Arizona is an amazing place. When most people think of Arizona, they think of the desert.

What many people don’t know is that in less than an hour from the Sonoran desert you can be in the mountains. Four Peaks can often times be seen from the Phoenix area with snow on its peaks since it stands over 8,000 feet above sea level.

Arizona is a diverse landscape with many lakes and streams.  It is partial home to one of the largest deserts in the world, but it also is home to one of the largest single stands of Ponderosa pine trees in North America.

Arizona is the home of the largest Indian reservation in the world, a lake with more coastline than California,

and a desert that sits below sea level. Arizona has 14 different tribes of Indians on 26 different reservations and 27 percent of its land is Native American reservation land. Arizona is the only state in the US where the tall Saguaro cactus grow.

Arizona has a forest of trees that were turned to stone.

When I go to Arizona I stay with Arizona Lodging Experts. With Arizona Lodging Experts, I can stay in a private, single family home that I select personally to fit my specific needs. They represent properties throughout the Valley of the Sun or within most of the 17 cities that make up the Phoenix metropolitan area. There just aren’t enough Phoenix Property Management Companies with the diversity of properties like Arizona Lodging Experts.

Montezumas Castle National Monument

In 1906 Montezuma’s Castle was recognized as a National Monument.  The Sinagua culture,  a native group survived in this area in the cliff dwelling and in huts along the waterways for centuries, long before Columbus discovered the “new world”.  The Verde Valley provided everything they needed to sustain the habitat they lived in.  The public has not been allowed inside the Castle for the past 50 plus years.  This is due mainly to its age and fragility.  Built into a cliff, you will find this 20 room apartment above Beaver Creek. This was not the only structure at that time, however, it is the only one that has survived time.   When you look through the windows you are peeking into America’s past and into the best kept cliff dwelling in the US.  Built by the Sinagua’s  nearly 1,000 years ago it depicts survival and amazing creativity in designing a dwelling to protect them from the blistering desert sun during the day and cool to frigid temperatures at night. At 9am every Sunday Ranger John will guide you through the Montezuma Well which is 11 miles from the Castle. The Well is the result of a collapsed limestone cavern allowing a million plus gallons of water to run through the well daily.  The fresh warm water that continuously flows created an aquatic habitat found nowhere else in the world.  For thousands of years this well has provided an oasis for humans and the local wildlife.   Here you will find animal species you have never seen before. NAU has been researching where the water is coming from and how it maintains its constant and consistent 74 degree temperature.  Somewhere deep in the layers of earth lies the secret of this well.   As you wander through the winding pre-historic dwellings you will find pueblo ruins and an irrigation ditch over 1,000 years old that is still used today by the locals.  In 1933 an excavation crew discovered the Tuzigoot Village, stabilized it and built a museum which holds the Tuzigoot People’s story.  Not a lot is known about the Tuzigoot people.  They were believed to be hunters and traveled along the Verde Valley.  The citadel is said to have possibly house 250 people in its 110 rooms.  The size of the city and the number of people caused them to create solutions to problems and learn how to live together and make good choices to survive.

The Montezuma Castle Visitor Center holds the largest displays of ancient Sinagua artifacts, approximately 23,016 items. They were known for their beautiful textiles and pottery.  You will find the displays incredible.

There is a lot of walking and the summer temperatures are extreme.  Dress appropriately, wear comfortable shoes and bring lots of bottled water to make sure you stay hydrated.  Winter temperatures can range between 14 degrees and 45 degrees, a vast difference from the summer temperatures.

Mailing Address:  Montezuma Castle National Monument, PO Box 219, Camp Verde, Arizona   86322

Visitor Center Phone:  928-567-3322 – Managed by the National Park Services

Park Headquarters Phone:  928-567-5276  Fax:  928-567-3597

Website:  www.nps.gov
Directions:  take the I-17 to exit 289 drive east approximately 1/2 mile to the red traffic light turn left on Montezuma Castle Road.

