So, you think you’ve conquered the desert heat and endless cacti? Think again! Arizona isn’t just about stunning sunsets and the Grand Canyon—it’s a place that will test your mettle. If you can survive these 11 experiences, you’ll have earned your place among the true Arizonans.
Driving Through a Dust Storm Without Panicking
In Arizona, dust storms can turn your day into a scene from Mad Max. If you can stay calm, keep your car on the road, and find your way home without hyperventilating, you’ve earned your desert stripes.
Surviving a Monsoon Without Getting Drenched
Arizona’s monsoon season is like a sudden, wild water fight with the sky. If you’ve made it through a torrential downpour without looking like you’ve swum through a river, congratulations—you’re officially an Arizona local.
Hiking Camelback Mountain Without Quitting Halfway Up
Camelback may look like a gentle hike, but the real challenge lies in the intense climb to the summit. If you can survive the relentless sun and steep incline without muttering every swear word you know, you’re tough as Arizona granite.
Trying Not to Burn Your Hands on a Car Door in July
Ever grab the handle of your car on a scorching summer day, only to feel like you’re touching a furnace? If you can open that door and get in without crying, you’ve officially earned your Arizona heat badge.
Navigating the 101 Freeway at Rush Hour
Ah, the 101—the freeway that separates the visitors from the locals. If you can merge, weave through traffic, and avoid road rage without pulling over to scream in frustration, you’re a true Arizonan.
Embracing the Scorpion
Scorpions are part of the Arizona experience, whether you like it or not. If you can calmly deal with a scorpion encounter without screaming or setting your house on fire in a panicked frenzy, you’re a desert survivor.
Drinking a Prickly Pear Margarita Like You Know What You’re Doing
Prickly pear margaritas aren’t just a drink—they’re a rite of passage. If you can sip one without questioning what the heck prickly pear even is, you’re a true local.
Braving the Heat of the Grand Canyon in August
It’s one thing to visit the Grand Canyon, it’s another to do it in the peak of summer when temperatures soar over 100°F. If you’ve made it through without succumbing to the heat and the crowds, you’ve truly earned your stripes.
Staring Down a Cactus Without Falling Victim to Its Thorns
Cacti are everywhere, and one wrong move can lead to an unexpected and painful cactus encounter. If you’ve made it through a desert walk without ending up in a cactus graveyard, you’re officially an Arizona adventurer.
Surviving the Delights of Sonoran Hot Dogs
The Sonoran hot dog is a true Arizona culinary delight—served in a soft roll with a variety of toppings. If you’ve eaten one without questioning your life choices afterward, you’re officially initiated into the local food scene.
Making it Through Summer Without Complaining About the Heat
Yes, it’s hot. Yes, it’s unbearably, scorchingly hot. If you’ve survived an entire summer in Arizona without complaining about the heat, you’ve earned the ultimate “true local” title—heat be damned!
If you’ve checked off all of these experiences, then welcome to Arizona—you’re not just a visitor, you’re a part of the family now. From the desert to the mountains, you’ve proven you can take on anything this state throws your way. Just remember to hydrate, and always check for scorpions!
