 degrees F every day. Tempe is probably a more interesting place for 20 somethings to hang out. Phoenix metro is very spread out but there are good desert hikes sprinkled throughout the neighborhoods. Just look for big hills and you're likely to find a trailhead. Phoenix is a hotbed for bar culture and you'll not be want for great happening friendly venues no matter your persuasion. September is also a good time to hit town and score a resort job. Apartments are cheap (compared to LA NY or SF for instance) and roomate situations are plenty. Aparently the one available hostel begs an alternative. If you have a car the 'burbs have $2-$3 second run movie houses. Some communities have cheap-to-get-in community pools but they may not be open all year…
Be sure to check out Tucson's nude beach -- TanqueVerde Falls East, of town in the Coronado National Forest (also sometimes known as Redington Pass).
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