Arizona: Desert Star of the RVer
Published: Wednesday, June 6, 2007
Arizona offers a vastly different camping experience for most outdoor lovers, especially those traveling aboard RVs or other vehicles equipped with sufficient facilities capable of providing the basic needs for an extended period of time. If other US states can boast of having such a diverse line-up of outdoor activities, Arizona can likewise do so, and even go a step further because of its unique offering of desert camping. Many campers may find the desert as a place of isolation, extreme humidity, and a long stretch of barren, wasted land, but not Arizona. Its deserts offer more than just plain sand that stretch beyond visual perimeters and boasts of a vast set of natural attractions that will make one wonder just how exactly this amazing piece of US land came into being.The Regions of Arizona
Arizona state is a vast area of land that appears to extend endlessly, way beyond the limits of the human eye. It is generally divided into five distinct regions including the Northern Arizona, the North Central Arizona, the West Coast Arizona, the Central Arizona, and the Southern Arizona.
Northern Arizona
Countless landscapes, many of which evolved naturally, litter the whole Northern Arizona region. These range from massive rock formations, thickly forested mountains, and crystal-clear waters, each one offering good outdoor options for many campers. Mountain climbing and hiking are obviously among the popular outdoor activities that should be expected here although boating and fishing should not be discounted since Northern Arizona also features beautiful lakes where water-centered activities can be explored.
The region boasts of several prominent natural attractions that have made Arizona a byword among outdoor enthusiasts. These include the world-famous Grand Canyon with its many mile-deep incisions that seem to penetrate to the very core of the earth. Another one is Lake Powell with its unique blue waters that provide sharp contrast to the sandstone hues of the Arizonian coastline.
Meanwhile, the popular cities of the North Arizona region are Prescott and Flagstaff, with the latter being a highly preferred stop-over for many RV riders since it is very near Grand Canyon and its resident park, the Grand Canyon National Park, where a wide variety of outdoor options are available.
North Central Arizona
North Central Arizona offers what is perhaps among the most ideal of places for many prospective RV travelers. This is because the region gets to perfectly manipulate all four known seasons to its advantage by coming up with a diverse variety of exciting events that suit the existing climate. For instance, the pine-adorned forests of North Central Arizona during summer become suitable venues for such outdoor events as mountain biking, hiking, and even horseback riding, especially when the trees exude a mild refreshing scent typical of the summer months. The winter season, meanwhile, is the perfect backdrop for skiers as they explore the winter wonderland showcased at White Mountains.
However, for RV riders who are not particularly fond of the outdoors, two cities set within the boundaries of the region are good places to make a drive-though and examine first-hand the rich Native American and Old West heritage of Arizona state. One is nearby Prescott north of Arizona where the renowned Whiskey Row is situated. Another one is Jerome city, where a growing community of Arizona artists is present and where various historic sites can be seen.
West Coast Arizona
The West Coast region is what one may appropriately call as the wet-and-wild district of Arizona state. A great number of water-based events can be experienced in these parts, especially since the famed Colorado River is said to make its way through this particular Arizona region from its Hoover Dam origin to its final stop in Mexico. RV owners will most likely have fun having a wild boat ride on the waters of the West Coast region although they can always opt for a safer activity like bird or wildlife watching since these activities are also popular here as there are several natural wonders in West Coast Arizona that serve as habitats for various species of wildlife, particularly those residing along the banks of the river.
Two cities within the region namely Yuma and Parker are worth visiting for RV travelers as they offer some fairly exciting treats. Yuma has been particularly cited for having grand and diverse 13 golf courses, making it the eleventh best golfing area in the US as per the rating of Golf Digest Magazine. Additionally, a guided river tour in the city is available and passes through the protected National Wildlife Refuge where sights like a miner's place, Native American drawings, and the river wildlife can be seen.
Another city is Lake Havasu where the waters offer many options like para-sailing, canoeing, ski boating, kayaking, and pontoon boating. There is also a nearby lakeside restaurant where one can get to view a famous landmark. The celebrated London Bridge can be seen in all its glory from this particular restaurant although when engaging in any water-based activity, the bridge is said to be highly viewable as well.
