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Victorious Women Ministries Conference Cruise to the Bahamas on November 2-5 - Register Today!

Victorious Women Ministries hosts a three-day Conference Cruise to the Bahamas on November 2-5, 2012. This conference features dynamic and powerful keynote speakers with a track record of inspiring others to trust God and His plan.

Conference theme: Let Us Run with Endurance, which is based on Hebrews 12:2. You will enjoy the conference speakers, workshops, and music, as well as the spectacular amenities of the beautiful Royal Caribbean Cruise Ship– Majesty of the Seas.

This is an experience you cannot afford to miss.

For registration information, please visit the Website at www.victoriouswomenmin.org or call Joyce Wells, travel coordinator, at (913) 422-3068.

Dr. Victoria Jones, Founder and President of Victorious Women Ministries, looks forward to 500500seeing you there — departing from Miami, Florida.

Do not delay, register today!

 

Great Deals on Las Vegas Hotels, Flights, Show Tickets and More!

We know Arizonans LOVE to travel to Las Vegas with friends and/or family for a quick getaway!

Make sure you get the best deals on Sin City hotels, flights, show tickets and VIP nightclub reservations by clicking on the banners below!

We'll continue to update this page with more banners as we build our partnerships!

And always remember ... what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas!!

 

Arizona Travel Escapes #7: Boyce Thompson Arboretum

Arizona Travel Escapes is a travel guide to showcase the many must-see spots in AZ! Whether you are looking for that perfect romantic getaway, or an adrenaline rush that will turn your hair white, check in with PhxSoul.com for the latest and greatest. We'll clue you in on the best route, the gear you'll need, and rate how every destination stacks up against all the rest.

Submitted by DaVaun Sanders @davaunwrites

The Business: State Route 60 will take you towards some of the most beautiful scenery our fine desert climate has to offer. While staring in awe at Picketpost Mountain rising up in the distance, we just so happened to spot a sign for the Boyce Thompson Arboretum. And that, boys and girls, is how simply another Arizona Travel Escape was born!

The Arboretum is named after “Colonel” William Boyce Thompson, who made a killing in the stock market and enjoyed Rockefeller-style success mining copper in the early 1900s. The Boyce Thompson Arboretum is the oldest non-profit in Arizona and sits on 323 acres.  The University of Arizona adopted it in 1965, and it became a part of the Arizona State Park system in 1976.

The key to enjoying this Travel Escape to the fullest is good timing. If you mosey on over there around, say, the middle of July at two in the afternoon, your appreciation will be decidedly limited. You might need an IV afterward too—that sun does not play. If you are an early riser, proceed with no reservations—otherwise you may want to wait until the cooler months to check this place out.

Over three miles of pathway—much of it shaded by trees and pomegranate bushes—are at your disposal here, so be ready to enjoy a comfortable stroll. Various desert plants are marked along the different nature areas (including a yucca big enough to swallow my girlfriend), and there are two greenhouses displaying a plethora of cacti species. Needless to say, keep the young ones within arm's reach at this particular exhibit. If you plan to see the view from Picketpost House, get to the Arboretum early enough for a good mile of walking.

Butterflies and hummingbirds abound in the Rose Garden during the summer months, and a lot of other areas too. I can't stress enough how peaceful the Arboretum is, an excellent place to walk and think, or sit and converse with your lady-boo. Bring a basket for a picnic while you're at it—you'll score points for originality at the very least. Think of the Desert Botanical Gardens in Phoenix as a comparison, except you won't experience the rugged beauty of Magma Ridge if you opt to stay in the city. Squirrels and lizards are constantly zipping across the path, which should provide amusement if you have toddlers in the mix. We spotted a few cardinals in the trees overhead. Bright and joyful looking birds, even now that Warner is retired.

The Arboretum  has really gone out of the way to provide interesting events, including stargazing, photography classes, nature walks and artisan showings and workshops. View the page here for a full listing, and I also recommend calling ahead for advice depending on what you wish to see during your visit. The Arboretum staff is absolutely phenomenal—everyone we spoke with was friendly and really helpful. Queen Creek's flow is visible in January and February, and also briefly during monsoon season.

Light snacks are available at the visitor center, so bring food if you are staying long enough to eat a meal, or check out nearby Superior. If you can recommend us any good lunch spots we should hit there, please let us know in the comments section below. Wishing you the best Escapes!

