One of the beautiful sites to see in Arizona is the Canyon de Chelly National Monument.  Here you will see steep canyon walls dotted with greenery and hundreds of ancient pueblo ruins.  The pueblos were the homes to some of canyon’s earliest inhabitants.  But the best part is that it is still home to a Navajo Indian community that lives there and raises their sheep and herds them during the summer months.

There are hundreds of prehistoric ruins in the Canyon de Chelly.  They were built between 350 and 1300 A.D. where they were inhabited by the Ancient Pueblo People, otherwise known as Anasazi.  During the 1700′s the Navajo began to make their way west from northern New Mexico and settled in the Canyon de Chelly.  The area was designated as a Naitonal Monument in 1931 and is the only National Park Service site to be completely located within the Navajo Nation.

Here you will be able to see Spider Rock, a sandstone spire which is similar to those that dominate the landscape in nearby Monument Valley.  It truly is a sight to see.

Start your exploration at the Canyon de Chelly National Monument Visitor Center, where you can learn about the area and the Navajo people’s customary Hogan house. Two drives follow the rims of the canyon from the visitor center, and these are the only drives allowed without a guide.

Take the time to explore the well-preserved Puebloan ruins which sit in the 1,000 foot tall rock walls and area accessible only via a guided tour.

SCENIC DRIVES: From the Visitor Center, two paved rim drives lead to several overlooks that provide excellent views of the canyon below. Allow 2 hours on each side to visit 3 overlooks on the North Rim Drive and 7 overlooks on the South Rim Drive.

SELF GUIDED HIKE: About 6 miles from the Visitor Center, there is one public trail to hike at the White House Ruin Overlook. Allow 2 hours round trip to hike about 600 feet down the switchback trail to the White House Ruin. No pets are allowed on the trail.

RANGER LED PROGRAMS: Ranger led activities, including hikes, are generally offered from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Check at the Visitor Center for schedule of summer activities.

CANYON TOURS: Tours into the backcountry of the canyon requires a backcountry permit and hiring an authorized guide. Permits are free and available from the Visitor Center during regular business hours only. Tours by hiking, horseback or vehicle are provided by private guides and companies.

There is no fee to enter the park but donations are appreciated and can be made at the visitor center.

You do not need a guide or backcountry permit for the North or South Rim drives or the White House trail.  These are self-guided tours and open all year long.

If you plan on camping at the park you will have the option of Cottonwood Campground which is managed by the Navajo Parks and Recreation Department.  Reservations are required for group tent sites only.  Individual campsites no not require a reservation.  Call NPRD directly at (928)674-2106 for camping rates and availability.  Remember that there are just limited services in the winter so be prepared for this if you choose to visit during the winter.

Pets are welcome as long as they are on a lease on the North and South Rim Drives and in the campground.  Pets are NOT permitted down the White House trail or on any canyon tours, even in your own vehicle.  Exceptions are made for service animals but get that cleared before you start.

Descendants of the Puebloans, the Hopi migrated into the canyons to plant fields of corn and orchards of peaches. Although the Hopi permanently settled on the mesa tops, the Hopi still hold on to many of their traditions that are evident from their homes and kivas.

Related to the Athabaskan people of Northern Canada and Alaska, the Navajo settled the Southwest between the four sacred mountains. The Navajo, or Dine’ as they call themselves, continue to raise families and plant crops just as the “Ancient Ones” had. The farms, livestock and hogans of the Dine’ are visible from the canyon rims.

The name of Canyon de Chelly was derived from the misspelling and mispronunciation of the Navajo word for canyon.  The Navajos call the canyon “Tseyi” which is pronounced “say-ee”.  Eventually the word became “de chelly” which is pronounced as “de-shay”.

Getting There

By Plane
International airports located in Phoenix, AZ (5 hours) or Albuquerque, NM (4 hours). Municipal airports located in Flagstaff, AZ (3 hours); Farmington, NM (2 hours) and Gallup, NM (1 1/2 hours). Local airstrip for medical transport only.

By Car
The Visitor Center is 3 miles (4.8 km) from Route 191 in Chinle, AZ.

From Flagstaff, AZ, take I-40 East then Hwy 191 North.

From Gallup, NM, take Hwy 264 West then Hwy 191 North.

From Kayenta, AZ, take Route 59 Southeast then Hwy 191 South.

Other Public Transportation
Amtrak train stations and Greyhound bus stations located in Gallup, NM or Flagstaff, AZ.

Navajo Transit System operates buses throughout the Navajo Nation. Call 928-729-4002 for more information.

The Visitor Center is open daily all year from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., except for Christmas Day.

The North and South Rim Drives and the White House Trail remain open all year.  The drives are paved roads accessible by vehicle (4-wheel drive is not required).

During severe weather, the Visitor Center may open at a later time or be closed for the day.

From March through November, the Navajo Nation observes Mountain Daylight Savings Time when the time will be the same as Colorado, New Mexico and Utah. The rest of Arizona observes Mountain Standard Time all year.

Canyon de Chelly National Monument – Chinle, Arizona is a post from: Arizona Tourism

The museum is focused on southern Arizona history from Spanish colonial through territorial eras.  Take a look back at life as a frontier Arizona army post and move forward from there.  This will not only be an educational stop, but you will enjoy being able to see the change in Tucson to the present day community it is.

There are inner-active displays for you to enjoy as well as traditional exhibits for you to see.  You will be able to see an underground copper mine, the archeology of downtown Tucson and the typical mode of transportation, the stagecoach.  You will see the rifle owned by Geronimo which is on display.  There is also the display of 18th century Spanish silver artifacts.

