Take off from Phoenix

Greater Phoenix, with its central Arizona location, is ideally positioned for day trips around the state. It’s also about 125 miles east of Quartzsite, which will host the 24th annual Sports, Vacation and RV Show, Jan. 20-28, 2007.

Arizona is often described as a land of contrasts because of its changing scenery and activities. You can swim and play tennis in the morning in Phoenix, and spend the afternoon fishing, hiking or sightseeing in the cool pines of Flagstaff or the White Mountains.

The following driving tours are easily accessible from Phoenix.

Grand Canyon
One of the world’s seven natural wonders, the Grand Canyon offers spectacular vistas of canyon walls that have been sculpted from the earth over the millennia by the mighty Colorado River. The shifting sun creates a palette of constantly changing colors.

The South Rim is open year-round. Experience it through nature walks and mule rides into the canyon, or by driving around its scenic edge. The North Rim is open from mid-May through October, depending on weather conditions.

The Grand Canyon is a five-hour drive from Phoenix. Take Interstate 17 north from Phoenix to Flagstaff. From Flagstaff take U.S. 180 northwest to the Canyon.

Sedona/Oak Creek Canyon
The cultural community of Sedona is a mecca for art lovers and collectors. Surrounded by the towering red sandstone cliffs of Oak Creek Canyon, Sedona’s deep red-rock buttes provide a beautiful backdrop to boutiques and art galleries selling authentic Native American and Southwestern arts and crafts.

Visit Tlaquepaque (pronounced Tah-la-key-pock-ee), a shopping village named after a small Mexican town that was once that country’s leading producer of crafts and glassware.

While in Sedona, explore the area via an airplane or helicopter tour, a hot-air balloon ride or a jeep tour.

Sedona is a two-hour drive from Phoenix. Take Interstate 17 north from Phoenix to Junction 179.

Prescott
Prescott, founded after the discovery of gold in 1863, was the first permanent capital of the Arizona Territory. While in Prescott, stop at the Sharlot Hall Museum complex. See the first territorial governor’s mansion, the historic 1857 John C. Fremont House and the restored 100-year-old Bashford House.
Another point of interest is the charming town square, home of the Yavapai County Courthouse. The blocks surrounding the town square are filled with antique shops, restaurants and hotels.

The most famous section of the square is Whiskey Row, located on Montezuma Street. Whiskey Row got its nickname during the mining days when nothing but saloons occupied the street.

The fastest route to Prescott from Phoenix is north on the Black Canyon Freeway (Interstate 17) to Cordes Junction, then northwest on state route 69. Prescott is approximately a two-hour drive from Phoenix.

Flagstaff
Flagstaff, home of Northern Arizona University, is located 146 miles north of Phoenix on Interstate 17. A visit to the Lowell Observatory atop Mars Hill, where the planet Pluto was discovered in 1930, is recommended.

The Museum of Northern Arizona features an extensive exhibit of Native American art.

White Mountains
Arizona’s White Mountains, located in the eastern part of the state, offer a variety of attractions in a climate 30 degrees cooler than Phoenix. With an elevation of 9,000 feet, summer activities include golfing, camping, fishing, mountain biking, hiking, horseback riding and just relaxing.

In winter, the White Mountains become just that — white. Sunrise Ski Resort offers outstanding ski runs and other winter sports opportunities, including snowmobiling, ice fishing and cross country skiing.

Much of the White Mountains area is on Native American land, including the Hon-Dah Casino. Rodeos, cultural festivals and parades are common events in the White Mountains region.

The White Mountains area is a four-hour drive from Phoenix.

Lake Powell
Located 282 miles from Phoenix (about a five-hour drive) is Lake Powell. While a bit farther from Phoenix than some destinations, the drive to Lake Powell is well worth the time.

The lake is 186 miles long and claims 1,960 miles of shoreline, more than the entire Pacific Coast of the United States. The lake is held back by Glen Canyon Dam, which has enough concrete to build a four-lane highway from Phoenix to Chicago.

Water sports of all kinds are popular on the lake. Lake Powell is one of the most-popular attractions in the National Park Service system, attracting 3.5 million visitors a year.

Montezuma Castle and Well
This impressive ancient Native American cliff dwelling is nestled high above Beaver Creek and is more than 6 centuries old. The Aztec emperor, Montezuma, for whom the castle is named, never saw the famous structure.

The Sinaguas, Pueblo Indians who moved into Greater Phoenix during the 12th century, built the dwelling from limestone and adobe. When white settlers saw it years later, they concluded only Aztecs could have designed the castle and named it accordingly. The structure was built on a steep cliff to protect the Native Americans’ property rights.

To get to Montezuma Castle, take Interstate 17 north to the Montezuma Castle turnoff just past Verde Valley. This is a three-hour round-trip.
 

More info links:

Phoenix Convention and Visitors Bureau
www.phoenixcvb.com