Traveling has always been part of my life, and this time, I’m rekindling past trips to the richest places in terms of beauty and history. I am referring to the beautiful canyon lands in south western USA. I’ve been to several national parks and recreation sites during my stay in Nevada, Arizona, and Utah. However, the most unforgettable ones are my trips to the Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon, and Canyonlands. I’ve come to love seeing these famous tourist spots and I must say that they are indeed magnificent to look at and a must-see for any jetsetter. In fact, they are the most stunning natural wonders I have yet seen in my whole life. I can only recommend you to check out all of the great Canyon-parks.

Arizona is known for the Grand Canyon, which is located at northwest Arizona, just a two-hour drive from Nevada and Utah. The waters that run through the canyon lands come from the waters of the Colorado River. The Grand Canyon is actually a steep gorge divided into two rims, the north and south rims, in which climate and vegetation differ significantly. Now known as the Grand Canyon National Park, it’s really one of the world’s greatest wonders, and such a lovely sight to look at.
In Utah, the famous Bryce Canyon also attracted me with its peculiarity and plateau-like existence. I could even distinguish small rock formations which looked like huge spears from afar, and corner rocks which form similar building structures as those in Greece. To get to the Bryce Canyon in Utah, I had to ride a plane coming from Nevada and take the bus going through Cedar City. There is a free shuttle which takes people around the Bryce Canyon, but I heard they only have those from May until September.

Another major attraction in Utah is the Canyonlands National Park, where the Colorado River divides the park into four sections: the Island in the Sky, the Needles, the Maze, and the remaining rivers which are sub-sections of the Colorado River. The Island in the Sky is located in a high mesa top overlooking the canyons. The Needles area is called such because of the presence of needle-like structures within this southeast corner of Canyonlands. The Maze is called such because of the high-walled canyons which are actually the least accessible among the canyon land areas. It is quite confusing, and travel there could take a week, so I refused to see it in actual. The River area is generally the combination of great white water rapid rivers, the Green River and the Colorado River. Canyonlands National Park has countless canyons which are so nice to look at and each canyon rock has its own character when seen closely

Canyons are not just there for nothing. Canyons exist to alter the courses of certain river systems which cannot on their own alter their flow. It actually helps nature in its cycle of replenishing earth’s resources. Also, canyons form limestone rocks which are used in architecture. They sometimes make up the facades of skyscrapers in the city. There are other national parks that serve people’s aesthetic cravings, but the canyons of Arizona and Utah serves a different craving, a craving for magnificence in its truest form.

The Southwest of the USA have many sights to offer but you do not have infinite vacation plus not all of them are as good as the others. This is a short guide about the locations you should check out. I have been at all of them and must say, they are breathtaking :-). They made me an USA fan. Can’t wait to go there again :-).

Zion National Park includes one hundred fifty thousand acres of canyon country. It is located at the east side of St. George in Utah. It includes the narrow and vibrant Kolob Canyons along the north as well as the huge dense mountain. Most travelers tend to come to Zion National Park just to visit Zion Canyon.

With the numerous ecological marvels in Utah, Zion Canyon is the most magnificent with its red and white granite cliffs that soar up to two thousand five hundred feet from the North Fork in the Virgin River. You can enjoy visitor amenities and the best viewpoints. If you are into hiking, you can take pleasure in different hiking trails including ten-minute easy strolls and the more difficult trails for the trained hikers. Zion provides the most variety of hiking trails in all of the national parks. This includes the well-known Narrows Trail located at the upper part of the Virgin River. Many panoramic views along the canyons await the visitors.

You can reach the Zion main canyon by state highway 9 that continues to the east through a tunnel going to Mount Carmel Junction, to Bryce Canyon National Park.

The Grand Canyon and Yosemite are part of the Southwest National Parks. Starting the year 2000, Zion National Park introduced access to free shuttle tours from Springdale town.

Grand Canyon in the South Rim of Arizona is overcrowded and expensive and there can be problems with accommodation and parking spaces. However, thousands of tourists still flock to the Grand Canyon because of it is one of the most popular natural tourist attractions in the United States of America.