Hours:  June through August  8am to 5pm;  September through May 7am to 5pm (Closed on Christmas Day)

Montezuma Castle Admission:  Adults 16 and over, $5.00 (good for 7 days) Children under 16 are free

Montezuma Castle and Tuzigoot National Monuments – discounted rate for both together is $8.00 – ask for the pass if you plan to see both parks.  There is no admission fee to visit Montezuma’s Well.

The Casa Grande Ruins National Monument

One of North America’s largest ancient structures ever built is known as the The Casa Grande Ruins or “Great House”.  The purpose of this structure is historically unknown.  Many have guessed but there is no written document or story stating its purpose or history.

There is evidence that Casa Grande was built by the Sonoran Desert people to create the ability to trade and provide irrigation farming which was in effect for over one thousand years and lasted till 1450.  The Sonoran Desert people left behind no history or written language documenting their existence at Casa Grande.  However in 1694 when Padre Eusebio Francisco Kino arrived he started making journal entries to document his activities and the naming of Casa Grande or “Great House” as it has been known.  As time went by and others arrived in Casa Grande, documentation started to emerge reflecting back on what was seen and what was done. Articles were written by  Lt. Col. Juan Bautista de Anza in 1775 and Brig. General Stephen Watts Kearny in 1846.  These and subsequent written articles started to spur interest in Casa Grande and during the 1860’s the area became so popular and well known that a twenty mile railroad line and and stage coach line ran through casa Grande.  This brought in more and more people and the area grew.  Consequently, as the town grew,  more damages and vandalism was done to the town, which is not uncommon as a town grows.

Archeologists suggest that the Sonoran Desert people are part of an earlier hunting culture.  As the climate became hotter and drier, the wildlife became far more sparse resulting in a difficult place for the people to survive without meat.  The introduction of corn turned them around from hunters to farmers.  Even though the climate was dry and hot they made due by creating irrigation with rivers and mountain run offs to keep the ground productive and the corn growing.  The Desert people, over time created a form  of pottery known as “red-on-buff”.  Much of this is displayed in the museum. Sunday, February 12 and 13, 2011 is the American Indian Music Festival at Casa Grande Ruins National Monument.  This is thr third annual festival and it is a celebration of the prehistoric connection and continuity with today’s modern American Indian cultures.  The similarities are demonstrated through dance and music.  Arts and crafts made by the local artisans are available for purchase and this includes authentic American Indian food delicacies. 

1100 W. Ruins Drive

Coolidge, AZ  85228, 

Take Interstate 10 to the Coolidge exit, follow the signs to the park entrance.

Hours:   9am to 5pm every day except Thanksgiving and Christmas Day (closed) – Managed by the National Park Services

Admission: $5.00 – Adults (16yrs and up); Children under 15 yrs of age – Free; School Groups call ahead to apply for “Educational Fee” waiver; Commercial Tours Groups – $5.00/person unless visitor has a valid “American the Beautiful” pass

Phone:520-723-3172

Website:  www.nps.gov

Saguaro Lake Ranch Trail Rides

If you would like to go horseback riding you will not need to drive for hours to reach your desire. Saguaro Lake Ranch Trail Rides is just about an hour or so away of the Phoenix metropolitan area. Saguaro Lake Ranch is located just a little bit past the Tonto National Forest.

When you go horse-back riding at Saguaro Lake Ranch you will be happy to know that the team pairs you with a horse that will match your build and experience level. You have your option of taking a 90 minute ride or you can go for several hours just depends what you are up for. The terrain you choose can vary from very calm and gentle to very deep desert experiences if you have more experience on a horse.

You can really see and educate yourself about the beauty here in Arizona while horseback riding. Horseback riding allows you to stay away from the noise, pollution, and the busyness of city life. The guides for Saguaro Lake ranch are very familiar with the area and know the best places to take you depending in the time of the year.

