Havasupai Falls:
Day 1:
The day starts with transportation to the trailhead from Flagstaff, Seligman, Williams or Peach Springs.  After an early pick-up you will drive through the Hualapai Reservation to Hualapai Hilltop where the real fun will begin.  After your guide prepares the gear for the horses to take down you will start off by hiking a set of switch backs for a mile.  After that it is a relatively moderate hike with little elevation change.   This will continue for five miles until you reach Havasu Creek for a long awaited swim in an extremely clear and mineral rich swimming hole.  We will continue on for two miles until you reach the Supai Village where you have the opportunity to grab a refreshing iced drink or even ice cream.  In the village they have a Clinic, Market, Post Office and a Cafe.  This is one of the only places in the United States that still delivers mail by horseback, so you will also have a chance to send your family and friends an amazing postcard of the beautiful place you are in.  For those who choose to sleep in the Lodge you have made it to your sleeping destination, but you still have a one mile hike until you reach the first set of waterfalls.  After some photos you will hike on another 300 meters until you reach the great swimming hole of Curtain Falls.  Following this is the last mile to the campground and one of the most famous falls in the Havasupai Reservation, Havasu Falls.  Havasu Falls plunges 100 feet into the most spectacular blue-green swimming hole with a wonderful mist floating through the air to cool you off.  Here you will relax the rest of the afternoon while your guide sets up camp and begins cooking a one of a kind dinner where you will dine next to Havasu Creek.  Walkabout Adventures is known for their wonderful guides and the meals that they prepare.  Meals are very important to hungry hikers and we aim to please.  Following dinner you have the opportunity to do some spectacular stargazing while the sound of Havasu Creek puts you to sleep.  After a long day and 10 miles, falling asleep is not a hard thing to do on our comfortable sleeping pads.
Day 2:
You will wake up to the smell of coffee, followed by a delicious breakfast.  Day two is a much more relaxed day with short day hikes.  You will head downstream less than a quarter of a mile before you reach the tallest waterfall, Mooney Falls at 200 feet.  Here you will have a 200 foot descent down a set of steps and chains that your guide will assist you through.  You will have the chance to see the water plummeting off from 200 feet above and creating a refreshing mist that will cool you instantly.  There are several smaller water falls within a mile of Mooney Falls, but for the more adventurous hikers there lies another spectacular fall just under three miles away.  This is Beaver Falls, which is a set of cascading waterfalls with the blue-green water to swim in.  After lunch we will head back up towards camp with the option of swimming and relaxing one last time at Havasu Falls or taking another hike in some narrow side canyons.  Another wonderful dinner will be served just before dark while we wait once again for the stars to make their appearance.
Day 3:
Day 3 consists of an early wake up call to the smell of coffee and oatmeal as your guide gets the camp all packed up.  We will have an early departure because the sooner we leave the cooler it will be.  We will have another great hike to the Hilltop, which is the trailhead and refreshing cold drinks!  It’s time for you to experience a Walkabout.
Contact Person: Taylor Sizemore or Weston Miller @ 888-388-9998

We do not have a public office and do most of our work over the phone and internet.

Mailing Address: 3230 Granite Ridge 
                        Flagstaff, AZ 86001

Directions from Phoenix:
http://www.mapquest.com/maps?1c=Phoenix&1s=AZ&1y=US&1l=33.448299&1g=-112.073303&1v=CITY&2c=Flagstaff&2s=AZ&2y=US&2l=35.198101&2g=-111.650597&2v=CITY

Directions from Vegas:
http://www.mapquest.com/maps?1c=Phoenix&1s=AZ&1y=US&1l=33.448299&1g=-112.073303&1v=CITY&2c=Flagstaff&2s=AZ&2y=US&2l=35.198101&2g=-111.650597&2v=CITY#mqPgSt13

Hours of Operation:

Mon-Sun 7 a.m-6p.m.

Taylor Sizemore
Walkabout Adventures, LLC

Havasupai Falls 3-4 Day All-inclusive Camping Trip – Grand Canyon, AZ is a post from: Arizona Tourism

This day hike starts out with an early morning departure from your hotel of choice in Flagstaff, AZ. We will arrive with a variety of snacks, muffins, cinnamon rolls and drinks for our ride through the Navajo Reservation north to Antelope Canyon, one of the most famous Slot Canyons in the United States. You will have a short restroom break and also a shopping break at one of the oldest trading posts in the Southwest, the Cameron Trading Post. This is the most photographed slot canyon in the world!  You will have a short restroom break and also a shopping break at one of the oldest trading posts in the Southwest, the Cameron Trading Post. 

From there you will continue north until we reach Antelope Canyon. Antelope Canyon is located on the Navajo Reservation where we will be accompanied by a Navajo Guide provided with entry. There are two Antelope Canyons; we prefer the Lower Antelope Canyon which is less crowded and we will get deeper and deeper in the Canyon as we descend the staircases.  Here we will spend an hour within the slot canyon that is famous for its’ light beams and narrow walls. Here we will spend an hour within the slot canyon that is famous for its’ light beams and narrow walls. The hike within Antelope Canyon is less than a quarter-mile one way with no elevation gain or loss. The photos provided will explain what the canyon looks like, but it will not give you the true feel and beauty that is held within this canyon. After the hike in Antelope Canyon we will have a stop with a three-quarter mile hike one-way for a spectacular view of the Colorado River at Horseshoe Bend.

Following the hike back from Horseshoe Bend you will have a cold-cut lunch, fresh fruit and refreshing drinks. Next you will stop at some spectacular Dinosaur Tracks over 200 million years old within the Moenave Formation. From here you will also have another restroom break at the Cameron Trading Post. This will also give you another chance to buy the beautiful Navajo rug or that incredible horsehair pottery piece that you talked yourself out of on the way to Antelope Canyon.

Walkabout Adventures looks forward to providing you with this spectacular day trip giving you the chance to see the Southwest as the Locals do.

We do not have a public office and do most of our work over the phone and internet.

Mailing Address: 3230 Granite Ridge 
                        Flagstaff, AZ 86001

Contact: Taylor Sizemore, Owner

Phone: 888-388-9998

info@takeawalkabout.com

Antelope Canyon Tours From Flagstaff Arizona is a post from: Arizona Tourism

On this one day adventure you will sleep at the Hualapai Lodge in Peach Springs, AZ the night before and wake up for a 6:30 a.m. breakfast at the cafe located in your Hualapai Lodge. The Hualapai River Runners are located in the lodge and have a 7:30 a.m. pickup for your Colorado River rafting trip. From here the Hualapai River Runners will take you to the Colorado River where the rafting adventure will begin.

After arriving at Diamond Creek launch area you will embark on your 37 mile rafting trip through one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Grand Canyon. The Colorado River is the only river in the world with it’s own class rating of 1-10. On this rafting trip you will encounter a class 6 rapid in the Colorado River class rating. You will have plenty of river miles for dry photos and relaxation while at the same time having the opportunity to plunge through world class whitewater.

Your lunch will be provided prior to your helicopter ride out of the Grand Canyon (Weather Permitting). Here, at the top, you will begin your bus ride back to your car or room at the Hualapai Lodge, through the Hualapai River Runners. Now you can prepare for your Havasupai Falls experience the following morning through Walkabout Adventures

Phone: 1-888-388-9998 Fax: 1-480-304-9192

Email: info@takeawalkabout.com

One day Whitewater Rafting through the Grand Canyon on the Colorado River is a post from: Arizona Tourism

Come to Tombstone and enjoy the adventures of the old west with Wyatt Earp Days.  This annual Memorial Day weekend celebration in “The Town Too Tough to Die” is much like stepping back in time. Men, women and children dress in 1880s Old West styles to celebrate the life and times of the town’s most-famous lawman. Enjoy a chili cook-off, stagecoach rides, a fashion show, and mock gunfights in the dusty streets. 

Wyatt Earp and his brothers along with Doc Holiday have an interesting history in Tombstone that you will hear about while you are in town.  They were the people in the Gun Fight At OK Corral in which his arch rivals, Ike Clanton, Billy Claiborne, and other Cowboys, and the Earp’s and Doc Holiday faced off in the famous gunfight.  Although the stories of the fight have made it to the movies much of the story was just good movie making. The historical documentations of the fight show that neither side of the fight were very good shots.  Lots of bullets flew but only a few hit home.  Tom McLaury was killed in the fight and Billy Clanton and Frank McLaury were wounded, Virgil Earp was hit in the calf, Doc was shot in the left hip, but the shot was deflected by Holliday’s leather holster, and he suffered only a bruise.  The fighting continued until Billy Clanton was shot and down.

The battle took place on October 26, 1881 between the Earps and the Cowboys.  (Cowboys was a term often capitalized in papers as a local term for a cattle-dealer that often was synonymous with rustler).  The two sides faced off and began shooting with Doc Holiday being credited (justly or unjustly) as firing the first shot.

Although history has made it out to be a great fight, the end result was that the life for Wyatt in Tombstone was doomed to fall apart with all the trials, accusations and distrust of those he needed to support him.  It didn’t happen immediately, but the Earps left Tombstone and traveled to Colorado where the story of this unique family continued.

Come to Tombstone and relive those days.  Get into the spirit of the time and wear something from the era and join the residents of the community that make this celebration so much fun.

Tombstone is approximately 70 miles Southeast of Tucson.

Wyatt Earp Days – Tombstone, Arizona is a post from: Arizona Tourism

Located in this remote area of Arizona is the Amerind Foundation Museum which is focused on promoting the knowledge and understanding of the Native Peoples of the Americas through research, education and conservation.  The Foundation was established in 1937 by William Shirley Fulton.

A Native of Connecticut he became interested in archaeology as a young man and made frequent trips to Arizona between 1906 and 1917.  Throughout the 1920s Fulton regularly traveled west from his New England home, heading into the southwestern mountains, as well as the canyons and mesa country to explore for archaeological sites.

It was on one of these trips that he heard of Texas Canyon.  He traveled to the area and saw the rugged vistas and heard rumors of prehistoric agricultural villages.  It so intrigued him that he purchased the property in 1930 and named it the FF Ranch which was later turned into the Amerind Foundaiton.

He built his home amid the boulder formations of Texas Canyon in 1931.  he began excavating archaeological sites right on his property leading him to publish his first scholarly articles in 1934 and 1938, based on is work.  He loved the life and wanted to pass his knowledge on to future generations.

He created one of the finest private museum collections of ethnographic and archaeological materials anywhere.  The years from 1937 witnessed the expansion of the Amerind facility as the Museum, Library, Art Gallery (primarily Mrs. Fulton’s contribution), laboratories, storage, workshops, and staff housing were constructed.

Although the Amerind, at this point, is no longer engaged in archaeological excavations, they contribute to the field by hosting 3-5 advanced seminars each year, bringing together archaeologists, anthropologists and other scholars to discuss, debate, and synthesize work on various topics.

The Amerind Foundation’s 21,000 piece collection includes a cross-section of Native American ethnographic objects from the Western Hemisphere dating to the nineteenth and twentieth centuries.

The Fulton-Hayden Memorial Art Gallery & Library is home to a 22,000 volume collection including books and professional journals.

Hours
The Amerind Museum:
Tuesday through Sunday year round,
10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., (Arizona) Mountain Time.
(Closed Mondays and major holidays).

The Fulton-Hayden Memorial Art Gallery:
10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m to 4:00 p.m.

Location
The Amerind is located in Cochise County, one mile south of Interstate 10, only about an hour east of Tucson, between Benson and Willcox. We’re easy to find – just look for Dragoon Road exit, #318, and head south until you see mile marker 1 on one side of the road and the Amerind entrance on the other. View map

Admission
Adults: $8.00
Seniors (60 and up): $7.00
College Student (with ID): $5.00
Youth 12-18: $5.00
Children under 12: Free

Group Rate:
Available for tours and other groups
of 8 or more, but only if pre-registered. $5.00/person
Call 520.586.3666 to register.

Amerind Foundation – Dragoon, Arizona is a post from: Arizona Tourism

One great way to see the sites of Sedona is to take the Sedona Trolley.  Not only will you get to see all the historic sites but you will also hear the history of the area from the guide.  The trolley was first a one many operation but now it is a thriving business.

The tour guide, Armor Todd, has been taking people around the area for more than 30 years.  He will entertain you with stories, give you some history and show you the beauty of the area. You can learn about the historic landmarks, buildings, shops, galleries, scenic canyons, and best of all the red sandstone cliffs that surround the village.

The guides will also be able to tell you the best nature walks in the area, give you the history of how the community has changed over the years to be the home to artists of various mediums just waiting to have you see their work.

Are you planning a wedding in the beautiful area of Sedona?  You can get the trolley to take your guests to church, give the wedding party a tour of town or even just provide shuttle service from area parking lots to the location of the wedding.  Surprise the guests with something different and have them take the trolley.

You can get a ride on the trolley from the depot in Uptown Sedona or many of the hotels in town.  The information you will get on the tour will include history, geology, climate, flora and fauna of the area as well as hiking and biking trails.  You may find the perfect spot to take a picnic lunch or dinner back to when you have completed the tour.  You will have the opportunity to take some great photos while on the tour.  You will even have a stop at the famous Chapel of the Holy Cross.

The Sedona Highlights Tour (Tour A) visits the south side of town, showcasing the upscale Gallery District including the famous Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village and is highlighted by a 15-20 minute stop at the inspirational Chapel of the Holy Cross. The views from the chapel are spectacular.

The Seven Canyons Scenic Tour (Tour B) visits the west side and then leaves town entirely, heading out into the gorgeous Dry Creek Valley where the stunning vistas of Boynton and Long Canyon are revealed and savored. Two stops along the way make for great photo opportunities.

You don’t need a reservation for the tour.  Individual tickets are sold on a first come first serve basis.  If you want to charter the trolley, of course you will need a reservation.

The Sedona Trolley is an open air tour company. However, the trolleys can be fully enclosed in inclement or chilly weather and are fully heated. Lap blankets are available. In summer the interior is always shaded and large open windows allow breezes to cool things off comfortably.

