EXPLORING THE WILD WILD WEST
Drew Hays
… THE WILD WEST OF THE U.S.A.
NO MATTER HOW MANY WESTERN MOVIES YOU’VE SEEN, NOTHING PREPARES YOU FOR THE SIZE AND SPLENDOUR OF THE AMERICAN WEST.
FAR FROM HECTIC CITY LIFE, THE SOUTH WEST IS A VAST SPACE FROM ANOTHER WORLD WITH A SURREAL LANDSCAPE OF CANYONS, CLIFFS, GROVES AND SAND THAT SHIMMER IN EVERY IMAGINABLE COLOUR FROM SUNRISE TO SUNSET.
ARIZONA HAS SOME FABULOUS JAW DROPPING SIGHTS, NAMELY THE GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK AND MONUMENT VALLEY,
Meg Nielson
Robert Murray
Zara
HOWEVER THE JOURNEYS ACROSS THE OPEN ROADS DRIVING FROM PLACE TO PLACE, ARE JUST AS MEMORABLE.
GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK
Vast and stunningly beautiful, the Grand Canyon is easily Arizona’s most famous landmark—and a natural wonder you have to see to believe as it embodies the scale and handwriting of the iconic American West.
Stretching 277 miles from end to end, steep, rocky walls descend more than a mile to the canyon’s floor, where the wild Colorado River traces a swift course southwest. When you arrive at the rim, you take in the enormous scale of it with dramatic views, that seem to go on forever.
The Grand Canyon is divided into three unique areas that each offer a distinct and unique experience and vantage point.
Tommy Bebo
Trevor Cleveland
The South Rim and Grand Canyon Village -
This is the Grand Canyon’s most popular destination. Home to park headquarters, Grand Canyon Village features the park’s largest collection of services, including hotels and lodges, restaurants, a general store, laundry and shower facilities, a bank with an ATM, and a public garage for emergency repairs.
The North Rim -
While high elevation and heavy snow keep the North Rim closed during the winter months, this less - travelled area – far away from the crowds of Grand Canyon Village – is a remote, relaxing place to enjoy the beauty of the canyon in solitude.
The West Rim -
This is home to the Skywalk. Sitting 4,000 feet above the Canyon floor, the glass-bottom Skywalk is truly a modern marvel. Hiking is available from Guano Point.
You can explore the Grand Canyon with a guided tour or ride – on a bike, on foot or perched atop a friendly mule. From the most popular hike on the Bright Angel Trail to many more hikes that offer a scenic view or raft the canyon and choose from motorised or oar-powered expeditions ranging from four days to two weeks for a new perspective.
GETTING THERE
Getting to the Grand Canyon is an adventure in itself. Whether you're coming from outside the state, within Arizona, or mere minutes away, you're sure to have the ride of your life with miraculous views.
Driving - Driving to the Grand Canyon is the most enjoyable experience filled with many scenic detours or quick direct routes.
Grand Canyon Railway - All aboard these restored vintage locomotives, which are filled with Grand Canyon lore. With round trips from Williams to the South Rim of the canyon, the Grand Canyon Railway offers a unique experience that takes you on a journey through history.
Grand Canyon Airport - For a bird's-eye view of the canyon, consider flying in on a private or charter aircraft. The Grand Canyon Airport (GCN) is situated in Tusayan, near the South Rim, and offers a one-of-a-kind view of the canyon.
MONUMENT VALLEY TRIBAL PARK
Chances are you’ve seen a lot of scenes shot in Monument Valley in the movies.
Alan Carrillo
One of the most photographed spots on earth, lies on the tribal lands of the Navajo Nation. These stunning sandstone formations rise up to 1,000 feet off the desert floor and feature rich, colourful layers of sand and rock that stand out against the blues skies.
Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park is located on the Navajo Nation – one of the largest American Indian tribes. This sandy preserve bathes the region between Arizona and Utah in rich red hues,
adding to its reputation of having some of the most dramatic and mesmerising light. Pack your day with numerous tours to take in all of the monuments' beauty. Opt for a self-guided tour, or stick with a Navajo guide for a Jeep excursion, and you will see the best views of some of the most notable landmarks.
Don't worry about lunch - The View Restaurant specialising in traditional Navajo cuisine is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Canyon De Chelly
OTHER HIGHLIGHTS
Canyon de Chelly National Monument
Step back in time at Canyon de Chelly National Monument. Steep canyon walls cradle hundreds of ancient pueblo ruins. Get up close with a hike or plan a guided tour to see even more scenic views.
Chiricahua National Monument
Stand in the “Land of Standing Up Rocks” at the Chiricahua National Monument. In this territory, you’ll find yourself in almost 12,000 acres of unadulterated Arizona nature.
Located near the town of Willcox, Arizona (about 90 miles from Tucson), travellers from all over experience this site of unique rock formations and Arizona history.
Cultural Heritage
Arizona is the proud home to 22 sovereign American Indian communities that serve as the foundational recipe to Arizona’s unique spiritual, cultural, and economic richness. Throughout Arizona’s museums and Indian-ruin sites, you’ll step back into the past with an up-close experience of artefacts and fascinating structures that were built and used by these tribes in day-to-day life. For more information on visiting Arizona - www.visitarizona.com
Amara Resort and Spa Pool
WHERE TO STAY
AMARA RESORT & SPA, SEDONA, ARIZONA
This boutique resort is hidden in the natural surroundings of Oak Creek below the bustle of town of Sedona, with views of the renowned red rocks that are said to emanate rejuvenating energy. Hiking trails, shopping and other adventures are only minutes away with the resort’s complimentary transportation service. In the pampering spa, don’t miss the complimentary yoga class and energy work led by Sedona gurus. https://www.amararesort.com/
Related Articles
Back To Mother Nature