Saguaro National Park Photo credit: Saguaro Pictures
The northwestern corner of Arizona encompasses one of the great natural wonders of the world: the awe-inspiring Grand Canyon. However, it's not the only reason to visit this ruggedly beautiful state. Arizona also has 27 State Parks and numerous natural wonders that provide access to a wide variety of activities, fauna and flora, and landscapes.
The Sonoran Desert and Sagauro National Park feature typical desert scenery, with canyons, red cliffs, and sandstone pinnacles, coyotes and rattlesnakes, and the giant multi-armed cacti that typify the Arizonian landscape. The Painted Desert and the magnificent sandstone spires of Monument Valley in the northeast, the spectacular Red Rock Country of Sedona, and the mountains and forests of Flagstaff are just some of Arizona's special natural attractions.
Phoenix and Tucson offer 21st-century comforts such as luxurious resorts, shopping plazas and golf courses, and provide a
wonderful change of pace from the state's legendary natural beauty. Accompanied by continual air-con, these sprawling metropolises are oases in the desert. The region's continuous sunshine and dry desert air have restorative properties as well, and thousands of people continue to visit local health spas.
Outside the cities, the Native Americans who have lived in Arizona for centuries make up the majority of the population, and more than a third of the land is encompassed within Indian Reservations. Northeast Arizona is known as Indian country, where the Navajo and the traditional Hopi tribal groups reside, and is where the beautiful Canyon de Chelly, and numerous Ancestral Puebloan sites are to be found in the cliff walls and valleys. The Apache live in the southeastern mountains and were the last tribal group to concede to the US government. For those interested in Native American heritage Arizona is the ideal travel destination.
Fans of the
Wild West should visit the old mining town of Tombstone, which is the site of the famous shootout at the OK Corral. Today, it has staged gunfights, swinging saloon doors and old wooden buildings that bring to life the harsh cowboy past.
Key Facts
Language:
English is the most common language spoken but Spanish is often heard in the south-western states.
Passport/Visa:
It is highly recommended that travellers' passports have at least six months' validity remaining after the intended date of departure from them travel destination. A visa is required for short visits unless travellers qualify for entry under the Visa Waiver Program.
The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) enables citizens of certain countries to travel to the US for a stay of up to 90 days without a visa. Visitors under the VWP need to register online three days before travel and have an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). This allows the US government to screen all visitors before travel. Visitors entering the country under the VWP must have a machine-readable passport (MRP) that has a barcode on the photo page. Travellers under the VWP must have passports that include biometrics if they wish to enter the country without a visa, which means that passports must contain unique personal data such as fingerprints or iris details. All
passports must contain a digital photo image in order to travel visa-free. All visitors to the USA have a photograph and two fingerprints taken by an inkless scanner on arrival, including those travelling visa-free under the VWP.
As part of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), all travellers travelling between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean region are required to present a passport or other valid travel document to enter or re-enter the United States. If departing from the USA, a valid passport is required by immigration authorities. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
Currency:
The official currency is the US Dollar (USD), which is divided into 100 cents. Only major banks exchange foreign currency. ATMs are widespread and credit cards are widely accepted. Banking hours are Monday to Friday 9am to 3pm.
Electricity:
Electrical current is 120 volts, 60Hz. Plugs are mainly the type with two flat pins, though three-pin plugs (two flat parallel pins and a rounded pin) are also widely used. European appliances without dual-voltage capabilities will require an adapter.
Travel Advisories
Travel to Arizona
Climate
Arizona has mild winters and hot summers, with thunderstorms during the summer months between July and September. Extremes in temperature occur between day and night throughout the state, particularly in the desert areas where daytime temperatures of over 125F (52C) have been recorded.
During winter, temperatures average about 70F (21C), dropping to below freezing in the desert valleys at night. Summer temperatures vary from 80F (27C) during the day to 40F (4C) at night. Snow falls in the mountains, but not in the desert areas, and the mild temperatures in the southern desert attract many tourists in winter.
Health Notes when travelling to United States of America
There are no specific health risks associated with travel within the USA. Medical facilities are excellent, but expensive. Only emergencies are treated without prior payment and treatment can be refused without evidence of insurance or proof of funds. Good medical insurance is essential. Visitors must be fully vaccinated with the primary series of an accepted COVID-19 vaccine to travel to the United States by plane if they are non-U.S. citizens.
Safety Notes when travelling to United States of America
Travel within the United States is generally trouble-free, though travellers should be aware that the US shares with the rest of the world, an increased threat from terrorist incidents. Security has been heightened, particularly at airports. Restrictions on hand luggage apply and travellers are advised to check on the latest situation with airlines in advance. Travellers should also be alert to the dangers of car and street crime in cities and should use common sense and take basic precautions. Hurricanes are common between June and November, putting the southern USA, including the Gulf Coast and the eastern US at risk. There is a risk of wildfires in many dry areas in the US, particularly on the West Coast from March to November.
Customs in United States of America
Laws vary from state to state, including speed limit, fines and punishment. The age at which alcohol may be legally bought and consumed is 21 years.
Duty Free in United States of America
Travellers to the United States who are returning residents of the country do not have to pay duty on articles purchased abroad to the value of $800 provided their stay was longer than 48 hours and their duty-free allowance was not used in the 30-day period prior. For passengers arriving from Samoa, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands, a duty-free allowance of $1,600 is allowed. The following items are included in this: 50 cigarettes and 10 cigars and 150 millilitres (5 fl. oz.) of alcoholic beverages or 150 millilitres (5 fl. oz.) of perfume containing alcohol. Restrictions may apply to goods from Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Burma (Myanmar), Angola, Liberia and Sudan. It is prohibited to import Cuban cigars from any country.
Travellers to the United States who are non-residents do not have to pay duty on the following items: 50 cigars or 200 cigarettes and gifts to the value of $100 provided their stay in the USA is not less than 72 hours and that
the allowance has not been used in the preceding six-month period.
Prohibited items for residents and non-residents include meat or meat products, poultry, narcotics, absinthe, plants, seeds, vegetables, fruits, soil, live insects and other living plants or animal pests. Fish is prohibited unless it carries disease-free certification. Wildlife and animals or their by-products carry restrictions. Dairy products and eggs from specified countries are not allowed. Firearms and ammunition are not allowed without the necessary license and permit.
Doing Business in United States of America
In such a large country, filled with so many diverse groups, business practices may differ according to each state, however rarely to any large degree. The East Coast is traditionally more formal than the West Coast, though in states such as California, dress code and conservative appearance are as common as they would be in New York. Punctuality is important throughout the country and it is considered rude to be late for a meeting. Gift-giving is uncommon as it may be construed as bribery. Appropriate titles (Mr, Mrs, Ms) are used upon introduction and until otherwise stated. Americans favour politeness and greetings of 'Hello' and 'How are you?' are often expressed with sincerity. Business hours may vary in each state, but an 8am start and 5pm finish Monday to Friday is the most common with an hour over lunch.
Status and age are not necessarily indicative of seniority, nor do they carry much weight in themselves. Those doing business in the
States should be mindful of this fact; foreigners should never make assumptions about someone's position or rank. Best practice is to be respectful to all parties. That said, the US upholds a hierarchal business structure, in which 'the boss' is the ultimate decision-maker. Senior leaders have the power of the last word, and can go against the grain just as easily as they can follow popular opinion. Foreigners should concentrate on winning over this individual, even if the greater group seems unsupportive. Americans value a direct style of communication. In this fast-paced, consumer culture 'time is money', and small-talk is viewed as unnecessary and wasteful. It's best for foreigners to get to the point quickly, speak about issues in a frank and open manner, and to avoid taking offence if someone questions or challenges them outright.
Communication in United States of America
The international country dialling code for the United States is +1. Mobile networks cover most of the country, especially all urban areas, and WiFi is widely available.
Tipping in United States of America
A 15 percent tip is expected by taxi drivers, bartenders, hairdressers and waiters, but travellers shouldn't tip in fast-food or self-service restaurants. In expensive restaurants or for large parties, the tip should be 20 percent of the bill. It is normal to tip staff such as valets and porters in hotels; this is discretionary, although a minimum of $5 is expected. Most services are customarily tipped if the service is good.
Passport/Visa Note
It is highly recommended that travellers' passports have at least six months' validity remaining after the intended date of departure from them travel destination. A visa is required for short visits unless travellers qualify for entry under the Visa Waiver Program.
The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) enables citizens of certain countries to travel to the US for a stay of up to 90 days without a visa. Visitors under the VWP need to register online three days before travel and have an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). This allows the US government to screen all visitors before travel. Visitors entering the country under the VWP must have a machine-readable passport (MRP) that has a barcode on the photo page. Travellers under the VWP must have passports that include biometrics if they wish to enter the country without a visa, which means that passports must contain unique personal data such as fingerprints or iris details. All
passports must contain a digital photo image in order to travel visa-free. All visitors to the USA have a photograph and two fingerprints taken by an inkless scanner on arrival, including those travelling visa-free under the VWP.
As part of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), all travellers travelling between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean region are required to present a passport or other valid travel document to enter or re-enter the United States. If departing from the USA, a valid passport is required by immigration authorities. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
Entry Requirements
Entry requirements for Canadians:
The most important requirement on entering the U.S. is providing proof of Canadian citizenship. A valid Canadian passport is the best document to prove Canadian citizenship and the right to return to Canada. However, several other documents can serve, depending on the mode of transport. Generally, Canadian citizens do not require visitor, business, transit or other visas to enter the United States from Canada, though there are some exceptions.
Entry requirements for UK nationals:
UK nationals require a passport valid for duration of stay. Most passport holders can get an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) through the Visa Waiver Programme, which allows travel to the US for up to 90 days. The VWP includes tourism, certain types of business visit and transit to another country.
Entry requirements for Australians:
Passports must be valid for the period of intended stay. If visiting the US for fewer than 90 days, Australian nationals may be eligible to apply for an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), and enter under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP).
Entry requirements for Irish nationals:
Passports must be valid for duration of stay. Irish nationals can get an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) under the Visa Waiver Programme for entry into the United States.
Entry requirements for New Zealanders:
Passports must be valid for duration of stay. New Zealand nationals can get an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) under the Visa Waiver Programme for entry into the United States.
Entry requirements for South Africans:
South Africans must hold a passport valid for duration of stay. A visa is required.
Currency
The official currency is the US Dollar (USD), which is divided into 100 cents. Only major banks exchange foreign currency. ATMs are widespread and credit cards are widely accepted. Banking hours are Monday to Friday 9am to 3pm.