Sedona Trolley Uptown Depot
276 North SR 89A, Suite B,
Sedona AZ 86336
Office hours 8:30am – 6:00pm, 7 days a week

•Daily Tour Information: 928.282.4211
•Business Office and Charters: 928.282.5400
•Fax: 928.282.2200

Email Sarah at SedonaTrolley.com
 

Sedona Trolley – Sedona, Arizona is a post from: Arizona Tourism

Rosemont Copper offers tours to all that are interested in seeing the development of the copper mine planned for the area just outside of Tucson.  You will see cattle grazing, detailed plans of how the mine is going to be developed with minimum impact on the surrounding beauty.

It is planned for Rosemount Copper Company to develop on the most progressive and efficient metal-producing operations in the world at this location.  They will set new environmental standards for the resource protection, water conservation and land reclamation which will set the standard for the rest of the world to follow when they are mining the necessary resources to make the world function.

What an opportunity for you to learn and see what this company is offering the world right here in Tucson! Just book a tour, visit with the people working in the mine environment and you will learn that there is a genuine desire to reclaim the land in a beautiful manner rather than ugly piles of waste.

To assist in the revegetation and reclamation effort, Rosemont Copper has established a 30,000 acre working cattle ranch about 30 miles south of Tucson, AZ. The ranching operation is professionally managed by Tom Kay and he will oversees a herd of 500 to 550 beef cattle. The Rosemont ranch has no dairy cows. Tom has years of ranching experience and loves being a cowboy, working to keep the cattle, equipment and beauty all working in tip top order.  He knows that we need copper to function today but he also knows that beauty in the area needs to be maintained.  The plans of the company accomplish this with their vision, approach, plans and promises.

Rosemont will be using the latest in natural, non-confined ranching techniques. Rosemont cattle will be raised in environmentally friendly conditions with no hormones, no antibiotics and they will be completely range fed.

The revegetation has been studied with the assistance of the University Of Arizona School Of Natural Resources.  They were performed to identify the optimum plant species for the revegetation following the mining process.  The 29 seeds selected have a resilient and productive system and are currently available from large-scale commercial seed vendors and meet the NRCS’s ecological site description.

The cattle ranching operation are critical to assist in the process of growing and reproducing the seeds.  Since seeds do better if incorporated into the soil so they don’t dry out in our desert heat or blow away in our wind so the cattle hooves can press the seed into the soil.  The grazing of the cattle creates textured soil which helps capture water and nutrients.

Not only that but the grazing helps to stimulate the growth not only with them grazing but also by trampling weeds and eating weed flowers.  Of course the manure provides benefits of fertilizing the land which helps even in the poor growth areas where a concentration of manure increases microorganisms and ads to the soil fertility.

Rosemont Copper Mine has been actively assisting a number of local organizations with their fundraising activities.  They have assisted in a number of activities such as supplying not only financial assistance but also providing the cow for the Cienega Rotary "Cow Pie Bingo" event where funds assist in both local and international projects.

Rosemont Copper hosts free weekly tours of the site that include visits to the geology exploration camp, the historic mining areas, the old quarry, and the weather station. Wednesdays and Saturdays from 9 to noon.  This tour will be not only a beautiful opportunity to see the Arizona Mountains and desert but also to learn about the value of copper to our development.  Without copper we probably would not have electricity or would not have a space program.  It’s critical to mine this mineral in the most environmentally friendly manner possible and Rosemont Copper Mine is working toward accomplishing this and setting the standard for the rest of the world!

You can arrange for your tour by calling Phone: (520) 343-1730 or by going to the ad on www.arizonabeautiful.com and going to the Tucson region.

The mine is located approximately 30 miles southeast of Tucson, Arizona.

Rosemont Copper Mine Tours of Tucson – Tucson, Arizona is a post from: Arizona Tourism

Have you been to visit AMY with your kids yet?  Amy stands for the Arizona Museum for Youth and is totally focused on teaching children the joy of art and art appreciation.  Here you children can see different kinds of art that will appeal to them, learn how to create art and just have a great time with all there is to do.

Take the little ones to ArtVille which is suited for children 0 – 4 years of age.  They can keep busy in a town built to cultivate awareness of color, line, shape and texture.  There are larger-than-life crayons, paintbrushes and glitter glue for them to create that piece of beauty to give you as a reminder of the fun they had at AMY.

The Museum began as a not for profit organization in 1978.  There is artwork by local, national and international professionals on display which give both young and old an exposure to some of the very best of the world of art for those under 1 to over 101 years of age.  The Museum has over 20,000 feet of public exhibition space with two galleries, a Family Zone and Gallery Shop. 

AMY links interactive art-making activities with each exhibitor.  This enables both the caregivers and the children the opportunity to learn about the techniques, processes and materials used to create art and yet it is fun because they are playing and showing self-expression while they are learning.  The exhibits are dedicated to expression through music, reading, theatre, art making, and art appreciation.  What a great way to have fun while learning!

There are classes available for all ages, children, pre-school summer programs, teens and the family.  It’s a fabulous way to share some time and learn about art at the same time.

There are some rules that apply to a visit to AMY.  They are common sense rules that make the outing more enjoyable for everyone.  Shoes must be worn, running and climbing are not allowed.  You can’t bring your stroller inside nor can you eat or drink in the galleries. 

If you want a break and have something to drink or a snack then you will want to visit the FamilyZone where you will be able to relax and enjoy a snack.

In ArtVille shoes or socks are required.  At Tot’s Square, for toddlers 2 and under, is a socks-oly space. If you forgot to bring some there are socks available for purchase at the Visitor Service Desk.

When the kids are done doing their own art projects in the art exhibition galleries make sure they clean up their area so it is ready for other kids to use later.

Location: 35 N Robson, Mesa, Arizona 85201

Phone:
480.644.2467: Recorded Info
480.644.2468: Customer Service

HOURS OF OPERATION
Tues – Sat, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. | Sundays, 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Closed most government holidays.

ADMISSION
$6.50 for ages 1 and over. Children under 1 are FREE. Members are FREE. Group Rate: $5.00/person
 

Arizona Museum for Youth – Mesa, Arizona is a post from: Arizona Tourism

Join in the fun, take a chance to win the prize and help out the Cienega Rotary Club of Vail, Arizona with the projects they support in the community and world wide.  Never heard of Cow Pie Bingo?

Let me tell you about it, you take a cow (or calf in our case) and turn it loose in a pen that has been marked into a grid with 100 numbers.  Where the cow poops, that number is the winner of the raffle!  Simple and a whole lot of fun. Just visualize a group of people standing around a pen yelling for the calf to poop!!

The Cienega Rotary Club sells raffle tickets for this event for weeks prior to the actual "drop date".  The tickets for the event are just $20.  For a winning ticket the payout is $500.  Just think of that…a 25 to 1 payout…that’s better than the casinos!!

The event will be held at the Cienega High School.  Tickets will be available the day of the event, but at a reduced amount for both purchase and payout.

Help the Cienega Rotary achieve their goals of being able to assist those in need, locally and internationally, by purchasing a raffle ticket from any member of the Cienega Rotary Club.  For those that are away, or don’t know a member, contact either Pat Watson at patwatson@patwatson.com or Steve Katz at flyingifr@yahoo.com. 

The event is continually growing with vendors, children’s activities and community events so be sure to come out to Cienega High School and have a great time.

Date: November 14th

Time: 2 PM

See you all there!
 

Cow Pie Bingo – Vail, Arizona is a post from: Arizona Tourism

If you are looking to visit places that are supposedly haunted then you probably will really enjoy a trip to the Birdcage Theater in Tombstone.  Although there are other buildings in the community which are said to be haunted the Birdcage seems to be the one that gets the most attention. 

The Bird Cage Theater has a history of being something less than calm.. It is said that 26 people were killed in the Bird Cage during its reputed eight years as one of the meanest and wildest places in Tombstone.  If you want to count you will find over 120 bullet holes still remaining in the building.

While the "ladies of the evening" plied their trade from cribs suspended from the ceiling the patrons went ahead with their nefarious actions before taking a break to "have some fun."  There are 14 cribs which line the sides of the gambling hall, 7 on each side of the room.  It was in these cribs that the "ladies" would entertain their clients.

You not only can see the gambling hall but now you can visit six more rooms below the Bird Cage that were closed and sealed off since 1889.  What kind of ghosts do you suppose are there?  Do you think you will hear or see them?

The owner of the Bird Cage Theatre has said that numerous people see the same ghost while touring through the theatre.  It appears to be a male stage hand that walks across the stage from the left to the right then disappears into the walls.  He is always seen wearing stripped pants, a little visor hat, and carrying a clip board.

There is an admission fee to see the theater part of the Bird Cage.  The front is open to view, you can see some of the bullet holes and other things but to see the stage you must pay an admission fee.  There is a narrator that will tell stories of the building while you are there.

There are lots of ghost stories about Tombstone.  From the ghost of Virgil Earp crossing the street, and never making it to the other side, to Marshal Fred White who was shot by Curly Bill Crocius in 1880.  Then there is the woman in a long white dress who is thought to be a fretful mother of a child that dies from yellow fever and took her own life, or she was a madam that was hung and is out looking for her executioners.

Whatever the ghost stories you hear, you may want to visit Tombstone and see if you can find out if there is a ghost waiting there for you.  Maybe you can get a picture as some say they have, maybe you will actually witness the crossing of the street by Virgil Earp.  Who knows, you might see someone new!

Ghosts and More – Tombstone, Arizona is a post from: Arizona Tourism

It is a town that at one time was the 4th largest community in Arizona and then fell to the bottom of the list when the copper mines closed.  The community sits on the top of Cleopatra Hill at 5,200 feet.  Where it once had a population of 15,00, in the 1920′s, it has just 450 people.  

The community was incorporated in 1899 following four disastrous fires that destroyed large sections of what was once known as "the wickedest town in the west." This copper mining camp was filled with tents and roudy men but grew to a real town as the prosperity of the community grew.  The mining rights belong to Phelps Dodge who closed the mine in 1953.  Since there weren’t mines to work the community that was left, not many by the way, gathered together and promoted the town as a historic ghost town.  1967 saw Jerome designatged a National Historic District by the federal government.  The community has grown to be a thriving tourist and artist community bringing the population from 353 in 2007 to the 450 today.

What will you see if you go to Jerome?  You will be able to see the works of some emerging artists, craft people, musicians, writers and more.  You will find hermits, bed and breakfast owners who will welcome you to their establishments and museum caretakers that have great pride in the museums of the area. 

The views from the community are stunning, a photographers dream.  The opportunity to see buildings that are like the buildings that were built after the fires of 1894 and 1899. Some of the buildings are still in need of restoration, but they are being worked on and those that have been restored offer a world of lessons of the past.  You may want to visit "Cribs District" which is an area across the street from the English Kitchen, in a back alley wehre all the buildings were part of Jerome’s ill-famed "prositution row."  Not uncommon for communities in the mining world or gold rush era to have houses of prositution growing in the area.

Vist Douglas Mansion/State Park while you are in the area.  The mansion is equipped with a wine cellar, billiard room , steam heat and was built from adobe bricks made on site.  The Mansion is a museum which exhibits photgraphs, artifacts, minerals and videos.

You may also want to see th Jerome Historical Society Mine Museum where there are more photographs, equipment and ore samples.

The third weekend in May Jerome hosts the annual Paso de Casas (Home Tour) where you can have a historic tour of buildings in the community.

Locaiton: located in the heart of northern Arizona only 90 miles from Phoenix, 60 miles from Flagstaff, 20 miles from Sedona, 30 miles from Prescott, 20 miles from Camp Verde, 10 miles from Cottonwood and about 6 miles from Clarkdale. Jerome is located in the central mountains of Arizona. Sedona and Prescott are about forty-five minutes travel time, depending on traffic. Highway 89A is the scenic route. As you near Jerome you will encounter hairpin turns and magnificent views on a mountain road. Travel time to or from Phoenix is about two hours via Interstate Highway I-17. Flagstaff is about an hour and a half away, either via I-17 or 89A through Sedona and Oak Creek Canyon.

From: Phoenix, AZ
 
To:
 Jerome, AZ
 
Beginning at Phoenix, AZ
Go North on I-17 for 84.5 miles to State Rte 260
Go Northwest on State Rte 260 for 12.4 miles to State Route 89A
Go West on State Route 89A for 8.9 miles Largest Ghost Town in America – Jerome, Arizona

It is a town that at one time was the 4th largest community in Arizona and then fell to the bottom of the list when the copper mines closed.  The community sits on the top of Cleopatra Hill at 5,200 feet.  Where it once had a population of 15,000, in the 1920′s, it has just 450 people. 

The community was incorporated in 1899 following four disastrous fires that destroyed large sections of what was once known as "the wickedest town in the west." This copper mining camp was filled with tents and rowdy men but grew to a real town as the prosperity of the community grew.  The mining rights belong to Phelps Dodge who closed the mine in 1953.  Since there weren’t mines to work the community that was left, not many by the way, gathered together and promoted the town as a historic ghost town.  1967 saw Jerome designated a National Historic District by the federal government.  The community has grown to be a thriving tourist and artist community bringing the population from 353 in 2007 to the 450 today.

What will you see if you go to Jerome?  You will be able to see the works of some emerging artists, craft people, musicians, writers and more.  You will find hermits, bed and breakfast owners who will welcome you to their establishments and museum caretakers that have great pride in the museums of the area. 

The views from the community are stunning, a photographers dream.  You will have the opportunity to see buildings that are like the buildings that were built after the fires of 1894 and 1899. Some of the buildings are still in need of restoration, but they are being worked on and those that have been restored offer a world of lessons of the past.  You may want to visit "Cribs District" which is an area across the street from the English Kitchen, in a back alley where all the buildings were part of Jerome’s ill-famed "prostitution row."  Not uncommon for communities in the mining world or gold rush era to have houses of prostitution growing in the area.