The museum store is an excellent source for unique books and gifts relating to the history and culture of Southern Arizona. The store features rare, out of print, and used historically and locally themed books, handcrafted items made by local artists, Mata Ortiz pottery, and Native American crafts.

The AHS Downtown Museum exhibits depict early Tucson businesses and homes, including drugstores, police and fire departments, and the Romero barbershop.  It is all waiting there for you to enjoy so when you are in the area, stop in and take a stroll through the history of Tucson.

Downtown History Museum
Tucson
140 N. Stone Avenue
in the Wells Fargo Bank building
Tucson, AZ
Phone: (520) 770-1473
Email: AHSTucson@azhs.gov
Hours: Tues. – Fri. 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
General Admission:
Adults $3
Ages 60+ $2
Ages 12-18 $2
Ages 11 and younger free
AHS Members free
Two-for-one admission the first Tuesday of each month

Not only is there the Downtown Museum but also the Fort Lowell Museum where you will enter the reconstructed Commanding Officer’s quarters of Old Fort Lowell, originally established in 1873 and now an ideal location to house the history of military life of the Arizona frontier.

Fort Lowell Museum
Tucson
2900 N. Craycroft Road
Tucson, AZ
Phone: (520) 885-3832
Email: AHSTucson@azhs.gov
Hours: Fri. – Sat. 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
General Admission:
Adults $3
Ages 60+ $2
Ages 12-18 $2
Ages 11 and younger free
AHS Members free
Two-for-one admission the first Saturday of each month.

There is also the Sosa-Carrillo-Fremont House Museum which is an historic adobe house built in the 1870′s.  It is decorated with furnishings from the 1880′s and offers displays highlighting Hispanic pioneer culture and life.  It is located in the Tucson Convention Center Complex and offers self-guided tours, a gift shop and guided tours of various downtown historic districts.

Arizona History Museum – Tucson, Arizona is a post from: Arizona Tourism

When you are in Tucson, whether it is to visit for a couple of days or are there as a snowbird, take a few minutes and go visit TROT.  This organization has a mission of “Enriching the lives of people with special needs by using therapeutic, equine programs to: Improve physical, mental, social and emotional well being; Recognize each individual’s abilities and foster achievement; Provide educational, recreational and vocational opportunities; and Provide direct therapy services by licensed medical professionals.”

Come out and see the wonders that a relationship between a rider, whether it is a child or an adult, and the horse can have on turning a rather difficult time in life into something wonderful.  The specially trained horses are “in tune” with the needs of the rider and respond in a manner that you will have to see to believe. 

Did you know that the movement of a horse is similar to the movement of the human muscles?  By riding a horse those that are receiving treatment at TROT have their muscles stimulated in a manner that makes the muscles stronger and responds to the brain waves even when the person is not riding.  What a blessing!

Some of the areas that are involved are balance, strength and coordination with result in increased mobility, independence, and overall function.  Children and adults with cerebral palsy, development delay, down syndrome, traumatic brain injury, emotional disabilities, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, hearing,vision impairments, autism and other special needs can all benefit from equine programs.

TROT offers tours of the facilities as well as lectures on the program.  The staff, board of directors, administration staff and volunteers that make Trot the success it is wish you would come and see the beautiful setting, the remarkable work and fall in love with the work they are doing.

Location: 8920 E Woodland Rd, Tucson, AZ 85749 (located on the Northeast side of town where
the cross roads of Tanque Verde and Catalina Highway intersect,
on the secluded Woodland Road running along side
of the winding Tanque Verde wash)

Phone: 520-749-2360  Please call or email to visit.

Email: info@trotarizona.org

TROT – Therapeutic Riding of Tucson – Tucson, Arizona is a post from: Arizona Tourism

Tubac is a village that is filled with sights that will make you so glad you stopped.  There are artist centers where you can see everything from original artwork to classics.  The creativity of the artists bring the southwest to life with works of native animals, desert scenes, western art and more.  At one of the shops there is a “back door” that leads to an amazing sculpture garden with life-sized bronze sculpture works that are just fabulous.  They are for sale but enjoy them while you can and maybe even order one for your yard (have to be a pretty good sized yard to showcase them the way they should be showcased). 

There are shops where the jewelry is handcrafted with detail that is amazing.  Cloud Dancer makes some outstanding jewelry out of silver and beautiful stones as well as there are other works of art available from other artists.  The little strip of shops that hold this shop also have a few others with beautiful items.

There are restaurants that you can enjoy, one of which has a wonderful veranda for you to enjoy the sights and sounds of the village while enjoying a wide selection of items for lunch.

There is also a kitchen store that has so many items that you will love, if only your kitchen has enough storage for all of them!!  Great place, fun to browse and buy that perfect helpful item.

If you are a golfer or just want to get away and be pampered you may want to visit the Tubac Golf and County Club.  There are a couple of choices of restaurants and a large, well maintained golf course for you to enjoy.  There are a few shops there too so kick back and relax for a weekend or so.

Tubac also is surrounded by areas for great birding, hiking, off-roading, mountain biking and just enjoying the quite.

It is just 40 minutes south of Tucson and 20 minutes from Nogales so take some time to visit this wonderful little community.

La Entrada de Tubac is a post from: Arizona Tourism

Bearizona invites guests to drive into the Arizona Wilderness and witness herd and pack life from the comfort and safety of their own private vehicle or motor coach. The drive through portion of the park is approximately two-miles long and takes travelers on a g.p.s. guided tour through 160 acres, where they will witness wildlife the way it was meant to be, in a natural environment. Enjoy the wide variety of animals including friendly American burros, majestic brown bison weighing up to 2,ooo lbs, nimble big horn sheep as well as dall sheep native to Alaska, stealthy Alaskan tundra wolves, unique White Bison and of course beautiful black bears.

