Known for abundant sunshine, towering saguaros and the Grand Canyon, Arizona also offers a diverse landscape and a wealth of natural and cultural opportunities for curious families.
1Experience the Arizona TrailSample a section of this recently completed 800-mile scenic pathway that winds through deserts, canyons (including the Grand Canyon), mountains and mesas, stretching from the Arizona-Mexico border in the south to Utah in the north. Explore the trail via foot, horseback, mountain bike, mule or snowshoe and tap into historic sites, geological wonders and an extraordinary menu of wildlife and vegetation. Designated as a National Scenic Trail, small communities, abandoned mining sites, cliff dwellings and remote wilderness areas also lure adventure seekers.
Contact: aztrail.org
2Baseball spring trainingEach year, baseball fans unite in the Valley of the Sun to watch their favorite teams warm up their skills The Texas Rangers head to Surprise, 25 miles northwest of Phoenix, where they play in Surprise Stadium. Scottsdale is home to the San Francisco Giants, Colorado Rockies and the Arizona Diamondbacks. Games start during March in downtown Scottsdale and at the Salt River Fields at Talking Stick, along the city's border with the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community. The crack of the bat, hot dogs and popcorn also can be found in neighboring communities including Mesa and Tempe. Packages available.
Contact: scottsdalecvb.com/baseball; cactusleague.com
3Visit American Indian landsArizona is home to the largest percentage of American Indian tribal land in the United States. In northern Arizona, travel through a vast, high desert landscape to visit the historic Hopi village of Oraibi. Built in 1100 and discovered by a lieutenant of Coronado in 1540, this small enclave is considered to be the oldest American Indian settlement in the country. Shop for local crafts; consider a tour that includes visits with potters, basket makers and kachina carvers and learn about the geology and cultural significance of the region.
Contact: arizonarockstours.com; hopi-nsn.gov
4A bird-lovers' paradiseSouthern Arizona is recognized as a world-renowned migratory corridor for birds and was declared the first globally Important Bird Area by the National Audubon Society. Families visiting Sierra Vista, the "hummingbird capital of the U.S.," could spot more than 14 varieties of the small, winged creatures. Nearby, Ash Canyon is home to a rarely sighted hummingbird, the Plain-capped StarThroat. Pack your sun screen, hiking boots and binoculars. There are more than 150 bird species, ranging from sandhill cranes to colorful flycatchers.
Contact: visitsierravista.com
5Travel the salsa trailDip your chips in the spicy sauce that gives this trail its name. You'll expand your culinary horizons while enjoying a southeastern Arizona road trip. Visit with local farmers, ranchers and miners as you wind your way along the scenic Old West Highway that connects eight communities known for great Mexican food, derived from old family recipes and friendly service. Visit the local tortilla factory and sample fresh roasted chiles at a nearby farm. In the fall, the annual SalsaFest features salsa-making and eating contests as well as music and family activities.
Contact: 888-837-1841; salsatrail.com
Lynn O'Rourke Hayes is the editor of FamilyTravel.com.
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