Not at all, or at least not very dissimilar to much of the rest of the western US, which was my point. Interior Southern California is very similar to Arizona, only more so. Think of the extremes that exist between Badwater (the low point in Death Valley) and the summit of Mt Whitney. With the exception of the very top of the San Francisco Peaks, none of Arizona exceeds timberline.

I lived and worked in Arizona, in both the northern and southern portions of the state from 1956 to 1985,and Arizona was the venue for learning about the outdoors. I did most of my SAR work there. I learned to keep a car stocked with basic survival items, especially water, at all times.

I experienced extremes while doing outdoor activities ranging from -40 (Flagstaff) to somewhere around 110 (Tucson).

Arizona contains beautiful, interesting country. People who pay attention to conditions thrive and enjoy. Those who don't, don't thrive. The problem is with the people, not the environment.