Central Arizona is a remarkable spectacle of nature. Experience the soothing sunshine and scenic marvels featuring an abundance of wildlife, parks, colorful desert landscapes and natural wonders. Explore a bounty of outdoor activity within the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. Witness the remarkable beauty of Arizona's abundant wildlife. Peer out into the awe-inspiring Grand Canyon. Visit a variety of state and national parks. See monuments and buildings left in ruins from civilizations that lived centuries ago.
McDowell Sonoran Preserve
Encompassing over 34,000 acres of magnificent desert, the McDowell Sonoran Preserve has helped to maintain the unique ecology of Central Arizona, while inviting visitors from around the world to admire its natural wonders. Here you can find a wealth of activity coupled with a rugged cowboy kind of feel. Get some great exercise and hike, horse, rock climb, mountain bike or take a tour through the scenic trails. Explore the Western side of things at a cowboy laden cookout, cattle drive or good 'ole fashion ranch. This is where Western culture and adventure intermingle.
Perusable Wildlife
One of the most incredible aspects of Central Arizona is the wildlife. You'll be amazed at what's out there if you keep your eyes peeled to the sky, over the mountains, across the land and through the thicket. From the baron basin of Yuma to the towering peaks of Flagstaff there are many fine wonders of nature, branching across six "Life Zones" (a categorization chart for flora and fauna by elevation) including: turkeys, elk, gila monsters, hummingbirds, butterflies, hawks, spadefoot toads, antelopes, ringtales, sandhill cranes, osprey, vermillion flycatchers, red squirrels, elegant trogons, great blue herons, Arizona tree frogs, ruddy ducks and Red Spotted Admirals. If you're real lucky maybe you'll see a California condor circling overhead. You can spot them by the distinct white feathers underneath their wings.
Grand Canyon
Each year millions of tourists visit the Grand Canyon merely to gaze into its wonderment, yet there is far more to experience within this natural masterpiece. Journey on a 2 day hike through the canyon and set up camp. Climb atop a friendly mule and slowly gallop along. See the sights from above in a helicopter. Plunge into the Colorado River and raft amongst its rapids. Any way you choose to explore the Grand Canyon – the magnitude of its beauty is sure to astound you.
