Arizona Things to Do Tips by ClarkRB

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I have a tip similar to this one in my South Carolina coverage. Most people seem to feel that the best sunsets are always over water. However, the colors in Arizona are so brilliant that you have to witness one of these. We were like kids, hopping out of the car every second we saw a new angle. We took shots between cactus arms, mountain crevasses, through plants, anything we saw a new opportunity.

Don't forget to turn around behind you. The mountains in the background end up a bright red to a purple color. You won't find this in Europe. Please take a look at the following 5 photos attached to this tip to see what I'm talking about.

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Address: Arizona Desert
Directions: This photo was taken at Organ Pipe Cactus Nat'l Monument off AZ-85 near Ajo.

Things To Do: Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument

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Updated by ClarkRB

on Sep 6, 2006

ClarkRB at Organ Pipe National

Monument

Talk about peaceful. I don't think I've been anywhere so quiet on earth. The Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument off AZ-85 is so far out of the way that running into other people are slim to nil. Located just a few miles north of the Mexico border is a 21 mile loop that will take you through some very intense rugged landscapes. There are trails to hike that you can pull your car out, and begin the trek.

We went right before sunset, which means we were the only ones out here on this warm January evening. It's so quiet that it's loud. The sunset is spectacular against the rare Organ Pipe Cacti, and turns the mountains purple.

Folks, please pay the fee at the visitors center. Don't be cheap.

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Address: Organ Pipe Cactus Nat'l Monument, AZ
Directions: Take I-8 to Gila Bend. Go south on AZ-85. When AZ-85 and AZ-86 split, take AZ-85. Once you enter the park, you'll see a loop about 3 miles from Mexico on your left. Rugged dirt road, make sure your car is in excellent shape.

Things To Do: Saguaros - Part 1

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Updated by ClarkRB

on Sep 6, 2006

Saguaros Galore (CLARKRB)

You can drive through the deserts of California, Nevada, Utah, New Mexico, and Texas and even parts of Arizona and not see the cacti you picture a desert to include. This of course is because elevation, ground water, LAT/LON, and many other factors come into play. Saguaros, (pronounced sah-war-oh) the cactus plant we all drew in elementary, are located in Arizona, but not everywhere.

However, I am here to help. A real good spot to find these beautiful cacti plants are along I-10 between Tucson and Phoenix. You�ll first notice they are spotty in nature, and then they become more numerous. Then, like this mountain off Interstate 10, they become predominant. Don�t tamper with them though. They are very much protected by law. Arizonians are very particular and don�t want you messing with their flora. Of course Saguaro National and Organ pipe are other places you'll see them

Other areas to view this lovely plant include Saguaro National Park off I-10 east of Tucson, and Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument. Organ Pipe requires you to take I-10 to Casa Grande, then I-8 east towards Yuma/San Diego. At Gila Bend, head south towards Ajo. Organ Pipe is right on the Mexico border. Go to PA2AKgirl�s Organ Pipe Page for more information. She's alot more educated than I am on this sort of thing.

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Things To Do: Saguaros Part 2

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on Sep 6, 2006

I should have brought a poet

(CLARKRB)

A beautiful photo awaits you if you are willing to get you back a little dirty, and take a shot looking straight up.

The contrast against a dark blue sky made me feel very small today. Still � awe inspiring. Best places to get a shot like this are south of Tucson en route to Ajo on AZ-86. The road is not used much, and there are ample turnouts with many cacti awaiting your photo.

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Things To Do: Desert Monsoon Season

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Updated by ClarkRB

on Sep 6, 2006

What a display.

Normally, when it comes to some sort of weather phenomena, I tend to list it as a warning as opposed to a things to do. I will make an exception though in Arizona�s case. It doesn�t rain here often, and when it does, it provides such a magnificent display. During the summer months, if the flow is just right from the Gulf of California in Mexico, you'll have just enough moisture to produce these beasts.

Arizona, from what I have seen elsewhere, has the best displays of lightning in terms of contrast. This usually happens in the summer, and usually it is off in the mountains, providing the cities with a free show from a safe distance. When the desert sun shines just right, you will see colors displayed that the folks at Crayola haven not named yet. This doesn�t mean they are safe. However, it does mean it�s something you don�t want to miss.

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Directions: Look on the Weather Channel for thunderstorm chances through Arizona. East of Phoenix is your best bet.

Things To Do: Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!

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on Sep 6, 2006

The grand canyon state, looking

grand

In the same area where you have forests with massive amounts of trees and a cooler climate, you also have snow. Yes, it snows in Arizona. And when you least expect it, it can come down pretty hard. Come prepared if you plan on using any highway that normally goes above 3000FT. Have chains.

For all intents and purposes, both Phoenix and Tucson have recorded snow before, but this is a rarity. Flagstaff gets it hard every winter for those who need a break from the baking Arizona sun. Anything along Interstate 40 east of Kingman has a snow chance during the wintertime. This includes the Grand Canyon.

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Things To Do: Davis Monthan

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Updated by ClarkRB

on Sep 6, 2006

She was once mighty...

So many airplanes in the world get old after a certain time has passed. So what happens when they are officially rendered useless in terms of age? They are sent to Mohave, California if there are civilian or chartered aircraft. And the military craft? Davis Monthan Air Force Base located just outside of Tucson, Arizona.

It is here where you get to see planes that served as steel heroes. For starters, many of the planes that liberated France and other countries in Europe during the 2nd world war are located here. The planes that liberated Kuwait from Iraq during the Gulf War of the early 1990�s can be found in the mix. Old Bombers, trainers, and AWACS planes can all be found resting in peace in the middle of this parched desert. If you are a plane enthusiast, this is definitely for you.

If you don't feel like going all the way to the graveyard, there are planes displayed just off of Valencia past Craycroft, though not as impressive of a collection.

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Address: Located on Coolidge on DMAFB, AZ
Directions: Use Valencia Rd off I-10. Follow signs to Main Gate. Go to the visitors center for a pass before you enter the main gate.

Things To Do: "Feenix"

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on Sep 6, 2006

Phoenix (CLARKRB)