View Larger Map

Good to Know:

• Admission is $7.50 for adults and $3.00 for children ages 5 through 12. Children younger than five get in free.
• Summer hours (May through August) are 6:00 am to 3:00 pm. They will stop admissions at 2:00 pm so you have at least an hour to enjoy the trails—the park closes promptly at three. September through April the hours revert to 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.
• Pets are allowed, but keep 'em on a leash!
• The Arboretum hosts unique events every month. Look here for the calendar.
• Look for secluded spots for maximum wooing effect on this handy map handy map. Just remember when the park closes, snuggle bunnies.

Ish You Need: Comfortable shoes and water. There are picnic and barbecue areas, as well as opportunities to take some nice, natural photographs.

Get Gone: This is a straight shot from Phoenix. Make your way to the 60 East headed towards Mesa, and turn right at Boyce Thompson Road. Keep a lookout for the sign near milepost #223. Travel time: Not bad at all, just an hour from Phoenix.

In the Neighborhood: 

• Picketpost Mountain
• Superior
• Lost Dutchman State Park
• Devil's Canyon

Escape Rating:

Five Stars: Like Jordan on a hot streak—you can't miss this.
Four Stars: More potential fun than the Suns on a fast break.
Three Stars: A decent use of gas so you might as well check it out.
Two Stars: Trips like these are why they invented Tivo.
One Star: Better than sitting at home with no AC—just barely.

Arizona Travel Escapes #6: Kartchner Caverns State Park

Arizona Travel Escapes is a travel guide to showcase the many must-see spots in AZ! Whether you are looking for that perfect romantic getaway, or an adrenaline rush that will turn your hair white, check in with PhxSoul.com for the latest and greatest. We'll clue you in on the best route, the gear you'll need, and rate how every destination stacks up against all the rest.

Submitted by DaVaun Sanders @davaunwrites

The Business:  The opportunity to explore real life caves is so alluring, we are back at it again this week with a review of Kartchner Caverns State Park. This is one of the most amazing and unique spaces you will see in Arizona. So whether you are secretly considering a Batmanesque lifestyle, or just want to see some otherworldly rock formations, read on!

Your day begins with a nice little cart ride up the mountain after the tour guides introduce themselves.
The entrance is reminiscent of a bank vault door, set in place to keep Kartchner's natural environment intact. You'll definitely notice an odd cave smell, and the air is fairly damp.

We took the Throne Room tour, as the Big Room was closed to allow the bat colonies there time to raise their little ones. Not creepy at all, that. The two major tours average around twenty bucks for adults, which may rank high on some folks' cringe-o-meter. I would argue in the park's defense that you are getting fair value for your dollar. For starters, the cave is meticulously well kept by rangers and staff, who don't allow any personal possessions whatsoever into the Caverns. The payoff for this care is the experience of a cave in near pristine detail, with well paved paths and plenty of striking viewpoints.

Our path descended past all manner of formations, from standard stalagmites and stalactites to 'soda straws' which look exactly as they sound, except they are in most cases several feet long. One is twenty-one feet long—the second longest in the world! Some of the mineral drips flow away from the ceilings in such a way to look like bacon strips from a very well fed hog. The tour bottoms out into a huge mud flat where dripping water still echoes through the space. My favorite place was right there, where some of the cavern walls sparkle with miniature crystals when the rangers shine their flashlights on them. You can feel the sheer weight of the Whetstone Mountains pressing down on you.

You'll meander through twists and turns where glistening rock looks more like frozen waterfalls. The tour is an hour and a half, but there are plenty of pauses while the guides explain the intricacies of limestone and highlights the more unusual rock patterns. The park staff were great, and made sure to involve the younger kids in our group. This is a definite bonus, considering you don't want your progeny responsible for breaking any of the delicate rock formations that took tens of thousands of years to form.

Equally impressive are the efforts the cave explorers took to keep Kartchner preserved. Gary Tenen and Randy Tufts initially discovered the cave while exploring in November of 1974 and managed to keep it secret for nearly four years. Only in 1988 was it purchased as an Arizona state park.

The grand finale of the Throne Room tour is the Kubla Khan, a column that stands at fifty-eight feet tall, making it the largest in Arizona. The tour ends with a light show choreographed to some ambient music, teasing the group as the Cavern almost fades into complete darkness.

