6 Things to Do Over a Long Weekend in Phoenix

You're in sunny Phoenix, Arizona, for a long weekend, and a plethora of possible activities stretches before you. Phoenix is full of lots of culture, art, and outdoor activities that will make your weekend fly by. Fill up on memories and fantastic photos when you explore the outdoors via inner tube or hot air balloon or when you visit major cultural attractions. Here are some ideas to help you plan your getaway to this exciting city.

Do a First Friday

Image via Flickr by _jket

On the first Friday of each month, downtown Phoenix hosts a First Friday extravaganza, which happens from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Local venues, cultural hubs, galleries, and performing arts spaces open their doors and let thousands of people visit. You can take a trolley or walk between these spots, visit retail establishments, and, of course, pop into a restaurant for dinner and drinks!

Tube the Salt River

If you're in Phoenix over the summer months, visit Salt River for a tubing excursion. Hop in a tube and float down the river for as long as you please, from a short two-hour trip to a long five-hour trip. You can bring booze and friends, and you'll see gorgeous sights along the way, like the Tonto National Forest.

Visit the Musical Instrument Museum

Discover a museum unlike any you've ever visited before. The Musical Instrument Museum is one of Phoenix's most popular stops. There, you can see musical instruments from all around the world, some of which you've definitely never heard of. Galleries are arranged by geography, so you can feel like you're traveling the world as you explore the way different cultures make music.

See a Basketball Game

See the Phoenix Mercury or the Phoenix Suns play pro basketball at the Talking Stick Resort Arena while you're visiting Phoenix. If basketball isn't your thing, the arena also hosts lots of concerts, so you're sure to find something amazing to view while you're there. The arena itself is in the downtown entertainment district, so once your show or game is over, you'll find great nightlife spots.

Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride

Several companies will take you on an astounding hot air balloon ride over Phoenix and the surrounding landscape. Check out Rainbow Ryders or Hot Air Expeditions when you're looking to book your ride. Do a ride at sunrise or sunset for gorgeous views and photo opportunities, or splurge on a private ride for a romantic date.

Tread the Scottsdale ArtWalk

If your long weekend includes landing on Thursday evening, then head to nearby Scottsdale. Every Thursday from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., the galleries of downtown Scottsdale open their doors for free gallery shows at the ArtWalk. Walk along Main and Marshall streets to view masterpieces from local artists. You can take carriage rides if you wish, and you'll love the diverse range of people you see while you're there.

Enjoy a long weekend in this hub of the American Southwest. Whether you're exploring the outdoors or enjoying air conditioning indoors, you're sure to enjoy your time in Phoenix.

Five Kid-Friendly Hikes Near Las Vegas​​

All around Las Vegas lie areas of breathtaking natural beauty, offering families with young children the easy opportunity to explore unspoiled wilderness without traveling great distances. To compose this list, I tapped the memories of three experts: my children, who spent much of their childhoods hiking Southwestern trails with me. These came up as the five places they most enjoyed when they were small.

Badwater, Death Valley National Park, California. One of the most popular places in the park, this salt flat will have you walking on the lowest terrain in North America, 282 feet below sea level. It is easy walking on a flat surface, and in the cooler months can even be walked barefoot. A special treat: Imagine walking on snow, if the sun could warm that snow. Travel as far as you feel comfortable or until the terrain gets too bumpy to walk easily. The salt flat offers spectacular views of the 11,048 foot Telescope Peak to the west; this is one of the few places you can see such a disparity in elevation. Best done November-March. www.nps.gov/deva.

Riverside Walk, Zion National Park, Utah. This paved and nearly level trail travels along the North Fork of the Virgin River, through a healthy riparian habitat of cottonwood, box elder, and velvet ash, surrounded by Zion’s signature red and orange sandstone walls. Wildlife commonly seen includes deer, wild turkeys and rock squirrels. Highlights include short unpaved spur trails, allowing access to the river where your party can play in the water, picnic, or just relax. After one mile going upstream, the trail ends at the Gateway to the Narrows, the literal jumping-off point where adventuresome hikers drop into the waterway and head upstream using the river as the trail, into the world-famous and spectacular Narrows of the Virgin River. Good year-round, except note that the trail can ice up in winter. www.nps.gov/zion.

