Page 270 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Southwest USA & National Parks

268  TR A VELERS ’ NEEDS SPECIAL T Y V A C A TIONS AND A C TIVITIES  269

SPECIALTY VACATIONS
AND ACTIVITIES

With thousands of miles of deep rock bikers, hikers, and 4WD enthusiasts.
canyons, spectacular deserts, and towering, The range of organized tours includes
snow-capped mountains, few places in whitewater rafting and horseback riding,
the world offer so many opportunities for as well as cultural heritage tours of the
outdoor entertainment as the American many ancient Native American sites. Wildlife
Southwest. Much of the wilderness here enthusiasts, particularly birdwatchers, can
is protected by the Federal Government spot rare species on the spring and fall
in national parks, formed during the early migration routes that cross the Southwest.
20th century, when the region first began The region is also a center for sports
to attract tourists. Increasing numbers of activities, especially for golfers and skiers.
visitors are being drawn to the region, and For information on the main events in the
it is now a magnet for climbers, mountain Southwest’s sports calendar, see pp266–7.
Mountain biking along one of many red-rock trails near Moab
General Information
conditions at most attractions. with such offerings as the Jack
The main centers for outdoor Anyone exploring desert or Nicklaus-designed golf resort Southwest is a rim-to-rim hike Rock Climbing wilderness areas. Moab is
activities in the region are Moab canyon country should be Westin La Paloma. New Mexico of Grand Canyon along the The Southwest’s dry, sunny famous for the Slick Rock Trail,
(see p145), Durango (see p183), aware of the potential for is also known for its courses and Bright Angel and Kaibab trails climate and extensive moun- a demanding run across more
and Sedona (see p75), with their flash floods and should check affordable greens fees. (see pp64–67). It takes most tains, canyons, and sheer rock than 12 miles (19 km) of
excellent equipment shops and weather reports daily, especially Albuquerque’s Arroyo del Oso is hikers two to three days to faces make it a popular precipitous rock with stunning
visitor information centers. during the summer months of a challenging municipal course complete. Longer trips into climbing spot. Favored sites views. However, during the
Advance planning is advisable July and August. with immaculate fairways. the vast wilderness of Grand include the sheer cliffs of Zion summer months the trail can
for activities such as whitewater Information on the various Staircase–Escalante National National Park (see pp158–9), become very crowded.
rafting along the Colorado River courses can be found Monument (see p152) and the rocky landscape around Around Durango, cooler and
in Grand Canyon, or mule trips Golf at www.golfarizona.com or the Glen Canyon National Moab (see p145), and Utah’s greener conditions prevail with
into the canyon, as these are With more than 400 golf courses www.golfnewmexico.com. Recreation Area (see pp154–5) Canyonlands National Park (see rides through the pine
often booked up to a year in Arizona alone, many of them are among the highlights of pp146–7). Moab has a forests of the Rocky
ahead (see pp62–7). Hikers top-rated, the Southwest is wilderness exploration. good selection of Mountains. Popular
and campers exploring the a golfer’s paradise. This is Organizations that offer equipment shops, bike trails include
backcountry will also need particularly true of Southern guided short and multi-day such as Pagan the level, but
permits from the National Arizona with its year-round hiking trips in the region’s Mountain eering. scenic, Animas
Park Service as well as detailed warm weather. The town of national parks include the Red Rock Valley Loop and
maps, which can be obtained Scottsdale (see pp84–5), is Grand Canyon Field Institute Canyon, 15 miles the rugged, hilly
from either the Bureau of Land considered by some to be and MNA Ventures, run by the (24 km) west of Animas Moun-
Management, the U.S.D.A. America’s premier golf spot and Museum of Northern Arizona Las Vegas, is 4WD at wetlands near Moab tain Loop. There
Forest Service, or the US is famous for such resorts as The in Flagstaff. another favorite area, with are also several 4WD trails,
Geological Survey. Both state Boulders and the legendary guided climbs offered by leading to remote and beautiful
and local tourist offices can Phoenician, both top-rated Golf course at Phoenix’s top-rated Wigwam Jackson Hole Mountain Guides. back-country. Again, Moab is
supply the latest advice on championship courses. Tucson Resort (see p237) one of the top centers for off-
trails, permits, and weather is also a well-known golfing area road drivers, with rentals and
Mountain Biking and
Hiking Four-Wheel Driving tours avail able from Canyon-
lands Jeep Rentals. Canyon-
The single most popular All of the region’s national parks lands National Park and Canyon
outdoor activity in the have trails open to mountain de Chelly are also popular.
Southwest is hiking. Day hikes biking, but the cen ters of this Monument Valley in Arizona (see
and longer expeditions draw activity are Moab and Durango, pp168–9) is a prime location for
large numbers of residents and Colorado (see p183). The state of 4WD tours to areas not acces-
visitors who feel that this is Utah has declared itself the sible by a regular car; these are
the best way to see the region’s mountain bike capital of the often led by Navajo guides from
stunning scenery. Virtually all world, and Moab area is Goulding’s Tours in Monument
of the national parks have something of a pilgrimage site Valley. Also in Arizona, Sedona’s
excellent, well-marked trails as for mountain bikers. Named red-rock canyons and Coconino
well as fascinating ranger-led after a well-known bike trail, National Forest may be toured
hikes that focus on the local Poison Spider Bicycles sells by 4WD. Bikapelli Adventure
flora, fauna, and geology. and repairs bikes as well as Tours and local legend Pink
One of the most famous, Hikers on the trail to Pueblo Alto at Chaco housing Nichols Tours, which Jeep Tours offer a wide variety
Whitewater rafting trip on the Colorado River and arduous, hikes in the Canyon (see pp178–9) leads groups through of tours.

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