Grand Canyon Village, Arizona
Grand Canyon National Park
World famous, attracting many foreign tourists as well as American, the Grand Canyon has the potential to bring a life a changing experience. Travelers can do as little as look over the rim, or travel rim to rim on foot, which is approximately 23.9 miles.
Looking out over the canyon is like staring at an optimal illusion; the shadows and the layering of rock make it difficult to pinpoint where the bottom of the canyon is located. It's also mind boggling to look at the trails that lead into the canyon and realize that they're so far away that it's impossible to see people hiking on them. But as you walk down into the canyon, things begin to come a little more clear (watch slideshow on the bottom row).
Depending on how much time travelers have will determine which hike they do on the South Rim. If just passing through, the Rim Trail stretches a total of 13 miles, but can be cut short at any point. It's a very simple, concrete trail.
On a day trip, there are four other trails that will take hikers down into the canyon. This is very different than hiking a mountain, because you
start at the top which means you will have to hike back up. Bright Angel trail is preferred, because there are water and bathroom stations every 1.5 miles, and the trail is a flat, dirt trail. About 4.5 miles down is a creek called Indian Gardens with campsites and picnic tables, or go six miles down to Plateau Point which overlooks the river.
If looking for a place to camp, don't waste time or money trying to save a spot at one of the campgrounds in the park. Just outside the South entrance is a campground called Apache Stables that offers free, big and private camping spots.
Two days is the most ideal, because they don't recommend hiking to the river and back in one day. For the real Grand Canyon experience, take a sleeping bag and a backpack filled with the necessities, and hike down Bright Angel to the river for the night (about 16 miles round trip), or keep going rim to rim.
No matter which trail is chosen, or if visiting the North or South Rim, the experience will be unforgettable as hikers get to witness and understand the questionable elevation of Arizona.
Tempe, Arizona
Mill Avenue / Downtown Tempe
Home to United State's largest university, Arizona State, and located about 15 minutes from Downtown Phoenix, Tempe is a small town with a harmony of businessmen and women and college students. Whether it be a business person trying to escape life in the city or a college student seeking a break from school, downtown Tempe provides a laid-back night scene almost every night of the week. More commonly referred to as Mill Avenue, the seven block strip is mainly known for its party scene thanks to its many crowded bars, but also has a few retail shops and delicious restaurants that can be enjoyed throughout the day.
The food scene in Tempe provides a variety of choices for all cravings. To the right are some of my favorite cuisines, most of them cheap and hidden from the large crowds.
The few shops on Mill are directed at young adults with cute indie shops like Creations Boutique and Hippie Gypsy--they even have an Urban Outfitters. Aside from clothes, they also have a family-owned international trade store called Yucatecan Imports. A couple and their son take turns traveling to different countries, bringing back unique treasures. This shop is hidden from the rest of Mill in a small court called Mill Avenue Shops.
Tempe Town Lake
If trying to escape the chaos of the downtown area, take a walk, run or bike ride down Tempe Town Lake--but swimming in the water could lead to bacterial infections. It's especially beautiful to walk along the water at night, as it reflects the blue, red and yellow lights of the buildings and bridges that surround it.
Flagstaff, Arizona
It's a common mistake to assume Arizona is 114,006 square miles of red desert. But from the state's lowest point to its highest point, the elevation rises 12,563 feet. Its highest point being at the tip of Mount Humphreys, located in Flagstaff.
Flagstaff is not only Arizonian's escape from the summer heat, it is also the place to see the trees change colors in the fall and a winter resort. It's easily comparable to the state of Colorado for its beautiful dense forests, winding roads climbing the sides of mountains, abundance of winter sports and its hippy vibes. It's conveniently located barely over two hours driving from Phoenix and about an hour from the south rim of the Grand Canyon.
Downtown Flagstaff is home to Northern Arizona University, and looks like a ski village with mainly outdoor apparel and gear stores and
surrounded by mountains.
If just passing through to see downtown, a great place to eat is an authentic ramen noodle shop called Sosoba. At first I was nervous to try it because ramen noodles aren't filling, but the portion size made it hard to even finish one bowl. There's bowls for meat lovers, vegans, vegetarians and even gluten free options.
If it's a weekend trip, and you're looking to experience the beauty of Flagstaff's outdoors, a great place to camp for free is at Snowbowl. Although the gravel road is made more for off-roading cars--or cars that aren't close to the ground--there are many great hiking opportunities. If looking for an intermediate hike, try hiking to Humphreys Peak.
