Winter in Northern Arizona

Northern Arizona in the winter is a perfect place to spend a winter vacation or a weekend getaway. Whether you embark on one of the open-air tours or hiking trails that affords visitors stunning views of the breathtaking red rocks of Sedona and Grand Canyon all dusted in white, or you spend your days skiing, snowshoeing or cross country skiing on the majestic San Francisco Peaks near Flagstaff. With nearly 100 inches of annual snowfall, Flagstaff and the surrounding area offers unmatched alpine activity, making Northern Arizona the perfect playground for outdoor enthusiasts and tourists of all types.

Regardless of your activity level and choice of adventure, the key to staying warm on your  cold-weather visit to northern Arizona is packing 10 winter suitcase essentials.

10 winter essentials for your suitcase

• Long-sleeved mid-weight shirt – pick a base layer that wicks away moisture and keeps you dry

• Fleece or wool sweater – quick-drying and ideal for repelling water and snow

• Waterproof gloves – Shield your hands from cold wind, snow and dampness. Stay away from cotton or woven materials and stick with wool, Gore-Tex or other moisture wicking textiles.

• Scarf – Keeps your neck or head warm outside and acts as a great layer you can leave on when you’re indoors or in sunny, milder temperatures.

• Hat – Essential for keeping your body heat in. Hikers may opt for a wide-brimmed style, while skiiers and snowboarders might choose a knitted skull cap or beanie.

• Waterproof outer layer – Necessary for keeping out wind and locking in warmth while you’re on the slopes or taking photography and sightseeing stops

• Boots with reliable tread – important for keeping you warm and upright!

• Sunscreen – Remember that UV rays are harmful on cloudy and sunny days alike

• Healthy snack – Keep up your energy with protein and carbohydrate-packed nuts, fruit and plenty of water.

• Camera – to capture the the stunning views

Photo credit: thales on Flickr.com - CC BY 2.0

Imagine floating over Sedona as the sun peeks out over the crimson towers that line the eastern horizon. As the sun crests in the sky, your morning hot air balloon ride gives a bright perspective on what the day might bring. End your ride with a gourmet champagne brunch amidst the famous Sedona red rocks.

Things to Know Before Hot Air Ballooning in Sedona:

• Afraid of heights?  Not to worry.  People who normally fear heights tend to feel very comfortable in a hot air balloon because there is no sensation of motion. Balloon flight is smooth; in fact, if you close your eyes, you can’t feel it.
• Safety checks.  Better than a parachute, the balloon is inflated on the ground and checked thoroughly before going up.  Within minutes, passengers feel secure and comfortable and are able to relax and enjoy the spectacular view in every direction.
• While its true that you’ll generally drift along with the wind, which is part of the reason ballooning is such an adventure, balloon operators have precise vertical control.  The wind direction varies at different heights; we can change our altitude to achieve some variation of our direction.
• The balloon company’s chase crew will follow on the ground and take you back to the launch site.
• A traditional champagne toast follows your flight once upon return to the launch site.
• A balloon flight is typically three-to-four hours from the time you arrive until you’re ready to go home. Flight time is 1 to 1 1/2 hours depending on weather conditions.
• What should I wear for my hot air balloon ride? It’s actually warmer in the balloon than on the ground because we’re moving with the wind instead of against it so there’s no “wind chill”.  We don’t go to altitudes where it’s cold and we get some radiant heat from the burners above us. Dress for your comfort on the ground, keeping in mind that a sunrise takeoff may be chilly on the ground.  Wear  casual clothing in light layers.  When considering footwear, you’ll usually land in a pleasant spot but, on rare occasions, we may have to hike out so wear appropriate hiking boots or athletic, closed-toed shoes.
• Hot air ballooning is a colorful experience so you’ll want to bring a camera or video gear. Just bring a soft bag for your equipment to protect it and other passengers on landing.

There are several hot air balloon companies in Sedona, Arizona.  Please visit our Sedona Outdoor Recreation page on Sedona.net to find and book reservations with Sky High Balloons or Red Rock Balloons, two of our favorite tour providers.

photo credit: lanuiop on flickr.com

Okay, that sounds like a mother’s advice.  And maybe that’s fitting, with Mother’s Day approaching this weekend.

But what this post, another installment from guest blogger, Gregory Drambour, is  encouraging locals and Sedona visitors to do is learn from all the great messages we’ve heard in our lives – our mothers’ lectures (“Be responsible!”), the Golden Rule (“Honor them and they will honor you”), the Boy Scouts’ motto (“Be prepared!”), the inner voice that is Fear (“Something’s not right here, proceed with caution!”), the voice of Reason (“Sun is setting in the West + Trailhead was West = Head West”), and our own positive self-talk (“You CAN do this, stay focused!”).

Greg’s post is, on its surface,  a warning and a checklist for safe hiking in Sedona.  As an experienced orienteer and guide in this area, Greg gives great pointers on staying calm, minding your trail and being prepared.  But on a deeper level, Greg reminds us to both see Fear as a healthy and helpful instinct, and also to use positive self-talk to help guide us to workable and successful solutions in our lives.  Remember that even though you may not be on the path you thought you were on, you can safely see your way to your destination.

Enjoy, and Happy Mother’s Day to all of you moms and people who have moms.

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Sedona Can Be A Teacher – Confronting Fear

