In the land of Cowboys and Indians: Arizona
Not for cowards: the skywalk over the western part of the Grand Canyon!
Those who dare are rewarded with a magnificent view over the world’s
most famous canyon. At a height of 1,200 m this construction of glass
and steal looms over the gorge’s edge. This highest free-hovering
observation deck is open since March 2007, and already one of the most
popular tourist destinations in the USA. For those that rather stay on
solid ground, we advise to explore North Arizona’s 445 kilometer long
Grand Canyon on horse or foot. Hikes of one or more days take the
visitors deep into a wonderful bizarre landscape and to the roots of
the American continent. Some parts of the more remote side arms of the
canyon are still inhabited by Indians. However, beware: the various
tours offered are only for somewhat more experienced and fit hikers.
All others are advised to undertake the steep descent and climbs by
mule or horse. Another possibility is to drive around some parts of the
canyon’s edge by car. Early birds can enjoy breathtaking sunrises
between 5 and 8 AM, depending on the season. Sunsets – between 5 and 8
PM- are at least as beautiful.
However, Arizona has many more to offer in terms of outdoor activities.
This western state contains more than 20 National Parks, Monuments and
Nature Reserves. In the far North, bordering the State of Utah, the
Antelope Canyon draws photographers from all over the world. Here, the
gorge’s red cliffs reflect the sunlight in a most spectacular way
throughout the day. The city of Page in the West harbours Arizona’s
second largest artificial reservoir behind a bank in the Colorado
River; Lake Powell with its beige-white beaches is a center of
attraction for water-sports fans, beach-, and sun lovers. Also in the
North, on the border with Utah lies Monument Valley. This region is
known from many westerns with its bizarre, up to 300 meter high rock
formations. This is considered to reflect the typical Wild-West
atmosphere and is furthermore home of the Navajo Indians.
120 Kilometer south of Page one finds one of the most popular ski
resorts in the USA; In Flagstaff temperatures in winter regularly drop
to a freezing –10°C. In the rest of the state the temperatures usually
sink below zero in winter, although in summer they may easily rise to
above 40°C. Around Flagstaff one can also get a taste of the legendary
Route 66. Arizona harbours the longest stretch of this famous road,
which connects Chicago in the Northeast with Los Angeles in the West
since 1926. This tour is not only an impressive experience for car
fans.
The state´s capitol is situated right in the center; Phoenix is
regarded as the best organised city in the world, and manages to
connect its centuries-old history with modern times in an extraordinary
way. Museums, theatres, and operas, restaurants, and shops of
world-famous designers and historical city parts give the city its
cheerful true colours. Just North of the city lies the Sonora Desert,
home of the gigantic Saguaro Cactus. Like in many other parts of
Arizona, travellers can taste the real cowboy life including cattle
drives, horse rides and camp fires.
South of Phoenix one can find the Western-city of Tucson following the
Interstate 10. In this city you won´t have to miss any tourist feature:
just follow the turquoise-coloured marks on the streets. In Old
Tucson’s film studios you can watch famous Westerns. In addition,
lovers can marry here in Western style. Cowboys and Indians, deep
canyons, and seamless endless streets: discover the Wild West during an
Arizona roundtrip.