Whether it's a day or weekend trip, consider taking a short detour over to Sedona for more hikes and shopping.
Sedona, Arizona
If Sedona was a person, she would be a little girl with red hair, green eyes and a positive imagination. At the heart, in the town of Sedona, the streets are lined with arts and crafts, crystal healing and outdoor gear shops, as well as psychic readings, all natural supermarkets and any ethnic cuisine one can think of.
On the outside there are many hiking (and cliff jumping) opportunities, some through and along creeks, but all with the thrilling view of red, rocky cliffs. When looking for a place to hike, avoid tourists at Slide Rock State Park and Oak Creek Canyon. There are many hikes that offer solitude.
As noted, Sedona is a very spiritual city. Experience is first hand at Amitabha Stupa at Peace Park by walking three circles around the shrine
and praying for those experiencing misfortune. Even if of different religion, the park is a quiet spot to take in the red canyons while just relaxing.
If heading to Sedona, it's a must to take Arizona State Route 89A. Despite it may being a tourist trap in the good seasons, the winding road runs along Oak Creek Canyon before the view opens up to the side of the car, revealing a seemingly endless landscape of mountains. The scenery is so beautiful that I go out of my way on the way to Flagstaff just to experience it over again.
Sedona is by far one of the most beautiful, uplifting destinations in Arizona, especially when used to seeing never ending, desolate lands down south.
Hermits Rest Trail
Bright Angel Trail
View from inside the canyon
View from the South Rim
View from the South Rim
Arizona Snowbowl
Beaver Creek Trail
Little Horse Trail
Breakfast: Freshii
British: Cornish Pasty
Coffee: King Coffee
Doughnuts: Fractured Prune
Fine Dining: House of Tricks
Gastropub: Culinary Dropout
Greek: Oliveo
Healthy: Original Chop Shop
Ice Cream: Slickables
Pizza: My Pie
Sushi: RA Sushi
Tacos: Fuzzy's Taco Shop
Thai: Thai Rama
Vegan: Loving Hut
Wine Cafe: Postino
Downtown Tempe is known as Mill Ave
ASU's "A" Mountain
A view from ASU's campus from "A" Mountain
ASU's Nelson Fine Arts Center Plaza
View of the Salt River at night
The Grand Canyon's layers are visible during the hike
Ringbolt Hot Springs, Arizona
Cliff jumping in the Colorado River
Hiking to the hot spring
Ladder to the hot springs
Ringbolt Hot Springs
Just four miles south of the Hoover Dam and about 40 from Las Vegas, these hot springs offer a relaxing escape from the overwhelming, wild city. From the White Canyon trailhead (off US Hwy 93), it's about a moderate three-mile hike in; so for adventurers with a hangover, it's advised to backpack in and stay the night rather than try to do the 6-mile round trip.
If three miles even sounds like a lot, the hike includes a refreshing stop
at the Colorado River. Enjoy cliff jumping, laying out on the "beach" or a lunch break. From there, it's about half a mile uphill to the canyon slot that will lead, finally, to the hot springs, which can only be accessed by a 20 foot ladder.
Beware, the city warns against dunking heads under water due to a rare, deadly bacteria. Also, being so close to Vegas, it's not uncommon to come across nudists or "hippies" enjoying the nature's bath tub.
Glendale, Arizona
Catlin Court
For boutique hunters, boutiques are this six-block neighborhood's specialty. Located just two blocks over from Old Town Glendale, Catlin Court has a peaceful, cookie-cutter atmosphere that is much appreciated after driving through the ghetto areas surrounding Glendale, which lack color, people and a sense of safety.
The boutiques display locally made jewelry and clothes, spices (even some prepackaged Mexican mixes to blend with sour cream), antiques, moisturizers made with goat milk, and jams--ever tried Prickly Pear Jam?
The porches of these brightly colored houses are cluttered with blooming pots, trinkets and rocking chairs, creating a sort-of "grandma's house" feel.
Old Town Glendale
Antiques, antiques, antiques-- with nearly 70 shops between Catlin Court and Old Town--so many that this stretch has been named Arizona's Antique Capital. Even the Pink House Boutique, an indie boutique with items best suited for young adults, has thrifted clothes and decor.
