Natural Wonders Relax, Refresh

A CANADIAN’S GUIDE TO

NATURAL WONDERS GOLF, GOLF, GOLF COWBOYS, INDIANS

RELAX, ReFRESH

A SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO THE SEPTEMBER 2011 ISSUE OF

the canadian’s guide to

Arizonseptembera 2011

Nowhere Else In America page 6 So many different landscapes found within the borders of one state

Desert Drives page 8 With a climate to be envied, golf is never out of season in Arizona

Play Hard page 18 Atic ve travellers may have a difficult time choosing from Arizona’s long menu of sports and adventure activities

C ultural Traditions page4 2 Ainar zo ’s 22 tribes still carry on many spiritual traditions of their ancestors

Rle ax & Recharge page6 2 A gentle side speaks to everyone’s need to relax and recharge by indulging in a little culture or self-care

Rid ’ e Em Cowboy page4 3 Wide -oPEN spaces, ranching and mining history and a rich Western heritage of cowboy traditions

N atural Wonders page0 4 A n extRAORDINARy mix of desert landscapes, canyon lands and cool pine forests

ARIZONA – A SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO THE SEPTEMBER 2011 ISSUE OF CANADIAN TRAVELLER

Published 12 times a year by Cover Photo Credit: Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain Text by: Josephine Matyas

23 Canadian Traveller September 2011 Arizona 3 Nowhere else i n america

G rAND Canyon ice v r e k S k r a P ational N Ainar zo . Rugged. Breathtakingly beautiful. A palette of colour. Nowhere else in America are so many different landscapes – desert, pine forests, snow-capped peaks, deep canyons, red mesas – found within the borders of one state. If there is a distinct Arizona style uniting all of these various different landscapes, it has something to do with superlatives. Visitors often come away at a loss for words. america

i Grand Canyon Country A rizoNA’s West Coast n The majestic Grand Canyon – one of the Seven Natural The mighty Colorado River forged and defines the state’s long Wonders of the World – draws millions of visitors to the state water boundary with neighbouring Nevada and California. each year. Nothing really prepares a new visitor for their first The reliable source of water has spun a long, green ribbon of look into this mighty gash in the Earth’s surface. Ponder the cottonwood-willow forests, cattails and wetlands along the numbers: a 446-kilometre long gorge that plunges to a mile “West Coast.” Hiking trails through state parks and along the in depth; its rock walls are 1.7 billion years old. Daybreak and shoreline of Lake Havasu are wonderful ways to get in touch twilight are the best times to peer into the gorge – the rocks with nature. take on ever-shifting colours with the changing light. Another famous “ribbon” that crosses the West Coast is the Grand Canyon country calls to those that love the outdoors. old Route 66, “The Mother Road” that once carried Dust Bowl There are countless adventures (for all skill levels) on biking refugees westward past open desert and through small towns and hiking trails. The National Park Service offers wonderful in search of a better life. Route 66 was etched into time by Nat interpretive programs to explain the geology, history and King Cole’s famous hit tune and by John Steinbeck’s novel, The wildlife of the area. And, of course, there’s the raft trip of Grapes of Wrath.

a lifetime – the iconic journey along the Colorado River, The mighty Colorado widens into Lake Havasu, a popular o following in the footsteps of Major John Wesley Powell, leader spot for water sports of all kinds, fishing and – in Lake Havasu of the 1869 expedition that charted the Colorado through the City – gambling at the many casino-resorts. As unlikely as it n where else Grand Canyon. seems, Lake Havasu is home to the original 1824 London Bridge – a local business tycoon bought all 10,276 stones of Southern Arizona the English landmark, transported them overseas and had The Sonoran Desert cutting along the southern part of the it reassembled at the 44-hectare London Bridge Resort. state is the arid landscape dotted with the giant saguaro cacti Hotels, marinas and shopping have all sprung up alongside the for which Arizona is so noted. There is beauty in the stillness of relocated landmark. the desert landscape. Far from barren, the Sonoran is teeming In the southwest part of the state, the community of Yuma with flora and fauna – a spectacular introduction to this part of lays claim to being the sunniest spot on Earth. Once a crossing the world is through the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum. point for gold rush hopefuls, today Yuma’s historic district is Tucson is a city touched by the culture of the Tohono lined with quirky shops and interesting cafés. O’odham Indians and the history of its days as a Spanish colonial outpost. The city’s vibrant intersection of cultures Northern Arizona appears in its food, music, language and heritage. Tucson is The Four Corners region of Northern Arizona has been known for its upscale resorts, artists’ communities and adobe described as mystical, sacred and spiritual. To the Navajo and architecture. Hopi people who make this area their home, the Four Corners In the southeast, the Chiricahua Mountains are a fortress of (where Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico and Utah intersect) is eroded peaks, crags, spires, canyons and cliffs that were once all of these things. a stronghold of the Apache. Not far away are the old mining towns of Bisbee, Willcox and Douglas, that have found new life as artists’ enclaves and resort stays. At one time, this was the land of the Wild West – towns like Tombstone keep this heritage alive.

Happy Birthday Arizona lake havasu In the year 2012, Arizona marks one century of history as a state. Celebratory festivals, special events and centennial projects will mark the 100th year of statehood. Slated to open in 2012, the new Arizona Experience Museum will be a highly interactive, technology-driven museum showcasing Arizona’s past, present and future. A blend of galleries and exhibits will tell the story of the rich culture, diverse heritage and early entrepreneurship that built the state. AOT

25 Canadian Traveller September 2011 Arizona 5 america i n B V C x oeni h P vllea y of the sun re G ATER

It’s a region of canyons, curvaceous slot canyons, a high Northern Arizona is home to Monument Valley o desert landscape speckled with red sandstone mesas and buttes, (instantly recognizable from countless westerns), the spiritual

n where else national monuments and protected sites, tiny communities that Canyon de Chelly where Navajo families still farm on the canyon are specks on the map, the country’s largest tribal lands (the floor, theH ubbell Trading Post National Historic Site with its Navajo) and the country’s oldest (the Hopi mesa villages). This display of world-class woven rugs, the Anasazi ruins at Navajo part of the state is often overlooked – one glance at a map and National Monument, the forbidding Painted Desert… it seems that the distances are too far and the communities too all set against an almost otherworldly backdrop rich in reds, few. But there is richness and spirituality in the land and the local orange, purple and browns. culture that is found nowhere else in the state.

