Arizona

Arizona is in the middle of the American Southwest. The legends of the Old West live on in Arizona side by side with new traditions of golf, spas and amazing sightseeing opportunities.

Arizona Travel Regions include:

The dramatic landscape of Northern Arizona draws visitors from around the world. The awe-inspiring Grand Canyon is here along with Monument Valley and the Petrified Forest National Park which includes the Painted Desert. The red rocks around Sedona inspire the many artists who have taken up residence there. But Northern Arizona is not all deserts. The southern shores of Lake Powell provide lots of opportunities for fishing and other water sports as well as some very scenic golf courses. The mountains around Flagstaff offer excellent hiking in the summer and skiing and snowboarding in the winter. Northern Arizona is also home to several Hopi & Navajo reservations.

Zane Grey immortalized this region in his books. This is an area of pine forests, lakes and mountains. Hiking, biking, and horseback riding are popular summer activities. In the winter the ski resorts open for winter sports. Sightseers and rail enthusiasts can take a four-hour ride through canyons, pine forests and a 680-foot tunnel on the Verde Canyon Railroad in Clarkdale. Visitors can see two sides of the Old West in the Arizona Territory's first capital, Prescott. There are historic Victorian homes as well as the 40 saloons of Whiskey Row that have now been converted to shops and restaurants.

Known as the Valley of the Sun this area includes Phoenix and its surrounding cities such as Glendale, Scottsdale and Tempe. Whether you are looking or urban excitement or a tranquil escape it is here. After the endless shopping and dining opportunities world-class spas allow the pampered visitor a total escape. Several major league sports teams are based in the Phoenix area and during the Spring Cactus League exhibition games offer a season preview for baseball fans. Golf resorts and championship courses make this area a golf mecca. In addition to playing golf, spectators can attend PGA and LPGA tournaments held on some of the finest golf courses in North America.

The Colorado River runs along Arizona's western border from the Hoover Dam down to Mexico making a watery playground in the desert. Whether you want to swim, ski, fish, or just hang out on a houseboat it is all available in the parks and resorts here. Historic Yuma has buildings from the Wild West era and modern golf courses that include the Arnold Palmer-designed Mesa del Sol and Desert Hills, a top-rated 18-hole championship course. For a different view of history visit Lake Havasu City where the original London Bridge acts a focal point for local tourist activities.

The Old West towns and guest ranches of Southern Arizona let visitors re-live the past. In Tombstone the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral is recreated daily. For nature-lovers some of the world's best birding sites are here. Bisbee hosts the Southwest Wings Birding and Nature Festival in August. Clear skies make for exciting stargazing. Astronomy buffs can visit several observatories, including the 18-story Kitt Peak National Observatory, home to the world's largest solar telescope. The golf courses, resorts and spas of this area are legendary. Tucson celebrates its vibrant pioneer, Spanish and Native heritage with a variety of themed festivals. And no trip would be complete with a visit to the Saguaro National Park to see forests of the famous cacti.

Travel Arizona and find more than deserts and golf courses!