Population: 4, 600, 000

Area: 113, 909 sq. miles

Time: Varies. Pacific Time

Arizona’s main attraction is the Grand Canyon. Located 7,000 feet above sea level in Arizona’s northern plateau, the canyon remains open year round and is a 1-1/2 hour drive north of Flagstaff.

Carved by the mighty Colorado River, this two-billion-year-old wonder of the world can be experienced in many delightful ways. An enjoyable way to get there is aboard the Grand Canyon Railway, a turn-of-the-century steam train which operates out of Williams. For the adventurous, mule trips are available for one- or two-day inner canyon rides and overnights, but reservations must be made in advance and in writing.

The most exciting way to view the canyon is from below, on a whitewater rafting excursion. Half-day floats can also be booked, or try a flightseeing excursion by plane or helicopter.

Be sure to include the IMAX Theater presentation, “Grand Canyon: The Hidden Secrets,” presented daily from 8:30am to 8:30pm in Tusayan. Located outside the south entrance, this one-hour show takes you vicariously on all the aforementioned excursions, as well as informing you about the canyon’s history, wildlife, and vegetation.

Called the “Jewel of the Colorado,” the sandstone formations which rise above Lake Powell’s deep-blue waters bestow an other-worldly atmosphere to this remote and stunning area. Boating and fishing are what people do most here, though lodges and restaurants are close by.

At Flagstaff’s highly acclaimed Museum of Northern Arizona, excellent insights and exhibitions about the state’s pre-historic cultures are presented, along with information on present-day Native peoples.

One of the most popular activities is the Annual Marketplace Event, which showcases Hopi, Navajo and Zuni artists selling and demonstrating their exquisite arts and crafts.

Be sure to bring the kids along, as children’s activities are included, along with lectures and music. Hopi artisans are featured July 6th & 7th, the Navajo on July 27th & 28th and Zuni, September 14th & 15th.

The crystalline waters of Oak Creek provide memorable fishing, hiking, birdwatching and swimming opportunities, while camping and mountain bike riding offer other means of exploring the canyon’s hidden secrets. Slide Rock State Park features a natural slide carved by the creek, where swimmers can shoot the rapids into swirling pools of cool water.

The picturesque town of Sedona— listed among the top 100 art communities in America—rivals the Grand Canyon as Arizona’s most popular tourist attraction. A world-class destination, Sedona boasts a variety of award-winning restaurants, one-of-a-kind shops and over 40 fine art galleries. Activities range from golf to horseback riding, jeep tours, to hot-air balloon rides, and an assortment of cultural and musical events throughout the year. Jazz enthusiasts from around the world flock to Sedona for one of its best events, the annual Jazz on the Rocks concert. This all-day concert in late September is always a treat.

Just south of Sedona, the Verde Valley embraces an abundance of historic sites and adventures. Montezuma Castle, so named because it seemed magnificent enough to have been built by the Aztec leader, is the most well-preserved cliff dwelling in the state. Nearby Fort Verde State Park is the site of the final battles between General George Crook and the Yavapai and Tonto Apache Indians in the 1870’s.

For an intimate glimpse of an historic copper-mining town, Jerome, once called the “Wickedest City in the West,” has preserved its early day charm and is now a thriving arts community. Families will love the Gold King Mine, with its petting zoo and walking tours of historic buildings. For a special dining treat, the House of Joy has recreated the ambience of an old bawdy house with excellent moderately priced food. Make reservations in advance because seating is limited and they are open only on weekends.

The historic Arizona Central Railroad, which once linked Jerome to the territorial capital of Prescott, operates year-round from Clarkdale and is another marvelous way to view the untouched beauty of the Verde River Canyon wilderness.

Prescott is the place to be from July 3rd through the 7th, when this historic town explodes with the “World’s Oldest Rodeo,” a parade, entertainment, dances, fireworks and a cowboy golf tournament. Other must-sees are Whiskey Row and the Sharlott Hall Museum, where Arizona’s territorial days are brought to life year-round.

If you miss the Prescott Rodeo, top cowboys also compete in Payson in mid-August at the “World’s Oldest Continuous Rodeo,” with arts and crafts vendors adding to the excitement.

Another rodeo takes place in Phoenix in early October when the Rodeo Showdown features the world finals with championship riders, country entertainment and great food.

For those who prefer Native American cultures past and present, the Phoenix Heard Museum is a must. Families love zoos, and Phoenix has an excellent one. With over 1,300 animals showcased in natural settings, the Phoenix Zoo also boasts 200 endangered species, including rare Sumatra tigers.