Exchange rate for 1 USD - U.S. Dollar
0.00BMD Bermudan Dollar
0.93EUR Euro
0.80GBP U.K. Pound Sterling
152.99JPY Japanese Yen
1.37CAD Canadian Dollar
0.91CHF Swiss Franc
1.52AUD Australian Dollar
39.40UAH Ukrainian Hryvnia
443.91KZT Kazakhstani Tenge
93,075.00LBP Lebanese Pound
4.86LYD Libyan Dinar
6.86BOB Bolivian Boliviano
0.00NPR Nepalese Rupee
0.00OMR Omani Rial
0.00QAR Qatari Rial
1.35SGD Singapore Dollar
10.82SEK Swedish Krona
0.00TTD Trinidad Tobago Dollar
0.00VEF Venezuelan Bolivar
58.11DOP Dominican Peso
0.00HRK Croatian Kuna
16.95MXN Mexican Peso
610.53XOF West African CFA Franc
0.00PGK Papua New Guinean kina
0.00BSD Bahamian Dollar
0.00FJD Fiji Dollar
0.00HNL Honduran Lempira
133.87DZD Algerian Dinar
0.00MMK Myanma Kyat
0.00BWP Botswana Pula
3.72PEN Peruvian Nuevo Sol
938.44CLP Chilean Peso
386.84AMD Armenia Dram
23.29CZK Czech Koruna
17.63MDL Moldova Lei
139.89ISK Icelandic Krona
12,582.40UZS Uzbekistan Sum
3.72ILS Israeli New Sheqel
0.71JOD Jordanian Dinar
0.00KWD Kuwaiti Dinar
38.15UYU Uruguayan Peso
0.00MUR Mauritian Rupee
0.00NIO Nicaraguan Córdoba
10.88NOK Norwegian Krone
4.03PLN Polish Zloty
3.75SAR Saudi Riyal
0.00LKR Sri Lanka Rupee
36.79THB Thai Baht
3.66AED U.A.E Dirham
5.09BRL Brazilian Real
4.63RON Romanian New Leu
7.81HKD Hong Kong Dollar
610.53XAF Central African CFA Franc
25,405.70VND Vietnamese Dong
878.36ARS Argentine Peso
0.00XCD East Caribbean Dollar
0.00GTQ Guatemalan Quetzal
10.06MAD Moroccan Dirham
0.00BHD Bahrain Dinar
1.00PAB Panamanian Balboa
1.70AZN Azerbaijan Manat
3,920.00COP Colombian Peso
88.42KGS Kyrgyzstan Som
362.00HUF Hungarian Forint
10.89TJS Tajikistan Ruble
16,073.70IDR Indonesian Rupiah
47.95EGP Egyptian Pound
1,358.84KRW South Korean Won
7,456.52PYG Paraguayan Guaraní
4.74MYR Malaysian Ringgit
508.31CRC Costa Rican Colón
1.67NZD New Zealand Dollar
277.87PKR Pakistani Rupee
91.39RUB Russian Rouble
18.51ZAR South African Rand
3.13TND Tunisian Dinar
0.00BBD Barbadian Dollar
1.82BGN Bulgarian Lev
32.33TRY Turkish Lira
57.28PHP Philippine Peso
32.31TWD New Taiwan Dollar
1,164.84NGN Nigerian Naira
0.00XPF CFP Franc
0.00GHS Ghanaian Cedi
0.00JMD Jamaican Dollar
0.00ANG Neth. Antillean Guilder
0.00BND Brunei Dollar
108.90RSD Serbian Dinar
7.24CNY Chinese Yuan
6.94DKK Danish Krone
3.49TMT New Turkmenistan Manat
83.42INR Indian Rupee
Exchange Rate for Euro to U.S. Dollar
1 EUR = 1.07 USD
Exchange Rate for Canadian Dollar to U.S. Dollar
1 CAD = 0.73 USD
Exchange Rate for U.K. Pound Sterling to U.S. Dollar
1 GBP = 1.26 USD
Exchange Rate for Australian Dollar to U.S. Dollar
1 AUD = 0.66 USD
Exchange Rate for New Zealand Dollar to U.S. Dollar
1 NZD = 0.60 USD
Exchange Rate for South African Rand to U.S. Dollar
1 ZAR = 0.05 USD
Airports in Arizona
Phoenix Airport (PHX) Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport http://www.skyharbor.com
Location: Phoenix The airport is situated four miles (6km) southeast of Phoenix.
Time: Local time is GMT -7.
Contacts: Tel: +1 602 273 3300.
Transfer between terminals: The two terminals (Terminals 3 and 4) are connected by a free inter-terminal train system, the PHX Sky Train.
Getting to the city: The PHX SkyTrain transports passengers between terminals, parking lots, and the 44th Street METRO Light Rail, from where it is possible to connect to the city centre, all free of charge. The Valley Metro system, consisting of the Metro Light Rail and a fleet of buses, charges a standard fare. Airport-to-door shuttle vans can also be arranged. Many hotels and resorts provide a free pick-up service for their guests; taxis and mobile app-based taxi services such as Uber are also available.
Car rental: Car rental companies include Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Fox, National, Hertz, Payless, and Thrifty, among others.
Airport Taxis: Metered taxis are available outside each terminal.
Facilities: Facilities include shops, restaurants, animal relief areas, ATMs, currency exchange facilities, free WiFi, mailboxes, a chapel, and ground transportation facilities. All terminals are fully wheelchair accessible.
Parking: Parking at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport offers a range of daily maximums depending upon the proximity of the car park to the terminals. Parking lots are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. A free cell phone waiting lot is also provided.
Tucson Airport (TUS) Tucson International Airport http://www.flytucson.com
Location: Tucson The airport is situated nine miles (14km) south of downtown Tucson.
Time: GMT -7
Contacts: Tel: +1 520 573 8100
Getting to the city: The Sun Tran bus company operates service into Tucson from the airport on two routes. Airport shuttles, taxis, and rental cars are also available.
Car rental: Car rental agencies based at Tucson Airport include Alamo, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Dollar, Hertz and National. Counters are located in the Rental Car Facility east of the Terminal.
Airport Taxis: Taxis are located on the commercial roadway in front of the baggage claim area. VIP Taxi and Yellow Cab are under contract with the airport to meet arriving flights.
Facilities: Various dining and shopping options are located within the terminal, as too are ATMs, mailboxes, smoking areas, a pet relief area, meeting rooms, massage chairs, a military lounge, shoeshine services, and a lost and found.
Parking: Parking is available in the Cell Phone Waiting Lot, the Garage and in the Economy Lot. Drivers can pay hourly or daily rates.
Phoenix
Phoenix Photo credit: DGustafson
Arizona's capital city, Phoenix, has risen from the mythical ashes of an ancient agricultural Indian village to become a sprawling modern metropolis and the fifth most populous city in the US. Its rapid urban growth has filled what is known as the Valley of the Sun, encompassing the neighbouring towns of Scottsdale, Mesa, and Tempe as suburbs. It's one of America's fastest-growing urban centres, claiming to have more five-star hotels than any other city in the US.
With luxurious resorts and spas, glitzy shopping plazas, upmarket restaurants, and superb golf courses, together with over 300 days of sunshine a year, the area has become a popular winter getaway for the rest of the country.
However, while some may know Phoenix as a retirement community, it is home to both the University of Phoenix and the University of Arizona, as well as over a dozen other colleges, ensuring a huge student population that keeps Phoenix
young.
Phoenix has a number of interesting museums, including the Heard Museum of Native American culture and the Phoenix Art Museum. A scattering of parks, a wide variety of restaurants, and a well-developed arts scene makes a holiday in Phoenix an attractive prospect for travellers of all ages.
Phoenix's greatest attraction is its location, with the city surrounded by a vast cactus-studded desert and the magnificent scenery of the Red Rock Country around Sedona. It's a landscape of canyons, pinnacles, and red cliffs that have been the setting for numerous Wild West films and novels. The Apache Trail is a winding scenic drive that passes through some of the beautiful rugged terrain of central Arizona, passing ghost towns, ancient ruins, and the Superstitious Mountains.
Getting around in Phoenix
Phoenix is spread out, meaning distances between places of interest tends to be significant. A rental car is ideal outside the downtown area. The Valley Metro Light Rail in Phoenix is one of the busiest light rail systems in the country, making getting around much easier for visitors. Stations run right by some of the city's top attractions, such as the Phoenix Art Museum, the Heard Museum, and the Arizona Science Centre.
Valley Metro buses access areas the light rail doesn't reach and the rail and bus routes have the same basic fares. Tickets can be purchased from vending machines at all stations. There is also a free central city shuttle bus service, called DASH (Downtown Area Shuttle), which is useful for accessing attractions such as the state capitol and major shopping malls. Taxis are freely available from local companies but tend to be expensive and are not recommended for travelling long distances.
Climate in Phoenix
With its arid climate, Phoenix has been ranked the hottest city in the United States, and one of the hottest in the world. The temperature in Phoenix registers at least 100F (38C) or more on an average of 90 days of the year, mostly between June and September, which are the summer months.
Most days are sunny and hot, and rainfall is scarce, although there are thunderstorms sometimes between July and September, caused by humid air blowing in from the Gulf of California. Winters bring mild, sunny days, with occasional fog. Snow is rare, but has been recorded; frost is frequent in the winter months.
Sightseeing in Phoenix
Phoenix shimmers in the heat of the biologically unique Sonoran desert in central Arizona. For decades people have chosen to travel to Phoenix for the sunshine, and found a modern metropolis with a thriving tourist district, an art neighbourhood packed with galleries, and a number of fascinating natural and historical attractions. The city offers some good sightseeing and a great restaurant scene, but most travellers use Phoenix primarily as a travel hub for excursions into the glorious desert landscapes on the city's doorstep. Within the city, popular sights include the Heard Museum, the Desert Botanical Garden, St Mary's Basilica, and Taliesin West, the former home and school of renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright.
Travellers are spoilt for choice when it comes to excursions, as Camelback Mountain, South Mountain Park, Piestewa Peak, and many other scenic spots lure hikers and photographers just beyond the city. Many people
choose to travel further afield on a day trip to famous attractions such as the Grand Canyon, Lake Mead and Hoover Dam. Golfers are very well catered for through Phoenix's scenic courses, and there are many spas and health resorts for those who enjoy pampering. Hikers can enjoy excursions to the surrounding mountains.
Phoenix Attractions
Sedona
Cathedral Rock Photo credit: Adam Baker
Sedona is one of the most striking geographical locations in the US. Located in the heart of Red Rock Country, the sandstone cliffs and plateaus provide a stunning backdrop for this small yet bustling town. Only 120 miles (193km) north of Phoenix, Sedona is fast becoming one of Arizona's top holiday destinations.
Sedona is a paradise for outdoor activity. Visitors can mountain bike, quad bike, hike, rock climb, horseback ride, and camp to popular trails such as the Broken Arrow, Cathedral Rock, Devil's Bridge, Bell Rock, and Soldier's Pass.
A unique attraction of Sedona is its reputation as the site of the confluence of five large vortexes. It is said that the strong magnetism of the earth in Sedona has natural healing properties. As a result the city has a thriving New Age medicine industry.
Visitors will find a multitude of spas, herbalists, healers and spiritual guides. The vortices are said to be
concentrated at Bell Rock, Airport Mesa, Cathedral Rock, Boynton Canyon, and Schnebly Hill, and there are many guided tours of these sites available from Sedona.
Shopping in Sedona offers a number of stores filled with Native American arts and crafts as well as New Age shops stocking crystals and healing products. For the culture lovers, Hozho Plaza is home to a number of art galleries, featuring local artists' sculptures, paintings, and jewellery.
Tourists eating out have a variety of restaurants and bars to choose from, catering to every budget and taste, some rated among the best in Arizona. Whether travellers journey to Sedona for the thrill of climbing the cliffs and diving into the rock pools, or to be soothed and pampered in a local spa, Sedona receives and accommodates all.