The park also hosts Fort Bearizona, a walk through area where guests will stroll along winding paths to enjoy the antics of baby and smaller animals on exhibit. In this area, guests will also find concessions with umbrella seating and beautiful views as well as a gift shop filled with affordably priced souvenirs and trinkets to purchase as a remembrance from your Bearizona adventure. The Fort is also the location of our amazing High Country Raptors’ free-flight show where visitors get to learn about birds of prey and see them fly directly over head!

A great destination for tourists and Arizona locals alike, Bearizona offers an annual pass program with discounts in the gift shop and exclusive invites to Bearizona Wildlife Park events not open to the general public.

Bearizona’s mission is to promote conservation through memorable and educational encounters with North American wildlife. Bearizona is a vehicle for connecting visi¬tors to wildlife and the land in which they inhabit, while using best practices for economic, environmental and social sus¬tainability.

Bearizona is located at Highway 64 and Interstate 40 in beautiful Williams, Ariz. For more information, call (928) 635-2289

Bearizona Wildlife Park – Williams, Arizona is a post from: Arizona Tourism

Nogales is a community that is located on the southern boundary of Arizona, borders Nogales, Sonora, Mexico.  It is a major international gateway along the Mexico-United States border.  Because of it’s border location Nogales has members of the same family living on both sides of the border, some in Mexico and some in the United States.  Although, with the correct papers, visitors can go back and forth between the two cities it is still two separate countries working together to bring a smooth transition for the visitors.

Nogales has the border fence running right though it to keep illegals from crossing the border.  Standing on either side of the fence you can see the people on the other side, people shout back and forth to each other if they are not crossing the border.  With illegal immigration a major problem for Arizona the Border Patrol is busy trying to maintain legal crossings and keep illegals out of the US.  It was reported that the road that runs along side the fence in Nogales, through the residential area, had approximately 38 tunnels dug on the Mexican side of the border to the basements of homes on the US side of the border.  The Border Patrol found them and closed them down.

Now, although this sounds like a bad movie, the community itself is a charming place to shop, have lunch and cross into Mexico for the day.  Referred to as Ambos Nogales, the communities of Nogales, Arizona and Nogales, Sonora, Mexico comprise the largest international border community in Arizona with a combined population of 177,732 inhabitants according to the 2000 censuses.

Known in O’odham as Nowa:l, the name “Nogales” is derived from the Spanish word for “walnut” or “walnut tree.” It refers to the large stands of walnut trees which once grew abundantly in the mountain pass between Nogales, Arizona and Nogales, Sonora. Walnut trees can still be found around the city.

The community will have architectural buffs thrilled with the options of different houses in Nogales.  There are, of course, the Sonoran Style but there are also Queen Anne Cottages, Second Empire, Spanish Colonial, Pueblo Revival, Mediterranean Sytle and Bungalow Style houses for you to see all within the downtown area.  Bring along a good pair of walking shoes and enjoy the walk and discovery.

While in the area of Nogales you may want to venture out a bit and see some of the other sites close to Nogales.  There are over 15 ghost towns near Nogales. One of the better known towns is Lochiel’s post office, originally established August 23, 1880. There were two smelters, three saloons, a butcher, bakery, livery stables, five stores, a boardinghouse, and Pancho Villa. Yes, this was a favorite place for Pancho to cattle rustle and take the stock into Mexico. Lochiel is also the spot where the first European went west of the Rockies, Fray Marcos de Niza on April 12, 1539.

Just take Hwy 19 south from Tucson and you will come to Nogales.  It’s about 65 miles but the drive is beautiful.

Border Town of Nogales – Nogales, Arizona is a post from: Arizona Tourism

If you are looking for a casino in the Scottsdale area you will find the Casino Arizona waiting to entertain you with over 1,600 ticket-pay multi-denominational slot machines, including 131 high-limit slots, live Blackjack, 46 poker tables, and live fast-action Keno.  If you like the video poker slots and watching sporting events while you play you will want to go to the Starz Sportsbar.

The Arizona Room has live entertainment with its piano bar for your pleasure and the showroom offers you a wide range of top entertainers to enjoy.

There are a nice selection of restaurants to choose from when you are visiting the casino.  You may want to go to the Orange Sky which is located on the 15th floor of the Resort (Talking Stick).  This restaurant claims to set a new standard for refined ambiance and cuisine.

Looking for something quick with a good cup of coffee?  The Coffee Garden, at the resort, will fill the need with its gourmet roasted coffees and hand selected teas by Peel’s Coffee & Tea.  There are also specialty espresso drinks, Italian sodas, European chocolates, gelato, and decadent desserts.

For the lighter menue you may want to go to Ocean TRail (at the resort) where lunch begins at 11 and serves until 3.  This restaurant has Creole cuisine, such as steamers, raw oysters, Cajun style boils and spicy gumbo.

Not sure what you want, then you may want to check out the buffet at the Wandering Horse Buffet (resort) where there is both indoor and outdoor seating.  The buffet features Italian, Asian, Mexican, Mediterranean and American cuisine.  There are cooking stations throughout the area for you to watch.  It also features a fresh salad bar, carving station, delectable desserts and a brick oven fired pizza kitchen were fresh dough is tossed daily.

The Black Fig Bistro (resort) is an express service upscale bistro for those on the go.  This is open 24 hours a day with homemade soups, fresh salads, specialty pizzas, and handcrafted sandwiches.

 Are you looking for an upscale cafe?  Check out the Blue Coyote Cafe (resort) hwere you will find full-service American cuisine in a casual dining atmosphere which is open 24 hours a day serving things such as classic sandwiches, freshly prepared salads or dinner entrees. 

