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.

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!

Flying in Grand Canyon with Papillon helicopters.

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.

Leaving my last national park, the Grand Canyon behind I am continuing to Phoenix and then to San Diego. The place where I am staying in Phoenix is named Carefree and located 20 miles north of Phoenix city center. The area is very beautiful with cactus gardens and many big big villas. I am sleeping in the Carefree Resort & Villas for which I would like to provide you a short review.

The rooms of the Carefree Resort and Villas seem a little over-sized what however makes it very pleasant in the hotel’s rooms. The rooms’ interior is all in a sort of Mexican style and looks very nice and friendly. The air condition is very silent. My room does not have a fridge, what is however compensated by a nearby ice-machine. The pool area is very big with a swimming-pool and a jacuzzi. The pool area looks wonderful and the ambient of the Carefree resort and Villas is amazing. I am sitting at the pool right now, watching the sunset. It is still 100F with low humidity, so very nice and refreshing with the pool.

I am now back in my hotel room. The rates are more than okay with a total cost of 120$ a night. I had a nice all you can eat buffet. Seriously, spend that 20$ on the hotel buffet. You can see the staff putting different sort of meat and sausages on the grill. You can either eat outside or inside the restaurant. Both is nice. Everything was very well prepared and good looking. If you read this part of my review, really, take the buffet in the Carefree Resort and Villas, you will love it.

Afterward I went to an open fire place. A member of the staff team joined me and we had an interesting discussion about different aspects. He has native American background and knew a lot about the national parks, agriculture and problems of Arizona. His name was Lance. If you meet him, make sure to greet him from Hendrik :-).

The hotel was not good, Carefree resort and Villas was very good and I rate it with 10/10 points. Hope you enjoyed my Carefree Resort and Villas review.

I attached a map of the area around the Carefree resort and Villas hotel. Check out the location and how fast you are in Phoenix.

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