Eternal Arizona

Kate Ruland-Thorne

When paleo-Indians migrated into Arizona 12,000 years ago, they followed the seasons. Wintering in the balmy Sonoran desert from December through May, they meandered northward by spring, following the rivers and streams which lead to the cool pine forests of Arizona's magnificent rim country. Today's visitors follow these same migration patterns. Regardless of when one chooses to travel within the Grand Canyon State, there's always a promise of sunshine and plenty of adventureóeven in the summertime.

Arizona's main attraction is the Grand Canyon. Located 7,000 feet above sea level in Arizona's northern plateau, the canyon remains open year round and is a 1-1/2 hour drive north of Flagstaff.

Carved by the mighty Colorado River, this two-billion-year-old wonder of the world can be experienced in many delightful ways. An enjoyable way to get there is aboard the Grand Canyon Railway, a turn-of-the-century steam train which operates out of Williams. For the adventurous, mule trips are available for one- or two-day inner canyon rides and overnights, but reservations must be made in advance and in writing.

The most exciting way to view the canyon is from below, on a whitewater rafting excursion. Half-day floats can also be booked, or try a flightseeing excursion by plane or helicopter.

Be sure to include the IMAX Theater presentation, "Grand Canyon: The Hidden Secrets," presented daily from 8:30am to 8:30pm in Tusayan. Located outside the south entrance, this one-hour show takes you vicariously on all the aforementioned excursions, as well as informing you about the canyon's history, wildlife, and vegetation.

The Grand Canyon is not the only adventure found in northern Arizona. Within Flagstaff, or a day's ride from it, numerous national parks and monuments provide opportunities to wander among the pre-historic dwelling sites of Walnut Canyon and Wupatki; see a Jurassic-type park of fossilized dinosaur bones and trees that have turned to stone at the Petrified Forest; view the heavens at the 102-year-old Lowell Observatory, where the planet Pluto was discovered; walk on a volcanic crater; visit the magical lands of the Hopi and Navajo; or take a boat tour on 186-mile-long, picturesque Lake Powell.

Called the "Jewel of the Colorado," the sandstone formations which rise above Lake Powell's deep-blue waters bestow an other-worldly atmosphere to this remote and stunning area. Boating and fishing are what people do most here, though lodges and restaurants are close by.

At Flagstaff's highly acclaimed Museum of Northern Arizona, excellent insights and exhibitions about the state's pre-historic cultures are presented, along with information on present-day Native peoples.

One of the most popular activities is the Annual Marketplace Event, which showcases Hopi, Navajo and Zuni artists selling and demonstrating their exquisite arts and crafts.

Be sure to bring the kids along, as children's activities are included, along with lectures and music. Hopi artisans are featured July 6th & 7th, the Navajo on July 27th & 28th and Zuni, September 14th & 15th.

Only 45 minutes south of Flagstaff, Oak Creek Canyon and the city of Sedona lure visitors to the state's most breathtaking scenery. Within this virtual paradise, sandstone cathedrals, burnished red, soar above cool pine forests to make this an area unequaled among Arizona's natural playgrounds.

The crystalline waters of Oak Creek provide memorable fishing, hiking, birdwatching and swimming opportunities, while camping and mountain bike riding offer other means of exploring the canyon's hidden secrets. Slide Rock State Park features a natural slide carved by the creek, where swimmers can shoot the rapids into swirling pools of cool water.

The picturesque town of Sedona—listed among the top 100 art communities in America—rivals the Grand Canyon as Arizona's most popular tourist attraction. A world-class destination, Sedona boasts a variety of award-winning restaurants, one-of-a-kind shops and over 40 fine art galleries. Activities range from golf to horseback riding, jeep tours, to hot-air balloon rides, and an assortment of cultural and musical events throughout the year. Jazz enthusiasts from around the world flock to Sedona for one of its best events, the annual Jazz on the Rocks concert. This all-day concert in late September is always a treat.

Just south of Sedona, the Verde Valley embraces an abundance of historic sites and adventures. Montezuma Castle, so named because it seemed magnificent enough to have been built by the Aztec leader, is the most well-preserved cliff dwelling in the state. Nearby Fort Verde State Park is the site of the final battles between General George Crook and the Yavapai and Tonto Apache Indians in the 1870's.