photo credit: heyjohngreen on flickr.com

Yesterday in the early evening I went hiking and climbing for a few hours by myself in the big red rocks above Sedona. I climbed up further then I’ve ever been.
I stopped at a red rock plateau way above the town—what a view of Sedona! I could see all the way to Court House Rock. I felt something pushing me to go further–so up I went—the degree of steepness and danger increased with each ten meters. I was scrambling on a lot of loose rocks which were unstable. I hesitated for a moment but then as always I kept following that gut feeling that has served me so well and kept climbing. I could see that I was nearing a towering red rock face–something kept pulling me towards it.
When I got to the cliff face, I sat down and went into that place of stillness, trusting that there was something that Spirit wanted me to feel or see. After about five minutes nothing came and then I felt inside it was time to descend. I wondered what this inner guidance was all about. As you can probably tell this is a very dangerous place (I would never take clients here—no worries!)
The decent was steep and again a lot of unstable little rocks underfoot. I felt myself being pulled to the left and questioned briefly if that’s why I was drawn to the cliff face. I would not have descended this way but it was only 100 feet from the way I had come up. So I went down and down—always being very careful—talking to myself, “Easy Greg, careful, stay focused”.
I stopped to get some water and looked around. The area I was standing in looked totally unfamiliar and I could not see the way I had come up. As I climb I always make sure I can retreat on the same line. I didn’t see that line! So I could be descending into a cliff drop! A wave of fear ran through my body and I could feel that sinking feeling on the edge of my emotions, ready to sweep in. Having hiked a lot off-trail in the Sedona area, I know how easily you can get yourself into serious trouble very fast. Fifty-foot cliff drops have a way of appearing out of nowhere.
My experience hiking off-trail has taught me a great deal and it really served me well on this beautiful Sedona evening. Now instead of panicking, I sat still for a few moments and do what all good climbers and hikers should do: situation assessment and equipment inventory. I had about one hour max until twilight set in and enough water for at least three hours plus a cell phone that was operational. I just went quieter listening for my inner guidance. After a few moments it guided me to explore the line of descent I was making another a few hundred meters and if nothing appeared to show me a clear way down I would back-track to the cliff face. The fear inside me has eased considerably. I made sure I greeted the little plants along the descent, “A Ho, brothers, A Ho sisters.” Always remembering–if you honor them, they will honor you, which is always my intention with the plant, rock and tree people when I guide clients on Sedona Vortex experiences.
I kept talking to myself as I took one step at a time over the unstable gravel and pebbles, “Easy, brother, one step at a time.” When I got to the distance I had marked, I could see that the topography (finally got to use this word!) appeared to be transitioning into the base of the mountain. Let me stress the word “appeared”. It’s not always as it looks. But my inner guidance said go for it and I did. Within about ten minutes I was safely down at the base!
I was unsure of how far I was from the trail head I had veered off to start the climb but I knew it was the in “that” direction. Again, first stopping to check how much light I had left and to make sure every five hundred meters I was heading the right way, not getting over confident. After about twenty minutes I found the trail and stopped and offered my deepest thanks to the Old Ones and the Rock and Plant People for watching over me.
Why tell this story? I have seen this kind of scenarios end up badly. I saw clearly how I didn’t let fear get me un-centered. I felt the fear and didn’t try and run from it. I let it motivate me to slow down and quiet down even more than I was. I gave my experience a chance to form itself. I was patient and did not get ahead of myself. And I was grateful for my experience to lead me down the mountain safely. I saw that I have truly learned something over the years and was proud of myself.
Ultimately, I was grateful that I followed my inner guidance to climb as high as I did—I wouldn’t have learned as much about myself and trust and using emotions if I hadn’t.
That’s part of living here in the Magic Kingdom called Sedona—you never quite know what a little early evening stroll will bring!
A Ho,
Greg

Drumroll, please…. Here is the third and final installment in the Arizona Republic’s series on the Top 50 Places in Arizona. Giving credit where credit is due – please find the original article at azcentral.com

No. 10: Route 66

WHY IT’S WORTHY
Route 66 has been described as the “world’s longest small town.” Millions of drivers who have followed the route since it was commissioned in 1926 have discovered the flavor of America as this two-lane road linked early highways, farm-to-market roads and city boulevards in states from the Midwest to the Pacific Ocean. Visiting a few towns along Route 66, which generally follows present-day Interstate 40 across northern Arizona, is an easy, practical alternative to traveling the entire length of “the mother road” from Chicago to Los Angeles. Here are things to do in three towns along the route.

THINGS TO DO

• Holbrook was a small, sleepy village in 1927 when Route 66 came to town. Tourism flourished until gas shortages during World War II. After the war, tourism and the local economy picked up again. Not far from Holbrook is Petrified Forest National Park, which includes the Painted Desert. Visitors can see colorful vistas, huge petrified logs, petroglyphs and an Anasazi ruin.
  • Details: 1-(928)-524-6228 or www.nps.gov/pefo.
• Near Seligman, about 60 miles west of Flagstaff, visit the Grand Canyon Caverns. Explore the natural limestone caverns 210 feet underground during a 45-minute tour.
  • Details: 1-(928)-422-3223 or www.gccaverns.com.
• In Kingman, take a walking tour of downtown. A guidebook of 27 places to see is available at the Powerhouse Visitor Center and Mohave Museum of History and Arts. Or hike or mountain bike on nearby trails, including the Camp Beale Loop Trail.
  • Details: 1-866-427-7866 or www.kingmantourism.org.

WHERE TO EAT

• Joe & Aggie’s Cafe: A small, family-owned Mexican-American restaurant.
  • Details: 120 W. Hopi Drive, Holbrook. 6 a.m.-8 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays. Closed Sundays. 1-(928)-524-6540.
• Snow Cap Drive-In: A fun little burger joint with lots of charm.
  • Details: 301 E. Historic Route 66, Seligman. 1-(928)-422-3291. Call for hours.
• Mr. D’z Route 66 Diner: An old gas station converted into a soda shop.
  • Details: 105 E. Andy Devine Ave., Kingman. 1-(928)-718-0066. Call for hours.

WHERE TO STAY

• Wigwam Motel: TripAdvisor.com called this motel, built in the 1950s, one of the world’s 10 quirkiest. In September, Oprah Winfrey mentioned that during her summer cross-country trip, also known as “Oprah & Gayle’s Big Adventure,” the two friends (Oprah and Gayle King have been best friends for about 30 years, Oprah says) planned to stay at the Wigwam Motel. That is, until Winfrey learned that the motel’s 15 wigwams could not accommodate her entire camera crew, so they made other arrangements.
  • Details: 811 W. Hopi Drive, Holbrook. 1-(928)-524-3048 or www.galerie-kokopelli.com/ wigwam/.
• Aztec Motel: Newly refurbished rooms and a gift shop featuring, you guessed it, Route 66 collectibles.
  • Details: 312 E. Historic Route 66, Seligman. 1-(928)-422-3055.
• Quality Inn: Features a corridor dedicated to Route 66 pictures, signs and other memorabilia.
  • Details: 1400 E. Andy Devine Ave., Kingman. 1-(928)-753-4747 or www.choicehotels.com.

IF YOU GO
Holbrook is 190 miles from central Phoenix. Take Interstate 17 north to Flagstaff, then Interstate 40 east to Holbrook. Stop at the historic Navajo County Court- house, 100 E. Arizona St., which houses a museum, visitor center, the Chamber of Commerce and Navajo County Historical Society. 1-(928)-524-6558 or www.ci.holbrook.az.us.

