The romantic sentiment that comes with castles didn’t get left behind as early settlers traveled to the Wild West. The open land, pink sunsets, beautiful land formations and free spirit invited the opportunity for dreams to come true. Just as medieval castles were built to provide family protection, comfort and luxury, while making a statement to those outside the walls; these selected castles in Arizona are no different. Behind each castle wall is a story of the love, labor and an aspiration to make a dream come true.

1. Mystery Castle

Mystery Castle, Phoenix AZ Photo by Kaila White

In the 1930′s, Seattle native, Boyce Gully, moved out to Arizona without his family after being diagnosed with tuberculosis in effort to save  them from the suffering all would endure due to his illness. He was told he only had six months to live, which turned out to be 15 years. Gully was sad about having left his family and had decided to built a castle for the daughter hoping to show her how much he really loved her. Using recycled building materials and random objects like wheels and spokes, Gully had successfully built his “little princess” a castle stone by stone. This castle consists of 18 rooms, 13 fireplaces and is over 8,000 square feet. A year after news of his death, his wife and daughter, Mary Lou, moved into the castle. To this day, Mary Lou still lives in the castle built by the father who loved her so much. Visitors can take a tour of the castle, though tours times are lessening as she now in her 70′s. This grandeur statement of affection holds intimations of a father who wanted his daughter to know him; yet the need to protect her from his illness was greater.

2. Montezuma Castle

This well-preserved cliff dwelling was once the home to the Pre-Columbian Sinagua people dating back to about 700AD. Located on the way to Sedona near Camp Verde, Montezuma Castle has been a home to many for generations. This five-story stone and mortar homestead contains 20 rooms and would house about 50 people at a time. Its high postition in the cliffs offered the cliff dwellers protection from both enemies and the elements. Though it is believed that the area was briefly abandoned due to the ash form the Sunset Crater Volcano. It was last occupied in 1425AD and the reasons for abandonment of their habitation sites are not yet known; but warfare, drought, and clashes with the newly-arrived Yavapai people have been suggested.

Follow I-17 to exit 293 (4 miles north of the exit for Montezuma Castle). Continue through the towns of McGuireville and Rimrock, following the signs for four miles to the entrance to the Well. There is no fee to enter Montezuma Well.

 3.  Copenhaver Castle

This castle is a private resident located on the south side of Camelback Mountain, a popular place for residents to hike as it is a beautiful mountain located in the heart of the city.It was modeled after an old Moorish fortress in Spain that the designer and builder had remembered seeing in a movie when he was a child. The castle was built over a twelve-year period by Phoenix orthodontist, Dr. Mort Copenhaver.
Dr. Copenhaver was known to have donated money to missions in Mexico, and in exchange some of the Hispanic missionaries had come and helped him with building the castle. Dental patients also bartered construction projects for dental services. The interior of the 7,000 square foot castle was built using eight levels, with ten balconies providing a great view of the valley. It has twenty rooms, including five bedrooms, seven and one half bathrooms, four fireplaces, and three garages and carports. The living room has a seventeen foot waterfall that cascades above the fireplace. The Great room features a spa that seats twenty people. Above it is a retractable roof for views of the famous Arizona blue sky, or a wonderful view of the stars. The dungeon can be accessed through one of the many secret passageways in the home, and a helicopter pad is located on the roof for easier travel to the airport. There is a drawbridge, and a moat, and almost everything one would expect from a moorish castle. There’s even slots to shoot arrows through. The massive stone walls and solid construction of the building is a guarantee of its ability to still be standing on Camelback Mountain centuries from now.

5050 E. Red Rock Road Phoenix, Arizona

4. Sibley Castle

Sibley Castle located in the Galiuro Mountains of Arizona, About 100 miles southeast of Phoenix in what was once a old mining camp called Copper Creek. The castle is a two story structure which was built around 1908. The home once contained 20 rooms and polished oak floors. E. Roy Sibley was the manager of the Copper Creek Mine and his wife, Belle, was the postmaster at the post office  that was estableished on March 6, 1907. The town consisted of about 500 people, which included a physician, stage line, mansion, and many other buildings, much of which was built on tiers as the town was in a canyon. Today much of the town site remains and can be explored.

Copper Creek, Arizona – Take the road from town up the creek. Accessible by walking.

5. Agua Verde

This castle is a private residence built by Duane Durham. He built this castle for his wife and daughters in Vail, Arizona, which is about southeast of Tucson. Very few people have actually been inside this castle, but it is rumored to have extraordinary decor as each room has a differnt theme. There is a train that travels around the perimeter that the children once rode on. Though this house is not one visitors can tour, it is quite beautiful to see. It’s perched at the top of a hill, mysterious and ripe for legendary tales to be made.

6. Castles -n- Coasters

Alright, so maybe this isn’t a real castle, but this is a favorite among the kiddos. Castles and Coasters is located in central Phoenix and is a great place for the kids to have an afternoon doing their thing. From miniature golf and bumper boats to rides and even a full scale roller coaster, Castles -n- Coasters is sure to be a good time for the whole family.