If you don’t want to quit gambling to eat then you may want to play poker.  The Poker Room offers tableside dining with an assortment of American and Asian dishes.  Open 24 hours.

There are two casino’s in the Casino Arizona portfolio.  One is at Salt River, lcoated at 101 & McKellips and the other is at 101 & Indian Bend next to Scottsdale’s Pavillions Shopping Center and TAling Sti

Casino Arizona – Scottsdale, Arizona is a post from: Arizona Tourism

If you are a fan of the arts and want to spend a delightful day searching out that perfect piece or painting then you will truly enjoy the opportunity to visit the Marshall Way Arts District.  There are galleries that exhibit predominantly contemporary art which line the blocks of Marshall Way north of Indian School Road.  There are upscale gift and jewelry stores offerening a wide array of beautiful pieces for you to observe and purchase.

The district’s galleriens specialize in contemporary art by both regional and national artists.  You will also be able to find new ideas in contemporary craft, Southerwestern art and Asian antiquities.  Intimate galleries showcase a broad spectrum of art media, including painting, photography, sculpture, and mixed-media pieces.

Enjoy the charming streetscapes, shipping and dining options avialable for you while you visit the art studios.  The galleries are open every Thursday evening from 7 0 9 for strolling and on the first Thrusday night of each month, the collectively offer exhibition openings and artist receptions, refeshment and live music up and down the street.

Location:
Marshall Way
from Indian School Rd. to 5th Ave., Downtown Scottsdale, AZ

Marshall Way Arts District – Scottsdale, Arizona is a post from: Arizona Tourism

Have you wanted to find the gun club that is perfect for your needs?  One that will train you, recommend anything that suites your shooting needs, is clean and well supervised.

You can shoot nearly any type of gun you want at the range, all the way up to a full auto assault rifle.  The range masters will teach a novice how to handle the weapon safely, load and shoot and help you as much as you need.  For those that are skilled the masters will leave you alone.

The store is also worth your time.  You can see alomost any modern gun you can think of from the simplest Glock right up to a full blown minigun, even a MK-19 grenade launcher.

The club is open for anyone that wants to participate, you can buy a membership and shoot there in a safe, clean, friendly environment.  The range provides ear and eye protection for when you enter the range, it’s not an option, wear them!  For first timers you will be required to watch about an 8 minute video on safety. 

The range provides you with free targets by the main counter. You have to go through 2-3 different doors to enter the (indoor) range. Range has like 30 shooting lanes with electronically-movable targets.

This is a place that isn’t for everyone but for those that love to shoot or want to learn to shoot you will not find a higher quality facility anyplace.

Scottsdale Gun Club – Scottsdale, Arizona is a post from: Arizona Tourism

What better way to have fun with your kids than to take them to CrackerJax for a dya of go-kart riding (there is even a Kiddie go-cart track), trying out the Bungy Dome, entering the Water Wars, riding the bumper boats in the lagoon or a whole bunch of other things to keep them busy and happy.

If you are interested in golf you may want to try out the shaded, highlyr ated, multi-level, 300 yard driving range or maybe you want to play the 18 hole professional putting course.  Not up to a whole game?  How about playing one (or both) of the miniature golf courses? 

There are baseball and softball, fast and slow pitch batting cages for you to work out with.  There are three volleybal courts to keep everyone in shape!

If you want video games then you can go to the game center and play on the state of the art games available there. 

The park has a restaurant for your convienece and if you are taking a large group they can also do the catering for you.

CrackerJax opens daily at 10:00 am.

CrackerJax closes daily at 10:00 pm. On Friday and Saturday evenings we have extended hours and close at midnight.

Hours are subject to change without notice.
CrackerJax Driving Range opens at 8:00 am and closes at 10:00 pm. On Friday and Saturday evenings we have extended hours and close at midnight.

Driving Range hours are subject to change without notice.

Prices for Unlimited Ride Wristband:  (price does not include tax) 

ONLY $20, Monday, Wednesday and Thursday!
ONLY $25 Friday, Saturday and Sunday!
ONLY $15 Tuesdays
Good for 4 hours (*For below rides ONLY!)
Valid for Go-Karts, Bumper Boats, and Mini Golf!
Not valid for Bungy Dome, Water Wars, Batting Cages, Volleyball, or Driving Range!

Bungy Dome is $10, Go-Karts on CJ Speedway (minimum of 56″ tall) $6.50, Jax Trax Oval (minimum of 36″ tall) $4.  The Water Wars with 12 balloons cost $5. 

Bumper boats: Lagoona AIsland (minimum of 48: tall) $5, 1st Mates (minimum of 36″ tall) $3. 

Miniature Golf has the first round (ages 7 and up) $6.50, Unlimited is $12 and Each round for those under 7 is $3.

Batting cages can not be reserved on weekends but during the week they can.  Cost is 18 pitches for $1.50.

The volley ball courts and ball are $7 per court per hour.

The driving range is a two level set up with a total of 66 hiting bays and is designed to meet PGA and National Golf Foundaiton standards. There are a full 300 yards with five target greens from 75 to 250 yards.

The park is open year round.
Location: 16001 N Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale, Arizona 85254

Phone: 480-998-2800

Email: manager@CrackerJax.com

CrackerJax is located in North Scottsdale on Scottsdale Rd, 1/4 mile South of Bell Rd.

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

If you want to spend a day on the train, or around trains, then you well may want to visit the McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park where the admission is free and the activities plentiful.  You can take a ride on the Paradise and Pacific Railroad and tour the park in comfort.  Or perhaps you will want to ride the antique carousel.