Seligman is 220 miles from central Phoenix. Take I-17 north to Flagstaff, then I-40 west to Seligman. Don’t miss Angel & Vilma Delgadillo’s Route 66 Gift Shop and Visitor’s Center, 217 E. Historic Route 66. 1-(928)-422-3352 or www.route66giftshop.com/ seligman.html.

Kingman is 188 miles from central Phoenix. Take I-17 north to Carefree Highway (Arizona 74) and go west to U.S. 60. Go north on U.S. 60 to Wickenburg, then north on U.S. 93 to I-40. At I-40, go west to Kingman. The Powerhouse Visitor Center, 120 W. Route 66, houses the Route 66 Museum. 1-866-427-7866 or www.kingmantourism.org. -Sadie Jo Smokey

No. 9: Lake Powell

WHY IT’S WORTHY
The second-largest man-made lake in America (after Lake Mead), and one of the most beautiful in the world, Lake Powell is a boater’s paradise. Bordered by sandstone canyons, the lake is part of the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, which covers hundreds of miles in Arizona and Utah.

THINGS TO DO

• There’s boating, boating and boating. There’s also camping, hiking and mountain biking. There are four marinas, two of which rent watercraft. The boating can be low-key – rent a kayak for a few hours – or upscale – go for broke and rent a luxury houseboat. Lake Powell Resort offers several lodging/activity packages that include kayaking, water skiing, boating and cultural activities, starting at about $600 for two people. A 20-foot powerboat rents for about $400 a day. Kayaks cost $25 a day, as do skis and wakeboards.
  • Details: 1-800-255-5561 or foreverhouseboats.com.
• When you tire of boating, take a photographic tour of the haunting Antelope Canyon, led by Navajo guides.
  • Details: www.antelopecanyon.com.

WHERE TO EAT

• The Rainbow Room: This glass-walled restaurant offers a spectacular view along with such upscale fare as sweet potato pancakes and striped bass.
  • Details: At Lake Powell Resort, 100 Lakeshore Drive, Page. 1-(928)-645-1124. Breakfast and lunch, 6 a.m.-2 p.m., and dinner, 5-9:30 p.m., daily year-round.
• Canyon King Dinner Cruise: A 2 1/2-hour cruise with a prime-rib dinner on the lake. Tickets cost $63 and the cruise runs daily June 1-Sept. 30.
  • Details: 1-800-528-6154.

WHERE TO STAY

• Houseboat: For the ultimate water view, rent a houseboat. Rates range from about $1,500 for three days on a boat that sleeps six up to about $12,000 for a week on a luxury craft that sleeps 12.
  • Details: 1-800-528-6154 or www.lakepowell.com.
• Canyon Colors Bed & Breakfast: This inn near downtown Page has a pool and a grill on the patio so guests can make their own dinner. Summer rates are about $95 for two per night, $125 for three, and include a full breakfast.
  • Details: 1-800-536-2530 or www.canyoncolors.com.

IF YOU GO
Lake Powell is about 280 miles northeast of central Phoenix, straddling the Arizona-Utah state line. Take Interstate 17 north to Interstate 40 east, then U.S. 89 north to Page. Summer is the most popular time to visit. Services are reduced in other seasons. A vehicle pass into Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, 1-(928)-608-6200 or www.nps.gov/glca, costs $15 and is good for seven days. Campsites cost $6-$10 per night. - Mary Beth Faller

No. 8: Tombstone & Bisbee

WHY THEY’RE WORTHY
Though they share a region (southeastern Arizona) and a legacy (mining), Tombstone and Bisbee are on opposite ends of the tourist spectrum. Tombstone’s rough-and-tumble past appeals to the outlaw in all of us. The shoot- out at OK Corral put the town on the map and continues to draw visitors, who can watch daily re-enactments of the gunfight. Tombstone also claims the world’s largest rosebush, worth a look once you’ve spent enough time along Toughnut Street and Boot Hill. Bisbee, a quirky art town perched along cliffs, embraces its independent spirit (a popular hotel is composed of 1950s travel trailers) and vertical nature (dozens of staircases are among the fastest, and most traveled, routes in town). Enjoy the galleries, then descend into a copper mine to see how Bisbee came to be.

THINGS TO DO IN TOMBSTONE

Just about everyone stops at the OK Corral (on Allen Street between Third and Fourth streets) to stand next to the mannequins of gunfight participants. Wait long enough and you’ll see someone draw an index finger and start shooting. Make sure you see the Bird Cage Theatre Museum (Sixth and Allen streets), which was a gambling hall, saloon and house of ill repute rolled into one building. Several bullet holes remain and, according to local legend, so do the spirits of a few former patrons.

THINGS TO DO IN BISBEE

• Queen Mine Tour: Ride into the depths of the mine, where you’ll be given a hat, slicker and lantern. A mine car takes you 1,500 feet into the man-made tunnel, where it is always 47 degrees.
  • Details: 1-866-432-2071 or www.queenminetour.com.
• Bisbee Mining & Historical Museum: Get a better feel for mining history at this museum in a historic building. Don’t miss the second-floor “Digging In” exhibit, created in conjunction with the Smithsonian Institution.
  • Details: 1-(520)-432-7071 or bisbeemuseum.org.

WHERE TO EAT IN TOMBSTONE

• The OK Cafe: Come on, how can you resist? This cozy place open for breakfast and lunch is far enough off the tourist path that it’s a great place to rub elbows with the locals.
  • Details: 220 E Allen St. 1-(520)-457-3980. 6 a.m.-2 p.m. daily.
• Big Nose Kate’s Saloon: This reportedly haunted restaurant is a former hotel where some of the gunfight participants stayed before that fateful October day in 1881. Now, it’s a historic place to have a beer and a buffalo burger.
  • Details: 417 E. Allen St. 1-(520)-457-3107. 11 a.m.-8 p.m. daily.

WHERE TO EAT IN BISBEE

• Prickly Pear Cafe: A solid selection of soups, salads and wraps makes this a popular choice with visitors as well as locals. There’s also a darn fine Philly cheesesteak.
  • Details: 105 Main St. 1-(520)-432-7337. 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturdays, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sundays, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Tuesdays.
• Cafe Roka: Take a seat inside this brick building built in 1907 and enjoy a four-course gourmet meal by owner and chef Rod Kass. Drop by Friday evenings for live jazz. Reservations are advisable.
  • Details: 35 Main St. 1-(520)-432-5153. 5-9 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays. Hours are adjusted seasonally, so call ahead.