Visit Douglas Mansion/State Park while you are in the area.  The mansion is equipped with a wine cellar, billiard room , steam heat and was built from adobe bricks made on site.  The Mansion is a museum which exhibits photographs, artifacts, minerals and videos.

You may also want to see the Jerome Historical Society Mine Museum where there are more photographs, equipment and ore samples.

The third weekend in May Jerome hosts the annual Paso de Casas (Home Tour) where you can have a historic tour of buildings in the community.

Location: located in the heart of northern Arizona only 90 miles from Phoenix, 60 miles from Flagstaff, 20 miles from Sedona, 30 miles from Prescott, 20 miles from Camp Verde, 10 miles from Cottonwood and about 6 miles from Clarkdale. Jerome is located in the central mountains of Arizona. Sedona and Prescott are about forty-five minutes travel time, depending on traffic. Highway 89A is the scenic route. As you near Jerome you will encounter hairpin turns and magnificent views on a mountain road. Travel time to or from Phoenix is about two hours via Interstate Highway I-17. Flagstaff is about an hour and a half away, either via I-17 or 89A through Sedona and Oak Creek Canyon.

From: Phoenix, AZ
To: Jerome, AZ
Beginning at Phoenix, AZ
Go North on I-17 for 84.5 miles to State Rte 260
Go Northwest on State Rte 260 for 12.4 miles to State Route 89A
Go West on State Route 89A for 8.9 miles
To Jerome, AZ
 Distance: 105.8 miles 
From: Prescott, AZ
To: Jerome, AZ
 Beginning at Prescott, AZ
Go Northeast on State Rte 89 for 6.9 miles to State Route 89A
Go East on State Route 89A for 27.3 miles
To Jerome, AZ
 Distance: 34.2 miles 
From: Sedona, AZ
To: Jerome, AZ
 Beginning at Sedona, AZ
Go Southwest on State Route 89A for 27.4 miles
To Jerome, AZ
 Distance: 27.4 miles 

To Jerome, AZ
 
 
Distance: 105.8 miles 
From: Prescott, AZ
 
To:
 Jerome, AZ
 
Beginning at Prescott, AZ
Go Northeast on State Rte 89 for 6.9 miles to State Route 89A
Go East on State Route 89A for 27.3 miles
To Jerome, AZ
 
 
Distance: 34.2 miles 
From: Sedona, AZ
 
To:
 Jerome, AZ
 
Beginning at Sedona, AZ
Go Southwest on State Route 89A for 27.4 miles
To Jerome, AZ
 
 
Distance: 27.4 miles 

Largest Ghost Town in America – Jerome, Arizona is a post from: Arizona Tourism

Canyoneers, Inc. – Rafting Trips – Flagstaff, Arizona is a post from: Arizona Tourism

Here is a perfect place to test your hiking skill and see some of the most beautiful sites in the entire State of Arizona. Beginning at an elevation of 7,600 ft. you will take the 4 mile trail which isn’t heavily used.  You will be able to enjoy nature, find the peace and solitude that you are looking for and get a great workout at a moderate level of difficulty all at the same time.

The old logging road will offer you an opportunity to see elk and deer, most often during the summer.  The trail is located in a Wildlife Habitat Area which is closed to motorized vehicle use.  Following the beautiful summer time in the mountains you will enjoy the fall too.  In October the leaves of the aspen and oak trees turn to the gorgeous golden yellow which contrasts with the vibrant evergreens that dominate the area.

Not only is the forest beautiful but the trail also provides access to the edge of Chevelon Canyon.  Here you will be enthralled with the view of the beautiful canyon.

When it has been raining the trail may become quite muddy so be ready for it.  Dress appropriately.  

There is no overnight camping allowed within 1/4 mile of Willow springs Lake.  You can normally hike this trail from spring through the fall.

Directions:
From Heber, Turn north on Forest Road 300, approximately 26 miles west of Heber, Arizona. Travel north approximately 1/4 mile to Forest Road 235 which is blocked by a closure gate across the road. This will serve as the trailhead.

More Information:
Chevelon/Heber Ranger Districts, P.O. Box 968, Overgaard, AZ 85933. Phone: 520-535-4481
 

235 Road Trail – Overgaard, Arizona is a post from: Arizona Tourism

Welcome to the world of Rodeo in Tucson.  Not only is this a huge event consisting of 6 days of action, beauty and talent but the opportunity to learn more about the rodeo is also available through the museum.  Tickets for the Rodeo range from $12 to $19 and can be purchased in advance or at the gate.

There are seven professional rodeo events included in the Tucson Rodeo.  Of these events, six are sanctioned by the Professional Cowboys Rodeo Association with women’s barrel racing being sanctioned by the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association.  The six events that are sanctioned by the Professional Cowboys Rodeo Association are, bareback riding, steer wrestling, saddle bronc riding, tie-down roping, team roping and bull riding.

Although some may think that the animals must be mistreated to enter a rodeo, it is the opposite.  These animals are well cared for by those that provide them to the rodeo since they are entered into many different rodeos around the country.  A bucking horse or bull earns half the score recorded by the cowboy, so the better the animal performs, the higher the score. The horses ridden in the steer wrestling, tie-down roping, team roping and barrel racing are those of the competitors and many have been together for many years.  They are a team that works together and train together to be the best they can be.

During the Tucson Rodeo week there is the largest non-motorized parade in the nation with western-themed floats and buggies, festival Mexican folk dancers, historic horse-drawn coaches, marching bands and many outfitted riders showing off their beautiful mounts and tack.  The route begins at Park Avenue and Ajo Way, continues south to Irvington Rd, then heads west on Irvington Rd to South 6th Ave.

There are grandstands for viewing which are located on Irvington at South 6th Ave. with tickets being $6 for adults and $4 for children 12 and under.  You can stand (or bring your own chair) along both sides of the route at no charge.  This route is approximately 1 mile long.  There are normally about 200,000 people that come out to see the parade.

The Rodeo organizers do provide shuttle service from area malls so you don’t have to fight the traffic or parking issues.  Take the shuttle, the cost is around a dollar and saves you lots of grief!

The Tucson Rodeo Parade Museum is located on the northeast corner of S. 6th and Irvington Rd.  Here you can see over 100 buggies, wagons and Old West artifacts which will give you a good history of the life of the cowboy in earlier days.  There is also a typical western street with various shops, and historical memorabilia of Tucson for you to see.

The Museum is open Monday through Friday during January and February from 9 am to 4 pm and will be opened upon request on Saturdays. If you want to arrange a special time for your tour year round you can contact the museum directly at 520-294-1280 or 520-294-1289.

The tour lasts about 1.5 hours.  Included in the tour are vehicles manufactured by Ronstadt, Studebaker, Brewster, Healey and others, and used in films starring Maureen O’Hara, Ava Gardner and John Wayne are among our offerings. Historic vehicles used by Maximilian, Mexico’s ill-fated ruler, and Howell Manning of the Tucson Manning family.

The Tucson Rodeo is held at The Tucson Rodeo Grounds, 4823 S. 6th Ave., Tucson, Arizona.

Gates open at 11 am most days except for the barrel racing which begins at 8.
 
Directions
From I-10: take Park Ave. exit South; turn West (right) on Irvington Road

From I-19: take Irvington Road exit East

Tucson Rodeo – Tucson, Arizona is a post from: Arizona Tourism

Enter the world of the past with this 21 mile long trek through history.  This unpaved, but accessible to high clearance vehicles (during dry weather only) road to take you on the journey of the past.  You will need at least 2 hours to make this trip and you won’t be able to take a travel trailer or any vehicle more than 20 feet long.  These can be left at parking areas provided near kiosks at each end of the road.

This trip is made for the adventurists, not the rocking chair marathon participant.  You will need to ake enough gas, water and other provisions for your trip since no services are provided along the byway.  The side routes you will be faced with steep, rough, and rocky areas where washes make crossing them quite difficult, you sometimes can’t tell where the road is so be ready.  Let someone know your travel schedule so if you get lost there is someone that knows where you were planning to go and can send help.

This area was inhabited by Native Americans as much as 1000 years ago where they farmed, hunted and gathered wild plant foods.  The Chiricahua and Western Apache (who actually arrived in AZ around 1600) were from this area. 

The Safford-Clifton Road was constructed by prisoners between 1914 and 1920.

This area is home to a number of wild animals such as the lizard, birds (who can fly for miles to get water), kangaroo rats, the roadrunner, whip-tailed lizard, and the diamondback rattlesnakes.  Just think what you might see while taking your hike.

The higher elevations offer a different type of wildlife for you to see.  Here live Gambel’s quail, coyotes and raptors such as red-tailed hawks and kestrals.  The animals come to this area in late summer to eat the bright red fruits of the prickly pear cactus.

The highest areas of the byway pass through a community of evergreen trees and shrubs: juniper, pinyon pine, and oak. This is called interior chaparral, and it is the rainiest and coolest of the plant communities. Trees attract migratory birds that come north from the tropics each year to breed. White-crowned sparrows and rufous-sided towhees feed on fallen seeds and insects under the bushes and trees. Birds such as phainopeplas eat mistletoe berries that are poisonous to humans. The thick vegetation at ground level makes it tough for reptiles to move around, although a few snakes, such as striped racers and Arizona black-tailed rattlesnakes are occasionally seen. The trees and thick brush make this the best for mule deer and javelina, but you have to look closely to see them moving across the hillsides.

The byway offers you the opportunity to engage in many challenging rides on your off-highway vehicle.  The challenge for the mountain bicycler is certainly something that those that are good enough to enjoy this type of ride will remember for years to come.  There is a great opportunity to do some quality rock collecting here too in the Black Hills Rockhound Area. Fire agate is a relatively new gemstone, only identified and formally recognized in the 1930s. It has the color play of precious opal with gem quality reds, greens, and blues.

The desert regions of Arizona, southern California, and central Mexico are the only areas of the world where fire agate is known to occur. Although its origin is unknown, it is always associated with volcanic deposits.

Hiking along side roads, trails, or cross-country will give you a most rewarding view of the area.  You can camp or picnic on the public lands along the road and there are several developed sites available. Midway on the byway, the Canyon Overlook Picnic Area provides shaded ramadas with a scenic vista of the Gila River canyon. Closer to the east end of the byway is the Owl Creek Campground with seven units perched on a cliff overlooking the historic Old Safford Bridge. The south end of the bridge is a popular launch site for those floating the Gila River and for fishing for catfish. The north end of the bridge has a small picnic area. Mule deer, javelina, and quail can be hunted on public lands along the byway.

The byway crosses the Gila Box Riparian National Conservation Area between mileposts 17 and 18. Designated by Congress in 1990, the conservation area includes 22,000 acres of scenic desert canyons surrounding perennial rivers and creeks. A 15-mile segment of Bonita Creek and 23 miles of the Gila River, including the steep-walled Gila Box, form the core of the NCA. Two other perennial waterways, Eagle Creek and the San Francisco River, flow into the Gila Box. Rafting, backpacking, hiking, birding, horseback riding, photography, and camping are just a few to the popular activities in the area.

Location: The Black Hills Back Country Byway is located between Safford and Clifton in southeastern Arizona, about three hours northeast of Tucson or 3 1/2 hours east of Phoenix. Both ends of the byway are accessed from U.S. Highway 191. The southern end is at milepost 139, the northern end at milepost 160.

More information: Bureau of Land Management
Safford District
711 14th Avenue
Safford, AZ 85546-3321
928-348-4400

Black Hills Back Country Byway – Safford/Clifton, Arizona is a post from: Arizona Tourism

Into this world come some stories about haunted places and the life of those that supposedly haunt them.  The Hotel San Carlos in Phoenix is supposedly haunted by a woman named Leone Jensen, who was 22 at the time, went to the roof of the hotel dressed in an evening gown. Said to be brokenhearted over the lost love of a local bellboy, she jumped from the roof to her death.  It has been said that ever since then guests have reported odd breezes, ghostly noises and the pale shadow of a woman floating in the air.

Now, if you believe in haunted places and you want to experience it for yourself then you really need to visit this hotel which is still operating and attracting people with its Italian Renaissance building was constructed in 1928.  The hotel has hosted such celebrities as Clark Gable, Spencer Tracy and the wonderful Mae West (who has a suite named after her.)

The hotel was built on the site of the city’s first school which was built in 1874.  It is said that the sound of children running and laughing is often heard, even when no children are checked in at the hotel.

While you are at the hotel you may want to check out the "San Carlos Hollywood Star Walk", which was inlaid on both the Central and Monroe sidewalks in front of the hotel.  The sidewalk star names a famous movie star or big band leader that has stayed in the hotel while performing in town.

Even with the history of the hotel being such as it is, it is a place that is centrally located to places like Bank One Ballpark, America West Arena, and the Civic Center so if you like the thrill of being someplace haunted and you still want the convenience of location and the decor’ of the past then you should truly check out the Hotel San Carlos.
 

Is the Hotel San Carlos Haunted? – Phoenix, Arizona is a post from: Arizona Tourism

Do you remember the tragic end of the Challenger mission from NASA?  Because of this tragedy the Challenger Space Center of Arizona was built to memorialize these brave souls and yet continue with the excitement, education and inspiration of those interested in the space program and all it has to offer.

The affiliation the Center has with the Smithsonian Institute offers access to national quality museum exhibits that would not otherwise be available in Arizona.

The Center has educational classes available for those that reserve a space.  The courses encompass such things as how to track a hurricane, predict volcanic rock fall and determine how these conditions impact the surrounding areas.  There are three-hour mission simulations that you can participate in with each mission designed to hold a class of 16 to 32 students.  There is education for each lass lead by a teacher who has attended a half-day teacher orientation program at least two months before the date of the mission.  

There are opportunities for field trips for the pre-K students and beyond to learn about space with age-appropriate activities to keep them interested and excited.  There are also programs for the public to attend and learn about space.