Canyonlands National Park includes the large area of rock formations located in the Southeast of Utah, surrounded by the Green and the rivers of Colorado. Different astonishing rock formations with various colors are carved by millions of years of combined rivers and small streams. Canyons, spires, buttes, mesas, arches and countless stunning rock formations make up the five hundred square miles of the national park. Since 1964, the Canyonlands was selected to be a national park. Because some areas are inaccessible, the best way to explore Canyonlands is through overnight hikes and 4WD motor vehicle.

The mountains in the western Sierra Nevada in central California are the location of Yosemite National Park. The area consists of countless forests, meadows, lakes and granite peaks with the sceneries of Alpine. Through the Yosemite Valley runs the Merced River. You can easily access various picnic spits, trails and viewpoints.

I suggest that you explore other areas of the Yosemite National Park and enjoy the well-preserved wilderness with perfect sceneries. Other Sierra national parks are the Sequoia and the Kings Canyon.

In Yosemite National Park, you can see the three groves of huge sequoia trees and two groves around Crane Flat. In the southwest area near the Wawona private village, the most well-known Mariposa Grove of Big Trees are located. Around the protected hillsides of the national park, there are more than four hundred massive sequoias, including the Grizzly Giant, which is known to be the largest and is almost three thousand years old.

A good question, there are quite a few national parks. I have been in many of them and loved it. Still, it is not possible to see all national parks within 3 weeks (only if you hurry - but I would not do that). This guide will take you from California, to Utah and then to Arizona.

So, which parks to visit?

Yosemite is one of the most popular destinations among outdoor lovers because of its exceptional wilds and the diverse means to enjoy its surroundings. Yosemite has been converted into an adventure playground for river rafters, skiers, bikers, base-jumpers and rock climbers. Whatever activity you enjoy, I suggest that a good pair of boots is still the best gear you have to take when traveling to Yosemite.

Wawona Sequoias is the place to go if you want to stroll but if you enjoy an exciting climb, go to Tuolumne. However, if you want to discover and see the stunning nature of the place same as me, just take pleasure in walking to take in the serenity of nature.

Yosemite consists of more than eight hundred miles of trail hike. You can choose from the different itineraries and the first thing that you have to do is to make up your mind in where to go first.

Yosemite Valley has many popular trail sites. Expect some of the trails to be easy especially around the bottom of the valley, while some trails can be more demanding. These trails are those that have granite walls that shape the Valley. Spots such as Glacier Point, Half Dome, El Capitan and Yosemite Falls have different switchbacks, steep landscapes, and sudden changes in weather situations. The difficulty of your hike will be completely forgotten when you reach the top of the valley with its magnificent view. I suggest that you bring plenty of food, warm clothes and water during the hike. Most of the areas around the valley can be accessed during daytime only. If you are planning to visit overnight, you must check out their camping guidelines for your safety and protection.

On the other hand, some of the best and the most vivid rock formations in the United States is the Bryce Canyon National Park. You can see the strange rock formation in its pink hues with the sunlight. You can take a driving tour to be able to have a closer view of the rock formations in the afternoon.

If you are into rafting, I recommend one of the utmost adventures in North America, the Colorado River, which can be visited through the Grand Canyon. When you hire a rafting outfitter, make sure to choose the best because the wet and wild experience is quite expensive. It is best to plan your vacation for at least a year ahead of time. Rafting trips in the Grand Canyon can be booked fast and the regulations of the National Park only let restricted number of boats every season. Watercraft has four types that include oar rafts wherein the guide will do all the necessary works, the paddle rafts in which you can paddle while the guide steers, the motorized rafts with an outboard motor and the traditional dories type that can have four persons, including the guide.

The America’s oldest National Park is the Zion National Park, which is located in the Southwest of Utah. Zion National Park can be visited by a trip to Bryce Canyon going to the northeast and the north rim of the Grand Canyon going to the south.

Your trip will take you from, Yosemite, to Zion, to Bryce and then to finally Grand Canyon. You could also start the trip the other way around :-). Keep in mind, it will take a while from Yosemite (California), to Zion (Utah). Hope I helped you guys a little :-). Don’t forget to let me know if you ever did the tour!

The USA do perhaps not have the oldest buildings on earth, but the most beautiful national parks. I have been there twice now and was stunned by the beauty and extremeness of the parks. This is a short article about the best national parks. Never forget, all of them are great, some of them just have the little extra, making them unique and a visit you will never forget. Always remember, those parks were formed in millions and millions of years. In 1000 years the Grand Canyon grows by 10 centimeters - calculate it and you will notice how long it must have taken to form such a beauty…

When traveling to Phoenix, you should not miss the Grand Canyon. Most people enjoy camping, air tours, mule tours and hiking as part of their vacation but I recommend that you try driving for a couple of days to see the beauty of the Grand Canyon before going back to Phoenix.

