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 Hot Air Balloon flight over
the Sonoran Desert by dshinkle
All the Balloon companies launch in the empty desert to the north of the city between Phoenix and Cave Creek. I used to have an apartment near there and it would make my heart soar every morning to see anywhere from eight to twenty hot air balloons in the sky.
If you are in Phoenix and you can afford it, a hot air balloon ride is something you shouldn't miss. There usually isn't a cloud in the sky in Phoenix, so you can see the whole valley when you get up there. We could see coyotes and lots of beautiful desert scenery.
All the major balloon companies serve you a delicious gourmet Champagne Breakfast when you land and then drive you back to your car.
My last trip was with Hot Air Expeditions (http://www.hotairexpeditions.com) and was excellent. Our pilot had been doing it for a long time (he claimed he has never had an accident) and he was a great guy. He carefully explained everything to us and pointed out landmarks and told us lots of stories about ballooning (he has been a pilot in France and Canada and in addition to Phoenix). He landed the balloon softly and made it all look easy.
There are a lot of Balloon companies in Phoenix (just do a web search) so I think you can shop around on price. I think most people pay between $100 and $200.
A lot of people use also use Unicorn. Just check with your hotel. Usually they work with a particular company and have package deals.
http://unicornballoon.com
http://www.arizonaballooning.com Leave a Comment
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 Desert Princess II by dshinkle
The Desert Princess II cruises Lake Pleasant, a large lake which is just a little bit north west of Phoenix.
There are serveral times the boat leaves during the week, but my favorite is the sunset cruise because the sun setting over the lake with the desert and mountains in the background is spectacular.
The dinner is very good, but I do think the cruise is a little pricey (at around $45.00). However, I am always a sucker for a tour so I enjoyed it a lot.
Before or after your trip explore the marina and visit the nearby Anthem outlet mall. Leave a Comment Phone: 623.815.2628Directions: Lake Pleasant is located about 45 minutes from downtown Phoenix Arizona. To get to Lake Pleasant from Phoenix, take I-17 north to Carefree Highway (exit 223), turn west and continue for about 11 miles. Turn Right onto Pleasant Harbor Blvd.Website: http://www.desertprincessii.com
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Sshh! Don't tell everyone, but Papago Park is an incredible park within the city. Surrounded by the sandstone buttes, palm trees, saguaros, and three lakes you will forget you are in the city. There are many hiking paths and one of the most family friendly hikes with incredible views is the "Hole in the Rock". A short hike and you are rewarded with an incredible view of the desert. The path is dirt and can easily be hiked by just about anyone. It will start off as a a gravel path and then will change to stairs. The view of the city is well worth the short hike.
Since the Zoo and Botanical Gardens are nearby this would be a great spot to visit while visiting the other two attractions. Address: Galvin Parkway-next to the ZooDirections: drive like you are going to the Phoenix zoo, but instead of turning into the Zoo parking lot go straight. Pay attention most of the roads in the park are one way.
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I took a morning trip into the desert with Wild West Jeep Tours. It was fascinating and FUN! The guide was actually a Phoenix native and he knew his stuff. I learned so much about the cactus and trees and Native Indians and the old west. The tour was in a 6 passenger jeep so we were right out there but still had protection from the elements. We drove 18 miles out into the desert. It was amazing. One road we drove down looked more like a ravine but we made it safely. Being from the east coast it was really an adventure and a learning experience for me. This is a good way to get some real good information and see more of the state than just the city life in the Phoenix area. Address: Scottsdale, AZ 85267Phone: 4809220144Directions: They pick up at most hotels in the area. You go out into the desert.
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The Phoenix area is huge, it was once separate towns and cities but now in reality all the places have merged into one. So when I say I live in Phoenix I don't, I actually live in Chandler, which is a rather big town/city near Phoenix.
So when traveling to Phoenix and looking for tips I urge you to type in places like Chandler, Tempe, Mesa, Gilbert to name a few and get tips about all these cities. each one has something slightly unique about it.
For Chandler is the home of historic downtown Chandler who hosts a variety of events such as the Farmers market, Jazz festival, multicultural festival and more. we also have a great number of parks (Tumbleweed park is fantastic for children and hosts the Ostrich festival in March), Desert Breeze has a train at the weekend.
Mesa has a small childrens museum and dinosaur museum, I could go on but this is the right place Leave a Comment
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While Phoenix is fun to explore, if you're in Arizona you really need to jump in the car and drive out to some other spots the state has to offer-
Camp Verde if you want to see Montezuma's Castle, Jerome to the old mining town and great views, Sedona for the red rocks and awesome hiking, Flagstaff for the fall colors or skiing, Tucson for Saguaro National Park, Catalinas, the Grand Canyon, Payson for Tonto Falls there is so much nature wants to show you.
Just get in the car and drive- Arizona has a lot of places to explore! Address: the state of Arizona
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Whitewater rafting on the Upper Salt River is a great day or weekend trip! Trips departs from the Salt River Bridge off of highway 60 located 2 hours from East Phoenix and North Tucson. The closest town to the launch location is Globe, Arizona located approximately 40 miles south. The Salt River Canyon trips start at the bottom of Apache Falls and takes you through 2000-foot canyons showcasing 2 billion years of geology. Explore the Salt River and tackle numerous, thrilling class III whitewater rapids, one every 5-10 minutes! You have the choice of stepping up the level of adventure even more in an inflatable kayak (sit on top type so no need to learn how to roll). Along with the exciting rapids, you will be treated to breathtaking scenery including colorful desert flowers, varied wildlife, and cascading waterfall.
The Salt is an intermediate river and at lower water levels is suitable for ages 8 and up, while at higher water levels ages limits generally rise to 12. Note however, that rapids can vary within their class as water levels change. For example, at low water, a class III (wet and fun rapid) can become a -III or a II+ (splashes from the waist down). At high water, a class III can become a III+ or -IV, which means getting drenched! Water levels depend on the amount of snow melt and how fast it runs off (which in turn depends on different weather factors such as more rain or unusually cold or hot spring weather).
Half day to four-day campout options are available, the season on the salt river is generally fairly short starting in March and going through Mid-may. Leave a Comment Address: Between Globe and Show Low on hwy 60Directions: Located 2 1/2 East of Phoenix
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 Stuck between a rock and
a hard place. by LaceyAdkissonLeave a Comment Directions: In Surprise, AZ
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Great hiking ,biking,horseback riding,camping...just anything outdoor.
Phoenix is a place ,where Wild West meets modern standart of life in balance with nature (for now).
You can be hiking or riding your horse just from your backyard,while still close to all what modern city can offer.There is one thing though: Summer is VERY,VERY hot. And with more concrete buildings is getting hotter! Best time to visit October till April. Address: Phoenix,Sedona,Grand Canyon,Superstation mountains
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