Central Arizona
The Central Arizona region is considered as the metropolitan district, making it the center of all major Arizona activities. RV travelers who simply want to pass through the state should thus try going through this particular region as there are numerous restaurants situated here, apart from shopping centers and a dynamic nightlife. For those pondering on a relatively longer stay, attractions like golf courses, elegant resorts, and relaxing spas are worth trying out.
With an incredible 300 sunshiny days every year, the region has naturally become a hub of typical outdoor activities like hiking and various sports events. However, there are several other options available for RV travelers such as a tour of several museums since there are many of these in Central Arizona offering glimpses into Native American and Old West influences on the region.
Phoenix is undoubtedly the most prominent city in the region and the sixth largest in the US. Campers may initially find the area highly urbanized especially with its many resorts, golf courses, spas and a host of other recreational places that characterize typical urban living, making it a highly unlikely place to visit for outdoor fun.
Still, there is the Sonoran Desert that offers many unspoken wonders and is, in general, among the great natural attractions of Central Arizona. There are also other cities in the region such as Scottsdale, Chandler, Tempe, Paradise Valley, Glendale, and Mesa that boast of their own natural wonders with Scottsdale having the grand distinction of playing host to the McDowell Sonoran Preserve and McDowell Mountain Regional Park, an area where numerous outdoor experiences can be enjoyed.
Southern Arizona
Just like many parts of Central Arizona, the southern side is characterized by a growing metropolis setting highlighted by numerous golf sites and resorts. Nevertheless, the region has been quite successful in retaining a good portion of its historic past and a good example of this is the many guest ranches in its midst. They offer glimpses into the Old West life in Arizona that should ably satisfy the needs of those who are particularly fond of ancient history.
For outdoor lovers like campers, however, bird-watching should prove to be highly enjoyable since Southern Arizona has both rugged mountains and rich river banks that have become suitable breeding grounds for a wide variety of birds. Additionally, there are also several astronomical observatories found all around the area where star-gazing is likewise a common outdoor activity. RV campers will take special delight hanging out under star-filled nights and occasionally catching a falling star pass by across the nighttime sky.
Tucson is perhaps the most well-known of all the cities in the Southern Arizona region and also the second biggest city in Arizona state. It offers a great number of outdoor activities and campers aboard their RVs should generally find the region particularly inviting since there are various campgrounds scattered across its many cities. Complementing these many campgrounds are important sites that serve as local attractions for the area like the Saguaro National Park, a place having great significance to many Native Americans, and which has several hiking trails that outdoor buffs will find truly engrossing.
Cities to Visit
Every region in Arizona state is composed of several cities and towns that together make it such a highly diverse area. Some cities, however, stand out not only because of the number of attractions that can be found therein but also because of the possibilities that these attractions offer the typical RV camper.
Flagstaff
Considered as the largest city in Northern Arizona, Flagstaff offers several natural and man-made attractions that should suit the taste of even the most discriminating RV traveler. One can start by getting a close look at the picturesque San Francisco Peaks, a dense forest field just 70 miles away from the famed Grand Canyon where skiing is a good outdoor activity during winter. Alternatively, there are several hiking trails around the area apart from the availability of bikes for a round of mountain biking.
Another paradise site for outdoor lovers is the Meteor Crater Center 35 miles east that houses what is a highly preserved meteorite ever recorded on earth. A guided tour through the area provides visitors with a general view of this massive wonder that is said to be more than 4,000 feet wide and having a depth of as much as 550 feet. The place has an area that serves as a good picnic spot.
Of course, the single biggest attraction of Flagstaff will have to be the Grand Canyon which can be accessed by driving past Highway 89 and onto Highway 64. The Canyon has several great views and one can literally pick from any of the major points although Kanab Creek Wilderness should be preferred, being the single biggest canyon drainage that is accessible to the public.
After a view of the spectacular Grand Canyon, a stroll around the nearby Grand Canyon Village ought to be enjoyable, particularly if one gets to catch a glimpse of the mighty sun as it sets beyond the canyon ridges.
Prescott
Originally referred to as the first state capital of Arizona, Prescott offers a great driving challenge for many RV owners. Starting on the Joshua Tree scenic road along Highway 93, one gets exposed to a virtual explosion of natural wonders as one drives past rugged surroundings typical of the harsh Southwest Desert. The route taken intersects with another major road, Highway 71 and concludes at Wikieup town.
