Lindsey+Allen

This is the **Grand Canyon**. It attracts thousands of tourists each day. It also has 277 river miles, up to 18 miles wide, and gets up to a mile deep. Inside the ancient walls of this canyon, there have been human artifacts found that have been up to 12,000 years old. The Grand Canyon is also one of the most studied landscapes in the world. http://www.nps.gov/grca/index.htm



The **Painted Desert** stretches over 93,500 square miles of Arizona. This desert has it's name because of the layered rock that feeds off the sun to produce elegant colors. The terrain of this area is very hilly and has small, pointy mountains erupting from the surface. http://www.arizona-leisure.com/painted-desert.html



The **Petrified Forest** is a very unique landscape. It is made up of ancient wood that has taken on volcanic eruptions, and has set underneath the ash until it became petrified. So, this wood is actually rock. The wood is millions of years old, dating back to when the dinosaurs roamed the earth. http://www.arizona-leisure.com/petrified-forest.html

The **San Francisco Peaks** are absolutely the most sacred mountains in the West to the native Arizonians. They are said to be protecting the Natives from harm, and are where Earth meets Heaven. The herbs gathered from the peaks have been used for healing ceremonies in the native tribes. They are one of the most prominent features of the Colorado Plateau. Some of the Peaks reach heights of up to 12,633 feet. They are located just north of Flagstaff. http://www.arizona-leisure.com/san-francisco-peaks.html

This is the **Hoover Dam**. Building this massive structure began in 1931 and was finished in 1936. THe reason to build the dam was because of problematic flooding from the Colorado River, which had to be controlled. THe dam iteslf is 726 feet tall, and 1,244 feet long. The dam holds back Lake Mead, which is more than twice the size of Rhode Island. The awesome arcitecture of the Hoover Dam is designed to use the strength of the canyon walls to help it push back the mind-boggling pressure of Lake Mead. The concrete at the bottom of the Hovver Dam is more than two football fields thick. There is enough concrete in the Hoover Dam to build a two lane highway from Seattle to Miami. Wow. http://www.arizona-leisure.com/hoover-dam.html

**Saguaro National Park** is obviously famous for it's giant cacti. The Saguaro cactus can live to be thousands of years old, as many of them are. They have witnessed native american civilizations and stories of the Old West. These ancient plants are one of the most popular symbols of the state of Arizona. The Saguaro only exists in northern Mexico and a few places in Arizona, a place called the Sonoran Desert. http://www.arizona-leisure.com/saguaro-national-park.html


 * Sunset Crater** is the youngest of all the Colorado Plateau volcanoes. It provides acres of lava fields and was a base for the training of astronauts in the late 1960's. Archaelogical remains and cinder deposits are also at home around this ancient volcano. This destination is also a great place for photographers due to the vibrant wildflowers against a majestic backdrop. This location was once one of farmers and indians, living only on the land. That life was cut short when Sunset Crater appeared from out of the ground, producing a giant lava flow and produced years of study. http://www.arizona-leisure.com/sunset-crater-volcano.html

**Antelope Canyon** is located in Northern Arizona. It is one of the most visited places in Arizona. It's nickname "The Corkscrew" serves it well. The walls of this canyon are artfully eroded, with bits of sunshine streaming in for beautiful photographs. The corkscrews on the walls are actually petrified san dunes, as this area was once under water. The canyon is fully accessable, with staircases to the lower level, and the upper level is at ground level. These petrified dunes are surely a sight to see while you are in Arizona. http://www.arizona-leisure.com/antelope-canyon.html

**Humphreys Peak,** at 12,633 feet, is the highest elevation in Arizona. Humphrey's attracts many hikers, as it is said to be the best hike in Arizona. The trail is 4.5 miles long, and is quite difficult. While hiking, the altitude affects the weather. So, although it might be a nice day, the weather can turn horrific in a matter of minutes. But aside from the weather, the peak provides wonderful views of the Grand Canyon and many other valleys and canyons. http://www.arizona-leisure.com/humphreys-peak.html

The **Verde Canyon Railroad** is located near Sedona, Arizona. This fantastic railroad goes through the breathtakingly scenic Verde Canyon. The train is still pulled by old engines, and goes slow so that sightseers can enjoy the old ruins of ancient indian cultures, and the vast beauty of Verde Canyon. The canyon is only accessable by foot or by train. The train itself is divided into luxury and coach sections. Luxury obviously gets the special treatment, with a full buffet and comfy seats. The train ride is about 20 miles long and lasts about 4 hours. http://www.arizona-leisure.com/verde-canyon-railroad.html