A fabulous opportunity for students is to attend one of the Space Camps.  These are held during the summer, and holiday school breaks.  These camps offer elementary and middle school students a chance to learn how astronauts live and work in space, launch rockets and explore adventures related to the history of flight.  These are full day or half day camps.

The programs at the Center are focused on meeting and exceeding the educational standards set by Arizona for Math, Science, Technology and Workplace Skills.

You can join with others at the Center to stargaze, use the indoor planetarium, hear the lectures, take telescope classes, hear space storytelling and more.

Public Admission
Adults $6
Students (6-18 yrs)  $4
Seniors (55+ yrs)  $4
Ages 5 & Under Free
Challenger Members Free

Hours of Operation
Monday 9a – 4p
Tuesday 9a – 4p
Wednesday 9a – 4p
Thursday 9a – 4p
Friday 9a – 4p
Saturday  10a – 4p
Sunday Closed

Guided Tours Monday thru Friday

Saturday

 10a, 11a, 1p, 2p and 3p

10a, 11a, 12p, 1p, and 2p
 
  Tours are conducted daily. Due to occasional special engagements and/or the availability of a tour guide please call in advance to ensure a tour guide is available that day. Self-guided tours are available with paid admission to the center. In order to ensure a quality experience, if you are planning to bring a group of ten or more, or if you have special needs, please call 623.322.2001 to make a tour reservation.

Closed on the
following Holidays
Labor Day
Thanksgiving Day
Christmas Day
New Years Day
Memorial Day
Independence Day

Directions:
Coming from the West (Sun City/Sun City West/Surprise)
• Go East on Bell Road
• Turn left onto 91st Avenue
• Turn Right onto Lake Pleasant Parkway
• Turn Left onto 83rd Avenue
• The Center is the large white building on the left
• The Challenger Space Center is adjacent to the Sunrise Mountain High School campus

Traveling West on Loop 101 (From the East Valley)
• Exit onto 75th Avenue
• Turn Right off the exit ramp, heading North on 75th Avenue
• Turn Left onto Deer Valley Road
• Turn Left onto 83rd Avenue
• The Center is the large white building on the right
• The Challenger Space Center is adjacent to the Sunrise Mountain High School campus

Traveling North on Loop 101 from the I-10
• From the I-10, take the Loop 101 North
• Travel 12 miles
• Exit onto Union Hills Drive
• Turn Left at the light onto Union Hills heading West
• Turn Right onto 83rd Avenue
• Turn Right at the 5th stop light to continue on 83rd Avenue
• The Center is the large white building on the left
• The Challenger Space Center is adjacent to the Sunrise Mountain High School campus

Valerie Bontrager  Education Lead / Scheduler
623.322.2015 / 623.322.2033
vbontrager@azchallenger.net / scheduler@azchallenger.net
 

Challenger Space Center of Arizona – Peoria, Arizona is a post from: Arizona Tourism

The Organ PIpe Cactus National Monument was founded to celebrate the life and landscape of the Sonoran desert.

Whether you want to hike, take a drive on a lonely road, backpack, camp in the desert or just soak in the warmth and the beauty of the Southwest this is the place to do it.

There are extraordinary plants and animals in the Sonoran Desert for you to enjoy.  These creatures adapted themselves to the extreme temperatures, intense sunlight and little rainfall of this Southwest region.  There are Twenty-six species of cactus living here, including the beautiful park’s namesake and the giant saguaro.

Because this is a protected area, Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument has allowed the life of the Sonoran Desert to flourish under nearly ideal wilderness conditions.  It is one of the Earth’s major ecosystems.  In 1976 it was designated as an International Biosphere Reserve.

The park is home to the Gila Monster, one of only two species of poisonous lizards found in North America.  They are out in the late spring through early autumn at the park but they move real slowly so you don’t have to worry about getting away from them to avoid getting bitten.  They just want to be left alone.

The area also has ferruginous pygmy owls.  They are so darling, such a delight to watch (please don’t try to touch or catch them, leave them to beautify the area in their natural habitat).  There are also Sonoran Pronghorns.  This edgy, skittish and shy creature will run if it hears a car as far away as 2 miles!  The Sonoran pronghorn is tinier than its more extroverted grassland sibling, the American pronghorn. This desert subspecies can freeze, invisible in the patchwork of cactus and rock. Fear is their survival strategy. It steers them away from highways, automobiles, and noisy humans. It makes them fast. It keeps them wary. With the dry season of 2002 many of them died leaving just 25 in the United States.  The program to save them was begun in 2004 as scientists started a captive breeding program.  11 animals were caught, some from the larger herd in Mexico, to provide for genetic diversity.  A square mile of desert was set aside in a non-wilderness are of Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge and through the care and hard work of the scientists involved the herd has begun to grow again.  They seem to adapt to the wild very well once they are turned lose as they get big enough.

Coyotes are highly intelligent animals that are well adapted to survive in almost any environment. They are among the most common animals spotted in Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument and you might hear them "singing" on any given night.

The Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument is also a fabulous place for bird watching.  There are a number of great sites to sit and watch for the bird you are interested in seeing show up.  There is Alamo Canyon, Twin Peaks Campground, Ajo Mountan Drive, Kris Eggle Visitor Center or wherever you are hiking.  The birds are fascinating and beautiful.  Enjoy the experience.

There are sone arches in the area for you to see, such a fantastic work of nature.

Closed Roads: Conditions at Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument periodically lead to closures of some roads and sections of the park. The following roads are closed indefinitely to vehicle traffic until further notice.

Pozo Nuevo
Camino de Dos Republicas
South Puerto Blanco Drive
North Puerto Blanco is closed past the five-mile gate
Backcountry Areas: The following areas are closed to use until further notice.

All backcountry areas are closed to overnight use.  Many backcountry areas are open for day hiking only.  Check at the Kris Eggle Visitor Center for the most current closure information.
Red Tanks and Lost Cabin Mine trail complex are closed to all visitor use.
Dripping Springs area from west of Pinkley Peak to North Puerto Blanco Drive is closed to all visitor use.
Bates Mountains, Kino Peak and all areas south of the Bates Well Road, including areas along the Pozo Nouvo Road are closed to all visitor use.
Sweetwater Pass area is closed to all visitor use.
Open Roads: Some areas of the park are too beautiful to close for very long, currently these roads as well as Hwy 85 are open to visitor use.

Ajo Mountain Drive is a 21 mile loop drive which is open and beautiful.
The first five miles of North Puerto Blanco Drive has been newly reconstructed and is open in both directions, providing access to the new picnic area at the turn-around point by Pinkley Peak.
Alamo Canyon is open and beautiful for hiking into the canyon or camping in the primitive campground, click here for more information on camping in the Alamo Canyon Primitive Campground.
The Bates Well road is subject to periodic annual closures due to Sonoran Pronghorn fawning season during mid-March until mid-June.  This time frame can vary year to year depending on the needs of the pronghorn.  Check at the Kris Eggle Visitor Center for current information on the Bates Well Road.
Please be aware of your surroundings in all areas of Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument. This is a wild place with natural and man-made hazards. Please be aware of your abilities and respect the laws of nature, as well as the laws of our state and nation.
 
Location: along the US/Mexican Border, south of Ajo, west of Tucson, and east of Yuma.
From the NORTH: follow AZ Hwy 85 through Ajo and Why. The Monument is 22 miles (35.4 km) south of Why. From the EAST: follow AZ Hwy 86 to Why, then turn south on AZ Hwy 85. From the WEST: follow I-8 to Gila Bend or I-10 to Buckeye, then turn south on AZ Hwy 85. From MEXICO: drive on Mexico Route 2 to Sonoyta, then north to Lukeville.

Hours: The Kris Eggle Visitor Center is open daily from 8am to 5pm Mountain Standard time.
Closed all federal holidays between April 1 and December 31.  The remainder of the park is open 24 hours a day, every day.  You can enjoy the park even on holidays.

Things to Know and Keep in Mind!
This is a desert wilderness environment, carry water, sunscreen etc. Watch for cactus spines and rattlesnakes.
There is no food or lodging in the monument. Lukeville, 5 miles to the south on the US side of the Mexican border has a restaurant and small grocery as well as gas and a post-office. To the north, the small village of Why has gas and a restaurant. Further north to Ajo, you will find lodging, gas, restaurants and groceries.

Winter temperatures are pleasant, mid 50-60 during the day, chilly 30-40 during the night. Summer temperatures are hot 100+ during the day and 70-80 during the night. If you plan on visiting during the summer months, plan on starting your day early and resting during the heat of the afternoon.

All plants, animals and historic artifacts are protected inside the Monument, that includes rattlesnakes, scorpions and tarantulas. This is their home, if you are startled by one of these animals, step back and give them space. Enjoy the moment and consider yourself lucky to see such amazing creatures in such a wild environment. Let the rangers at the Kris Eggle Visitor Center know if you see something really cool, like a Gila monster.
 
 
 
 

Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument – Ajo, Arizona is a post from: Arizona Tourism

In this area of the state, which was settled by Mormon John D. Lee, there stands a trading post built in 1913 and a stone fort built in 1874.  They are still standing to allow visitors to see what life would have been like in that time of unrest between the Navajo and the settlers.  The trading post has the small fortified windows (gun ports) on the right side of the building to protect it from attacks.

Lees Ferry was the first ferry crossing on the Colorado River for 260 miles prior to the building of the Navajo and Glen Canyon Bridges which were built in the 20th century.  Everyplace else along the Colorado River is all limestone cliffs and sandstone from Moab, Utah to Laughlin, Nevada which made it impossible to ford.

You can see glimpses of the early Mormon pioneer and subsequent mining lifestyles while following the interpretive trails through the town, along the Colorado River and at the Lonely dell Ranch in adjacent Paria River Valley.

Probably the most impressive claim to fame for the community is that the Grand Canyon officially begins here.  The light band of limestone angling out above the water is the Kaibab formation, the upper layer at the rim of the Grand Canyon gorge. The Kaibab Formation becomes visible here, 3,000 feet above sea level, and climbs to 8500 feet at the North Rim of Grand Canyon, 90 river miles away.

In 1927 the need for Lees Ferry ended with the completion (1928) of the Navajo Bridge across Marble Canyon.  There is a newer bridge replacing the original one and parallels the old spanning over 843 feet of the gorge at a height of 467 feet. If you don’t want to cross here, the next opportunity to cross the Colorado River west of Lees Ferry is Boulder Dam, many miles below the Grand Canyon.

If you are planning a rafting trip through the Grand Canyon you will probably begin your adventure in Lees Ferry.  You will need a permit which you should get a year or more in advance.  There are numerous commercial enterprises offering rafting packages so you cam go that route too.

Lees Ferry offers a ranger station, campground, launch ramp, courtesy dock, fish-cleaning station and access to 15 miles of the Colorado River (upriver only). A restaurant, service station, post office and store are available at the town of Marble Canyon on Highway 89A, 3.5 miles south of Lees Ferry.

Lees Ferry is located just below the Utah state line in the central northern section of Arizona on Hwy 89.

Lees Ferry Trading Post and Fort – Lees Ferry, Arizona is a post from: Arizona Tourism

This is the newest karting facility in the United States.  It is located directly across the street from Tucson Raceway Park and is a replica of the famous Suzuka Kart Circuit in Suzuka, Japan.  That track is known by professionals kart drivers as the best circuit in the world.

This is a spot that works for both the serious and recreational karters with a comfortable environment for families and spectators.  Because of the fabulous weather in Tucson this track is open year round.

The track offers different levels of driving schools for those that want to begin the experience of Karting.  Even as young as 10 can get a start in this sport with the right training. 
More advanced is available for those with experience who wish to improve their skill levels and learn something new.

P1 Circuit host’s karting and bicycle racing events, corporate/group events, kart rentals and racing school programs.  P1 also has a full service and retail kart pro shop located on-site.

Location: 11800 S. Harrison Road, Tucson, Arizona

PARKING: Free
 
HOURS*: Monday – By Appointment 8 or more drivers
Tuesday – By Appointment 8 or more drivers
Wednesday – 10:00am – 5:00pm – Open Karts, and Rental Karts
Thursday – 10:00am – 5:00pm – Open Karts and Rental Karts
Friday – 10:00am – 10:00pm – Open Karts and Rental Karts
Saturday – 10:00am – 10:00pm – Open Karts, Supermoto and Rental Karts Sunday – 10:00Am – 4:00PM

PHONE: 520.245.5278

DIRECTIONS:  From I-10 take exit 273 (Rita) or 275 (Houghton) south to the Pima Fairgrounds.  P1 Kart Circuit is 11800 S. Harrison Road on the west side across from the Fairgrounds

P1 Kart Circuit – Tucson, Arizona is a post from: Arizona Tourism

Enter the world of the beautiful past when you step into the entryway of the glorious Fox Theater.  This theater was built in 1929 to serve a dual purpose, to be a vaudeville/move house. The Fox was originally to be called "The Tower" but was changed to the Fox prior to opening.

Opening night, April 11, 1930, proved to be the biggest party the small community of Tucson had ever seen. With Congress Street closed and waxed for dancing, four live bands, a live radio broadcast and free trolley rides Downtown, the party was one not to be missed. Those lucky enough to have bought tickets in advance—3,000 or so people—enjoyed the show inside as well as out. The film "Chasing Rainbows," a Movie Tone short, and a Mickey Mouse cartoon were well received by both audiences that evening, and the Fox Theatre began its 40­year life as the center of Tucson’s entertainment world.

Due to the change in the situation downtown, the television and drive-ins the theater closed in 1974.  Although it was in need of major repair the building avoided the wrecking ball and in January 2006 the theater re-opened  after remaining closed for 32 years, following the dedicated work of a group of citizens that wanted to have this beautiful piece of Southwestern Art Deco construction back in the forefront of the art world.

The theater hosts a variety of performing talent, ranging from ballets, to contemporary pop and rock acts.