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6 Arizona September 2011 Canadian Traveller 26 B V C x oeni h P arinazo ’s colourful heritage re G ATER

Valley of the Sun caught the attention of Frank Lloyd Wright, America’s most The metropolitan area surrounding Phoenix is known esteemed architect, who built his winter home there. It’s also collectively as the Valley of the Sun (including the communities home to the Heard Museum, with the country’s greatest archive of Tempe, Mesa and Scottsdale). Phoenix is a hub – for the arts, of Native American artifacts. And shopping is not just a pastime world-class museums, national sports teams and events, five- in the valley – it’s almost an obsession fed by lifestyle malls, small star resorts and retreats, and dining par excellence. The valley boutiques and quirky shops to find that one-of-a-kind item. b

Dramatic in Setting. Rich in History. Spanish-Mediterranean designed architecture grace this beautiful Arizona’s favorite oasis is surrounded by spectacular desert mountain mountainside resort that overlooks everything yet nothing at all. vistas, all-suite accommodations, unique dining venues, relaxing spa Impeccable dining options, onsite championship golf, the refreshing treatments and acres of refreshing pools and water features at the Falls Water Village, rejuvenating spa services, and of course, all-suite renowned River Ranch. See for yourself why Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak accommodations, await you at Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cli s Resort. Resort remains the ‘famous for fun’ Phoenix destination getaway.

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27 Canadian Traveller September 2011 Arizona 7 Desert Drives

WeoP -K - a Golf Club B V C c S OTTSDALE Fomr the mystical red rocks of Sedona down to the famed fairways in Phoenix’s Valley of the Sun, and on to the ponderosa pine lined greens at Williams, Arizona boasts more than 300 golf courses, each with its own unique terrain and challenges. With a climate to be envied – yes, year round play is the reality – golf is never out of season in Arizona.

29 Canadian Traveller September 2011 Arizona 9 mmerce o C of

es amber h v C ll e w o d P e ri k a L t a P ge 200 hectares at the foot of the dramatic Tumacacori and eser Santa Rita Mountain Ranges. The resort’s d three nine-hole championship courses were designed by renowned golf course Lake Powell National Golf Course architects Robert “Red” Lawrence and Ken Kavanaugh, and were featured in Kevin Costner’s movie Tin Cup. Practice Two-thirds of the courses are concentrated in Want to hit the ball at some top-notch tee facilities include a full- the metropolitan Phoenix area (and many others off spots? Arizona has something to suit every length driving range, putting green, pitching hole near Tucson) but the more out-of-the-way parts skill level, budget and landscape preference. and bunker for mastering sand shots. Tubac Golf of the state still boast endless sunshine and drop- Resort & Spa has been recognized by Conde dead gorgeous scenery, along with the bonus of Tcsonu & South Nast Johansens as one of two finalists for the affordable play, special packages and getaways A member of the Historic Hotels of America, prestigious 2011 Awards for Excellence as The designed especially for golfers. the Tubac Golf Resort & Spa stretches over Most Excellent Golf Resort.

10 Arizona September 2011 Canadian Traveller 30 Photo courtesy of the Desert Rodriguez Botanical Garden/Adam

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t For decades, the Omni Tucson National Resort has been hosting prestigious PGA Tour events, played by the very best in the game. Selected as one of Golf Digest’s “75 Best Golf Resorts in North America” the eser 262-hectare desert resort overlooks the Santa Catalina foothills. As host course for d the PGA Tour’s Chrysler Classic of Tucson and the Southern Arizona Open, the resort is home to two distinctly different 18-hole courses. The desert-style target course, designed by Tom Lehman, combines native desert vegetation with strategic fairway bunkering. The PGA pros rank the last hole as one of the most challenging finishing holes on the tour. Designed by world-renowned golf architect Tom Fazio, the award-winning

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P spotted with towering saguaro cacti. The elevation changes and large rolling greens re

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Poenih x – Valley of the Sun Surrounded by the Sonoran Desert, the We-Ko-Pa Golf Club at the Radisson Fort McDowell Resort is a daily fee golf facility that consists of two 18-hole courses. In addition, there is a large practice facility and a full service clubhouse. Golfweek has recently ranked the Saguaro course as the number one public access course in Arizona. Within minutes of the Phoenix airport are three championship courses operated by two Native American communities, seamlessly blending the state’s most popular game with the natural desert surroundings. At the luxurious Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa, the Whirlwind Golf Club covers 37 hectares of turfed area and 60 hectares of desert landscape of cottonwood, mesquite,

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saguaro and rolling terrain. The club’s two d ri courses – Devil’s Claw and Cattail, both

t managed by world famous Troon Golf – feature gradual elevation changes, great bunker designs and multi-tiered greens developed to challenge golfers of all skill levels. The third course, in nearby Mesa – the new Toka Sticks (on the site of the

Deser former Williams Air Force Base Golf Course) – plays 6,700 yards from the back tees and features some terrific holes that will challenge even the best of players. The greens are some of the best in the valley. Recently ranked “# 1 in the state” by Golfweek, the Talking Stick Golf Club (also managed by Troon Golf) has two uniquely different golf courses in a spectacular desert setting with vistas of the distant mountains. From links-style adventure through the

B grasslands to a traditional style of play on V C

x tree-lined fairways, there are options for

tpc stadium course oeni golfers of all skill levels. The club offers the h

P best practice facility in the valley, including a huge putting green and a driving range that is re

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MTCVB | Real-Mission| CT Canadian Traveller - Judy | International |August 2011 | 7.125 x 4.875 no bleed 14 Arizona September 2011 Canadian Traveller 34 First class golf experiences are part of the facilities at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, home to some of Arizona’s best courses including the TPC Stadium Course (site of the PGA Tour’s Waste Management Phoenix sedona Golf Resort Open), the TPC Scottsdale Champions Course and Tom Fazio’s challenging links at the Grayhawk Raptor Course. The onsite Fairmont Leisure Services Team is like having your own personal golf concierge. The Boulders Resort in Scottsdale is home to two championship-level, Jay Morrish-designed courses, listed among the finest in the United States. The resort’s Golf Academy offers immersive, multi-day golf packages and one-on-one instruction. Guests at the Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale enjoy special privileges at both The Pinnacle and The Monument championship golf courses at Troon North Golf Club, the birthplace and flagship property of Troon Golf. In 2009, Golf