WHERE TO STAY IN TOMBSTONE

• Katie’s Cozy Cabins: Stay within walking distance of the OK Corral and Bird Cage Theatre. Each air-conditioned cabin has a kitchen- ette, cable TV and porch.
  • Details: 16 W. Allen St. 1-(520)-457-3963 or www.cabinsintombstone.com.
• San Jose House: You know who slept here? No, not Washington. Even better. The town’s most famous gunslingers, including the Earps and Clantons. The adobe boardinghouse was built in 1879.
  • Details: Fifth and Fremont streets. 1-(520)-457-2392 or www.go-arizona.com/the-tomb stone-san-jose-house/

WHERE TO STAY IN BISBEE

• Copper Queen Hotel: The belle of the lodging ball remains the Copper Queen Hotel. The 48-room hotel was built in 1902 and is considered the state’s oldest continuously operating hotel.
  • Details: 11 Howell Ave. 1-(520)-432-2216 or copperqueen.com.
• Shady Dell: Go retro at this kitschy place, a collection of nine 1950s trailers, a 60-year-old bus and a 47-foot yacht.
  • Details: 1 Old Douglas Road. 1-(520)-432-3567 or www.theshadydell.com.

IF YOU GO

• Tombstone: From central Phoenix, take Interstate 10 east past Tucson to Arizona 80 at Benson (Exit 303). Go south on Arizona 80 to Tombstone. The town is about 185 miles from central Phoenix. Tombstone Chamber of Commerce, 1-888-457-3929 or www.tombstone.org.
• Bisbee: From central Phoenix, take I-10 east past Tucson to Arizona 80 at Benson (Exit 303). Go south on Arizona 80 through Tombstone to Bisbee. It’s about 215 miles from central Phoenix. Bisbee Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center, 1-(520)-432-5421 or www.bis beearizona.com. - Scott Craven
  

No. 7: Boyce Thompson Arboretum

WHY IT’S WORTHY

Arizona’s largest and oldest botanical garden features 323 acres of trails and gardens galore, including cactus, herbs, hummingbirds/butterflies, desert legumes and roses.

THINGS TO DO

Next Saturday offers a great reason to visit. The arboretum marks the 50th anniversary of Arizona State Parks with half-price admission. Guided tours will be given from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Check the Web site for more special events. The Main Trail is about 1.5 miles and takes 90 minutes to hike, but one could spend a morning or afternoon exploring side trails. The High Trail is a half-mile climb that levels off and parallels Queen Creek, giving a bird’s-eye view of the riparian corridor and towering volcanic-rock formations. Pack a picnic; the arboretum sports a serene picnic spot with tables and charcoal grills. Leashed dogs are welcome.

WHERE TO EAT

• Cafe Piedra Roja: Inexpensive, innovative Mexican cuisine with mounds of guacamole. Locals recommend the grilled chicken and mango salad.
  • Details: 507 W. Main St., Superior. 1-(520)-689-0194. 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays.
• Buckboard City Cafe: Ample breakfasts, Western and American fare. The “Southwesty,” a burger smothered with green chiles, is a lunch favorite.
  • Details: 1111 W. U.S. 60, Superior. 1-(520)-689-5800. 6 a.m.-2 p.m. daily except Tuesdays.
• Los Hermanos Restaurant & Lounge: Valley residents drive here just to take home the tortillas, made on-site. Folks can drink beer and shoot pool, too.
  • Details: 835 W. U.S. 60, Superior. 1-(520)-689-5465 or loshermanosrestaurant.com. 5:30-9:30 p.m. daily.

WHERE TO STAY

• Noftsger Hill Inn: Visitors planning to stay the night might consider the Noftsger Hill Inn in Globe, about 24 miles east of Superior. This 17,000-square-foot building served as Globe’s elementary school from the 1940s through the 1980s. Now, former classrooms have been turned into bedrooms packed with antiques.
  • Details: 425 North St., Globe. 1-(928)-425-2260 or noftsgerhillinn.com.

IF YOU GO

From central Phoenix, take U.S. 60 east about 55 miles. The arboretum is near mile marker 223, a few miles west of Superior. From September through April, hours are 8 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. From May through August, hours are 6 a.m.-3 p.m. daily. Closed Christmas. $7.50; $3 for ages 5-12; free for age 4 and younger. 1-(520)-689-2811 or ag.arizona.edu/BTA. - Sonja Haller

No. 6: Lowell Observatory

WHY IT’S WORTHY

Founded in 1894, Lowell Observatory is one of the oldest research institutions in the United States and a National Historic Landmark. There are two large telescopes, including the original 24-inch telescope, for public viewing. Lowell is building the 4.2-meter Discovery Channel Telescope, which will be operational in 2010.

THINGS TO DO

Public programs are offered day and night, and include a tour of the campus, including the site of the telescope used to discover Pluto. Evening programs usually include telescope viewing, depending on the weather. A new space theater, which will feature research from Lowell’s astronomers, is scheduled to open in early spring. Consider booking a private stargazing workshop, where you’ll learn about aspects of astronomy and what’s going on in the night sky. The cost is $70 for a daytime session and $150 for a nighttime session. Book at least three weeks in advance.

WHERE TO EAT

• Cottage Place Restaurant: Enjoy upscale dining in a 1909 bungalow. Pistachio-crusted pork chop and rack of lamb for two are on the menu.
  • Details: 126 W. Cottage Ave., Flagstaff. 5-9:30 p.m. Wednesdays-Sundays. 1-(928)-774-8431 or www.cottageplace.com.
• Macy’s European Coffeehouse, Bakery & Vegetarian Restaurant: Find brownies, pies and vegan fare at this casual downtown spot.
  • Details: 14 S. Beaver St., Flagstaff. 6 a.m.-10 p.m. daily. 1-(928)-774-2243 or macyscoffee.net.

WHERE TO STAY

• The Inn at 410: This exquisite bed-and-breakfast has nine units, some with Jacuzzis or fireplaces. The owners have a wealth of information on what to do in Flagstaff.
  • Details: 410 N. Leroux St., Flagstaff. 1-800-774-2008 or Inn410.com.
• Arizona Sled Dog Inn: This rustic bed-and-breakfast features a huge fireplace, a hot tub and a sauna. The name comes from the owners’ love of huskies.
  • Details: 10155 Mountainaire Road, Flagstaff. 1-800-754-0664 or www.sleddoginn.com.

