Page 11 - AAA Now! – AAA Central Penn – May/June 2021

TRAVEL
The Colorful Desert Landscapes of Arizona
By Judie Karhan
America’s Southwest is a stark, beautiful landscape,
painted in hues of dusty red and orange. Cactus, rugged rock formations and spectacular sunsets highlight the region’s glorious displays of Mother Nature. Drive from the desert into the high plateaus of Arizona and you will witness much of the grandeur of the Southwest congregated in one state, dubbed “A Diamond in the Rough.”
Lovely Sedona, Arizona is a magnet for writers, artists and holistic healers. For nature lovers, this popular resort destination is a practical “camp” point for branching out to nearby natural attractions. Within the town of Sedona itself, visitors find a culturally rich environment. Here you can browse more than a dozen art galleries exhibiting works ranging from Southwestern to contemporary and modern art. Sedona has also developed a reputation as a center for Southwest cuisine.
One of Sedona’s many nearby attractions is Montezuma Castle National Monument, dedicated to preserving Native American culture. This cliffside castle, built between 1100 and 1425 AD., features a 20-room high-rise apartment that is nestled into a towering limestone cliff. The abandoned homes have remained much as they were when the last inhabitants departed.
Ready for some adventure? Take a jeep tour of Sedona’s Redrock country that leads you on and over the red rocks and surrounding canyon rocks; hold on tight for the heart-pounding descent down the “Road of No Return,” an amazing exhibition of natural beauty. Continue the adventure aboard the Verde Canyon Railroad for a scenic train ride. This historic railroad is referred to as the finest train ride in Arizona and acclaimed as its longest running nature show.
Leaving Sedona, continue on to Arizona’s mighty Grand Canyon National Park. One of the seven natural wonders of the world, the 190-mile-long, 10-mile-wide, and one-mile-deep Grand Canyon was carved out of the Kaibab Plateau by the Colorado River over the course of millions of years. Enjoy the canyon’s mesmerizing scenery in a kaleidoscope of hues and the many outdoor activities available.
Traveling south through the Kaibab and Coconino National Forests, venture to the high plateaus of Arizona. In the mining town of Prescott, which sits at an elevation of 5,200 feet, take
a tour back in time and relive the days of Wyatt Earp and Doc Holiday at one of the town’s famous saloons. For insight into the Southwest Native American culture, make your way to the Valley of the Sun to visit the Heard Museum, which features the best exhibits on Southwest Indians that you’re likely to see anywhere.
Enjoy all of these warming desert experiences and more on AAA Central Penn’s Arizona Warm Weather Getaway next March. Contact your AAA travel agent for more details and reservations.
Rates are subject to availability at time of booking and include taxes, fees and fuel surcharges, which are subject to change. All pricing and included features are based on a minimum of 20 passengers.
ARIZONA
WARM WEATHER GETAWAY
MARCH 6 – 13, 2022 $3,799 per person, double occupancy
HIGHLIGHTS
Phoenix, AZ
Montezuma Castle
National Monument, Sedona
Bell Rock, Sedona
Verde Canyon Railroad
Grand Canyon National Park Prescott, AZ
Heard Museum
Old Town Scottsdale
Desert Botanical Gardens, Scottsdale
Sloan Field, Scottsdale
(Chicago Cubs spring training field)
MAY/JUNE 2021 I 11