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Discovering the Outdoors in the Grand Canyon State
There are hundreds of national parks, state parks, trails, preserves, natural areas, monuments and just plain open space to hike, bike, swim, stroll, run, fish, boat or sail.
Explore the dark depths of great caves, such as Kartchner Caverns State Park, raft whitewater rivers, the most popular of which split Grand Canyon National Park and head back in time on a trustworthy horse.
Not to mention Arizona's zoos, parks and botanical gardens.
Ten Great Outdoor / Nature Things To Do in Arizona
Well, there are a lot more than ten, but this should get you started...
Grand CanyonSure, most visitors to Arizona head north to visit this natural wonder of the world, but they have a good reason...it is spectacular! In this case, photos really won't do the Grand Canyon justice. Nearly a mile deep, the canyon overwhelms and welcomes visitors at the same time.
Don't Miss: El Tovar Hotel
A true symbol of the Grand Canyon, El Tovar, originally opened in 1905, is magnificently perched on the edge of the south rim. For a grand (and somewhat expensive, but worth it!) meal overlooking the canyon make reservations at the El Tovar Dining Room.
Kartchner Caverns State Park
Another natural wonder, this time underground. Kartchner Caverns State Park is home to a massive underground cave which preserves hundreds of soda straw stalactites, brushite moonmilk, shields, totems and columns. A great road trip for families with children.
Sedona / Red Rock State Park
The amazing red rock formations in and around Sedona have been drawing in visitors, artists and settlers for years. Red Rock State Park, Slide Rock State Park, a stroll down 89 (the main street) or a jeep tour are all a great way to experience the scenery. While in Sedona, be sure to take in some of the best shopping and dining in the state.
Monument Valley
The classic backdrop for hundreds of westerns, Monument Valley encompasses what many visitors picture as the 'old west.' While you won't find any ghost towns or theme parks, the views of Monument Valley are one-of-a-kind. This is one stop where you need to bring your camera. A visitor center welcomes travelers and guided tours are available.
Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Park
Arizona's oldest arboretum is a hidden gem located just outside of greater Phoenix. Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Park offers a look at spectacular plant life from around world as well as a renowned photography class.
Phoenix Zoo
Consistently named one of the best children's zoos in that nation, the Phoenix Zoo boasts over 1,300 animals including lions, elephants and native Arizona animals. The zoo also offers special events (Zoo Lights) and hours (open late during the summer) that are especially popular with locals.
Tonto Natural Bridge State Park
Often overlooked, this state park outside of Payson wows visitors with great views and enjoyable (yet still challenging) hikes. Following the Gowan Trail, visitors can actually hike into, under and back out of the natural bridge.
Lake Powell (Glen Canyon National Recreation Area)
At more than 1 million acres, Glen Canyon National Recreation Area and Lake Powell offer hundreds of water or land based activities. One of the most popular, renting a houseboat, allows you to explore the 2000+ miles of shoreline...and with less boat traffic than her sister lakes (Havasu and Mead), you will probably have that beach all to yourself.
Don't Miss: Antelope Canyon
One of the most photographed locations in Arizona (if not the United States) this slot canyon displays the amazing power and grace of Mother Nature. Several tour operators in Page offer tours to the canyon, with special photography tours at certain times of the day.
Saguaro National Park
Saguaro National Park literally surrounds the city of Tucson with the park resting on both the east and west sites of valley. Another symbol of the 'old west' the saguaro (or cactus) only grows in a small region of the U.S. and Saguaro National Park is home to thousands of these giants.
Lake Havasu / Colorado River
Famous or infamous for spring break, Lake Havasu is much more than a party location. The lake and surrounding wildness offer visitors a variety of activities including watersports (of all kinds), hiking, biking, fishing, kayaking, etc, etc. Or, if you want to remain dry, take a scenic cruise of the lake on one of the tour boats in the marina.
Travel Resources
Sites and links that contain great Arizona travel info...
- Arizona State Parks
- Official site of Arizona State Parks.
- Wikitravel - Arizona
- Wikitravel page all about Arizona.
- Arizona Passages
- An official resource of the Arizona Office of Tourism, Arizona Passages offers key travel planning information for outdoor activities and experiences around the state.