For a taste of Arizona’s wild west days, try nearby Scottsdale. This city is home to Rawhide, an 1880’s replica of a Western town, replete with gun fights, a petting ranch, cookouts, a steakhouse, shops and a variety of entertaining events. Also in Scottsdale, the Thunderbird Balloon Classic gets underway from October 31st through November 3rd; this is one of the most photographed events in the state. Don’t miss wandering through Scottsdale’s over 100 galleries. For those who love the links, more than 275 golf courses dot the state, with some of the finest found in the Valley of the Sun. A super course is Tom Weiskopf’s Troon, located northeast of Scottsdale. Here the most lush and dramatic desert on the planet, the Sonoran Desert, reveals some 2,500 species of plants and wildflowers, the Santa Catalina Mountains shimmering in the background.

The b affords a window into the ecosystem of this unique desert, with over 1,300 types of indigenous plants and 300 species of wild animals on display. One intriguing exhibit is the underground habitat for tunneling critters, from millipedes to kit foxes.

Tucson, which sits in the southern part of the state, affords ample opportunities for visitors, too. The city’s Western theme park, the Old Tucson Studios, offers gun fights and stunt demonstrations, and not far from town, an authentic look at our Western heritage can be discovered in Tombstone, the ”Town Too Tough To Die.”

Spanish Missions in this area relay another type of Arizona’s rich cultural history, the most dramatic being San Xavier del Bac. Completed in 1797, this mission is called the “White Dove of the Desert.” It is a baroque church which incorporates Spanish, Byzantine and Moorish elements. Also impressive, the Tumacacori Mission, founded in 1691, marked the introduction of European culture into southern Arizona. Both missions are within an hour’s drive south of Tucson. Arizona’s rich diversity makes it a premier destination for adventure-seekers, families and history buffs, as well as art and nature lovers. Come revel in the constant sunshine in the most fascinating playground of the Southwest. Interliners will be amazed at all the region has to offer—even in the summertime.

Tucson - This well situated city is only 60 miles from the Mexican border. Its history reflects the intentions of huge outside forces, which to some extent, have left their mark on the area. Originally founded by Catholic missionaries in the late 1700s, the town was to serve as an important outpost for the Spanish and later the Mexicans. It was to later become the territorial capital of the US and also Confederate governments. Today the town is vary attractive with a pleasing blend of architectural styles from adobe to modern that easily reflects the diverse mood of the community. The Tucson Visitor Center provides information for the area and some material in on hand for other parts of Arizona. The Tucson Museum of Art has a fine collection of pre-Columbian items as well as contemporary art forms. The Arizona State Museum has an excellent collection of Native American artifacts. May items many come from as far back as the time of the Native American arrival in the area. One 'must see' visit is to the Soza-Carillo-Fremont House which houses exquisite furniture and represents the finer side of frontier life. About 15 miles outside of town, beyond the University of Arizona, is the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum. The museum displays area wildlife from tarantulas to mountain lions in simulations of their natural environments. The Saguaro National Park sits on two sides of the city has numerous strange looking Saguaro cactuses which take up to 150 years to grow into their natural 50 ft and 8 tons. If you would like to see more of these beautiful creations, take a drive along Cactus Forest Drive. The airport is about 8 miles from town and has bus and taxi service available.

Nogales, US & Mexico - 60 miles to the south of Tucson are the border towns of Nogales, US and Nogales, Mexico The Us side is very sleepy and dreamy while the Mexican side is very active. The crossing point has very little in the way of formalities but you must have proof of status to return to the US. Foreign visitor to the US must be extremely careful not to cross into Mexico here if they actually intend to remain in the US if their visas only allow one entry to the US. The Mexican side has lots of cheap goods to buy. US dollars are freely accepted in most purchases.

The SOUTHEAST

The Southwest corner of Arizona has a number of fascinating ghost towns which have been well preserved in the extremely dry conditions in the region. Of all the host towns which exist the most famous, of course, is Tombstone. In reality the town isn't really a ghost town any more due to its celebrity status. Tombstone got its original fame in 1877 as it came to life as a silver boom town. By the time that the famous Gunfight at the OK Corral took place (actually it took place on Fremont Street) on October 26, 1881, the town was only a decade away from ghost town status.

Bisbee - About 25 miles away from Tombstone is the town os Bisbee which was given life though its copper mines which finally closed in 1977. When the miners left, artists of all kinds and retirees wishing for the quiet life moved into the area. The Victorian atmosphere of the town is as vivid today as a century ago. Well worth your visit is the interesting Bisbee Mining & Historical Museum.