Locations: Business Offices located at:
30 North Church Avenue
Tucson, AZ 85701

Theatre Address:
17 West Congress Street
Tucson, AZ 85701

Box Office:
17 West Congress Street
Tucson, AZ 85701
(520)547-3040

The Box Office is open:
Monday – Friday 11am–6pm
Saturday: 11am–2pm
Show Days: 11am–1 hour after show start time
Sunday: Closed

Phone: (520) 624-1515

Email: foxinfo@foxtucsontheatre.org
 

Fox Theater – Tucson, Arizona is a post from: Arizona Tourism

The Tucson Opera Company has offices in both Tucson and Phoenix.  The Company began in 1971 and has consistently provided quality opera to the area since that time.

The operas are preformed in their original language with English subtitles on the screen overhead.  No need to be afraid to go since you will be able to understand (or read) the entire story of the opera.

Since it began the opera has performed over 170 productions.  There is a mix of artists of internationally acclaimed artists and emerging talent working together to provide quality opera to the area.

Ticket prices range from the area of $290 to $80 depending on where you are seated in the Tucson theater for the three productions presented.

In Phoenix they range from $350 to $80 for the three, again, depending on where you are seated.  These prices are for the Sunday afternoon show, prices for the evening performances may be a bit higher.

Single ticket prices range from $100 to $25 each for single performances.

You will have the opportunity to truly "dress up" for the opera.  The opera is the one special place where you can really dress up and go glamorous. Cocktail dress is usually the norm for evening performances, while Sunday matinees generally see more casual sport jackets and dresses. Your opera experience is what you make of it – you’ll fit in with Arizona Opera’s patrons in everything from Birkenstocks to Blahniks!

In most cases, get a babysitter!  Generally, opera is better suited to older kids because the stories often contain adult themes and following the subtitles can be difficult for new readers. Sometimes Arizona Opera offers operas sung in English (such the productions of The Merry Widow and Hansel & Gretel) that are more kid-friendly. When bringing a child to the opera, it is helpful to explain the story in advance and instruct them on proper audience behavior. Arizona Opera’s Opera Look-in program, Opera dell’arte and Student Dress Rehearsals are a good way to ease children into enjoyment of a full-fledged production. Call for details.

The opera, much like a Broadway production, usually lasts between 2 and 3 hours.  There is an intermission during the performance for you to get up, move around, respond to emails, phone calls that have gone into voicemail (because you have turned your phone OFF when entering the theater) and get something to drink.

Just a little heads up for those that aren’t sure when it is appropriate to clap.  At the end of big arias and, of course, at the final curtain call. Feel free to shout out "Bravo!" (for a male performer), "Brava!" (for a woman) or "Bravi!" (for an ensemble) – singers love an appreciative audience!

Enjoy the wonderful world of opera in both Tucson and Phoenix.

Directions & Parking
PHOENIX INFORMATION:

How do I get to the theater, and where do I park?

From I-10, exit 7th Street, turn south. Travel 7th Street south to Washington, turn right (west). Symphony Hall is on corner of Washington & 2nd St.  Entrance to Symphony Hall is on the west side of the building, which is located on 2nd Street and Adams, (1/2 block north of Washington).

Please note:  Due to construction, allow time for navigating downtown.
Parking lots for Symphony Hall:

Hyatt Regency Garage, southwest corner of Second and Adams streets.
Chase Parking Garage, Second Street north of Adams between Van Buren and Monroe streets.
Collier Parking, on Washington directly behind theater between Second and Third Streets.
Arizona Center surface lot, between Second and Third streets north of Van Buren Street.
Event parking is typically between $8 and $15.

The Tucson Music Hall is located in downtown Tucson at 260 South Church Avenue, bordered by Broadway, Granada and Cushing. From I-10 Frontage Road, turn east onto Congress/Broadway, then turn south on Granada or Church.

Parking lots for TCC:
Lot A (at Church and Cushing)
Lot B (at Cushing and Granada)
Lot C (reserved for Bravo! Society Donors)

Phoenix Office:  4600 N. 12th St, Phoenix AZ 85014

Phone: 602-266-7464

Tucson Office: 3501 N. Mountain Ave, Tucson AZ 85719

Phone: 520-293-4336

Arizona Opera – Tucson and Phoenix, Arizona is a post from: Arizona Tourism

Come and enjoy this scenic desert oasis at the base of the Santa Catalina Mountains.  You can camp, hike, ride the equestrian trails, view the wide displays of natural plant and wildlife and enjoy a picnic.  

Here you can get the true feel for the mountains and the desert together.  This is the life that Arizona natives relish, beautiful scenery and miles of hiking trails.  This is certainly a place to have the adventures that will last a lifetime and make you want to come back time after time.

Day-use hours are from 5 am to 10 pm.

Visitor Center and Gift Shop: 8 – 5.

Entrance and camping fees apply.
 

Catalina State Park – Tucson, Arizona is a post from: Arizona Tourism

The

The Nation has created an industrial park which is the home to Caterpiller, the Desert Diamond Casino and a 23 acre foreign trade zone.  The lands are located within the Sonoran desert in south central Arizona with the largest community being Sells.  This community functions as the Nations capital.

The O’odhams are well known for their basket weaving.   O’odham baskets were used as household wares, such as food containers, medicine and trinket holders, strainers for liquids, etc.  Baskets have progressed to an art, where weavers can express themselves in various patterns and designs.  Baskets were made by women, but today many are men have taken up the art. 

Gaming was authorized August 11, 1993 and on October 12 of that year, the Desert Diamond Casino opened. The casino offered visitors a choice of 500 slot machines which has resulted in the Nation being the 13th largest employer in the area, representing over 2,400 jobs.

In 1995 the facility was expanded to include bingo and live card dealers as well as 500 slot machines. A second, smaller casino, Golden Hasan opened 1999, and has 100 slot machines.

The Desert Diamond Casino, open 24 hours, and is located at 7350 South Old Nogales Highway in Tucson, Arizona.  There are two casinos run by the tribe, one is the "old" Desert Diamond and not as large as the "new" one.  The "old" one is located on Noglas Hwy, just south of the Tucson Airport.

The tribe has a specail event on February 1st when they hold their annual rodeo.

Contact the Tribal Council at: Inter Tribal Council of Arizona, Inc.
2214 North Central Avenue, Suite 100
Phoenix, AZ 85004
Phone: 602-258-4822
Fax: 602-258-4825Inter Tribal Council of Arizona, Inc.

Tohono O’odham – Native American Tribe – Central and Southern Arizona is a post from: Arizona Tourism

Legends are wonderful and the legend of Hi Jolly is one that attracts thousands of people to this community annually.  Hi Jolly is Quartzsite’s most famous citizen.  He was a dreamer, adventurer and entrepreneur although he never achieved greatness with his visions.

In this community cemetery the gravesite of Hi Jolly is the largest tombstone in the city topped with a copper camel.  

Because of Hi Jolly, the city has Camelmania every year.  The folks around here celebrate it each year by staging camel races, a camel parade and a gathering of what they hope will be the world’s largest collection of camel artifacts and memorabilia.

"Hi Jolly Daze" usually feature a parade which starts at the post office and goes west to the rodeo grounds. Camel races follow. Other entertainment includes musicians and (what else in Quartzsite?) gemstone displays.

Hi Jolly was actually Hadji Ali who was a specialist in driving camels and was one of the first camel drivers ever to be employed by the US Army.  It is believed that he was born somewhere in Syria around 1828 but there is no record of what his Greek mother and Syrian father named him, he took the name Hadji Ali when he converted to Islam during his early life.

He served with the French army in Algiers before coming to the US as a camel driver in 1856.  He worked with the survey crews mapping a wagon route along the 35th parallel in northern Arizona.  At the time, Jefferson Davis was the U.S. secretary of war and believed camels could solve the Army’s transportation problems in the arid Southwest.  Because of his belief he imported more than 60 camels and a full complement of drivers to the US from the Middle East.  Ali was one of those drivers.

He changed his name from Hadji Ali to Hi Jolly to help the soldiers with his name, they had problems pronouncing and remembering Hadji Ali.

He hoped to make his fortune in the gold fields of the Old West and got the opportunity to look for gold when the camel experiment withered and died. Some of the animals were sold; others were abandoned in the desert. Jolly kept a few and established a freight line between Yuma and Tucson.

Although the camels could carry up to 600 pounds of goods and travel more than 60 miles a day without water, the operation failed. In 1868, Ali (or Jolly) turned his last camel loose near Gila Bend and went back to work for the Army as a packer and scout at Fort McDowell near Phoenix.

He married after he became an American citizen in 1880 using the name Philip Tedro on his papers.  He fathered two children but the call of the gold took him away and he abandoned the family and went prospecting.  As an old man he lived in a cabin near Quartzsite.

He died on Dec. 16, 1902. According to the legends that survive him, Ali perished when he went out into the desert to find a wild camel. And when they found his body, he had one arm wrapped around a dead beast of burden. Of course, no one knows for certain if this story is true, but legend has it that it is, and it’s good enough for the people of Quartzsite.

Historians say that the last wild camel in Arizona was captured in 1946 and the last reported sighting of a wild camel in North America was in Baja California in 1956.

There is a monument to the Hi Jolly which was built in 1935 which also has the buried ashes of the last government camel with him. 

Location: Congress is about halfway between Phoenix and Prescott of US 89.

For information about Jolly’s grave site and Camelmania, call the Quartzsite Chamber at 1-(928)-927-5600.

Camelmania – Camel Races for Hi Jolly – Quartzsite, Arizona is a post from: Arizona Tourism

Traveling on the highway south of Tucson you will see the signs that are reminiscent of the Wall Drug Store signs of years ago.  Every few miles (and sometimes closer than that) you will see a sign promoting The Thing.  It may say something like "Mysteries of the Desert" or "The Thing, Mysteries of the past."

They go on for miles asking if you’ve seen it and so forth.  Of course your curiosity is awakened by this marketing ploy, you really want to know what The Thing is!

As you get closer to the spot of The Thing the signs get closer only…what the heck?  They are promoting jewelry and moccasins as well as rattlesnake eggs and cold drinks.  Oh yes, don’t forget the frosty malts. 

Be prepared to find that The Thing is no more than one of the hundreds of trading posts in Arizona.  The signs work, people stop, and of course, most buy something.

There is a museum, of sorts, for you to see while you are at The Thing, containing such wonders as….three old cars and an exhibit of carvings that depict ancient methods of torture…Whee!

Most people realize that it is a gimmick to get you to stop in the trading post, and it works.  In this instance you get what you pay for, not much but you can tell everyone that you stopped at The Thing and have them wondering just what The Thing is…don’t tell them, have them come to AZ and see for themselves.

Location: Between Willcox and Benson off I-10 at the Johnson Road exit #322.

Admission and Hours: $1 for adults, 75 cents for children 6 to 18.

Open 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day.

Phone (520) 586-2581.
 

The Thing – Tucson, Arizona is a post from: Arizona Tourism

Tom Mix was a silent-movie cowboy who died in 1940 but his legend still goes on today.  He told a great story about himself, most of it not true, about his life prior to entering the movie business.  He claimed to have been a Texas Ranger, to have fought in the Boer War and other wondrous adventures.  He was a working cowboy, a night marshal in Dewey, OK and a peace officer in mining camps in Colorado so there was a little bit of reality in his exaggerations.

In more than 300 silent movies, Mix swooped over rivers hanging from ropes, jumped on and off moving trains, leaped from an airplane into tumultuous waters at the bottom of the Grand Canyon, hung on ledges and plopped down into the saddle of his patient and proficient steed, known as Tony the Wonder Horse.

When Tom Mix died it was just as bizarre as his life.  He had just left the Santa Rita Hotel in Rucson and headed north to visit friends in Florence before heading on to Hollywood.  He stopped off at a bar0restaurant in Oracle Junction and had something to eat, played cards and probably, knowing his history, had a few drinks, but wasn’t drunk by any means.

When he left the restaurant he got into his 1937 yellow Cord Phaeton convertible and took off at a high rate of speed (considering the speed available at the time).  At about 2 p.m. he encountered road construction on route Arizona 79 which had him slam on his brakes and lose control of his car.  The Cord swung into a dry wash, onto rough ground that jolted the vehicle and caused a suitcase that was in the backseat to fly up and hit him in the head.

Mix got out of the car, took one step and fell dead of a broken neck.

Although Tom Mix was not a sound star, he was a silent movie star that was considered to be the real thing.  He was an expert shot, understood the life of a cowboy, took terrible risks doing his own stunt work and thrilled the ladies with his handsome face and great build.

The Tom Mix Memorial is just a clumpy mortared-cobblestone pile surmounted by a two-foot-tall metal horse with its head sagging and the reins hanging loose.  This is supposed to represent Tony the Riderless Horse, Tony was the horse that Mix rode in the movies.

The memorial is 20 miles south of Florence.  Something to bring back a little cowboy history and have you wondering about this cowboy from the 40′s. 

There is a museum dedicated to Tom Mix in Dewey, Oklahoma, just 40 miles north of Tulsa so if you find you want to learn more about this dashing cowboy you can stop in there and see a whole bunch of artifacts from the life of Tom Mix.
 

Tom Mix Memorial – Florence, Arizona is a post from: Arizona Tourism

Flying into Tucson International brings you to the southern most airport in Arizona where you can enjoy the wide range of activities offered in this city and surrounding area.

Getting the best Tucson airfare takes some time but is well worth the effort.  There are days of the week that the rates are less than other days, there are weeks of the month that offer a better rate so you may want to spend some time checking on the different options.  If you can book your ticket way in advance it is often a less costly way to go than to wait until a week or two before you want to arrive.  When the airlines first schedule a flight they want the seats filled so they have discounted rates available, sometimes. The closer it gets to the date of the flight the rates often go up, it’s a matter of supply and demand.  The more people that have booked a flight the higher the rate will be, the less people that are booked the lower the rate will be.