9445 Metro Parkway East
Phoenix, AZ 85051
602-997-7575

Thanks to http://www.dupontcastle.com/ for the collection of castles and information.

Today, we kick off a series we’re calling Back(pack) to Basics series with a general guide to the Grand Canyon. We’ll answer all the basic questions about visiting the Grand Canyon in a lightweight, easy-to-carry guide you can stuff in your “backpack” of web resources and maybe even visit this Natural Wonder of the World this summer.

Simple Starters

Grand Canyon National Park is located entirely in northern Arizona near the southern border of Utah and the southeastern tip of Nevada.

Most visitors come to the South Rim (open all year). The North Rim (open mid-May through mid October only) has fewer facilities and is less accessible (it is over 200 miles one way by automobile from the South Rim to the North Rim, a 5-hour drive for most). When making reservations for lodging and camping remember to identify the rim you plan on visiting.

• Bring an extra set of car keys it could be a long wait for a locksmith.
• Film is available at both rims, but the closest camera repair is in Flagstaff, Williams, or Page.
• There is an automobile mechanic on the South Rim, but you may experience delays waiting for parts.
• Distances are deceiving in this part of the country: it may look like you can visit three parks in one day, but reality is often different.
• Keep your gas tank full the next gas station may be quite some distance down the road.
• Carry water in your car, particularly during summer months.
• Cell phone service is very limited, if at all available, inside the Park.

General Information

Pets
Pets are allowed in the park but must be on a leash at all times. Leashed pets are allowed on rim trails throughout the developed areas in the park but not below the rim, in park lodging or on park buses. The only exception is certified service dogs. Persons wishing to take a certified service dog below the rim must check in first at the Ranger Office (at the corner of Center Road and Village Loop Drive.)

A kennel is available at the South Rim only. It is open daily from 7:30am – 5pm. Call (928) 638-0534 for information. Reservations are suggested.

Fishing
Fishing in the park requires an Arizona state fishing license. Licenses are available at the Camping Department of the DNPS General Store at Market Plaza, Grand Canyon Village, South Rim. They are not available at the North Rim. Make sure you know the regulations before you fish.

The best time of year to fish for trout within the park is in the fall and winter. Bright Angel Creek by Phantom Ranch permits unlimited trout fishing; unlimited striped bass; unlimited catfish. Trout taken at Bright Angel Creek shall be killed and retained as part of the bag limit or immediately released.

Ranger-led Programs
National Park Service (NPS) rangers offer a wide variety of interpretive programs throughout the year on the South Rim, including a nightly evening program (indoors in colder weather, outdoors in summer) and throughout the season on the North Rim. All NPS programs are free and open to the public. Detailed program information is listed in the park’s newspaper available at the entrance station.

Bus & Air Tours
Persons wishing to take a guided bus tour should visit our Grand Canyon Tours by Land: Hike, Ride, Rail, Walk. A variety of different tours are available throughout the year.

All scenic air tours operate from outside Grand Canyon National Park. Local commercial air tour operators are located in Grand Canyon Airport (just south of Tusayan). For a list of air tour operators, visit our Grand Canyon Helicopter & Air Tours page.

Bicycling
Bicycles are not available for rent in the park. If you plan to bring one, remember that in Arizona bicycles are subject to the same traffic rules as automobiles. Use extreme caution when riding on park roads; shoulders are narrow and vehicle traffic is heavy. The West Rim Drive is open to bicycles throughout the year, but remember that during the summer months there is heavy bus traffic on the West Rim Drive. Use caution and do not obstruct traffic. Bicycles are not allowed on any park trails.

Mountain bikes are allowed only on those roads open to automobile traffic.

Shuttle Transportation
From March 13 to October 18 the park operates a free shuttle bus system on the South Rim in Grand Canyon Village and along the West Rim Drive. These shuttles provide transportation; they are not tour buses. You must get off the bus to see the canyon. Most shuttles are inaccessible to wheelchairs. However, accommodations can be made with advance notice by calling 928-638-0591 at least 24 hours in advance.

Shuttle service is provided seasonally between the North Rim and the South Rim for a fee by Trans Canyon Shuttle (928-638-2820). Shuttles depart the North Rim daily at 7 a.m. with arrivals to the South Rim at noon; South Rim departures are at 1:30 p.m. daily with arrivals to the North Rim at 6:30 p.m.

Medical Services in the Park
The South Rim has a clinic and pharmacy (928-638-2551) open all year. Emergency medical services are provided by rangers and clinic staff – dial 9-1-1. North Rim emergency medical services are provided by rangers on duty – dial 9-1-1.

Accessibility
Not all park facilities meet the accessibility standards that have been set in recent years, and many of the buildings in the park are historic. However, many facilities are accessible with assistance, and an increasing number of facilities are accessible. Accessibility Guide may be downloaded here.

Lodging
In-Park

Lodging on the South Rim is booked well in advance. Be sure to make reservations as far ahead as possible. A variety of lodging facilities are available and reservations are handled by Xanterra Parks & Resorts. Prices range from $45 to $285 per night for two people. There is no youth hostel in Grand Canyon National Park.