Kartchner Caverns is host to a well developed museum and campgrounds—we didn't get a chance to camp out here, but will definitely check it out once we head back for the Big Room tour. The Discovery Center holds the preserved bones of an unfortunate sloth that got trapped in the caverns during prehistoric times. Kartchner ranked in the top ten of Coca Cola's national contest of state parks, so a reservation should certainly find a spot on your to-do list. Unfortunately they do not allow general picture taking, so we'll have to content you with the video below. Wishing you the best Escapes!

View Larger Map

Good to Know:

• There are two major cavern tours, the Rotunda/Throne and the Big Room. Each trail is roughly a half mile, and both tours take an hour and a half to complete.
• Fees for the Rotunda/Throne Tour are $18.95 for adults, and  $9.95 for children ages 7 to 13. Younger children are free.
• The Big Room Tour is $22.95 for adults, and $12.95 for children ages 7 to 13. Younger than seven are free.
• Purchase your tickets and make reservations by calling ahead to 520.586.2283.

Ish You Need: Just the basics here, good walking shoes. The inside of the cave is a comfortable temperature, so don't over layer or you'll have a nice sheen once the tour is complete. Remember that water is not allowed inside so be sure to hydrate (and hit the bathroom) before the tour starts!

Get Gone: From Phoenix, you are taking the I-10 East past Tucson. Take Exit 302 for AZ-90 S towards Ft. Huachuca/Sierra Vista and turn right.  After eight miles, take another right at Park Service Road, there will be a sign. Travel time: Make sure the kids' iPods are charged, you are looking at just under three hours for this one!

In the Neighborhood: 

• Tombstone
• Colossal Cave Mountain Park
• Tucson
• Saguaro National Park

Escape Rating:

One of Arizona's best kept secrets, with plenty of surrounding recreation and events.

Five Stars: Like Jordan on a hot streak—you can't miss this.
Four Stars: More potential fun than the Suns on a fast break.
Three Stars: A decent use of gas so you might as well check it out.
Two Stars: Trips like these are why they invented Tivo.
One Star: Better than sitting at home with no AC—just barely.

Arizona Travel Escapes #5: Colossal Cave Mountain Park

Arizona Travel Escapes is a travel guide to showcase the many must-see spots in AZ! Whether you are looking for that perfect romantic getaway, or an adrenaline rush that will turn your hair white, check in with PhxSoul.com for the latest and greatest. We'll clue you in on the best route, the gear you'll need, and rate how every destination stacks up against all the rest.

Submitted by DaVaun Sanders @davaunwrites

The Business:  All of our Travel Escapes thus far have focused on the northern wonders of Arizona. This week, we are looking at a destination south of Phoenix. We constantly praise the geological diversity of our fine state—where else can you find snow, monsoons and sun combined with desert, forest and red rock canyons? Now you can add caves to that list! Incredible, we know.

Colossal Cave is a fun tour, a starter limestone cave for curious folks who are somewhere between hopeless claustrophobe and hardcore spelunker. The way is paved or rough stone steps, and none of the gentle mood lighting interspersed throughout the tour steals away from the cave experience. Definitely not cramped, but if you stand taller than six feet, watch your dome. I met with a particular stalactite forever christened in my mind as The Splitter of Wigs—by all you hold dear, do not share in my misfortune.

Another thing I will warn you about is the rather memorable smell you will experience upon entering Colossal Cave. The entrance is now gated so modern day bank robbers can't hide out from Mean Sheriff Joe, but that doesn't prevent raccoons, bats and other creatures seeking to take advantage of the cool inner clime. While the air is pungent until you get used to it, the temperature is nice—Colossal Cave stays a balmy seventy degrees year round. We saw an actual bat too, but it fluttered around in a rather confused loop before continuing on its way. Certainly startled a few folks on the tour, but surely didn't dive for any necks, True Blood style. Sookie!

Our tour guide really knew his stuff and had an appropriately dry sense of humor. Colossal Cave is considered a non-growing cave, geologists estimate its been that way for at least two thousand years. That didn't stop Hohokam Native Americans from using the cave for shelter while farming the surrounding area around 900 A.D. The cave has a history full of robbers and explorers, all the way up until May of 1934 when the Civilian Conservation Corps finished out the interior for continued tours.

An added bonus to the park is the built up programming surrounding the cave attraction. They offer candlelight tours and there are riding stables on site, where you can see some Hohokam ruins and desert scenery. For the seriously inclined, hardhat tours off the beaten path that require levels of fitness and the ability to not freak out in near total darkness. Call for reservations if that is your speed. We didn't get a chance to explore those added options for our visit, but did enjoy a night of camping in one of the loops available.

