We plan to fly into Phoenix and want to relax as well as see some sights. Az. has a lot of natural beauty.... but we are concerned about the weather being too cold and the driving distances. We are two adults in our late thirtys (no kids). I love the sun and love to swim.

Stay in the Sonoran desert. If you head north to the high desert (to the latitude Flagstaff or the Mogollon Rim), it will be cold at night.

What cities are near the Sonoran desert?

I was thinking the MSA for Phoenix (i.e., Phoenix, Tempe, Scottsdale). If you head up to Flagstaff, the elevation is higher and it gets much cooler. Tucson to the south doesn't rise so much in elevation but it will be cooler as well.

Do a search here for "phoenix" and "arizona", and you should find a wealth of information that has been posted this year and is still pertinent.

You'll find plenty to do between Phoenix and the Mexican border--as well as some fun trips south--without ever setting foot in snow.

If you can share some details about what interests you, I'll be glad to pass on what information I can.

jp

I'm definitely into the sun and warmth.... but we are also interested in seeing a ghost town, some red rocks, potentially Monument Valley (is it too cold this time of year?), a hot air balloon ride, native american history (reservation?), anastazi dwellings (spelling?),... among other stuff... maybe some gallerys... and some great southwest food. We're considering staying at Tapatio Cliffs in Phoenix or the Hilton Sedona (got a 6 day reward for either)..... We will be there in mid to late November. I'd appreciate any suggestions especially for towns to visit and where to stay. We also can get a (relatively) cheaper reservation at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess.

BTW, we are not golfers.

[This message has been edited by Sammy (edited 10-08-2001).]

[This message has been edited by Sammy (edited 10-08-2001).]

You can definitely and comfortably go to Sedona in a day. There are some anasazi ruins (Montezuma's castle and another one nearby) en route. Monument Valley is a long way away (near the N.E. corner of the state) - better part of a day to drive there. If you stay in Sedona, you can go to the park north of Flagstaff (there're anasazi ruins there as well as extinct volcanoes) and perhaps to the Petrified Forest N.P. in a cmfortable day.

There's a sort-of rejuvenated ghost town nearby and west of Sedona.

If you go back to posting messages from last 100 days under this topic, you'll see a thread from 7/20 "Things to do in Phoenix" that discusses some of what your asking.

Have a great trip! My wife and I (mid -40's) did it in July last year and it was great. By the way, the monuments are not reachable in less than a day from Pheonix. They redefine the meaning of the term "the middle of Nowhere" !




[This message has been edited by Thumper (edited 10-08-2001).]