Arizona – the Grand Canyon State – a Vibrant Variety of Experiences and Adventures

ARIZONA’S stunning scenery is unrivaled to perhaps any other region on earth. With more forest than Minnesota and more mountains than Switzerland, the natural beauty of Arizona varies from the majestic mountains, canyons, pinnacles and red cliffs in the north, to the rivers and lakes in the central and western parts, to the vast, cactus-studded Sonoran Desert in central and southern Arizona.

Geographically, Arizona is approximately the size of Italy, but the state contains more national monuments and parks than any other state in the contiguous U.S. With merely 15 percent of the state’s 118,000 square miles of land privately owned, the majority is devoted to forests, parks, wilderness, wildlife preserves, recreation areas, and Native American reservations.

The diversity of the landscape produces a broad variation of climate within the state. The desert region sweeps across much of the southern half of the state and lower elevations. Winter brings the most beautiful weather of the year to this area, with warm, mild days ranging from 60-70 degrees Fahrenheit and nighttime temperatures dropping to the 40s. During the summer, daytime temperatures average in the triple digits, while overnight lows rarely fall below the mid 70s and 80s in the urban areas. The higher elevations collect more precipitation, including enough winter snow for Arizona to boast three ski resorts – two in Northern Arizona and one just outside of Tucson.

The combination of climate and diverse environment makes Arizona a place for nearly every kind of activity imaginable. World class golf courses dot the landscape, every possible kind of sporting event is here – professional team sports, motor sports, water sports, amateur competitions of all kinds, equine events, hiking, historical tours, the ultimate in relaxation at award-winning spas, shopping and fine dining. Arizona, put simply, has it all.

The Sonoran Desert spans some 120,000 square miles or twice the size of England. The Sonoran Desert is alive with an abundance of vegetation, some of which is exclusive to this ecosystem. Even more interesting is the amazing life expectancy of certain plant life found within this seemingly harsh and hostile environment. For example, the ironwood tree, which provides nurturing protective cover for many plants and animals, may live as long as 800 years. (An ironwood tree alive in the desert today may have been passed by a roaming band of Conquistadors hundreds of years ago.)

Often over 25 feet tall, the multi-armed saguaro (suh-WAR-oh) is unique to the Sonoran Desert and is the largest American cactus. This massive cactus can live well over 100 years and experts determine the age of the cactus by its height. The largest ever recorded was 59 feet tall and estimated to be 250 years old. The blossom of the saguaro is the official state flower.

Due to being in the heart of the Sonoran Desert, southern Arizona enjoys considerably more sunshine than either Florida or Hawaii with sunny skies around 85% of the time. The abundance of sunshine explains why Arizona – with the exception of the Navajo Nation in the northeastern corner of the state – observes Mountain Standard Time year-round. 

Water is the most critical requirement for surviving and thriving in the desert and Arizona leads the nation in managing water resources. The state enjoys a vast collection of reservoirs, some of which are shared with neighboring states. Those along the Colorado River are engineering marvels and some of the largest manmade lakes in the nation. While constructed for water storage, these lakes offer an escape from the desert heat with a wide variety of water recreation. Several of the major reservoirs have large, well-equipped marinas where such amenities as houseboat rentals and dinner boat cruises are available.

The state is easily accessible from nearly any part of the nation or the world. Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is served by more than 20 airlines providing nonstop service to over 100 cities in the U.S. and 18 cities within Canada, Costa Rica, Mexico and Europe. Tucson International Airport currently hosts 12 carriers providing over 80 daily nonstop departures to 24 cities and connecting service to hundreds more in the U.S.

Arizona became the 48th state on February 14, 1912. Prior to statehood, the Castilian and Burgundian flags of Spain, the Mexican flag and the Confederate flag all flew over the state. Missions and presidios established by Franciscan monks in the early 1700s are evidence of the Spanish cultural influence. Hispanic names abound for shopping centers, residential developments, streets, schools and parks. Bits of language, food, and music lace the culture and traditions here.

Arizona is home to 22 different Native American tribes. With more than 25% of its land dedicated to Native American Reservations, Arizona boasts the most reservation land in the nation. Various cultural centers and museums display beautiful handcrafted pottery, baskets, jewelry, crafts and blankets produced by tribal artisans. From ancient cliff dwellings and ruins to thriving casinos, Native American culture plays a leading role in Arizona. Restaurants offering authentic Native American and Mexican foods are plentiful throughout the region.

The magnificent scenery and history of Arizona provide artistic inspiration for painters, sculptors and writers. Nearly all cities and towns feature galleries and museums or local historical societies. Scottsdale is world-renowned for galleries specializing in nearly every imaginable art form. Metalwork, pottery, paintings, jewelry and more fill the shops and boutiques of the charming downtown areas of numerous cities around the state.

Arizona’s territorial days and western heritage entwine the state’s culture. Arizona boasts the only official U.S. Postal Service pony express run still carrying mail – one annual delivery to open the Scottsdale Parada del Sol Rodeo festivities. The Hashknife Pony Express, composed of over two dozen authentically garbed horseback riders, relay first class mailbags over a 200-mile ride in tribute to the original express mail service.

The grandeur of Arizona is beyond description in words. From magnificent sunrise to breathtaking sunset and into star-studded night skies, first-hand experience is inimitable. Come see for yourself. We know you will return with a host of your clients, friends and family, as there is no place like Arizona for Meetings and Events.