Out-of-Park
The following accommodations are available in Tusayan, 7 miles south of the South Rim. More details about these hotels can be found on our South Rim Lodging page

Camping
In-Park
Camping in the park on the South Rim is restricted to established campgrounds, although a few remote sites are available with a Backcountry permit.

Mather Campground: Operated by the National Park Service and located in Grand Canyon Village, this campground offers tent and RV camping (no hook-ups). Reservations are required from April 1 through November. For online reservations, visit http://reservations.nps.gov. Fees are $12 to $15 per site depending on the season. Maximum of two vehicles and six people per site. Sites may be reserved up to five months in advance. Campsite reservations are booked well in advance; make reservations as far in advance as you can. Mather Campground is handled on a first-come, first-served basis from approximately December 1 to March 1 of each year. Cost: $10 per site.

Trailer Village: (adjacent to Mather Campground) offers RV sites with hook-ups; reservations may be made by calling 303-297-2757. Cost: $20 per site. A dump station is located adjacent to Mather Campground and Trailer Village on the South Rim (closed during the winter months).

Desert View Campground: (26 miles east of Grand Canyon Village; no hook-ups) is open mid-May through mid-October and operates on a first-come, first-served basis only. Cost: $12 per site (maximum of 2 vehicles and 6 people per site).

Out-of-Park
Ten-X Campground: The U.S. Forest Service operates this public campground 2 miles south of Tusayan. Open May through September. No hook-ups or showers; pit toilets and cold water faucets are located throughout the campground. Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis and rarely fills. Cost: $10 per vehicle per night (maximum of two vehicles per site). Group site is available for groups of up to 100 people, reservations required. Call 520-638-2443.

Dispersed Camping: Dispersed camping, or camping “at-large” is permitted in the national forest outside the park. Camping must be at least 1/4 mile away from Highway 64. Other restrictions may apply. Contact the Tusayan Ranger District, Kaibab National Forest, P.O. Box 3088, Grand Canyon, AZ 86023 or call 520-638-2443 for information.

Services

A variety of services are available in Grand Canyon Village on the South Rim and in Tusayan, 7 miles south of the rim.

Dining
A wide variety of restaurants are available in the park from formal El Tovar Hotel to cafeterias at Yavapai and Maswik Lodges. Tusayan offers both fast food and more formal dining.

Fuel
Gas, diesel, and propane are available at Desert View, in Tusayan, and just outside the south entrance.

Showers and Laundry
Located adjacent to Mather Campground in Grand Canyon Village and in Tusayan.

Groceries
Available in Grand Canyon Village, at Desert View, and in Tusayan.

Camping Equipment
Sales and rentals in the Grand Canyon Village. Other: Post office, Western Union office, bank, automatic teller machine (ATM).

Park Headquarters & Visitor Center

The main park Visitor Center and Headquarters building is located on the South Rim at the east end of Grand Canyon Village, 6 miles from the South Entrance Station, and is open all year. Other visitor contact stations open year-round with exhibits, ranger staff, and/or bookstore operations include Tusayan Museum, Desert View, and Yavapai Observation Station. North Rim Visitor Center is open during the summer months.

How to See the Canyon

There are many overlooks accessible by car that offer spectacular views of the canyon. The East Rim Drive (Highway 64) follows the canyon rim for 26 miles east of Grand Canyon Village to Desert View (the east entrance to the park). The East Rim Drive is open to private vehicles throughout the year. The West Rim Drive follows the rim for 8 miles west from Grand Canyon Village to Hermits Rest. The West Rim Drive is closed to private automobiles from mid-March through mid-October. At that time of year the park runs a free shuttle bus to provide transportation to overlooks on the West Rim Drive.

A hiking trail follows the rim from Yavapai Point to Hermits Rest; the Rim Trail is paved from Yavapai Point west only as far as Maricopa Point. Unpaved portions of the trail are narrow and close to the edge.

Yavapai Observation Station (at Yavapai Point, just west of Mather Point on the South Rim) offers panoramic views of the canyon (including the Colorado River and Phantom Ranch) from inside the building and is open all year.

For viewing and photographing the canyon, the light is most dramatic early or late in the day; mid-day sun tends to flatten the view and soften the colors. Remember that days are short in the winter and long in the summer. Times for sunrise and sunset are listed in THE GUIDE, the park newspaper issued at the park entrance. If you’re planning to see the canyon at sunrise or sunset, it is recommended that you be on the rim at least an hour beforehand.

The Colorado River, which is responsible for the existence of Grand Canyon, lies at the bottom of the canyon, 5000 feet below the rim. Because of the enormous depth of Grand Canyon, the river is visible only from certain viewpoints. It is a two-day (round-trip) hike to the river from the South Rim for most people; it’s a longer trip from the North Rim. It is possible to drive to the Colorado River at Lees Ferry (near Marble Canyon, Arizona) but this is a 2 1/2 hour drive (one way) from the South Rim. Lees Ferry marks the official beginning of Grand Canyon, and the canyon is only a few hundred feet deep at this point.

