Gaydio takes an Arizona road trip
By Chantal Cooke
Although the Grand Canyon is probably Arizona’s most famous attraction, it isn’t the only natural wonder that will take your breath away. Here are 10 suggestions of places you should include on your road trip itinerary when visiting this southern state.
Flagstaff
Flagstaff, on the historic Route 66, is a lively city with a historic downtown area including trains, shopping, art galleries, events, music, restaurants and nightlife – and it is superbly situated for many of the state’s best attractions. In fact, it has been nicknamed the City of Seven Wonders because there are seven experiences within 10 to 80 miles; The Grand Canyon; Oak Creek Canyon; Walnut Canyon; Wupatki National Monument; Sunset Crater National Monument; The San Francisco Peaks; and Coconino National Forest.
For more information: www.discoverflagstaff.com
Lowell Observatory, Flagstaff
Play with gravity waves, learn about the orbits of the planets and the surface of the sun, see images of some of this universe’s most beautiful nebulae, and then head up to the roof where you can relax in comfy, heated chairs to listen, and look, as one of the Observatory’s experts explains the stars above you.
For more information: lowell.edu
Grand Canyon National Park
I visited the Grand Canyon with Buck Wild Grand Canyon Hummer Tours, which meant I didn’t have to worry about where to park the car, or which shuttle bus to jump on, or where to get the best views and most stunning photos – that’s all taken care of. Plus, your guide will fill you in on some of the wildlife and history of the area too.
The Canyon is such an incredible sight you may wish to visit more than once, and as the sun travels across the sky, the colours of the rocks change meaning no two visits will be the same.
For more information: Grand Canyon National Park and Buck Wild Hummer Tours
Montezuma Castle and Montezuma Well
Montezuma Castle and Montezuma Well in the Verde Valley of Arizona contain some of the best-preserved cliff dwellings in the U.S.
Visiting both sites gives you a better understanding of the Sinagua people, a pre-Columbian culture, who lived in this area between approximately CE 1100 and 1425. It is also a good reminder of the history of this area long before it was ‘discovered’ by Europeans.
Admission is just $10, and there is plenty of free parking.
For more information: nps.gov/moca
The slot canyons of Antelope Canyon
For me, the slot canyons tour was one of the stand-out experiences of my trip to Arizona. I booked onto the aptly named Gorgeous Three with Black Streak Canyon Tours.
The tour takes you to three quite different slot canyons where the rich red colours, the shafts of sunlight, the swirls of rock and the silence of being deep within the canyon all make for an otherworldly trip.
Understandably these canyons have been used as the backdrops for fashion shoots, music videos and book covers.
If you are planning to stay in the area, then I’d also suggest a trip to Horseshoe Bend, Navajo Bridge, Marble Canyon and the Vermillion Cliffs.
For more information: Black Streak Canyon Tours and Visit Page
Museum of Northern Arizona
The Museum’s nine galleries will help you understand how the surrounding landscape, including the Grand Canyon was formed, who lived here, what happened to them, and how life changed with the arrival of the railroads. There are traditional arts, stories of the surrounding region, and interactive exhibits featuring geology, natural history, anthropology, and archaeology.
The museum is open 10am to 5pm daily and there is plenty of parking onsite.
For more information: musnaz.org
Gilbert and Agritopia
Gilbert is known as “Phoenix’s Coolest Suburb” – and it lives up to its name, with plenty of bars, restaurants and shops to tempt you.
While you are there, check out Agritopia, an area of mixed housing, restaurants, artisan shops, and community allotments, with an 11-acre productive organic farm at its centre. Its tree-lined sidewalks, winding paths, and relaxed eateries make it a lovely place to stop for a coffee or a meal.
For more information: Visit Gilbert
Oak Creek Canyon, Sedona and Red Rocks Country
If you fly into Phoenix and make your way north to Flagstaff you’ll drive through the Red Rocks Country where you can enjoy the awe-inspiring sites of Cathedral Rock, Chapel of the Holy Cross, Court House Butte, and Coffee Pot Rock among others.
Having admired these geological wonders, your next stop is Sedona. This hippy enclave is full of crystal shops, psychics offering readings, middle-aged men with ponytails and colourful trousers, restaurants (check out Wildcraft Kitchen for healthy eats), Native American art and jewellery stores. My spiritually minded friends claim the vortex of energies here is particularly powerful.
Heading north out of Sedona you enter the beautiful Oak Creek Canyon. The canyon walls rise on either side, trees casting dappled shadows across the winding road as it twists back and forth as you climb higher.
This was a drive I could happily do over and over again; funky Flagstaff at one end, hippy Sedona at the other and the breathtaking canyon between.
For more information: Visit Oak Creek Canyon
Dude Ranches: White Stallion and Rancho de la Osa
No trip to Arizona is complete without a stay at a dude ranch (that’s ‘guest ranch’ to you and me). I stopped at White Stallion Ranch near Tucson and Rancho de la Osa right on the Mexican border. These are two very different ranches so check them out to decide what will suit you best. I loved both, so if this is your first visit, and you have time, book 2–3 nights at each so you get a real feel for what a dude ranch can offer.
For more information: Frontier America