The Grand Canyon
Grand Canyon, Arizona, USA Photo credit: Tim Hart
A mile deep, 277 miles (446km) long, and up to 18 miles (29km) wide, the breath-taking grandeur of the Grand Canyon is so impressive that words simply cannot do it justice. One of the great natural wonders of the world, it was formed by the cutting action of the Colorado River over millions of years. The hard rock formations survive as great cliffs, pinnacles and buttes, and the different layers of rock span a range of colours, from purple, fiery-red and pastel-pink to yellow, brown, grey and soft tones of blue.
Whether by foot or on horseback, from a plane or helicopter, aboard a raft down the mighty Colorado River or by merely gazing in awe from the rim, the canyon's seemingly infinite depths can be experienced in a variety of ways and is a sight not to be missed however visitors choose to see it. The park receives hordes of visitors from around the world, who never fail to be transfixed by the sculpted rock shapes, the shifting colours
that change with the light, and a tiny glimpse of the Colorado River far below.
The Grand Canyon National Park comprises two separate areas: the South Rim and the more remote North Rim. Separated by the 10-mile (16km) width of the canyon, it is a 215-mile (346km) drive from one Visitor Centre to the other. The South Rim is the most accessible and has more facilities, and as a result it attracts the bulk of visitors to its boundaries. The North Rim is higher in elevation, wetter, with thicker surrounding forests, is more remote, and is cut off by snowfall from October to May. Many people, however, prefer its comparative peacefulness and less-crowded lookouts.
Grand Canyon West has recently opened the Grand Canyon Skywalk, a glass-bottomed, horseshoe shaped deck that juts almost 70 feet (21m) from the canyon's rim. It gives visitors the sensation of being suspended amid the canyon's towering red rock walls above a faint sliver of Colorado
River flowing 4,000 feet (1,219m) below. There is an additional charge for the Skywalk, which is not for those with a fear of heights. Another great way to tour the Grand Canyon is on the Grand Canyon Railway, a vintage steam train that winds its way around the area.
Both rims have numerous drives and walkways along the edge with various scenic viewpoints, and some hiking trails into the canyon where visitors can overnight at Phantom Ranch on the canyon floor. The impact of more than four million visitors a year to the South Rim, especially during the busy summer months, is one of overcrowding and traffic congestion; but seeing the most spectacular examples of natural erosion in the world more than makes up for any inconvenience.
There are also several educational and cultural attractions at the Grand Canyon, including the Tusayan Museum and Ruin (near Desert View), the Yavapai Museum of Geology, and the Verkamps Visitors
Center.
Website: http://www.nps.gov/grca
Taliesin West
Taliesin West Photo credit: Lar
Taliesin West was legendary architect Frank Lloyd Wright's winter home and school from 1937 until he died in 1959, aged 91. Today the facility can be visited as the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation, with tours providing a general introduction to Wright and his hugely influential theories of architecture. The building has been constructed with the natural stone of the region, a reflection of Wright's philosophy that local materials should be used in design wherever possible. There are a range of tours available to suit the visitor's level of interest. For the rookie, a basic introductory tour is recommended, while devotees will want the behind-the-scenes exposé.
Website: http://www.franklloydwright.org
Desert Botanical Garden
Desert Botanical Garden Photo credit: Dave Pape
The Desert Botanical Garden gets high ratings not only for the size and range of its collection, but also the inventive ways visitors can immerse themselves in the desert. With about 21,000 plants representing 139 species, the Desert Botanical Garden was founded in 1939 to provide a fascinating and colourful introduction to the ethnobotany of the region. A highlight is the Plants and People of the Sonoran Desert Trail, which allows visitors to make their own yucca-fibre brush and grind corn as the Native Americans once did. Over November and December the gardens are lit up at night by beautiful luminarias (candles inside small bags), meaning plenty of worthy photography material.
Website: http://www.dbg.org
Heard Museum
The Heard Museum Photo credit: Kirs10
The Heard Museum is home to America's finest collection of Native American art, making this an essential attraction for visitors looking to gain an understanding of the country's original inhabitants. In total there are more than 39,000 works of cultural and fine art ranging across textiles, katsina dolls, pottery, jewellery, baskets, cradleboards, paintings, and sculpture. There are about 10 galleries with dynamic and imaginatively curated exhibitions. Visitors shouldn't miss the annual Guild Indian Fair and Market (March), which includes traditional dance performances along with arts and crafts. The museums signature exhibitions are 'Home: Native People in the Southwest' and 'Away from Home: American Indian Boarding School Stories'.
Website: http://www.heard.org
Lake Mead and Hoover Dam
Hoover Dam Photo credit: Raquel Baranow
The 1.5 million acre Lake Mead Recreation Area was created in 1936 as part of Roosevelt's New Deal programme. A popular excursion from Las Vegas or even Phoenix, Lake Mead is a haven for outdoor recreation such as boating, swimming, canoeing, fishing, waterskiing, lake cruises, and even scuba diving. Five marinas ring the lake, ranging from small family-owned operations such as Hemingway Harbor to large resorts such as Forever Resorts at Callville Bay.
The rest of the shoreline of Lake Mead is made up of rocky coves and sandy beaches good for sunbathing. Land-based activities such as camping and hiking are available in the surrounding area. The Alan Bible Visitor Center, also known as the Lake Mead Visitor Center, provides information about activities and resources at Lake Mead. There are also some educational exhibits, including a garden of cactus plants native to the Mojave Desert. Lake Mead is formed by the giant Hoover Dam, a popular
tourist attraction. Attracting nearly 3,000 people each day, Hoover Dam is an engineering marvel, standing 726 feet (221m) tall and 1,244 feet (379m) wide. The enormous dam supplies 90 percent of Las Vegas' water, and visitors can take guided tours of the facility.
Website: http://www.nps.gov/lake/index.htm
Petrified Forest National Park
Petrified Forest National Park Photo credit: Finetooth
Located in the northeastern corner of Arizona, Petrified Forest National Park was designated a national monument in 1906. The trees within the park are over 225 million years old, and have over that period transformed into brilliantly-coloured minerals, the world's largest concentration of petrified wood. Aside from the trees, there is a variety of wildlife to see in the park, including bobcats, coyotes, owls, porcupines, mule deer, and various desert lizards and rodents. There are several trails leading to popular sites in the park, making it a great place for desert hiking. Visitors should be aware that it is illegal to remove petrified wood from Petrified Forest National Park.
Website: http://www.nps.gov/pefo/index.htm
Kingman
Kingman, Arizona Photo credit: JlsElsewhere
Kingman is a nostalgic tourist destination in Arizona. Located in the northeastern corner of the state, between the Grand Canyon and Las Vegas, the city is a popular fuelling stop between the two destinations. However, Kingman is most famous for having been a major stop along the celebrated Route 66. There are a few old buildings and museums dedicated to this era, including the aptly named Route 66 Museum, and though most of the road has been replaced by Interstate I-40, the longest remaining stretch runs from Kingman to Ash Fork. There are some good restaurants and bars in Kingman and wonderful hiking can be enjoyed in the area.
Website: http://www.gokingman.com
Pueblo Grande Museum and Archaeological Park
Pueblo Grande Photo credit: Offworlder
Located surprisingly close to downtown Phoenix, the Pueblo Grande Museum and Archaeological Park is the site of the remains of a 1,500-year-old Hohokam village. The site is a National Historic Landmark and the largest preserved archaeological site in the region. Mysteriously abandoned around 1450, all that remains of the village is enclosed in a small museum with artefacts and exhibits showing daily life in the settlement. Hiking trails wind around the ruins and replicas themselves, so visitors should come prepared for the hot weather of southern Arizona. The site hosts the Pueblo Grande Indian Market each December, featuring more than 250 local artisans. For those who miss the market, there is a museum shop open year-round.
Phoenix Airport (PHX) Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport http://www.skyharbor.com
Location: Phoenix The airport is situated four miles (6km) southeast of Phoenix.
Time: Local time is GMT -7.
Contacts: Tel: +1 602 273 3300.
Transfer between terminals: The two terminals (Terminals 3 and 4) are connected by a free inter-terminal train system, the PHX Sky Train.
Getting to the city: The PHX SkyTrain transports passengers between terminals, parking lots, and the 44th Street METRO Light Rail, from where it is possible to connect to the city centre, all free of charge. The Valley Metro system, consisting of the Metro Light Rail and a fleet of buses, charges a standard fare. Airport-to-door shuttle vans can also be arranged. Many hotels and resorts provide a free pick-up service for their guests; taxis and mobile app-based taxi services such as Uber are also available.
Car rental: Car rental companies include Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Fox, National, Hertz, Payless, and Thrifty, among others.
Airport Taxis: Metered taxis are available outside each terminal.
Facilities: Facilities include shops, restaurants, animal relief areas, ATMs, currency exchange facilities, free WiFi, mailboxes, a chapel, and ground transportation facilities. All terminals are fully wheelchair accessible.
Parking: Parking at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport offers a range of daily maximums depending upon the proximity of the car park to the terminals. Parking lots are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. A free cell phone waiting lot is also provided.
Tucson
Tucson Photo credit: Zereshk
Tucson is surrounded by a ring of mountain ranges with the Santa Catalina Mountains as a backdrop. Found in the Sonoran Desert, it is one of the fastest-growing cities in the country and one of the most attractive holiday destinations in Arizona.
Combining the amenities of a modern metropolis with a small-town atmosphere, the almost constant sunshine and dry desert air provide an oasis where visitors can rest and rejuvenate by the popular health resort.
Its proximity to the Mexican border is evident in its architecture and cuisine, and a long history that has left the city with a dynamic legacy of Spanish, Mexican, American, and Native American influences.
With naturally eroded cliff forms, cacti, bird life, and old cowboy towns in the area, Tucson is also a good central base from which to explore the many natural wonders beyond the city limits. Horseback riding and hiking along the wilderness trails are
excellent ways to explore the region.
Nearby attractions include the Saguaro National Park, with the highest concentration in the world of the desert-symbol Saguaro cactus, the Spanish-style Mission San Xavier del Bac, and the first-class Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum that features almost every kind of local desert fauna and flora in an outdoor setting.
The old mining town of Tombstone attracts crowds of tourists to the site of the shootout at the O.K. Corral, the most famous shootout in Wild West history. There's no reason to ignore Tucson's city centre though. With a number of museums, parks, shops, restaurants, and nightspots, Tucson has a lively atmosphere that will keep any visitor thoroughly entertained.
Getting around in Tucson
Tucson has an extensive public bus system operated by Sun Tran. The city also has a large network of bike routes and with its flat terrain is considered bike-friendly, but the heat makes this option less attractive in the summer months. The roads are easy to follow and driving is relatively pleasant, though the streets are congested at certain times of day. As with most cities in the US, things are fairly spread out and many tourists find it most convenient to hire a car, especially as so many of Tucson's top attractions are just outside the city.
Climate in Tucson
Tucson experiences a desert climate, meaning that temperatures are high and rainfall is too low to sustain much vegetation at all. There are two major seasons, summer and winter, with three minor shoulder seasons: autumn, spring, and the monsoon.
Early summer, particularly June, enjoys low humidity and clear skies, with daytime highs reaching above 100F (38C) and average overnight temperatures ranging between 66F (19C) and 85F (29C). In July and August, temperatures are much the same but it is much more humid and rain is very common, as this is the monsoon season.