Of course you can wait until the very last minute and hope that you can find a flight that is not full and therefore offering deeply discounted rates to fill it up, but that is a risky avenue to take if you must be in Tucson at a certain time.  If you are more flexible on your date then you may be able to find those deeply discounted rates either directly with the airline or by going to a travel booking site such as Travelocity or Kayak.

Kayak gives you the option of checking with a number of different booking sites which allows you to check out some that you normally wouldn’t think about that may be running a special.  It’s worth the time to research them.

Tucson airfare differs from day to day, airline to airline but you can find a good rate, just be diligent in your search and enjoy your time in Tucson!
 

Tucson Airfare is a post from: Arizona Tourism

Cheap Airfare Phoenix

Are you looking for cheap tickets to fly into Phoenix?  There are a number of websites that can help you find the best rate for your trip.  It will depend on when you are planning to fly and how flexible you are on those dates.  If you can mark the area that allows for a 3 day difference on your departure or arrival date you may find that you can save quite a bit of money.

Check out the airline websites, then go to Travelocity or Kayak and see if you can come up with a better rate.  Occasionally the airline will state they won’t be undersold by a different site, they guarantee the lowest rate so know before you call what other rates are out there.  You can always ask the airline reservations agent what their best rate is and then, if it is higher than what you have found online tell them what rate you have available and see if they will match it.

Since the airlines have begun charging for checking you baggage you may want to look at alternative methods to get your luggage to where you are going.  It may be less expensive for you to ship them independently with someone line Fed Ex or UPS than to pay the airline fees.  If you have more than one carry on you could be money ahead to use one of these sites and have your luggage delivered right to your door.

Taking a carry on is still allowed but please remember to pack the right size for the overheads.  If you try to take a bag that is too large onboard you will likely be told that it needs to be checked and that is a real pain to you and the rest of the passengers and crew. 

Finding a cheap airfare to Phoenix can be a challenge, but then it is well worth it when you finally arrive in the warmth of the city with all there is to do and see.
 

Cheap Airfare to Phoenix – Phoenix, Arizona is a post from: Arizona Tourism

Where are you planning to fly into?  Are you going to Phoenix Sky Harbor or Tucson?  How about Mesa-Willianms Gateway?  Where you are flying into can make a difference in what rate you pay for your ticket.  Occasionally it is considerably less expensive to fly into a different airport and rent a car then to fly directly to the destination you are going to ultimately want. 

Checking out the options on a site such as Travelocity.com or Kayak.com can give you the option to check alternate airports within a given mileage range to see if the rates from there are enough less to make you adjust your plans.  If you are flying to a smaller airport you may not have the option, such as flying to Show Low, so you will need to fly into Phoenix.  But it is certainly worth checking into.

Different times of the year affect the rates you will pay to fly into AZ.  The AZ airfare may drop when the season changes from the warmth of the winter to the heat of the summer.  But checking on the shoulder times is also wise.  If you can visit during the slow air season you may be able to pick up a great deal for a round trip ticket.

Get online, compare rates, compare cities and then come on to visit AZ.  Come to enjoy the weather, the golf, the hiking and the biking offered throughout Arizona.  You may want to visit some of the other sites such as the Native American regions or spend a weekend at a western working ranch.  All of these are available for you when you fly into Arizona.  Check out AZ airfare from where you are and then buy a ticket to come and visit.  You will be glad you did!
 

AZ Airfare is a post from: Arizona Tourism

When you are planning to come to Arizona and fly into Sky Harbor you will want to keep your eyes on the specials that are offered by the airlines.  It may mean that you will fly on a weekday rather than a weekend, but you may be able to save a bunch by making this adjustment.

Sky Harbor has 20 airlines that fly into it.  That offers you a wide range of options to book your flight.  If one of the following airlines is in your area check out their rate for a flight to Phoenix.  Aeromexico, Air Canada, Air Tran, Alaska Airlines, American, British Airways, Continental, Delta, Frontier, Great Lakes, Hawaiian Airlines, JetBlue Airways, Midwest Airlines, Northwest, Southwest, Sun Country, TED (part of United), United Airlines, US Airways, and WestJet. 

Book online if you can, you can compare the different rates from different airlines online without having to place all the phone calls to the centers.  Now, if you can’t find the date you want or the return you want with the departure date you’ve chosen you may have to call the call center reservations line but if you know your options you can give them the details to allow them to try to match your desires with the price you want to pay.  That doesn’t mean you will get it, it means you can try.

Getting your rental car from Sky Harbor means that you will need to take a shuttle to the rental location (in most instances) so be prepared to get to the right spot to get the shuttle to the car rental agency you have selected.  On your return trip remember to give yourself enough time to return the car, get the shuttle and still make it through security in time for your flight.

Welcome to Sky Harbor Airport and the sunny weather of Arizona. 
 

Phoenix Airfare – Stretch your Dollars – Phoenix, Arizona is a post from: Arizona Tourism

Enjoy Family Fun at Enchanted Island Park in Scottsdale, Arizona. Enchanted Island Park in the heart of Phoenix’s beautiful Encanto Park is a wonderful attraction for families with young children. Enchanted Island Park features a diverse assortment of fun and entertaining rides specially designed for kids aged 2 to 10. There’s plenty of ways for adults to have fun with their kids at Enchanted Island, too, including pedal-boats, a delightful train ride, an arcade and more.

The Amusement Park Rides at Enchanted Island Park are the star attraction for kids, and there are rides for children under 48”, and for those from 48” to 54”. Little kids can have fun on the Bumper Boats, the Kiddie Cars and the fanciful Dragon Wagon. The Mini Enterprise and charming Encanto Carousel are two more rides your young ones will enjoy.

Bigger kids can also take a spin on the Dragon Wagon, the Kiddie Cars and the Encanto Carousel at Enchanted Island Park. They can fly high on board the Red Baron and take in a fabulous skyline view on the Parachute Tower. They’ll also enjoys a spin on the whirling Rock-N-Roll Ride.

Everyone can take a ride on board Enchanted Island Park’s C.P. Huntington Train, and adults can join in the fun with their kids on the Carousel, Parachute Tower and Rock N’ Roll ride.  

When you’re ready for a break from the amusement park rides, head off shore for family fun on a canoe or pedal-boat ride across Enchanted Island Park’s lagoons. Visit the Midway for carnival game fun where everyone’s a winner, and enjoy some friendly family competition at Enchanted Island’s arcade.

No visit to Enchanted Island Park would be complete without a taste of cotton candy, a snow cone or a hotdog from the Snack Bar. If you prefer a sit-down meal, take the family to nearby Mulligans Restaurant at Encanto Golf Course for breakfast or lunch. Delicious egg dishes and other breakfast items and hearty burgers and sandwiches are on the menu at Mulligans Restaurant.

Enchanted Island Park is easy to get to, and there’s plenty of parking available to make your visit as convenient as it is fun. The Park is open year round.

There’s no admission charge to enter Enchanted Island, and the pay-as-you-play policy makes this an affordable place the whole family can enjoy every time you’re in Phoenix. Join the Enchanted Island Park email club to take advantage of a special Buy 1, Get 1 Free coupon and valuable monthly offers.  

Enchanted Island Amusement Park
1202 W. Encanto Blvd.
Phoenix, AZ 85007
602-254-1200
602-254-1264

Enchanted Island Park – Phoenix, Arizona is a post from: Arizona Tourism

CrackerJax Family Fun and Sports – Scottsdale, Arizona

Visit Scottsdale’s Premier Family Fun Attraction: CrackerJax Family Fun and Sports Park. CrackerJax Family Fun and Sports Park in Scottsdale, AZ is a terrific attraction for families with kids of all ages. The Park is all about fun, and there’s a wonderful assortment of attractions to keep everyone entertained. CrackerJax features go-kart racing tracks, water balloon competitions, miniature golf, an arcade and much more, all available at very affordable rates.

The Can-Am style CrackerJax Speedway is the perfect place to unwind as you enjoy thrilling go-kart racing. At over 1200 feet in length, CrackerJax Speedway is the longest go-kart racetrack in Arizona – and arguably the most challenging. Navigate thrilling S-curves and hairpin turns as you roar along this thrilling banked track. Kids can test their driving skills, too, at the Jax Trax designed just for them. The kid’s racing karts feature special safety features. A bumper rail system keeps kids safe as they race along a 300 foot track.

The Bumper Boats at CrackerJax’s Lagoona Island are a terrific way to beat the heat in the summertime. The 6,000 square foot lagoon features a flowing waterfall and a mist-spewing island in its center to cruise around. Kids can ride the Bumper Boats as passengers with an accompanying adult.

The whole family can enjoy Water Wars, a fun new attraction at CrackerJax. Opposing battle stations are armed with buckets of water balloons, and each station has its own water balloon launcher. Aim your water balloons at slots and holes in your opponents’ battle station to soak your competition.

Two miniature golf courses at CrackerJax offer more ways for families to enjoy fun competition. Amaze N’ Golf is designed for youths aged 4 to 10, and it is ideal as a joint activity for kids and adults. Mazes, tunnels, slides and bells are some of the fun interactive elements that make this course playful and exciting. The more challenging Optical Delusion is the CrackerJax  mini-golf course for teenagers and adults. This is a fun, unique and tricky course designed to keep you guessing.

Golfers will also appreciate the multi-level, 300-yard driving range at CrackerJax, and there’s also an 18-hole professional putting course. Fast and slow pitch batting cages and three tournament quality volleyball courts are two more ways sports enthusiasts can have fun at CrackerJax.

16001 N. Scottsdale Rd.
Scottsdale, AZ 85254
480-998-2800

CrackerJax Family Fun and Sports – Scottsdale, Arizona is a post from: Arizona Tourism

Saguaro National Park contains two districts, and each offers a variety of attractions and opportunities for recreational activities. The Rincon Mountain District is located east of Tucson, while the Tucson Mountain District is located to Tucson’s west.

The eastern Rincon Mountain District of Saguaro National Park includes more than 128 miles of trails to explore. Heights of over 8,000 feet are reached in this part of the Park. There is an aging saguaro forest located at the foot of the Rincon Mountains here and many other desert areas to explore. The Visitors Center at Saguaro East includes an outdoors plant exhibit that names and describes 15 major plants of the Sonoran Desert.

The western Tucson Mountain District features Saguaro National Park’s lower elevations and a denser saguaro forest. You can visit the Red Hills Visitor Center in the Tucson Mountain District for maps and more information on this part of the Park. You’ll enjoy spectacular views of the mountains and saguaros from the Center, and you can tour a variety of cultural and natural history exhibits focused on the Sonoran Desert here.

The two Visitors Centers at Saguaro National Park are terrific starting points for planning your adventure in either district. You can then explore and enjoy the Park in a variety of ways. There are two scenic drives in Saguaro National Park. You can travel along an 8-mile one way loop in the eastern part of the Park, or take your choice of several scenic driving routes in the Park’s western district. There are picnic areas located along both areas’ scenic drives.

Horseback riding, biking and hiking are three popular ways people view the fascinating plants and animals that inhabit Saguaro National Park. There are many hiking trails located within each district of the Park, and bikers can travel along the scenic drives. Horseback riders must stick to designated horse trails within the Park. If you’re not looking to go camping, but prefer more comfortable accommodations, HotelsCombined.com provides excellent hotel rates for the Tucson area.

Saguaro National Park
3693 South Old Spanish Trail
Tucson, AZ 85730-5601
520-733-5100

Saguaro National Park – Tucson, Arizona is a post from: Arizona Tourism

Coasters and Thrill Rides

If you can’t get enough of thrilling amusement park rides, you’ll love Castles N’ Coasters. Those looking for an extreme adventure won’t want to miss the Sky Diver. You’ll head straight up to a spectacular height, then drop 120 feet to the earth below at an incredible speed.

The Patriot is just one of the roller coasters you can ride at Castles N’ Coasters. This is the one to try if you’re a first time coaster rider, but it’s also designed to thrill seasoned riders, too. When you’re ready for an even more extreme coaster experience, ride the Desert Storm. Its plummets, twists, loops and vortexes is designed for maximum thrills.

Kids Rides

Castles N’ Coasters is famous for its unique and exciting mix of roller coasters and thrill rides, but there’s plenty of opportunity for little ones to have fun, too. Children will love the excitement of rides designed just for them. The Flying Bugs, Spinning Top and Jr. Dixie Wheel provide just the right level of thrills and excitement for young ones. Kids can also join adults or ride alone on the Park’s fabulous Carousel, and they’re welcome as passengers on the Bumper Boats, too.

Castles N’ Coasters Arcade

Everyone can hang out and have fun at the huge arcade at Castles N’ Coasters. The arcade features over 300 games, including interactive video games, air hockey, holographic images, a shooting gallery, carnival games with prizes, and much more.
Miniature Golf

Castles N’ Coasters features four 18-hole miniature golf courses designed for family entertainment. As you putt through the course, you’ll see beautiful lush landscapes, famous landmarks, sparkling fountains and much more. The whole family will find the course challenging and fun, and kids under age 5 can play for free with a paying adult.

Castles n’ Coasters
9445 Metro Parkway East
Phoenix, AZ 85051
602-997-7575
 

Castles N’ Coasters – Phoenix, Arizona is a post from: Arizona Tourism

Lake Mead is 110 miles long and 500 feet at its greatest depth. This expansive lake features 550 miles of shoreline and 255 square miles of surface. Canoeing, kayaking, boating, fishing and waterskiing are popular activities on Lake Mead.

The shores of Lake Mead feature marinas, campgrounds, lodges and other facilities, so there is plenty to entertain visitors both on and off the water. Millions of people visit Lake Mead National Recreation Area each year to enjoy backcountry camping, hiking, biking, horseback riding and wildlife viewing. Picnicking, scenic driving and hunting are other outdoor activities you can pursue at Lake Mead.

Although Lake Mead and Lake Mojave comprise a large portion of the Lake Mead National Recreation Area, there is much more to the Park than water. The lakes stand in contrast to the mountains, canyons and stark desert landscape also contained within the Park. The variety of experiences you can have at Lake Mead is one of its most unique and appealing features. 