Hiking and Backpacking

Grand Canyon offers some of the most challenging hiking and backpacking found anywhere in North America. Steep trails, intense heat, fast changing weather, and elusive water and shade combine to make for harsh conditions–even on a good day. Over 250 visitors are evacuated from the Canyon for medical emergencies by the park service Search and Rescue team each year. Proper planning and training is imperative.

With few exceptions the 1.2 million acre national park is fair game for foot traffic. Due to the difficult terrain the vast majority of the backcountry is only accessible by experienced off-trail hikers or uphill forays from rafting trips. To assist the rest of us there are approximately two dozen established trails that provide access to some of the park’s most remarkable destinations.

These trails begin on the North or South Rim and eventually make their way to the rock bottom of the Canyon a vertical mile below. The trails vary in length and difficulty. A backcountry permit is required for all overnight camping in the park. Find out more about securing a permit by following this link http://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/backcountry.htm

Day hikers are not required to obtain a permit from the park service. They should choose their route carefully, and let someone know where they are going and when they plan on returning. Each year several day hikers become lost or disoriented in the Canyon, and several perish as a result. Don’t become a statistic. Do your homework, don’t take any undue risks, and stay well within your known limits in terms of physical exertion.

Best Day Hike

Bright Angel Trail
The best day hike for newcomers to the Grand Canyon is a descent of the Bright Angel Trail. This historic trail begins in Grand Canyon Village on the South Rim and tumbles seven miles to the Colorado River below. However, going to the river and back in a single day is strongly discouraged for any hiker on any day. The good news is that there are obvious places to change course and head back uphill including the rest houses (with treated drinking water during the hot summer months) that are found at 1.5 mile increments between the top and Indian Garden Campground which is half the distance to the bottom. Plan for twice as much time and effort to go up than it takes to go down.

As with all day hikes, get a reliable weather forecast and dress accordingly, wear sturdy shoes and a brimmed hat, and take a few quarts of water and salty snacks for each person in your party. All this same advice follows for the best day hike on the North Rim that can be found on the precipitous North Kaibab Trail.

Best Backpacking Destinations

Bright Angel Campground &Amp; Indian Garden Campground
For first-time backpackers in Grand Canyon National Park the most popular itinerary is to spend a few nights at either Bright Angel or Indian Garden Campground. The Bright Angel Campground can be accessed by either the Bright Angel or the South Kaibab Trail (off the South Rim); Indian Garden by the Bright Angel Trail. Advance campground reservations are recommended.

Both campgrounds have restrooms, treated drinking water, established campsites, individual food storage canisters (to thwart the critters), and are frequently staffed by helpful park rangers. Packing correctly will make or break your experience. For a list of backpacking gear follow this link http://www.hitthetrail.com/equipment.php

Once you’ve mastered the “easier” trails in Grand Canyon you can graduate to the next tier of more remote trails in the Hermit and Grandview Trails (South Rim). Also popular is Havasu Canyon including the waterfalls at Havasupai and Mooney Falls.

Havasupai And Mooney Falls
Havasu Canyon, home to the Havasupai Indians, is a paradise located in western Grand Canyon known worldwide for its towering waterfalls and beautifully sculpted rock. In this idyllic setting of lush side canyons and sun-splashed cliffs a small group of indigenous hunters and farmers arrived centuries ago and carved out a simple lifestyle; one that continues to this day.

Havasu Creek, the carver of this serpentine side canyon beneath the South Rim, is fed by a deep aquifer. The perennial desert stream tumbles over several major waterfalls on its journey to the Colorado River on the floor of the Grand Canyon. The presence of calcium carbonate in the highly mineralized, spring-fed water gives Havasu Creek its distinctive blue-green color. This same robust creek sustains a rich riparian ecosystem that is home to a wide variety of plants, birds, and animals.

Though many Supai tribal members continue to farm in this flood-prone drainage, tourism has emerged as the tribe’s primary source of income. Fee-based camping is offered year round. In addition to backpackers, visitors arrive by helicopter and horseback, some staying in the tribe’s rustic lodge. Camping in Havasu Canyon requires an permit that can be obtained directly from the tribe. For more information on visiting Havasu Canyon follow this link http://www.havasupaitribe.com.

The South Rim

Rim Trail
Begin from any viewpoint in the Grand Canyon Village or along Hermit Road. The Rim Trail extends from Mather Point in the Village west to Hermits Rest. It offers excellent walking for quiet views of the inner canyon and for visitors who desire an easy hike.

Bright Angel Trail
The trail begins just west of Bright Angel Lodge. It is well-maintained and follows switchbacks to the Indian Garden Campground and Inner Gorge. After Indian Garden, the trail heads east along the river to the Bright Angel Suspension Bridge and on to Phantom Ranch. The roundtrip length of the Bright Angel Trail is 19 miles and descends 4,400 feet.

South Kaibab Trail
This trail begins south of Yaki Point on Yaki Point Road. It is 12.6 miles roundtrip and is steep, dropping 5,000 feet in 6.3 miles. The trail follows ridge lines rather than side canyons. It goes to the Inner Gorge where it meets with the Kaibab Suspension Bridge on the way to Phantom Ranch.