Flash floods are possible in late summer. Winters, between December and February, are mild, with average daytime highs between 40F (4C) and 68F (20C). The milder weather of winter is usually most pleasant for tourists.
Sightseeing in Tucson
Much like nearby Phoenix, Tucson is primarily celebrated as a gateway to the glories of the desert. The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, Sabino Canyon, the Mission San Xavier del Bac, the Tucson Mountain Park, and Madera Canyon are very close by.
The incredible caves in the Colossal Cave Mountain Park and Kartchner Caverns State Park provide spectacular scenery for hikers and spelunkers. The iconic cowboy town of Tombstone is also in the area, attracting travellers keen to experience the rough charm of the Wild West.
Within the city of Tucson, popular stops on the tourist trail include the Tucson Botanical Gardens, the Tucson Rodeo Parade Museum (between January and March), and a number of interesting art museums and galleries, such as the University of Arizona Art Museum and the Degrazia Gallery in the Sun.
Tucson Attractions
Tombstone
Allen Street Photo credit: Gromb
Tombstone is probably the most famous town in the Wild West, attracting thousands of tourists with its old Western-style buildings, saloons, stagecoach rides, gunslingers, dusty streets, and shootout re-enactments. Many Hollywood movies have been shot here against the rugged mountain backdrop. Originally a silver boomtown in 1877, it rose to notoriety in 1881 when lawmen Wyatt Earp, his two brothers, and Doc Holliday confronted a band of outlaws in a gunfight. This event has come to epitomise the spirit of the Wild West and the star attraction of the town is the O.K. Corral, one of southern Arizona's most visited tourist sites. There is a staged 30-second shootout each day at 2pm, and exhibits relating to the event inside the corral. The Tombstone Courthouse State Historic Park features an old courtroom where several renowned trials took place, as well as some excellent exhibits, including alternative versions of the O.K. Corral shootout and a museum
dedicated to the Tombstone Epitaph, the oldest newspaper in Arizona. Although a classic tourist-trap town, with souvenir shops and restaurants galore, many people love the Wild West atmosphere and the rugged setting of Tombstone, and relish the chance to play cowboy for a day.
Website: http://www.ok-corral.com
University of Arizona Art Museum
University of Arizona Photo credit: Huperphuff
The University of Arizona Art Museum is situated on campus as part of the Edward J. Gallagher Memorial Collection. It is home to an impressive permanent collection including works by Jackson Pollock, Franz Kline, and Mark Rothko. The museum houses the C. Leonard Pfeiffer Collection of American paintings and the Samuel H. Kress Collection of European works, from the 14th to the 19th century. Temporary exhibitions are also hosted by the museum so travellers should check the official website to see what's available during their visit. The University of Arizona campus is also the location of the Center for Creative Photography, displaying various works by leading artists such as Edward Weston and Ansel Adams. Lovers of art in all forms will find a visit rewarding while in Tucson.
Website: http://www.artmuseum.arizona.edu
Tucson Rodeo Parade Museum
Tucson Rodeo Photo credit: Woody Hibbard
At the Tucson Rodeo Parade Museum, pioneer artefacts and a recreated Western Main Street represent what Tucson looked like, and what it had to offer in the way of businesses and services, back in the old days of the Wild West. The museum also has an inventory of about 150 vehicles, with everything from small buggies to wagons and coaches on display. The museum hosts the Tucson Rodeo Parade each February, which is great fun for those in the area at the time. Outside of Rodeo Week, the museum is sadly only open between January and March, with guided tours available daily at 10am and 1pm. There are hopes to extend the opening season once sufficient funds have been raised.
Mission San Xavier del Bac Photo credit: Frank Kovalchek
This historic Spanish mission in the Tohono O'odham Nation Reservation is located 10 miles (16km) south of the city (a 20-minute drive) and was founded by Father Kino in the 1660s. The present church, a remarkable building, dates back to the 18th century and remains the oldest intact European structure in Arizona, housing a number of impressive artefacts and murals. It is a National Historic Landmark and is still an active place of worship, where visitors can attend services should they please. Travellers should check the website for a service schedule and note that the church may be closed to sightseeing tourists during times of worship. The mission has a small museum, which showcases artefacts and multimedia presentations on its history.
Website: http://www.sanxaviermission.org
DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun
DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun Photo credit: Sonoflightning
The DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun is an iconic Tucson landmark located at the base of the Santa Catalina Mountains. Established by the famous artist, Ettore DeGrazia, the property is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and features a museum of DeGrazia's work and an adobe chapel, called the Mission in the Sun, as well as striking murals, gardens, and the artist's home and grave site. Apart from the works displayed in the gallery, the property is strewn with sculptures and art installations by the artist renowned for having captured the spirit of the Southwest. Free public tours are available, but must be scheduled in advance.
Website: http://www.degrazia.org
Trail Dust Town
Trail Dust Town Photo credit: MadMaxMarchHare
Trail Dust Town is built on the site of a 1950s Western movie set and is home to a vintage 1920s Fiesta del Presidio carousel and a museum dedicated to Western cavalry and dragoon military units. Designed as a replica of a 19th-century Western town, it has Old West souvenir shops, galleries, and restaurants, as well as a custom leather store, wooden sidewalks, a central plaza, shooting gallery, and a C.P. Huntington train. Hosting Wild West stunt shows and an annual cowboy show in late February, Trail Dust Town is a great place to visit, especially if you are travelling with kids.
Website: http://www.traildusttown.com
Colossal Cave Mountain Park
Colossal Cave Photo credit: Bill Morrow
In 1923, the first proper tours of Colossal Cave were conducted using ropes and lanterns. Today, more advanced and comfortable options are offered. The cave is considered dry or dormant, no longer producing crystal formations due to a lack of water. The preserved stalagmites, stalactites, and flowstone create a cavern of wonder visitors enjoy during guided tours which take just under an hour. The cave itself is only part of the attraction, as the Mountain Park is blessed with a variety of wildlife and some glorious landscapes. Western-themed horseback tours are a popular way to explore the park.
Website: http://www.colossalcave.com
Kartchner Caverns State Park
Kartchner Caverns State Park Photo credit: Mike Lewis
Kartchner Caverns State Park is home to one of the great natural wonders of the American west. There is no known record of the huge living cave being seen before the 1970s and the pristine conditions within have been carefully preserved. A remarkable feature of this cave is that it's a 'wet' or 'living' cave; the calcite formations are still growing and display a stunning variety of multi-coloured cave formations. Two different tours of the caves are available and there is a visitor's centre which details the history and geology of the caverns with interesting exhibits. Tours take between 90 minutes and two hours. Photography is not allowed in the caves but there are postcards available.
This world-renowned museum is more like a zoo, with the majority of the exhibitions outside showcasing the surrounding desert's creatures in their natural habitats. Exhibits include mountain lions, otters, coyotes, bighorn sheep, lizards, and a walk-in aviary. Located in the Sonoran Desert, the setting of the museum also offers awesome views of the surrounding mountain ranges, which visitors can enjoy while touring the botanical garden, natural history museum, art gallery, and aquarium. The gift shop has an excellent selection of Sonoran desert souvenirs. The interactive museum is a must for any visitor staying in Tucson for more than just one day, and kids will love seeing the animals and experiencing the desert landscapes.
Website: http://www.desertmuseum.org
Sabino Canyon
Bear Canyon Trail Photo credit: Jon Abbott
Of the many natural attractions in the Tucson vicinity, Sabino Canyon is one of the most popular. This gaping divide in the Santa Catalina Mountains is the site where ancient Hohokam people constructed irrigation dams while mammoths still roamed the area. After a six-mile (9.6km) hike, visitors can enjoy swimming in the crystal clear pools at Seven Falls or, when the weather is a little too hot for hiking, they can take a ride on the Sabino Canyon Tram, which takes a 45-minute tour with nine stops along the canyon. The canyon is a natural oasis in the desert and is home to a rich variety of wildlife, as well as beautiful landscapes.
Website: http://www.sabinocanyon.com
Tucson Botanical Gardens
Cactus Bloom Photo credit: Kathy Kimpel
The Tucson Botanical Gardens is a major attraction, and not just for the rich collection of cacti and desert wildflowers. An educational walk highlights the history of the native Tohono O'odham Indians and the work local scientists have done to preserve native seeds. Visitors should be sure to see the traditional Mexican-American neighbourhood garden (Nuestro Jardin), and relax on the shaded restaurant patio. The gardens are open seven days a week, all year, and provide a pleasant sample of the desert vegetation of Arizona as well as a taste of the indigenous culture. There are about 17 speciality gardens, as well as rotating exhibitions, and tours of the gardens are available.
Website: http://www.tucsonbotanical.org
Philabaum Glass
Glass Blowing Photo credit: Daniel D'Auria
Tom Philabaum is well known as one of America's foremost glass artists, with exhibits throughout the Western world. His gallery showcases and justifies this reputation with examples of his own work, also exhibiting over 100 other nationally and internationally celebrated glass artists. Aside from viewing the extraordinary exhibits, visitors are also welcome to watch glassblowing in progress and learn more about the craft in the studio. The gallery has been a great favourite on the Tucson art scene for more than 30 years and travellers interested in art will relish a visit to this creative gallery. It is also an exciting place to buy souvenirs.
Website: http://www.philabaumglass.com
Valley of the Moon
Valley of the Moon Photo credit: LocalWiki Contributors
The Valley of the Moon was designed to stimulate the imagination of children and to awaken creativity and spirituality in all visitors. Visitors can delve into a fantasy land in the desert, with historic Western sites in a magical setting, created by George Phar Legler in the 1920s. Mineralised rock cliffs, caves, pools, and garden miniatures have merged with tropic and desert flora to make what Legler called the 'Fantasy Touch of Three', referring to the worlds of Edgar Allen Poe, Lewis Carroll, and Robert Louis Stevenson. There are tours, shows, and a gift shop on site. The Valley of the Moon also hosts events ranging from weddings to concerts to yoga retreats. Although this unusual attraction may not be to everybody's taste, those travelling with children will no doubt find a visit rewarding.
Website: http://www.tucsonvalleyofthemoon.com
Events in Tucson
Fiesta de los Vaqueros Thursday February 20, 2020 (20 February)
Where: Tucson Rodeo Grounds
A popular event held in early spring is the Fiesta de los Vaqueros, also called the Tucson Rodeo. While the fiesta is a sporting event, it includes what has been declared the world's largest non-mechanised parade. Join a crowd of more than 200 000 people to enjoy the Wild West-themed floats, horse drawn cariages, Mexican folk dancers, marching bands, and the riders who will take part in the rodeo. The parade still keeps the spirit and style of the first event back in 1925. The Rodeo Parade is such a popular event that schools give two rodeo days off instead of Presidents Day. Traditional Western attire is seen throughout the city during the Fiesta, marking the beginning of the rodeo season in the United States. This is the premiere event of the rodeo year is not to be missed.
http://www.tucsonrodeoparade.org
Tucson Meet Yourself Monday October 11, 2021 to Wednesday October 13, 2021 (TBC)
Where: Downtown Tucson
Each October for the last 40 years, the Tucson Meet Yourself festival has celebrated the faces of the many ethnic groups in southern Arizona and northern Mexico that contribute to the rich cultural identity of the city. Experience a weekend of artwork, singing, dancing, and food from more than 30 different ethnicities in the downtown area. The variety of local performers bears testament to the region's cultural and ethnic diversity. Although this is essentially a celebration for locals, revolving around the preservation of living traditional arts, travellers in the region in October should find the festival fascinating.
http://www.tucsonmeetyourself.org
All Souls Procession Weekend Monday November 09, 2020 to Tuesday November 10, 2020 (TBC)
Where: Downtown Tucson
One of the largest festivals in Tucson, the All Souls Procession is celebrated annually in the first weekend of November. Inspired by the Mexican Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), thousands of people in vibrant costumes gather to acknowledge the deceased and the grand mystery of death. Experience the Fine Art Photography Exhibition, the Evolving Community Altar, the Dance of the Dead, and the Procession of Little Angels. On Sunday evening, the All Souls Procession snakes through the historic Fourth Avenue of Tucson to the culmination of the festival where a large urn filled with the hopes and offerings to those who have passed is burned.
http://www.allsoulsprocession.org
Airports in Tucson
Tucson Airport (TUS) Tucson International Airport http://www.flytucson.com
Location: Tucson The airport is situated nine miles (14km) south of downtown Tucson.