Digest named the club among the top 75 B V best golf resorts in North America. The C ball-flight simulator at the club’s Callaway e Golf Performance Center provides instant S DONA

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35 Canadian Traveller September 2011 Arizona 15 e v d ri t eser d B V C u T CSON

desert golfing

feedback on every swing, allowing players to Wickenburg, a town of cowboys and ranches lush Sonoran desert course offers beautiful elevate their play using the same advanced just 88 kilometres northwest of Phoenix. driving ranges in rolling terrain, putting greens, technology used by the pros. Golf Digest Magazine ranked the golf club at and a short game practice area. Rancho de Los Caballeros as one of the top Along the eastern edge of the White C eNTRAL Arizona five rated courses in the Phoenix area and one Mountains, the Alpine Golf & Country Club There’s plenty of Western soul in sleepy of the top 100 courses in the US. Set at the (elevation 2,500 metres) is the highest golf foot of the scenic Bradshaw Mountains, this course in the Southwest. Constant breezes create the coolest summer golfing in the state. Alpine’s course fairways are surrounded by dense groves of aspen trees, blue spruce and ponderosa pines, and the majority of greens are small and fast. Designed by course architect Gary Panks, the 18 holes of the Sedona Golf Resort flow through a cedar-strewn valley between the area’s famed red rocks. The championship course receives a continuous four-star rating from Golf Digest. One of the most photographed holes in the western United On Sale September 19th States, the sweeping view of Cathedral Rock from the tenth hole is often heralded as the 2012 Wildcat Trail Program most breathtaking in all of Arizona golf. Finest Courses in Northern Arizona Near Flagstaff, the Continental Country Club Golf Southern Arizona Course is an interesting mix of narrow undulating tree-lined fairways and more open, meadow-like holes, with moderate to fast greens. The pros on Free Golf & Discounts staff teach all levels from individual to small group classes, as well as regular clinics. At the Lake Powell National Golf Course Lowest Prices Available in Page, the 18-hole championship course sits atop a high mesa with stunning vistas of the Vermillion Cliffs, Glen Canyon Dam and Lake Powell. The course includes full practice facilities with a driving range and two putting greens. Several hotels in the Lake Powell area For Information on the Wildcat Trail or offer popular “stay and play” packages. The air is cooler at Williams, one of the Our Vacation Packages Visit wildcattrail.com gateway towns to the Grand Canyon and

16 Arizona September 2011 Canadian Traveller 36 A recent renovation of the on course bunkers and upgrading in the clubhouse, the stunning desert setting, plus reasonable green fees make this one of the most picturesque and affordable golfing experiences in the Southwest. At Parker, Golf Digest calls the Emerald Canyon Golf Course – carved out of the

B landscape overlooking the Colorado River V

C – as the “best bargain in Arizona” and “a four- v eNTANA canyon golf coursE star rating.” In addition to the 18-hole par 72 u T CSON championship course, there are two practice greens, a putting green, lighted driving range and full-service pro shop. the home of the municipal Elephant Rocks the layout, adding nine holes to create Near Lake Havasu City, affordable play Golf Course, one of the top courses in championship play while still retaining the is found at The Courses at London Bridge Northern Arizona. At 2,100 metres above character of the original design. Golf Club where memberships can range sea level, Elephant Rocks is a perfect escape from unlimited golf to twilight golf to from the summertime heat of the valley. The A rizoNA’s West Coast monthly passes on their two courses. Players 18-hole course winds through a forest of Designed by Arnold Palmer, Mesa del Sol Golf have a view of the famous London Bridge tall ponderosa pines and tree-lined fairways. Club near Yuma features 18 championship (transplanted here in the late 1960s), Lake In 2000, architect Gary Panks redesigned holes of golf in a tranquil desert setting. Havasu and the surrounding high desert. b

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37 Canadian Traveller September 2011 Arizona 17 rafting the colorado pal y hard A cTIve travellers may have a difficult time choosing from Arizona’s long menu of sports and adventure activities. Add to that a dizzying choice of places to stay – from rustic ranches to luxury resorts to charming B&Bs – and it means they can give-it-their-all during the daytime, and tuck in softly at night.

hard AOT

39 Canadian Traveller September 2011 Arizona 19 Hg ikin & Climbing helicopter. Flights begin over ponderosa Arizona is a paradise for mountain pine forest and then drop over the ArizonaScenicTours(POVG10)o 11/5/09 10:21 AM Page 1 South Rim revealing spectacular birds-

z climbers. Just steps from Phoenix, the Seven Summits Challenge attracts eye views. Operators also offers tours experienced climbers who try to scale from Scottsdale/Phoenix that fly over a ri na the area’s seven peaks all within a two- the Sonoran Desert, the red rocks of day period. Other popular rock climbing Sedona, as well as the Grand Canyon. d sites are the Superstition Mountains, There’s always peace and solitude Mount Lemmon and Jack’s Canyon. in soaring quietly and slowly above the In the northern part of the state, a wide-open desert, whether skydiving, land of dramatic red buttes, spires and gliding or riding in an ultralite plane. deep canyons define the high desert of Floating serenely in the basket of a har the Four Corners region. Grand Canyon hot air balloon is another “once-in-a- y has hiking choices like no other – multi- lifetime” experience. day, rim-to-rim hikes into the canyon SkyVenture Arizona (located between are a popular challenge for the very Phoenix and Tucson) simulates skydiving at their state-of-the-art indoor skydiving

Pla experienced, but there are plenty of shorter hikes for regular folks. The best wind tunnel. Guests can master various hiking trails in curvaceous slot canyons, flying and aerobatic skills without ever at Antelope Canyon and Canyon X, are having to jump out of an airplane or use masterpieces of eddying and twisting red a parachute. sandstone, carved by the forces of wind and water. Bycle Bi yc Stepping out onto the SkyWalk at The South Rim of the Grand Canyon has Eagle Point is a surreal experience – now added bicycle rentals. Choose from the glass bridge jutting out over the self-guided routes along the greenway Grand Canyon is suspended 1,200 trail system or guided tours. And metres above the Colorado River. It’s a bicyclists can cover a lot more ground by great starting point before heading out utilizing the park’s bus system, which can onto one of the area’s many trails on carry up to three bikes per bus. terra firma. With a vast number of rugged and challenging trails, Arizona’s terrain is the A iRBORNE perfect match for mountain bikes. W arning: experiencing the majestic In the south, the vast Sonoran Desert landforms of Arizona from above will and the Santa Catalina Mountains are GLENDALE CONVENTION electrify even the most experienced thrill criss-crossed with mountain biking & VISITORS BUREAU seeker, and may be addictive. trails. South Mountain Park in Phoenix Nothing can prepare you for seeing has mapped out 82 kilometres of trails We’d love to tell you the Grand Canyon from the seat of a from beginner level to expert. The ski where to go.

