| Reviews and photos of Arizona attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for Arizona sightseeing. Map |
 | Arizona Things To Do | Tips 1 - 10 of 671 |  |
 Montezuma Well, Arizona's
ancient well by jumpingnorman, 1 more photos
Close to the castle is Montezuma Well - a natural limestone sinkhole which is sanctuary for several birds, turtles and thick beds of brown-green algae! Once we were at the Well Info office (entrance is free), you walk up a path leading to the well. And then you see some railing and the well is right down below --- a round waterhole several hundred feet below. Don’t Fall! The railings do not encompass the whole perimeter and so it is possible to fall into the well – and so watch your kids, as I did have to hold the hands of my 4 year old twins!
It’s amazing that this perennial body of water has lasted for centuries, a story which began 12 million years ago when this part of the Verde Valley was covered by a large shallow lake. The waters of that lake started disappearing 2 million years ago. Until now, the origin of the perennial water is unknown to scientists---- it must be from well below the earth’s surface and studies are being conducted as you are reading this. It is truly a mystery!
But the high carbon dioxide content of the well makes the well inhospitable to fish, and therefore there are 4 species unique to the well and found nowhere else in the world. There are amphipods, tiny shrimplike animals which comb algae with their mouth appendages. Leeches have sensory hairs on their bodies to gulp in those amphipods. I’m not much of a zoologist but this info does sound interesting! Leave a Comment Address: Exit 293 at I-17Directions: 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.
|
 | |  |
Visiting Arizona?
Read reviews about Arizona Hotels
Real Reviews from Real VirtualTourist Members.
 Out of Africa Safari, Camp
Verde, Arizona by jumpingnorman, 3 more photos
My Russian barber told me that this safari zoo was originally near the Fort McDowell casino near Phoenix, but then moved to Camp Verde for bigger and better grounds. So, that Friday night my family booked a motel stay at Pines Motel which offered a night stay with zoo tickets included.
We went on a Saturday, pleasantly surprised that there was a lot of people to experience the safari. It had a huge parking lot and big gates which reminded me of the King Kong gates I saw in Sun City, South Africa. On entering, you are given your wristbands and cards in exchange for carrot sticks which you will later feed the giraffes during a Serengeti ride. The trains and buses were filled and people - we were all having a good time walking around the park and hopping on and off the buses to see the shows which included a big snake show…
Our favorite was the tiger splash where 3 huge Siberian tigers jumped in and out of the water with their trainers, and the owner himself presented the show. Founders “Dean” and the lady trainer “Prayeri” are to be praised for doing a good job in setting up this safari in the Arizona desert which does have similarities to the African safaris I have experience before.
As in Africa, the huge mountains are all around, some of them snow-capped (during winter in Arizona) while the bushes remain dry. Even our Serengeti bus guide was from South Africa himself.
There are several tigers, lions and the big rhino Boom-Boom. The animals have names and trainers know all of them --- the giraffes were very friendly. Zebras and ostriches were aplenty. And the bears were very playful, with one small bear running around playfully in his encasement alongside a child who was running around it. They had also recently put up a lemur station and also a wild prairie dog enclave. It must cost a lot to maintain this safari paradise in the middle of the desert and it is truly nice to have this kind of entertainment in Arizona!
The park is open year round Wed-Sunday 0930-1700 (admission closes 4PM), closed on Monday and Tuesday except some holidays. Closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, July 4, Columbus Day and Veterans Day. Leave a Comment Address: Verde Valley Justice Ct Rd, Camp Verde AZPhone: 928-567-2840Directions: In Camp Verde, 3 miles west of I-17 on Hwy 260 (exit 287), 30 min south of Sedona and 90 minutes north of PhoenixWebsite: www.outofafricapark.com
|
| | |
 The village of Old Oraibi by madamx
The trip will most likely take up a whole day and I recommend that you book a small group tour with a native guide to get the best out of your experience. You will learn much more than actually driving out on your own, as we found our tour guides (who were part Cherokee) gave us much insight into the Hopi culture and surrounding natural areas.