IF YOU GO

Lowell Observatory is at 1400 W. Mars Hill Road, Flagstaff, about 130 miles north of central Phoenix. Take Interstate 17 north to Flagstaff, merge onto Milton Road, turn left on Santa Fe Avenue, then turn right on Mars Hill Road. Daytime hours from November through February are noon-5 p.m.; from March through October, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Evening hours from September through May begin at 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays; from June through August they begin at 8 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays. $5; $4 for seniors and students; $2 for ages 5-17; free for age 4 and younger. 1-(928)-774-3358 or www.Lowell.edu. - Mary Beth Faller

No. 5: Saguaro National Park

WHY IT’S WORTHY

This park in Tucson comprises 91,000 acres set aside as a preserve for the giant saguaro cactus, whose blossoms are the Arizona state flower. The saguaro is native to the Sonoran Desert of southern Arizona and Sonora, Mexico. The Sonoran Desert is a cactus-friendly environment with two rainy seasons, which make this one of the most lush deserts in the world and bring biodiversity to the region.

THINGS TO DO

The park is divided into two districts: the Tucson Mountain District, on the west side of Tucson, and the Rincon Mountain District, on the east side. The drive between the districts takes about an hour. Inside the park are 150 miles of trails for hikers and equestrians. No horse vendors operate in the park, but riders with their own mounts are welcome. The Cactus Garden Trail, at the center of the park, travels a paved walkway through a collection of desert plants. The Desert Discovery Nature Trail follows a half mile along the gently sloping foot of the Tucson Mountains. In the Rincon Mountain District, the 8-mile Cactus Forest Loop Drive snakes through the heart of a saguaro forest and offers an up-close look at a variety of Sonoran Desert life. The paved one-way road begins at the visitor center. Development is kept to a minimum in the park. There are no food sales, so bring a lunch to enjoy at one of the picnic areas. Each has tables, grills and pit toilets. Visitors also can explore the nearby Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, which is a zoo and botanical garden, just south of the Tucson Mountain District.

WHERE TO EAT

• Saguaro Corners: This popular restaurant is near the entrance to the park’s eastern district.
  • Details: 3750 S. Old Spanish Trail. 1-(520)-886-5424.
• Cafe Poca Cosa: This charming little downtown restaurant has upscale Mexico City cuisine (try the moles) and affordable prices.
  • Details: 110 E. Pennington St., 1-(520)-622-6400.
• El Charro: This restaurant, in the historic El Presidio neighborhood, is considered the oldest continuously operating restaurant in Arizona.
  • Details: 311 N. Court Ave. 1-(520)-622-1922.

WHERE TO STAY

Tuck yourself into an 1878 Victorian home in historic downtown Tucson at the Royal Elizabeth Bed and Breakfast Inn, The adobe building is on the National Register of Historic Places.

Details: 204 S. Scott Ave. 1-(520)-670-9022.

IF YOU GO

To visit the Tucson Mountain District from central Phoenix, take Interstate 10 east to Avra Valley Road (Exit 242) in Tucson. Go 5 miles west to Sandario Road and turn left. Drive 9 miles south to Kinney Road and turn left. The visitor center is 2 miles ahead on the left. To visit the Rincon Mountain District from central Phoenix, go east on I-10 past Tucson to Houghton Road (Exit 275). Go 9.5 miles north to Old Spanish Trail and turn right. Drive 3 miles southeast to the park entrance on the left. The park is open 7 a.m.-sunset daily. The visitor centers are open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily except Christmas. Park admission of $10 per vehicle is good for seven days. 1-(520)-733-5153 (Rincon Mountain District), 1-(520)-733-5158 (Tucson Mountain District) or www.nps.gov/sagu. - Barbara Yost

No. 4: Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum

WHY IT’S WORTHY

Take desert creatures such as prairie dogs and Gila monsters and put them in a nearly natural outdoor setting. Add a dose of natural history and you have the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum. The museum features hundreds of creature species and more than 1,200 varieties of plants and is a great way to pass a few instructive and interesting hours.

THINGS TO DO

The museum has two miles of paths covering 21 acres of desert, so bring comfy shoes and plan to spend a couple of hours wandering through the interpretive displays of Sonoran Desert plants and creatures. Most of the museum is outside, so dress appropriately. At 10:30 a.m. Thursdays, visitors can take a behind-the-scenes tour with an animal keeper. The $15 tickets are sold on a first-come, first-served basis, and children younger than 12 are not allowed on the tour. Through April 15, check out the Raptor Free Flight, which showcases birds of prey, such as the barn owl and prairie falcon. Shows take place at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. daily.

WHERE TO EAT

The museum features the Ironwood Terrace, a self-serve grill, and the Ocotillo Cafe, which offers a more upscale option. There also are a coffee bar and snack shop, and picnic area if you prefer to bring your own lunch.

WHERE TO STAY

The expansive JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort & Spa is about a 20-minute drive from the museum. Amenities include a spa and three golf courses.

Details: 1-(520)-792-3500 or jwmarriottstarrpass.com.

IF YOU GO

The museum is at 2021 N. Kinney Road, Tucson. 1-(520)-883-2702 or desertmuseum.org. From central Phoenix, take Interstate 10 east about 100 miles to Speedway Boulevard (Exit 257) and head west. Turn right onto Kinney Road. The museum is about 2.5 miles ahead on the left. Open every day. From October through February, hours are 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. From March through September, hours are 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m. From September through May, admission is $12; $4 for ages 6-12. From June through August, admission is $9; $2 for ages 6-12. Always free for age 5 and younger. – Emily Seftel

No. 3: Heard Museum

WHY IT’S WORTHY
Since 1929, the vibrancy of era-spanning Native American art and hands-on exhibits has wowed Arizonans and out-of-state visitors. For artist Joe Baker, curator of fine art for the Heard, the museum’s intellectual, social and physical space, “where artists can give themselves permission to experiment and visitors can be exposed to both traditional and contemporary Native American art forms,” is worth treasuring.

THINGS TO DO
The 21,000-square-foot signature exhibit “HOME: Native People of the Southwest,” featuring the finest works from the Heard’s permanent collection of about 39,000 pieces, is a must-see. And make time for “Remembering Our Indian School Days: The Boarding School Experience,” which revisits U.S. history “in a very courageous and bold way,” Baker said. Also for your museum “must” list: the annual hoop dance contest Feb. 3-4, Indian fair and market March 3-4, and a stop in the gift shop and bookstore.