You can easily pack several enjoyable outings into one trip here without a whole lot of driving back and forth, which is definitely a plus. The gift shop has all the usual odds and ends—be sure to pick up some Rattlesnake Eggs for your lady or kids. Meander over to the La Posta Quemada Ranch for more food offerings, and of course access to the stable. If you check out any of those additional attractions, let us know how you liked them in the comments section below!

View Larger Map

Good to Know:

• Cave tours are $11.00 for adults, and $6.00 for children ages 5-12. Children four and under are free. If that is cutting into your diaper budget, click here for a Fun Pass Coupon which gives you half price off a kid's tour. I like deals!
• Summer hours for the park are 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, lasting March 16th through September 15th. Winter hours are 9:00am to 5:00pm on September 16th to March 15th.
• Cost is $5.00 per vehicle with an additional added dollar for every person over six people. Motorcycles are $2.00, tour buses are $1.00 per person, and bicycles are $1.00. If you really must challenge the system, school buses are free.
• Call 520.647.7275 for information about Annual passes.

Ish You Need: The cave tour takes place on a pretty dainty trail, a few mild slopes are involved but it is well paved. Sturdy shoes are a good idea, unless you are just dying to wiggle your open toes in the cool cave air, or watch one of your kids 'accidentally' lose a sandal down the Bottomless Pit. Bring standard camping gear if you plan to rough it. The loops are equipped with the essentials, grills over the firepit, trashcans and outhouses.

Get Gone: From Phoenix take the I-10 East towards lovely Tucson. Roughly 130 miles later you'll look for Exit 279 Wentworth Road and turn left. Continue onto East Colossal Cave Road for 2 miles, and turn right to stay on East Colossal Cave Road. Don't panic when the road becomes South Pistol Hill Road, you are going the right way. Turn left on East Old Spanish Trail and follow the signs. Travel time: Looking at a two and a half hour drive, nothing too strenuous.

In the Neighborhood:

• Tucson
• Kartchner Caverns State Park
• Tombstone
• Saguaro National Park

Escape Rating:

 

The little brother to Kartchner Caverns, but variety makes for a unique & budget friendly outing. 

Five Stars:  Like Jordan on a hot streak—you can't miss this.
Four Stars:  More potential fun than the Suns on a fast break.
Three Stars: A decent use of gas so you might as well check it out.
Two Stars: Trips like these are why they invented Tivo.
One Star:  Better than sitting at home with no AC—just barely.

Arizona Travel Escapes #4: Petrified Forest National Park

Arizona Travel Escapes is a travel guide to showcase the many must-see spots in AZ! Whether you are looking for that perfect romantic getaway, or an adrenaline rush that will turn your hair white, check in with PhxSoul.com for the latest and greatest. We'll clue you in on the best route, the gear you'll need, and rate how every destination stacks up against all the rest.

Submitted by DaVaun Sanders @davaunwrites

The Business: We got a free day to check out this latest Travel Escape when a trip to visit some kinfolk didn't last as long as planned. If we could rate this spot for Most Creatively Named, we would present you with a winner, hands down. Unfortunately, a few other factors in this dreadfully undesirable destination reared their ugly heads.

To be fair, this park offers a variety of things to do, from Junior Ranger volunteering activities, viewing petroglyphs and Pueblo ruins, special cultural days—you name it. The problem is that in the end, you can't deny the fact that Petrified Forest National Park lies in the middle of some pretty uninspiring landscape. The Painted Desert that encompasses much of the park is known for colored bands of red, white and yellow due to the mineral deposits there. If you want to catch the full effect of these vistas, you really need to be there for a sunset.

The main draw is undoubtedly the petrified tree remnants. The concept sounds pretty cool, right? Especially if you were once into dinosaurs, or anything prehistoric like yours truly. Problem is, none of these trees are still standing (which makes total sense after millions of years.) The Visitor Center offers a first glimpse with the Giant Logs Trail, a light quarter mile path that is easily traversable. The quartz in petrified wood makes some intriguing color patterns, but there are only so many variations on a theme at this park. Check out Jasper Forest for a nice overlook. If you are simply aching to walk among these ancients, head to the Crystal Forest trail for just under a mile stroll.