Time: GMT -7
Contacts: Tel: +1 520 573 8100
Getting to the city: The Sun Tran bus company operates service into Tucson from the airport on two routes. Airport shuttles, taxis, and rental cars are also available.
Car rental: Car rental agencies based at Tucson Airport include Alamo, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Dollar, Hertz and National. Counters are located in the Rental Car Facility east of the Terminal.
Airport Taxis: Taxis are located on the commercial roadway in front of the baggage claim area. VIP Taxi and Yellow Cab are under contract with the airport to meet arriving flights.
Facilities: Various dining and shopping options are located within the terminal, as too are ATMs, mailboxes, smoking areas, a pet relief area, meeting rooms, massage chairs, a military lounge, shoeshine services, and a lost and found.
Parking: Parking is available in the Cell Phone Waiting Lot, the Garage and in the Economy Lot. Drivers can pay hourly or daily rates.
Arizona Attractions
Overview
Arizona is home to some of America's most striking natural landscapes, making it one of the best road tripping destinations in a country. The iconic Route 66, or the Main Street of America as it became known, still attracts droves of travellers. The state boasts some renowned natural sights, including Saguaro National Park, the Petrified Forest National Park, and the famous Grand Canyon National Park.
Unique physical features in Arizona include Monument Valley, setting the scene for many a cowboy movie; Cathedral Rock and the other peaks that form the backdrop to the desert town of Sedona; the 40,000-year-old Barringer Crater, the best preserved impact crater on Earth; the Canyon de Chelly, full of otherworldly sandstone formations; and the breathtakingly blue Havasu Falls of the Grand Canyon.
The surprisingly colourful desert landscapes are interrupted by Wild West-style towns, old mining centres, and Native American
reserves. The old world charm is punctuated by the popular, sprawling cities of Phoenix and Tucson, full of resorts and top-quality modern amenities. Phoenix and Tucson, as well as charming Sedona, are full of interesting sightseeing attractions and act as the natural travel hubs for visitors to the state.
Sedona
Cathedral Rock Photo credit: Adam Baker
Sedona is one of the most striking geographical locations in the US. Located in the heart of Red Rock Country, the sandstone cliffs and plateaus provide a stunning backdrop for this small yet bustling town. Only 120 miles (193km) north of Phoenix, Sedona is fast becoming one of Arizona's top holiday destinations.
Sedona is a paradise for outdoor activity. Visitors can mountain bike, quad bike, hike, rock climb, horseback ride, and camp to popular trails such as the Broken Arrow, Cathedral Rock, Devil's Bridge, Bell Rock, and Soldier's Pass.
A unique attraction of Sedona is its reputation as the site of the confluence of five large vortexes. It is said that the strong magnetism of the earth in Sedona has natural healing properties. As a result the city has a thriving New Age medicine industry.
Visitors will find a multitude of spas, herbalists, healers and spiritual guides. The vortices are said to be
concentrated at Bell Rock, Airport Mesa, Cathedral Rock, Boynton Canyon, and Schnebly Hill, and there are many guided tours of these sites available from Sedona.
Shopping in Sedona offers a number of stores filled with Native American arts and crafts as well as New Age shops stocking crystals and healing products. For the culture lovers, Hozho Plaza is home to a number of art galleries, featuring local artists' sculptures, paintings, and jewellery.
Tourists eating out have a variety of restaurants and bars to choose from, catering to every budget and taste, some rated among the best in Arizona. Whether travellers journey to Sedona for the thrill of climbing the cliffs and diving into the rock pools, or to be soothed and pampered in a local spa, Sedona receives and accommodates all.
Tombstone
Allen Street Photo credit: Gromb
Tombstone is probably the most famous town in the Wild West, attracting thousands of tourists with its old Western-style buildings, saloons, stagecoach rides, gunslingers, dusty streets, and shootout re-enactments. Many Hollywood movies have been shot here against the rugged mountain backdrop. Originally a silver boomtown in 1877, it rose to notoriety in 1881 when lawmen Wyatt Earp, his two brothers, and Doc Holliday confronted a band of outlaws in a gunfight. This event has come to epitomise the spirit of the Wild West and the star attraction of the town is the O.K. Corral, one of southern Arizona's most visited tourist sites. There is a staged 30-second shootout each day at 2pm, and exhibits relating to the event inside the corral. The Tombstone Courthouse State Historic Park features an old courtroom where several renowned trials took place, as well as some excellent exhibits, including alternative versions of the O.K. Corral shootout and a museum
dedicated to the Tombstone Epitaph, the oldest newspaper in Arizona. Although a classic tourist-trap town, with souvenir shops and restaurants galore, many people love the Wild West atmosphere and the rugged setting of Tombstone, and relish the chance to play cowboy for a day.
Website: http://www.ok-corral.com
The Grand Canyon
Grand Canyon, Arizona, USA Photo credit: Tim Hart
A mile deep, 277 miles (446km) long, and up to 18 miles (29km) wide, the breath-taking grandeur of the Grand Canyon is so impressive that words simply cannot do it justice. One of the great natural wonders of the world, it was formed by the cutting action of the Colorado River over millions of years. The hard rock formations survive as great cliffs, pinnacles and buttes, and the different layers of rock span a range of colours, from purple, fiery-red and pastel-pink to yellow, brown, grey and soft tones of blue.
Whether by foot or on horseback, from a plane or helicopter, aboard a raft down the mighty Colorado River or by merely gazing in awe from the rim, the canyon's seemingly infinite depths can be experienced in a variety of ways and is a sight not to be missed however visitors choose to see it. The park receives hordes of visitors from around the world, who never fail to be transfixed by the sculpted rock shapes, the shifting colours
that change with the light, and a tiny glimpse of the Colorado River far below.
The Grand Canyon National Park comprises two separate areas: the South Rim and the more remote North Rim. Separated by the 10-mile (16km) width of the canyon, it is a 215-mile (346km) drive from one Visitor Centre to the other. The South Rim is the most accessible and has more facilities, and as a result it attracts the bulk of visitors to its boundaries. The North Rim is higher in elevation, wetter, with thicker surrounding forests, is more remote, and is cut off by snowfall from October to May. Many people, however, prefer its comparative peacefulness and less-crowded lookouts.
Grand Canyon West has recently opened the Grand Canyon Skywalk, a glass-bottomed, horseshoe shaped deck that juts almost 70 feet (21m) from the canyon's rim. It gives visitors the sensation of being suspended amid the canyon's towering red rock walls above a faint sliver of Colorado
River flowing 4,000 feet (1,219m) below. There is an additional charge for the Skywalk, which is not for those with a fear of heights. Another great way to tour the Grand Canyon is on the Grand Canyon Railway, a vintage steam train that winds its way around the area.
Both rims have numerous drives and walkways along the edge with various scenic viewpoints, and some hiking trails into the canyon where visitors can overnight at Phantom Ranch on the canyon floor. The impact of more than four million visitors a year to the South Rim, especially during the busy summer months, is one of overcrowding and traffic congestion; but seeing the most spectacular examples of natural erosion in the world more than makes up for any inconvenience.
There are also several educational and cultural attractions at the Grand Canyon, including the Tusayan Museum and Ruin (near Desert View), the Yavapai Museum of Geology, and the Verkamps Visitors
Center.
Website: http://www.nps.gov/grca
Taliesin West
Taliesin West Photo credit: Lar
Taliesin West was legendary architect Frank Lloyd Wright's winter home and school from 1937 until he died in 1959, aged 91. Today the facility can be visited as the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation, with tours providing a general introduction to Wright and his hugely influential theories of architecture. The building has been constructed with the natural stone of the region, a reflection of Wright's philosophy that local materials should be used in design wherever possible. There are a range of tours available to suit the visitor's level of interest. For the rookie, a basic introductory tour is recommended, while devotees will want the behind-the-scenes exposé.
Website: http://www.franklloydwright.org
Desert Botanical Garden
Desert Botanical Garden Photo credit: Dave Pape
The Desert Botanical Garden gets high ratings not only for the size and range of its collection, but also the inventive ways visitors can immerse themselves in the desert. With about 21,000 plants representing 139 species, the Desert Botanical Garden was founded in 1939 to provide a fascinating and colourful introduction to the ethnobotany of the region. A highlight is the Plants and People of the Sonoran Desert Trail, which allows visitors to make their own yucca-fibre brush and grind corn as the Native Americans once did. Over November and December the gardens are lit up at night by beautiful luminarias (candles inside small bags), meaning plenty of worthy photography material.
Website: http://www.dbg.org
Heard Museum
The Heard Museum Photo credit: Kirs10
The Heard Museum is home to America's finest collection of Native American art, making this an essential attraction for visitors looking to gain an understanding of the country's original inhabitants. In total there are more than 39,000 works of cultural and fine art ranging across textiles, katsina dolls, pottery, jewellery, baskets, cradleboards, paintings, and sculpture. There are about 10 galleries with dynamic and imaginatively curated exhibitions. Visitors shouldn't miss the annual Guild Indian Fair and Market (March), which includes traditional dance performances along with arts and crafts. The museums signature exhibitions are 'Home: Native People in the Southwest' and 'Away from Home: American Indian Boarding School Stories'.
Website: http://www.heard.org
University of Arizona Art Museum
University of Arizona Photo credit: Huperphuff
The University of Arizona Art Museum is situated on campus as part of the Edward J. Gallagher Memorial Collection. It is home to an impressive permanent collection including works by Jackson Pollock, Franz Kline, and Mark Rothko. The museum houses the C. Leonard Pfeiffer Collection of American paintings and the Samuel H. Kress Collection of European works, from the 14th to the 19th century. Temporary exhibitions are also hosted by the museum so travellers should check the official website to see what's available during their visit. The University of Arizona campus is also the location of the Center for Creative Photography, displaying various works by leading artists such as Edward Weston and Ansel Adams. Lovers of art in all forms will find a visit rewarding while in Tucson.
Website: http://www.artmuseum.arizona.edu
Tucson Rodeo Parade Museum
Tucson Rodeo Photo credit: Woody Hibbard
At the Tucson Rodeo Parade Museum, pioneer artefacts and a recreated Western Main Street represent what Tucson looked like, and what it had to offer in the way of businesses and services, back in the old days of the Wild West. The museum also has an inventory of about 150 vehicles, with everything from small buggies to wagons and coaches on display. The museum hosts the Tucson Rodeo Parade each February, which is great fun for those in the area at the time. Outside of Rodeo Week, the museum is sadly only open between January and March, with guided tours available daily at 10am and 1pm. There are hopes to extend the opening season once sufficient funds have been raised.