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20 Arizona September 2011 Canadian Traveller 40 lift at Sunrise Park Resort in the heart of the AZ Guide Canadian Traveler 0811.pdf 1 8/3/11 1:14 PM White Mountains is outfitted with special bike carriers to shuttle equipment to the top of Sunrise Mountain. In the Verde River basin area, the McDowell Mountain Regional Park is zigzagged with 80 kilometres of multi-use trails. In Sedona, marked trails offer spectacular views of the area’s beautiful red sandstone formations. Tucson has been named one of the country’s most bicycle-friendly cities. The city’s network of bike paths and special events like the Tour de Tucson earned it the accolade from Bicycling Magazine. BEAUTIFUL 2-ROOM SUITES IN THE HEART OF SCOTTSDALE FOR THE PRICE OF JUST A ROOM! NOW THAT’S VALUE! Cngavi Our “Suite Amenities” and value are second to none. Call us today! Guided tours along marked trails reveal • 311 (500 sq. ft.) 2-Room Suites • On-Site Restaurant & Sports Bar the awesome beauty of the world-famous • Free Cooked-to-Order Breakfast Daily • Free USA Today Newspaper Kartchner Caverns in the southern part of • Evening Reception Nightly 5:30-7:30 • Two Heated Swimming Pools the state. And, Colossal Cave Mountain Park • Individual Airport Shuttle 6AM-10PM & Whirlpools near Tucson offers guided walking tours into • In-Room Wired & Wireless Internet • Lighted Tennis Court the world of cave formations like stalactites, stalagmites and helictites.

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41 Canadian Traveller September 2011 Arizona 21 o z a ri na d har y B V C Pla cson u T

S onORAN Desert e M TROPOLITAN With over 600 kilometres of shoreline, M oTOR SpORTS Winter sports boating, parasailing and fishing are very The thrill of the open road takes on a new Arizona is home to some of the finest popular on Lake Havasu along the region meaning when you’re travelling on two wheels ski resorts in the Southwest. At Sunrise known as Arizona’s West Coast. – especially in Arizona’s near-perfect riding Park Resort, near Show Low, skiers and Rafting Arizona’s rivers can be the weather. Twisty backroads and a kaleidoscope snowboarders from beginner to expert can adventure of a lifetime, and a wonderful way of scenery make it the destination for those swoosh down 65 ski runs spread over three to spot wildlife. Outfitters throughout the embracing the motorcycle lifestyle. Local tour peaks. The resort also offers wintertime state offer half-day to multi-day adventures operators offer dozens of guided tours for sleigh rides, tubing, snowmobiling, ice fishing, down waterways including the Salt River bikers (lasting from three days to two weeks) sledding, cross-country trails and ski rentals Canyon, Verde River and the Colorado River covering areas like Sedona, the Grand Canyon, and lessons. Arizona Snowbowl near Flagstaff through the Grand Canyon. Monument Valley, Canyon de Chelly, Route 66 is one of the oldest continuously operated ski and the White Mountains. As well, riders can resorts in the US. sign on to be a part of a once-in-a-lifetime Forever Resorts Where the sun shines. event, the Arizona Centennial Ride planned M aNCATIONS for February 2012. A new concept aimed squarely at men has It’s perfectly acceptable to “put the come to Parker, on the Colorado River along pedal to the metal” at the Bob Bondurant Arizona’s West Coast. ManCation Nation School of High Performance Driving in provides a package of extreme sports – Chandler. Half-day to four-day courses for like wakeboarding, sky skiing, water skiing, beginners to experienced racers teach wake surfing, tubing and parasailing – exotic participants to drive like track professionals. weapons, off-roading, fishing and golf. b

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22 Arizona September 2011 Canadian Traveller 42 Distinctively Different

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A cultural cornerstone for many Native Americans is the is home to the Navajo Nation, and the largest intimate bond they share with the land. Traditionally, all things tribal lands in North America. Many of the sacred, mystical sites have been well preserved – people, animals, birds, plants, the sun, rain – are sacred and as national monuments and historical sites. interconnected. The people of Arizona’s 22 tribes still carry on Three ancient cliff dwellings at Navajo many spiritual traditions of their ancestors. National Monument are still intact today. Park staff lead guided tours or there are self- And these traditions are important to the unique sport filled with dazzling performances. guided educational trails that identify flora and people of these tribes. Respect that Arizona’s Every December the Pueblo Grande Museum fauna and their significance to the Navajo and reservations and pueblos are sovereign Auxiliary Indian Market features Native Hopi cultures. nations with their own customs and tribal American artists – just in time for a little holiday Described as “the most sacred place laws. Always travel with an open mind, a sense shopping! Summertime in Flagstaff marks on Earth,” the majestic Canyon de Chelly of respect and adventure. the annual Navajo Rug Auction, an excellent National Monument is a stunning landscape of opportunity to learn about Native American art. precipitous gorges, towering red rock spires, C oNNECT Through fertile farmland and ancestral Pueblo ruins. Festivals Sredndsac La Roads and short hiking trails line the rims, but Visiting tribal lands and witnessing a cultural Visitors can discover the roots of a nation in the only way to explore the canyon bottom is festival is a way to experience a rich the timeless landscape and abundance of Native on a Navajo-led tour. tapestry of Native American ceremony, American heritage, customs and traditions One of the most recognizable sights in the art, cuisine and custom. throughout world, the dreamlike landscape of red sandstone Each spring, Hopi katsina doll carvers Arizona. spires, buttes and mesas of Monument Valley gather to show and sell their unique creations The northeast Navajo Tribal Park straddles Arizona’s border at the Heard Museum’s Hopi Katsina Doll corner of the with Utah. The historic Goulding’s Trading Post Marketplace. The Museum also hosts the state, known as contains a lodge, gift shop and small museum World Championship of Hoop Dancing, a the Four Corners, with highlights from the many westerns filmed A h P OT OTOS