China Ranch Date Farm, Tecopa, California. This date farm is a rare and lush oasis in the middle of the desert near Death Valley National Park. Hike the trails through the date trees or follow the outer trails that leave from there. One good starter trail is the 200-foot Creek Trail, which takes you through a canopy of riparian foliage along a flowing creek—super for small children. Another good one is the Badlands Trail, about one and one-half mile roundtrip. Wrap your visit up by visiting the store, where you can sample the various kinds of dates and perhaps buy some of those you like the most. Nobody seems to leave (nor should they) without buying one of the famous date milkshakes, handmade on the spot. www.chinaranch.com.

Kelso Sand Dunes, Mojave National Preserve, California. No official trail here, just a great place for all ages to climb as much as 700 feet to the dunes’ peak. Look for animal tracks in the sand, and perhaps get sandy by rolling back down. These are “booming” or “singing” dunes, which means they make a peculiar noise when the moisture is just right. Only a few dunes in the world do this. Some think the sound resembles a distant airplane motor, while others compare it to a musical note. All kids—and adults, too—love it. Our family tradition is to always fly kites here. www.nps.gov/moja.

Black Canyon National Water Trail, Lake Mead National Recreations Area, Nevada and Arizona. This is usually done as a full-day kayaking or canoe excursion, either guided or self-guided, embarking from the Nevada side of the Colorado River, just below Hoover Dam, and traveling almost 12 miles downstream to Willow Beach, Arizona. Parents will have to do most of the paddling, but there is a good downstream current with no white water. Foot trails beloved by children lead up the side canyons, some of them to hot springs, waterfalls, and sauna caves. There are several small beaches you will likely have to yourself, to stop and relax, have lunch, and of course swim in the chilly, yet refreshing, clear water. Bighorn sheep and bald eagles share the habitat with plenty of waterfowl. For this trip, even if you have your own watercraft, you will need to sign up with an authorized outfitter through the National Park Service, for transportation through the dam’s security zone down to the launching area. Sundays and Mondays offer the most enchanting solitude and silence, as on those days no motorized boats are allowed north of Willow Beach. www.nps.gov/lake.

When hiking with children, always carry extra water, jackets and snacks. Keep the distances short and brush up on your geologic and animal information so you can comment on what they see as they walk along. Family hikes can foster self-reliance and an appreciation for the natural wonders found just beyond the city lights.

Deborah Wall lives in Las Vegas and has spent her life enjoying all forms of outdoor sports including hiking, sailing, canyoneering, rappelling, kayaking and winter camping. Wall has been a columnist since 2005 for The View Newspapers in Las Vegas and has published over a hundred feature articles – which include her photographs – in numerous Southwestern books and publications. Her newest book, Base Camp Las Vegas: 101 Hikes in the Southwest, is available for pre-order on Amazon and will be released everywhere on August 8, 2017. To learn more about Wall, visit Imbrifex Books and BaseCampGuides.com.

5 Beautiful American Cities with Casino's

If you’re feeling lucky, it’s time to plan a vacation to one of these beautiful gambling cities. Each of them will offer a unique selection of table games, slot machines, accommodations, shows, music concerts and dining options. Each location has fun attractions nearby that you can enjoy during the day and then hit up the casino & entertainment at night.

Here are 5 Beautiful American Cities with Casino's 

1. Reno, Nevada – Proudly known as, “The Biggest Little City in the World,” Reno is home to a number of casinos that have a certain small town charm. Expect some of the friendliest casino service that you’ve ever seen, complete with smiles and complimentary breakfast. While it may not have the wild nightlife some gamblers enjoy, if you’re looking for some excellent gaming, look no further.

2. Atlantic City, New Jersey – Ever since 1977, Atlantic City has become the gambling haven of the east coast. It is filled with enough casinos and nightclubs to keep any gambler satisfied for days on end. With a legendary boardwalk and a unique Jersey vibe, Atlantic City has become one of the most famous gambling cities on the entire east coast. If you love white sandy beaches, this is one location you need to visit.

3. Las Vegas, Nevada – World renowned for featuring a unique night life and unrivaled hotels, Las Vegas has become the epitome of a gambling city. With hundreds of Las Vegas hotels to stay at, any type of budget can be accommodated. Each of the casinos, and their attached hotels, have unique themes that propel their own games, entertainment and dining. Some are really upscale while others have a casual vibe.

