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Travel Arizona
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Arizona: A State for All Seasons
From the Grand Canyon in the north to the saguaro forests of the south,
with the red rocks of Sedona in between, Arizona’s spectacular
landscapes defy the imagination. When’s the best time to see for
yourself? The state is so large and varied – and visitor preferences so
personal - that every season has its advantages.
The
Lay of the Landscapes
Arizona divides, roughly, into three geological zones: the deserts of
the south and west, the mountainous central highlands, and the northern
Colorado Plateau, named for the river that carved a magnificent canyon
through it. Diversity within those divisions - 10,000-foot-high
mountains in the south, and volcano-created plains in the central
highlands – make it a generalization to say that southern Arizona is
hot in summer, northern Arizona cold in winter, but that’s still a
useful travel rule of thumb.
Arizona’s two major metropolises, Greater Phoenix and Metropolitan
Tucson, lie in the state’s southern sector, swathed by the Sonoran
Desert, lush with saguaros and other cacti, and punctuated by several
mountain ranges. The desert is fairly flat to the west, but in the
east, as cacti give way to scrubby trees and to the tumbling rocks of
the Chiracahua Mountains, the region takes on a rugged beauty. One of
the area’s top natural lures, Kartchner Caverns, lies underground.
Northern Arizona stands out for its astonishing chasms, not only the
Grand Canyon but also Canyon de Chelly and the slot canyons near Page.
The series of flooded canyons that became Lake Powell is awe-inspiring,
too. The region’s other distinctive features include the pastel palette
of the Painted Desert and the striking buttes and spires of Monument
Valley.
The scenery stars of north central Arizona are the startlingly red
sandstone cliffs and mesas of Sedona. Equally as magnificent are
granite boulders near Prescott, and the Mogollon Rim, the southern edge
of the Colorado Plateau, affording wonderful views of the Verde Valley.
The rim stretches east to the White Mountains, the most famous of the
series of the peaks in this beautiful forested region. The Colorado
River defines the landscape to the west, not by carving out chasms but
by providing lovely riparian areas as well as splashy playscapes.
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 THE REGIONS BY SEASON |
Song
of the South: If unparalleled desert scenery and escape from
colder climes appeal, winter is ideal for visiting the major cities:
The warm, sunny weather is perfect for sightseeing, and events from
outdoor concerts to rodeos are going strong. In spring, the mercury
hasn’t peaked, but room prices have, offering an ideal climate and
moderate prices. The desert often blooms with wildflowers, too. For
those who love bargains, summer is great for getting resort rooms,
green fees, and restaurant meals at terrific rates, while late July and
August’s thunderstorms put on spectacular lightning shows. In the
cooling-off fall season, room prices are still fairly low, and the
return of students to the cities’ universities means many activities
come back on track.
Northern Exposure: In the north’s high season, summer delivers warm,
sunshine-filled days, as well as plenty of tours and activities,
including a full roster of water sports at Lake Powell. In fall, the
crowds go back to school and to work, but the weather is still sunny,
crisp, and clear. This part of the state has deciduous trees, so
there’s even a proper autumn here, replete with gorgeous colored
leaves. Picture snow against the Grand Canyon and on the ski runs of
Flagstaff, and then consider that that room rates and crowds are at a
minimum; all in all, winter comes out a winner. In spring, the sun and
moderate temperature returns, but the crowds remain at bay.
Eastside, Westside, and All around the State: Sedona sits at about
4,400 feet, Prescott at nearly a mile, which makes for very temperate
weather year-round. Winter is the least busy season, while late spring
and summer generally offer the sunniest sightseeing. In summer,
southern Arizonans head to the White Mountains to cool off and go
fishing, but skiers prefer Arizona’s highest slopes when it snows.
Western Arizona has two peak seasons: winter, when visitors come down
from the north to get warm, and summer, when school’s out and everyone
hits the cool water of the Colorado River.
For additional Arizona travel information, visit www.arizonaguide.com. For
Arizona travel deals, visit www.arizonavacationvalues.com. |
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