Aside from many antiques, this historic town is home to the irresistible Coyote Oaties Gourmet Oatmeal Cookies, where a long-time family recipe thrives amongst the locals and the visitors. The cookies have a healthy
spin, using 100 percent whole wheat oats and just brown sugar. The shop seems to have an alternative recipe for most special diets, including a vegan option, Pecan Brownie, that uses orange peel instead of eggs to contain the freshness and no butter. I promised to limit myself to a few bites in order to savor it, but it was too good I couldn't contain myself!
Also in Glendale is the famous Haus Murphy's, a German cocktail lounge that celebrates Oktoberfest year-round. Enjoy international craft beers with traditional German appetizers.
Westgate Entertainment District
Don't let the fun stop at Murphy's, about three miles away is Westgate Entertainment District, or a huge mall strictly for eating and drinking. At first sight it looks a little bit like something out of Las Vegas with water fountains and being so massive.
Happy hour starts at three, and foodies can choose from a variety of international or national cuisines. Snack on Opa Life Greek Cafe's smoked chipotle hummus before settling down for a meal. And although there are no stores, one shuttle bus away is Tanger Outlet, where non-antique shoppers can find all the popular brands.
Arcosanti, Arizona
Located directly off Interstate 17 toward Flagstaff and about 45 minutes east of Prescott's Whiskey Row, Arcosanti is one of the most interesting arcology (architecture and ecology) cities in the world and one of a few in America.
A deceased architect by the name of Paolo Soleri viewed today's modern city planning as wasteful, insufficient and at a lack of community due to the spaced out cities that result in the heavy reliance of automobiles. For years he theorized a city of natural resources, no roads or cars, and a close-knit community--all on just a few hundred acres of land with the intent to house 5,000 people. In 1970, he began to make his dreams reality. It hasmuch work to be done to it, currently only housing 100 people.
Sun-roof windows light up the small, dome-shaped homes, which inspired Luke Skywalker's home in Star Wars, everything faces the south in order to produce heat, and the rooms are ventilated for natural air conditioning. All current residents hold jobs including construction, chefs or tour guides within the community.
As of now, Arcosanti serves as a hands-on educational opportunity for architectural and design students, an off-the-beaten-path destination (Airbnb) with free guided tours every hour, and a place to enjoy music, shows and other events. Since it’s a community, visitors have to be guided through it, which takes an hour. Afterwards, enjoy a buffet style meal and take a short hike to get the best overview of Arcosanti.
Entrance to Arcosanti's Visitor Center
Arcosanti housing units
One-of-a-kind handmade wind bells
Popular ice cream parlor with Catlin Court vibe
Coyote Oatie's gourmet oatmeal cookies
South entrance to Westgate
Amitabha Stupa
Arcosanti, Arizona
Try out stand up paddle boarding, canoeing or boating at the Tempe Town Lake Boat Rentals for a short adventurous trip, or head over to the Tempe Center for the Arts for a longer relaxing trip.
Outdoor gear and apparel shop
Bisbee, Arizona
The streets of Bisbee
One of Bisbee's many staircases
Vegan Mexican restaraunt, Poco
While most people flee to Flagstaff in search of the “hippy” town feel and to escape the desert, another hippy atmosphere can be found in this retired mining town near the Mexican border. From the European cobblestone streets, to the various antique/thrift stores this town is sure to pass on good vibes. Located down in a canyon, this town is famous (or infamous) for its many staircases; but it’s important to learn to appreciate stairs as they will lead travelers to many undiscovered treasures. Although
once the hunt begins, non-locals will wish they had more time to explore.
To really experience the atmosphere of this town, Poco, a mexican-inspired vegan restaurant, blends the Mexican culture with many of the locals’ dietary preferences. Hidden in an alleyway, one can browse pop-up shops selling locally made artifacts and live music from local bands while enjoying their plant-based meals.
Mesa, Arizona
"Play Me, I'm Yours"
Downtown Mesa mural
Painting at Jarrod's Coffee, Tea & Gallery
Due to the ghetto neighborhoods of Mesa, the city has received a bad reputation; in fact, Phoenix locals advise visitors to steer clear of the city. But after visiting downtown Mesa, I’m led to believe that those who advise to steer clear, steer clear themselves and have never been.
Unlike typical Arizona trips, downtown Mesa specializes in something other than antique stores and Mexican food: music. Down Main Street, along the light rail, visitors will see pianos chained to the ground that have “play me” scribbled on them, record stores and a block-long instrument store called Milano Music.