The varied habitats at Lake Mead National Recreation Area support a diversity of plants and animals you may encounter on your visit. Nearly 250 kinds of birds have been spotted here, and you may also see bats and a large assortment of snakes and other reptiles on your visit. The desert supports a variety of beautiful flowers that bloom at different times throughout much of the year.

If you would like to learn more about the various habitats, geology and ecology of Lake Mead National Recreation Area, visit the Alan Bible Visitor Center just east of Boulder City in Nevada. Information, books, maps and intriguing exhibits are available here, and Park staff members can provide assistance and additional information, as well.

To make the most of your visit to Lake Mead National Recreation Area, do some planning ahead of time. You can obtain a tremendous amount of information about the various campgrounds, hiking trails, marinas and other attractions and facilities at the National Park Service website, NPS.gov. Search for Lake Mead to access relevant web pages.

Boulder City in Nevada is perhaps the best location for enjoying Lake Mead. You can find several hotel options in Boulder City at HotelsCombined.com.

 Lake Mead, AZ

Lake Mead National Recreation Area – Lake Mead, Arizona is a post from: Arizona Tourism

At the Saguaro National Park you will experience the beauty of the towering saguaro cactus.  The park covers approximately 91,000 acres and is filled with saguaro which are multi-pronged plants which can live more than 150 years!  Some even grow to over 50 feet in height.  There is also teddy-bear cholla, hedgehog and a wide range of the cactus for you to learn about and enjoy.

The Rangers at the visitor centers (there are two centers) offer a wide array of activities such as guided nature hikes to discussions about Saguaro’s unusual make up of flota and fauna.  The majority of these programs are schedule from October thru April.

The park is divided into two distinct sections.  The primary one on the east side of Tucson and a secondary one on the west side.  You can visit both in one day but it would be a disservice to yourself to try to cram too much into one day, why not make a couple of days and see both areas in more detail? 

Saguaro’s East Visitor Center is just off Old Spanish trail, 15 miles east of downtown Tucson.  The park’s Red Hills Visitor Center (the western one) is 20 miles west of downtown.

on the east side there are a couple of quick hikes you can take along the 8 mile park loop road, Cactus Forest Drive, the quarter mile desert Ecology Trail with it’s informative signage to help you identify the species.  On the west side you can take the .8 mile Valley View Overlook Trail (which is off the 6 mile Bajada Loop Drive) for a spectacular view of the desert.

For those of you that want a more challenging hike Saguaro has a number of rather ambitious trails for you to try.  These are primarily on the eastern side.  The Tanque Verde Ridge Trail is truly a rewarding hike to the elevation of 7,000 ft!

You may enjoy the Saguaro Wilderness Area which is a large, road less backcountry area consisting of 57,930 acres within ght Rincon Mountain District.  It is bounded on three sides by the Rincon Mountain Wilderness Area which is part of the Coronado National Forest.

The plant communities in the wilderness area consist of plants from hot and dry desert scrub to cool and moist pine forests.  There are six different biotic communities which are represented including desert scrub, desert grassland, oak woodland, pine-oak woodland, pine forest and mixed conifer forests.

Operating Hours & Seasons

Both districts of the park are open from 7:00 a.m. to sunset daily.  Both districts of the park offer a visitor center with operating hours of 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily, except closed on Christmas Day.

Entrance Fees

Entrance fees are charged to enter either district of Saguaro National Park.

$10.00 for any privately owned vehicle or motorcycle – the receipt is valid for 7 days
$5.00 for any individual on foot or bicycle – the receipt is valid for 7 days

How to Get There:
Traveling By Car

Getting to the Rincon Mountain District from the City of Tucson

Travel east on Broadway or Speedway Boulevard to Freeman Road (turn right on Freeman Road). Drive south on Freeman Road (4 miles [6.5 kilometers] from Speedway, 3 miles [5 kilometers] from Broadway) to Old Spanish Trail. Turn left on Old Spanish Trail. Drive .25 miles (.4 kilometers) southeast on Old Spanish Trail to the Park entrance on the left side of the road.

Getting to the Rincon Mountain District from Interstate 10

Primary Route from I-10

Exit I-10 at exit # 275 (Houghton Road) and drive 9.5 miles (15 kilometers) north to Old Spanish Trail and turn right. Drive 3 miles (5 kilometers) southeast on Old Spanish Trail and the park entrance, which will be on the left side of the road.

Alternate route from I-10

For a more scenic alternate route, take exit #279 (Colossal Cave Road) and go north for 3.5 miles (5.5 kilometers) to Pistol Hill Road and turn left. Drive 2 miles (3 kilometers) northeast on Pistol Hill Road to Old Spanish Trail and turn left. Proceed north on Old Spanish Trail 11 miles (17.5 kilometers) to the park entrance, which will be on your right.

Getting to the Tucson Mountain District from the City of Tucson

Travel west on Speedway Boulevard. At the junction of Camino de Oeste, Speedway Boulevard will change names to Gates Pass Road. From this junction, drive 4 miles (6.5 kilometers) west on Gates Pass Road until it ends at Kinney Road (turn right on Kinney Road). Drive 3 miles (5 kilometers) north on Kinney Road to the Park entrance (entrance will be on the right side of the road). This route is not suitable for vehicles over 25 feet in length.

Getting to the Tucson Mountain District from Interstate 10

Primary Route from I-10

If you are traveling eastbound, there is one direction sign at Exit # 242, which is called the Avra Valley Road. Drive 5 miles (8 kilometers) west on Avra Valley Road to Sandario Road (turn left on Sandario Road). Drive 9 miles (14.5 kilometers) south on Sandario Road to Kinney Road (turn left on Kinney Road). The visitor center is 2 miles (3 kilometers) down Kinney Road on the left side of the road.

Alternate Route from I-10

Take exit #248, which is called Ina Road and drive west 2.5 miles (4 kilometers) to Wade Road and turn left. Drive .6 miles (1 kilometer) to a big curve. At this point, Wade Road will change names to Picture Rocks Road. Drive 6 miles (10 kilometers) west on Picture Rocks Road to Sandario Road and turn left. While on Picture Rocks Road you will enter and exit Saguaro National Park. Drive 3.5 miles (5.5 kilometers) south on Sandario Road to Kinney Road and turn left. Drive 2 miles (3 kilometers) down Kinney Road to the visitor center, which will be on your left.

Getting to the Tucson Mountain District from Interstate 19

Interstate 19 is a rather short route beginning in Tucson at Interstate 10 and going south to the border of Mexico at Nogales, Arizona. Take I-19 south to Ajo Way (exit 99) then go west on Ajo Way (also known as Highway 86) to Kinney Road and turn right and head north, follow the signs to the park.

Headquarters and Rincon Mountain District

Saguaro National Park
3693 South Old Spanish Trail
Tucson, AZ 85730-5601

- or -

Saguaro National Park-Tucson Mountain District
2700 North Kinney Road
Tucson, AZ 85743

By Phone
Visitor Information – Rincon Mountain District
(520) 733-5153
Visitor Information – Tucson Mountain District
(520) 733-5158
Headquarters
(520) 733-5100

Saguaro National Park – Tucson, Arizona is a post from: Arizona Tourism

This museum was founded in 1988 and highlights over 400 species of insects, mammals and birds from around the globe.  There are some collections that are over 100 years old and all the animals at the museum were donate by people that wanted to share their knowledge with others.  The Museum is an educational program of the Safari Club International Foundation.

The museum talks about Living Fossils and shows you what they are comprised of such as coelacanths, birds and cockroaches.  There is the Absaroka Elk Ecology Project which is a multi-community, multi-landscape project working to provide long term benefits to wildlife and the communities that co-exist with them in northwestern Wyoming.  You can learn about some of the research being done with elk and wolves that are living in this 3.3 million acre area.  This display is one of the temporary exhibits.

Take a look at the animals on the grounds of the museum.  Take pictures of them and enjoy the close up experience.  You will see insects, birds, mammals, reptiles or amphibians on the grounds.

You can either take a self-guided tour or a guided tour with a knowledgeable docent or museum educator.  A typical visit lasts 2 hours.

The Wildlife Theater shows the following movies daily: 10 am – Jungle which is the story of the rainforest, 35 minutes; 11 am Cara the Sea Turtle, 30 minutes; 12 pm – Habitat Earth: H20, 30 minutes; 1 pm – Tarantulas & their Venomous Relations, 52 minutes; 2 pm – Spirit of the Eagle, 30 minutes; 3 pm – The Secret World of Bats, 48 minutes; 4 pm – Plant and Animal Partners, 30 minutes.  Movies change quarterly with the seasons.

Hours: Monday thru Friday 9 – 5, Saturday and Sunday 9 – 6.  Museum is closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.  The Oasis Grille where you can get something to eat is open weekdays from 10 – 3.

Admission: Adults $7; Seniors (62 and over) $5.50; Students/Military (with ID) $5.50; Children (4-12) $2.50 and Children 3 and under are free.  Discounts area available for groups of 10 or more with advance reservations. 

Location: 4800 W Gates Pass Rd., Tucson, Arizona 85745

Phone: 520-629-0100

International Wildlife Museum – Tucson, Arizona is a post from: Arizona Tourism

This museum isn’t huge but it is packed with interactive exhibits, the daily hands-on activities and monthly special events to keep children interested and learning.  There area "Adventure Learning Tours" including the Dinosaur Adventure, the Power Up electricity tour, Depths of the Sea and wonder about grown up life with a When You Grow Up experience.  Maybe you want to take the World of Wellness tour and learn about how to be the best you can be!

The museum has special events such as the Children’s Social Powwow, Festivals of Friendship, Bubblepalooza, Dia de los Muertos Festival and more.  There is also adventure for the little tykes with finger painting where they use edible finger paint, and Fish of Every Color where they learn about the Rainbow Fish and make a colorful, sparkly fish to keep.  These programs are for children 4 years of age and younger.  Target Tykes Time (TTT) is offered every 2nd and 4th Tuesday and Saturday of the month.  The programs change so it’s always exciting.  There is story time, singing and hands-on activity for preschoolers.

There are 12 permanent exhibit areas over 11,000 sq. fee. Exhibits are interactive, allowing the children to learn by doing.  Some of them are: 6th Avenue Market, the Zoomzone, the Tucson Electric Power "Electri-City", Musica de las Americas, The Art Studio, The Mouse House and the Tucson Fire Station along with the Dinosaur Canyon and Wee World.

The Museum’s youth volunteer program involves young people aged 13 and up and has an average of 50 to 60 participants at a time from high schools throughout Pima County.  There are also many adults who volunteer their time at the Museum.

Contacts: Sandy Napombejra, Executive Director: 520-792-9985 ext 104, Email: snapombejra@tucsonchildrensmuseum.org; Jennifer Phillips, Education and Volunteer Coordinator: 520-792-9985 ext 111. Email: jphillips@tucsonchildrensmusuem.org

Hours: Summer June 2 – August 10 – Mondays 10 am – 8 pm, Tuesday – Saturday 10 – 5 and Sundays – Noon – 5.  Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.

Admission: $5 for children (ages 2 – 18) Children must be accompanied and supervised by an adult.  $7 for adults and $5 for seniors.  Children under 24 months are free.

Location: 200 S. Sixth Ave, Tucson, Arizona.  The museum is located in the historic Carnegie Library Building.
 

Tucson Children’s Museum – Tucson, Arizona is a post from: Arizona Tourism

The house is built from found or inexpensive materials, held together by a combination of mortar, cement, calcium, and goat milk, the sprawling 18-room, three story castle is built from a wide range of materials—stone, adobe, automobile parts, salvaged rail tracks from a mine, telephone poles, etc. It features a chapel, cantina, and a dungeon. Parts of the castle remain unfinished, and electricity and plumbing weren’t added until 1992.  There are 13 fireplaces in the house and interesting furnishings from people such as Frank Lloyd Write, John Wayne, Barry Goldwater are some of those that have given furnishings to the house.

Gulley’s daughter, Mary Lou, has lived in the house for years, right after her father died and she and her mother were notified of his death and the fact they had inherited the castle they moved in.  Today Mary Lou still lives there and allows tours to be given, some of the time she even joins in to offer her story while she shows the main house.  Guides take the tours through the rest of the home (except her bedroom which is, as it should be, private space.)

The Mystery Castle is on the Phoenix Historic Property Register.

There are many interesting items both inside the house and in the construction of the exterior including actual petroglyphics in the wall.

Admission: $5 (subject to change) per person.  The admission fee is used to maintain the property so if you feel like it was worth it you may add some to your fee.

Hours: October to mid-June on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays 11 – 4.

Phone: 602-268-1581 

Location: 800 E. Mineral Rd., Phoenix, Arizona 85042

Directions: Take 7th St. south.  About 2 miles south of Baseline Rd. turn east (left) on Mineral Rd.  The road is a dead end road ending in the parking lot.  Parking is Free!

Mystery Castle – Phoenix, Arizona is a post from: Arizona Tourism

Situated in the foothills is the South Mountain State Park, the largest city owned park in the nation.  If you want to hike, horseback ride, play outdoor sports in an ideal setting then you will want to visit this community just outside of Phoenix.

The park offers 16,283 acres of native desert terrain.  The park’s lookout point rises over 1000 feet above the desert floor. Beyond the roads leading to ramadas and the summit, the park features 58 miles of trails for cycling, hiking and horseback riding. Much of the original park infrastructure was constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the early 1930s.

The community is located south of central Phoenix.

South Mountain State Park – Ahwatukee, Arizona is a post from: Arizona Tourism

There are approximately 15 unique park areas included in the Tucson Botanical Gardens which are open to the public with special events and educational programs available.  There are historical gardens, herb gardens, cactus & Succulent gardens and on and on, all to capture your eye and interest.

