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Tag: Valley

People in Arizona refer to the low-lying area that makes up the greater Phoenix area as the Valley of the Sun. Come see all the exciting natural wonders in the Valley.

Willow Beach kayak launch site

Here’s a rundown of the best places to kayak in Arizona

Arizona is well-known for its desert landscape and hiking trails, but it also offers some world-class kayaking opportunities.

Central, Kayaking, North, North Central, South, Valley, Water, West
creosoted plant with flowers on its branches

Humble creosote bush produces a fragrant aroma when it rains in Arizona’s Valley of the Sun

The humble creosote bush is the plant responsible for the desert rain aroma that some fragrance makers try to replicate.

Desert, Plants, Valley
Arizona Bucket List new cover

Arizona Bucket List Adventure Guide & Journal takes you to 50 must-see natural wonders in the Grand Canyon state

Great book for any Arizona explorer. Get tips on travel, planning and permits for the most amazing places to explore in Arizona.

arizonabucketlist, Blog, featured, GrandCanyon, Hike, Mountains, North, North Central, Photography, Valley, Water, West
ruins of old cabin

This mellow hike to Lost Ranch ruins in Phoenix South Mountain Park is just right

Not too easy; not too hard: At three miles in length, the relatively short and moderately-pitched trail to Lost Ranch is just right.

Hike, hiking, Mountains, Parks, Phoenix, Rock, Short, Valley
man and woman hiking up a trail in the mountainous Arizona desert

Nobody intends to get lost while hiking but here’s how to prepare in case it happens to you

A pair of hikers spent an unplanned night in Arizona’s Superstition Mountains wilderness area and have some tips to share with other hikers.

Blog, gear, hiking, Mountains, People, Superstitions, Valley
man playing flute on mountain top

In a year of letdowns, Global Peace Warrior Ken Koshio lifted spirits atop Piestewa Peak with his inspiring music

In 2020, early morning hikers on Piestewa Peak received a spiritual boost by the inspiring sounds of taiko-style drummer Ken Koshio.

Ancestral, Blog, Hike, hiking, Mountains, People, Phoenix, Valley
Alta East trail leads to mountain summit

Phoenix Summit Challenge can take you to new heights

Every year, the City of Phoenix hosts the Phoenix Summit Challenge. The challenge is to hike to seven specific mountain summits in seven days.

hiking, Mountains, Parks, Phoenix, Valley
Quartz Ridge Trail #8 in Phoenix Mountains Preserve

Take an exhilarating stroll up Quartz Ridge Trail in Phoenix Mountains Preserve

Since Trail #8 in Phoenix Mountains Preserves goes right by a deposit of quartz the size of a VW Bus near the top of a ridge, it has earned the nickname Quartz Ridge Trail.

Hike, moderate, Mountains, Phoenix, Rock, Short, Valley
Expanded parking lots at Piestewa Peak base area

Piestewa Peak base area upgrades improve experience, expand access to popular hiking trails in Phoenix Mountains Preserve

New and upgraded amenities at Piestewa Peak Trailhead in Phoenix include expanded parking, new drinking fountains, restrooms and ramadas.

Blog, Challenging, Hike, Mountains, Phoenix, trails, Valley

Residence Inn Tempe Downtown/University a great launch pad for your Arizona adventure

Review: If you’re looking for a place to stay before you begin exploring Arizona, I highly recommend Residence Inn Tempe Downtown/University.

Blog, Mountains, Reviews, Sports, Tempe, Travel, Valley
Mountain peak rises above desert landscape is lit up by the sun.

Piestewa Peak a fitting memorial for one of Arizona’s bravest daughters: Lori Piestewa

Piestewa Peak, the second tallest in Phoenix, rises high above the city and serves as a lasting memorial to Lori Ann Piestewa – the first American Indian woman to lose her life in a war on foreign soil.

Mountains, Parks, People, Phoenix, Valley
Rocks stacked on stools along side of Phoenix home

Phoenix resident turns rock stacking into an art form

In Arizona, few topics are as hotly debated as whether it’s okay to stack rocks. One Phoenix resident turned rock stacks (cairns) into an art form.

People, Phoenix, Rock, Valley

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