If you are interested in learning more about the Hopi Mesas, please read about my experiences on my Second Mesa VT page. Please see the below website for more info on the Hopi. Leave a Comment Directions: The Hopi Reservation is located in the middle of the Navajo Reservation. You can drive to the Hopi villages by taking Highway 264, east of Tuba City. The highway is in good condition.Website: http://www.hopi.nsn.us/
|
| | |
 See Sinagua's stone dwellings
on hill in Arizona by jumpingnorman
From afar, the stone fort-like structure looms on a hill and beckons to be explored. The monument encompasses 42 acres.
Once there, you go to the museum for $5 tickets for those more than 15 yo (as of 2008) and then you go up the trails going up to the structure. The trail is wheelchair friendly and the kids loved following it (one mile of paved hiking)!
Tuzigoot means “crooked water’ in Apache, and the structure we visited was originally two stories high in places and with 77 ground floor rooms. Entry was then mostly by ladders through roof openings – I guess this is a construction marvel to protect from the scorching heat and cold.
You then find a small door which will lead you into a dim room and you will feel how much cooler it is behind these ancient rocks. This is probably why they used this kind of clay and rock – and then you go up the steps and end up at the “rooftop dwelling” and get spectacular views around the expanse of the desert. Simply breathtaking views and perfect for Kodak moments! Leave a Comment Directions: Located on Highway 89 between Cottonwood and Clarkdale
|
| | |
 The canyon at Hopi Point,
about 6:30 pm by madamx
I wish we could have spent more time here, as it was relatively quiet and enjoyable in April, not withstanding the snowstorm we encountered. If you like to explore or hike, I would recommend about three days to take in a good portion of the canyon.
I also recommend taking a sunrise or sunset tour or drive, as the light makes the canyon look it's best. If you can't do that, try to take your pictures in early morning, or late afternoon.
We were very impressed with how the park has managed to organize and move people around. Basically, once you reach the canyon, you can leave the car and take the excellent bus service around the rim. There are drop-off and pick-ups at most viewpoints on the rim (not all points have a return pick-up), even including the popular trailheads for hikers. The roads are well-signed.
Words cannot describe the Grand Canyon's grandeur and beauty. Make sure to stop at Lipan Point, in my opinion the best viewpoint in the canyon. Also, take the time to read the little newspaper you get when you enter the park, it will help you plan and get the most out of your visit. Leave a Comment Directions: Take the route to the quiet and more scenic East Entrance. North on Highway 89, make a left at Highway 64.Website: http://www.nps.gov/grca/
|
| | |
Visiting Arizona?
Read reviews about Arizona Hotels
Real Reviews from Real VirtualTourist Members.
 Grand Canyon in snow by jumpingnorman
There are two main parts to this huge basin, the more touristy South Rim with the beautiful postcard sceneries and Grand Canyon Village hotels, and the less-visited North Rim with the wonderful pine trees and known for the river rafting. My wife likes the North Rim better, and I the South.
But, no matter how you travel to the Grand Canyon, being able to have even just a glimpse of this glorious place is quite a privileged experience -- and we Arizonians are proud we have this magnificence in our state! Leave a Comment
|
| | |
 Entrance to Dead Horse Park,
Arizona by jumpingnorman, 2 more photos
Camping facilities include barbecue grills, hiking and biking trails, horseback riding (2.5 hour trails available through private guides) and excellent bird watching as there are more than 100 species of birds in the area.
But one of the best things is the stocked fishing ponds!!! The lagoon is stocked with Rainbow trout from Nov-Mar and trout fishing is popular in this part of Arizona. Another reason why we support our state parks!