Upon arriving in Prescott, one can choose from either fishing, kayaking, and canoeing to fully appreciate the beauty of the Prescott National Forest. An alternative is horseback riding, preferably done along the foothills of the majestic Bradshaw Mountains complemented by a first-hand view of Arizona wildlife. Finally, at the end of the day, spend time hopping from one saloon to another along the celebrated Whiskey Row.
Lake Havasu City
An extensive road trip awaits RV riders in Lake Havasu City, but not just an ordinary road trip. Rather, one that is full of leisure and nostalgia. Start by driving past the renowned London Bridge of Arizona, stopping by the Lake Havasu Museum to appreciate the beauty behind the construction of the classic bridge. Afterward, continue on a leisurely drive across the long stretch of historic Route 66 that is accessible to all kinds of vehicles measuring 40 feet below although owners of wide vehicles are advised to drive under extreme caution. Route 66 is estimated to be about 78 miles long extending from Kingman up to Seligman.
Scottsdale
Scottsdale city makes up the so-called "Valley of the Sun" which, along with Phoenix and several other cities compose the central district of Arizona. While Phoenix has taken on a more cosmopolitan appearance, many of the attractions in Scottsdale are still of the purely natural and historical types. For example, horseback riding tours provide an exciting adventure tour of Sottsdale despite the fact that it is a largely desert land.
Meanwhile, RV driving over to the western front of the Valley of the Sun will take travelers to Salt River Valley where they can have an enjoyable walking tour of several historic ranches, one of only a handful of well-preserved ranches this corner of Arizona where exotic animals move about freely and are undoubtedly a joy to watch.
Tucson
Tucson offers a wealth of national landmarks where popular outdoor activities are known to be regularly engaged in. Tourists aboard their RVs can make quick drives along these landmarks and delight in the scenery or engage in an outdoor sport of their choice.
Driving on RVs should definitely be interesting in Tucson city especially as one heads south along Interstate 19 towards the Tubac Presidio State Historic Park. The park has an underground exhibit area displaying ancient archaeological artifacts that are truly worth seeing and even has a picnic site for those who love eating outdoors.
For the more adventurous spirit, however, hiking and biking trails stretching for as long as eight miles are available. Some trails ultimately lead to popular crossing paths like that found past the Santa Cruz River.
The Many Attractions of Arizona
Arizona state showcases a rich and diverse line-up of attractions that campers will definitely find suitable to their taste. The vastness of the Arizona desert that seems to encompass the whole state may appear lifeless at first glance but is actually full of activity and will no doubt attract the attention of any interested camper regardless of whether he is aboard an RV or simply driving in an old reliable car.
The following Arizona attractions should ably help an RV camper experience the outdoors the way only Arizona can offer them. Keep the RV in excellent running condition and begin the tour.
The Grand Canyon
For most RV campers, the ultimate dream is to explore the amazing topography of the famous Grand Canyon. With its numerous rock sequence dating back to eons ago, the Grand Canyon receives about one million visitors every year, many of them arriving at South Rim where miles of cemented roads as well paths that have not yet undergone concreting works can be taken to have a good view of the awesome rock formations that surround the Canyon. A short and quick hike around the less complex trails of the South Rim should be enough to satisfy the curiosity of many visitors. For the more adventurous hiker, however, an extended but more strenuous exploration may be needed such as the trails found at the North Rim where they are at least a thousand feet higher when compared with those of the South Rim's.
The Grand Canyon offers many incredible scenes to first-time visitors, but for those who simply want to view them and not necessarily conquer them, there are actually a good number of camping areas just below the canyon rim and within the many underdeveloped areas.
Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
Located in Tucson city, the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum houses over 300 different animal species apart from about 1,200 various plants, while it covers nearly 21 acres of pure desert land. Simply put it is a zoo, a botanical garden, and a history museum. But what has made it a world-known Arizona attraction is its many exhibits where the recreation of the vast Sonoran Desert appear very realistic that it is like actually being within the desert itself with the lions, the wolves, and other wild animals roaming freely. Additionally, the museum received commendation for its commitment to protect the land that covers the Sonoran Desert along with all the forms of life that are found within it.