While roaming the street, I came across a place called Jarrod’s Coffee,
Tea & Gallery, a concept I'd never heard of. The front window had a people-watching bar, thewalls were covered in paintings, chandeliers dimly lit the room, couches circled tables littered with cards and pamphlets advertising local artists and events, and Fleetwood Mac’s “Dreams” played in the background. As I sipped the house coffee, I browsed the various paintings and Native American jewelry for sale. In that short time I was there, I developed a love for this unheard-of concept.
Also in downtown, about half way along Main, is the Mesa Contemporary Art Museum. The modern-style building houses art exhibits and performances including concerts, comedians and even Broadway.
Mogollon Rim, Arizona
What a place for campers and lovers of scenic views. This hidden gem is a dirt road located just north of Strawberry off Arizona State Route 87, and it is a 200 mile road winding through dense forest along the Mogollon Rim all the way to New Mexico.
The rim overlooks various national forests, and although the overlook isn’t visible from the road, the road is home to hundreds of camping spots
where campers can set their tents up right on the rim’s edge. Campfire breakfasts have never tasted so good.
If just driving through the area, don’t hesitate to pull into a vacant campsite, walk out to the rim and maybe set up a hammock to enjoy the view.
Payson, Arizona
The view from the Rim
The view from the Rim
Barnhardt Trail
Along the Arizona State Route 87 from Phoenix to Payson is a long gravel road leading to the Barnhardt Trail Head. The trail winds up through maroon and purple rock mountains covered in moss, a surprising difference after driving through a forest of cacti and desert on the way up. It overlooks a river dividing the canyon hiking up and much of Eastern Arizona’s mountain ranges hiking down, and about 5 miles in the trail dead ends at a seasonal waterfall. The trail is difficult (especially in the winter as the trail ices over), but to some hikers’ comfort, there are multiple water sources three miles in offering the same majestic beauty hikers seek in the 30 foot waterfall at the end.
Camping spots are scattered along the entrance road, but offer little privacy and too small of trees for hammocks. Consider driving farther north on 87 to find better camping opportunities (see Mogollon Rim for an alternative camping opportunity).
Ellison Creek
The famous Arizona activity of cliff jumping can be experienced in this lesser-known water flow located just north of Payson’s downtown area. The creek’s trail is easy and beautiful as hikers walk on boulders along the creek with small waterfalls. The boulders’ and canyon walls’ white contrasts with the water’s cloudy, bright green and dark green pine trees.
If the water is too cold or the fear of jumping is too high, the trail continues across the river and into the dense pine forest.
Tonto Natural Bridge State Park
Tonto Natural Bridge is one of those things I wish I came across myself; the park’s easy trails (all less than a mile) make the park a hit for tourists just passing through. Cigarette smoke (not technically allowed) and child’s echos filled the cave-like bridge, crowding out the peaceful noises of water dripping from the top of the cave and birds’ echoing chirps.
Despite the park’s per-person charge--rather than by car--and the crowd, I was still able to find at least one peaceful moment and get my money’s worth after sitting under the bridge for about half an hour waiting for it to clear out.
The Gowan Trail (about ⅓ of a mile) leads right under the bridge, first making visitors cross Pine Creek via a wooden bridge, then under a trickling waterfall. The trail under the bridge is skeptical: walking--basically crawling--along slick rocks with no grip, trying not to fall in the shallow pools, can be a questionable and strenuous task. But once in a safe, dry area, taking a seat and enjoying nature’s music revives the body and mind preparing travelers for another go at the slick rocks on the way back. While resting, be sure to take a look at the corroded ceiling, but don’t be intimidated by the water droplets headed toward your face!
Strawberry, Arizona
Fossil Creek
Beginning at the Waterfall Trailhead, Fossil Creek offers one of the greatest (and easiest) hikes in Arizona in terms of a change in scenery. Despite its 14-mile drive on gravel road--off-roading car recommended--along cliff sides, this waterfall hike offers a contrast from Arizona’s usual unshaded, desert hikes.
For the adventurers who like a challenge, follow the flowing turquoise creek, through dense trees and over boulders to the scenic waterfall where hikers can enjoy a dip in year-round, 70-degree temperature waters. For families with young children, or hikers just looking for a relaxed hike, just take the mile and a half trail from the road.
Fossil Creek
Tonto Natural Bridge
Ellison Creek
Barnhardt Trail's purple rocks