Arizona’s breathtaking landscape, wildlife and historic sites make it ideal for those wanting some outdoor recreation. Will Gray reports
Arizona is the US’s sixth largest state and can claim some of the nation’s most famous landscapes, including the Grand Canyon and Monument Valley.
Traversed by the legendary Route 66 and bordered on its west side by the Colorado River, Arizona is full of scenic locations that, coupled with more than 300 days of sunshine a year, make it an excellent state for outdoor recreation.
Three national parks and 25 state parks offer a host of trails around 303 lakes, six forests, six wildlife areas and three historic sites.
While the longest original stretch of the Mother Road offers the opportunity to explore a rich history of native American cultures, 225 million-year-old fossils, local artwork, regional cuisine and indulge in world-class spa resorts.
Sights
The Grand Canyon and Monument Valley are Arizona’s star attractions, but there is plenty more to recommend to clients.
The red rocks of Sedona – also home to a famed art colony and the native American ruins of Montezuma’s Castle – are not to be missed and Flagstaff, between Sedona and the Grand Canyon, offers beautiful forested mountains.
The Canyon de Chelly National Monument has more than 100 pre-historic sites and dramatic rock formations and is inhabited by Navajo Native Americans.
The Colorado River runs south from Hoover Dam to Mexico to form the west side of the state, home to vibrant communities and fascinating museums and attractions, including the original London Bridge.
Go to state capital Phoenix, in the middle of the Sonoran Desert, for nightlife and numerous museums, but Tucson is arguably the more spectacular city, with a stunning location, a flourishing art scene and a multi-cultural heritage.
Arizona’s mining history can be seen in Bisbee, a copper mining town, and Tombstone, where you can visit a silver mine. Tombstone is also home the OK Corral, scene of the famous shoot-out between Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday and the Clanton Boys in 1881.
For more on Earp and Holliday visit Prescott – the Palace Saloon, a favourite haunt of theirs, is on its notorious Whiskey Row.
Activities
Visitors to Lake Powell can take a boat trip to Rainbow Bridge or jet or water ski along 2,000 miles of shoreline.
Around the centre of Arizona, you can float down the Lower Salt River in a large rubber ring, visit Wikenburg’s classic guest ranches or hike at Casa Grande Ruins National Monument, where you can visit an old Hohokam farming community.
In the north, the Ponderosa pine forests offer nature trails around dozens of lakes and mountain retreats. In summer you can take in a rodeo or festival in one of the high-country communities, while in winter the White Mountains offer great skiing.
In the southern areas of the state you’ll find the Kitt Peak National Observatory and rugged mountain ranges that are rich in bird life.
The Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail offers an interesting insight into the state’s Spanish influence. More great hiking can be enjoyed in the Sonoran Desert at Saguaro National Park and the Kartchner Caverns State Park offers an opportunity to explore underground.
Arizona is also North America’s number-one golf destination, with more than 300 golf courses around the urban areas.
Tucson offers the chance to sample Arizona-made wine and regional cuisine, but if you fancy sinking a beer then head along Route 66 to Flagstaff, where you will find the Museum Club, a former taxidermy zoo now full of Route 66 kitsch.
The Nellie E Saloon, five miles outside Parker on the Colorado River, attracts visitors from around the world for games of horseshoes and live Western music. Max’s Sports Bar Museum in Glendale houses the nation’s largest collection of football helmets.
Accommodation
There are plenty of options around the Grand Canyon. The historic El Tovar Hotel is right on the rim, the cheaper Maswick Lodge is set among forests just 400 metres and the Quality Inn – ideal for those on a budget – is outside the park.
For something different, stay in a teepee at the Grand Canyon West Ranch. For Monument Valley, the Gouldings Lodge offers basic accommodation near the park.
Just outside Phoenix, in Scottsdale, is the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, a golfer’s paradise with two PGA courses and the best spa in North America (according to Conde Nast) and the luxurious Hyatt Regency Scottsdale.
The Wyndham Canoa Ranch, near Tucson, has two golf courses and, like the all-inclusive Tanque Verde Ranch east of Tucson, offers easy access to many walking trails.
The Westin Kierland Resort is the place to relax in the middle of the Sonoran Desert, while Lake Powell can be easily explored from the Lake Powell Resort and Marina.
Arizona travel fact file
Gateways: Arizona; via California (LA) or Nevada (Las Vegas).
Airlines: Northwest Airlines, US Airways, Continental Airlines, American Airlines, United Airlines, British Airways, Iberia, Air France and Delta Air Lines.
Flying time: About 10 hours direct, but most flights have one stop and take between 12.5 and 15 hours.
Tour operators: The state is served by a range of operators including All America, Kuoni, Tradewinds and Virgin Holidays.
Weather: Most areas have mild winters and hot summers with temperatures up to 50C. The north is colder and monsoon season runs from mid-July to mid-August.
Time difference: GMT -7 hours