- National Park Service - Arizona
- Official National Park Service page, listing all National Parks, Monuments, Sites, etc. in Arizona.
- Arizona Visitors Guide
- Official travel site for the state of Arizona.
- Bureau of Land Management - Arizona
- Official Bureau of Land Management site for Arizona. Contains information on additional recreation opportunities beyond state and national parks.
- GoSeeArizona
- Social networking site focusing on what to do and see in Arizona.
- AZCentral
- AZCentral.com (The Arizona Republic / NBC12) Travel section.
- GORP - Arizona
- GORP Arizona Travel and Outdoor recreation guide.
- The Arizona Trail
- Information about the Arizona Trail, which stretches across the state from Mexico to Utah.
Great Arizona Travel Guides
Because you can never have too many guides!
Arizona State Parks
Which Arizona State Park is your favorite?
Arizona RV Parks
A complete listing of the best Arizona RV Parks4 points
Alamo Lake State Park
Alamo Lake State Park is one of Arizona's best kep more...0 points
Buckskin Mountain State Park
Buckskin Mountain State Park commands one of the f more...0 points
Cattail Cove State Park
The beach, boat ramp, and 61 campsites at Cattail more...0 points
Lake Havasu State Park
The scenic shoreline of Lake Havasu State Park is more...0 points
Yuma Quartermaster Depot State Historic Park
An army supply depot built in the 1860s to help pr more...0 points
Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park
As you explore the old cellblocks, in use from 187 more...0 points
Dead Horse Ranch State Park & Verde River Greenway
Despite its distinctive name, Dead Horse Ranch is more...0 points
Homolovi Ruins State Park
In the high grassland of 14th century northern Ari more...0 points
Fort Verde State Historic Park
Located in downtown Camp Verde, Fort Verde State H more...0 points
Jerome State Historic Park
At Jerome State Historic Park, wander through the more...0 points
Red Rock State Park
Arizona's famous Oak Creek meanders through this s more...0 points
Riordan Mansion State Historic Park
Built in 1904 for two Riordan families, the Mansio more...0 points
Slide Rock State Park
Slide Rock State Park, originally the Pendley Home more...0 points
Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Park
Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Park is the place t more...0 points
Catalina State Park
This scenic desert park offers camping, hiking, pi more...0 points
Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area
Year-round camping, fishing, picnicking, boating a more...0 points
Lyman Lake State Park
One of the few lakes in Arizona with no boat size more...0 points
McFarland State Historic Park
McFarland State Historic Park preserves an 1878 co more...0 points
Oracle State Park Center for Environmental Education
Oracle State Park is located in the northeastern f more...0 points
Tonto Natural Bridge State Park
Tucked away in a tiny valley surrounded by a fores more...0 points
Kartchner Caverns State Park
Rarely will you find underground wonders such as t more...0 points
Patagonia Lake State Park
At two and a half miles long and 250 surface acres more...0 points
Picacho Peak State Park
Located north of Tucson along Interstate 10, Picac more...0 points
Roper Lake State Park
Roper Lake State Park provides a great place to sp more...0 points
Sonoita Creek State Natural Area
Established in 1994, Sonoita Creek State Natural A more...0 points
Tombstone Courthouse State Historic Park
Exhibits depict ranching and mining life, as well more...0 points
Tubac Presidio State Historic Park
Tubac Presidio State Historic Park recalls the day more...0 points
Shimano Fishing
Shimano Fishing Reels0 points
Arizona RV Parks
A complete listing of the best Arizona RV Parks0 points
Arizona State Park Videos
Don't Miss: Grand Canyon Skywalk
The Hualapai have been in the news lately because of the Grand Canyon Skywalk - a glass-floored suspension 'bridge' or horseshoe extending 70 feet over the rim of the canyon on their tribal lands.
The Grand Canyon
Quite possibly the most photographed spot in the world...
Toroweap, Grand Cany...
South Rim, Grand Can...
Grand Canyon Videos
New Guestbook
http:www.bluewheels.com wrote
lots of good information on Arizona, would like to visit one day.
Posted February 06, 2009