Grandview Trail
Caution is required as this trail is unmaintained, steep, and very strenuous. It begins at Grandview Point on Desert View Drive 12 miles east of Grand Canyon Village. The 6 mile roundtrip trail descends to Horseshoe Mesa.

Hermit Trail
Hermit Trail begins 500 feet west of Hermits Rest which is 8 miles west of Grand Canyon Village. It is unmaintained, steep, and very strenuous. The 17 mile roundtrip leads from the canyon rim to the Colorado River. Sights include Hermit Gorge, The Supai Formation, Santa Maria Spring, and the Redwall Formation.

The North Rim

Widforss Trail
The trail can be reach by leaving Grand Canyon Lodge and going 2.7 miles north on the highway, then turn left one mile on a dirt road; the turnoff is 0.3 mile south of the Cape Royal turnoff. This is a relatively easy hike with great canyon views. It skirts the head of Transept Canyon and across a plateau with ponderosa pine to an overlook near Widforss Point. Below the trail’s end is Haunted Canyon flanked by the Colorado River on the right and Many Temple and Budda Temple on the left. The trail is 10 miles roundtrip and is frequented by mule deer.

Ken Patrick Trail
The 19.8 roundtrip trail starts at Point Imperial and goes along the rim to Cape Royal Road. Then it continues through forest to the North Kaibab trailhead. Great hiking through the forest with views across the headwaters of Nankoweap Creek.

Uncle Jim Trail
The first mile of the trail is along the Ken Patrick Trail and then breaks off to Uncle Jim Point. It is 5 miles roundtrip and has views of Roaring Springs Canyon and North Kaibab Trail.

For further reading you may want to purchase the Official Guide to Hiking the Grand Canyon which features all the Grand Canyon trails as well as giving tips on packing, permitting, and safety. This book is published by the Grand Canyon Association (GCA) and can be purchased online at http://www.grandcanyon.org. For a guided backpacking trip in the Grand Canyon consider joining an educational outing with the GCA’s field seminar program, the Grand Canyon Field Institute (a link available on the GCA homepage). There are also numerous commercial guiding companies that can be hired for backpacking or day hiking. Find them on this site under Grand Canyon Tours & Things to Do and Grand Canyon Tours By Land: Hike, Ride, Rail, Walk.

On a final note, please remember that the Inner Canyon is a fragile desert ecosystem, and that the desert “grows by the inch and dies by the foot.” A single careless boot print off the trail can last for decades in such an environment. Be sure to tread lightly, and leave the Canyon the way you found it. For more on Leave No Trace hiking and backpacking follow this link http://lnt.org/programs/

Grand Canyon Weather, Temperatures and Precipitation

Grand Canyon South Rim Weather:

Grand Canyon West Rim Weather:

So, there you go! That’s our primer all the basics of visiting the Grand Canyon. Did we leave anything out? What else would you like to know? Feel fee to comment and we will reply!

Big news for Arizona travel; Horizon Air now flies twice daily directly into Prescott, AZ and Flagstaff, AZ via LAX. This is an important factor in Prescott and Flagstaff tourism, of course, but it also benefits Sedona, Grand Canyon and other areas because it widens the gateway to Northern Arizona for even more visitors.

Don’t forget that Horizon Air / Alaska Air has dozens of airline partners, connecting passengers from Prescott, Flagstaff and all of Arizona to the entire world via Los Angeles International Airport (LAX.)

Check out the schedule below and be sure to check out www.alaskaair.com and www.horizonairgetaways.com for great air/hotel packages and super-affordable fares.

From a Horizon Air press release:

Horizon Air today announced several changes to its fall flight schedule, taking effect Aug. 23 and available for sale now.

“We keep in close contact with our frequent fliers, and many of the adjustments to our schedule are being made directly in response to what they shared with us,” said Dan Russo, Horizon’s vice president of marketing and communications. “We’re improving flight times for business travelers and providing additional connection options from our hub cities.”

All flights are operated with the 76-seat Bombardier Q400 turboprop or the 70-seat Bombardier CRJ-700 regional jet.

This has been one of the best snow seasons for Arizona in many years. It would be a sin for me not to test out the fresh layers of powder snow blessing the sacred mountains of Flagstaff, Arizona. Sometimes living in Arizona, especially The Valley (Metro Phoenix), can feel a bit monotonous and even look monochromatic without the apparent changes of seasons. But really, Arizona’s best characteristic is its outdoor adventure potential.

A few weeks ago, I was posting the Flagstaff snow report on this blog and noticed that we were expecting another 4-7 inches of fresh snow. All right, for you Utah and Colorado ski elitists, that is nothing. But for us Zonie snowboarders, it means packing up the snowboard and heading up to the mountains immediately. I would have gone that night, except every place I called was completely booked already! When you only live less than a couple of hours away (again, the beauty of Arizona is being only a short road trip away from everything like beaches in Mexico, Las Vegas, one of the 7 Natural Wonders of the World – Grand Canyon) everyone gets a move on real quick.

