Arizona-
Spanish interpretation of "arizuma," an Aztec Indian word meaning
"silver-bearing." Also based on Pima Indian word "arizonac"
for "little spring place." When you think of Arizona you think
of one of the great wonders of the world, the Grand Canyon. Arizona also
offers an amazing array of tour and destinations choices to suit any taste
or budget. Arizona has many diverse regions including cactus-dotted deserts,
cool pine forests around Flagstaff, the red rocks of Sedona, the cosmopolitan
sprawl of Phoenix and the sublime beauty of Monument Valley. Here is a brief
overview of Arizona's different regions.
Canyon
Country
Towns such as Grand Canyon, Sedona/Oak Creek Canyon, and the mountain community
of Flagstaff are located in Arizona's northwest and north-central regions
and include some of the world's most awe-inspiring natural beauty, . Each
season brings new, exciting colors to Canyon Country and a new slate of
vacation activities, from hiking and rafting to skiing and sledding.
Valley
of the Sun
Phoenix, Scottsdale, Mesa, Tempe, Glendale and Chandler are in an area of
over 400 square miles known as the "Valley of the Sun," This area
is home to dozens of luxurious resorts, more than 150 golf courses, world-class
shopping, dining, sporting events, and entertainment for year-round vacation
fun.
Central
Territory
The Central Territory is home to Arizona's most diverse terrain changing
from the high desert to rolling grasslands to the cooler mountains.
Prescott, the capital of old territorial Arizona, lies at the heart of this
region. Central Arizona is also home to popular vacation spots like the
former ghost town of Jerome, a fully restored turn-of-the-century railway,
and the ancient Native American civilizations of the Verde Valley.
Indian
Country
Indian Country is where you will find amazing national parks such as Monument
Valley, Canyon de Chelly, the Petrified Forest, the Painted Desert and Lake
Powell. This is also where you'll find the 'Four Corner' where Arizona,
Utah, Colorado and New Mexico all come together. This country is full of
sweeping plateaus, towering mesas and scenic canyons. This is also where
you'll find the Navajo and Hopi nations providing visitors with an awesome
look at their culture and ceremonial artifacts.
High
Country
For many people who've never been to Arizona, the lofty mountain peaks,
rivers and thick ponderosa pine are a welcome surprise. Towns such as Payson,
Pinetop-Lakeside, Greer and Springerville are ideal summer vacation headquarters
for hiking, fishing or exploring because of the cooler mountain temperatures.
Between November and March, the region is transformed into a winter nirvana
for snow sports enthusiasts.
Old
West Country
The traditional West comes alive in southern Arizona's Old West Country.
From the cosmopolitan city of Tucson, home to posh resorts and lively western
guest ranches, to the enchanting mining towns of Bisbee and Tombstone, this
region is appealing to visitors of all ages. Authentic 19th-century missions,
country vineyards, bird-watching habitats, hiking, and colorful festivals
are all part of the Old West vacation experience.
Arizona's
West Coast
Even though Arizona is landlocked, there are still plenty of lakes that
provide recreation for visitors. The western end of the Grand Canyon to
Yuma - offer limitless opportunities for water sports enthusiasts and sun
worshippers. The communities of Lake Havasu City (home of the London Bridge),
Bullhead City, Parker and Kingman (along old Route 66) play host to the
avid boaters and water-skiers headed for Lakes Mead, Havasu and Mojave,
all man-made water playgrounds created when the mighty Colorado river was
dammed at the turn of the century.
Canyon
Country
Valley
of the Sun
Central
Territory
Indian
Country
High
Country
Old
West Country
Arizona's
West Coast