Land of Big Skies and Big Horizons
Written: May 11 '00 (Updated May 16 '00)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Completely diversified
Cons: None that I can't live with
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| Lajeaca's Full Review: Arizona |
The light of dawn finds the desert a piece at a time, first touching the highest peaks with orange while the rest of the world waits beneath a sea of blue light. Earlier in the week I experienced trying to capture an Arizona sunrise with words as I began to formulate thoughts on this review of Arizona. The big sky of Arizona has the most magnificent sunrises and sunsets I have ever witnessed. (Please bear with me as I write my first travel review and tend to be poetic at times) ;-)
I remember one morning in particular, just after I moved to Arizona, and it was just after early morning dawn at Sabino Canyon, just outside of Tucson. There was a mellow glow among the canyon’s cactus forest of organ pipes, saguaros, and chollas. Dipping down the steep canyon’s sides, the sun at last sought out a cluster of paloverde trees in full bloom, which displayed a golden blanket against a purple-shadowed stone backdrop. “Could anything be more beautiful?” I asked my son. I knew at that moment that I had made the right decision to move to Arizona.
Some of my friends from the Midwest think my love of such a land is a bit wild. Here’s the picture that often comes to their minds at mention of the word “desert”: Glaring sun….seas of dunes shimmering in heat waves toward distant salt flats…the wind erasing a zigzag of footprints….another victim swallowed up. Some of my desert friends tend to be too enthusiastic in the other direction. They talk in terms of Shangri-Las where health is automatically assured, as well as the comment of “but, it’s a dry heat”. LOL
Obviously, desert means different things to different people, and the truth lies somewhere between epinion’s extremes. But, if you are planning to visit Arizona and trying to decide which part of the state to travel to, it’s best to familiarize yourself with Arizona’s seven distinct and very different regions:
Grand Canyon Country – Of course we have the Grand Canyon, which is so immense our human eye cannot possibly comprehend its size. It is sort of like first encountering the ocean, as to stand incredibly humbled at its extraordinary beauty of vastness. As well, there is more to experience in this region than the Grand Canyon. There is the red rock country of Sedona, and you have Flagstaff with its 7,000-foot elevation, snowy winters, and Flag is known as a major haven for mountain bikers in the summer.
The Valley of the Sun - This area is located near the center of the state and is the most metropolitan type of the state’s other regions. It encompasses Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe, Mesa, and the other surrounding cities of various sizes. Various concerts are year around with high quality artists. Steely Dan was scheduled to come to Phoenix, but cancelled :( This area is known for some spectacular resorts and spas that are luxurious beyond thought I hear.
Central Territory – Known for Birding. Birders are attracted to Hassayampa River Preserve just outside of Wickenburg. The Nature Conservancy maintains a very lush habitat that attracts birds migrating as well as native birds to Arizona. You will find lots ghost towns scattered about as well as abandoned mining claims. Many guest ranches are throughout this area as well. The Prescott, Dewey, and Cottonwood areas provide many, many various choices for golfers. The famous Whiskey Row is in Prescott where a concentration of saloons exist along Montezuma Street.
Indian County – In the northeast corner of the state you’ll find Indian County. Reservations of the Navajo Nation and the Hopi Tribe are in this region. Miles upon miles of the Painted Desert making this area is known as one of the most picturesque sections of the state. This is where the Four Corners are, where the states of Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, and Arizona meet.
High Country – If you’ve always thought of Arizona as an endless stretch of desert, you will be amazed if you explore this region. Pine trees, aspens, and mountain lakes? Yes, to be found from the desert east of Phoenix up to 11,000-foot high Mount Baldy in the White Mountains. In the higher altitudes, people will experience all four of the seasons, which is something I really miss at times.
Old West Country – Tucson places me right in the middle of Old West Country, and I am tempted to write much more than I choose for the length of this review. Early Native American people built communities, and you can see some amazing examples of their architecture and artifacts in this region. This area is well known for its more than beautiful golf courses and resorts. On the outskirts of Tucson in the Santa Catalina Mountains, Sabino Canyon is definitely a must place to visit. Karchner Caverns opened in November of 1999, and is not far from Tucson at all. Another birding paradise for birdlovers can be found around Patagonia, and also in the Wilcox area. (a review on Tucson coming soon)
Arizona’s West Coast – The West Coast Region has a sort of beach-like ambiance to it. You can experience miles of sunny type shoreline along the Colorado River as it has moves south from Lake Mead, passing through Hoover Dam and then past a series of lakes and wildlife refuges. North of Lake Havasu is Bullhead City known for the Lake Mead National Recreation Area. Further south, on the Mexican border, Yuma offers warm winters, (and extremely hot summers) desert hiking as well as water sports.
There is something in this clear dry air that makes me have a feeling of restoration to my body. There is also something in Arizona’s ever-changing skies and horizons, stubborn life, and distant skylines that exhilarate my spirit. The desert no doubt enchants me!
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
Lajeaca
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Location: Tucson, Arizona
Reviews written: 74
Trusted by: 178 members
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