A couple of my roommates and I stayed in that Friday night and rested up for the early drive to Flagstaff Saturday morning. The drive was a sight to see; the rain had brought the desert to life with blooming cacti, wild flowers and grass lining the highway. It was strange to see so much color across the horizon leading into the now green hills of the desert. I do love the aromas that come with desert rain. If you are visiting Arizona and happen to be here when it’s raining, don’t curse because your golf game was ruined. Consider yourself lucky to be experiencing something uncommon for the area and enjoy the rare scent the desert exudes just after the rain stops. It truly is unlike any other.

After climbing into the hills on I-17, we reached the scenic stretch that descends into the Cottonwood area, only to find the whole town hidden by a low, ocean of clouds.

Snowboarding at Snowbowl

To be honest, I had a great time snowboarding at Snowbowl. This place gets a lot of mixed reviews, but here are a few things to keep in mind so you know what to expect.

1) Snowbowl is great for families.Big Bear borders will not find the same “hell yeah” music being blasted from the lodge, nor Red Bulls being passed out like nudie fliers in Vegas. There is a college-age population though, being that Northern Arizona University is right there. But for the most part, this place is good family fun.

2)Black slopes are more like blue slopes & blue slopes are short. There are a few really great runs. This is a very good place to take yourself to the next level if you are still learning to snowboard. If you are experienced, you will find yourself at the top portion of the mountain the whole day with not a ton of options. But as snowboarders, I bet you can find a way to entertain yourself.

3) Ski lifts could be better. The green ski lift is a 2-person ride, so the line is slower if you go on a busy weekend. If you can handle it, go to the blue ski lifts. Those are 3-person and they haul ass. If you are going to the black slopes, you have to get off the blue lift and catch a black lift, which means you have to wait in another line. There is no express lift to the top. My suggestion, bring a flask, turn up your i-pod and relax. The sooner you accept the lift issues, the better your experience will be.

4) Training Park is good for beginners. In other words, it’s a pretty sad set up for boarders who have the slightest idea of what they are doing. There are a couple of boxes, no rails if I remember correctly, and maybe a couple of other obstacles. My suggestion, bring a flask and turn up your i-pod.

5) Book your hotel and rent your snowboards right away if there is new snow. Great snowboarding seasons can be rare. So if you hear that there is going to be new snow in Flagstaff, the chances are that everyone else in Arizona has heard the same. Book your Flagstaff hotel right away.

It’s going to be a mad house! In what state other than Arizona would there be full-blown Super Bowl parties and events hosted in at least four different cities? Between Scottsdale, Phoenix, Glendale, & Tempe, Super Bowl XLII is going to be one massive 30 x 30 mile party. Let’s not forget the oh so popular Phoenix Open (aka FBR Open) happening on the same weekend. With literally thousands of good-looking cougars on the prowl, ASU hotties, and many a Hawaiian shirt wearing yuppies wearing spikes just in case Phil Mickelson decides to call out into the crowd for a substitute…ah, you’ve gotta love the Open. Everyone, I have an announcement to make:

ARIZONA IS GOING TO BE ONE, GIGANTIC PARTY

What to Expect: Super Bowl in Arizona

(once you accept these few facts and move on, the better your Super Bowl experience will be)

1. Prices are going to be exceptionally high for everything
The term price gouging has been thrown around a lot.

2. Metro Phoenix is very spread out
Although the actual game is in Glendale, the real Super Bowl parties are in Scottsdale, Tempe & Downtown Phoenix respectively. All of these places are no less than 15 miles away from each other.

3. Metro Phoenix is a up-and-coming area
Meaning, there is not a lot of character unless you define character as the usual Bed Bath & Beyond, Home Depot, Borders and Starbucks strip malls. But, it is a very clean city and our freeways are pretty with cool kokopelli and iguana designs.

4. University of Phoenix stadium is out in the middle of nowhere
As much as the city of Glendale is trying to grow, please don’t mistake that type of growth with the crops surrounding the stadium.

5. Transportation/travel will be a b*t#h
A GPS in the rental car would be well worth it; cabs, town cars, limos will be expensive but less stress for you.
Note: Good luck with public transportation because it is almost non-existent for now.

6. The University of Phoenix stadium is NOT a space ship
I know…I wish is was, too. It’s actually a giant, metal rattlesnake. Go figure.

7. Yes, the rumors you’ve heard about Arizona ladies are for the most part true
The concentration of that population is about 20+ miles east of the Stadium, which is Scottsdale & Tempe.

