Seasons BY IVY MORRIS It’s always a perfect time to get outside in Arizona—yes, even in the state’s famously warm summer months (you just have to know where to go). Discover how to experience the best of the Grand Canyon State in this year-long roundup. SPLENDID SPRING 1. Spring training in Arizona brings 15 Major League Baseball teams to 10 stadiums in greater Phoenix. The only pair more perfect than peanuts and Cracker Jacks is sunshine and cold beverages. 2. Drive through Bearizona Wildlife Park in Williams to get up close to wolves, bison and bears— oh my! 3. Wander nearly 50 acres of lush, blooming Sonoran Desert vegetation—including penstemon, creosote and palo verdes—at Tohono Chul in Tucson. 4. While the Paton Center for Hummingbirds in Patagonia is a sanctuary for its namesake, more than 200 species of birds have been spotted here. 5. Explore spectacular Monument Valley by foot, on horseback, or by vehicle with Black’s Hiking, Jeep Tours and Trail Rides . SUNNY SUMMER 6. Search the skies from the same place where Pluto was discovered: Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff, where the Giovale Open Deck Observatory features six advanced telescopes for public use. 7. An abundance of produce can be found in summer at Apple Annie’s in Willcox: Stroll fields and orchards to pick sweet corn, green chilies and apples. 8. The cool Salt River in Mesa is the perfect antidote to triple-digit days. Rent a tube, bring water and relax. 9. Rent a Jet Ski from AZ Power Toys to zoom between the ochre canyons of Lake Powell, near Page. 10. Run, jump, slide—totally wipe out?—at Paqua Park , a floating obstacle course at Scorpion Bay Marina on Lake Pleasant in Peoria. GORGEOUS FALL 11. Wander below countless towering aspens found using the LEAF-ometer on FlagstaffArizona.org . 12. Admire Phoenix and Scottsdale’s desert surroundings from such great heights on a hot air balloon ride with Rainbow Ryders . 13. Dusk becomes even more intense as you rise from 9,500 to 11,500 feet to watch the sunset from the Arizona Gondola at Snowbowl in Flagstaff. 14. Sip on Mediterranean-esque earthy red wines (whites and rosés, too!) at Zarpara Vineyard in Willcox, where you can get a tasting, or ask to tour the winery and vineyard. 15. Enroll in Olive Oil 101 at Queen Creek Olive Mill to learn about the olive-oil-making process, tasting recommendations, and how it can enhance your food and health. MAGICAL WINTER 16. Find solitude shuffling through peaceful snow while snowshoeing by Woods Canyon, Willow Springs and Luna lakes in Greer. 17. For more than 40 years, luminarias (candles within paper bags) have illuminated the trails at the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix, adding a touch of magic every December. 18. Home to the famous WM Phoenix Open, TPC Scottsdale ’s golf courses will make you feel like Rory McIlroy. 19. The Arizona Hot Spring Trail is a challenging, nearly 6-mile trek near Willow Beach—but the reward is sweet. 20. At Prescott’s Heritage Park Zoological Society ’s Wildlights and Animal Sights, decorations, light displays and music enhance the park’s collection of animals both big and small. 13
Arizona Official State Travel Guide Arizona 2022-23: Page 13