Petrified Forest is a shadow of its former glory, in more ways than one. Over the years, looters have  taken their toll—which is especially evident when you see the pictures of how Jasper Forest used to look. These trees literally used to cover the ground. Taking souvenirs is utterly forbidden, and mentioned ad nauseum on tours, signs, and by rangers. I was convinced our ride was going to be searched by a petrified wood sniffing K-9 unit on the way out, but I suppose such a dog would be too expensive to train. The irony is the number of petrified trinkets you can buy freely in the gift shop, as well as from the private businesses just outside of the park itself. It's a punishable crime to pick up a pebble from the ground, but the park will happily sell you some. Ah, the wonders of federal government ...

• Click here for a map to Petrified Forest National Park.

Good to Know:

• Entry fee to the Petrified National Forest is $10 per vehicle.
• Hours for the park change by season, varying from 7am to 7pm.
• Check the park Website for special activities.
• Stop in Holbrook on your way out for a hilarious dinosaur display and some grub. It's the closest town, and frequently has traditional Navajo and other native festivals.

Ish You Need: Some decent hiking shoes, and by all you hold dear on this earth—plenty of water. Light skinned folks, I know nine times out of ten we can get away with no sunscreen, but don't play that here. After a few hours of driving and strolling around in a 'beater, these shoulders were colorful as neapolitan ice cream.

Get Gone: From Phoenix, head to the 87 North towards Payson for around 74 miles. In Payson turn right onto AZ 260 East for another 53 miles. You will hit Heber next and turn left on the AZ 277 North, then  after just 7 miles turn left again onto the AZ 377 North/Dry Lakes Road. Turn left when you hit the 77 North, then finally right once you hit the Interstate 40 East. If you haven't turned back, its exit 311. Travel time: Give yourself four hours for this monster drive. If you can stand an hour longer, map a course up route 60 instead. The scenery through some of the gorges that way might salvage your trip!

In the Neighborhood:

• Holbrook
• Sitgreaves National Park
• Homolovi Ruins State Park
• Show Low

Escape Rating:
Interesting, but meant for true desert or geology aficionados (read: nuts), only.

Five Stars: Like Jordan on a hot streak—you can't miss this.
Four Stars: More potential fun than the Suns on a fast break.
Three Stars: A decent use of gas so you might as well check it out.
Two Stars: Trips like these are why they invented Tivo.
One Star: Better than sitting at home with no AC—just barely.

Arizona Travel Escapes #3: Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument

Arizona Travel Escapes is a travel guide to showcase the many must-see spots in AZ! Whether you are looking for that perfect romantic getaway, or an adrenaline rush that will turn your hair white, check in with PhxSoul.com for the latest and greatest. We'll clue you in on the best route, the gear you'll need, and rate how every destination stacks up against all the rest.

Submitted by DaVaun Sanders

The Business: When people think of Arizona, three things typically come to mind: desert, cacti and the Grand Canyon. Well now you can add volcanoes to that list! But they aren't active, says you? Details, mere details! This Travel Escape gives you all of the razor sharp black igneous rock you can handle, in one of the most barren landscapes imaginable. So if your church's singles ministry needs a serious refresher on clean living, we have a spot for your next revival that is en fuego!

You might think your Twitter feed is broken, because the landscape at Sunset Crater looks like a disaster that occurred within the last few years. In reality the eruptions that wiped out this terrain happened just shy of a thousand years ago. The devastation is so complete that the local vegetation can scarcely eke out an existence. This is what keeps the slopes of Sunset Crater as barren as when the lava finally cooled all those years ago.

There is a small museum here if seismography and volcanism gets you warm and fuzzy inside. Several overlooks exist as you drive down the main road, with views of rugged black lava fields. Ponderosa pine is the default tree here, but there are occasional copses of aspen trees, also struggling to survive. Their white bark makes for an interesting contrast with the black rock. Your main stop will be the Lava Flow Trail, which offers a one mile jaunt that loops near the base of Sunset Crater itself. The park no longer allows any hiking to the summit for a peek, due to erosion concerns. Bummer, since 1973.

On the Lava Flow Trail, you'll get to see several cool features, minus the inconvenience of standing near life threatening molten rock. The mild trail is paved for a quarter mile, and gravel for the rest of the way. You'll see collapsed lava tubes, forming jagged ravines across the ground. Of particular interest are the spatter cones, a dome-like bubble of lava wide enough to parallel park inside. The top is caved in from being climbed on by so many intrepid sightseers—miffed at not being able to hike the cinder cone, no doubt. The urge will be strong, but try to resist.