If you are planning to visit the Grand Canyon, it is best to allot four to five hours before going back home. You have to leave early so that you can have more time in preparing for the tiring day. I think having two drivers is beneficial if you are going up and back in just one day.

From Phoenix to the Grand Canyon, it usually takes four to four and a half hours, depending on the situation of traffic. From your location, you can find the shortest way to I-17 North. Just take I-17 North going to I-40. Then from I-40 West, take the Highway 64. Lastly, take Highway 64 North going to the South Rim.

Grand Canyon National Park has an entrance fee of twenty-five dollars for a private vehicle, which covers all the people in the car. The permit fee can be used for seven days so you must keep your receipt. If you have a National Parks Golden Eagle general pass, Golden Access for the blind and the disabled, Golden Age for sixty-two and older or Grand Canyon Park passes, you can get discounts or free of charge. You can save up to fifty percent on the Grand Canyon National Park entrance fee to if you are in the categories of Golden Access or Golden Age.

Another great National Park that you should not miss is the Bryce Canyon. I think you will enjoy your stay even more if you bring your own mule or horse so that you can see the spectacular view of the mountains. Bryce Canyon allows the visitors to bring their private stock to use on the trail but certain rules and regulations should be followed for the protection and safety of the tourists as well as the park reserves.

If you are planning to take a trip to the Zion National Park, take the Scenic Byway 9, which is also known as the Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway. The highway is open twenty-four hours a day. You can enter from the east or the west. You can use your own private vehicle or the Zion Canyon Shuttle going to Zion Canyon. Just drive to the Canyon Junction.

Private cars are permitted in the Zion Canyon from the first day of November to late March. You need to take the shuttle ride if you are traveling on during late March to October. You can use the bicycles provided by the shuttle. I advise that you bring enough lunch, snack and lots of water during the trails. I bought a light backpack and water bottles on trails because the car was parked far from the location.

I must say that the Weeping Rock is one of the points that you should experience. Many people travel to Weeping Rock because of its beauty and the short length of time needed. Just be careful of the slippery moss as well as the water on the trail.

Finishing my article I must say that I can not wait to check out those amazing parks once again. I have been there around 4 months ago but when seeing the pictures I almost feel like being there again. I have never seen something as stunning and beautiful before. You must see those parks. It is expensive, yes, but it is something you will never forget. You will experience the creme de la creme of our nature.

The city of phoenix is the most populated city in the Arizona state. It is the capital of Arizona and it is one of the largest populated cities in the Unites States. The population of phoenix is more than one million. The city of phoenix holds several records with respect to its population. The record is that it is the third largest city in the United States, after the cities of Los Angeles and California. Phoenix is a very important city with respect to the fact that it is a major political, economical and technological center. This is a short review of Phoenix.

Phoenix is located in the banks of the river salt which is dry now. The city of phoenix is surrounded by a large number of mountains on all the four sides. The city is thus also called as the valley of the sun or just the valley. The city was officially recognized in the year 1881 and in the month of February. The people who live in this city of phoenix are known as the Phoenicians. The name phoenix is synonym with that of a fantasy bird which rises from the ashes and becomes alive again.

As said earlier, phoenix is the city which is the fifth largest in the country of the United States. It is the fifth largest with respect to its population. The popular seems to be increasing almost each and every year. During the year 2007 the population of the city of phoenix was around 1,552,259 which make it one of the most populated cities in the United States. Also phoenix is one of the bigger cities compared to the other cities of the United States. To be very precise the city of phoenix is the tenth largest city with respect to the amount of area of land. The land area of the city of phoenix is about five hundred and seventeen square miles.

There are a large number of tourists who come and visit phoenix for its beautiful mountains. The increase in the number of tourists is mainly due to the development of several features in this city. For people who are coming from all over the world, travel by air is the best option. The greater part of the phoenix can be reached by means of air travel. Also with in the United States too, people can come to this city of phoenix by air travel which is very affordable and cheap. People who visit the city of phoenix usually do so during their vacation times.

