Arizona Vacation Source: Sep 9, 2008

Tuesday, September 9, 2008

 

The Never Ending Arizona Wonders By: Cecilia Valenzuela


Arizona wonders are commonly found throughout the state. There are so many things to do and see that if you travel there, you will not be disappointed by the variety of activities that await you.


Why do so many people travel to Arizona and why do so many people continue to move there? Other reasons such as employment and entrepreneur opportunities, school, health related issues, and family are also contributing reasons why people move to the state. Certainly many of these folks who have made the permanent move will tell you that the weather was a big reason why they chose the desert.

No one can deny that the weather is a big reason why people are so attracted to the valley of the sun. Just about any daily activity is possible with more than 300 days of sun every year. The Arizona winters draw mostly Canadians, Midwesterners, as well as other people from other states and countries.

While there may be many who really do not enjoy the extreme heat in the summer months, many of those same people will tell you that they would much rather deal with heat than the long bitterly cold weather that they have had to live with for so long.

I heard someone say once that there are three different types of seasons in Arizona: "cool, perfect, and really, really hot," which likely explains why many of the winter visitors scurry back home to avoid the intense summer heat of the desert.

So, just what are the wonders of Arizona anyway? Many people consider Northern Arizona, namely the Grand Canyon and the gorgeous red rocks of Sedona, reason enough to consider this the Arizona wonders.

This area is considered sacred to many, especially the Native Americans who truly treasure the red rocks that include Flagstaff's forested mountains.

And if you think that lakes do not exist in Arizona, guess again, because the state has plenty of lakes and rivers.If water sports are of interest to you, one of the more popular lakes is known as Lake Powell.

You will find fishing, boating, and jet-skiing, just to name a few activities that are available to the lake's visitors.

The scenery is beyond breathtaking and it never seems to end. It encompasses the northern Arizona region where there is also a very famous historic route known as the Mother Road, more commonly referred to as Route 66.

While passing through the northern region you will take in and hopefully will be able to have the opportunity to explore the Native American cultures and mountainous areas that are so prominent throughout the entire state. Pottery, jewelery, blankets, and so much more are available to anyone as you will find many shops and special events that display these and many other Native American gems.

If you plan on traveling to the Tucson or other southern areas within the state, you will certainly discover many more Arizona wonders, too.

Once you see the mountains and beautiful sunsets, you will know you have discovered the natural wonders.

No doubt about it, the Native American and cowboy culture compliment the beauty of this state. In fact, many famous actors have made their mark in Arizona filming some of the most famous old-western movies.

If you would like to cowboy or cowgirl up, many fine rodeos are a big part of the desert southwest's lineup of fun.

Within the Tucson area, you will find that there are many Arizona attractions that offer not only the wild, wild, west scene, but plenty of luxurious golf courses and resorts to choose from. This region is very popular to the many winter visitors who love to take in a spring-time cactus league baseball game as many teams travel to the desert for spring training.

If you enjoy the stars or birds, this state is a great choice for those who like to experience the astronomical observatories and the long list of birds that make Arizona their home. This state is also quite famous for those who enjoy the many birding sites that exist.

The capital is Phoenix and it is a very popular city to not only the visitors, but also to the residents who make this city their home. The beautiful mountains and golf courses that surround the Sonoran desert along with museums and resorts make the state a very popular tourist hot spot.

In fact, if you like hiking, hiking Camelback Mountain is a favorite activity for both visitors and residents alike. The area of central Arizona which includes Phoenix, now has more than three million residents which continues to grow and grow with each year, but don't worry as there is plenty of space to move around. You will not feel too cramped as there is more than two-thousand square miles to roam around in with a wide variety of events that attract people from everywhere. Plenty of malls, including swap meets, or what many call flea markets, are loved by many because of the great deals that can be found.

Whether it is the night life, spas, hiking, fine dining, or the boating or golfing experience, the desert southwest seems to be the area that offers so many choices to everyone.

Cecilia Valenzuela is a full time entrepreneur and advocate for business owners. Cecilia Valenzuela is a successful online business entrepreneur who works and lives in Arizona. Learn more about more AZ attractions at: http://www.my-arizona-desert-living.com/Arizona-Wonders.html
Article Source: http://www.articlebiz.com/

 

Arizona Skiing - Yes, Snow Skiing! By Shari Hearn

Ah, Arizona. Land of sun, scorching summer days and winter skiing fun. That’s right, skiing. Yes, Virginia, Arizona, known for tumbleweed snowmen, actually gets snow.

There are four ski areas to choose from in Arizona, all within a few hours drive from Phoenix, the capital of Arizona.

The most well-known of the ski areas in Arizona is located in northern Arizona, 7 miles north of Flagstaff. The Arizona Snowbowl offers 4 lifts and 32 trails for skiers and snowboards of all levels, and 2,300 feet of vertical drop. You can also test your freestyle skills at their Sunset Terrain Park which includes obstacles and spines. Lodging available in nearby Flagstaff or you can choose to stay at the ski resort at the Ski Lift Lodge & Cabins located at the base of the San Francisco Peaks. For reservations, call (928) 774-0729.

The largest ski resort in Arizona is located in McNary in Eastern Arizona. The Sunrise Park Resort is owned and operated by the White Mountain Apache Tribe, and is just a 4-hour drive from Tucson and Phoenix. You have for your skiing and snowboarding pleasure 800 acres on three interconnected mountains. Base elevation is 9,200 feet extending up to 11,000 feet. They offer 8 lifts and 65 runs for skiers of all levels, as well as a separate snowboarding area, cross country ski trails, and a Terrain Park featuring a snow half pipe, implanted wood and metal rails. The Sunrise Ski Resort is open from the first week of December through the first weekend of April. Night skiing begins January 2. Lodging is available at the 100-room Sunrise Park Lodge located on Sunrise Lake. Winter rates begin at $124 per night. Call (800) 772-7669 for more information.

Mt. Lemmon Ski Valley is located on Mt. Lemmon just outside Tucson, which is the largest city in Southern Arizona. Though smaller than the Arizona Snowbowl and Sunrise Park Resort, Mt. Lemmon Ski Valley offers 80 skiable acres, 3 lifts, 18 trails and a 907-ft. vertical drop. The longest run is 8,500 ft. Their trail ratings are: Easiest at 20%; More Difficult at 38% and Most Difficult at 42%. There is no cross-country or heli skiing available.

For those of you learning to ski, you might want to head up to the Elk Ridge Ski Area, formerly the Williams Ski Area located in Williams, Arizona, approximately 30 miles west of Flagstaff. The Elk Ridge Ski Area offers two lifts and seven trails. Elk Ridge is typically open Thursday through Monday, starting mid December. Thursdays is “skiing only” day. For more information call (928) 814-5038.

If you’re planning a visit to Arizona this winter, or if you live in Arizona, it’s nice to know a day of skiing is within driving distance. Who needs to hop a plane to Colorado or Utah when winter fun is right in your own backyard?

Shari Hearn is a writer and creator of [http://www.skivacation411.com]Ski Vacations, where you can find [http://www.skivacation411.com/Lake_Tahoe_Ski_Resort.html]Lake Tahoe Ski Resort information.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Shari_Hearn [http://ezinearticles.com/?Arizona-Skiing---Yes,-Snow-Skiing!&id=328897 ]http://EzineArticles.com/?Arizona-Skiing---Yes,-Snow-Skiing!&id=328897

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