4. Phoenix, Arizona – Perhaps best known for its scorching hot summers, Phoenix is a surprisingly desirable gaming location. While gambling within the city itself is illegal, there are a number of Native American reservations that surround the city. These reservations feature super-fun casinos that host a variety of games and exciting entertainment packages to thrill you.

5. New Orleans, Louisiana – This legendary center of debauchery wouldn’t be complete without a variety of casinos to choose from. Whether you prefer the bayou or the busy streets, you’ll be right at home with some Blackjack or slot machine action. You'll find upscale accommodations and affordable ones for those of you who are on a tight budget and hoping to hit it big.

While we don't promote gambling as a way of life, it can be fun to get away for a weekend and let loose in one of the casinos. Personally though, I enjoy going to them more for the shows & entertainment while my husband does enjoy sitting down and playing the slots.

Discover Family Fun in Stunning Sedona Arizona

Family vacation time is upon us.  It's time to hit the road, airports, bus stations - really any mode of transportation to get out of town seems to work. Find out what makes Sedona, Arizona a family friendly destination.

Discover Family Fun in Stunning Sedona

With its intense natural beauty, peaceful, spiritual vibe, and world-renowned outdoor activities, Sedona is not always considered a destination for family friendly fun. While it is true that Sedona has plenty to offer adults, families visiting the area can choose from a plethora of attractions that will appeal to all ages.

Visitors are often drawn to the natural wonders found in the state parks in and around Sedona. Children in particular will love Slide Rock State Park, which is named after the natural water slide in Oak Creek Canyon. Due to the smooth creek bottom, visitors can cascade down the slide as a fun and refreshing escape on hot days. At the nearby Red Rock State Park, a 286-acre nature preserve, visitors of all ages can explore hiking trails and enjoy a firsthand educational experience about the fascinating wildlife and geology of the Sedona area. Arizona State Parks offer the Junior Ranger program, which allows kids between the ages of six and twelve to participate in interactive, educational activities.

Jeep tours provide another exciting way to tour the Sedona landscape. Bouncing along dirt trails in one of the famous jeeps offers the thrill of an amusement ride, but the true appeal of the experience is the breathtaking scenery and the ability to explore places that most passenger vehicles are unable to access. The drivers entertain passengers with informative commentary on the history and geology of the area, and tours may be customized to suit different ages. Visitors should tell the tour company whether they have children aged five and under when making the reservation, as most companies will be able to provide car seats in accordance with state law. For adventurers seeking a more hands-on experience, several businesses in the Sedona area offer horseback rides along beautiful trails that are sure to captivate kids and adults alike.

With Sedona’s annual calendar packed with special events, visitors at any time of year may enjoy festivals and other celebrations. Examples include the Hummingbird Festival the end of July, Fiesta de Tlaquepaque, and numerous music and family friendly festivals throughout the year. The travel website sedona.net sponsors an ongoing photo challenge that encourages visitors to share their beautiful photos of the area on Instagram. For families traveling with smart phone-hooked kids, this challenge offers an opportunity to channel their technology addiction into a creative adventure!

Within relatively short driving distance of Sedona, visitors will discover numerous destinations that will appeal to every age and interest. From toddlers to senior citizens, everyone will be astounded by the striking beauty and enormity of the Grand Canyon, the Meteor Crater, a 550 foot-deep dimple in the earth where a meteorite crashed approximately 50,000 years ago, as well as the Petrified Forest and Painted Desert. The latter two sites are part of the Petrified Forest National Park and consist of starkly beautiful badlands, uniquely colored formations, and plenty of petrified wood.

Perched on a hill overlooking the lush Verde Valley is the 19th-century mining town of Jerome. This tiny enclave has reinvented itself as a thriving artists’ community and popular tourist destination with a variety of charming shops, restaurants, wineries for grown-ups, and spooky ghost tours for brave visitors of all ages.

Nestled in the Verde Valley, Camp Verde is home to Montezuma Castle National Monument, one of the most well-preserved cliff dwellings in North America. Consisting of a five-story, twenty-room structure that was carved into a limestone cliff around the 14th century, this impressive monument is a testament to the ingenuity of the Sinagua Indian peoples who once inhabited it. For a more interactive experience in Camp Verde, visitors will love Out of Africa Wildlife Park, which features an authentic African safari experience, a zip line, shows, and more.