WHERE TO EAT
The on-site Arcadia Farms Cafe serves Southwest-influenced dishes such as posole and tamales, plus soups, salads, artisan-bread sandwiches and desserts. It’s open 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. daily.

WHERE TO STAY
Several hotels are nearby, among them the Clarendon Hotel + Suites, a boutique hotel with swimming pool, the Camus restaurant and 24-hour fitness-center and business-center access.
Details: 401 W. Clarendon Ave., Phoenix. (602) 252-7363 or www.theclarendon.net.

IF YOU GO
2301 N. Central Ave., Phoenix. (602) 252-8848 or www.heard.org. 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. daily except New Year’s Day, Easter, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas. $10; $9 for age 65 and older; $5 for students with ID; $3 for ages 6-12; free for Native Americans and age 5 and younger. Other locations: Heard Museum North, El Pedregal Festival Marketplace, 34505 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, (480) 488-9817; and Heard Museum West, 16126 N. Civic Center Plaza, Surprise, (623) 344-2200. - Connie Midey

No. 2: Sedona

WHY IT’S WORTHY
Sedona is one of Arizona’s must-see wonders. At the end of Oak Creek Canyon, another scenic destination, the town is known not only for rock formations such as Coffee Pot Rock, Cathedral Rock and Courthouse Butte, but also for its hiking and biking trails, art galleries and spiritual-energy vortexes.

THINGS TO DO
On Arizona 179 between the Village of Oak Creek and Sedona, stop at the Chapel of the Holy Cross for an indescribable view of Sedona’s red rocks. Sedona is a mecca for hikers, climbers and cyclists, as well as shoppers. Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village is on Arizona 179 where it crosses Oak Creek. This weekend is the Golden Age Spiritual Realization New Year’s Eve Festival. The International Sedona Film Festival (sedonafilmfestival.com) is Feb. 28-March 4.

WHERE TO EAT

• René at Tlaquepaque: An upscale restaurant in picturesque Tlaquepaque. It’s considered one of the city’s most romantic eateries.
  • Details: 336 Arizona 179. 1-(928)-282-9225 or rene-sedona.com. Lunch, 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. daily. Dinner, 5:30-8 p.m. daily.

• Cowboy Club Grille & Spirits:
  Here’s the place where you can order rattlesnake or buffalo.
  • Details: 241 N. Arizona 89A. 1-(928)-282-4200. Lunch, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. daily. Dinner, 5-10 p.m. daily.

• Heartline Café: You can dine in the cozy main room or outside by an open fireplace on fresh, organic food. Takeout available.
  • Details: 1610 W. Arizona 89A. 1-928-282-0785 or heartlinecafe.com. 11 a.m.-11 p.m. daily.

WHERE TO STAY

• L’Auberge de Sedona: This upscale, intimate resort is within walking distance of downtown Sedona and Oak Creek. You can sip wine on a patio beside the bubbling stream.
  • Details: 301 L’Auberge Lane. 1-800-905-5745 or lauberge.com.

IF YOU GO
About 120 miles from central Phoenix. Take Interstate 17 north to Arizona 179 (Exit 298) and go northwest to Sedona. Sedona Chamber of Commerce, 1-800-288-7336 or sedona.com. - Susan Felt

No. 1: Grand Canyon National Park

One of the seven natural wonders of the world is a four-hour drive from Phoenix. That’s one of seven. In the whole, wide world. Read why.

After a long wait, the Arizona Republic has finally posted more of their picks for the top 50 places in Arizona. Giving credit where credit is due – please find the original article at azcentral.com

Don’t see your favorite spot on the list? Check out the top 50 – 30 and the top 10. If you can’t find it there, feel free to leave your comment here telling us where you think we should visit next.

No. 29: Apache Trail to 3 Lakes

The trail’s saguaro-covered hills and deep canyons stretch for miles, broken by red-rock cliffs and hoodoos. The area remains a favorite among local sightseers, boaters, hikers and anglers.

No. 28: Petrified Forest National Park

Visitors to the vast park (its boundaries, extended in 2004, encompass 218,533 acres) will see the petrified remains of trees that grew here millions of years ago.

No. 27: Grand Canyon’s Phantom Ranch

Nestled along Bright Angel Creek at the bottom of the Grand Canyon, Phantom Ranch is one of the world’s premier destinations. And for good reason.

No. 26: Picacho Peak

The redundantly named Picacho Peak (“peak” in Spanish is picacho) rises abruptly from the desert floor between Phoenix and Tucson and for centuries has served as a landmark for explorers.

No. 25: Havasu Falls, a watery gem

Little else matters, especially not the lawn that needs mowing or office desk buried with work, as I recline against a warm, smooth rock after a swim in the turquoise-hued pools of Havasu Creek.

No. 24: Monument Valley towers in lore

We know it from the movies as John Ford’s favorite stage. And yet Monument Valley feels like the most foreign of places, even exotic – if such things still can be said about a large piece of our map.

No. 23: Desert Botanical Garden rewards patient visitors

This 67-year-old Arizona treasure hosts events from the annual Music in the Garden concert series to winter holiday evenings that feature thousands of candlelighted luminaries.

No. 22: Canyon Ranch Spa

Voted best spa by Condé Nast Traveler magazine 10 times, Canyon Ranch may be the best-known resort of its type in America. It’s been a leader among destination spas in combining health and fitness, and it employs 3 staff members for every guest to ensure that customers leave happy.

No. 21: Offbeat Sedona

Had enough of viewing Sedona’s red rock beauty and searching for bargains at Tlaquepaque? Don’t leave yet. There are lesser-known, hidden-away places that are well worth exploring. And they don’t cost nearly as much as a foray into the upscale attractions.

No. 20: The sky’s the gimmick at Benson inn

At the Astronomers Inn in Benson, stargazers can stay all night and examine the heavens through a variety of telescopes, then enjoy a hearty breakfast the next morning.

No. 19: Globe-Miami renaissance

The twin mining towns of Globe and Miami are becoming destinations for Valley travelers, not just a passage to the White Mountains. The communities lay claim to spectacular views in the foothills of the Pinal Mountains and provide a glimpse into the state’s rich mining history.

No. 18: Sabino Canyon

There’s no off-season in Sabino Canyon, a desert oasis and spectacular canyon at the base of the Santa Catalina Mountains northeast of Tucson.

