Out Arizona Way

[ezdays]

Last time I posted a few negative things about Arizona, so this time I'll make amends and look on the bright side.

Sightseeing

Arizona’s Sonora desert is beautiful and unlike anything you’ll see anywhere else in the world. From the stately cacti, to the fields of colorful wildflowers, these things are alone worth coming here to visit. These are not the only sights to see, so let’s take a brief look at a few.

The top attraction here is obviously the Grand Canyon. There’s no need for me to describe it, we all are aware of its majestic beauty and how the views can change minute to minute. The canyon is in the northernmost part of the state and it does snow there, so the best time to go is during the warmer months (ie: escape the 110° heat). The last time we went, we took a tour package that included a one-night stay in Williams, transportation on the Grand Canyon Railway, another nights stay at the Canyon, a bus tour of the east rim and several meals. We added a second bus tour of the west rim so that we had three full days of activities. Williams is about 150 miles north of Phoenix. You can drive to the Canyon and stay of one of their several lodges, or even camp at some of the local campsites, but driving around and parking can be a headache; besides, when there's a train ride available, take it.

Another trip we like to take is up in the Cottonwood-Sedona area. The Verde Canyon Railroad runs a tour train out of the Clarkdale Depot twice daily that has breathtaking river views that includes nesting bald eagles and stunning canyon walls. A four-hour round trip now runs around $65, a bit more for first class that includes a bite to eat on the way. The last time we took that trip with some visitors, we included a dinner and a Western show at the Blazin’ M Ranch, just a few miles away. The town of Jerome is not that far, so it’s possible to spend some time going through the old mining town before or after your train ride. It’s steep winding narrow streets and old buildings give you a sense of what life might have been like living there 100 years ago. Most important though is the fact that all this is just about a 20-minute ride to Sedona, one of the most amazing places on the planet. One must spend more than a day there. You can take one of several jeep tours, or best yet, explore the area on your own. There you’ll see the red rocks that are awe inspiring, towering high all around the town. Drive through Oak Creek Canyon through the stately pine trees, and above all, visit the Chapel of the Holy Cross. This chapel is built high on the side of the red rocks and its 100-foot high cross adorning the face of the church can be seen for miles. (I have a 1:220 model of this Chapel on my layout). It is indeed a Catholic church that has been standing there for well over a half-century. They claim that it's built on one of the many vortexes around the area. Sedona is only about a three-hour drive from Phoenix, so we try to go there often. We never fail to stop at the Chapel to reflect at it and the surrounding beauty and reverence. Incidentally, if you are into camping out, there are many nice campsites along Oak Creek Canyon. We did that often when our boys were young. We always feel better after visiting Sedona and Oak Creek.

Still hanging around up north we have Monument Valley, the site were many western movies were shot, there is the Petrified Forest National Park, the Painted Desert and then Meteor Crater. All of these sites are accessible off of I-40 and most are on Indian Reservation land. For train buffs, another delight on I-40 would be an overnight stay at the La Posada Hotel in Winslow. This is one of the best remaining examples of a Harvey House that was built for railroad passengers in 1929. It is pretty much restored to its past elegance. Winslow also gained notoriety for the song, “Standing on the Corner” and has statues dedicating that corner for posterity.

Although there is casino gambling on Indian Reservations throughout the state, a lot of the locals, and many visitors go to Laughlin, Nevada, sometimes just for the day. Laughlin is across the Colorado River from Bullhead City. Las Vegas is a few hours ride north of that, and will take you over Hoover Dam, a sight worth seeing on it’s own.

That briefly covers northern Arizona; I think the next time I’ll take you on a quick tour of the southern part of the state.