Arizona Lakes Arizona’s diverse climate and geography can yield both the highest and lowest temperatures in the country Phoenix area lakes offer vast, clear surface water created by the rivers feeding the Phoenix within the area. Each of the Phoenix lakes offers an abundance of lake fun including boating, sailing, and same fishing, water skiing, swimming and camping enjoyment. Some lakes offer RV parks for traveler day. convenience. Some lakes offer picturesque mountainous scenery, large stands of Saguaro Cactus with beautiful desert views with spectacular wildflowers during the spring. The colorful painted canyon walls of Canyon, Saguaro and Apache Lakes are stunningly spectacular. It’s not unusual to find natural springs flowing along their hiking trails. At large Lake Pleasant look for the wild roaming bur- ros. Apache Lake is abundant with wildlife including javelina , mountain sheep, soaring eagles, deer and an occasion- al black bear. SmailgeusanroortLhaekaestPoicftPuhreoseqnuixeaSnadguthaeroSLcaoktetsidsaaleboaureta4.0Sa- AfropmacChaenLyaonkeLaiskea. rHeilgahtivcealnyysohnorwt adllrsivaenudpdteheepvleursycisocuesnmic oAupnatcahine Trail guaro Lake offers special views, canyon walls and excellent val- boating fun. The Saguaro Lake Marina offers boat moor- leys accent one of the most beautiful landscapes in Arizona. There are ing, boat rentals, a restaurant and picnic facilities. Saguaro several miles of dirt road leading to Apache Lake but is assessable to Lake is a sister lake of Canyon, Apache and Roosevelt Lake everyday automobiles. Apache Lake is surrounded by the Superstition which are all created along the Salt River which becomes Wilderness, home of picturesque Superstition Mountain and the Leg- a dry river bed as it flows through Phoenix.Read more end of The Lost Dutchman’s gold mine. Apace Lake Marina and Resort about Saguaro Lake provides a multitude of amenity services. Canyon Lake Just northeast of Mesa and Apache Junc- tionArizona about 40 miles from the Phoenix area, Canyon Roosevelt Lake lies above Apache Lake up the Apache Trail and is Lake offers the most spectacular canyon walls. Canyon the farthest from the Phoenix area cities. But it is the largest of the Lake lies in the Superstition Mountain area and is the lakes within one and one half hour driving distance of Phoenix and the gateway to the Apache Trail leading to both Apache Lake Valley of the Sun at over 17 miles in length. Roosevelt Lake was formed and Roosevelt Lake. This entire area features amazing in 1911 with the construction of Roosevelt Dam on the Salt River. views and very scenic hiking. Today about 10 miles of the original river is beneath lake waters. Lake Roosevelt offers marina features, camping grounds and nearby motels and RV parks. A R I Z O N A L A K E S White Mountains Flagstaff AZ Lakes Payson Arizona Lakes Lakes Ashurst Lake Bear Canyon Lake Becker Lake Blue Ridge Reservoir Black Canyon Lake Phoenix Area Lakes Central Arizona Lakes Big Lake Kinnikinick Lake Blue Ridge Reservoir Lake Pleasant AZ Alamo Lake Crescent Lake Mormon Lake Chevelon Canyon Lake Apache Lake Roosevelt Lake Fool Hollow Lake Upper Lake Mary Knoll Lake Bartlett Lake Willow Springs Lake Canyon Lake Colorado River Lakes Hawley Lake Prescott AZ Lakes Woods Canyon Lake Lake Pleasant Lake Havasu Luna Lake Goldwater Lake Saguaro Lake Lake Mead Lyman Lake Lynx Lake Southern Arizona Tempe Town Lake Lake Mohave Rainbow Lake Watson Lake Patagonia Lake City Urban Lakes Lake Powell Show Low Lake Willow Lake Woodland Lake Arizona has a vast variety of Desert and Mountains Lakes
Weirdest Places to Visit Arcosanti (North of Phoenix) Sitting a few miles north of Cordes Lakes is something that you would expect to see in a sci-fi film with its semi-domes and colored walls. Instead, Arcosanti was the vision of Italian architect Paolo Soleri, who sought to create a city with the perfect blend of architectural beauty and ecology. To some, Arcosanti may appear more stunning than weird but you can see how a lot of people would find this place strange. Biosphere (Tucson, Oracle) With all the talk about colonizing Mars, if there’s any guess what those first settlements may look like, the Biosphere 2 may give some insight. Inspired by Earth, the original biosphere, Biosphere 2 was built as an experiment for potentially living in a foreign world. While it seems idyllic and easy on paper, it turns out the two attempts at running experimental missions were plagued with problems. These days, the Biosphere 2 operates as an open research facility that you can visit. The Boneyard (Tucson) This place goes by several different names but all you really need to know is that this is the location where old airplanes are laid to rest. Located next to the Davis-Monathan Air Force Base, it is the largest boneyard for aircraft and has a massive collection of different airplanes, making a dream for both photographers and aircraft enthusiasts Mystery Castle (Phoenix) Sitting at the base of South Mountain, Mystery Castle was designed and built in the 1930s by Boyce Luther Gulley. After be- ing diagnosed with tuberculosis, he left his wife and daughter in Seattle and relocated to Phoenix, evidently without telling them where he was going. He died before he had a chance to see his family again but not before leaving behind a castle they inherited. An eclectic construction of stone, cement, and recycled materi- als, it certainly earns a place on this list for an out of the ordinary destination.
