Arizona Resorts

Arizona In All Its Colorful Glory

By: Alicia Bankford

Arizona is one of the most colorful places to vacation.

Between enchanting sunrises and sunsets and the colorful

fields, pine forests with the ever-changing climates and

moutain ranges that seem to change colors by the minute,

it is art for the eye.

There is much to do in Arizona. Vacation activities

include golfing in world class courses, hiking, canoeing,

and trout fishing. There are even areas where the

temperature is such that you can water ski and snow ski in

the same day.

A neat spot to sight see is the Apache Trail, which was

initially built in the 1930s to support the development

of the dams built by the Salt River. The drive is a

loop drive of 80 miles that is partially dirt. This

section provides the most amazing views of mountains with

dense forestry. Along the way, you will go by Fish Creek

Canyon. RV companies do not allow their vehicles to be

driven on this drive due to the way the road hangs on the

side of a very narrow, steep canyon.

Other destinations on the Apache Trail are the Goldfield

Mining Town, which is a re-creation of an old west ghost

town that was active over a hundred years ago. The Mammoth

Mine produced three million dollars worth of gold in the

mining years between 1892 - 1896.

Park lovers will love The Lost Dutchman State Park for

exploring the mountains and hiking nature trails. There

are a limited number of campsites and picnic facilities.

swimmers and boaters will enjoy Canyon Lake with its cool

clear water and steep canyon walls. Camping and picnicking

is ideal here also.

Roosevelt Dam was originally built between 1905 and 1911

and restricts the water of the Salt River forming

Roosevelt Lake. This dam was considered the world's largest

"cyclopean-masonry" dam, which means it was created in

Greco-Roman style, using very large, irregularly shaped

blocks. It is covered by concrete today.

There are other stops along the trail, such as Tortilla

Flat, another old-west style settlement and Apache Lake

formed by the Horse Mesa Dam. And we must not forget Tonto

National Monument. This 2 story ruin, known as Sinaqua

Indian Cliff looks down on Lake Roosevelt and is

a delight to view.

One of the better known places to visit is Sedona.

Beyond the beauty of this land, you are apt to feel the

beauty of the people. This city is known for its artistry

as many artisans have moved their home here. Many of the

Native Americans believe the Sedona area is a spiritual

one as they believe there is a vortex of energy coming

from the earth's electromagnetic fields.

Whether you believe there is anything to this belief of a

heart being affected by this magnetic field or not, this

enchanted area is sure to feed your soul with its

atmosphere. whatever the time of the year, Arizona has

something for everyone to enjoy.

About The Author...

Alicia Bankford is excited about Arizona and is the owner of Everything About Arizona

Provided By: Travel and Leisure