Some of the available trails are “Horse Thief Wash,” or “Skyline Trail.” These are wonderful rides and provide for a real sense of serenity. You will definitely want to bring your camera as you are about to embark on to some of the most beautiful areas in Arizona. You can choose to take a ride in the early morning hours or in the afternoon, it’s all up to your preference. All the rides start out at Saguaro Lake Ranch which was started in the 1930’s and over the last 80 years they have built quite a respectable reputation on excellence and value.

Already here looking for a company that does property management in Phoenix, Az.? If you are ready to take a horseback ride and have a real southwest experience then you are only about an hour away from the downtown Phoenix area. You should know that there are weight and age restrictions. Some of the rides require advanced reservations especially if you are bringing a large group or school. Be sure to call ahead before you make the drive up to Saguaro Lake Ranch to make sure they can accommodate your needs and provide for the most pleasant experience possible. If you decide that you have found your new love in horseback riding you will be happy to know that they offer guest quarters where you can stay the night or even a weekend and experience ranch life first hand.

Prices

90 min ride – $45

2 hour ride  – $55

2-1/2 hours ride – $70

4 hour ride – $120

**They also offer customized rates, and group package discounts but you will need to call in advance to make arrangements.

Address:

Saguaro Lake Ranch

13020 Bush Highway

Mesa, AZ 85215

Sedona Arizona Film Festival

If you are enjoying a Scottsdale Arizona Vacation, it is a short road trip up north to Sedona. It is gorgeous with the backdrop of the red rocks and breathtaking views. The 17^th Annual Sedona International Film Festival will be  going on Feb. 20-27^th. It features the best independent films from around the world .The scenery is stunning and there will be lots of celebrities and parties through out the week. It offers 145 full-length features, shorts, documentaries, animated films, foreign films, student films, and diverse workshops. It will be a great time for all our winter visitors that are renting vacation rentals in Scottsdale, Arizona weather you are a movie buff or just want to catch a glimpse of the many celebrities around town. You can call 928-282-1177  or email sedonafilmfestival.com for more information.

Glider Rides

Can you picture this; flying around without a care in the world. No busy airports. No crowded planes with crying babies, or any noise at all for that matter. This is the definition of glider flying. If you venture out to Turf Soaring School you can be a beginner or an expert and enjoy the thrilling experience of a glider ride. Even beginners will get a chance at being in control that is after you complete your lesson. You can feel what it is like for a bird soaring through the sky with the only sounds coming from your thoughts.

You will begin your adventure on a tow that is powered and then you will be released into the open sky. You have the choice of a really high altitude or one that is lower it’s all up to you. The lower rides are at 3,000 ft. and the highest glider rides launch from 5,000 ft. Any height you choose you will be surrounded with a magnificent view of New River to Lake Pleasant and some gliders choose to go over Mount Humphrey which is almost to Flagstaff. You can choose to glide just for the incredible view or you can also take aerobatic maneuvered flights where you spin in loops. This is definitely for those with very strong stomachs and a real adrenaline junky at heart.

If you are already an experienced glider you will have the opportunity to rent a sailplane, which will include towing you to the location and also retrieving you when you land. If this is your first time or you are just beginning you have the opportunity to take classes to hone your skill and also can take your chance and aerobatic glider flying. Everyone who works at Turf Soaring are very highly qualified and experienced so that you feel safe in their hands. If you would like to get your glider pilot license you must first pass a test issued by the FAA and you will need at least 20 hours of glider flight experience on top of your classroom education.

Turf Soaring School offers great gift certificates for that really hard to buy for person in your life. An experience like this is sure to be remembered for years to come. Prices start at just $100 per person.

 Location:                                          

Turf Soaring School                        

8700 West Carefree Highway

Peoria, AZ 85383

 Phone: (602) 439-3621

Hours of Operation:

Monday – Sunday 9am-5pm

 Cost

Scenic rides        – $109 – $169 per person

Aerobatic Rides – $159 – $189 per person

Pima Air & Space Museum

Many museums across the nation have airplanes in the museums but there is no museum quite like the Pima Air & Space Museum. The Pima Air & Space Museum is on the outskirts of Tucson, AZ and makes for a wonderful daytrip from either Tucson or Phoenix. It is said that one can satisfy their cravings for adventure for months and even years by taking the tour of this museum.