You can buy tickets to ride the train for just $1 each (although it takes 2 tickets per ride).  The train runs every half hour during the weekdays and continuously on the weekends.  The carousel requires only 1 ticket per ride.  . 

At the park you will be able to see the Magma Arizona Railroad Engine No. 6 which was used to haul copper from Superior to Magma for 38 years.  It was built in October or 1907 by the Baldwin Locomotive Works.  The engine served the mining railroads for 54 years before being retired in 1960.  It is the only Arizona & New Mexico engine remaining in Arizona.

The Roald Amundsen Pullman Car was built in 1928 for $205,000.  This is one of the last cars built by the Pullman Company.  It was used for presidential travel because of it’s maximum security.  It was used at various times by every president from Herbert Hoover through Dwight Eisenhower.  It was on this car in 1940 that President Franklin Roosevelt and Canadian Prime Minister W. L. McKinzie King signed the Ogdensberg Declaration, an agreement that provided for the joint defense of North America, now known as NORAD. 

France faced a time, following WWII, when there was little to spare.  It was truly a desperate time for the country.  At this time an American Newspaper Columnist, drew Pearson, wrote an article depicting the hardships Europeans were still enduring.  The people of American banded together behind Mr. Pearson and delivered more than 250 railroad cars of aid to the people of France.  Less than a year later world was passed that France was planning a train of her own.  When it arrived, there were (fortynine) 40 & 8′s carefully packed full of amazing treasures.  The people of France had given what was most precious to them, when the train passed through their town people would place their items on the train.  Items included Wooden Shoes, Toy Renault Cars, Wedding Dresses, War Medals from dead husbands, brothers and sons.  There were children’s dolls, games, brass trumpets and many other items.  One of these cars is on display at the park.

The Baggage Car houses the Scottsdale Railroad Museum and is one of four dining cars built by the Pullman Company for the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway. Built in 1914 and converted to carry baggage during World War II, the Santa Fe Baggage-express car is typical of those utilized throughout the Santa Fe System. The car completed its many years of service as an electrical shop facility in the company’s Phoenix yard and was moved to McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park in 1982.

The Gabe Brooks Machine Shop was built in 1930 by Mr. Brooks who was considered the finest machinist in the country during WWII.  The original machining equipment is still in the shop for you to see.

There are also playgrounds for the kids with benches in the are for you to keep and eye on them while they play.

The Model Railroad Building is a one of a king, 10,000 square foot building that showcases the aprk’s four model railroad clubs along with surrounding railroad displays and artifacts.

Location: 7301 E Indian Bend Rd., Scottsdale, AZ
McCormick – Stillman Railroad Park is located at the southeast corner of Scottsdale Road and Indian Bend Road, 1.7 miles west of the 101 Loop, exit Indian Bend.

Phone: 480-312-2312

McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park – Scottsdale, Arizona is a post from: Arizona Tourism

When you are traveling to Prescott for a weekend or longer you will want to spend some time at one of the lakes.  Goldwater Lake is a 15 acre lake that hosts fishing docks for you to enjoy.  There is a boat launch ramp but you can use only electric motors, no gasoline motors allowed on the lake.  The lake is great for canoeing or kayaking.  Both of these can be rented at the lake so if you have never done these activities before, Goldwater Lake is the place to start.

The park around the lake ahs restrooms, a ramada for your picnic pleasure, picnic tasbles, a playground for the kids and sand volleyball court to enjoy.  If you are interested in hiking there are also hiking trail for you to explore.

The picnic sites are handicapped accessible so don’t hesitate to bring those that have a difficult time getting around at some locations, this will make them part of the group.

To reach the lake from Prescott go south on Mount Vernon Street, which becomes Senator Highway, about four miles to the entrance of the lake.  Turn right and park in the designated parking spots only.  There is a small parking fee of $2 per car and an annual pass is available.  The address of the lake is 2900 S Goldwater Lake Rd.

Hours: Summer 6 AM – 10 PM, Winter hours 7 AM to sunset.

Goldwater Lake – Prescott, Arizona is a post from: Arizona Tourism

Email: cduncan@as.arizona.edu

Purchase Tickets Online:  http://skycenter.arizona.edu/

Mt. Lemmon SkyCenter Observatory is a post from: Arizona Tourism

The entrance to the rooms is nothing short of awe-inspiring. The ceiling of the rotunda/hallway sparkles and twinkles with stars, as the ceiling rotates according to the earth’s revolution. Were this the only room in the museum, both children and adults would be entertained for hours. But thank goodness this isn’t the only room as guests continue to be spell-bound as they move onward towards the three rooms that comprise and hold the collections: Enchanted Realm, History Gallery, and Exploring the World.

The Enchanted Realm area has miniatures that represent different fantasy style scenes. This includes fairies, an Enchanted Tree with miniature scenes scattered in different parts of it, and witches. Those that collect their own Department 56 winter villages will enjoy the display of buildings from the North Pole series and the Snow Village buildings, which are displayed under glass in the floor. This area is the main area that kids tend to enjoy, especially those that like faeries and other mythical things.

The History Gallery contains antique miniatures that date from the 1700s to the mid-1900s. This area of the museum gives a look back at the history of miniatures and how they have been made over the years. It also gives historical context to various times and places of the past. This area also has some good info on the making of miniatures, especially early mechanical ones.

The Exploring the World area also contains a wide date range of historical time periods (1400s to present), but is bigger than the History Gallery. It displays a variety of miniatures from around the world. It includes Chateaus inspired by European palaces and Asian miniatures. The best part, though, is that it includes some Southwest inspired miniatures to add a local flair to the exhibit.

The museum hosts weekly sessions over the summer break for children aged 7-10 to learn the art of miniatures. For teachers looking for a creative and interesting way to bring history alive, the museum has special pricing and docent-led tours for school groups. Also, once a month, the museum hosts a literacy program geared toward little readers, children aged 2 to 6.