My son and I returned early morning the next day and at 8 AM there were people fishing already! It was a very nice and picturesque lagoon wih tall grass in the middle and the mountains all around...truly a nice morning for photoshoots! Our car entrance was only $6 (2008) and you could come back anytime during the day until closing. The park ranger was nice and even gave us seeds to plant and a park pin for my kid!
Car admission (in 2008) only six dollars (additional dollar for more than four people) and open from 8AM to 5-7PM (earlier closing during the winter). Leave a Comment Address: N 675 Dead Horse Ranch Road, CottonwoodPhone: (928) 634-5283
|
| | |
What?? No Pic? (I know that's what you were asking). Remember the stolen camera episode in California? This was one leg of the trip.
In any case, the Grand Canyon is by far a must see! The Grand Canyon was carved by the Colorado River over a period of thousands of years. You can hike it, camp in the resort a little ways down, or even take a helicopter tour.
OK, there is only one way to do this...go with someone who has been there before. When you pull up to it, have them blindfold you, walk you over to the fence and yank the blindfold off! DISCLAIMER: If you have a heart condition, do not do this..it's too breathtaking!! This was my first experience, and it was very breathtaking.
You can choose to hike it. It's about 15 miles round trip. In all seriousness, if you truly have a heart condition, DO NOT DO THIS. I was a lifeguard about 15 years ago, in great shape, running 5-10 miles a day and swimming 2. It was by far the hardest thing I have ever done physically. It wore me out....I never made the whole trip!! Leave a Comment Address: Arizona
|
| | |
 Jumping twins in Sedona,
Arizona by jumpingnorman
Sedona always has that mystery about it, and once I saw in the History Channel that this site is actually one of the best places to spot UFO's! Hmmmm....but when you are here, you do notice the skies are really clear and look magical and enigmatic. The scenery is breathtaking as well...
Sedona has even been voted as one of the most romantic places in the USA, and artists from all over have decided to stay in Sedona to be inspired! Those from Phoenix escape to this enchanted place when the city is too hot since it is only two hours away - a perfect spot for vacation houses. There are great restaurants, shopping, art shops and famous spas with those massages made with warm earthy stones...this place is truly relaxing! Leave a Comment
|
| | |
 Montezuma Castle by Sinagua
Indians, Arizona by jumpingnorman, 1 more photos
Open Daily: 8 AM- 6 PM
(June - August)
Open Daily: 8 AM -5 PM
(September - May)
The entrance gate remains open during these hours seven days a week (closed on Christmas Day). Dogs are allowed on park trails but must remain on a leash no longer than six feet in length. Dog owners must pick up after their pets.
Museum
Includes exhibits and artifacts depicting the lifestyle, history and culture of the Sinaguan Indians who built Montezuma Castle. Book Store, restrooms, and picnic area. (928)567-3322
There is also the Montezuma Well which is unit of Montezuma Castle National Monument, and located 11 miles from Montezuma Castle and is home to species of animals found nowhere else. You can wander the trails exploring pre-historic Sinaguan cliff dwellings, pueblo ruins, and a 1,000 year old irrigation ditch that still in use by local residents.
Open Daily: 8 AM- 6 PM
(June - August)
Open Daily: 8 AM -5 PM
(September - May)
The entrance gate remains open during these hours seven days a week (closed on Christmas Day). Dogs are allowed on park trails but must remain on a leash no longer than six feet in length. Dog owners must pick up after their pets. Leave a Comment
|
| | |
|
| Best Arizona Travel Deals |
Luxury Hotel
High End Vacation Rentals Available Oceanside Condos! Call & Book Today Arizona luxury hotels
Luxurious Amara Hotel in Sedona AZ 4 Diamond Rated Sophisticated Hotel Luxury Resort Arizona
Experience More! Beauty & Serenity in Paradise Valley, AZ. Reserve now Arizona Inn - Tucson
Official Site Of This Award-Winning Private Resort. Packages Available The Ritz-Carlton Hotels
A Deluxe Room, Breakfast for Two Internet, Parking & More Included! Sponsored Links
|