No. 17: Montezuma Castle National Monument

Montezuma Castle, a five-level cliff dwelling in a limestone alcove above Beaver Creek near Camp Verde. The structure was home to Sinagua people more than 600 years ago. It’s one of three well-known ruins in the Verde Valley, about 90 miles north of Phoenix. Montezuma Castle, Montezuma Well and Tuzigoot National Monument make a scenic and informative day trip from the Valley.

No. 16: Old West comes alive in Wickenburg

Wickenburg is near the Hassayampa River, a rich riparian area that has sheltered the Yavapai Indians, lured there by its fertile planting ground. Gold wooed miners. Clear skies, uncluttered mountain views and the Sonoran Desert lure Valley visitors, who can escape urban life, journey into the state’s historic past and still make it home before sunset.

No. 15: Delightful bookshop in Benson

For more than 20 years, Singing Wind Bookshop has been delighting its visitors, not just from Arizona but also from around the world. Charmingly, the bookstore is plunked in the middle of a cattle ranch just north of Benson.

No. 14: Southern Arizona’s ‘White Dove’

Nine miles south of Tucson, the towers of San Xavier del Bac Mission rise unexpectedly from the sun-baked desert floor. Nestled in the Santa Cruz Valley, the mission is one of the state’s gems.

No. 13: Lake Havasu hums year-round

Forget London Bridge and spring break. The real fun of Lake Havasu lies, surprise, in the lake. From boating to scuba diving to wakeboarding, visitors to Lake Havasu have myriad choices when it comes to water-related activities.

No. 12: Old West meets art scene in Scottsdale

Downtown Scottsdale covers a lot of territory historically, from remnants of the Old West farming community founded in 1888 by Army chaplain Winfield Scott to the contemporary art interspersed with traditional pieces in galleries around Main Street and Marshall Way.

No. 11: El Presidio Historic District

Walking through El Presidio, Tucson’s historic, geographic and psychic center, you’ll see vibrant reminders of a past that’s still celebrated.

Miss the rest of the list? Check out the top 50 – 30 and top 10 places in Arizona.

The Arizona Republic has begun a countdown of the top 50 places to see in Arizona. We’ll visit sites familiar and unfamiliar, reintroducing you to a state that is full of surprises.  Giving credit where credit is due – please find the original article at azcentral.com

No. 50: Swansea – A reviving ghost town
Despite the site’s formidable access road, tourists and history buffs have been coming to Swansea from around the world for decades. Every year, 3,500 to 5,000 people explore the miners’ barracks, slag heaps and smelter ruins. An iron fence surrounds the main shaft, which is 1,200 feet deep.

No. 49: Summer celebrations in White Mountains
The White Mountains sprawl across eastern Arizona, a land of rugged peaks, tall pines and lovely lakes. Other than the San Francisco Peaks, it is the highest mountain range in Arizona, with several peaks topping out at more than 11,000 feet.

No. 48: Shake, rattle and roll at South Mountain
South Mountain Park is one of the great recreational resources of the Valley. With more than 50 miles of multiuse trails crisscrossing more than 16,000 acres of rugged desert beauty, the park is adored by hikers, bikers and horseback riders alike.

No. 47: Camelback Inn endures
Marriott’s Camelback Inn lies between two of the Valley’s signature mountains and smack in the middle of many locals’ hearts. Nominated as one of 50 favorite places in Arizona by readers, the 70-year-old resort has played host to movie stars, business tycoons, political leaders and legions of tourists, but the hometown crowd is among the most loyal clientele.

No. 46: Playing Arizona
Arizona and Las Vegas casinos both offer the chance to win and lose large amounts of money, but ours are different from the Vegas brethren. Arizona’s are scattered around the state, rather than being concentrated on or near a strip and downtown. However, there are advantages to the Arizona experience.

No. 45: Rustic fantasy
Wouldn’t it be great to have a cabin tucked away in the mountains or hidden in the forest? For most of us, that’s a fantasy. But thanks to the “Rooms With a View” program run by the Forest Service, the dream can become a reality, at least for a day or two.

No. 44: Walking in beauty
After writing four Arizona hiking guides and hiking thousands of miles on hundreds of trails in the past dozen years, I still discover hidden jewels. But some trails linger in my mind’s eye and keep me coming back. Here’s a selection of the 10 most scenic trails.

No. 43: Arizona Strip remote wonderland of beauty
Arizona is full of remote, backcountry beauty. No place, though, is quite as remote or difficult to reach, or, arguably, more beautiful than the Arizona Strip, a 5 million-acre swath of splendor between the Colorado River and the Utah line.

No. 42: Santa Cruz’s little acre
Besides birds, Santa Cruz County also is well known for destinations such as the arts colony at Tubac and the old mission at Tumacacori. It’s a county rich with lesser-known destinations, too, such as the Amado Territorial Inn that houses restaurants and artist studios.

No. 41: Sizzling summer resorts
Scorching triple-digit weather means triple-digit savings in the neighborhood of $200 to $1,000 a night at some Valley resorts. Stay at resorts during the off-season, now through September, and experience how celebrities, presidents and the wealthy live – without spending what they spend.

No. 40: Sycamore’s secret splendor
Sycamore Canyon may be the best place in Arizona you never heard of. The second-largest canyon in the state – 20 miles long and, in places, seven miles wide – slices through the Mogollon Rim just a dozen miles northwest of Sedona. It has been described as Oak Creek Canyon without the people.

No. 39: 2 mountain hamlets lure big-city refugees
Leave the hustle and bustle of city life – and the triple-digit heat – and head north to experience the neighboring mountain communities of Pine and Strawberry. Just 15 miles north of Payson, the air is fresher and 15 degrees cooler than metropolitan Phoenix.

No. 38: A relaxing train of thought

No matter how many times you ride the Grand Canyon Railway or the Verde Canyon Railroad, there’s something different to see. And there’s always a new group of guests eager to explore another area of the state.

No. 37: Jerome strikes it rich with art

Jerome draws visitors with its Old West history and sends them away with a healthy appreciation for its modern-day charm. Today, the town is home to artists, writers, merchants, hippies and restaurateurs.

No. 36: Chino Valley winery

Granite Creek Vineyards is a 20-acre organic winery in Chino Valley, a town known more for its mishmash of farms, retirement villas and sandstone pits than Cabernet Sauvignon grapes.