For an intimate glimpse of an historic copper-mining town, Jerome, once called the "Wickedest City in the West," has preserved its early day charm and is now a thriving arts community. Families will love the Gold King Mine, with its petting zoo and walking tours of historic buildings. For a special dining treat, the House of Joy has recreated the ambience of an old bawdy house with excellent moderately priced food. Make reservations in advance because seating is limited and they are open only on weekends.

The historic Arizona Central Railroad, which once linked Jerome to the territorial capital of Prescott, operates year-round from Clarkdale and is another marvelous way to view the untouched beauty of the Verde River Canyon wilderness.

Prescott is the place to be from July 3rd through the 7th, when this historic town explodes with the "World's Oldest Rodeo," a parade, entertainment, dances, fireworks and a cowboy golf tournament. Other must-sees are Whiskey Row and the Sharlott Hall Museum, where Arizona's territorial days are brought to life year-round.

If you miss the Prescott Rodeo, top cowboys also compete in Payson in mid-August at the "World's Oldest Continuous Rodeo," with arts and crafts vendors adding to the excitement.

Another rodeo takes place in Phoenix in early October when the Rodeo Showdown features the world finals with championship riders, country entertainment and great food.

It's always a great time to visit the rapidly-growing Valley of the Sun, which has the state capital of Phoenix as its heart.The city teems with entertainment opportunities. For the culturally minded, October heralds the opening of the Phoenix opera, ballet and theater season. All three produce a broad repertoire ranging from classics to new works and engage artists of the highest caliber.

For those who prefer Native American cultures past and present, the Phoenix Heard Museum is a must. Families love zoos, and Phoenix has an excellent one. With over 1,300 animals showcased in natural settings, the Phoenix Zoo also boasts 200 endangered species, including rare Sumatra tigers.

For a taste of Arizona's wild west days, try nearby Scottsdale. This city is home to Rawhide, an 1880's replica of a Western town, replete with gun fights, a petting ranch, cookouts, a steakhouse, shops and a variety of entertaining events. Also in Scottsdale, the Thunderbird Balloon Classic gets underway from October 31st through November 3rd; this is one of the most photographed events in the state. Don't miss wandering through Scottsdale's over 100 galleries. For those who love the links, more than 275 golf courses dot the state, with some of the finest found in the Valley of the Sun. A super course is Tom Weiskopf's Troon, located northeast of Scottsdale. Here the most lush and dramatic desert on the planet, the Sonoran Desert, reveals some 2,500 species of plants and wildflowers, the Santa Catalina Mountains shimmering in the background.

The b affords a window into the ecosystem of this unique desert, with over 1,300 types of indigenous plants and 300 species of wild animals on display. One intriguing exhibit is the underground habitat for tunneling critters, from millipedes to kit foxes.

Tucson, which sits in the southern part of the state, affords ample opportunities for visitors, too. The city's Western theme park, the Old Tucson Studios, offers gun fights and stunt demonstrations, and not far from town, an authentic look at our Western heritage can be discovered in Tombstone, the "Town Too Tough To Die."

Spanish Missions in this area relay another type of Arizona's rich cultural history, the most dramatic being San Xavier del Bac. Completed in 1797, this mission is called the "White Dove of the Desert." It is a baroque church which incorporates Spanish, Byzantine and Moorish elements. Also impressive, the Tumacacori Mission, founded in 1691, marked the introduction of European culture into southern Arizona. Both missions are within an hour's drive south of Tucson. Arizona's rich diversity makes it a premier destination for adventure-seekers, families and history buffs, as well as art and nature lovers. Come revel in the constant sunshine in the most fascinating playground of the Southwest. Interliners will be amazed at all the region has to offer—even in the summertime.

For over 18 years, Kate Ruland-Thorne has written hundreds of articles for newspapers and magazines; she is author of several books on the regional history of the Sedona and Verde Valley area. Her most recent book is Upon this Rock: Marguerite Brunswig Straude and her Sedona Chapel. Ms. Ruland-Thorne has also served as editor and feature writer for the Sedona Magazine and Visitors' Guide.