Arizona Destinations You Have to See to Appreciate
02-23-2018
Author: in The Road Less Traveled
The first time we visited the 48th state, we were on our way to California. We made a quick drive through the Painted Dessert, and then moved on. We were so impressed, however, that we vowed to return. Three years later, we did. We spent nearly two months traveling through Arizona, and it's one of our favorite places to visit.
A road trip through Arizona provides more than the usual amount of beauty, entertainment, and inspiration, as well as some of the most diverse scenery in the country. Along with—of course—the Grand Canyon, there are many natural areas to explore, including the following:
Painted Desert
The Painted Desert covers 93,500 acres in the Navajo Nation, and is one the most beautiful areas of the continental U.S. The terrain's colors range from purple to orange. Although there are plenty of places to hike, a 10-mile paved road allows you to enjoy the experience from the comfort of your RV. Some of the features of the Desert include the Painted Desert Inn National Historic Landmark
and Route 66, as well as demonstrations of Native American craft making, rug weaving, and silver-smithing.
Although there aren't any RV parks at the Painted Desert, with a permit, you can backpack into the backcountry and spend the night in a tent.
Petrified Forest
East of Winslow, Arizona—near the Painted Desert—sits the Petrified Forest. Destroyed by volcanic lava, the plants and animals that once covered the area became the 200-million-year-old fossils that are visible there now. Along with viewing the fossils by car or RV, you can learn about the geology and ecology of the park at the Visitors Center, as well as tour the park on foot or by burro, horse, llama, or mule. Since, they're so close together, it's easy to visit both the Painted Desert and the Petrified Forest during the same trip.
Saguaro National Park
Saguaro National Park is divided into two districts—the Rincon Mountain District to the east and the Tucson Mountain District to the west. With a park pass or entrance ticket, you can visit both visit both. Here, you can see the giant saguaro cacti referred to as the “Kings of the Desert.” The giant cacti found in this park reach up to 50-feet tall. Check out the museum exhibits featuring guided tours, slide shows, and souvenir sales. Plus, there are several challenging trails into the mountains for hiking.
Although the only camping allowed at this national park is backpacking in the backcountry, nearby Tucson has several to choose from. The South Forty RV Ranch is a fully accommodating motorhome resort with a ton of amenities, activities, and even clubs to join.
Superstition Mountains
The largest mountain range in the area—the Superstition Mountains—rise to a height of 5,024-feet and are visible from miles away. Named for the many myths about them told by the Apache and Pima Indians, they feature canyons, springs and streams, volcanic peaks, and saguaro. This is also a popular hiking destination with the 2-mile, 1000-foot rise of the Siphon Draw trail being the favored choice.
There is a range of RV resorts nearby that are similar to retirement communities, since there are many permanent houses, as well as full-time RVers. Many of these have a ton of amenities, but many are also age-restricted. The Lost Dutchman State Park, however, is open year-round and has 134 site, half with hook-ups.
In Conclusion
With cacti and canyons, wide open spaces and some of the best sunsets in the country, the terrain in Arizona is a feast for the senses. Taking to the open road with friends, family, fur-babies, or even by yourself is a great way to spend time, and with so much to see, you may never want to leave. RV on, my friends!
A road trip through Arizona provides more than the usual amount of beauty, entertainment, and inspiration, as well as some of the most diverse scenery in the country. Along with—of course—the Grand Canyon, there are many natural areas to explore, including the following:
Painted Desert
The Painted Desert covers 93,500 acres in the Navajo Nation, and is one the most beautiful areas of the continental U.S. The terrain's colors range from purple to orange. Although there are plenty of places to hike, a 10-mile paved road allows you to enjoy the experience from the comfort of your RV. Some of the features of the Desert include the Painted Desert Inn National Historic Landmark
and Route 66, as well as demonstrations of Native American craft making, rug weaving, and silver-smithing.
Although there aren't any RV parks at the Painted Desert, with a permit, you can backpack into the backcountry and spend the night in a tent.
Petrified Forest
East of Winslow, Arizona—near the Painted Desert—sits the Petrified Forest. Destroyed by volcanic lava, the plants and animals that once covered the area became the 200-million-year-old fossils that are visible there now. Along with viewing the fossils by car or RV, you can learn about the geology and ecology of the park at the Visitors Center, as well as tour the park on foot or by burro, horse, llama, or mule. Since, they're so close together, it's easy to visit both the Painted Desert and the Petrified Forest during the same trip.
Saguaro National Park
Saguaro National Park is divided into two districts—the Rincon Mountain District to the east and the Tucson Mountain District to the west. With a park pass or entrance ticket, you can visit both visit both. Here, you can see the giant saguaro cacti referred to as the “Kings of the Desert.” The giant cacti found in this park reach up to 50-feet tall. Check out the museum exhibits featuring guided tours, slide shows, and souvenir sales. Plus, there are several challenging trails into the mountains for hiking.
Although the only camping allowed at this national park is backpacking in the backcountry, nearby Tucson has several to choose from. The South Forty RV Ranch is a fully accommodating motorhome resort with a ton of amenities, activities, and even clubs to join.
Superstition Mountains
The largest mountain range in the area—the Superstition Mountains—rise to a height of 5,024-feet and are visible from miles away. Named for the many myths about them told by the Apache and Pima Indians, they feature canyons, springs and streams, volcanic peaks, and saguaro. This is also a popular hiking destination with the 2-mile, 1000-foot rise of the Siphon Draw trail being the favored choice.
There is a range of RV resorts nearby that are similar to retirement communities, since there are many permanent houses, as well as full-time RVers. Many of these have a ton of amenities, but many are also age-restricted. The Lost Dutchman State Park, however, is open year-round and has 134 site, half with hook-ups.
In Conclusion
With cacti and canyons, wide open spaces and some of the best sunsets in the country, the terrain in Arizona is a feast for the senses. Taking to the open road with friends, family, fur-babies, or even by yourself is a great way to spend time, and with so much to see, you may never want to leave. RV on, my friends!
Comment
No comments found! Be the first one to write a comment!
Author: Carrie Todd