Wigwam Village You know you’re from Arizona when you drive (Holbrook) two miles around a A relic of the Route 66 days, parking lot looking for a the Wigwam Village was one shady place - even in the of many themed, motels offer- dead of winter. ing travelers a warm bed with Local Saying a unique stay. It is so iconic You know you’re from that a version was featured in Arizona when you feed Pixar’s movie “Cars,” exchang- your chickens ice cubes ing the tepees for traffic cones. to keep them from laying If you fancy a stay, you’re in luck because the motel is still in operation and con- hard-boiled eggs. tinues to be run by the family that originally opened this location Local Saying Grand Canyon Caverns Suite (Grand Canyon) Known as the “largest, deep- est, darkest, oldest, quietest motel room in the world,” the Grand Canyon Caverns Suite in Arizona ensures an experience unlike any other. With caverns and walls over 65 million years old and located 22 feet underground, guests will find themselves completed iso- lated in the largest dry cavern in the United States. Not for everyone, this suite is the only one available in these caverns; for those who’d rather stay above ground, the motel offers plenty of other rooms. But it’s a dry heat… ~Arizona saying
Gardens and Arboretums Desert Botanical Garden (Phoenix) Think the desert is all dirt and tumbleweeds? Think again. Desert Botanical Garden is home to thousands of species of cactus, trees and flowers from all around the world spread across 55 acres in Papagoo Park- Phoenix. Founded by the Arizona Cactus and Native Flora Society in 1937 and established at this site in 1939, the garden now has more than 50,000 plants, in more than 4,000 taxa, one-third of which are native to the area, including 379 spe- cies, which are rare, threatened or endangered. Boyce Thompson Arboretum (Superior) As you approach the Boyce Thompson Arboretum on Highway 60, you will see towering Picketpost Mountain dominating the southern horizon. The Arboretum brings togeth- er plants from the planet’s many deserts and arid lands, displaying them alongside unspoiled examples of native Sonoran Desert vegetation- all within a spectacular natural setting. Tucson Botanical Gardens (Tucson) Located on the site of the historic Porter property, Reader’s Digest named Tucson Botanical Gardens as the BEST Secret Garden in America. Among mature trees and expertly cultivated foliage, specialty gardens such as the Cactus & Succulent Garden, Barrio Garden and Herb Garden highlight the diversity of native plants while offering a lush oasis in the heart of Tucson. Carefree Desert Gardens (Carefree) The crown jewel of Carefree and an amazing oasis in the desert, the Carefree Desert Gardens is one of only two public botan- ical gardens in the Valley. Situated on four acres, visitors can stroll and enjoy rare and fascinating desert plant specimens on a self-guided walking tour, allowing for a visual and emotional con- nection with nature. The Arboretum in Flagstaff (Flagstaff) is a 200-acre arboretum that is home to 750 species of mostly drought-tolerant adapted and native plants representative of the high-desert Colorado Plateau, home to the Grand Canyon and Zion National Park. It is located 3.8 miles (6.1 km) south of U.S. Route 66 on Woody Mountain Road, on the west side of Flagstaff, Arizona, USA. The facility is located at 7,150’ in elevation, making it one of the highest-elevation public gardens in the United States. The Arboretum has an extensive regional collection of the Penste- mon genus and hosts an annual Penstemon Festival.