The SOUTHWEST

Yuma - The most significant historical feature of this California/Arizona border town is the old Yuma Territorial Prison which over a century ago was built by the very convicts who were lasted housed there. One hundred of the wild west's most notorious criminals were placed here contributing to its reputation as the "Hell Hole of Arizona."

CENTRAL ARIZONA

Flagstaff - The town got its beginning in 1876 when a number of eastern settlers were encouraged to come by stories of mineral wealth. Disappointed in what they did not find her, they moved on to other places such as Prescott. As time went on the Flagstaff became a wild west town which still can be seen in its old streets. The pioneers trail west passed through town as did later Route 66 which paralleled the Santa Fe Railroad. Among the few touristy attractions in Flagstaff is the Museum of Northern Arizona which features Native American life including the Hopi, Anasazi, Navajo and Havasupai. Not far from Flagstaff is the Sunset Crater which last erupted as a volcano in 1066. It sits in an area of over 400 old cones which gives a strange appearance in the desert. Further on are the ancient Native American ruins at Wupatki National Monument where many different groups native groups lived in harmony.

Phoenix - Phoenix is the main city to enter Arizona by air and has a number of excellent luxury resorts in the area. The Visitor Center is well supplied with literature on the area and a staff which can advise callers and visitors about area events. The city of Phoenix has engulfed the area communities of Tempe, Scottsdale, and Mesa which is home to the beautiful Mormon Temple. The airport one of the best in the country and attracts airlines from the US, Canada, Mexico and Britain. If you fly into Phoenix during the day, you can't help but notice Superstition Mountain off to the east. A drive through the mountain range on the Apache Trail is a pleasant experience. However, try to avoid the weekends when it is crowded. Although sightseeing is not known as the strong point of Phoenix, it does have many notable points of interest that are highly recommended to visit. The Heard Museum which has excellent Native American exhibits and the Taliesin West which was the architecture studio of Frank Lloyd Wright. Heritage Square is the only point in the city where the history of Phoenix has been preserved in architecture. Here you will find a few Victorian and also a few adobe homes which are a surprise to find in this very modern city. The Phoenix Museum of History is very interesting as well as the Phoenix Art Museum which has a wonderful collection of Georgia O'Keefe paintings.

Sedona - Theodore Schnebly named this remote spot after his wife Sedona in 1902. It maintained an unheralded status as a small farming settlement until 1981 when a well known author and psychic "channeled" the information that indeed Sedona was "the heart chakra of the planet." Since then, the town has been given a "new age" identity. The Visitor Center is quite good. They probably won't be able to tell you about your personal and planetary harmony which might be achieved in Sedona, but they can tell you about all there is to see and do in the area.

Jerome - About a half hour drive form Sedona is the former ghost town of Jerome which returned from the dead in the 1970s. Since then this former copper mining community has become a pleasant touristy town oddly placed on a side of a hill. It precarious position over the then active mine shafts caused the whole town to slide downwards with each successive blast. The jail is nearly 300 ft. from where it was originally built.

Williams - For steam train lovers, the town offers a train ride that you can get nowhere else on earth - to the Grand Canyon! Once a day the train leaves Williams at 9:30 am to make the 56 mile journey to the south rim of the canyon taking travelers through dense Ponderosa pine combined with interesting and amusing narration along the way. During the winter months, skiing is very popular in the area.

Lake Havasu City - Have you ever wondered what happened to the "old" London Bridge? Well, its here sitting in the middle of the desert. The story goes that when the old bridge needed to be replaced in London, that an American developer offered to buy it thinking it to be the more illustrious and colorful Tower Bridge. The mistake is now enshrined reaching across the dammed waters of the Colorado River to a man made island. The whole thing actually looks quite good!

Grand Canyon - GRand Canyon Village is the most visited spot on the south rim of the canyon. The views are excellent! Most people are eager to witness the sunrise or sunset. For a good view of the sunrise, walk about a mile east to the Visitor Center near Mather Point. After sunrise your may want to wait until the Yavapai Geologic Museum opens so see how the canyon was formed. For sunsets, it is best to go out to Hopi Point and view the Colorado below and get a glorious colorful spectacle.