Museum Hours: Tuesday – Saturday 9 am – 4 pm
Closed Sundays, Mondays and all major holidays

Admisison:
General Admission $7
Senior (65 or older) Military $6
Youth (ages 4 – 17) $5
Children under 3 Free
Group rates available

Located at the north side of Camp Lowell drive just west of Swan Road.  Free parking with barrier-free access is available.

Emily Wolverton
Museum Services Coordinator
520.881.0606 ext. 100
emilyr@theminitimemachine.org

General Number: 520-881-0606

Location: 4455 E Camp Lowell, Tucson, AZ 85712

The Mini-Time Machine, A Museum of Miniatures – Tucson, AZ is a post from: Arizona Tourism

The Casa Grande Ruins are the remains of a “Great House” that probably appeared around 1350.  It was one of the largest prehistoric structures ever built in North America.  The purpose of the building remains a mystery but the ruins are there for you to visit and speculate.  The Casa Grande is a 4-story, 11-room structure which was built about 700 years ago.

The Casa Grande was abandoned around 1450 C.E.  Since there was no written history because the ancient Sonoran Desert People didn’t leave any the informaiton available begin with the journals entries of Padre Eusebio Francisco Kino when he visited the ruins in 1694.  That’s 244 years after the abandonment.  Father Kino referred to the building as a casa grande which is what is still used today. 

As interest in the ruin grew with the public moving closer to the area due to the train route and stagecoach route that ran right by the ruin there was a real problem with damage from souvenier hunting, graffiti and outright vandalism which raised great concern about the preservation of this ancient site.

Becasue of the concern of some political leaders there was a bill passed for the government to take steps to repair and protect the ruins.  Repair work began in 1889 and in 1892 President Benjamin Harrison set aside on square mile of Arizona Territory surrounding the casa grande Ruins as the first prehistoric and cultural reserve established in the United States.

In 1903 a shelter roof of corrugated iron supported by redwood timbers was built over the Casa Grande, and between 1906 and 1908 major excavations and repairs of the ruins were conducted.  Most of the lower walls visible today were uncovered at that time. President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed Casa Grande Ruins to be a National Monument on August 3, 1918 and management of the Ruins was transferred to the National Park Service.

Several important construction projects were undertaken during the 1930’s. The main part of the visitor center building with adjacent parking lot and entrance road, and a new steel shelter roof over the Casa Grande, were completed in 1932. Between 1937 and 1940, the Civilian Conservation Corps constructed a number of adobe buildings to support park operations. All of these structures remain in use today and are now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. As a result, the general physical appearance of Casa Grande Ruins has changed very little since the 1940’s.

Continuing research, ruins repairs, interpretive programs, and visitor center remodeling are all part of the continuing effort to provide the best visitor experience possible, and to fulfill the National Park Service’s mission to protect, preserve and make available for present and future generations the many wonders of Casa Grande Ruins National Monument.

The Casa Grande Ruins are still used today for ceremonies and special events by the O’odham people. The Casa Grande is a place to be visited with respect and reverence. 

Casa Grande Ruins National Monument is open everyday of the year from 9 am to 5 pm except for Thanksgiving Day and december 25th.

Casa Grande Ruins is entered off Highway 87/287.  A 3/4 mile paved entrance road leads to the parking lot and the visitor center. There is special parking for RV’s and longer vehicles.

The self-guided tour consists of a short walk around the Casa Grande following wayside signs. Guided tours are provided from December through April. Please call for tour schedules.

Children ages 8-14 can participate in the park’s Junior Ranger Program during their visit.

A picnic area is located across the parking lot from the visitor center which has shaded tables and a raised platform to view an ancient ball court.

All areas are accessible by paved or hard-packed dirt paths. Leashed pets are welcome. Please allow one to two hours for your visit.

Casa Grande Ruins National Monument – Coolidge, Arizona is a post from: Arizona Tourism

When miners returned from the Klondike gold rush they settled here to pursue their dream of finding gold.  The first store in the town was started in a tent by Mr. Bedoya.  He later built a saloon and a wood store.  He also opened the John F. Greenwood store and the post office, which he was the postmaster of between 1907 and 1918.  The town, at the time, had a school and a church.  The Depression hit Klondyke and about half of the citizens moved on.  The post office ceased to operate in 1955.

History of the area tells of the Jacome Indians being the original inhabitants of the area.  Although there isn’t much known about them it is believed they are related to the Apaches.

The area had both the mining industry looking for gold and ranching. 

In 1909 Jeff Power and his family homesteaded in Rattlesnake Canyon and worked the mine nearby.  There was Jeff, his wife and 4 children, a girl and three boys.  Martha Jane, the wife, was killed in a buggy accident in 1915 when the horses ran wild with the buggy.  In 1916 Jeff took his family to his mine in the Galiuro Mounts and build a cabin in Rattlesnake Canyon.  His daughter, Ola May, died when she was bitten by a snake in 1917.  The oldest son, Charley, was wounded in the First World War which lead Jeff to decide that his other sons were not going to serve.  They, Tom and John, failed to report when drafted which sent Sheriff Robert F. McBride to deliver a letter to the Powers asking them to come in for prosecution.  The letter was ignored.  Several weeks later, on the night of February 9, 1918, Deputy US Marshal Frank Hayes, Sheriff McBride, and Deputy Sheriffs Martin Kempton and T.K. Wooten went to the cabin with arrest warrants for Tom and John for draft evasion and warrants for Jeff and his hired man, Tom Sisson, for an unrelated charge.  Just before Dawn on the 10th, as the Power camp was preparing breakfast, they heard two of their horses gallop by and the dogs began barking.  When Jeff stepped outside with his rifle Deputy Sheriff Wooten yelled for him to “Throw up your hands!”  There was a furious gunfight after that leaving Sheriff BcBride, deputy Sheriffs Kempton and Wooten, and Jeff Power dead.  Marshall Hayes escaped to nearby Klondyke while the Power boys and Tom Sisson fled south to Redington ont he San Pedro River.  This lead to the largest manhunt in Arizona’s history.  The group entered Mexico but on March 8th they surrendered to the US Army patrol. 

