Arizona

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Monument Valley road

Take an Epic Drive Through Monument Valley in Utah and Arizona

When I took the scenic route toward Monument Valley along US 191 from Moab down into Arizona, I had no idea of the surreal, almost magical drive that awaited me. I’ve been to Zion, Bryce, Arches, Canyonlands, the Grand Canyon and many other places in the area considered among the most beautiful, but none compared to the simple majesty of Monument Valley. I think perhaps the beauty comes from the simplicity that we so seldom find in today’s world. There...

Death Valley sunset

How Solo Travel for a Year Transformed My Life

One year of traveling solo has seen me through many states, including Texas, New Mexico, Utah, Wyoming, Montana, Washington, Oregon, California, Arizona, Louisiana, Georgia and South Carolina, and Mexico. I learned about why we travel, especially about traveling solo. How traveling solo renews your sense of self What I’ve realized about this last year of traveling is that it gives us a new way to see and understand ourselves. Not only are the places new, but we are different in...

Saguaro National Park cactus with orange sunset

5 Beautiful Places to See Near Tucson, Arizona

Tucson is a rare and beautiful place. I didn’t know much about it before I went there, and that’s because the people are chill, and I think maybe they’re trying to keep this fantastic place a secret. You know a place is spectacular when it has two unique lifeforms that only live there – the Saguaro and Pipe Organ Cactus. Here are five places near Tucson that I loved 1 Saguaro National Park Saguaro Cactuses are an icon of the...

Old Tombstone sign

Ghost towns? Visit Tombstone and Bisbee, Arizona

Imagine that you create a town where thousands of people live and work at the mine and associated businesses. Then, one day, the mine runs dry, and everyone leaves. Boom. Ghost town. There are a lot of ghost towns in the southwest, even those that don’t officially call themselves one yet, but none are more famous than Tombstone. America’s Famous Tombstone Ghost Town Tombstone, Arizona, is way down in southeast Arizona and is home to some of our favorite wild...

Saguaro National Park cactus with orange sunset

Saguaro National Park and the Wild Javelina

Seeing Saguaro National Park is like visiting another planet, but somebody should warn you about the pigs. Really, how many people know that Arizona has a wild pig population? I sure didn’t. I was shocked when I ran into these feisty fellows on a trail and hightailed it out of there. Had I known what I do now about Javelinas, I wouldn’t have run so fast. Cactuses in Saguaro National Park Saguaro cactuses are an icon of the old American...

Sedona, Arizona at night

Belief in Aliens Isn’t Easy to Admit, Even After Seeing One

Do you believe in aliens? I used to answer that question, unequivocally, “No. One hundred percent, no.” I’d add an eye roll for good measure. But that was before I think I saw one. Now, I’m questioning all of my beliefs and assumptions. But, frankly, it’s embarrassing; I don’t want to believe in aliens. I’m a “smart,” educated, rational person. I’m a journalism major and former reporter. I believe in facts, data, proof, and things we can all see, touch, and feel....

Sedona, Arizona

8 Things to See and Do in and Around Sedona, Arizona

If you’re looking for a place to relax in a beautiful environment, there are plenty of things to see and do in Sedona, Arizona. The warm desert air is sure to soothe your weary bones, while the diverse geography offers plenty of outdoor activities, or spaces and places perfect to sit back and relax. Here are a few of the things I enjoyed in Arizona. Vortexes The Sedona vortexes are energy centers that are said to exist at ley lines...

Sedona, Arizona hot air balloon

5 Things You Didn’t Know About Flying in a Hot Air Balloon

The first passengers in a hot air balloon in the world’s history were some small farm animals. The creators were afraid to test it themselves, but they also didn’t want to allow anyone else to say they had the first ride. They were French so … The farm animals, however, loved it. Just kidding, nobody knows, but people loved it so much that we’re still riding around in hot air balloons more than 300 years later just for fun. And...