As the winter bears down on most of the country, there are few places in the US where the weather is warm and mild. Many think of jetting off to Hawaii with the rest of the tourists seeking the sun, but there is another place that offers spectacular views, inexpensive lodging and loads of outdoor adventures … Arizona.
The Grand Canyon state isn’t just a desert in the Southwest. This state has far more surprises than most non-natives know. With two modest ski resorts in the northern region and one of the world’s greatest natural wonders, Grand Canyon National Park, you can spend a day in the snow, and three hours later be back in the Valley of the Sun sipping a cocktail by the pool. Although during this time of the year, you may want to make sure your resort has a heated pool. Evening temperatures dip down into the 40s even 30s, but the warm 75 degree days are great for any outdoor activity.
The best time to visit Arizona is in the spring. It’s the most expensive time, especially in the
Phoenix area due to baseball’s spring training season, but the wildflowers are crazy beautiful and pop up just about anywhere after a little rainfall. Even the cactus put on a spectacular show during this time of the year.
Grand Canyon National Park
Probably the most visited site in the world, the Grand Canyon is a spectacular natural beauty. Most
people take a trip to the rim to view the enormous gaping hole carved by centuries of rapid flowing water through the terrain, but river rafting down the Colorado River at its base, is a great way to see the amazing cliffs along the canyon. Be prepared to hit some rapids in certain areas on the river, and when booking a tour, check the age recommendations for any river trip you decide to take, as some areas are for experienced adults only. There are many things to look out for along the river and trails; Horseshoe bend, wildlife and constant changing water levels. Rainfall further up the river and the Glenn Canyon dam can cause the water levels to rise rapidly, so be cautious if you are hiking along the river’s edge. Never leave your kids unattended as the river can be unpredictable and could sweep them off into the flow before you know it. It may look beautiful and serene, but this river is wild and fast.
Havasupai Falls is another great location for the avid hiker. This area is a favorite for those wanting to experience the transition from the warm rim to the cool sometimes cold interior. It is an endurance hike, so make sure you have plenty of water, food, energy and time! You can take a guided tour on the back of a mule, but this has it’s own challenges. You may not be doing all the walking, but riding on the back of a sure-footed stiff-legged animal can be hard on the butt and possibly your nerves. If you and your family are the adventurous type, this is definitely a great way to experience the canyon.
Vermilion Cliffs National Monument
One of the greatest things about this state is, just when you think you have seen all there is to see, you stumble upon another mind-blowing scenic view. Many of the roads throughout the state will appear flat and uneventful, but give them a few more miles and you’ll eventually come to another enormous canyon or towering rock formation. This area borders Kaibab National Forest and includes Paria Plateau, Vermilion Cliffs, Coyote Buttes, and Paria Canyon. The 280,000 acre area has elevations as high as 7,100 feet and petroglyphs can be found along the walls of the canyon reminding visitors of earlier Puebloans and other native people who once lived here.
The southeast side of the park is the most picturesque. It’s just off the US 89 and US 89A on your way to Page or the Grand Canyon, but its worth the trip to see the winding rock formations and petroglyphs. A permit is required for hiking in Coyote Buttes North (the Wave), Coyote Buttes South, or an overnight stay within Paria Canyon.
During the spring, this area usually has mild temperatures with a calm subtle breeze drifting across the terrain. It’s not uncommon to encounter a quick furious storm during the early spring season, and if you’re in one of the canyons…flash floods are common. Fortunately, the storms are usually short-lived and leave behind a slight sweet scent of the high desert.
While you’re in this area, try to plan your trip to include Lake Powell. Lone Rock camp grounds are a great place to camp along the lake. This area gets really packed during the summer months and holidays, so check ahead for an available site. If you aren’t into camping, but would love to see some of the area. You can book a tour from Wahweap Marina on the Rainbow Bridge Tour. As a kid, I spent many summers up in this area exploring with family and friends the vast channels that drain into the Lake. After eighteen
n years of exploring, I still have yet to see it all, but I have some amazing memories of climbing along the smooth orange-red striped walls of the canyons and water skiing on the glass-smooth bluish-green lake. It’s a wonderful place for kids to roam, swim, fish and water skiing. If you have the time, the best way to experience the lake is by houseboat. Watch out during monsoon season, July thru September, as violent storms are known to creep up and thrash the boats about the lake.
Sunset Crater National Monuments
About 930 years ago, lava flowed from the Sunset Crater Volcano. The 1200° C liquid created a river that covered almost 4.5 kilometers of land before it finally cooled and solidified. To the west of the Sunset crater there are self-guided trails around the base of San Francisco Peak, a dormant volcano where the city of Flagstaff has built one of Arizona’s ski resorts.
As you head east from Sunset crater, you enter a flat grassland area with little to see before you arrive at the wooded mountains of the Mongolian Rim, except… a huge depression. 0.74 miles wide, just 6 miles south of the I-40. The Meteor Crater was created 49,000 years ago by a meteoric impact. This area is privately owned and will cost you $16 per adult and $8 for children five and older to see it.
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