For RVers interested in visiting the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, driving past Interstate 19, one should reach Ajo exit on the west. Entering Ajo exit will get one to Kinney Road, upon which a right turn should be made. Drive for about seven and a half miles until the museum becomes visible.
Lake Havasu State Park
Another major Arizona destination for RV travelers is the Lake Havasu State Park where beautiful beaches, boat rides and several nature trails abound. More importantly, various campgrounds numbering to around 42 sites are readily available within the premises.
Open all throughout the year, Lake Havasu State Park is situated along London Bridge Road in Lake Havasu City just off Industrial Boulevard and Highway 95. While its most famous attraction may be the renowned London Bridge, there are actually several other popular Arizona destinations near Lake Havasu State Park that should interest visiting campers. These include the Lake Havasu National Wildlife Refuge, Parker Dam, the Cattail Cove State Park, the Colorado River Indian Tribal Museum, and the Buckskin Mountain State Park.
Within the inner regions of the said park are several unique attractions. Aside from the beautiful beaches, there is the Mohave Sunset Trail that encompasses the shoreline and the nearby lowland desert. It is estimated to be about one and a half mile long.
Another park attraction is the Arroyo-Camino Interpretive Garden that features various exotic wildlife as they exist within the inner regions. Commonly seen here are lizards and cotton-tails although exotic birds are also known to fly by during certain periods.
Best Time for a Visit
With its typical sunshiny weather that lasts nearly all throughout the year, a visit to Arizona aboard an RV can practically be done at any given time. Certain Arizona attractions, however, should preferably be visited during certain seasons. For example, the Grand Canyon is known to exhibit cooler temperatures with the floor reaching as much as 120 degrees during the months of June and July. Taking a few protective measures might thus be needed when planning to visit the canyon during this particular time.
The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, meanwhile is open everyday although summer visits are ideal since museum hours are relatively longer apart from having lower entrance rates. Additionally, children below five years old can gain entry into the museum for free.
For its part, Lake Havasu State Park opens from sunrise up to 10 p.m daily, but campers are supposed to check out of the area by 2 p.m. During the summer, the park gets highly visited and usually reaches full capacity on weekends. During holiday weekends, the park often exceeds its visitor capacity and will be forced to close its gates to discourage more visitors from coming in. Campers are thus advised to keep this information in mind when visiting Lake Havasu State Park.
Kofa Mountain RV Park
The Kofa Mountain RV Park reportedly receives approximately one million RV campers every year basically because of several flea markets that regularly spring up within the general vicinity of the site. Products like solar panels, wristwatches, and many more are said to cost only a dollar each in these flea markets, naturally attracting RVers who just happen to be bargain hunters as well.
Yet, the park offers more than just flea markets. Located along SR 95 at the point intersecting Interstate 10, the Kofa Mountain RV Park boasts of 53 RV sites but with limited pull-through's. Nonetheless, it has a shower area, laundry facilities, WiFi access, and handicap accessibility features, all powered by 30-50 amp electricity.
When taking along an RV, the park can be accessed via Yuma in Arizona approximately 80 miles away. From Parker, Kofa Mountain RV Park is at least 35 miles away, but if one is coming from Blythe in California, driving distance is only about 18 miles.
Meteor Crater RV Park
Numerous outdoor activities await RV campers at the Meteor Crater RV Park. This is because the area is situated near some of the major tourist attractions of Arizona, including the fabled Meteor Crater, located at a distance of about five miles and from where the park naturally got its name.
Another popular destination for RV campers is the historic Old Route 66 found near the park borders where hiking is an activity engaged in by many. Meanwhile, the Grand Canyon, easily the most famous of all Arizona attractions, can be accessed after about an hour of driving. Ditto for several other attractions like the Sunset Crater, the Petrified Forest, and the Walnut Canyon.
Situated in the Northern Arizona region, Meteor Crater RV Park boasts of around 71 fully landscaped RV sites where RVs measuring as much as 50 feet in height can be accommodated. Other amenities include a laundry room, a playground, a country store, a gas station, individual restroom facilities, and a specialty sandwich shop.
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