Gourd Art Wuertz Gourd Farm Casa Grande, Arizona From something fancy to something simple, working with gourds is a great way to be cre- ative. Create a lamp base for your home or a birdhouse for the yard, there is no limit to what you can do with a gourd. Better yet, Arizona has its own Gourd Farm in Casa Grande! You can pick and choose the best gourd for your project. What a fun way to get out of the house for another day trip. Chiles Rellenos Quiche Ingredients How to Make It • Pastry for single-crust pie • 2 tablespoons cornmeal In a pie plate, line unpricked crust with • 1-1/2 cups shredded Monterey Jack a double thickness of heavy-duty foil. Bake at 450° for 8 minutes. Remove foil; cheese bake 5 minutes longer. Cool on a wire • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese rack. Reduce heat to 350°. • 1 can (4 ounces) chopped green Sprinkle cornmeal over bottom of crust. In a small bowl, combine cheeses; set aside 1/2 cup for topping. Add chiles chiles to remaining cheese mixture; sprinkle into crust. • 3 large eggs In a small bowl, whisk the eggs, sour cream, cilantro and hot pepper • 3/4 cup sour cream sauce if desired. Pour into crust; sprinkle with reserved cheese mixture. • 1 tablespoon minced fresh cilantro • 2 to 4 drops hot pepper sauce, optional Bake until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean, 35-40 minutes. Let stand for 5 minutes before cutting. Freeze option: Cover and freeze unbaked quiche. To use, remove from freezer 30 minutes before baking (do not thaw). Preheat oven to 350°. Place quiche on a baking sheet; cover edge loosely with foil. Bake as directed, increasing time as necessary for a knife inserted in the center to come out clean.
GHOST TOWNS 1. OATMAN Nestled in the Black Mountains near California’s Mojave desert is a ghost town ruled by wild bur- ros. Oatman was founded in 1908. During its height, its mines produced over 1.8 million ounces of gold. Today, the town has a population of 135 –that doesn’t include the burros. Burros first came to Oatman with early day prospectors. The animals were used inside the mines for hauling rock and ore. Outside the mines, burros were used for hauling water and supplies. As the mines closed and people moved away, the burros were released into the surrounding hills. The donkeys today are descended from the pack animals turned loose, and are protected by the US Depart- ment of the Interior. The ghost town of Oatman is about 5 and half hours northwest of Tucson, near California’s eastern border close to the Mojave Desert. The town is nestled in the Black Mountains so the terrain is rocky and windy. 2. RUBY Ruby, Arizona is one of the best-preserved ghost towns in the state, filled with history, including lawlessness, murder, and mayhem, not to mention dozens of great photographic opportunities. Ruby, Arizona is a ghost town 50 miles southwest of Tucson and 4 miles north of the Mexico bor- der. It is surrounded by the Coronado National Forest in an area of rugged mountains, semi-arid deserts and abundant wildlife. This historic ghost town of Ruby, Arizona is rich in the history of life at the turn of the century. The mining company left behind equipment and buildings that supported the operation of Montana Mine, which closed in 1940. The miners and their families left behind their one-room school, the playground, the merchantile and a rich vision of their everyday life in Ruby, Arizona. 3. CLIFTON Mainstay of town is mining. The historical main town street appears to have been desolate for years. Outer town of Clifton is populated, although dwindling due to slow down in mine opera- tions. Gorgeous photography can be had on the main historical street Near the confluence of the San Francisco River and Chase Creek, and the birthplace of noted Apache leader Geronimo, Clifton was founded a year later in 1873. In 1879, Arizona Territory’s first steam-powered railroad was built by the Lesinskys to bring ore in from the mine to the smelt- er. Over the next 20 years, 10 “baby gauge” locomotives were purchased, called so due to the fact that the track was only 20 inches wide, compared to a regular narrow gauge at 36 inches and standard gauge 58 inches wide. Only one of the ten original locomotives remain in Clifton, the Copper Head, retired in 1922 and on display next to the Clifton Cliff Jail. 4. VULTURE CITY This abandoned settlement nestled into the breathtaking landscape of the Sonoran Desert, was established in 1863 and developed to meet the needs of Arizona’s most successful gold mine. Vulture City’s population quickly rose to 5,000 residents. From 1863 to 1942, the mine produced 340,000 ounces of gold and 260,000 ounces of silver and has been credited with founding the town of Wickenburg. This rise to fame came as swiftly as its fall and in 1942 the War Production Board ordered the closing of all non-essential mines to ensure that resources were focused on the war effort. The closing of the mine determined the fate of Vulture City and the town was aban- doned shortly thereafter. 5. TOMBSTONE “The town too tough to die” is un-arguably the most famous ghost town of the American Wild West thanks to the Earp and Clanton conflict that led to the “Gunfight at the O.K. Corral”. Tombstone, founded in 1879, had a population of 100, grew to 14,000 (and 110 saloons) in less than seven years, then dwindled down to 600. Today it stands at 1,380 with just a handful of saloons remaining, and draws revenue from tourism, which includes the ability to watch a reenaction of the infamous gunfight 3 times a day. Yes, in many ways Tombstone is a tourist trap. But with approximately 500,000 visitors per year, there’s a pretty darn good reason people willingly fall into that so-called trap. Entrance and parking are free. It’s up to you whether you want to purchase souvenirs or pay for activities. There’s something to amuse people of all ages and interests. You will love the atmosphere so much that you will want too come back every year, even if it’s just to grab lunch after another adventure.