Many of the featured planes in the museum are displayed outside, and there are several indoor exhibits as well. You will spend the greater part of your visit to the museum outdoors so dress accordingly. The displays can reach 250 aircraft at any one given time. Some of the planes on display are Aero Spacelines 377-SG Super Gruppy which has the hybrid appearance of an airplane combined with a blimp. This plane definitely looks like the creation of a mad scientist. Some other planes you will quite enjoy viewing are the Mustangs, Liberators, Harriet Jumpets, B52’s, Lockheed Martins and of course the Vikings. This collection of airplanes originates from places all over the globe. You can even view the notorious Wright Bros replica that dates back to 1903.

Do not forget to bring your camera because you will have many opportunities to have some really great shots. The experts that take you on the tour provide a wealth of knowledge on each plane and the history that goes with them. You can find more detailed information about the museum on their website.

You should bring plenty of water to drink, your camera, comfy shoes and a hat come in handy as well. You will be outdoors for the majority of the time so the more comfortable you dress the better your experience will be.

So if you are already in the area looking for company that does commercial property management in Phoenix, take a day trip and come see this fascinating spectacle.

Hours of Operation:

Monday – Sunday between the hours of 9am-5pm

The museum is only closed on Christmas and Thanksgiving

Admission Prices

During the months of June through October

Adults from age 13+ – $13.75

Residents of Pima County – $11.50

Senior Citizens 65 +, AAA, and Military – $11.75

Kids ages 7-12 -  $8.00

Kids 6 and under – Free

Bone yard Admission – $7.00

Groups of 20 + people – $12.50

During the months of November through May

Adults from age 13+ – $15.50

Residents of Pima County – $12.75

Senior Citizens 65 +, AAA, and Military – $12.75

Kids ages 7-12 – $9.00

Kids 6 and under – Free

Bone yard Admission – $7.00

Groups of 20 + people – $13.50

Address : Phone:

Pima Air & Space Museum                     (520) 574-0462

6000 East Valencia Road

Tucson, AZ 85726

Sunset at the Grand Canyon

You really cannot see a bad sunset; however you owe it to yourself to see the sunset from the Grand Canyon at least one time in your life, as it is absolutely magnificent! There is no comparison to a sunset seen from the Grand Canyon. You will have to see it for yourself with your own eyes, as it is one of the world’s Seven Wonders. This beautiful canyon has inspired many artists to create works based on this experience here.

When you come to the Grand Canyon you will be able to see just how the sunset morphs into different shapes as it lingers by the massive buttes as they stretch in many different directions. When the sun changes its position the sky turns into a palette of so many different colors even Crayola could not keep up. The sunset creates many unique and unusual shadows over the buttes and canyons. If you happen to be at the Grand Canyon during a storm season you will be able to see how the clouds turn into mirrors to the sky flooded with sunlight and you will be able to view prism like rainbows in 3D and you will not need 3D glasses for this. Before or after the sunset you can walk on the many paved walking trails and get up close and personal with the canyon. While you are walking you will see the light from the sky dances and creates quite a show of light and shadows.

If you choose to visit the Grand Canyon it would be best if you arrive a couple hours before sunset. You should bring plenty of water and snacks with you. Make sure you wear comfortable clothing and shoes. Hiking boots are strongly recommended. You should wear warm clothing even in the summer months because the canyon temperature drops very low even when the temps in Phoenix are in excess of 100 degrees. It would be smart to bring a flashlight because if you are there to watch the sunset the trail will be dark when you return to your vehicle.

If you wish to go you will need to purchase a $25 permit for your vehicle, and if you choose to enter on foot, motorcycle, or bike the charge is $12 per person. If you have children age 15 and younger the price of their admission is free.