Departing from the town of Clarkdale, the Verde Canyon Railroad traverses the stunning Verde Canyon, with its towering rock formations, verdant river gorge, and diverse foliage. Passengers enjoy unparalleled vistas from the comfort a fully restored vintage train. A trip on the Verde Canyon Railroad may be combined with a visit to Blazin M’ Ranch in Cottonwood, which features an Old West-style frontier town, a chuck wagon dinner, entertainment, and more.

While adults will surely be mesmerized by the stunning spiritual mecca of Sedona, families with children of any age will also find plenty to entertain, educate, and amaze them. Rated a AAA Four Diamond Hotel and one of the top hotels in the Southwest according to readers of Condé Nast Traveler, El Portal Sedona Hotel is pleased to welcome all members of the family, including pets. El Portal is conveniently located steps from Tlaquepaque, which houses some of Sedona’s best shops and restaurants, and provides a comfortable base for exploring all that this magical area has to offer.

About El Portal Sedona Hotel: El Portal Sedona Hotel is a premier boutique hotel with 12 amenity-filled suites. Unpretentious luxury resonates from this AAA Four Diamond Hotel, with a romantic courtyard and beautiful great room. Guests can enjoy the serene, ageless spirit of Sedona. El Portal offers guests personalized concierge services for the Sedona area to enjoy, explore and discover Sedona. This is a pet friendly hotel with no pet fees.

Fun Winter Activities in Sedona Arizona

When the leaves change colors and the chill in the air greets each morning, the city of Sedona slowly turns into a red rock winter wonderland getaway. For those looking to escape snow shoveling and freezing, Sedona offers lush greenery, stunning red rocks and adventure around every corner, just in time for the holidays and celebration.

Beginning in December each year, the city is a buzz with non-stop festivities. “Holiday Central Sedona,” as it is called, is the annual series of more than 40 events throughout Sedona, which delights both visitors and locals with glowing trees, decorated storefronts and holiday gifts galore. Families, nuptials, friends and strangers alike can celebrate warm days full of sunshine with more than just candy canes and mistletoe, as the city offers unparalleled beauty to be explored around every corner.

Between Tinsel Town, the annual light display, and Christmas in the Park, a festive Sedona Heritage Museum event, guests have plenty of activities to fill their yuletide quota. For those other times when the group wants to experience quintessential Sedona, visitors can escape to an evening filled with stargazing, relax in luxury for a spa treatment, enjoy horseback riding in the Red Rock Ranger District or catch an independent film at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre. The possibilities for the holidays aren’t limited to tree lightings and carol singing, but they do provide big-town merriment to Sedona’s intimate small-town community.

To fully capture the joy of winter in Sedona, there are several events around town that are not to be missed, including Festival of Lights, Sedona Restaurant Week, Be the Peace New Year’s Retreat and more.

Festival of Lights: The Lighting of 6,000 Luminarias

This cherished Sedona holiday tradition involves the lighting of 6,000 luminarias in Tlaquepaque’s courtyards and walkways on December 12 at 5 p.m. Free entertainment, Santa and hot cider will be available and the River of Life Tabernacle Choir will perform and continue the merriment well into the evening. Held at Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village, the event offers guests to experience a time of joy and of remembrance.

Sedona Restaurant Week

Sedona Restaurant Week is a semi-annual event where guests and residents can experience a three-course pre-fixe style menu with dishes from some of the most renowned spots in the city. These options and more offer foodies a chance to sample the varied mouthwatering cuisine of Sedona, without breaking the bank. From December 4-13, chefs across the city may cater their menu to the festive spirit, or incorporate holiday merriment into each individualized experience.

Be the Peace New Year’s Retreat

Hay House author and meditation teacher Sarah McLean and mystical musician Ani Williams will bring in the New Year with deep meditations and moments of mystical music beginning at 7 p.m. on December 31. The powerful & nourishing meditation retreat offers those with a meditation practice or inspired future meditators to come together to be peacefully established in stillness, creating the peace we all want to see in the world.

Sedona is the perfect locale to take advantage of the holidays and explore winter festivities. For more information on what to find visit their calendar of events.

Planning an Outdoor Enthusiast’s Summer Vacation in Sedona Arizona

When I was a child...I spent many summers in the beautiful state of Arizona. Matter of fact, I lived there for 2 years in the mid 1980's before moving back to the east coast. Every summer as a child my family spent time visiting some of the old ghost towns, hiking through the mountains, taking the dune buggies out through the desert and swimming in mountain lakes. That's right, Arizona offers a lot of activities year round! There is always something interesting to see and something fun to do...not matter what season of the year it may be.