 At their trial, all three men were convicted of first degree murder and sentenced to life imprisonment.  Sisson died in prison at the age of 86, but the Power brothers were paroled in 1960, 42 years after their conviction.  They were pardoned by Governor Jack Richard Williams nine years later.

The whole family is buried in Klondyke cemetery.

The Powers Cabin has been restored by the forest service.  It is located in Rattlesnake Canyon in Galuiro Mounts many miles south of Klondyke and is accessible only by foot or horseback.  It is a nine mile journey from the trailhead to the cabin.

If you are interested in hiking then you will find the area around Klondyke to be perfect.  It is ideal for hiking, hunting, bird watching, trail riding and enjoying the beautiful serenity of the area.

Klondyke is a village located in the environs of the Coronado National Forest west of Safford

Another Ghost Town – Klondyke, Arizona is a post from: Arizona Tourism

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

Arizona is home to one of the Seven Wonders of the World, making it the state’s number one tourist attraction, and one of the most popular attractions in the country. In Sedona, families can explore unusual desert landscapes, and in the Grand Canyon, outdoor adventurers can hike exciting canyon trails or take a rafting trip down crystal-clear — but temperamental — rivers.

Thefun doesn’t stop at sightseeing, hiking or water rafting adventures.Arizona features scores of small towns and communities where the localswill always welcome you, and it is also home to one of the fastestgrowing cities in the country.

In the following articles, explore profiles of some of the state’s major attractions and activities with contact information to help you plan your trip. There are also photos of each destination:

Sedona
The eerie red rock formations around Sedona resemble the desert landscape of an alien planet. The formations soar dramatically above the dry gulches and exotic saguaro cacti of the rugged terrain to the wonderment of every visitor.

Grand Canyon
At 227 miles long and 18 miles across at its widest point, this breathtaking abyss plunges more than a mile from rim to river bottom at its deepest point.

Canyon de Chelly National Monument
Canyon de Chelly blends archaeology, history and geography, and is home to the famous attraction Spider Rock.

Sabino Canyon
Sabino Canyon is surprisingly green for a desert, and its hiking trail is one of the most beautiful in the United States.

Taliesin West
Once the winter home of architect Frank Lloyd Wright, Taliesin West is a visionary architectural achievement. In the late 1930s, Wright designed and built the complex in Scottsdale, Arizona, as the winter counterpart to his original Taliesin in Spring Green, Wisconsin.

Window Rock
Window Rock is both a community and a geological masterstroke. It is the capital of the Navajo Nation, and it also a natural landmark — the city has taken its name from the wondrous pothole arch.

Continue to the next page learn about family vacations in Sedona.

To learn more about family vacation destinations, see:

• Family Vacations: Learn about hundreds of family vacations in destinations all over North America.
• Phoenix City Guide: Find out where to stay, what to do, and where to eat when you visit the Valley of the Sun.
• Arizona State Guide: Learn about Mobil Travel Guide-rated hotels and restaurants in Arizona, as well as other recreational activities.
• Scenic Drives: For those who think that getting there is half the fun, we have compiled more than 100 of the most scenic drives throughout the country.

TLC Family "Family Vacations in Arizona"

TLC Family "Family Vacations in Arizona" is a post from: Arizona Tourism

The Washington metropolitan area ranks No. 1 for the third straight year in a report released today by the American College of Sports Medicine’s American Fitness Index.

The researchers culled data from federal reports and evaluated a multitude of factors, including preventive health behaviors, levels of chronic disease and community health policies for the 50 largest metropolitan areas.

The Washington area scored 73.5 out of 100 possible points. Boston was second with 72.6, and cities in the West dominated the top 10.

“I still think the greatest surprise in these findings is that D.C. is still at the top,” says AFI co-chair Barbara Ainsworth of Arizona State University. “Many people perceive it to be crime-ridden and unhealthy, but as a community overall, it has a great infrastructure.”

Among findings: The D.C. area has a higher than average percentage of people eating the recommended daily portions of fruit and vegetables and lower than the national average rates of obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Residents have access to parkland, and a significant number can walk to and from work.

Ainsworth notes the movement of No. 7 Sacramento into the top 10 for the first time in the three-year history of the study. Sacramento was No. 12 last year.

“This reflects a tremendous interest to capitalize on their natural resources,” Ainsworth says. “They’ve built up an area around their Old Town on the Sacramento River with farmers markets and other attractions that are easy to walk to.”

The score combines two sets of measures, using data from federal reports and other official outlets:

• Personal-health indicators, which measure health behaviors (exercise, smoking, eating healthy meals), chronic health problems and health care.

• Community environmental factors, focusing on parkland, farmers markets, public transportation, dog parks and recreational facilities.

The Washington area was third in both scores. No.12 Cincinnati ranked 27th in personal health indicators, but was first in community factors. No. 6 Denver-Aurora ranked first in personal-health indicators and 14 in community factors.

Ainsworth says the index aims to help communities develop policies affecting health and fitness, showing assets and weaknesses.

ACSM received a grant from the WellPoint Foundation, based in Indianapolis, and worked with 26 health and physical activity experts on the methodology.