Sunset Crater Volcano is one of roughly 600 in this region, which is known as the San Francisco Volcano Field. Head to Lenox Crater—which is a steeper hike, though not as long—or Cinder Hills Overlook for some great views of the surrounding cinder cones. Wishing you the best Escapes!

• Click here for a map to Sunset Crater.

Good to Know:

• Off-trail hiking is not permitted in the Monument. Your shoes can breathe a sigh of relief for that. So can your pets for that matter—they need to stay on leashes, and on trails at all times.
• Park hours are 9 am to 5pm November through April, and 8am to 5pm from May through October.
• The fee is $5.00 per person for Sunset Crater, but also includes admission to nearby Wupatki National Monument. That will last you seven days, so keep your receipt if you are wandering around the area. Deals make the world go round!
• Always check the weather for any travel destination in northern Arizona. Our visit started out extremely windy, but died down on the Lava Flow Trail. Remember it can and will snow up here in winter months!
• Amazingly enough, there is a true to life ice cave which the surrounding rock insulates year round. Access is currently forbidden but you can feel a cool draft at the blocked entrance.

Ish You Need: Hiking shoes and water, the usual. There are spots to camp just outside of the park if that tickles your fancy. There are picnic tables near the visitor center if you want to hunker down and grub while you are there, but the park itself has no food service.

Get Gone: From Phoenix, hit the I-17 North headed to Flagstaff. Take exit 340A onto the I-40 East and  ride that for five miles. Take exit 201 headed towards US 89 North, then turn left at Country Club Drive. After half a mile take your second right onto the US 89 North. Turn right onto Fire Road 545 and follow that 4 miles in and you are there. Travel time: Just shy of three hours, but plan for more. You will be tempted to hang around the Flagstaff area for the cool old-school downtown area, or more area parks.

In the Neighborhood:

• Wupatki National Monument
• Flagstaff
• Meteor Crater
• Walnut Canyon

Escape Rating:
Not a destination by itself, but definitely take a look if you are road tripping in the area.

Five Stars: Like Jordan on a hot streak—you can't miss this.
Four Stars: More potential fun than the Suns on a fast break.
Three Stars: A decent use of gas so you might as well check it out.
Two Stars: Trips like these are why they invented Tivo.
One Star: Better than sitting at home with no AC—just barely.

 

Arizona Travel Escapes #2: Walnut Canyon National Monument

This is the second installment of Arizona Travel Escapes — a travel guide to showcase the many must-see spots in AZ! Whether you are looking for that perfect romantic getaway, or an adrenaline rush that will turn your hair white, check in with PhxSoul.com for the latest and greatest. We'll clue you in on the best route, the gear you'll need, and rate how every destination stacks up against all the rest.

Submitted by DaVaun Sanders

The Business: One of the amazing things about Arizona is the diversity of its terrain. Walnut Canyon National Monument captures this geographic richness in a single trail. So unless your outdoor hankerings only include a fetish for cactus and sand, you need to make your way to Flagstaff posthaste for a dose of real trees.

We'll cut straight to the main attraction, which is the 700-year-old dwellings and ruins you'll find along the Island Trail. This trail starts off with a nice head fake—over two hundred stairs that descend rather quickly (think along the lines of the home stretch of Piestewa Peak, except with guardrails and paving). Take it easy here if you don't get out very much, the high elevation might try to steal your breath, especially on the way back up. After vanquishing the stairs the actual trail is fairly relaxed, just under a mile of rolling paved walkway, nothing too brutal. Stop and look across the valley from time to time, you are bound to see hawks or condors kiting along on the updrafts.

The ruins themselves are pretty amazing, a testament to the ingenuity of the folks who made Walnut Canyon their home, Arizona's O.G.'s if you will. Archaeologists refer to these creative folks as the Sinagua people. You will see twenty or so dwellings up close, with detailed signs about the Sinagua way of life in Walnut Canyon. A few of the spots are still completely enclosed. Park signs discourage climbing into those—might be varmints in there, kid. If your explorer's spidey sense is tingling enough to go Indiana Jones on folk—send us some pictures. Just don't get thrown out the park!

The Island Trail received its name due to being encircled by the Walnut Creek below on three sides. Keep your head on a swivel, as you will see other pueblo dwellings across the valley. The Island Trail ruins are the only ones accessible to the public however, and the top reason to check this spot out. There is also the Rim Trail where you can view the ruins from a distance, but it won't be near the experience as seeing things up close.

