Me and the family (3 of us) are flying out to Arizona for a week-long vacation in a few weeks. We need some recommendations on things to do and see while we are there. I lived in Tucson back in the early 90's and traveled all over the state installing and maintaining weather stations for the government and got to see much of the state and lots of interesting things and places. But, I would like some reminders and tips on what to be sure to go see while we are there. We will be flying into Phoenix and the first full day plan to drive to Tucson to revisit our old stomping grounds, see the Arizona-Sonora desert museum, and possibly drive to the top of Mt. Lemmon. Then back towards Phoenix and up through Sedona, Flagstaff, and eventually to the Grand Canyon. I would like to show my daughter some of the cliff dwellings such as Canyon de Chelly or similar while we are out there. Of course, we WON'T be heading down to Nogales like we used to do in the 90's due to the cartel b.s. that is rampant along the border nowadays. Even in the 90's it could get sketchy at times. What are some must-see things that we should do while we are out there?
Great cliff dwelling at Montezuma's Castle on the way to Sedona. Jerome is nice to see. Drive up Oak Creek Canyon from Sedona to Flag. Grand Canyon, meteor crater up there. Etc, etc, etc..
If you stay in the Tucson area there are the caverns, Tombstone, the wine country outside of Tombstone, etc.....
Great cloff dwelling at Montezuma's Castle on the way to Sedona. Jerome is nice to see. Drive up Oak Creek Canyon from Sedona to Flag. Grand Canyon, meteor crater up there. Etc, etc, etc..
If you stay in the Tucson area there are the caverns, Tombstone, the wine country outside of Tombstone, etc.....
I don't remember the caverns in Tucson (maybe there was something just southeast of the city? I can't recall). And I thought Tombstone was the lamest trip I ever went on. Thanks for reminding me of Montezuma's Castle - like you say, it's on the way to Sedona and I remember going there way back when.
Visit Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff, Arizona, for World-Class Stargazing video description: "Named one of “The World’s 100 Most Important Places” by Time Magazine, Lowell Observatory is a world-class destination for stargazing and astronomical advancement under the International Dark Skies of Flagstaff, Arizona, just two hours south of the Grand Canyon. Lowell has been a pillar of research since 1894, leading to the discovery of Pluto; evidence of the expanding universe; lunar mapping for the Apollo missions; and new research with its Lowell Discovery Telescope, the 5th-largest in the continental US. Its historic campus allows guests to enjoy science talks and demos, six advanced telescopes, the historic Clark telescope and Pluto dome, and private stargazing." video posted to YouTube on Apr 11, 2023
Bearizona in Williams is pretty cool. Drive through wildlife park. I’m a little biased as it is my brother in law’s business. Black bears, grizzlies, wolves. Great otter display. Jaguars. He has put his entire life into the place.
Visit Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff, Arizona, for World-Class Stargazing video description: "Named one of “The World’s 100 Most Important Places” by Time Magazine, Lowell Observatory is a world-class destination for stargazing and astronomical advancement under the International Dark Skies of Flagstaff, Arizona, just two hours south of the Grand Canyon. Lowell has been a pillar of research since 1894, leading to the discovery of Pluto; evidence of the expanding universe; lunar mapping for the Apollo missions; and new research with its Lowell Discovery Telescope, the 5th-largest in the continental US. Its historic campus allows guests to enjoy science talks and demos, six advanced telescopes, the historic Clark telescope and Pluto dome, and private stargazing." video posted to YouTube on Apr 11, 2023
Haha, know it well. Just below there was "make out point". Spent quite a few nights there in the cab of a 76 Datsun and 84 toyota pickup getting more action than I probably should have! Fun times. Pluto was discovered there. As were the benefits of bench seats in a pickup!
Guns are responsible for killing as much as Rosie O'Donnel's fork is responsible for her being FAT.
"Guard with jealous attention the public liberty. Suspect everyone who approaches that jewel. Unfortunately, nothing will preserve it but downright force. Whenever you give up that force, you are inevitably ruined.”
IF you are in the NEIGHBORHOOD, Painted Desert, Petrified Forest!
July
Arizona
As they say, BUT it's a dry heat.
Joking aside, STAY HYDRATED.
Understood. Like I said, I lived in AZ 30 years ago so I'm familiar with the climate there. And I'm a retired meteorologist. Having suffered through the past week's 95+ temps and sweltering humidity here in eastern North Carolina, I'm actually looking forward to some dry heat for a change.
Guys, I'm a retired METEOROLOGIST, and worked in Arizona as a meteorologist. I have to go in the summer because my wife is a school teacher and has the summer off and my daughter is on summer break from college. Plus, it's less crowded this time of the year.
I'll give you one tourist trap to avoid: that glass walkway over the Grand canyon run by the tribes. Total ripoff. Not only are the tickets expensive, but you can't drive to it. They force you to park a couple miles away and then ride an expensive bus to the thing.
I'll give you one tourist trap to avoid: that glass walkway over the Grand canyon run by the tribes. Total ripoff. Not only are the tickets expensive, but you can't drive to it. They force you to park a couple miles away and then ride an expensive bus to the thing.
The Heard Museum in Phoenix is worth a visit. The restaurant there is quite unique also.
BEST suggestion yet. Bisbee is interesting if you like artsy. Wickenburg is pretty nice (old west vibe) and I personally like Prescott. Handloader and Rifle used to be headquartered there. A LOT of gunshops and not a few custom makers.
"Guard with jealous attention the public liberty. Suspect everyone who approaches that jewel. Unfortunately, nothing will preserve it but downright force. Whenever you give up that force, you are inevitably ruined.”
