2022-08-30 11:17:27
There are so many reasons to travel solo, from the freedom to do exactly what you want to gaining selfconfidence, but if you’re new to traveling on your own, outdoor adventures can still feel intimidating. Remove the guesswork when you book an excursion with a knowledgeable tour guide leading the way. Perched on the banks of the Salt River and guarded by the magnificent Bulldog Cliffs, Saguaro Lake Guest Ranch is a secluded retreat in Mesa. Reserve one of the rustic cottages for a weekend getaway or just drive up for the day to enjoy a guided horseback ride through the Goldfield Mountain range, with majestic vistas of saguaro cactus and creosote-covered hillsides. For an excursion on water, don’t miss a 4.5-hour guided kayak and hike tour through the Instagramfamous Antelope Canyon, offered by Lake Powell Paddleboards and Kayaks in Page. You’ll paddle approximately 2.5 miles in (5 miles roundtrip) and hike through a stunning sandstone slot canyon that is accessible only by water. For a guided day hike, explore the trails of the Chuska Mountains within Navajo Nation land on the Arizona and New Mexico border. Hołdzilei Hiking Strong, a Dinéwoman- led company, offers day hikes ranging from 4 to 12 miles, with elevation gains of 6,000 to 9,500 feet. For a trip on two wheels, pedal on lightweight city bikes alongside knowledgeable guides from Tucson Bike Tours as you pass through historical and revitalized neighborhoods in downtown Tucson. See a restored train depot, Spanish fort, colorful adobe homes, spiritual shrines, a farming center, artful murals, quirky shops and collegiate life—all on this informative 9-mile bicycle ride for all ages. Ready to get out at night? High in the Santa Catalina Mountains above Tucson, Mt. Lemmon SkyCenter hosts its public astronomy program, SkyNights, year-round. This 5-hour program includes an astronomy lecture, dinner, sunset viewing and a guided navigation of the telescope as you gaze into the night sky. In Sedona, take in the splendor of blazing red-rock formations and cliffs at Red Rock State Park, which offers a lineup of naturalist-led excursions, such as a 2-mile nighttime hike beneath the full moon. Meanwhile, Desert Lotus Paddle Boards in Peoria offers a guided sunset paddleboard adventure through Lake Pleasant’s Scorpion Bay on LED-equipped boards (March– October, weather permitting).
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