Cna yo de Chelly National Monument

24 Arizona September 2011 Canadian Traveller 44 traditions

in the area. Navajo guides provide fascinating jeep tours into the backcountry; otherwise visitors must stay to the bumpy 30-kilometre loop road. discover your sanctuary. At the edge of Lake Powell is the world’s largest known natural bridge, the Rainbow Bridge, a span of sandstone symbolizing rainfall and fertility to the Navajo. There are two hiking trails and guided tours available. The five, blue-green waterfalls of the Havasupai Tribal lands can only be accessed by hike, horseback or helicopter. The reward is a camping or lodge stay well off the beaten track! The Hopi Cultural Center in Second Mesa explains the spiritual ways of the Hopi people, one of the continent’s oldest civilizations. The small villages on the three mesas of Hopiland have breathtaking views over the lower desert, and hold colourful events like Katsina dances. Many sacred ceremonies are closed to the public, so it is best to check first and to follow respectful decorum at all times. The new Moenkopi Legacy Inn is the first hotel built on Hopi tribal land in half a century. The hotel offers guided tours to the Hopi villages. 5700 E. McDonald Drive, Scottsdale • 800.245.2051 • sanctuaryaz.com Just north of Phoenix, in the Verde Valley, Montezuma Castle National Monument is a 20-room prehistoric cliff dwelling, once home to the Sinagua Indians. The structure is considered the harbinger of the pueblo-style architecture now seen across the Southwest. Living on the flatlands of the Sonoran Desert near Tucson, the Tohono O’odham – known as the “Desert People” – are renowned for their basketry skills. Third largest in the US, the Tohono O’odham Tribal Lands are lined by mountain peaks sacred to the culture.

T ake A ChANCE Put a spin Arizona’s tribal-run, upscale gaming operations across the state now include 18 casinos on your tsr with slot machines, gaming tables, cards and bingo halls. In addition to gambling, many weekend. casino-resorts showcase top-notch live entertainment and stage shows with dining options from casual poolside bars to five-star From Four Diamond accommodations and outstanding dining to cuisine featuring top national chefs. world-class entertainment and thrilling gaming, Talking Stick Resort The 15-storey Talking Stick casino-resort has all the elements for a perfectly rewarding getaway. How will you east of Scottsdale features almost 500 deluxe line them up? rooms and suites, luxurious spa as well as a martini and cigar bar. Desert Diamond Casinos in Tucson are open seven days a week for slots, keno, bingo and table games. The Blue Water Resort and Casino in Parker Proudly owned and operated by the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community. has non-stop casino action with 475 slot machines, blackjack, poker and bingo. b scottsdale | 866.877.9897 | talkingstickresort.com

45 Canadian Traveller September 2011 Arizona 25 3905_9_TSR_Effects_CanadianTraveller.indd 1 6/22/11 9:41 AM relax & recharge

Teandh Gr Canyon State’s gentle side speaks to everyone’s need to relax and recharge by indulging in a little culture or self-care. A wide choice of ranch stays, luxurious spas and well-serviced resorts make great destinations for weddings, honeymoons, romantic getaways, reunions and retreats. And there’s a real culture charge on the music and museum scene that will keep visitors energized. B V C c S OTTSDALE

26 Arizona September 2011 Canadian Traveller 46 Love Is In The Air There are few spots in the world that can www.VisitSedona.com match Arizona’s wide variety of romantic backdrops – perfect for a wedding or honeymoon. From red rocks to picturesque mountain ranges and rustic guest ranches to lavish resorts – all under more than 300 days of sunshine a year – Arizona is an easy wedding destination to sell. At sunset, the red rocks of Sedona glow a spectacular crimson. With near-perfect weather, there are endless possibilities for outdoor ceremonies and receptions. Nature lovers can say their vows under the “wedding tree” at Red Rock State Park. The Grand Canyon’s magnificent What will you Shoshone Point overlooking the South do with your Rim is an unbeatable backdrop for wedding photos. Garden lovers would be extra night? happy among the wildflowers of Lockett Meadow at the base of the San Francisco Your fourth night’s free when you stay for three! Peaks near Flagstaff. A ceremony barefoot In one of the most spectacular settings on earth, experience the pure joy of hiking, among the grapevines of a vineyard may tennis, biking and star gazing. Enjoy ﬁ ne dining, life-afﬁ rming spa treatments at be just the ticket for a pair of gastronomes. Mii amo, and use your extra time for exploring Sedona’s art galleries and jeep tours The romance of Western history is or an easy trip to the Grand Canyon. never far away in atmosphere-steeped towns like Tombstone and Bisbee. In Call 800.826.4180 or visit enchantmentresort.com. Tombstone, couples can exchange their vows under the sweet-scented canopy of 525 Boynton Canyon4c process Road coated Sedona,logo Arizona the world’s largest Lady Banks rose tree. 800.826.4180 enchantmentresort.com miiamo.com The Victorian-style bed and breakfast inns *Subject to limited availability thru Dec. 21, 2011. Advance reservations and minimum four-night stay required. Offer not redeemable for and gourmet restaurants of Bisbee are cash. Fourth night free does not include resort fee. Only applicable for new reservations; not available for groups or with other special offers. part of the old mining town’s renaissance as an artists’ enclave. In some of the smaller, historic communities like Prescott 11-ENCH-1218 Sep CanadianTraveller v2.indd 1 8/3/11 10:33 AM and Jerome, territorial-era churches still have the original stained glass windows and wood plank floors. In Arizona, even the cities are known for jaw-dropping settings, quaint bed & breakfasts and luxury resorts. In Phoenix, the Sonoran Desert and the drama of peaks like Camelback Mountain are home to high-end properties like The Boulders or the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess. Both use the ancient desert landscape to create romantic settings for both ceremony and reception. In Tucson, Spanish and Mexican heritage is reflected in the many charming adobe hotels and upscale guest resorts.

Rnchesa & Retreats With so many different landscapes – from deserts to canyons to forested mountains – there’s something for everyone’s dream holiday, from girlfriend getaways to family bonding time. There’s no more authentic Western experience than on a ranch stay. Immerse yourself as much as you’d like – from

47 Canadian Traveller September 2011 Arizona 27 recharge & &

x rela

musical instrument museum MIM/BILL TIMMERMAN

riding the trails to hanging out at night to count the stars in the Sedona’s worldwide reputation as a spiritual energy centre means Western sky. Ranch stays are family-friendly and fun girlfriend (or guy) no shortage of places to rejuvenate and reenergize. The Mii amo spa getaways. Properties like Rancho de los Caballeros (Wickenburg) and at Enchantment Resort was ranked the world’s best destination spa Tanque Verde Ranch (Tucson) are members of The Dude Ranchers’ by Travel & Leisure. Their focus is on all-inclusive spa retreat journeys Association. New Age meets Old West at the eco-friendly Sunglow including meals and two spa treatments daily. The Amara Resort and Ranch near the Chiricahua Mountains where yoga, cooking, writing and the Hilton Sedona Resort are two other Sedona properties that offer photography workshops can be part of the vacation. renewing spa experiences and upscale accommodations.