5. CASTLE DOME LANDING/CITY “What you will see here is a remanant town which stood larger than Yuma in 1878. Her weather beaten buildings remain in an area littile changed sorm the 1800’s. The mills stand silent, housing orininal boiler, stamp mill, and elevator, as if tomorrow they will awaken to the thunderous roar of steel crushing rock. The boardwalks still creak, the church bell rings out, the fire saloons just await the story of their last shoutout. 5. JEROME In its heyday, the mining town of Jerome had a population of 10,000, significantly more than the 444 residents today. At some point the town dwindled to fewer than 100 but was saved from oblivion when the residents turned to tourism. Jerome made its mark on the world when it became the focal point of a 1917 strike in which those involved were expelled at gunpoint, loaded onto cattle cars and shipped west. Formerly a brothel, the House of Joy is now an antique and odds and ends shop. They have a pretty interesting collection of war memorabilia. Externally, Jerome hasn’t changed much. Most of the buildings being used are the same ones that were standing 100 years ago. 5. BISBEE Bisbee is another ghost town similar to Jerome that saved itself by turning to tourism. Bisbee was discovered in 1877 by Jack Dunn, who stumbled across a mineral deposit when he was tracking a band of Apaches. Bisbee has a very colorful history in which its residents of the past seem to still be hanging around. Nearly every hotel has a couple resident ghosts, including John Wayne. Bisbee was a copper, gold, and silver mining boomtown founded in 1880. At it’s height, its population reach about 10,000. Even during mining reorganization, Bisbee continued to prosper while other mining towns of Arizona died out. It was however slowing down and in 1975 the Phelps Dodge Corporation halted its copper mining operations. The transition out of mining for Bisbee was not as fatal as it was for most mining towns. Bisbee was transformed from a min- ing town to a tourist destination. 5. FAIRBANK Fairbank, originally named Junction City, existed because of Tombstone, Arizona. It was founded in the 1870s as a stagecoach stopping point enroute to Tombstone. It didn’t really grow until 1882 when railroad construction was completed and it be- came an important depot for transporting cattle and silver ore from Tombstone. From Fairbank, the ore was sent to the mills in Contention City and Charleston. Fairbank never boomed like Tombstone, having only reached a population of 100 at its height, but it did see a lot of action as the closest railroad depot. They were able to boast of 5 saloons, 4 stores, 3 restaurants, a school, a jail (Fairbank saw quite a few train robberies), and a hotel by 1889. After Tombstone’s mines closed due to flooding, Fairbank saw a significant decline but it managed to hang on through the 1940s. School was open until 1944 but the post office didn’t officially close until the 1970s. 5. GOLDFIELD Goldfield Ghost Town nestled at the foot of the Superstition Mountains. Goldfield is fairly small. There are only about 4-5 shops, all of which were quirky, 1 tiny museum, 1 sit down restaurant and some pretty fun things to do. Goldfield Ghost Town is actually the site of a real ghost town. I was originally under the impres- sion that it was built for the sole purpose of entertainment but in actuality Goldfield was created in 1892 by the rush that followed the discovery of gold in the vicinity. By late 1897 the gold mines had played out and the population moved out leaving a ghost town. After several years a small community called Youngsberg evolved on the site of the old ghost town. The town had its revival when mines were opened nearby and a mill and cyanide plant was installed. Unfortunately it was all short lived as the mines played out again and the town was deserted.
HIKE ARIZONA Find Your Next Favorite Trail www.alltrails.com Whether at home or on the road, find your perfect hike, bike ride, or trail run. Filter by length, rating, and difficulty level. Easily find dog or kid-friendly trails. Great views are a few taps away. The sun shines in Phoenix & Tucson 85 percent of the year, even more than Florida and Hawaii
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