Planning an Outdoor Enthusiast’s Summer Vacation in Sedona, Arizona

Visitors and Residents Alike Can Enjoy Water Adventures, Unique Railroad Experiences, Local Town Events and More!!!

Preparing a summer vacation should be as easy and relaxing as the heavenly skies and vast wilderness of Sedona, Ariz. The city, surrounded by 1.8 million acres of national forest land and buttressed by four wilderness areas and two state parks, is a landscape built for adventure and offers numerous options for summer explorations. Angular formations, high mesas and rocky cliffs define the multi-terraced skyline. Forests are carved by a network of trails and surrounded by feisty streams, all beneath a clear azure sky.

Sedona’s mild climate makes the destination a perfect four-season playground. With temperatures that hit highs in the 90s and lows in the 50s during the summer, it’s the ideal location to spend summer vacation. Exploring the outdoors doesn’t have to be limited to the wondrous state parks or the jaw-dropping hiking trails, but rather, the city encourages guests to trek to parts unknown.

For those that prefer hideaway cliff jumping, Sedona’s Grasshopper Point is the perfect destination. Nestled in the base of Oak Creek Canyon is a large cliff-side swimming hole known as Grasshopper Point. This day-use site is popular with swimmers and picnickers alike. The swimming hole is shaded and cool, a good respite from the summer heat, with other activities such as hiking, fishing, wildlife watching and more.

For a summer vacation inspired by Sedona locals, the city suggests destinations that vary from kayak excursions to vineyard hopping and everything in between.

4th of July Concert and Laser Show
On Saturday, July 4, residents and visitors can delight in Sedona’s local 4th of July Celebration. Held at the Sedona Performing Arts Center and nearby baseball fields, the event offers an all-day experience for those looking for festivities during the day before they enjoy their favorite fireworks shows at night. A patriotic-themed laser light show will begin at 11 a.m., 12 p.m. and 1 p.m., with delicious food, fun water games and toys meant to help beat the heat.

Verde Adventures
Contrary to popular belief, there is water in the desert. Verde Adventures hosts its unforgettable outdoor fun and family-friendly adventure in the breathtaking scenery of Sedona and the Verde River Valley. The organization offers a guided river trip that begins in Clarkdale, a city just outside of Sedona, Ariz., and ends at the base of the Tuzigoot National Monument, the 1,000-year-old ancient pueblo site. The trip will take you along the Verde River in a “Ducky Kayak,” an inflatable kayak that is comfortable, stable and easy to paddle. Whether along the Verde River in a kayak or by tube, there’s plenty of water fun in Sedona to explore this summer.

11th Annual National Day of the Cowboy Celebration
Join the city’s annual celebration on Saturday, July 25, 2015, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. This free event is an exciting celebration of local cultural heritage, presented by the Sedona Main Street Program and Red Rock Posse. Despite its modern offerings, the desert oasis has a very rich cowboy heritage. Cattle drives back and forth to Munds Mountain began in the 1890’s as early cowboy legends such as Ira Smith and Earl Van Deren made their trek through Northern Arizona.

Verde Canyon Railroad
The Verde Canyon Railroad is a stress-free wilderness adventure featuring an abundance of native flora and fauna, rugged high-desert rock faces and remarkable views. The exclusive views of the canyon and Sedona’s landscape are only accessible by rail, so it’s no wonder residents and visitors alike flock to its one-of-a-kind events and local journeys. This summer, the railroad will host its annual Grape Train Escape, a rolling wine-tasting adventure where select wineries and wine regions are highlighted.

To learn about these summer adventures and more, go to visitsedona.com.

Aerial America: Southwest Collection DVD by Smithsonian Channel

As a travel blogger, I love to sit down and watch DVDs that take me to far away places and introduce me to new sights and sounds. One such DVD is this brand new Aerial America: Southwest Collection DVD by the Smithsonian Channel.

The DVD features 5 southwest beautiful states: Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah and Colorado. The approximate running time is 230 minutes. From: The Inception Media Group.

