Extended Weekend Getaways Emphasizing the bucket list adventures Arizona offers such as rafting down the Colorado River through Grand Canyon, exploring Glen Canyon National Recreation Area and learning about American Indian culture at multiple national monuments, creates the ideal itinerary for outdoor enthusiasts seeking unforgettable experiences. With more than 4.5 million acres of wilderness, the state’s numerous hiking and mountain biking trails allow visitors to explore the Sonoran Desert in the south and ponderosa pine forests in the north.
Kick Off Summer Paddle boarding & Jet Skiing
at Lyman Lake State Park in Eastern Arizona
Watercraft rentals are now offered at Lyman Lake State Park, allowing visitors to glide across Lyman Lake on a jet ski, kayak or paddleboard. Partnering with Pleasant Watersports, visitors can rent their watercraft at the lake. Guests can spend the day on the water before embarking on the Peninsula Petroglyph Trail to spot more than 200 petroglyphs left by the Hopi, then watch the sunset from the park’s cozy lakeside cabins.
Multi-Level Indoor Go Kart Track & Arcade Center Now Open in Chandler
Speeding around four multilevel go-kart tracks in electric superkarts at the new Andretti Indoor Karting & Games in Chandler makes for a thrilling family day that all ages can enjoy. This 95,000-square-foot entertainment center has a two-story laser tag arena, virtual reality attractions, duckpin bowling and an arcade making it the ultimate indoor playground. Compete against fellow riders and virtual foes at the 7D Xperience Motion Theater where guests can laser blast their competition while 3D graphics surround them.
‘Off the Beaten Path’ Hiking Excursions at Petrified Forest National Park
Discover secluded areas within Petrified Forest National Park with eight new Off the Beaten Path guides that direct hikers away from busier areas to explore the park’s hidden gem trails. Adventures include following old roadbeds, trekking into the wild badlands of the Painted Desert and hiking a path made by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. The trails are open all year round and range from four to eight miles. The new guides are available at the park’s visitor center.
New Rockin’ River Ranch State Park to Open in Camp Verde
Be one of the first to visit and explore Rockin’ River Ranch State Park in Camp Verde. Spend the day at Arizona’s newest state park and enjoy hiking trails, kayaking or fishing while you take in remarkable views of the cottonwood tree-lined Verde River. Then, have a picnic at this day-use-only park. After visiting, take the opportunity to explore the surrounding Verde Valley for even more outdoor adventures such as visiting Montezuma Castle National Monument and touring the area wineries.
Arizona’s First Lighted Golf Course
Grass Clippings Rolling Hills in Tempe is offering golfers an exciting nightime golf experience. As one of only 20 lighted courses in the country, golfers can enjoy playing 18 holes on the executive golf course late into the night with the course open until midnight on the weekends. Whether playing during the day or at night, enjoy this pristine golf course with remarkable views of the Papago Buttes.
Arizona’s Newest National Monument A Top Travel Destination for 2024
The Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni—Ancestral Footprints of the Grand Canyon builds upon decades of effort from tribal nations, state and local officials, advocates for outdoor recreation and conservation, local business owners and members of Congress. The new national monument consists of three distinct areas to the north and south of Grand Canyon National Park, totaling approximately 917,599 acres of federal lands which will be recognized and preserved in perpetuity. The monument area is replete with evidence of thousands of years of human habitation, including dwelling sites, pottery and lithic sites containing stone tools. Indigenous peoples continue to practice their traditional lifeways within this area, including religious ceremonies and gathering and utilizing natural resources, including those unique and exclusive to this region.
Accommodations
Once known as the Scottsdale Resort at McCormick Ranch, the resort reopened in early May as The Scottsdale Resort and Spa after undergoing multimillion-dollar enhancements. Guests will enjoy the resort’s brand-new hidden speakeasy, signature restaurant, indoor golf simulator, and lounge.
Dining
SCOTTSDALE – The historic Lon’s restaurant within the charming Hermosa Inn in Paradise Valley has been named one of the 50 Most Beautiful Restaurants in America by Open Table and People Magazine as part of People’s 50th anniversary. At Lon’s, guests can soak in breathtaking views of Camelback Mountain while dining on its romantic patio to enjoy mouthwatering cuisine surrounded by desert flora, a picturesque water fountain and an outdoor adobe fireplace. Experience globally inspired Arizona fare before sipping a craft cocktail at Lon’s Last Drop Bar.
Menu highlights might include two-pepper roasted pork tenderloin or breast of duck with cranberry and jalapeno glaze. The unique Sunday brunch menu offers such things as braised beef short ribs with a sunnyside-up egg or strawberry and mascarpone stuffed brioche French toast. Additionally, everything on the menu is organic, humanely raised, and from ecologically sound sources.