Mission San Xavier del Bac Photo credit: Frank Kovalchek
This historic Spanish mission in the Tohono O'odham Nation Reservation is located 10 miles (16km) south of the city (a 20-minute drive) and was founded by Father Kino in the 1660s. The present church, a remarkable building, dates back to the 18th century and remains the oldest intact European structure in Arizona, housing a number of impressive artefacts and murals. It is a National Historic Landmark and is still an active place of worship, where visitors can attend services should they please. Travellers should check the website for a service schedule and note that the church may be closed to sightseeing tourists during times of worship. The mission has a small museum, which showcases artefacts and multimedia presentations on its history.
Website: http://www.sanxaviermission.org
DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun
DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun Photo credit: Sonoflightning
The DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun is an iconic Tucson landmark located at the base of the Santa Catalina Mountains. Established by the famous artist, Ettore DeGrazia, the property is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and features a museum of DeGrazia's work and an adobe chapel, called the Mission in the Sun, as well as striking murals, gardens, and the artist's home and grave site. Apart from the works displayed in the gallery, the property is strewn with sculptures and art installations by the artist renowned for having captured the spirit of the Southwest. Free public tours are available, but must be scheduled in advance.
Website: http://www.degrazia.org
Trail Dust Town
Trail Dust Town Photo credit: MadMaxMarchHare
Trail Dust Town is built on the site of a 1950s Western movie set and is home to a vintage 1920s Fiesta del Presidio carousel and a museum dedicated to Western cavalry and dragoon military units. Designed as a replica of a 19th-century Western town, it has Old West souvenir shops, galleries, and restaurants, as well as a custom leather store, wooden sidewalks, a central plaza, shooting gallery, and a C.P. Huntington train. Hosting Wild West stunt shows and an annual cowboy show in late February, Trail Dust Town is a great place to visit, especially if you are travelling with kids.
Website: http://www.traildusttown.com
Colossal Cave Mountain Park
Colossal Cave Photo credit: Bill Morrow
In 1923, the first proper tours of Colossal Cave were conducted using ropes and lanterns. Today, more advanced and comfortable options are offered. The cave is considered dry or dormant, no longer producing crystal formations due to a lack of water. The preserved stalagmites, stalactites, and flowstone create a cavern of wonder visitors enjoy during guided tours which take just under an hour. The cave itself is only part of the attraction, as the Mountain Park is blessed with a variety of wildlife and some glorious landscapes. Western-themed horseback tours are a popular way to explore the park.
Website: http://www.colossalcave.com
Kartchner Caverns State Park
Kartchner Caverns State Park Photo credit: Mike Lewis
Kartchner Caverns State Park is home to one of the great natural wonders of the American west. There is no known record of the huge living cave being seen before the 1970s and the pristine conditions within have been carefully preserved. A remarkable feature of this cave is that it's a 'wet' or 'living' cave; the calcite formations are still growing and display a stunning variety of multi-coloured cave formations. Two different tours of the caves are available and there is a visitor's centre which details the history and geology of the caverns with interesting exhibits. Tours take between 90 minutes and two hours. Photography is not allowed in the caves but there are postcards available.
This world-renowned museum is more like a zoo, with the majority of the exhibitions outside showcasing the surrounding desert's creatures in their natural habitats. Exhibits include mountain lions, otters, coyotes, bighorn sheep, lizards, and a walk-in aviary. Located in the Sonoran Desert, the setting of the museum also offers awesome views of the surrounding mountain ranges, which visitors can enjoy while touring the botanical garden, natural history museum, art gallery, and aquarium. The gift shop has an excellent selection of Sonoran desert souvenirs. The interactive museum is a must for any visitor staying in Tucson for more than just one day, and kids will love seeing the animals and experiencing the desert landscapes.
Website: http://www.desertmuseum.org
Sabino Canyon
Bear Canyon Trail Photo credit: Jon Abbott
Of the many natural attractions in the Tucson vicinity, Sabino Canyon is one of the most popular. This gaping divide in the Santa Catalina Mountains is the site where ancient Hohokam people constructed irrigation dams while mammoths still roamed the area. After a six-mile (9.6km) hike, visitors can enjoy swimming in the crystal clear pools at Seven Falls or, when the weather is a little too hot for hiking, they can take a ride on the Sabino Canyon Tram, which takes a 45-minute tour with nine stops along the canyon. The canyon is a natural oasis in the desert and is home to a rich variety of wildlife, as well as beautiful landscapes.
Website: http://www.sabinocanyon.com
Tucson Botanical Gardens
Cactus Bloom Photo credit: Kathy Kimpel
The Tucson Botanical Gardens is a major attraction, and not just for the rich collection of cacti and desert wildflowers. An educational walk highlights the history of the native Tohono O'odham Indians and the work local scientists have done to preserve native seeds. Visitors should be sure to see the traditional Mexican-American neighbourhood garden (Nuestro Jardin), and relax on the shaded restaurant patio. The gardens are open seven days a week, all year, and provide a pleasant sample of the desert vegetation of Arizona as well as a taste of the indigenous culture. There are about 17 speciality gardens, as well as rotating exhibitions, and tours of the gardens are available.
Website: http://www.tucsonbotanical.org
Philabaum Glass
Glass Blowing Photo credit: Daniel D'Auria
Tom Philabaum is well known as one of America's foremost glass artists, with exhibits throughout the Western world. His gallery showcases and justifies this reputation with examples of his own work, also exhibiting over 100 other nationally and internationally celebrated glass artists. Aside from viewing the extraordinary exhibits, visitors are also welcome to watch glassblowing in progress and learn more about the craft in the studio. The gallery has been a great favourite on the Tucson art scene for more than 30 years and travellers interested in art will relish a visit to this creative gallery. It is also an exciting place to buy souvenirs.
Website: http://www.philabaumglass.com
Valley of the Moon
Valley of the Moon Photo credit: LocalWiki Contributors
The Valley of the Moon was designed to stimulate the imagination of children and to awaken creativity and spirituality in all visitors. Visitors can delve into a fantasy land in the desert, with historic Western sites in a magical setting, created by George Phar Legler in the 1920s. Mineralised rock cliffs, caves, pools, and garden miniatures have merged with tropic and desert flora to make what Legler called the 'Fantasy Touch of Three', referring to the worlds of Edgar Allen Poe, Lewis Carroll, and Robert Louis Stevenson. There are tours, shows, and a gift shop on site. The Valley of the Moon also hosts events ranging from weddings to concerts to yoga retreats. Although this unusual attraction may not be to everybody's taste, those travelling with children will no doubt find a visit rewarding.
Website: http://www.tucsonvalleyofthemoon.com
Lake Mead and Hoover Dam
Hoover Dam Photo credit: Raquel Baranow
The 1.5 million acre Lake Mead Recreation Area was created in 1936 as part of Roosevelt's New Deal programme. A popular excursion from Las Vegas or even Phoenix, Lake Mead is a haven for outdoor recreation such as boating, swimming, canoeing, fishing, waterskiing, lake cruises, and even scuba diving. Five marinas ring the lake, ranging from small family-owned operations such as Hemingway Harbor to large resorts such as Forever Resorts at Callville Bay.
The rest of the shoreline of Lake Mead is made up of rocky coves and sandy beaches good for sunbathing. Land-based activities such as camping and hiking are available in the surrounding area. The Alan Bible Visitor Center, also known as the Lake Mead Visitor Center, provides information about activities and resources at Lake Mead. There are also some educational exhibits, including a garden of cactus plants native to the Mojave Desert. Lake Mead is formed by the giant Hoover Dam, a popular
tourist attraction. Attracting nearly 3,000 people each day, Hoover Dam is an engineering marvel, standing 726 feet (221m) tall and 1,244 feet (379m) wide. The enormous dam supplies 90 percent of Las Vegas' water, and visitors can take guided tours of the facility.
Website: http://www.nps.gov/lake/index.htm
Petrified Forest National Park
Petrified Forest National Park Photo credit: Finetooth
Located in the northeastern corner of Arizona, Petrified Forest National Park was designated a national monument in 1906. The trees within the park are over 225 million years old, and have over that period transformed into brilliantly-coloured minerals, the world's largest concentration of petrified wood. Aside from the trees, there is a variety of wildlife to see in the park, including bobcats, coyotes, owls, porcupines, mule deer, and various desert lizards and rodents. There are several trails leading to popular sites in the park, making it a great place for desert hiking. Visitors should be aware that it is illegal to remove petrified wood from Petrified Forest National Park.
Website: http://www.nps.gov/pefo/index.htm
Kingman
Kingman, Arizona Photo credit: JlsElsewhere
Kingman is a nostalgic tourist destination in Arizona. Located in the northeastern corner of the state, between the Grand Canyon and Las Vegas, the city is a popular fuelling stop between the two destinations. However, Kingman is most famous for having been a major stop along the celebrated Route 66. There are a few old buildings and museums dedicated to this era, including the aptly named Route 66 Museum, and though most of the road has been replaced by Interstate I-40, the longest remaining stretch runs from Kingman to Ash Fork. There are some good restaurants and bars in Kingman and wonderful hiking can be enjoyed in the area.
Website: http://www.gokingman.com
Pueblo Grande Museum and Archaeological Park
Pueblo Grande Photo credit: Offworlder
Located surprisingly close to downtown Phoenix, the Pueblo Grande Museum and Archaeological Park is the site of the remains of a 1,500-year-old Hohokam village. The site is a National Historic Landmark and the largest preserved archaeological site in the region. Mysteriously abandoned around 1450, all that remains of the village is enclosed in a small museum with artefacts and exhibits showing daily life in the settlement. Hiking trails wind around the ruins and replicas themselves, so visitors should come prepared for the hot weather of southern Arizona. The site hosts the Pueblo Grande Indian Market each December, featuring more than 250 local artisans. For those who miss the market, there is a museum shop open year-round.
Tent-camping is one of life's greatest joys — assuming, of course, that you know how to prep and pack for it. I was fortunate enough to grow up in a family that spent a lot of long weekends venturing through the mountains of northern Arizona with just a packable tent, a couple spare batteries, and a
Ahumble city that prides itself on its quirks, Tucson doesn’t first appear to be a place of global gastronomic notoriety. But a closer look reveals that Arizona's second-largest city just may be one of the most important food destinations you’ll ever visit. Tucson is a UNESCO Creative City
Five Arizona hotels were just named among the best in the world for 2024. Travel + Leisure unveiled its 2024 T+L 500 list of the world's best hotels, compiled based on ratings from its readers, in its May issue. The list includes five Arizona hotels, including four
The Grand Canyon in Arizona is the most-visited natural wonder on the entire planet. Most travelers visit the South Rim because of its accessibility, whereas the North Rim is quieter and harder to access
An Arizona couple says a travel company they didn’t know they were using has cost them hundreds of dollars. Judy Overmeyer and her husband Michael are enjoying their retirement life in San Tan Valley. However, the one activity they long for is spending time
As one of Arizona’s most alluring desert cities, Sedona has long ignited the imagination of adventurers, artists and mystics. Now wine tours and film festivals have added to its eclectic vibe, with natural and cultural worlds coming together. Sedona’s dramatic
Explore Northern Arizona’s beauty with our Flagstaff Summer Travel Guide. From outdoor adventures to cultural experiences, make new memories this summer that you’ll never forget
Hiking in Arizona might seem like a challenge when considering vast routes through the Grand Canyon, but there are many scenic hikes in the state that are suitable for beginner hikers, families with young kids, or adventurers just looking for a relaxing way to
Pawtucket, RI (February 21, 2024) – Collette is reminding travelers of its “Grand Hawaiian Adventure” tour, which takes them across four of the state’s islands. The Classic tour is a great way for travelers to enjoy paradise while exploring its natural beauties and also its rich history and culture.