Stroll through the Visitor Center when you head back topside. There is a cool little museum in there, as well as a gift shop if your lady-boo must acquire proof of your passage. The staff here are quite knowledgeable about the surrounding area, ask them about route planning or other places of interest that might fit your trip. Call ahead if you are planning to visit when that white stuff is on the ground, Walnut Canyon will close on occasion for snow removal.

Stop at Garcia's if you are grabbing vittles in Flagstaff—buck and a half margaritas at the bar on weekends! If that's not your speed, Roma was a nice little pizzeria we checked out that is more on the kid friendly side. Wishing you the best Escapes!

 

 

Good to Know:

• Hours vary by season. November through April is 9 am to 5 pm. May through October is 8 am to 5 pm. Walnut Canyon is open every day except Christmas.
• Park trails close an hour before the monument, so rangers don't have to carry up stragglers in the dark. Leave your CPT in the city!
• The Rim Trail and picnic area is closed for improvements until August 30 while they renovate.
• The first time I went to check this spot out, a couple of rockslides had the Island Trail shut down. No bueno. It took park ranger crews nine months to clear the debris back in 2008, including a 50 ton boulder. So don't ever complain about your job, cubicle-drone! Ever.
• Here's an area map, courtesy of the National Park Service.
• Park fees are $5.00 per person which are good for five days at Walnut Canyon. Children under 16 are free. Consider getting the 'local passport' option for an extended road trip: twenty-five bones will get you into Sunset Crater Volcano, Wupatki, and Walnut free for a full year. I like deals!
• Call the Visitor Center for more questions at 928-526-3367.

Ish You Need: The simplest hiking accouterments: good shoes and water. They'll sell you Gatorade at the Visitor Center if it's been awhile since you handled some stairs, but you will pay dearly for it. We are in Arizona, so I keep thinking people don't need to hear advice about gear. But that was until I saw a lady coming up the Island Trail stairs wearing some heels! True story.

Get Gone: From Phoenix, hightail it to the I-17 North for 140 miles toward Flagstaff. Take exit 340A, which puts you on the I-40 E. Take exit 204 for Walnut Canyon, and hang a right to Walnut Canyon Road. About 3 miles to the visitor center and you are good to go. Travel time: Give yourself about two and a half hours drive time, one way. The I-17 just north of Phoenix gets UGLY on holiday weekends, so consider yourself warned!

In the Neighborhood:

• Sunset Crater Volcano
• Wupatki National Monument
• Flagstaff
• Meteor Crater

Escape Rating:
A snapshot of native Arizona culture to be included on any Flagstaff area roadtrip.

 

Five Stars: Like Jordan on a hot streak—you can't miss this.
Four Stars: More potential fun than the Suns on a fast break.
Three Stars: A decent use of gas so you might as well check it out.
Two Stars: Trips like these are why they invented Tivo.
One Star: Better than sitting at home with no AC—just barely.

 

Arizona Travel Escapes #1: Tonto Natural Bridge State Park

We hear it time and time again at PhxSoul.com: “It's so boring in Arizona, there's nothing to do.” Enough with this ridiculous foolery! To combat this, err, desert myth, we present to you Arizona Travel Escapes—a travel guide to showcase the many must-see spots in AZ! If you can afford a tank of regular unleaded, we're gonna get your outdoor game more range than Steve Nash. Whether you are looking for that perfect romantic getaway, or an adrenaline rush that will turn your hair white—check in with PhxSoul.com for the latest and greatest. We'll clue you in on the best route, the gear you'll need, and rate how every destination stacks up against all the rest.

Wishing you the very BEST escapes!
-PhxSoul.com travel staff

Submitted by DaVaun Sanders

The Business: The Tonto Natural Bridge was the hands down pick for the very first review of this series. We first came across this gem during a 'throw-dart-at-map' road trip, and constantly look for excuses to head back. You will too.

The Tonto Natural Bridge could best be described as an enormous outdoor cave, at 183 feet tall and 400 feet deep, it is the largest naturally occurring travertine bridge in the world. Yes sir! The merry little Pine Creek that helped sculpt the bridge flows through year-round, making this a perfect hideaway in case the revolution comes to Arizona. Always have a back up plan, kinfolk.

Four viewpoints are available on the top, looking down into the gorge and creek bed below.  But to truly experience the magic of this place, you need to hit the Gowan Trail. It's a half mile long and moderately steep, but no sweat if you are in somewhat decent shape. (Don't scoff at anyone resting on the benches provided while you head down—they will look tempting on the trip up!)

