The Top Ten 2009 Arizona Adventures

Based on previous blog entries, I’ve determined what I consider to be the “best of” in terms of places to see and activities to experience around the state.  I’m open to your comments and suggestions and if you totally disagree with my choice, tell me why and give me your pick so that I can write about in a future post.

Best Hike – Cathedral Rock in Sedona

Still a novice hiker, my day trip to Sedona was a huge success because we hiked Cathedral Rock. One of the most picturesque locales in the country, not only was the hike a great workout but it was so easy to get to leaving me with the feeling that there’s so much more hiking I need to do.

Best Art Exhibit – Hidden in the Hills
Driving through the back roads of Cave Creek and Carefree for the Hidden in the Hills tour is a great adventure for art enthusiasts.  When you arrive at each studio, you meet the artist in person and see their home, many times the inspiration for their work.  What can I say, I love to see people’s homes.  I’m just nosey.

Best Underground Tour – Kartchner Caverns
A unique natural wonder with a great story, Kartchner Caverns (map) opened up my eyes to the world of geology.  Kids love this place and adults are pretty amazed, too.

Best Train Ride – The Grand Canyon Railway

Train travel or any type of public transportation in Arizona is a rarity that when you get the chance you should jump on. The Grand Canyon Railway runs all year long from Williams to the Canyon with a multitude of packages for tours, overnight stays and more. It’s a great family trip and a nice couple’s getaway.

Best Rock Climbing – Tonto Natural Bridge
Okay, so I’m not a hard core rock climber and some purists are not going to like this choice, but for me the Tonto Natural Bridge is an amazing display of what thousands, maybe millions of years can create.  Hikers actually climb on the rocks below the bridge to get to the other side.  This may not sound difficult unless you are trying to maneuver wet, slippery rocks of a variety of sizes while water is streaming down from above.

Best City Park – Tempe Beach Park
Where else in The Valley can you ride your bike, go kayaking and horseback ride?  Tempe Beach Park (map) is all things to everyone and is a great public space to get away from the pressures of the city.

Best Holiday Event – Las Noches de las Luminarias

A Phoenix favorite that is sold out every year, Las Noches de las Luminarias features over eight thousand hand-lit luminarias to highlight the beautiful desert plants of The Desert Botanical Garden (map). It showcases the Southwest at its’ best.

Best Venue to Hear Live Music – Desert Botanical Garden
I must be getting old.  I’m no longer a huge fan of smoky bars with large crowds and loud music.  Instead, the Music in the Garden series that goes on throughout the year at the Desert Botanical Garden is more my speed.  It’s a wonderful, relaxing way to listen to local bands perform all genres of music amidst the desert gardens.

Best Road Trip – Drive Through Wickenburg, Congress, Yarnell, Peeples Valley and Wilhoit to Prescott
I’ve been to Prescott countless times, but the allure of seeing Frog Rock in Congress is what made me take the back roads.  When you’ve got a little more time, check it out.  It’s a fantastic way to see this part of Arizona.

Best Places to Watch an Arizona Sunset

Sedona at Sunset

You gotta love a place that where ever you go be it a hotel, state park or restaurant they know what time sunset is scheduled for that day.  It’s that important.  I’m still receiving comments on my post, Best Places to Watch an Arizona Sunset months after if first appeared.  Visit the places included on the list and judge for yourself.  I’m always interested in hearing new options so please make a comment and share your favorite spot. Note:  this photo was taken from the viewing point on Airport Road. (map)

Obviously, I’ve barely scratched the surface with a lot more adventures to explore.  But I love that this blog motivates me to get out and see more of this beautiful state.

Photos from personal collection, The Grand Canyon Railway and Desert Botanical Garden.