Ok Arizona Folks... I'm coming to visit

[superchemicalgirl]

(You'd better lock up your women and chickens...)

No, seriously... I've never been any further west than Texas and I'll be in the Phoenix area for 3.5 days in mid-March. I'd like to make the most of my trip. Obviously I want to see the grand canyon (and maybe go there via train!)... and I'm quite disappointed that I'll be missing the Ostrich Festival... but what do YOU think I should make time to see or do?

I'm not much for shopping, mostly nature and history interest me.

Thanks for any advice!

(oh and uhm... just for, *ahem* research purposes... does anyone know if one can take eggs as carry on?)

 

[maggiemooscluckers]

Will you have the entire 3.5 days to do whatever you want or do you have other obligations during that time? The Canyon will take an entire day and I would suggest staying over night in Sedona. Lots of hiking trails and a beautiful place to visit.

 

[superchemicalgirl]

Only other obligation is seeing my god mother who wants to take her jeep into the desert. I'm game for.that as long as I bring my antivenom

 

[maggiemooscluckers]

The canyon is beautiful and will take about 3-31/2 hours for you to drive there. An early start will be in order. There is a train that will take you from Williams to the Grand Canyon. Check it out on the internet for schedules. After seeing the canyon you could stay in Flagstaff or drive on down to Sedona which is also very beautiful. If you like hiking you will be in for a great suprise. There are trails everywhere. From beginner to experienced, long to short. Also, just FYI, I have lived here for almost 7 years and have done lots of hiking and have yet to see a rattler. Not to say you won't but it you stay on the trails you will be pretty safe. Also know that it will still be pretty cool in the mountains in March. The valley will be nice. Generally in the 70's.

 

[Sir Birdaholic]

You MUST float the Salt River!

AWESOME!

 

[maggiemooscluckers]

There are also Indian ruins throughout the area if you are into that.

 

[superchemicalgirl]

Quote:
Thank you. My biggest concern with taking the train (which I really want to do) is how I'll get around once I get to the canyon. I assume there's tours to take and such... No offense but I still get lost around here (I've been in this area 3 years) so the last thing I need is to be exploring on my own!

Can you define "pretty cool" in the mountains? Less than 30 degrees?

Also I would like to see indian ruins - do you recommend one specifically as being prettier or more educational than the others?

Thank you for all your responses - One can read a tour guide and miss out on some of the best sites to see sometimes.

 

[StupidBird]

If you are in Phoenix proper, there are several excellent Indian culture and art museums, the South Mountain and many other mountain parks sticking up right in the middle of the city. I enjoyed the Arboretum to see all the cacti, a bit of a drive outside town but an easy half day - more if you take the long trails around. Do not waste your time on Rawhide - !

There's always just 4 wheeling off into the desert. Have a local take you, and let that person drive. Hikes. Its fun to do target practice out there. Pick up rocks and see the scorpions. Be really quiet for 15 minutes and the desert comes alive with birds.

Sedona is beautiful, needs at least a whole day and overnight, can be expensive. IMHO, the Grand Canyon needs its own week long vacation.

There are ruins not too far from downtown, but you can do a two day loop through Pueblo country just looking at all the different ruins and lava beds.

Mid March will get hot, and very cold. Dress layers, esp if going up in the real mountains. Bring water everywhere. Lots of water. Take lots and lots of photos, keep downloading to cds at the drug stores (test that the cd reads BEFORE you leave the store).

Hope you have lots of fun!

 

[maggiemooscluckers]

Quote:
Thank you. My biggest concern with taking the train (which I really want to do) is how I'll get around once I get to the canyon. I assume there's tours to take and such... No offense but I still get lost around here (I've been in this area 3 years) so the last thing I need is to be exploring on my own!

Can you define "pretty cool" in the mountains? Less than 30 degrees?

Also I would like to see indian ruins - do you recommend one specifically as being prettier or more educational than the others?

Thank you for all your responses - One can read a tour guide and miss out on some of the best sites to see sometimes.

The train will dump you off at the lodge on the south rim. From there you will be able to walk around on the rim and even hike down into the canyon as far as you like. There may still be the possibility of snow. You are right that a car will give you more opportunity to see more of the canyon. If you stay in Flagstaff you can also see the several ruins in that area. The Meteor Crator is not far to the east.

 

[verity]

there is a great museum in Flagstaff -- lots of Native American things -- the collection of dolls is worth the trip --

I'm envious!