The trail turns into a boardwalk that spans Pine Creek before ending at an observation deck directly before the Natural Bridge. Honestly, this has to be one of the most peaceful spots on Earth. A brook at the tip top of the bridge 180 feet overhead spills down into mist, so the boulders before you are damp and covered with moss. You can venture into the interior when the creek isn't too high, just be careful not to slip on the rocks and bust your head open, like I almost did.

The pools inside are still and reflective. Fat water droplets fall so often you almost want to look up for signs of rain, forgetting the ceiling overhead. To the left is a huge ledge, which undoubtedly came in handy when David Gowan, the 'discoverer' of the Bridge, who found it while hiding from Apaches in 1877. Sadly, you can't get up there without a ladder—no they won't let you bring one down. I tried. A miniature waterfall towards the back of the Bridge completes the interior with a flourish.

Head topside for a picnic and you may spot javelina, deer or rabbits. Leave your stew pots at home—no huntin' 'round here. There are two more trails to consider. Pine Creek Trail takes you around the back side of the Bridge, and the Waterfall Trail is a short set of stairs down to some moss covered caves. The actual waterfall can be less than inspiring if you go during a dry time of year.

Check out the gift shop for memorabilia, trinkets, and some eerie travertine formations. The rangers and staff here are great, they tell great stories and are really friendly. There is a restored lodge if you are thinking of an overnight stay, call the park at 928-476-0202 for availability.

View Larger Map

Good to Know:

• The Tonto Natural Bridge is open Thursday through Monday, from 8 am to 6 pm.
• Adults pay $5.00, youth ages 7-13 are $2.00. Children are free.
• Portable toilets and picnic ramadas are on site.
• Great day or half-day trip, especially if you are sightseeing along the Mogollon Rim.
• Great place to go mellow out and recharge—unless your visit just happens to coincide with some school field trip.
• The park would have closed this year due to state budgeting woes, but kept the gates open thanks to the city of Payson stepping up big.
• A printable map of the park for your planning convenience. Who's got your back?

Ish You Need: The basics—good shoes and plenty of water. There are picnic areas up top, so definitely consider bringing a basket if you want to get your snuggle on. Do remember the park closes by 6 pm, lovebirds. 

Get Gone: This is a straight shot from Phoenix. Make your way to the 202 in Mesa and take the Country Club exit. Head north on State Route 87 for 75 miles towards Payson. Stay on the 87 through Payson, the Natural Bridge is about 11 miles north of town—watch for a brown sign and hang a left. Follow Forest Road NF 583 down to the lodge. Travel time: Two hours—just don't get stuck behind 18-wheelers and grannies on the highway!

In the Neighborhood: 

• West Clear Creek
• Tonto Creek
• Payson
• Mogollon Rim

Escape Rating:
A beautiful and unique sight that is not crowded, expensive or distant ...

Five Stars: Like Jordan on a hot streak—you can't miss this.
Four Stars: More potential fun than the Suns on a fast break.
Three Stars: A decent use of gas so you might as well check it out.
Two Stars: Trips like these are why they invented Tivo.
One Star: Better than sitting at home with no AC—just barely.

Photos by DaVaun Sanders and Sharla Powell White

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BlackAtlas.com - African American Travel Website Takes Flight @BlackAtlas

Have you been wanting to travel the world but needed reviews and advice about the African American experience in your desired destinations?

Well, Nelson George and American Airlines have teamed up to create BlackAtlas.com, a Website that features information that African American travelers should enjoy because much of the content is written by African Americans! George is the host of VH1 Soul Cities (amazing TV show) and he is an award-winning author, filmmaker and TV show producer.

You can read about the black experience in dozens of international and U.S. cities such as London, Barcelona, Paris, Rome, Montego Bay, San Francisco, Charlotte, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Miami, Dallas and Chicago!

BlackAtlas.com, which was launched in October 2009, is an interactive Website, meaning that you can submit your own stories about places you have visited and make Comments about the content that others have contributed. The Website features videos, exclusive memberships and the ability for you to make flight reservations.

PhxSoul.com and Mimi Ahmed Photography partnered with the BlackAtlas.com staff to provide the majority of the content about Phoenix. Unfortunately we weren't credited on the Website, but please believe that most of the writings and photos came from us!

If you love traveling and want a black outlook on places near and far away, visit BlackAtlas.com today.