Is that right? Chill out in Arizona?
Arizona is a land of contrasts and only 40% is desert.
That means that there is plenty of pine country for hiking; lakes for boating;
scenic and cool places to explore, and visit.
Wanna beat the heat?
Avoid it by exploring these places in our high country.
Can’t get away?
Take advantage of the cool Water and Ice Palaces the Valley offers.
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Each of the areas in the high country (communities in the high country …) have their own personality! So check them all out! Take a day, a weekend or a week to discover our “land of contrasts.”
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| Prescott is known for accessible wilderness. At more than a mile high, the mountain settings can literally take your breath away. Once you get used to all the pure Pine air, you’ll find it refurbishes the soul. Just 90 miles north of Phoenix, you’ll enjoy high desert scenery and magnificent mountain and valley views. Bike trails and picnic areas are abundant.
Sedona is the Red Rock Country, awesome red mesas and outcroppings that are inspiring and breathtaking. Located 120 miles north of Phoenix, 30 miles south of Flagstaff, it’s just a day trip or more of refreshing exploration. There’s plenty of dining, entertainment, and resorts and country inns. Shopping spans from the unique to the superb at Tlaquepaque (Ta-la-kee-pah-kee), a charming shopping mecca that resembles a Mexican village. There’s no better way to see the rocks than in a Jeep Tour to gain a special view of the majestic Sedona landscape. Oak Creek Canyon is just north of Sedona. Don’t see one without seeing the other! Oak Creek sparkles cool and clear in summer. The drive through the Canyon is steep enough to satisfy a roller-coaster lover, but once on the canyon floor, you’re in for the most breathtaking views. There really is a creek and hikers and walkers should take a casual stroll through the wooded area along the creek. Payson is a little Alpine-like village and although the area is quickly becoming popular as a summer-home site, much of it remains pristine and still qualifies as a true mountain retreat. Words like “nestled” and “secluded” are used. But even with its remote location, educational and medical facilities, lodging and dining are available. Flagstaff, our “winter wonderland” known for its ski slopes, can be an extension of your trip to Sedona. Leave time to go just a little further north to see what this Flagstaff is all about once the winter skiers leave! Often called “the city of seven wonders”, Flagstaff is approximately 3 hours north of Phoenix. The scenic highway dips through the Verde Valley, climbs over the Mogollon Rim, and ultimately reaches this 7,000-foot-high city. Note: With Flagstaff as your base, the entire northern third of Arizona is open to you. You’ll see wonders of the ancient world such as the Grand Canyon, but although temperatures around Flagstaff remain moderate, as you travel into the high desert areas of the northeastern section of the state, or the far western border near California, you’re back in the heat. |
Guides to Special Places
Here’s a guide to high-country cities and towns close enough to Phoenix for a soothing weekend trip.
And here’s some destination and distance information about the high country communities.
And by the way, if you’re thinking of a vacation home in these areas, please let me know!
Here’s a Tax Vacation informational article for you.
The Ultimate Northern Arizona Vacation Guide on the Web
Wilderness Areas in Northern Arizona
Northern Arizona Regional Map
Arizona Guide
Arizona Distance Guide
Desert USA maps
And don’t forget to check out my Hiking page!
 …And Lakes!
We have more boats per capita than any other state in the nation! Why? Because we have many lakes that store our water for the future. They offer wonderful boating, fishing, water sports and pure leisure on a houseboat vacation! Arizonans take water seriously, with our dammed rivers for flood control, surface water, rafting, fishing, water-skiing, boating, and recreation. We do have an extended drought that has lowered some of our lakes, but not enough to prevent enjoying them. |
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Lake Mead on the border of Nevada and Arizona, is a huge lake, although a bit smaller than Lake Powell. Located 259 miles from Phoenix, most people head to Lake Mead for houseboat vacations. Lake Powell is about 280 miles north of Phoenix and is the most popular houseboat vacation spot. You can rent a houseboat for 3, 5, or 7-day vacations and cruise this enormous lake with its various coves and canyons. Houseboating. Roosevelt Lake, is located about 2 hours northeast of Scottsdale, off the road towards Payson and is the largest of the four Valley reservoir lakes on the Salt River. It is the best for waterskiing because the lake is large enough that it doesn’t get crowded. Roosevelt Lake has a full-service marina and is ideal for power boating, waterskiing, camping, fishing and jet skiing. Saguaro Lake, is just 12 miles northeast of Fountains Hills. In addition to boating and water sports, you can rent an inner tube and enjoy the day floating down the Salt River, floating leisurely along the cool waters, with the natural surroundings of the Tonto National Forest ringing the lake. Canyon Lake Less than an hour drive from Phoenix at an elevation of 1,660 feet lies the unspoiled beauty of Canyon Lake. Here, you’ll revel in a playground with more than 28 miles of cactus-dotted shoreline, explore wondrous rock formations, discover peaceful private coves. Water ski, jet ski, or wind sail with over 950 surface acres of sparkling waters to run. Apache Lake Surrounded by the Superstition Wilderness and the Three Bar Wildlife Area, Apache Lake is 17 miles long and a spectacular site for boating, fishing, water skiing, hiking, camping, and all forms of outdoor recreation. Bartlett Lake, is just 6 miles east of Carefree. Boaters and fishermen love the 12 miles of skiable water and power boating, and its rustic beauty unmarred by concession stands. Lake Pleasant, was formed when the Waddell Dam was constructed on the Agua Fria River. Picnic, rent jet skis, or just enjoy the rocky landscape and cool views. Known for its windy conditions, Lake Pleasant is ideal for sailing. Arizona Lakes and Reservoirs Rafting: Salt River Rafting on a 52-mile stretch of the Upper Salt River (which is rated Class III, medium difficulty, on the international scale) through the Salt River Canyon. This section of the river drops at an average of 25 feet per miles as opposed to 8 feet per mile on the Colorado River. (480) 941-4222 Arizona River Runners |
Other Cool Activities!
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Ice Skating:
Roller Skating:
Wave Pools & Water Parks:
Extra Sites to help you enjoy your summer
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So, visit us! And while you’re here, be sure to say Hi to me! I’d love to see you when you visit!
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