Location Address:

Hwy 64 North

Grand Canyon, AZ 86023

(928) 638-7888

Hours:

You can visit the South Rim Area 24 hrs. a day every day of the year

You can visit the North Rim Area 24 hrs. a day between the months of May-October.

The next time you are looking for a Phoenix vacation property management company to rent property near the Grand Canyon, call Arizona Lodging Experts.

Mystery Castle

If you are a fan of touring unique and unusual place you would definitely be entertained with a tour of the Mystery Castle. It can be found near our Phoenix vacation home rentals. The history of this building is very enchanting. The Mystery Castle is located in the heart of the South Mountain foothills. This castle is no typical fairy tale castle but more of an odd shaped dwelling that was erected in 1927 by a man named Boyce Luther Gulley. Gulley built this entire castle out of recycled materials and this may even be the first recycled home ever built in Phoenix.  Gulley had built this eclectic structure as a gift for his daughter. The materials used to construct this building were stones, old auto parts, mineshaft rails and beat up telephone poles. The building was held together with goat’s milk, calcium and cement, which were made into a mortar.

The castle was made up of 18 rooms on 3 different levels. The daughter resided in this castle all the way until her death in November of 2010. The building never had any electricity or plumbing until the year 1992. The tour of this castle is incredible. You can tour this facility for very cheap and make quite a day out of it. This is a great excuse to pack a picnic lunch and have a picnic right at South Mountain Park Reserve. The price to view the castle is $5 for people age 8 and older. If you are under 8 years old the price of admission is free.

Mystery Castle Address:

800 E Mineral Road

Phoenix, AZ 85042

(602) 268-1581

Historic Jerome – Ghost Town Extraordinaire

Jerome Winery

If you head 90 miles north of Phoenix you will find a city called Jerome that is located 5,200 miles high and is located on top of Cleopatra Hill. Many know of Jerome as being the biggest ghost town in the United States. Jerome makes a wonderful day trip from Phoenix, and it is also a very unique and unusual escape from the rat race. This area first came about in 1876. When you get to Jerome you will have several touring options that will show you things such as a tour of the biggest copper mine, as well as the ghost town. If you take a walk through the little city you will enjoy many art galleries that have been furnished by local artisans and craftsman. The gift shops are located in original historical buildings. If you like hamburgers you should have lunch at the Haunted Hamburger where you can listen to ghost stories while enjoying a delicious burger.

The Spirit Room

If you like dessert you will be pleasantly surprised with the size of the portion you will receive. Jerome is a great family get away and also a very romantic escape for couples. While in Jerome you will not want to miss The Grand Hotel – which back in the day served as a psychiatric ward and hospital. The themed décor here is wonderful and you will have the opportunity to hear many ghost stories of the patients that used to live on the property. If you stay at the hotel you can write in a guest book about your experience at the Grand Hotel. Many of the things people write about are first- hand accounts with ghosts and paranormal experiences. You should also check out the Douglas Mansion State Park – this mansion was erected in 1916 by a man named James Douglas. The mansion was built to house and entertain the upper echelon of the mining industry and also to lure investors to Jerome.

Jerome, Historic Mining Camp Est. 1876

The biggest reason people come to Jerome is to attend the Gold King Mine and Ghost Town – this area is no joke it is a genuine mine shaft where you can view old miner equipment. The mine even has a blacksmith shop and some of the biggest gas engines in the world. Paso de Casas – A guided tour of homes and buildings within Jerome. The major tour event takes place in May on the third weekend of the month. The Mile High Inn – This used to be the residence of the most notorious Jerome bordello. Don’t forget to take pictures while you are here as there are many places you will not want to forget and several landscape shots you will not want to miss.

Before you head up north to Jerome you may want to check with the Jerome Chamber of Commerce so that you can make sure you know the prices, hours, important dates, accessibility, and any restrictions that may apply. This is the best way to ensure the safety and quality of your adventure to Jerome. Remember, it isn’t too far from Arizona Lodging Experts vacation rentals in Phoenix.