When I was a teenager, I spent several years living in Arizona and absolutely loved it! I guess that is when I officially caught the traveling bug. Almost every weekend my family went out on road trips across the Southwest. I remember visiting Sedona, Flagstaff, Scottsdale and many other location throughout Arizona. I especially loved visiting the old deserted ghost towns!

The DVD starts with the great state of Arizona where the Grand Canyon is just one of the many magnificent marvels you get to explore. Throughout this episode you will learn about the Copper State's rich history, awe-inspiring landscapes, spectacular sunsets and the infamous gunfights that went on during the old southwest days.

Next you will move on to the Nevada episode which I really loved! I have only ventured into this state 3 times and it was many years ago. In this episode you will discover the highs & lows of the state's rich history and how it became the land of big builders and even bigger dreamers. From the old mining towns and ghost towns to the Hoover Dam, there is definitely something for everyone who wants to learn more about this great state called Nevada.

The third episode on the DVD will take you to the beautiful state of New Mexico. Out of all of the southwest states, I find New Mexico to be the prettiest. I am not sure why, but I do! During this episode you will explore some of the 121,000 square miles that make up this state. You will learn about many of the national treasures from the Rio Grande to adobe structures & dormant volcanoes of years' past. New Mexico is known as the Land of Enchantment and it is definitely that! The episode goes into the old cowboy tales, UFO sightings and more! Years ago I remember my family taking a trip to New Mexico to watch the famous hot air balloon races...this episode brought back all of those fond memories from that trip.

Next you will move on to the Utah portion of the DVD. I have only been in Utah twice in my lifetime and I hope to return someday soon. Utah is known as the Beehive State, a land that offers endless surprises & possibilities. From the pinnacles of Arches National Park to the white terrain of Bonnesville Salt Flats and the tragedy of the Donner Party to the arrival of Bringham Young, the state of Utah has a lot to offer to travelers...young and old alike!

Finally, you will end your visual traveling experience with the Colorado episode on the DVD. If you have never visited this great state, Colorado is known for having some of the highest peaks, tallest dunes and the largest single-site brewery in America. When I was about 15 years old...we took a trip to see all of the gorgeous Red Rock formations that are out in the dessert areas of the state. If you are into skiing, the DVD will explore a little bit of the ski slopes in Aspen too.

Overall, I LOVE this DVD! I now live on the east coast and only travel out west once every 10-12 years or so. Yes, I know I need to visit there more frequently! Watching the DVD brought back all kinds of childhood memories for me and it was nice to relive them once again. In addition, I made a bucket list of all of the destinations that I want to see (in-person) that I learned about via this fantastic DVD.

You can learn more by visiting the Smithsonian Channel online and by visiting Inception Media Group. You will find this brand new DVD release available for purchase starting on July 22nd, 2014.

Disclaimer: A free copy of this DVD was provided to me for this review. No monetary compensation has been received. My thoughts & opinions on this item are 100% my own and are unbiased. Your opinions & views may differ.

Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona

Back in the mid 1980's I used to live in Glendale/Peoria Arizona and while I lived in Arizona we took a few trips up to the Grand Canyon National Park.

If you have never visited the Grand Canyon, it is definitely a 'must see' at least once in your life. If you are not a local...I recommend flying into Phoenix, Flagstaff or even into one of the airports in Nevada and then renting a car to travel to the Grand Canyon. It's definitely one place that should be on your travel bucket list.

You will find moderate to expensive lodging accommodations ranging from hotels, motels, lodges, camp grounds, etc. If you are planning any type of trip to the Grand Canyon, I recommend checking out the Grand Canyon Tours, Hotel and Lodging site to help you plan the perfect vacation for you and your family.

When I lived there we took a mule tour down into the bottom of the canyon and it was beautiful. Even now 30+ years later...I remember that mule tour like it was yesterday. (although my bootay was sore for weeks afterwards). If you are physically fit...I recommend doing it, along with some hiking to get the full beautiful effect of the canyons.

Weather any time of the year there can be difficult. I remember hot and sweating days but yet at night...cold and shivering, so make sure you pack your clothing appropriately and always check out the weather forecast before going. When visiting the Grand Canyon in Arizona plan out your trip ahead of time, because there is a lot to see and do and you will want to do as much as you can while you are there.

Not comfortable on touring the canyon by yourself? Well, you're in-luck! Many different companies in the area offer guided tours for those who prefer those. Visiting Grand Canyon National Park is definitely one place in the southwest that should be on every traveler's bucket list.