Ainar zo ’s Musical Roots Run Deep The multi-layered heritage of Native American and Hispanic cultures Phoenix/Chandler has left a strong mark on the musical traditions of Arizona. At one time performance theatre was huge – many of the grand halls have been transformed into modern facilities now home to groups like the Phoenix Metropolitan Opera (Orpheum Theatre in Phoenix) and the Fox Tucson Theatre. Phoenix’s Musical Instrument Museum, the world’s first museum of ethnic, folk and tribal musical instruments from around the globe, has now become an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution. Guests can listen to a multimedia collection of more than 12,000 world instruments – the sounds of various instruments are played through wireless headsets as you move from display to display. Rich musical heritage comes alive at many exhibits and festivals: • Fiesta del Tlaquepaque in Sedona celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month (September) • Spacious One and Two Bedroom King Suites with Separate Living Rooms & Kitchens • Complimentary Full Hot Breakfast Buffet Daily • Mexican Day of the Dead is commemorated in Tucson and at the • Complimentary Evening Social Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays Museum of Northern Arizona in Flagstaff (October) • Complimentary High Speed Wireless Internet Access • Music in the Garden Fall Concert Series brings the musical spirit of • Outdoor Heated Pool and Spa the Southwest to life at The Desert Botanical Garden of Phoenix • Fitness Center with state-of-the-art cardio machines • Business Center with two desktop computers, printer, workstation Mseumu Tales What better way to understand the Native American culture of ceremony, artistry, symbolism and deep traditions than with a visit to one of the state’s many museums? In Flagstaff, the Museum of Northern Arizona’s enormous collection is a treasure trove of knowledge on tribal history, traditional weaving, pottery, katsinas and jewelry, as well as the geology and biology of the 5858 West Chandler Blvd · Chandler, AZ · 85226 Colorado Plateau. 480- 705-8881 The Explore Navajo Interactive Museum near Tuba City in the Four www.hawthorn.com/609 email: [email protected] Corners region approximates the journey Navajo take through life. The

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30 Arizona September 2011 Canadian Traveller 50 museum is divided into four quadrants, a number Mountains is now headquarters of The Frank with special significance to the Navajo. Lloyd Wright Foundation. Tours allow the public to The Heard Museum in Phoenix’s arts district experience Wright’s craftsmanship and learn about showcases the cultural heritage of Native peoples – the famous architect’s philosophies and theories it’s a must-see introduction to the founding heritage of design. Wright influenced the architecture of and art of the Southwest. Indoor and outdoor Phoenix and Scottsdale, leaving his mark on several galleries show innovative programs, festivals, music, buildings in the valley area. dance and world-class Native American fine art. Along historic Route 66, in Winslow, an The Pueblo Grande Museum in Phoenix sits at architectural treasure described as “the last great the 1,500-year-old ruins of a prehistoric Hohokam railroad hotel” has been rated by Condé Nast village. Visitors can walk the ruin trails, see an Traveler as one of the best places in the world to excavated ball court and view reproductions of stay. With its sustainable desert gardens and award- Hohokam homes. winning Turquoise Room restaurant, La Posada is the hacienda-style masterpiece of famed American B uILT On Native Foundations architect Mary Jane Colter. Colter’s design touch The influence of the state’s earliest Native also shaped several of the National Park Service residents is reflected inA rizona’s love for designs landmark hotels and structures along the South Rim that integrate function with the surrounding of the Grand Canyon. environment. Some of America’s pre-eminent Considered a work of art, the luminous Mission architects – Frank Lloyd Wright, Mary Jane Coulter – San Xavier del Bac (“White Dove of the Desert”) made the Arizona desert their homes, drawn by the is one of the country’s finest examples ofS panish

B Colonial architecture. A National Historic Landmark, V inspiration of the landscape and the ancient cultures. C Frequently called “the greatest American it’s distinctive for its two-metre thick walls of adobe brick and interior decorations of paintings, statuary

e architect of all time,” Frank Lloyd Wright’s winter S DONA home, Taliesin West, at the foot of the McDowell and murals.

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51 Canadian Traveller September 2011 Arizona 31 recharge navajo jewelry B V C & &

Make x c it your S OTTSDALE Mission to have a good rela tiMe. At Tubac, home of the first Spanish trading post in the Navajo Nation. It’s also settlement in Arizona, the Tubac Presidio a good spot for the serious collector to State Historic Park preserves the ruins purchase high quality Navajo rugs, Pueblo The only full-service of the original presidio and a territorial katsina dolls, pottery and paintings in an hotel, located in the schoolhouse. Close by are the ruins of historic location. heart of Downtown three Spanish colonial missions at the Just 30 minutes from the Grand Tempe. Stroll more than 100 shops, Tumacácori National Historic Park. Canyon, the sandstone and log restaurants and galleries where the fun Cameron Trading Post offers a variety never stops on famed Mill Avenue. A CuLTURAL of Native American and Southwest art from handmade originals to more Lounge by the rooftop pool, enjoy Renaissance The Mission Grille, stroll along Tempe contemporary dreamcatchers and flutes. Many visitors come to Arizona in search The Hopi Mesas north of Winslow and Town Lake or swing on of colourful Navajo rugs, intricate jewelry, nearby championship Flagstaff are known for brightly-painted woven baskets and carved Hopi katsina katsina dolls representing the sacred courses. It’s all yours dolls. Part of the fun is the opportunity to spirits, coiled baskets and fine pottery. when you make this buy from the artisan or tribe member at Galleries and museum gift shops in your mission. an historic trading post or roadside stand. Tucson, Flagstaff, Sedona and Phoenix The Hubbell Trading Post in Ganado 60 E. 5th St. Tempe, AZ 85281 showcase original works – a good bet is 480.894.1400 800.547.8705 missionpalms.com is a National Historic Site and the oldest the Heard Museum gift shop. b

