When you think of Arizona, do images of towering saguaro cacti spring to mind? Or do you picture the Grand Canyon or the iconic buttes of Monument Valley? Arizona’s outdoor attractions may be nearly mythic in their scope and grandeur, but the opportunities to witness them and play among them are very real.
THE GREAT ESCAPE
The sun was just setting as our plane landed at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, the warm sunlight flooding the Sonoran Desert set the orange- and brownhued landscape aglow. Surrounding this bustling metropolis, the Valley’s noble mountains – Camelback, the McDowell Mountains, South Mountain and others – harkened to its rugged birthplace and frontier heritage.
It was a magnificent, welcoming sight, and yet it proved to be only the first of many spectacular scenes of a holiday immersed in Arizona’s great outdoors.
Whether you are planning a holiday based in Phoenix-Scottsdale or a tour across the state’s wide-open scenic highways, Arizona’s stunning and natural beauty is ever changing and omnipresent. In terms of scenic diversity and dramatic landscapes, few places compare.
A drive up the winding Catalina Highway to the 9,157-foot peak of Mount Lemmon, near the southern City of Tucson, for example, will take you through four ecosystems alone – from forests of saguaros at the bottom to aspens at the peak.
Despite its arid climate, freshwater lakes are readily found, a fact that explains the popularity of fishing and boating, and the somewhat surprising sight of pickup trucks towing sleek speedboats up and down Interstate 10 across the desert down between Phoenix and Tucson. The massive Lake Powell on the state’s northern border is a major attraction. From tip to toe, Arizona has enshrined 28 state parks, each boasting unique beauty, history and natural features.
Just 230 miles north of Phoenix is one the Seven Natural Wonders of the World – the Grand Canyon – a place of such magnitude and splendour, it is nearly incomprehensible, even when you are standing on its rim witnessing its glory.
While a helicopter ride over the Canyon, or even a walk along the rim are impressive, the word is that the best awaits for those who venture into the Canyon to raft the Colorado River and experience the views from the bottom up.
One word of caution, while the Canyon’s colours are said to be even more spectacular during seasons when the sun isn’t directly overhead, frost and even snow are not usual during winter. The elevation at the South Rim is 7,000 feet. Bring a warm jacket. During winter, descending into the Canyon is restricted at best.
Regardless of the time of year, for those who go, the half-day drive north from Phoenix to the Grand Canyon is worth the trip alone. The Valley’s desert surroundings quickly give way to the low pines of Coconino National Forest and Sedona’s famous Red Rock country. Around Flagstaff, mountain peaks reach more than 12,000 feet.
Northeast Arizona also has its share of iconic attractions. Among them is Monument Valley, a 100-mile stretch of windswept plains studded with heroic towers of sculpted sandstone known best as the backdrops of innumerable Hollywood westerns.
Also in the northeast, Canyon de Chelly , a park reminiscent of a mini Grand Canyon, is one of North America’s longest continuously inhabited landscapes. The park remains the territory and home to people of the Navajo Nation. In addition to its natural beauty, Canyon de Chelly is a treasure trove of native architecture, artifacts and ancient rock imagery.
Further south, near Sedona – a spectacular destination unto itself – Montezuma Castle National Monument is one of the best-preserved examples of prehistoric cliff dwellings in North America. Built by the Sinagua Indians over 600 years ago, this fivelevel, 20-room dwelling is nestled into a limestone recess high above Beaver Creek.
Within Greater Phoenix, the access to natural Sonoran Desert terrain is readily at hand. South Mountain Park/Preserve, America’s largest municipal park, spans more than 16,000 acres.
Here, you can walk on trails flanked with fascinating, albeit prickly, plants like barrel cacti and cuddly looking, but dreadfully sharp, chollas.
Hiking Camelback is a daily ritual among locals, not to mention guests of luxury resorts such as The Phoenician, which is nestled at the base of this 2,700-foot red sandstone mountain. In addition to expansive views of the Valley, you can expect to see desert wildlife including cottontail bunnies and lightening fast lizards. You’ll also see tree species such as mesquite and ironwood, and the rangy ocotillo plant, whose branches spray up and outwards up to 20 feet from the plant’s base.
Nearby, the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, a protected desert wilderness area expected to eventually encompass 36,000 acres – nearly one-third of the City of Scottsdale – begs exploration.
Hikers entering the park at the Lost Dog Wash trailhead are treated to an extremely rare site – a crested saguaro cactus. This majestic plant, which bears an elegant, fanned crown, was transplanted here after conservation officers seized the aberration from poachers who had uprooted and hoped to sell this desert jewel.
Whether your idea of outdoor exploration involves a leisurely stroll in a park, a vigorous hike, blazing trails on a mountain bike or on horseback, or gazing at the sites from your car or a hot air balloon, Arizona’s wilderness will impress. Enjoy.
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Associations and Partners also appearing in this report:
El Tovar Hotel at Grand Canyon.
Immerse yourself in the wonder of the park with the historic El Tovar Hotel’s Learning & Lodging Adventure.
Thunderbird Lodge in Canyon de Chelly National Monument.
From now through to March 31, this 74-room lodge, the only facility of its kind in Canyon de Chelly National Monument in Northeast Arizona
Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain
Recently named the number one resort in the U.S. by readers of Condé Nast Traveler Magazine
In Tucson, operators such as Black Diamond Hummer Tours guide guests into the lush yet rugged Sonoran Desert
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