Super Bowl XLII Event Calender

2008 Arizona Indian Festival
Jan 18-20, 2008 10:00am – 6:00pm
Tickets : $8 adults, $5 Children 12-18, $5 seniors
Steele Indian School Park
300 E. Indian School Rd.
Phoenix, AZ 85012

Super Construction
Jan 31, 2008 Tickets:
Tickets:Canned food donation

Arrowhead Towne Center 75^thAve &Bell Rd.
Glendale AZ 85308

Chandler Fashion Center
Chandler Blvd. & Loop 101
Chandler, AZ 85226

Downtown End Zone Party
January 31 – Feb 2, 2008 4:00pm -2:00am
Tickets: $20 per day $10 Thursday with a Phoenix Suns game ticket
Downtown Phoenix – 2nd st between Washington and Jefferson

NFL Experience
Saturday Jan 26: 10am – 10pm
Sunday Jan 27: 11am – 8pm
Thursday: Jan 31: 3pm – 10pm
Friday: Feb 1: 3pm -10 pm
Saturday Feb 2: 10am -10pm
Sunday, Feb 3: Open to Super Bowl XLII ticket holders only
Location: West Parking Lot adjacent to the University of Phoenix Stadium Tickets: $17.50 for adults – $12.50 for children 12 and under

Taste of the NFL
6:00 pm VIP 7:00 pm
Main Event 9:45pm Live Entertainment
Tickets: $500 Guest Ticket VIP – $600

The Big Ticket Experience
Wednesday Jan 30 2008 6:00 – 10:00pm
Contact Sallie Sargent 480-362-4232
ssargent@azsuperbowl.com
The Phoenician
6000 E. Camelback Rd
Scottsdale, AZ 85251

Featuring:
Emcee, Chris Berman, Host of ESPN Sports Center
NLF Commissioner Roger Goodell
20 NFL Hall of Fame inductees
Special performance by Jay Leno
Silent and live auctions – All proceeds benefit the Arizona Super Bowl Host Committee and the Pro Football Hall of Fame
Corporate table for 10 with VIP amenities $6,000

Scottsdale Super Artwalk
February 2, 2008
12:00 – 5:00pm FREE
Scottsdale Arts District www.scottsdalegalleries.com/artwalks2.html

944 Super Village
February 2, 2008
5 Days/Nights
www.944.com/az superbowl

PEPSI Super Bowl Bash
Thursday Jan. 31 – Friday Feb1 2008 6:00pm
Tickets: $40 per show
Jobing.com Arena 9400 W. Maryland Ave
Glendale AZ 85305
www.nfl.com/Superbowl

Superbowl Saturday Night
Feb 2, 2008 6:00 – 10:00pm FREE
Tempe Town Lake 85281

Unique family event commemorating a year of NFL football and celebrating the arrival of Super Bowl XLII.
Thousands of fans will join in the festivities at Tempe Town Lake, nestled in the hear of downtown Tempe. The event will feature a live headliner concert in the park followed by a spectacular Super Bowl fireworks show over the lake

NLF Youth Football Clinic
Clinics will teach basic football skills, good sportsmanship and healthy lifestyle lessons
Clinics will be led by current and former NFL players and volunteer coaches
All participants receive free NFL merchandise, courtesy of the Host Committee
Community outreach section www.azsuperbowl.com

Getting Around Metro Phoenix for the Super Bowl XLII

So let’s all try to be efficient about this and try to do a little planning. After all, I’m not kidding when I say that this is going to be 30 x 30 mile party. Having the Super Bowl here is actually quite ridiculous, simply because Metro Phoenix is so spread out. You’ll have to plan accordingly if you don’t want to spend thousands of dollars on transportation and if you don’t want to get killed. Let’s just say that Arizona is known for having a lot of DUIs and that’s never good for anyone.

My advice is to get an idea of where the events are taking place (which part of Metro Phoenix you want to be in for the day or night) and arrange some type of transportation. Trust me, don’t try to hit multiple cities in one night. Yes, I said cities because they’re not just different parts of town. This is the desert, people, and the builders/city planners here have succeeded in sprawling out as much as possible.

Airport Information:

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport
www.phoenix.gov/skyharborairport/index.html
602.273.3300

Glendale Airport (GEU)
www.glendaleaz.com/airport
623.930.2188

Scottsdale Airport (SDL)
www.scottsdaleaz.gov/airport
480.312.2321

SuperShuttle
Provides 24-hour door-to-door service from Sky harbor International Airport with no advanced reservation required. Once you have claimed your luggage proceed to a uniformed SuperShuttle Guest Service Representative will arrange transportation to your destination.
602.244.9000
800 Blue-Van

Town Cars & Cabs

Getting to the University of Phoenix Stadium

From the North
South on loop 101
Exit Northern Ave
Left on Northern Ave
Right on 91st Ave
Right on Coyotes Blvd

From the South
North on Loop 101
Exit Glendale Ave
Right on Glendale
Right on 95th Ave

On Superbowl XLII Game Day:
Please follow the instruction s on your parking pass. There will be no designated bus, limo, sedan or shuttle drop offs or pick ups areas at the University of Phoenix Stadium on Super Bowl Sunday so please plan your transportation accordingly.

Printable Maps and Driving Tips

Metro Phoenix Map
Phoenix Map
Scottsdale Map
University of Phoenix Stadium Area Map

Mobile Google Maps – if you don’t have a GPS or you are drunk at 3am not knowing where you are, I suggest downloading Google Maps onto your cell phone because is a great way to locate yourself and where you want to go ; )

All of this information and more can be found on the Official Arizona Super Bowl XLII website or you could print out or take a look at an interactive Super Bowl XLII Event Guide which, so kindly, provided me with most of this information.