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32 Arizona September 2011 Canadian Traveller 52 ride ’em cow boy cow boy

Ainar zo is a land of wide-open spaces, ranching and mining history and a rich Western heritage of cowboy traditions. The rough ’n’ tumble landscape attracted those hardy individuals seeking fortunes in the new frontier. Peppered across the state are remnants of mining camps and ghost towns, stagecoach stops, ranches, historic railway lines, trail riding operations and dude ranches from basic to luxurious. AOT

55 Canadian Traveller September 2011 Arizona 35 y b w c o e d i R ‘em B V y uMA territorial prison state historic park C Yuma Cpturinga That Wild West feeling since 1901. The fully restored rail cars of the Verde Canyon Railroad Towns like Prescott, Bisbee and Jerome still maintain the territorial feel, (near Sedona) make the voyage from the old mining town of Clarkdale giving a glimpse into life for the Western frontiersmen who settled the to the Perkinsville ghost ranch, travelling a scenic route once used by area in the early 1900s. Many of these small towns had their roots in the copper industry. the mining rush that opened up the West. Get a first hand look on a Each February, the town of Wickenburg celebrates Gold Rush Days, mining train deep into the tunnels on the Queen Mine Tour in Bisbee. a celebration of the area’s rich Wild West heritage. Festivities include a In Tombstone – site of the Gunfight at the OK Corral – visitors can shoot-out on Frontier Street, and a rodeo that attracts cowboys from stroll along wooden sidewalks and soak up the atmosphere of one across the country. of Arizona’s oldest Western towns. The new Virgil’s Corner B&B has The annual Wyatt Earp Days in the town of Tombstone opened on the former homesite of famed Tombstone police chief, (“The Town Too Tough to Die”) feature a re-enactment competition Virgil Earp. Earp is best known as the brother of Wyatt Earp, a of the famous shoot-out at the OK Corral. Locals dress in Old West lawman who went down in history as the toughest and deadliest fashion of the 1880s and there are stagecoach rides, a chili cook-off, gunman of his day. and mock gunfights. At Estrella Mountain Regional Park riders can don chaps, boots and Mix a little Hollywood with the Old West feel at Old Tucson Studios, a cowboy hat and experience the Sonoran Desert an entertainment venue and working film shoot cowboy style on the back of a gentle trail horse. location voted “Best Western Movie Set” by True Ranches and trail ride operations can be found West magazine. The studio is a re-creation of a across the state. Western town, complete with rustic storefronts. Visitors can experience a horse of a different Visitors can see saloon musicals, gunfights and kind – the “steel horse” of the steam engine stunt shows, Old West dramas, head out on a railroad that first brought pioneers toA rizona in trail ride or try their hand at panning for gold. the late 1800s. The new Pivot Point Interpretive For something completely different, every Plaza in Yuma features a restored 1907 Baldwin year the Arizona Cowboy Poets Gathering steam locomotive and the magic of a little in Prescott draws dozens of performers who B 21st century technology to tell the story of V bring their cowboy poetry and music to C how the West was opened up when the railway the stage to share the culture of the cson

came through. u American cowboy. T Two other vintage railways in the state have Rodeos are a long-held tradition in Arizona become popular tourist attractions. The Grand – once a way for cowboys to showcase their Canyon Railway operates between Williams and the skills, today rodeo has achieved the status of an tropolitan e

South Rim of the Grand Canyon. The historic rail line M has been shuttling visitors to see the Grand Canyon tombstone

36 Arizona September 2011 Canadian Traveller 56

rawhide western town y

international sport, with competitions being in private casitas decorated in vintage style, b held across the state. Prescott Frontier Days dine at The Grill, the resort’s award-winning w – the World’s Oldest Rodeo – is a century- restaurant, and saddle up for trail rides, old Arizona tradition. The Navajo Nation Fair including moonlight rides and daytime trips to c

o Rodeo in Window Rock is an important part explore the desert terrain. of Native American tribal culture and includes bull riding, team roping and steer H iSTORICAL sights wrestling competitions. B The riches that lay beneath the ground were V

C the magnets for many who came to explore e Rncha stays the region. The displays at the Arizona There is no better way to enjoy a true Historical Society trace history from the c d S OTTSDALE i western experience than to stay at one Spanish conquistadors to statehood. Displays of Arizona’s many guest ranches. The area include recreations of underground mine R ‘em Spanish caballeros. Many guests come for around Wickenburg has several ranches the rugged trail rides (8,000 hectares of lush tunnels and 18th-century Spanish that open their doors – and gates – to open range, 100 saddle horses and seasoned silver artifacts. visitors looking for a little desert solitude wranglers) but the resort also has an award- To the east of Phoenix, the rugged spires of and relaxation, a romantic getaway, a family winning golf course and spa. the Superstition Mountains are home to Lost reunion, or a trail riding vacation. The smaller Flying E Ranch has been a Dutchman State Park, named after a fabled The Apache Spirit Ranch, on the site of a dude and working cattle ranch since 1946, lost gold mine, which, according to legend is former working ranch just east of Tombstone, offering a more home-like atmosphere to rich in gold ore. Hiking trails are a popular brings together the atmosphere of the old ranch living, wrangler guided trial rides, chuck way to explore the park. west and the luxuries of a contemporary wagon feeds and hay wagon trips. At Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic resort. Themed accommodations, romantic One of the oldest ranches in southern Park visit a slice of Western history at the campfires and spectacular sunsets are all part Arizona is Hacienda del Sol Guest Ranch in Arizona Territory’s first prison. Now a museum, of the Old West experience. the foothills of the Santa Catalina Mountains. the building houses photographs and colourful Rancho de los Caballeros honours the Today, the ranch has moved a bit upscale exhibits of the 3,069 prisoners who, a century skilful riding and gracious living style of the from its authentic ranching roots – guests stay ago, lived within the prison walls. b

38 Arizona September 2011 Canadian Traveller 58

National Parks Service nu at r al wod n ers

A n extRAORDINARy mix of desert landscapes, canyon lands, cool pine forests and the power of the Colorado River create a range of ecozones… and a generous sampling of ecoadventures and green travel opportunities. No other region in North America offers the broad spectrum of life zones found in Arizona. It is all connected by the Arizona Trail, a nationally designated, 1,300-kilometre scenic route linking the state’s mountains, deserts, canyons and forests from north to south. www.aztrail.org

