Top 5 Things to See ~

Grand Canyon Official Web Site
The Grand Canyon is a steep-sided gorge carved by the Colorado River in the United States state of Arizona. It is largely contained within the Grand Canyon National Park — one of the first national parks in the United States. President Theodore Roosevelt was a major proponent of preservation of the Grand Canyon area, and visited on numerous occasions to hunt and enjoy the scenery.  Perhaps the most heart-stopping view of the canyon is had from theToro Overlook (Tuweep) situated 3000 vertical feet above the Colorado River, about 50 miles down river from the South Rim and 70 upriver from the Grand Canyon Skywalk. This region — “One of the most remote in the United States” according to the National Park Service — is reached only by one of three lengthy dirt tracks, that start from St. George, Utah, Colorado City or near Pipe Spring National Monument (both in Arizona). These roads traverse wild, uninhabited land for 97, 62 and 64 miles respectively. A visit to this area can be challenging, but rewarding. The Park Service manages the area for its primitive values and, therefore, improvements and services are minimal.

Desert Botanical Garden Official Web Site
The Desert Botanical Garden has one of the world’s finest collections of desert plants. It is one of only 44 botanical gardens accredited by the American Association of Museums. At the Desert Botanical Garden you will find 50 acres of beautiful outdoor exhibits. Home to 139 rare, threatened and endangered plant species from around the world, there is no finer place to enjoy desert beauty than the Desert Botanical Garden. The Garden is located in Papago Park in Central Phoenix.

Phoenix Zoo Official Web Site
The Phoenix Zoo is one of the younger zoos in the country. Not only is it a successful zoo, but it is a privately owned, nonprofit zoo. That means that it operates strictly without any government funding. The Phoenix Zoo is totally supported by donors and private organizations. Recognizing the important role that zoos must play, the Phoenix Zoo has been very active in wildlife conservation programs. The Phoenix Zoo is open every single day of the year, including December 25th. In the summer it is advisable to get there as early as possible, since many animals head for shade and hide during the heat of the day.

Camelback Mountain Official Web Site
The city's most prominent landmark, Camelback Mountain and the Echo Canyon Recreation Area, features sheer red cliffs, the Praying Monk rock formation and the familiar camel's silhouette. The 75.8-acre park is a favorite hiking and climbing spot. The summit trail is difficult. Sheer red sandstone cliffs and its telltale hump draw thousands of hikers to Camelback Mountain each year. Hiking to the top is not for beginning hikers, though. The main two summit trails are strenuous climbs over sometimes-tricky trails. Some easier trails allow close-up exploration around Camelback's base. Wherever you go, be prepared for crowds -- limited parking can mean a substantial wait for a spot at these busy trailheads.

Phoenix Art Museum Official Web Site
The Phoenix Art Museum was founded in 1949 and opened in 1959. It is a private not-for-profit organization that evolved from its predecessors, Phoenix Art Center and the Phoenix Fine Arts Association. In 1996, Phoenix Art Museum celebrated the conclusion of an extensive $25 million expansion and renovation which more than doubled its size. At over 160,000 square feet, it is one of the largest general visual arts institutions in the Southwest. Hosting over 567,000 visitors in 1999, providing privileges to over 22,000 Museum members, and reaching an additional 40,000 through its outreach programs, Phoenix Art Museum offers something for everyone in the family.

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