Over the course of 13 days, travelers will venture to Oahu, Big Island (Kona), Maui, and Kauai. Some of the tour’s highlights include, a visit to the USS Arizona Memorial to remember Pearl Harbor, a wonderful drive along Oahu’s
Pawtucket, RI (December 1, 2023) – Collette reminds travelers that departures for its “Canyon Country” tour are now available for booking in both 2024 and 2025. The eight-day tour is the perfect way to explore the Southwestern United States.
For travelers that want to venture outside of the Golden State, Collette offers the eight-day “Canyon Country” tour. This is another tour that is full of amazing views. The adventure kicks off in Scottsdale, Arizona and then quickly sees travelers venture to Sedona. From there they’ll mosey through the Kaibab National Forrest before reaching the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. Later in the tour they’ll hit both the Bryce Canyon and Zion National Parks. Travelers can secure their spot on the “Canyon Country” tour with a
An American Airlines passenger has been ordered to pay nearly $40,000 after causing a major disruption on a flight and forcing it to be diverted, according to a press release from the US Attorney's Office in the District of Arizona on Tuesday
The Tombstone, Arizona Territory gang loosely known as "the Cowboys" had business interests that conflicted with the new Sheriff(s) in town: Virgil, Wyatt, and Morgan Earp and their notorious partner "Doc" Holiday. The subsequent events and historical accuracy of much of what happened, and why, are a matter of dispute. To this day, family members of those involved contend the elements of the story.
What is known is that at approximately 3:00 PM on October 26th, 1881, the Earps and Holiday faced down four of the Cowboys in a gunfight at the O.K. Corral. When the encounter was over, three of the Cowboys
President Ronald Reagan appointed Sandra Day O'Connor to the United States Supreme Court, the first woman to hold the position, on this day in 1981. A judge from Arizona, O'Connor was notable for her moderate political
Truly exceptional stargazing requires being somewhere far from city lights so the night sky is very dark. Unfortunately, finding lodging in such remote locations can be challenging. That’s where Under Canvas — which offers upscale, safari-style accommodations
Ely MacInnes and her husband, Tom, began traveling in the western United States with their 85-pound mutt, Alaska, in March 2020. Driving and living in an R.V., they visited White Sands and Petrified Forest National Parks in New Mexico and Arizona before heading to California, Oregon and Washington. They
You will finally be able to live in a ‘Barbie World’ when Mattel Adventure Park opens in Glendale, Arizona next year. The first-ever Mattel park will celebrate iconic American toy brands and most notably, it will feature a Barbie-themed area bringing new meaning
The National Park Service (NPS) is advising visitors to proceed with extra caution as two people were recently injured after interactions with wild bison at both Yellowstone National Park, and Theodore Roosevelt National Park. On Monday, a woman from Arizona was charged and
There are many good reasons that the Circle Z Ranch in Patagonia, Arizona, is ranked No. 5 on the USA Today 10Best Readers Choice Awards for Best Dude Ranches of 2023, but perhaps the main reason is all about family. For while Circle Z has welcomed guests to the
On a family holiday in 2018, Marc Garcia was shocked at the strange looks and lack of patience that hospitality staff had for his autistic son. As the CEO and president of tourism bureau Visit Mesa in south-central Arizona, he vowed on his return to ensure neurodiverse travellers
The days of fumbling around for your driver’s license at the security checkpoint are slowly coming to an end. Apple officially launched digital state IDs in the iPhone Wallet app last year, beginning with Arizona and Maryland. Since then, the tech giant has worked to
After driving across this country – from Alabama to Ohio, from Georgia to Arizona, and several times through Texas – somehow, I’ve missed out on something huge. I’ve never been to a Buc-ee’s, at least not until this week. Since a brand-spankin’ new one
Scottsdale, Arizona, has set itself apart as a luxury destination for travelers who expect to experience the best of the best. The city’s breathtaking desert landscape and sunny weather make it a travel destination that can be visited at any time of the year. There is no
What attracted guests such as Marilyn Monroe and Frank Sinatra, and landed the Arizona Biltmore in films going back to the Golden Age, is the same mix of noteworthy architecture, glamour, and hospitality at the highest level that draws discerning travelers today. This is a hot
There are few places quite as ICONIC as Arizona. We’ll cover some of the best things to do in Arizona, from the cinema-famous wondrous landscapes to the sunsets that won’t stop, the state has some incredible things to offer. If you are here for a week or a season, let this Arizona travel
A relaxing getaway looks a bit different for everyone, but if you’re craving a true respite, researchers recommend seeking out awe experiences. You know, those jaw-dropping moments that make you feel small—say, reaching the top of a mountain, taking in an expansive vista, or gazing up into the glittery night sky. Studies show these awe-filled moments can help balance your
In 1829, a Native American boy named Goyathlay was born to the Apache tribe in what was then Mexican territory, but would later be Arizona. He married and had three children. In 1851, a group of Mexican
Looking for the best vegan restaurants in Phoenix? Travel Noire’s got you covered for the Super Bowl and beyond! Are you going to enjoy the Super Bowl in Arizona and looking for plant-based dining alternatives? Travel Noire has compiled this list of the top vegan restaurants in Phoenix
Arizona is a charming US state and has many places to explore. Tempe, east of Phoenix and the site of Arizona State University, has the atmosphere of a university town and activities that entice visitors to stay for a while. However, Tempe is not simply a college town. Its commercial options
Yuma's locals refer to their city as the true Southwest, the sunniest city on earth, the gateway to the Great Southwest. None of these is disputed. In fact, Yuma actually earned a place in the Guinness World Record for having sunshine for more than 90% of the year. But
Mesa is the third largest city in Arizona and a suburb on the outskirts of the Phoenix Metropolitan Area. With approximately 500,000 residents calling it home, Mesa is more populous than actual cities like Miami and New Orleans, earning it the title of America’s largest suburb. Its location in the
Whether we’re skiing in Lake Tahoe, relaxing in a spa retreat in Scottsdale, Arizona, or museum-hopping in Washington, D.C., what we often remember most about our stays at hotels and resorts across America are the people who helped us have an easier, more
Thinking about visiting Phoenix? The Valley of the Sun is one of the most iconic travel destinations in the Southwest region of the United States, and a must-visit spot in Arizona. Brimming with beautiful culture, stunning mountains, and spectacular sandy deserts with many things to see
USS Arizona sailor Lou Conter lived through the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor even though his battleship exploded and sank after being pierced by aerial bombs. That makes the now 101-year-old somewhat of a celebrity, especially on the anniversary of the Dec. 7, 1941, assault. Many call
Phoenix, Arizona is an excellent place to visit in the colder months thanks to its relatively warm winters offering a comfortable escape from the colder temperatures found in many other places. If you’re looking to plan a trip to the city, deciding where to stay will no doubt be an
As dusk approaches, the glow of the candles magnifies along the paths. The sound of music wafts through the air from various parts of the garden. Las Noches de Las Luminarias marks the beginning of another holiday season. At multiple locations throughout the Desert Botanical
Emily Henkel vividly remembers the first time her late fiancé, Alexander Lofgren, found peace in the outdoors. They had gone camping at one of her favorite spots in Prescott, Arizona. Lying in a hammock, staring up at the sky amid ponderosa pines, she spotted a tear rolling
The Tombstone, Arizona Territory gang loosely known as "the Cowboys" had business interests that conflicted with the new Sheriff(s) in town: Virgil, Wyatt, and Morgan Earp and their notorious partner "Doc" Holiday. The
The Desert Bar's annual summer closure come to an end. The beloved Arizona watering hole, also known as the Nellie E Saloon, opened for its 2022-2023 season on Oct. 1. The iconic outpost down a dirt road in the rugged mountains near Parker, in western Arizona
Decades before statehood in 1912, the riches of the Sonoran Desert attracted prospectors and the outlaws who followed them. Wyatt Earp, Doc Holliday, Johnny Ringo and the wildest of the Wild West roamed the Arizona territory. These days, you can live that Old West experience in relative luxury at
When conditions line up just right, a normally dry cliffside in Arizona's Navajo Nation outside of Flagstaff transforms into a milky brown waterfall taller than the Niagara Falls — a phenomenon that visitors who were in the right place at the right time recently got to see. "Sightseers in Arizona
Tombstone is one of the most iconic of all Wild West Boomtowns. It is situated in southern Arizona near the Mexican border and is the famous site of the Gunfight at O.K. Corral. Here one can visit the Old West town that was the site of the most famous Wild West shootout
The stunning destination of Sedona, Arizona is feeling the squeeze, along with many other iconic destinations worldwide. A new film called "The Last Tourist" offers up ways we can fix the travel glut.
The Tombstone, Arizona Territory gang loosely known as "the Cowboys" had business interests that conflicted with the new Sheriff(s) in town: Virgil, Wyatt and Morgan Earp and their notorious partner "Doc" Holiday. The subsequent events and historical accuracy of much of what happened, and why, are a matter of dispute. To this day, family members of those involved contend the elements of the story. What is known is
Puerto Peñasco or Rocky Point is sometimes called Arizona’s Beach due to its proximity to major Arizona cities. A four-hour drive from Tucson or Phoenix
The Adero Scottsdale, located in the Sonoran Desert, has the distinction of being the only Autograph Collection destination inside a certified Dark Sky Community, meaning it's a prime location for stargazing all year long
In 1829, a Native American boy named Goyathlay was born to the Apache tribe in what was then Mexican territory, but would later be Arizona. He married and had three children. In 1851, a group of Mexican soldiers attacked his village while most of the men of the tribe were away. Goyathlay's wife and three children were murdered.
The people of his village considered Goyathlay as man of supernatural powers - he soon turned his abilities
Although the 2020 holiday season will be unlike any other we’ve experienced, with social distancing, safety protocols and restrictions on gatherings, millions of Americans still plan to travel throughout the holiday season. Gary Kirkilas, DO, a clinical assistant professor of Child Health at the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix, discussed his concerns about holiday travel with kids.
Like a lot of Arizona, Native American reservations in our state rely heavily on tourism. But with the pandemic, fewer people are traveling, and tribal communities have been hit harder than most by the virus itself. So where does that leave Native American businesses in our state? To find out, I got a hold of Geri Hongeva. She's the board president of the Arizona American Indian Tourism Association and a member of the Navajo tribe. And she told me for some tribes, tourism is their main source of revenue.