No. 35: Mount Lemmon lifts desert-baked spirits

Mount Lemmon is a cool place – literally (the daytime temperature rarely gets higher than 80 degrees), figuratively (as in “Cool!”) and superlatively (“Way cool!”).

No. 34: Tonto Bridge a natural high

Tonto Natural Bridge State Park features picnic areas, four steep trails into the gorge, paved paths near the parking lot, designated viewpoints and herds of javelinas.

No. 33: Undergound fantasy

Kartchner Caverns State Park is 2-1/2 miles of nearly unrivaled wonders and as magnificent as that big hole in the ground north of Flagstaff. It’s the Grand Canyon with a lid.

No. 32: Canyon de Chelly awes

There are several ways to view the labyrinth, and they’re all good, because the canyon is one of those spectacular creations that have no bad side. The south rim drive alone seven wondrous overlooks.

No. 31: Riordan Mansion, a treasure in the pines

Visitors will see a home filled with the Riordans’ belongings — from flypaper to luggage. Their furnishings include nearly pristine, now priceless, handcrafted chairs, tables and rockers by Gustav Strickley.

No. 30: Chiricahua Mountains

In few places on Earth are the forces of geology on such extravagant display as in the Chiricahua Mountains, in the southeastern corner of the state.

Check back soon for the rest of the “top 50″ places in Arizona!

Post update – 1/22/2008:  See #29 – #11 and #10 – #1 right here on Arizona Travel. 

Few states boast a topography as varied as Arizona’s. Elevations range from 70 feet along the Colorado River near Yuma to 12,633 feet atop Humphreys Peak, north of Flagstaff. And with stark deserts and dense forests, snowcapped mountains and colossal canyons, scattered springs and placid lakes, the state is truly a hiker’s paradise.

Whether you’re planning a half-hour stroll along a county park trail or a weeklong backpack across a trackless wilderness, it’s important to plan to make your trip a safe one.

Items you should carry vary depending on the length and difficulty of your hike, location of the trail, weather, and number of people in your group.

Essentials

Here are suggestions, based on the “Ten Essentials” list created by the Mountaineers, a Seattle-based hiking club, several decades ago:

• Water. For longer trips, plan on a minimum of 1 gallon per person per day. Even on a short day hike, every hiker should carry at least 1 quart of water. If you plan to take water from streams or springs, check ahead with the appropriate land agency to make sure your intended water source is flowing.
• Food. Snacks will help bolster your energy level, especially if your trip lasts longer than expected. It never hurts to carry extra.
• Boots or trail shoes. Sandals or thongs don’t provide enough ankle support and won’t protect your feet from the rocks, thorns or creepy-crawlies you may encounter along the trail.
• Hat. A wide brim shades not only your eyes, but your ears and the back of your neck.
• Proper clothing. Intuition to the contrary, long-sleeved shirts and long pants will keep you cooler than shorts and a T-shirt, and will protect your skin from brush and brambles, as well. Experienced hikers carry a lightweight rain jacket on all but the shortest hikes.
• Current map. U.S. Geological Survey maps are hard to beat for topographic detail, but most are decades old. New trails get built and old trails get rerouted, so your venerable topo may not contain the most-up-to-date information.
• Most parks provide local trail guides, and you can find a wide selection of maps at Wide World of Maps, REI stores and many outdoors shops.
• Compass and/or Global Positioning System (GPS) unit. Compasses are simple, hardy and inexpensive, but you have to interpret landmarks to determine your location on a map. GPS units can tell you exactly where you are, but are more expensive, more fragile and require practice to use. And batteries do go dead.
• Cellphone. If you have service, there’s no better way to get help in an emergency. Additionally, most new cellphones have GPS functions.
• Flashlight. To help get you back to the trailhead when your day hike lasts longer than you planned. You also can use it as a signaling device.
• Spare batteries. If possible, use a flashlight that takes the same type batteries as your GPS unit, so one set of spares can back up both.
• Pocketknife. Swiss army-style knives have all sorts of useful blades and tools.
• Sunscreen. Re-apply regularly.
• Whistle. The sound carries much farther than your voice. This is something everyone, especially children, should carry.
• Emergency/first-aid kit. At a minimum, it should include bandages, antiseptics, pain relievers, a booklet describing how to treat common injuries, a signal mirror, waterproof matches (with a candle or fire starter) and a lightweight emergency blanket.

Do the right thing
In addition to carrying the proper gear, there are things you should always do when embarking on a hiking trip:

• Let someone responsible know exactly where you are hiking, when you expect to return, and whom to contact if you’re overdue. Then make sure you notify that person as soon as you get back.
• When hiking in summer, plan to be on the trail early in the morning or late in the day, when you’ll find more shade.
• Wet your shirt and/or hat to keep cool in hot weather.
• Leave the wildlife, especially snakes, alone.
• Don’t overdo. A difficult hike will require a slower pace and more frequent breaks. Don’t push children, inexperienced or out-of shape hikers to do more than they’re able. Hiking is supposed to be fun.

As reported in the Arizona Republic by John Stanley – May 7, 2006

This month, Steve Dahlby, [Director of Instruction at Troon North Golf Club in Scottsdale, Arizona] teaches Shane McLaughlin, of Palatine, Ill. Shane’s long game is so good he has whittled his handicap to a 5. Now he wants a better bunker game.

1. Thin to lose

Shane’s backswing was too far inside. He could recover from this position during a full swing, but on greenside bunker shots his inside club path was too shallow coming into the ball. Either his club would bounce off the sand and he’d skull the ball or at best he would hit it thin, not taking enough sand to control distance or trajectory.

2. Walk the plank

To improve his backswing plane, I put a wooden plank next to Shane’s ball and asked him to let his clubhead swing more alongside the board than away from it. I altered his practice swing so he could get a sense of the path the club should take away from the ball.

3. Hello, Sandy

With a more upright back-swing, all Shane has to do on the downswing is let the club and his body swing to a full finish. The clubhead now hits the sand two to four inches behind the ball. The shot flies higher, lands softer and spins to a quick stop.

Article originally published in Golf Digest, Feb, 2002 by Steve Dahlby

Ranked as one of Arizona’s top instructors, Steve Dahlby has helped countless players improve their games with his unique teaching style. Based at world-famous Troon North since 1995, Steve has worked with players of all levels including member of the PGA Tour and European Ladies Tour as well as top-ranked club professionals, amateurs and juniors.