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Is that right? Chill out in Arizona? Because Arizona is a land of contrasts and only 40% is desert, that means that there is plenty of pine country for hiking; lakes for boating, scenic and cool places to explore, and visit. Wanna beat the heat? Avoid it by exploring these places in our high country. Can't get away? Take advantage of the cool Water and Ice Palaces the Valley offers.
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Prescott is known for accessible wilderness. At more than a mile high, the mountain settings can literally take your breath away. Once you get used to all the pure Pine air, you'll find it refurbishes the soul. Just 90 miles north of Phoenix, you'll enjoy high desert scenery and magnificent mountain and valley views. Bike trails and picnic areas are abundant. Sedona is the Red Rock Country, awesome red mesas and outcroppings that are inspiring and breathtaking. Located 120 miles north of Phoenix, 30 miles south of Flagstaff, it's just a day trip or more of refreshing exploration. There's plenty of dining, entertainment, and resorts and country inns. Shopping spans from the unique to the superb at Tlaquepaque (Ta-la-kee-pah-kee), a charming shopping mecca that resembles a Mexican village. There's no better way to see the rocks than in a Jeep Tour to gain a special view of the majestic Sedona landscape. Oak Creek Canyon is just north of Sedona. Don't see one without seeing the other! Oak Creek sparkles cool and clear in summer. The drive through the Canyon is steep enough to satisfy a roller-coaster lover, but once on the canyon floor, you're in for the most breathtaking views. There really is a creek and hikers and walkers should take a casual stroll through the wooded area along the creek. Payson is a little Alpine-like village and although the area is quickly becoming popular as a summer-home site, much of it remains pristine and still qualifies as a true mountain retreat. Words like "nestled" and "secluded" are used. But even with its remote location, educational and medical facilities, lodging and dining are available. Flagstaff, our"winter wonderland" known for its ski slopes, can be an extension of your trip to Sedona. Leave time to go just a little further north to see what this Flagstaff is all about once the winter skiers leave! Often called "the city of seven wonders", Flagstaff is approximately 3 hours north of Phoenix. The scenic highway dips through the Verde Valley, climbs over the Mogollon Rim, and ultimately reaches this 7,000-foot-high city. Note: With Flagstaff as your base, the entire northern third of Arizona is open to you. You'll see wonders of the ancient world such as the Grand Canyon, but although temperatures around Flagstaff remain moderate, as you travel into the high desert areas of the northeastern section of the state, or the far western border near California, you're back in the heat. |
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Guides to Special Places:
Here's a guide to high-country cities and towns close enough to Phoenix for a soothing weekend trip. And by the way, if you're thinking of a vacation home in these areas, please let me know (alice@come2az.com)! I have a Tax Vacation informational article to email you
White Mountains Online. All the cool pine country cities are listed here.
The Ultimate Northern Arizona Vacation Guide on the Web Wilderness Areas in Northern Arizona Northern Arizona Regional Map Arizona Guide Arizona Distance Guide Desert USA maps And don't forget to check out my Hiking page!
So, visit us! And while you're here, be sure to say Hi to me! I'd love to see you when you visit!
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High Country!
...And Lakes!
If boating isn't your thing, and you really don't
want to travel, then there is still plenty of wet, wild and cool things to do in
the Valley!