The Tombstone, Arizona Territory gang loosely known as "the Cowboys" had business interests that conflicted with the new Sheriff(s) in town: Virgil, Wyatt and Morgan Earp and their notorious partner "Doc" Holiday. The subsequent events and historical accuracy of much of what happened, and why, are a matter of dispute. To this day, family members of those involved contend the elements of the story. What is known is that at approximately 3:00 PM on October 26th, 1881, the Earps and Holiday faced down four of the Cowboys in a gunfight at the O.K. Corral. When the encounter was over, three of the Cowboys were dead and only Wyatt Earp was not injured on the side of the Sheriffs. At an inquest, a court exonerated the Earps of murder charges and their legend as lawmen was made.
Wyatt Earp lived to the age of 80 and died in Los Angeles in 1929.
Ready to go straight back to the 80s? Atari Hotels is coming for you. On Wednesday, the GSD Group announced it’s taking the next step in bringing the video game-inspired Atari Hotels to life. GSD hired the architecture and design firm, Gensler, which has now unveiled its vision for the first two Atari Hotels set to open in Las Vegas, Nevada, and Phoenix, Arizona.
Travel publication Condé Nast Traveler has recognized a number of Arizona hotels and resorts, and even one city among the best destinations in the country and region.
President Ronald Reagan appointed Sandra Day O'Connor to the United States Supreme Court, the first woman to hold the position, on this day in 1981. A judge from Arizona, O'Connor was notable for her moderate political views and votes from the bench. She retired on January 31, 2006, replaced by Samuel Alito. She is now the Chancellor of the College of William and Mary in Virginia.
The Native American warrior Geronimo was born and raised in that part of the west now known as Arizona, then a part of Mexico, to a band of the Apache tribe. In March of 1851, a group of Mexican soldiers attacked Geronimo's village while the male members of the tribe were away. Geronimo's wife, mother and children were murdered in the attack. From that point on, Geronimo began a campaign against Mexican, and later US, soldiers and settlers. Under his leadership, the Apache warriors earned a reputation for ruthlessness and were greatly feared. The US Government in 1886 charged Captain Henry Lawton, of B Troop, 4th Cavalry, with hunting down and capturing Geronimo. Lawton pursued Geronimo relentlessly and finally wore down the small group of Apaches that were left fighting. On September 4th, 1886, Geronimo surrendered to Lawton and his superiors.
The Department of Defense on Monday announced that three U.S. states are prohibited for travel by its service members because of the constant spreading of COVID-19. Those do not include the recent flared-up hot spots of Texas and Arizona.
At a time when Arizona's hospitality industry is furloughing its workforce and temporarily closing resorts, a new boutique hotel in Tucson is holding virtual job fairs. In fact, Tucson native Vishal Patel and his business partner Sunny Patel are optimistic that they could open their 112-room property, The Tuxon, just as people are ready to return to travel this summer with features guests will be looking
Though considered essential and permitted to stay open during stay at home orders, beloved resorts in Phoenix like the Biltmore, Phoenician, Omni and JW Marriott Desert Ridge have each closed their doors over the months of March and April in response to efforts to contain the spread of the new coronavirus. Now, the Arizona Office of Tourism is releasing some data showing the extent of the impact to
If you’re bored of lockdown strolls in the local park, try these online hikes to Everest and Patagonia and a jaw-dropping ascent of El Capitan. The Grand Canyon, USA: At 277 miles in length, 18 miles across at its widest, and a maximum 1,857 metres deep, this vast Arizona landmark is grand in nature as well as name. Around 40 sedimentary layers are visible in
When airliners have passed their twilight years -- on average, after 26 years of service -- many end up in the tumbleweed-strewn "plane boneyards" of California, Arizona and New Mexico. Sure, the pilots' seats will probably end up taking pride of place in somebody's man cave, and there are other aeronautical curios that specialist companies salvage and transform into avgeek knick-knacks. But once the
In 1829, a Native American boy named Goyathlay was born to the Apache tribe in what was then Mexican territory, but would later be Arizona. He married and had three children. In 1851, a group of Mexican soldiers attacked his village while most of the men of the tribe were away. Goyathlay's wife and three children were
A galaxy far, far away is a whole lot closer than you think. These Star Wars filming locations are just a plane ride away -- from Iceland and Italy to Tunisia and Arizona.
The State Department warned Americans against traveling to the Mexican state of Sonora months before nine members of a family with dual U.S. and Mexican citizenship were killed there Monday. Although the U.S. State Department has a level 2 travel advisory in place for the country of Mexico – calling for visitors to "exercise increased caution" – Sonora, which is just south of Arizona, is listed as level 3
When was the last time you explored the gems right in your own backyard? So often we get caught up in finding flight deals to dip out to the other side of the world, that we forget all about the beauty there is to behold right here in our very own country. Natural picturesque destinations like Arizona are ripe and ready for exploration and discovery and you don’t have to travel across the world
If you thought summer was nearly over, think again. On Tuesday, a monstrous heat wave spread over 13 states across much of the southern U.S., including parts of Southern California, Arizona, Texas, Missouri, Tennessee, and Kentucky. Laredo, Texas, set a new record high
For hikers and photographers it doesn’t get much better than The Wave — a colorful sandstone rock formation in Arizona that’s been eroded by the wind to resemble an ocean wave. The site’s exclusivity only adds to its allure, as the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has capped the number of daily permits at 20 — 10 online and 10 walk-in — in order to protect
Caesars Entertainment says its first non-gaming hotel in the United States will open in Arizona. The company announced Monday its partnering with Aimbridge Hospitality for Caesars Republic Scottsdale, a four-star, 11-story hotel with 266 rooms located near Scottsdale Fashion Square. Groundbreaking is scheduled for later this year.
A 14-year-old girl from San Jose, California, visiting the Horseshoe Bend Overlook in Page, Arizona, has died from what authorities believe to be an accidental fall from the popular attraction. Authorities from the Coconino Sheriff’s Office reported that the teenager’s body was found at the bottom of Horseshoe Bend
The Tombstone, Arizona Territory gang loosely known as "the Cowboys" had business interests that conflicted with the new Sheriff(s) in town: Virgil, Wyatt and Morgan Earp and their notorious partner "Doc" Holiday. The subsequent events and historical accuracy of much of what happened, and why, are a matter of dispute. To this day, family members of those involved
President Ronald Reagan on this date in 1981 appointed Sandra Day O'Connor to the United States Supreme Court, the first woman to hold the position. A judge from Arizona, O'Connor was notable for her moderate political views and votes from the bench. She retired on January 31, 2006, replaced by Samuel Alito. She is now the Chancellor of the College of William and Mary in Virginia.
For years The Thing rested in a dusty warehouse, visitors wondering what it was. A new museum makes it clear - The Thing is stranger than you thought...
Lavender paints a field purple in Provence, France. The apex of the Dome of the Rock shrine glints gold in Jerusalem, Israel. The red rocks of Sedona, Arizona, jut into a boundless blue sky. Color makes us stop short in our journeys, compelling us to linger, gawk, and—long after we’ve returned home—remember a destination.
The Wednesday flight from the world’s busiest airport in Atlanta to a remote salvage yard in southern Arizona marked the last time that Boeing’s 747 jumbo jet would fly for a U.S. passenger airline
A discreet haven for Hollywood types in the 1960s, the golf course resort outside Scottsdale eventually lost its luster and closed in 2004. Now a $100 million rebuild by the developers behind nearby Hotel Valley Ho and the Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain has restored the star quality, if not the stars
The welcoming Rancho de los Caballeros in Wickenburg, Ariz., soothes visitors with prickly pear margaritas, a spa and labyrinth, and an 18-hole golf course. And for those who must saddle up, there
Hiking in the Grand Canyon in late June may not sound very appealing to some, But your destination — the blue-green waters of Arizona’s Havasu Falls and the captivating area that skirts one of the seven wonders of the world, makes the 10-mile trek through Havasu Canyon definitely worth getting there
In Arizona’s Sonoran desert, things aren’t always what they seem. While there are no actual mirages, like in those westerns, you’ll see plenty of remarkable things
The Tombstone, Arizona Territory gang loosely known as "the Cowboys" had business interests that conflicted with the new Sheriff(s) in town: Virgil, Wyatt and Morgan Earp and their notorious partner "Doc" Holiday
Visiting small towns is one of the great joys of travel. Combine scenic beauty, easy access and welcoming main street businesses and you’ve got all the makings of a memorable day trip. We’ve explored Arizona and found these five small-town gems you’re sure to enjoy
Visiting small towns is one of the great joys of travel. Combine scenic beauty, easy access and welcoming main street businesses and you’ve got all the makings of a memorable day trip. We’ve explored Arizona and found these five small-town gems you’re sure to enjoy
Arcosanti finds the magic in urban life by honouring and uplifting its day-to-day environment. Dreamy architecture inspired by the landscape – it’s largely built into a canyon – springs up almost out of nowhere as visitors follow a dirt road from Interstate 17
From urban-sleek hotels in Brooklyn and Baltimore to luxe desert resorts in Arizona and Palm Springs, we’ve rounded up the most lounge-ready (and Instagram-worthy) of them all. Just add SPF
From the 1950s to '70s, it gained a new life as the ultimate path across America for road-tripping families who visited its themed motels, neon-lit diners and audacious roadside attractions. The end was nigh by the mid-'80s, however, when Route 66 had been replaced almost in its entirety by five soul-crushing interstates
When Scottsdale sizzles, prices plummet. That’s pretty much why some posh resorts in the Arizona town offer deep summer room discounts. Here’s your chance to sample the good life — at a fraction of the high-season cost
This buried treasure in Arizona has all the accoutrements of modern living - sights, boutiques and fine foods - for when the coyotes and cactuses just aren't enough
In 1829, a Native American boy given the name of Goyathlay was born to the Apache tribe in what was at the time Mexico but which would later become Arizona. He married and had three children. In 1851, a group of Mexican soldiers attacked his village while most of the men of the tribe were away. Goyathlay's wife and three children were murdered
America’s new-age capital is brimming with tours, classes and shops offering spiritual healing, but its most uplifting aspect is its dramatic setting amid rust-coloured mesas and buttes
The Tombstone, Arizona Territory gang loosely known as "the Cowboys" had business interests that conflicted with the new Sheriff(s) in town: Virgil, Wyatt and Morgan Earp and their notorious partner "Doc" Holiday
With an enviably glitzy list of former guests and amazing architectural pedigree linked to Frank Lloyd Wright, the newly renovated Hotel Valley Ho is as hot as Arizona itself
Last Monday, on the day she turned 72, Ann Rodgers awoke to a hummingbird flitting its wings in her face. The sun was just starting to come up over the ridge, and she watched as the bird flapped about before zipping away. The joyful encounter allowed her to forget, briefly, where she was. Or rather, that she had little clue where she was
"Grease: Live!" star Vanessa Hudgens and model/actor boyfriend Austin Butler are in a bit of hot water after a romantic Valentine's Day weekend in Sedona, Arizona
Poor Kansas. While bands from the King Cole Trio to the Rolling Stones sang about the famous highway — name dropping Illinois, Missouri, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and California — the lyrics ignore Kansas. Maybe it's because just a few miles of Route 66 passed through the Sunflower State
Namibia’s Fish River Canyon looks petite to anyone who’s ever visited Arizona’s Grand Canyon. Still, the gorge runs an impressive 1,800-feet deep and 100 miles long. It is the second largest natural gorge in Africa, and one of the most picturesque scenes the continent has to offer