Local Watering Holes and Places Worth Seeing

Feel free to ask us about the places to hit up while you are here in Arizona or to leave your recommendations for others. There are quite a few places to see and drink at depending on what you are looking for. And remember, you’re only a few hours away from one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, the Grand Canyon, as well as Sedona,”The Most Beautiful Place in the World” according to USA Today. Consider making a stop.

January happens to be the time of year that many people begin planning their trips to the Grand Canyon. Who better to ask for a recommendation than someone who treks The Canyon for a living! Rob Sewell, an avid outdoors man who owns his own Grand Canyon guided tour company, wrote a small article that provides some insight as to what we can expect when exploring the Grand Canyon…

“Backpacking through the depths of this vast labyrinth, from the Canyon’s Rim to the Colorado River, reveals a truly enlightened look at one of the wonders of the natural world. On a recent trip to the Grand Canyon, Delores Miller, accompanied by Hydros Adventures, set out on the world renowned Bright Angel Loop.

This hike is the classic Grand Canyon loop hike and a great backpack for first time Canyon hikers. Using the South Kaibab Trail, a route built by the park service for its expansive views, one walks through the geologic past, making their way to the mighty Colorado River and Bright Angel Campground. Adjacent to the Bright Angel Creek, this is a great base to fish, hike, explore, and relax while taking in the splendor of the inner gorge. Making your ascent out of the Canyon, you will hike through Devil’s Corkscrew and along Garden Creek, through some beautiful sandstone narrows before reaching Indian Gardens. Here, in this desert oasis of ancient cottonwoods, you can set out to observe ancient ruins or take a hike to Plateau Point, one of the most amazing views in the inner canyon. After Indian Gardens, you will hike up Jacob’s Ladder, past stunning vistas and ancient pictographs (rock art) to the end of your journey…”

Read full article about the Bright Angel Loop at the Grand Canyon

Last week, KJZZ – our local National Public Radio Station – ran a daily series of stories called Space Week.  Space Week shined the spotlight on Arizona’s contribution to the exploration of Mars, space tourism, healing properties of moonbeams and light pollution. 

Check out KJZZ.org to hear all five of the full stories.

Visitors need not be alarmed at news reports of the death of a Grand Canyon wildlife biologist thought to have been caused by Hantavirus and the plague. The man may have contracted these diseases due to direct contact with infected animals and their waste as a function of his job. The diseases are not transmitted from human-to-human and the threat of widespread public danger is extremely unlikely. Antibiotic treatment has been prescribed for people who came into direct contact with the biologist in the last weeks of his life.

As reported by the Associated Press newswire on November 6, 2007:

“Eric York, 37, was found in his home at the Grand Canyon National Park on Friday. The Coconino County Medical Examiner suspects an infectious illness may have killed York because his lungs were filled with fluid and his body showed signs of pneumonia. Tests results are expected later this week…

…Because of York’s professional interests and hobbies, medical officials believe hantavirus and plague are possible causes, according to a Park Service spokeswoman…

…Hantavirus is transmitted to humans through infected rodent droppings, urine and saliva and is not transmitted from person to person. Symptoms include fever, headache, joint pain and difficulty breathing.

Plague is transmitted primarily by fleas and direct contact with infected animals. When the disease causes pneumonia, it can be transmitted from an infected person to a non-infected person by airborne cough droplets. Those who were near York have been told to monitor themselves for high fever, chills, a cough or difficulty breathing.

Both diseases, while rare, are endemic in the Southwest.

York became ill on Oct. 30, and called in sick for a couple of days before being found dead in his home. As a wildlife biologist, he often came into contact with wild animals that can carry the plague or in areas where rodents congregate, Oltrogge said. He also was an avid outdoorsman, and liked to hike and hunt.”

Read the full article from the Arizona Republic

PRESCOTT – A truce could be called in the age-old battle between locals and tourists as part of a new movement gaining steam in the industry.

Tourism officials, politicians, park rangers, academics and others are advocating the idea of “civic tourism.” They are encouraging communities to invite tourists by creating a sense of place that revolves around unique culture, heritage and ecology instead of letting tourists’ actions demolish those values.

More than 200 people involved in tourism, an industry traditionally focused on revenue and occupancy, gathered in downtown Prescott recently for what was called the world’s first civic tourism conference. They came from 35 states, Canada and Mexico. More…

Enjoy the article and support Arizona tourism by visiting the Travel Sites to be Seen: sedona.net, thecanyon.com, flagstaff.com, prescott.com and scottsdale-phoenix.net.

Source: The Arizona Republic March 27, 2006

A 2004 poll of domestic overnight tourists in Arizona indicated they come for a variety of reasons.

Highlights from the report:
What are their primary Arizona activities?

• Shopping, Dining & Entertainment – 41.0%
• Sightseeing – 33.0%
• Nature – 28.0%
• Culture – 18.0%
• Attractions – 17.0%
• Outdoor/ Sports – 12.0%

As reported in The Arizona Republic 03/18/06. Source: D.K. Shifflet for the Arizona Office of Tourism.

Click on the activities above to see how you, too, can enjoy all Arizona has to offer.