PHOTO BY MARK W. LIPCZYNSKI
PHOTO COURTESY OF FLAGSTAFF CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU
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ARIZONA, THE BEAUTIFUL Hit the road to explore the state’s great outdoors
T
his month marks the 101st birthday of the National Parks Service, a celebratory reminder of all the wondrous sites in Arizona. Though the list is extensive, here are four sensational, must-see sites for every Arizonan (and visitor!). Plan to hit a few? Be sure to look into available passes for entrance to all at www.nps. gov/planyourvisit.com.
PHOTO BY SREENATH KOTTAPUZHACKAL
PHOTO BY CHRISTINE C. PHOTOGRAPHY
BY ALISON BAILIN BATZ
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Chiricahua National Monument Approximately four hours southwest of the Valley near Willcox, Chiricahua National Monument (www.nps.gov/chir), often called the “Wonderland of Rocks,” is a fee-free park that is open year-round and the result of a volcanic eruption nearly 30 million years ago. The monument is teeming with wildlife, trees and mind-bending rock formations, including giant rocks balancing on top of each other as if by magic. There is no shortage of hiking options, including both day hikes and longer options, as well as picnic areas, historic tours, wildlife viewing areas, formal birding programs, stargazing, camping, and even horseback riding. Horseshoe Bend Located north of the Grand Canyon, just outside of Page and approximately four hours from the Valley, Horseshoe Bend (www.horseshoebend.com) lies on the Colorado River in the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area and is named for its distinct curvature, which is quite literally in the shape of an almostperfect horseshoe. Surprisingly, hiking to see the formation is a relatively easy 30- to 45minute walk up a sandy and moderate incline. The hike requires no permits, has nearby parking and is accessible year-round. There are several outfitters and tour companies that offer transportation to the overlook, including Colorado River Discovery in Page. Montezuma Castle If you’ve ever made the drive on Interstate Highway 17 toward Sedona or Flagstaff, you’ve no doubt seen the signs for Montezuma Castle (www.nps.gov/moca) near Camp Verde, about 90 minutes north of the Valley. While not a formal castle one might see in the likes of Great Britain, these dwellings of the Sinagua people – preserved in a limestone cliff – date back to A.D. 700 and are believed to have been built over the course of 300 years. Beyond the National Monument, the area has hiking as well as prime spots for a picnic. Entrance is $10 per person, but ages 15 and under are admitted for free. Be sure to check out the junior ranger programs available for free – and open to all ages – on site. Walnut Canyon In the pine forests near Flagstaff, the steep Walnut Canyon (www.nps.gov/waca) National Monument severs a rolling plateau. Twenty miles long, 400 feet deep and a quarter-mile wide, the canyon was carved by Walnut Creek over a period of 60 million years. There are two main hiking trails along the canyon. The strenuous Island Trail is about 1 mile and offers spectacular canyon scenery and wildlife as well as the chance to see 25 cliff dwellings, while the Rim Trail is an easy three-quarter-mile walk along the canyon rim through a ponderosa forest with two canyon overlooks. There is an entrance fee of $8 per person, but ages 15 and under are admitted for free.