Washington, D.C., sets the standard for healthy living

Washington, D.C., sets the standard for healthy living 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

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

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

Cow Pie Bingo is not currently being done by the Rotary Club but may be again in the future….

Cow Pie Bingo – Vail, Arizona

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. Ticket prices are:

February Dates       16-17    21-22       23       24

Section B                     $22         $23       $24    $26

Section A                     $20         $21       $22    $24

Section C                     $12*       $21       $22    $24

Section F                     $12*       $19       $20    $22

Sections E, G               $12*       $17       $18    $20

Vaquero Club               $60         $60       $60    $60

Coors Barn Dance         $5           $5         $5      $5

*General admission seating; all other tickets for reserved seating.

Ticket prices include applicable taxes & fees; no added charges for online or phone orders, or when purchased at gate.

To order your tickets by phone: Call (520) 741-2233, or (800) 964-5662

Ticket office hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Arizona time.

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.  For TUCSON RODEO PARADE grandstand tickets, call (520) 294-1280.

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.

SATURDAY, FEB. 16, 2013
TUCSON RODEO OPENING DAY

11 a.m. – gates open
11:30 a.m – Canon Rodeo Photography Workshop (reservations only)
12:30 p.m. Dodge Mutton Bustin’ and Justin Junior Rodeo
2 – 4:30 p.m. ProRodeo Competition
4:30 – 8 p.m. Coors Barn Dance ($5 online or at the door)
Tickets: $12 general admission (sections C, E, F, G); reserved seats, section A, $20; reserved seats, section B, $22.  Photography Workshop $85; call for reservations.
SUNDAY, FEB. 17

TUCSON RODEO – SECOND PERFORMANCE SUNDAY, FEB. 17
11 a.m. – gates open
12:30 p.m. Dodge Mutton Bustin’ and Justin Junior Rodeo
2 – 4:30 p.m. ProRodeo Competition
4:30 – 8 p.m. Coors Barn Dance ($5 online or at the door)
Tickets: $12 general admission (sections C, E, F, G); reserved seats, section A, $20; reserved seats, section B, $22. Photography Workshop $85; call for reservations.
MONDAY AND TUESDAY, FEB. 18 AND 19

MONDAY AND TUESDAY, FEB. 18 AND 19
TIMED EVENTS COMPETITION (SLACK), 8 A.M.

Barrel Racing, Steer Wrestling, Tie-Down and Team Roping only. Admission: $5 general admission, children 12 and under free. Available at the gate only. Free parking.

Monday and Tuesday, Feb. 18 – 19

REACH program  for school children – 9:30 a.m. – Noon: Rodeo Education and Children (REACh) is a fun, educational program that celebrates the historic sport of rodeo and the spirit of the American West. This popular program has been offered to Tucson-area elementary schools since1995. There is no charge for the program.

REACh introduces K-6 grade students to all aspects of the exciting sport of rodeo while increasing their awareness of Western heritage and the working cowboy. The instructor uses student participation to demonstrate actual rodeo equipment and rodeo events. Important components of the REACh presentation are its positive and unique substance abuse and gang prevention messages. Students learn to “cowboy up” when faced with difficult choices.

Each program lasts approximately 45 minutes. Penny Conway, the founder of REACh, has presented the program to more than a million children in over 22 states during the past 15 years. She is an Arizona native, as well as a former teacher and rodeo contestant. All of her assistant instructors are also certified elementary educators.

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 20
Barrel Racing slack – 10 a.m. to noon.

PARADE FLOAT DECORATING, 4 P.M.
Northwest area of Tucson Rodeo Grounds parking lot

THURSDAY, FEB. 21

TUCSON RODEO PARADE 9 A.M.
Over 200 non-motorized floats are on display along the one and one-half mile parade route beginning at Park Ave. and Ajo Way, proceeding south on Park to Irvington Rd. Tickets for Grandstand seating at Irvington and South 6th Ave, $7 adults, $5 kids under 13. Call (520) 294-1280 for grandstand tickets.

TUCSON RODEO, THIRD PERFORMANCE
11 a.m. – gates open
12:30 p.m. Dodge Mutton Bustin’ and Justin Junior Rodeo
2 – 4:30 p.m. ProRodeo Competition
4:30 – 8 p.m. Coors Barn Dance ($5 online or at the door)
Tickets: $17-$23

FRIDAY, FEB. 22

TUCSON RODEO, FOURTH PERFORMANCE
11 a.m. – gates open
12:30 p.m. Dodge Mutton Bustin’ and Justin Junior Rodeo
2 – 4:30 p.m. ProRodeo Competition
4:30 – 8 p.m. Coors Barn Dance ($5 online or at the door)
Tickets: $17-$23

SATURDAY, FEB. 23

TUCSON RODEO, FIFTH PERFORMANCE
11 a.m. – gates open
12:30 p.m. Dodge Mutton Bustin’ and Justin Junior Rodeo
2 – 4:30 p.m. ProRodeo Competition
4:30 – 8 p.m. Coors Barn Dance ($5 online or at the door)
Tickets:  $18-$24

SUNDAY, FEB. 24

TUCSON RODEO FINAL PERFORMANCE
11 a.m. – gates open
12:30 p.m. Dodge Mutton Bustin’ and Justin Junior Rodeo
2 – 4:30 p.m. ProRodeo Competition
4:30 – 8 p.m. Coors Barn Dance ($5 online or at the door)
Tickets: $20-$26

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

Each day, following the rodeo, from 4:30 – 8  there is live music, food and cowboys to meet and greet.  Children are most welcome to come.  Cost is $5 per person with children under 13 admitted free when accompanied by an adult.

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