**Slide Rock State Park** is a very special place to go while visiting Arizona. The rocks that cover Oak Creek are eroded down to smooth surfaces, perfect for sliding. Water recreation is the main purpose for this site, but it's gorgeous drive, and picinicing wonders are awesome for the whole family. Hikers can enjoy the park during the winter, while swimmers and water lovers should go during the spring and summer when the water stays about 63˚. Trails that wind up through the mountains provide wonderous views and a sight of a house built in 1907 called the Pendley homestead. This park is fun for the whole family. http://www.arizona-leisure.com/slide-rock-state-park.html

**Superstition Mountain** is a 3,000 foot tall shoot of a mountain majestically protecting an urban city. The myths of this mountain have included ancient indians, and lost gold mines. Superstition Mountain is famous for being half full-on nature, and half city-slicker urban. Hikers are able to go deep into the mountain, and be totally surrounded by nature. Or, tourists can stay in the high class hotels and play golf on the award winning course. This area is truly the clash of man and nature. http://www.arizona-leisure.com/superstition-mountain.html

**Grand Canyon Railway** is a famous railway that has been ridden by a few presidents. The railway is 60 miles long and starts in Williams, Arizona. When the jouney comes to and end, you have arrived at the south rim of the Grand Canyon. The scenery is also terrific, as many passengers have been able to see wildlife passing by. National forests, and fields of wildflowers are also viewed from the windows. Over 230,000 travelers use this train to get to the Grand Canyon each year. The train itself has been restored with comfy seats, full bar, air conditioning, and other drinks. Tour guides will also inform passengers about the destination (Grand Canyon) and important sites the train passes along the way. http://www.arizona-leisure.com/grand-canyon-railway.html

**Apache Lake** located about 65 miles northeast of Pheonix, Arizona is one of the most scenic pleace sto go in Arizona. Fishing is fabulous in the apache Lake area, and tourists are allowed to fish from the bank or deep in the middle. Marinas are also available with motels, gas stations, and picnic areas. Many recreation sites are also in the area for the whole family to stay. http://www.arizona-leisure.com/apache-lake.html

**Becker Lake** is in Springerville, Arizona. Ranibow trout in this lake are prime. It is one of the best rainbow trout fishing areas in the state. The lake has about 107 acres to it, and is about 10 feet deep in most areas. Becker Lake is a totally man made lake and is stocked with fish each year, in hopes of producing larger fish the next season. The lake has two hiking trails, both with great views. http://www.arizona-leisure.com/becker-lake.html

**Lake Mead** is the lake that powers the Hoover Dam. It is one of the largest lakes man made lakes in the United States. This huge lake hold 9.2 trillion gallons of water, as much water that flows through the Coorado River in 2 years! Lake Mead ends on the west side of the Grand Canyon. The lake combines with the other lake that makes up the Lake Mead reservation area, is larger than the state of Rhode Island. Ther are many places to stop for pictures around Lake Mead and many places to go down to the water and enjoy the fresh air. http://www.arizona-leisure.com/lake-mead-arizona.html

**Lake Pleasant** is located about 30 miles north of Pheonix. The lake is a man made lake and was built in the 1920's when the Pleasant Dam was built. Pleasant Lake is full of trophy-size fish, and is open to jet skiing, houseboating, sailing and water skiing. The lake's parking lot can hold up to 700 cars, and has two major boat launching areas. Camping is also a large attraction at Lake Pleasant, with over 72 hook up areas with electricity. Lake Pleasant is also open all year. http://www.arizona-leisure.com/lake-pleasant.html

**Joshua Tree National Park** is creatively shaped by climate extremes. Wildflower viewing is also one of the biggest attractions. They first start to bloom in January and February. Cacti also produce vibrant colors when they bloom. Another attraction is bird watching. From baby birds to full grown eagles, the sights are amazing of these wild creatures. The weather in this area is usually comfortable, ranging from 80˚ to 50˚ F. Humidity is low, but rain is unpredictable. http://www.nps.gov/jotr/index.htm

**Goldwater Lake** is located in Prescott, Arizona. It is a small lake, surrounded by pine trees. Rainbow trout are stocke dinto the lake every few weeks during the summer. There isn't much hiking, but if you want to take small one out for a walk, there is a small, easy trail that rings around the lake. Vollyball areas and horseshoe pits are also available along with playgrounds. Also, the lake offers picnicking areas. http://www.arizona-leisure.com/goldwater-lake.html

**Roosevelt Lake** is another man made lake in Arizona that was buil in 1911 after the Roosevelt Dam was completed on the Salt River. The lake is about 22 miles long, and when it is full it has a surface area of 21,000 acres. The lake has miles and miles of fishing area, along with tons of beach area. Water sports are also a big hit to travler sthat come to Arizona. Large Mouth Bass are a prize when fishing on Roosevelt Lake. http://www.arizona-leisure.com/lake-roosevelt.html