"Raising Arizona to New Heights" Arizona by richiecdisc

Arizona Travel Guide: 10,330 reviews and 27,789 photos

the Saguaro & Arizona, forever linked - Arizona

Arizona kind of creeps up on you. Though one of the most popular retirement states due to its dry sunny climate, it is not in itself the great tourist destination. Sure, everyone that travels across country is bound to go to the Grand Canyon; it's our national, natural icon. But more often than not, the masses are coming from Las Vegas and that city in the desert has Nevada tagged onto its address. Phoenix might be a great place to go to University or even live, but it's not exactly the cultural marvel as say San Francisco or New York. You have to love the desert but just how much of it can you take? Quite a bit if National Parks are your thing. The last state in the contiguous United States to join boasts more National Parks and Monuments than anywhere but California and Alaska. If Native American culture is your thing, Arizona is certainly one of the easiest places to experience it up close. Wide open highways lined with huge cacti are the state's trademark and make even the big distances between natural wonders a scenic experience. Even if cities lack a bit of luster, amenities are always at your fingertips. Arizona might not entice but once there it will enthrall those with an appreciation for nature, wide open spaces, and love of the Wild West of old.

Few will want to miss the Grand Canyon

Grand Canyon is the state's big draw

Few will visit Arizona without going to the Grand Canyon and despite all the hoopla, it lives up to every bit of its hype. You just have to work a bit to ensure you get to enjoy it on your own terms, and away from the other million people there to see it.

Organ Pipe is well worth the effort

This desert oasis is home to not only the rare Organ Pipe Cactus but an incredible slice of the Sonoran Desert.

Last visit to Arizona: May 2008
Intro Updated Jun 1, 2009
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Reviews (22)

The Wave Off The Beaten Path (2)

With a name like Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument you would think the National Park system had grandiose... more travel advice

Glen Canyon National Recreation Area Things to Do (8)

It is not hard to imagine the colorfully hued rock formations of Utah being submerged under a sea of blue. They would... more travel advice

we brought a lot, we used it all - Arizona

on being self-contained What to Pack (1)

Backpacks and overnight bags for rare motel stays or nice friends' houses. Good hiking boots, sandals, warm and liner... more travel advice

being prepared is the key to enjoying - Arizona

hiking & backpacking are great sports! Sports & Outdoors (1)

Hiking and backpacking are great in the dry sunny Arizona climate but you need to be prepared for the elements which... more travel advice

Restaurants (3)
See All drinking at the source
Nightlife (1)
Tempe had a jamming nightlife
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Comments (85)

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Nemorino Mar 17, 2010 at 4:34 PM

Great that you camped every night in Arizona and loved it. I'm not surprised that the 5000 foot difference in elevation between the rim and the floor of the Grand Canyon makes a huge difference in temperature.
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Yaqui Jul 17, 2009 at 9:59 PM

Wonderful page Richie! As always your information and photographs are top notch! These tips should be in the Arizona travel guides.
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Bwana_Brown Jun 30, 2009 at 5:01 AM

Wow Richie! What an amazing array of sights & attractions you took in! I never realized that Arizona had so many wonders, even though Sue & I once managed to slip in a quick visit to the Grand Canyon. We had the same opinion of Sedona but liked Oak Creek.
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toonsarah Jun 29, 2009 at 3:49 AM

You've captured Arizona so well. It's a must for lovers of National Parks and Native Culture, and is where I learned to appreciate both most fully, although reading your page I realise how much we didn't see there in only taking in the north of the state
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Trekki Jun 5, 2009 at 12:02 AM

Haha, I fully understand that D did prefer the sights to see other than the breweries and pubs :-) So nice of you that you let her do this! Oh, and yes, The Wave and Buckskin Gulch are on my lists for next time :-)
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DoreenDe Jun 1, 2009 at 10:40 AM

What do you mean... I am not THAT nice ;P Ok,ok you made up for it later on :)
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craic Jun 1, 2009 at 5:42 AM

that is an amazing wave
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Gili_S Mar 14, 2008 at 1:08 PM

One day I would like to visit here and it was interesting to see your earlier work :)
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Azonie Mar 21, 2006 at 9:30 PM

Holy cow! Is there anyplace you HAVEN'T been? :-)
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travelgirl3 Dec 15, 2004 at 8:47 AM

Your Airzona photos are amazing! You are so lucky your camera was still on the roof of your car!! I'm a huge Southwest fan, and really enjoyed your AZ page. Thanks for sharing.