The Botanical Garden in involved with the community in a number of interesting manners, one of them is with the Horticultural Therapy Program.  This program has been in place for two decades and offers the healing benefits or working with plants to people in community-based programs, nursing homes, hospitals, and assisted living facilities throughout Tucson and Pima County.  Working with the plants, and doing nature-related activities enables those with disabilities an experience that affords them a greater sense of competence, enhance sensory stimulation, improved motor skills and a great way to socialize with others while being a benefit to not only themselves but the community.

Location: 2150 N Alvernon Way, Tucson, Arizona 85712

Phone: 520-326-9686

Admission: $7 for adults and admission for children 4  12 is $3.  Children 3 and younger are Free.

There are self-guided tours which may be taken anytime during public hours.  Look for the interactive touch carts staffed by docents in various garden locations.  Themed carts such as desert birds, saguaros, cacti and succulents, and ethno botany are equipped with hands-on props that can be handled by visitors.

Wheelchairs are available on a first come basis.  Please inquire at the Gift Shop.

If you are new to the Tucson area or are planning to start a garden it will be well worth your time to visit the Botanical Gardens and learn about the unique requirements to grow plants in the desert area.

The Gardens ask that you stay on the paths, do not climb on the trees, walls, sculptures or fountains, do not collect any plants or plant materials. There is no smoking at the Gardens. Pets are not allowed except for service animals.  DO NOT LEAVE YOUR PET IN YOUR VEHICLE, IT IS WAY TOO HOT AND THEY WILL NOT SURVIVE!!

If you want to take pictures you can use the Gardens as a location for your shoot for a fee.  Snapping pictures for your personal enjoyment is allowed.
 

Tucson Botanical Gardens – Tucson, Arizona is a post from: Arizona Tourism

in 1775 there was a fort built by the Spanish called El Presidio San Augustin del Tucson where they staked their claim to the northern frontier of New Spain.  Where Old Town Artisans is located was the site of the stables and the north wall of the fort area assisted in repelling Apache attacks.  The other adobe buildings construction began in the 1850′s. The buildings have the original ceilings made of saguaro cactus ribs, packing crates, and whiskey barrel staves with remnants of imported wallpaper and gold-leaf moldings.

There are special events going on in the area offering you the opportunity on certain dates to hear bluegrass, jazz or blues music and other entertainment for your enjoyment.

The shops are a wide array of offerings from pottery to chili peppers, jewelers and fine arts to native arts and crafts as well as world imports.  There is a restaurant with an outdoor seating area under the trees to break you from shopping and the heat (or go inside for air conditioning).  They have a 1890′s cantina with live music for your enjoyment too.  There is wireless internet access available in the courtyard and the cantina.

The shops are close together so you can roam from one to the other with ease.  It’s only a block long, but well worth your visit.

Hours: Shops: September – May Monday – Saturday 9:30 am to 5:30 pm with Sunday 11 am – 5 pm.  June – August Monday – Saturday 10 am – 4 pm and Sunday 11 – 4.
Restaurant: September – May Monday – Sunday 11 am – 3 pm.  From June – August Monday – Sunday 11 am – 2 pm.  They are closed on all major holidays.

Location: 201 N Court Ave, Tucson, Arizona 85701

Phone: 520-623-6024 or 800-782-8072

Email: info@oldtownartisans.com

Old Town Artisans – Tucson, Arizona is a post from: Arizona Tourism

This beautiful canyon offers a wonderful opportunity for hiking on its many trails to enjoy the canyon.  There is also a tram for those that would rather ride than hike.  The canyon is located in the Coronado National Forest and is the home to spectacular desert landscaping and a variety of wildlife.

Located right at the edge of Tucson affords this area the opportunity to get regular hikers from the city.  There are self-guided Desert Nature Trails at the Sabino Canyon Visitor Center which provides an excellent way to get to know the plants in the area.

There are buses that wind along the floor of the canyon, crossing Sabino Creek on 9 low-water rock bridges, while drivers give you the history of the area.  The buses pass 89 picnic sites which are scattered along the roadside and clustered at two large group picnic sites.  The buses allow you to get off at any of these and re-board later.

The canyon offers nature watches, hiking and equestrian trails, picnicking, watchable wildlife and the shuttle bus tours. 

There are some rules: No pets (handi-dogs must wear I.D.), no glass containers, no camping, no alcohol, no weapons, no motorized vehicles, no nudity and no removal or introduction of plants or animals.  All wilderness areas are closed to mechanized vehicles, including bicycles.

It is suggested that if you don’t think you will want to hike the whole canyon then take the shuttle for part of it and hike the rest or hike to the canyon and take the bus back.  It’s a good way to see the 7 waterfalls that are in the canyon.

When you visit you may be lucky enough to see hummingbirds, white tail deer, coyotes and grey fox.  If you visit in the summer you will probably be safe from seeing snakes, if you don’t like them, since they are in hibernation.  There are other wildlife that you will want to keep your eyes open for (as you PAY ATTENTION to where you are hiking) such as scorpions, snakes, mountain lions and so on but don’t let this keep you from enjoying this beautiful canyon and all the beauty of nature.

Admission: Day Pass $5.

Location: Northeast of Tucson at the foot of the Santa Catalinas
Access: From Tanque Verde Rd in Tucson take Sabino Canyon Rd north to the Recreation Area just north of Sunrise Rd.  Turn right into the parking lot which is a fee area.  A pass can be purchased at the Entrance Station.  From here you must walk, ride a horse or take the shuttle bus into the canyon.

Location: Sabino Canyon Tours
5900 N. Sabino Canyon Road   Tucson, AZ 85750
Information – (520) 749-2861 or

Email: sabinoshuttleinfo@worldnet.att.net

Elevation: 2,800′

Open: Year round
 

Sabino Canyon – Tucson, Arizona is a post from: Arizona Tourism

The Phoenix Zoo covers 125 acres in total with approximately 2.5 miles of walking trails.  There are 4 different trails such as the Africa trail, the Tropics, The Arizona and the Children’s trails.  There are approximately 1,200 animals on exhibit with everything from mammals, fish, invertebrates, birds and the fascinating reptiles.

You are not allowed to bring your pets with you to the zoo, and no, they don’t take pets as donated animals to the zoo. You can bring your roller blades or bike to use while at the zoo, just be careful of the other people.  Picnics are encouraged, take the time to enjoy the day with your family and pack a picnic to enjoy at one of the zoo areas.  You can not bring alcohol, glass, balloons, balls, Frisbees, radios, whistles, skateboards, scooters, firearms, weapons, knives, toy weapons and there are to be NO BARE FEET.  Of course, smoking is prohibited at the zoo.

The zoo holds special events on a regular basis for the enjoyment of those visiting the zoo so check with them to see what is happening when you plan to attend.

Hours: June 1 – September 30 7 am – 2 pm weekdays and 7 am – 4 pm on weekends.  Spring: January – May 31 9 am – 5 pm; Fall: October 1 – November 5 9 am – 5; Moonlight Season (Day time) November 6 – January 11 9 am – 4 pm.  These dates may change from year to year so check with the zoo if you have questions.

Admission: Adults (13 – 59) $14; Seniors (60 +) $9; Children (3 – 12) $6 and Ages 2 and under FREE.

Location: Mailing Address – 455 North Galvin Parkway, Phoenix, Arizona 85008.  Shipping Address: (for everything not sent via US Mail) 150 E Marigold Lane, Tempe, Arizona 85281 The zoo is located at 455 North Galvin Parkway, Phoenix.

Phone: 602-273-1341

Phoenix Zoo – Phoenix, Arizona is a post from: Arizona Tourism

For greyhound racing fans the Tucson Greyhound Park offers you greyhound racing Tuesday – Saturday nights at 7:30 pm.  There is a pari-mutuel betting and OTB betting available. The Tucson dog racing track has been in operation for over six decades. 

The park also participates in the Greyhound Adoption Program.  Greyhounds are smart, sweet, calm, gentle and loving dogs, good with children and adults alike.  The dogs need to be on a lease when outside, they may need special medical treatment.  The program volunteers will assess the right dog for you with a number of questions about your lifestyle and your desires.  They will schedule a home visit to have the dog meet with everyone in the adopting family and see how the dog reacts to you and visa versa. You will be able to check out more than one dog during the process to see which one you would be most comfortable bringing into your life.  They want to find the best match between your family and your dog.  If you don’t think you want to adopt yet but would like to have a dog for a little while then check out the foster parent program.   You can learn more about retired greyhound racers at the Tucson dog track.

Tucson dog racing has been a part of the local community for over seventy years.  The park has the Clubhouse for those that would like to enjoy dining while at the races.  Prices are reasonable and you can see the track from the dining area so you can spend the entire race venue in the Clubhouse if you want.

There is a proposal by the legislature to allow casino gambling at the greyhound race tracks popularly called “racinos.”

Phone: 520-884-7576

Email: info@tucsongreyhound.com

Location: 2601 S 3rd Ave., Tucson, Arizona  Off I-10 take S 6th Ave. to E 36th St. and S. 3rd.

greyhound racing, tucson dog track, dog racing tucson, dog track tucson, tucson greyhound park.

See also the Phoenix Greyhound Park for simulcasting and off track betting.

Tucson Greyhound Park – Tucson, Arizona is a post from: Arizona Tourism

Phoenix Greyhound Park – Phoenix, Arizona

This dog track is located directly north of Sky Harbor Airport at 40th St. and Washing.  The park has been operating for ore than 40 years.  The park offers pari-mutual wagering on live greyhound racing seven nights a week at 7:30 pm with simulcast racing beginning daily at 4:30.

The track offers second floor viewing and concessions with individual monitors on all tables in the tiered area.  The Clubhouse dining is available on Friday and Saturdays.  Admission to the Clubhouse dining area is $3, which includes a free program.

Valet parking is available Wednesday through Sunday evenings for $2.

Phoenix Greyhound Park supports the Arizona Adopt a Greyhound, Inc.  Through funding, volunteer and staff support, there is a permanent adoption facility located on-track.  There are over 5,000 greyhounds that have been adopted by Arizona families so far.  To find out more about the program go to www.arizonaadoptagreyhound.org or call 602-971-6935.

There is a proposal by the legislature to allow casino gambling at the greyhound race tracks popularly called "racinos."

Track Address: 3801 East Washington St., Phoenix, Arizona 85036

Telephone: 602-273-7181
 

Phoenix Greyhound Park – Phoenix, Arizona is a post from: Arizona Tourism

Here you will have the opportunity to not just look at the deer but walk among them, tough them and they will let you feed them right out of your hand if you want.

Started in 1969 and after a few owners the current owners, Randy and Pat George and their sons have expanded the store and the animal population.  They now include Reindeer, Axis Deer, Talking Birds, Wallabies, Coatimundi, Marmosets, Mini Cattle, and a Baby Camel and two Baby Bison.

There are some things that it would probably be good to know before you visit the farm.  Wear comfortable clothing that you don’t mind if the animals take a bite (they like to chew on cloths), shoe laces and even hats.  Bring your camera; the animals will certainly give you some enjoyable shots! 

Rates: Adults – $8.50; Children 3 – 13 – $5.00 and Children 2 and under are Free.  Seniors 62+ – $7.50.  Tax not included in these prices.  For groups of 10 or more contact the farm directly.

Open: January 1 – March 15th 10 – 5
      March 16 – October 15th 9 – 6
      October 16 – December 31st 10 – 5
Winter hours are weather permitting.  Closed Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.

Directions from Phoenix: I-17 north to Flagstaff where you merge onto I-40 west toward LA.  Drive approximately24 miles west on I-40 and take exit 171, Deer Farm Rd/Pittman Valley Rd, turn Right.  Take a Left at the stop sign followed by an immediate Left onto Deer Farm Rd.  On the right 1/2 mile.

From Flagstaff: I-40 West toward LA.  Drive approximately 24 miles West on I-40.  Take Exit 171, follow the above directions from here.

From Williams: Take I-40 East Toward Flagstaff.  Drive approximately 8 miles East on I-40.  Take Exit 171 and follow the directions from above.
 

Grand Canyon Deer Farm – Williams, Arizona is a post from: Arizona Tourism

Come and see the fountain that has made the Guinness Book of World Records as the "world’s tallest fountain"(it no longer holds that record but did for over a decade).  The fountain shoots water 560 feet into the air from the lagoon in the center of the 32 acre Fountain Park.  The water spurts a column of water for 15 minutes every hour on the hour between 10 am and 9 pm (unless weather conditions prohibit it).  If the wind reaches 10 MPH the fountain turns off.

The water usually shoots 330 feet into the air because there are just two pumps working at a time, but if the third pump is added it will reach the 560 mark!

The fountain was built in 1971, the same year that reconstruction of the London Bridge was completed.

The fountain is located in Fountain Park in the smaller community of Fountain Hills, east of Scottsdale and about 45 minutes from Sky Harbor Airport.
 

Fountain Hills Fountain – Fountain Hills, Arizona is a post from: Arizona Tourism

If you are a candy fan and would like to take a tour of the factory where Almond Toffee and other wonders of the confectionary world are created you can take a tour of this factory.  Have you always wondered how cream centers are enrobed in luscious chocolate or how the caramels get wrapped?  If so you will learn all of this if you take the 30 minutes guided tour of the factory.  Or, you can do a self-guided video tour where television monitors through out the facility will provide you with information while you watch chocolate flow right before your eyes.

The Cerreta family has prepared their candy the old fashioned way for more than 70 years.  When you come to the factory for a tour they encourage you to try a sampling to find the perfect candy for you.  The candy is all done by hand with only the finest chocolates, nuts and ingredients used.  Their products are sold around the world, come and see how it is all done!

The tours are free and offered Monday through Friday at 10 am and 1 pm.  The self guided tours are available during normal factory hours, Monday through Saturday from 8 am to 6 pm.

Location: 5345 W. Glendale Ave., Glendale, Arizona 85301

Phone: (product information) 623-930-9000

Email: orders@cerreta.com
 

Cerreta Candy Company – Glendale, Arizona is a post from: Arizona Tourism