61 Canadian Traveller September 2011 Arizona 41 Arizona is known for its canyons – more than five million people come to Grand Canyon National Park each year, making it onders one of the most visited natural attractions w in the world. The new Trail of Time is a 4.65-km geologic interpretive trail along the South Rim – each metre of the trail represents one million years in geologic r history. Adventuresome hikers can head off the beaten path, walking rim-to-rim through the mile-deep gorge. t Local guides lead hikes through the a hauntingly beautiful, red sandstone slot canyons of Antelope Canyon and Canyon n u al X, where the power of water has sculpted the dramatic curved walls. At sunrise and sunset the canyon walls glow a warm red. The spellbinding Sonoran Desert sprawls across much of southern Arizona and it’s here you find that iconic sentinel of the desert, the multi-armed, saguaro cactus. The best introduction to the desert ecosystem is at the Arizona-Sonora Desert RP’s Stage Stop - Gifts, Coff ee, Internet Café & Museum, a world-renowned zoo, botanical Original Handcrafted Native American Jewelry garden and natural history museum near Tucson. In the nearby Catalina Foothills, the elegant Hacienda del Sol Guest Ranch is a Tucson landmark, recognized by National Geographic as a geotourism destination. After a day of eco-exploration, guests can relax in The Grill, the ranch’s award-winning

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42 Arizona September 2011 Canadian Traveller 62 BWRC-3975-1 Canadain_Traveller.indd 1 8/18/11 2:07:31 PM 100 years ago, Yuma hotels boasted that they offered “free board every day the sun doesn’t shine.” Now, in honor of Arizona’s Centennial celebration, the whole community will renew the historic offer by providing complimentary meals at participating restaurants for registered guests of participating hotels.

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r Park where the stories of climate and geological forces are told in the logs captured as colourful crystal patterns of petrified t wood. Skirting the sagebrush-studded border

a between Arizona and Utah, Monument Valley’s dreamlike landscape of red spires, n u al buttes and mesas is explored by driving or hiking the loop road. Near the south border of the Four Corners region, two natural

AOT disasters have left their mark: Meteor Crater (two kilometres wide and 60 storeys deep) is restaurant named “Tucson’s Most through Grand Canyon or exploring the the spot where a meteorite crashed into the Romantic Dining.” ruins of ancient communities at Canyon de Earth; and Sunset Crater National Monument A landscape of dramatic red buttes, spires Chelley or Wupatki National Monument. is an eerie landscape of deep cinders and lava and deep canyons define the high desert Nature shows her true colours watching the flows, left behind when an ancient volcano of the Four Corners region (where the colours shift on the surrealistic landscape blew its top a millennium ago. northeast part of the state intersects with of The Painted Desert, and exploring the There’s a spiritual beauty to the startling New Mexico, Colorado and Utah). Popular world’s largest and best preserved collection red rock spires and buttes of Sedona. activities include rafting the Colorado River of petrified wood at Petrified Forest National New Age gurus claim that the spectacular

44 Arizona September 2011 Canadian Traveller 64 B V C monument valley c S OTTSDALE sandstone formations contain intersections of high energy called vortexes. Sedona Trail Finder is an interactive database of more than 100 Sedona-area trails with the ability to match each hiker’s ability to the perfect trail choice. The evenings can be a chance to recharge and luxuriate: Grand Canyon, Sedona, Page and Lake Powell all offer a range of hotels If Yuma, Arizona is your winter (from the historic El Tovar National Park lodge on the canyon rim, to the AAA four-diamond Adobe Grand Villas in Sedona where fresh home, then Silver Care is for you! baked bread is prepared in your villa upon arrival). The Grand Canyon Silver Care is a free comprehensive Caverns & Inn claims “the world’s largest, deepest, darkest motel program of health-related benefits room.” Sixty-one metres below the surface, the new Grand Cavern including exclusive activities, Suite is entirely devoid of any natural light or sound. educational programs, a newsletter Teesh Ski Above and discounts for people age 55 As the last light fades from and older. the sky, stillness descends over the desert, and the heavens are filled with twinkling stars – it’s hard to beat the show put on by the moon and the constellations. Blessed with temperate weather and clear night skies, the state is an astronomer’s dream, and home to a wide variety of observatories, night-time For more information call astronomy programs and events to bewitch everyone from stargazing newbies to 928.336.3100 seasoned skywatchers. www.yumaregional.org The new San Pedro B V

Valley Observatory in C Benson offers a high-quality, cson u T arinazo -sonora desert museum tropolitan e M

65 Canadian Traveller September 2011 Arizona 45 onders w r B V t C a cson u T n u al

cardinal in the desert e M TROPOLITAN

educational astronomy experience with three In the clear mountain air above Flagstaff, the educational programming. brand-new telescopes. the historic Lowell Observatory houses the Skygazers who don’t want to stray At the Kitt Peak National Observatory 13-inch Pluto Discovery Telescope, used in beyond the city limits can visit the Dorrance southwest of Tucson, the collection of 26 the discovery of the distant dwarf planet. Planetarium at the Arizona Science Center in telescopes includes the world’s largest solar In 2011, the new seven-storey Discovery downtown Phoenix. The facility is one of only telescope. Guided tours and nightly observing Channel Telescope will start operations. five in the world to use NanoSeam dome programs provide a great chance to view Solar viewing, portable planetarium shows, technology, for an immersive experience. planets and distant galaxies. telescopes and guided tours are all part of Observing the show in the night sky has become a popular activity at resorts that are offering special weekend stays with an astronomy theme. Sunglow Ranch, The Boulders Resort, Camelback Inn, Four Seasons Resort in Scottsdale and JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort can all make arrangements for stargazing experiences.

Ordn A Bi watch? With a temperate climate and a wide diversity of ecozones, Arizona is a bonanza for birders looking to check new species off their list (in fact, birding is southern Arizona’s number one activity). In the desert, pine forests, arid plateaus and remote canyons, hundreds of species of birds pass through a green corridor as they migrate from northern nesting grounds to southern wintering climes. Birding hotspots like Ramsey Canyon Preserve, the Huachuca Mountains, Verde Valley and Sedona attract serious birders who return year after year. This year, two areas of the state received Global Important Bird Area designations by BirdLife International, an alliance of conservation organizations and the leading authority on the status of birds and their habitats. The Chiricahua Mountains in the southeast corner of the state and Anderson Mesa, southeast of Flagstaff in the Coconino National Forest, were identified as important habitats of globally threatened bird species. b

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