The tourists visit phoenix to escape from their own routine life and to refresh their mind and their body. There are several spas in this city where most of the people throng to get the best massages and the relaxation that they always wanted. Also the city of phoenix is known for its yummy food and buffet. One of the most exquisite favorites is the roasted chicken which seems to give the taste buds a treat. Being the city surrounded by a lot of mountains, the people of phoenix enjoy the serene surroundings around them. Also the night life of this city is really wonderful because due to the presence of the mountains and other beautiful scenery the whole nights look very pleasant. Also the nights are really cooler and comforting. There are a lot of things for the tourists to do while they are here.

The city of phoenix is surrounded by a beautiful and serene landscape of the desert of sonorant. The city of phoenix combines both the old and the modern marvels together to form one great place for the tourist. Along with the thrills and fascination of the west several decades back, there is also the metropolitan area that is also filled with a lot of cultural activities. People and other tourists from all over the world who visit this city of phoenix will be able to enjoy the twin benefits of being in one of the most modern cities in the world and also in a city that has a rich history.

The Skyline of Phoenix

Phoenix’s history is heard by people all over the world. There is a wonderful story associated with this. A guy named Jack Swilling who was one of the most famous American civil war veterans had come to the west to gain a lot of money in the early 1850s and he was working mainly in the area of Wickenburg. During the year 1867, while travelling for a long distance he decided to take rest under the mountains which were then known as the white tank mountain. During those times there was a river valley which was abandoned and was not in use. Jack took this as a great opportunity and potential for purposes like agriculture and farming. Also it had an optimal temperature for doing the farming activities. The soil was just right and farming would be a great success. There was only the problem of water which was solved by the presence of the river valley. All these made the place called swilling have a lot of new possibilities. This place was found to be the place for agriculture and farming activities which would earn a lot of money. A name needed to be kept for this place and finally Lord Darrell Duppa kept the name of this place as phoenix mainly because this place was completely rebuilt from being the remains of the ruins of an old civilization to the one it became. Thus the name and the city were born.

The climate of this city of phoenix is very pleasant for all the tourists. Some times the city witnesses’ summers that are very hot. But the winter season is cool and comforting. For two months in the summer season, the temperature is sure to go to more than 35 degree Celsius. In the early months of July till the month of September there seems to heavy rain fall which some times causes floods.

The city of phoenix consists of around fifteen villages that are urban in nature. There are several famous places inside these villages that make it very popular. These places are known as districts and are listen in the form of sub points. The city of phoenix is very famous for a large number of cultural activities like arts and cinema. Also there are a lot of museums and other events that show cases the culture of this city. In the case of performing arts, there are several avenues where music is given an important part. The major places for music avenues are in down town phoenix and in the place of Scottsdale. There are several groups and band which continuously play a lot of music and perform in front of the audience. One of the most famous bands which play regularly in the city of phoenix is nothing other than the Arizona opera and the ballet Arizona. There has been a fast and tremendous growth with respect to the local arts because of the art link program.

This city is also famous for its huge museums. There are so many museums in and around this city. One of the most famous and happening museum in the city is the heard museum which is situated in the north direction of downtown. There are huge galleries, a lot of class rooms and also a huge place for people who want to perform. The museum is famous because of the wide range of antiques that is present here. There are over two hundred and sixty pieces of jewelry that is contemporary in nature. Also there are around 500 dolls which are historic. This museum is always crowded and gets people from all over the world regularly. There are also other famous museums such as the Arizona science centre, the phoenix museum of history which is very popular in their own ways.

The city of phoenix apart from the museum and other cultural activities is also a place for a lot of fun. There are so many parks and other areas for recreation. There are several water parks that are present in different places in this city. The reason for so many water parks is that it provides the people and tourists from other parts of the world with a chance to escape from this high temperature of the desert and cool themselves during the months of summer. Usually during the summer month’s people go to the water parks and involve themselves in a lot of water activities. One of the most famous parks here is the big surf park and also the water world safari. There is also an amusement park in this place which provides a lot of fun to the kids and the children.

The city of phoenix is thus a wonderful place for the tourist to visit and have fun. Though not as modern and popular as other cities like Los Angeles or Las Vegas, this city is popular in its own ways. For tourists coming to this city, this place is a place which is mixed with both modernity and also rich culture.

Thanks for reading my article about Phoenix, please also see the wikipedia link.