*** Hiking the Canyon - The hike is quite interesting. As you descend into the canyon, you will clearly notice dramatic changes in geological formations and climate as well. Hiking the canyon is not a walk in the park. The south rim is at 7,200 ft. which in itself will have an effect on the body. The hike down, which at first is very steep, can be grueling especially at summer temperatures which reach over 100F. You will need lots of water and food. Allow twice as much time to return to the rim as it took to go down. Never go alone! It is recommended to join a tour group on a hike with an experienced guide. Hiking the canyon can be an amazing experience, but it must be done in an intelligent and thoughtful manner, otherwise you will put yourself at risk and possibly others as well. The most popular trail is called "Bright Angel Trail" which thousands enjoy annually. If you intend to take this trail and you want to make it a day trip, only go as far as Plateau Point. If you travel farther you will not make it back tot he top of the rim and you are inviting trouble - even if you are physically fit. If you do go to the bottom of the canyon, make arrangements well in advance for camping accommodations. You are only one of many thousands who would love to have the thrill of staying overnight on the floor of Grand Canyon. Campsites are very limited.

Havasupai Reservation - To enter here is to encounter another world in a another age. The culture of the Havasupai has been well preserved and remains as it was more than a century ago except for the contact that these people have by guiding visitors through the area. Turquioise waterfalls and pristine camping scenery make a visit here something that should not be missed. The reservations was created in 1882, but the Havasaupai were only given land rights to the canyon floor. Deprived of their winter quarters at the top of the canyon, the US government gave back over 250,000 acres in 1975 at the rim's top which has helped to reestablish their lifestyle.

Lee's Ferry - This used to be the crossing point to the north rim of the canyon starting in 1872 offering easy access between north and south rims. The Mormon Church encouraged the establishment of a ferry to keep communications and commerce open between Utah and Arizona. Today, Lees' Ferry is the beginning point of a number of whitewater rafting trips.

NORTHEASTERN ARIZONA - Indian Country

The Anasazi created monumental pre-Columbian cliff palaces at Betatakin (part of the Navajo National Monument), Keet Seel and Canyon de Chelly. These enormous works of human design and will are among the finest Native American undertakings to be found in the United States.

The Navajos - The Navajo nation extends through a vast area of northeastern Arizona spilling over into Utah and New Mexico. The Hopi Indian Reservations sits right in the middle of it. In every sense, it really is a nation with its own language and rules of life. Even the price tags in the stores are often found in Navajo. The Navajo tongue is very complex so priming up on a few words of Navajo before your arrival (other than appreciating the nature of the language) will be pointless. Everyone speaks English anyway. During W.W.II, Navajo was used as a secret military code very effectively. If you want to get a taste of the Navajo-English relationship, tune in to the Navajo radio station KTNN 740AM and listen carefully. Its fascinating and gives some insight into where you really are. Although the ancient Anasazi have long vanished, they left behind many relics which are now part of contemporary Navajo life. Navajos still farm and shepherd as they have done for some time, yet in contrast sell their products along modern highways and to local tourist emporiums. One important note: It is extremely offensive to photograph these people without permission. Laws are in place in many areas which carry penalties for doing so. Always ask in advance. It is respectful of them, a courtesy and is also the right thing to do.

Monument Valley - This is where you think the wild west really is. This is where John Wayne became a star. This is where enormous landscape collides with the imagination and simply takes your breath away. The huge standing buttes and expanse of shifting sand against a beautiful sky is just an awesome sight. One should definitely see the rock formation called the 'Mittens.' The formation actually looks like a pair of mittens with a perfectly placed 'thumb.' One of these monoliths actually stand about 2000 ft above the valley floor. Also worth doing is taking a drive into the monument Valley Tribal Park. Here you can find jeep and horseback tours that will be absolutely unforgettable.

Canyon de Chilly National Monument - The thousand foot cliffs here are simply awesome The enchantment is enhanced by the adobe and straw buildings of the mysterious and lost Anasazi. The place is magnificent and remains relatively unknown in most part because the Navajo have not 'developed' as his white counterpart. The day visitor can only glimpse into the canyon. To see it up close, you really need a Navajo guide. In this way the place will remain as important and special as the Navajo regard it.

The Hopi - Surrounded by the Navajo nation are the Hopi mesas. The Hopi have lived on mesas 1,2 and 3 for over 800 years which is rather surprising knowing the history of forced exile for most Native Americans. There is not mush to be found here. There are few all year services here because of a lack of water which is only found at Black Mesa , and that is only in scant supply. Black Mesa also yields coal which helps to keep the people warm in winter. The Hopi survive on craft work which they sell to tourists. Recently they have received a boost on revenues on valuable mineral leases. In reality, visitors expecting to see wonderful things leave with a few baskets or dolls and an uneasy feeling that they have just had an encounter with deep poverty.