If you have time, check out the local EAA Chapter websites.. Maybe go along to one of their meetings?
EAA 538 Phoenix, AZ
Home - Chapter 538
UL 55 Phoenix, AZ
Home - Ultralight Chapter 55
WAR 20 Phoenix, AZ
Home - Warbird Squadron 20
Consider doing the first day or two getting familiar, then go "flyabout"? This is a huge country, the scenery in the SW is stunning - Sedona, Santa Fe, Albequerque, the meteor crater near Winslow, to name but a few.
Another website you may find helpful is fltplan.com
And if you have an iPhone or an iPad, Foreflight is a great app.