Things to do / Travel Guide
Arizona truly has a unique boast among U.S. states: the sun shines for over 300 days a year in practically every area of the state. This number is slightly higher in southern Arizona, that land of sombreros, saguaros, and gila monsters. The whole of the region is located within the Sonoran Desert, one of the country's largest and hottest. Needless to say, this isn't your region of choice if you like moisture or snow. The vast desert landscape is a powerful change from city life or the forests anywhere else in the country. Still like the comfort of a big city? You will find great hiking, biking, golf, and even fishing not far from the sprawling cities of Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe, Mesa, and Tucson.
Southern Arizona most well-known symbol is probably the saguaro cactus, whose dimensions can be utterly staggering: The largest saguaro is over 40 feet tall and, with all the arms, 10 feet wide. They can live to be 200 years old, and it takes up to 75 years to grow an “arm.” These cacti are ubiquitous throughout the region, but the best place to find them is near Tucson, in Saguaro National Park. To see other fascinating cactus species, make a run to the Mexican border for Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument. In both, numerous trails illuminate the star attractions.
Land-based Activities in Southern Arizona
A big draw to the region in terms of hiking and sightseeing is the Superstition Wilderness. The area is centered around Superstition Mountain, a prominent landmark on the stark southern Arizona horizon. More things to see in the Wilderness include Weaver's Needle, a 1,000-foot-tall column of volcanic rock, and the similar Miner's Needle. Closer to the Mexican border, Baboquivari Peak is the site of excellent backcountry climbing; the thrill of the climb is seconded only by the rush of the view on all sides after you dust off your palms for the last time before the return down.
It always comes back to the saguaros, which you can bike past in the national park of the same name. Two trails take you through this desert preserve as you witness the other arid vegetation, like the mesquite, and wildlife, like jackrabbits, coyotes, and mountain lions. More challenging bike rides are in the McDowell Mountains, a relatively short-peaked but arid range near Phoenix.
Southern Arizona is quite strong in premium golf courses. The region's courses are maily concentrated around larger of Phoenix and Tucson. If a nice round of desert golf, against a backdrop of tall mountains and some random 30-foot saguaros sounds like a great way to spend a vacation, there's only one place. Whatever the time of year, with the sun out almost every day, the golfing is fantastic in this region - fore!
Water Activities in Southern Arizona
While southern Arizona is better-known for its cacti than for its catfish, there are plenty of places to reel in a good haul at one of the region's 20 lakes and ponds. Head for the Papago Ponds, which offer blue ribbon bass fishing, or the largest lake in the region, the 25-acre Alvord Lake. Northeast of Phoenix is the 1,100-acre Saguaro Lake, where it's not unusual to land a 10-pound largemouth bass. Yellow bass, channel catfish, bluegill, and walleye are also there for the catching. If a visit to the Superstition Wilderness is on your itinerary, don't miss Canyon Lake, with its double-digit weight largemouth bass.
Canyon Lake is also a good place to do some sea kayaking. Saguaro Lake, thanks to the coves and caves that dot the more than 22 miles of shoreline, provides plenty of opportunities for exploring. If you want some whitewater action, by kayak or raft, the Salt River is the perfect mix of rapids and enduring flow, down the granite gorges of the Sonoran Desert.
Southern Arizona from Above
If seeing the region on foot or from the water just doesn't do it for you, then take to the skies! What better region to view from above than the one that gets an astounding 300 sunny days a year? You can lift off on a gentle hot-air balloon or jump off on a not-so-gentle skydiving adventure, and witness the Sonoran Desert from a new perspective. Stay clear of the cacti!
Spelunking in Southern Arizona
Southern Arizona is spectacular from above, but it's also pretty cool from below. One of the more fascinating attractions is Kartchner Caverns. These caves were only discovered in the 1970s and opened to the public in the 80s, but they've quickly become southern Arizona's crown jewel. The caves are home to some quite splendorous and bizarre formations, like carrot-like stalactites, huge columns giving off airs of Renaissance towers, and more. With a private guide, you can see a lot more of the cave than you would normally see on a public tour.
Southern Arizona is a celebration of sun and desert life. You'll be surprised by all the resilient wildlife, which have adapted to the harsh conditions of the hot August sun. You'll also be surprised at the sheer extent of activities for the outdoors-lover to enjoy. So whether your preferred form of recreation is hiking, biking, fishing, kayaking, climbing, or golfing, you'll have plenty to bask in.
Outdoor Recreation in Phoenix, Tucson, Scottsdale, Tombstone and Southern Arizona
Outdoor-Sports-Recreation
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