What makes Arizona UniqueCome join us and take a tour of our state. See some of what makes our home different from every other state in the USA.

Biosphere 2- Tucson, ArizonaBiosphere 2

Why should you visit the Biosphere 2?The biosphere was a scientific fail. It was supposed to see if Arizona could build an earth like enclosed

environment. They sent 8 men and women into the biosphere to see if they could survive 2 years, but it was actually a scandal. They a had a Co2 scrubber (This is a carbon dioxide controller; If the scrubber was not there, all 8 would die within a month at the most) that helped them survive. They weren't supposed to have any outside help (except for emergency situations) but they did. So with it being a failure, it would be very interesting to go to the biosphere and see how the 8 people had to live and how there was in fact help from the outside world.

Facts● 200 million dollars to build● Owned by University of Arizona● It takes up 3.15 acres● It took 6 years to build; 1981- 1987● 8 researchers lived inside the biosphere for a year as a

Science project to see if man could live in a closed system if necessary.● The experiment failed. A secret CO2 scrubber that was used for clean air was discovered, which made the

experiment null and void.● 1995 Columbia University halted the closed system research. They manipulated carbon dioxide levels in the

structure in order to do global warming research.● There are 65 thousand windows in the structure.● It is 91 feet at its highest point.

Click here for more information

Biosphere 2

Pictures by Cameron S. (2013)

Bisbee, Arizona● Bisbee is located at the Southeast of Tucson● Bisbee was rated as one of the most Modern Maturity’s top 50 best places to live ● Bisbee was found as a copper,gold,and silver mining town in 1880.● Highest temperature in Bisbee is 89.9 degrees F. and the lowest is 33.7 F. 60% humidity.● Bisbee was rated as one of the most Modern Maturity’s top 50 best places to live ● In the late 1800 wealthy people started collecting bizarre items and they were called oddities,

they would store them in cabinets, so soon the cabinets were called “cabinets of curiosities” they had things such like mummified fairy, two-headed squirrel, glass eye, death mask of John Dillinger.

● Bisbee is thought to be one of the most haunted places in southern Arizona

Why: We think that people should go to Bisbee, because it one of the most unique mining towns. It has a lot of history in there building. It has a lot of history in art. It is a wonderful place to explore, and to go back in history. Bisbee was awarded four stars. ****

History: Bisbee was found in 1880. It was named after judge Dewitt Bisbee, a financial of the Copper Queen mine. It was proved to be one of the most richest mineral sites in the world. Producing more than a billions on copper, and millions of silver, and gold. It was the most,cultured cities in the South West.

Bisbee, Arizona

Bisbee, Arizona in 1916 at the height of its mining days

Photographer: Unknown 1916

Bisbee today

Picture taken by Willjay

Fossil Creek- near Strawberry, Arizona

Fossil Creek People should go to Fossil Creek because it is family friendly and it has a lot of different spots in the creek. There is the Toilet Bowl, there is a huge waterfall, and there are over 3,000 trees, you can also go fishing, and there is amazing colorful fish! It is also a natural creek! The creek itself is 17 miles long So it is never packed! and there is always room. There is also beautiful landscape!

There is over 100 species of birds. There is also only Native Fish, with 10 different species. The water flows and pumps itself from the ground. There is lots of calcium in the water. It is part of the Tonto national Forest. In December of 2012 it was voted river of the month. There is a series of natural springs at the bottom of the river. There is a dam, It has lots of trees and plants around the dam. The creek is only a little piece of the fossil water hole; there is a lake and a dam also.The mouth of Fossil creek is the Verde River. The creek flows southwest into a small lake. Fossil creek arises at an elevation of 6,510 ft. (1,980 m) above sea level.

For more information Click here

Photo Source: Greg Walters- January 11, 2010

Photo Source: US Forest Service

Fountain Hills, ArizonaIf you’re looking for a beautiful place to visit you would want to go to Fountain Hills. There is a lot of gorgeous sights to look at such as mountains, fountains, and hills.

The Man Made Fountain in Fountain Hills Spews water at 562 feet in the Air!Town Named after Fountain in the center of Town.Known for its Picturesque Mountains, wide ranges of Outdoor Activities, and Many Golf Courses. The Fountain is the 4th largest in the world.On the Hour Every hour from 9am to 9pm The Fountain was made in 1970.Fountain Hills is in the Maricopa County.The Fountain sprays 7,000 gallons of water every time.It has 3 - 600 horse power Pumps.The population in Fountain Hills is 22,554 people.Fountain Hills is the 8th fastest growing place in Arizona between 1990 and 2000.Fountain Hills is 30 acres.Its a city in Arizona..The Mayor is Linda Kavanagh.For St. Patricks Day they dye the water green in the Lake with the Fountain.Sprays for 15 minutes every Hour.It costs $90 dollars to run the fountain for an hour.Lights illuminate the entire fountain at night.The Fountain cannot run if the wind exceeds a certain amount because of the houses and cars nearby. Click here For More Information and Here if you want More information.

The fountain in Fountain Hills, AZ

Picture taken by: Allie O. (2013)

Four Corners

The Four Corners are an awesome landmark. It is the only place in the country where you can be in

four states at one time. Like many other Arizona landmarks it is very unique in its own way. The four

states that make up the four corners are New Mexico, Colorado, Utah, and of course Arizona. The

area around the corners is called the Colorado Plateau.

When visiting The Four Corners you can learn about Navajo culture, and visit one of the many

national parks and reserves around the area. It is the only place in the United States where you can

be in four different states at once. Four Corners is one of the most popular places in Arizona, so many

people have fun there.

Picture taken by Ken Lund (2005)

Four Peak MountainsWhy you need to visit? Four Peaks has many outdoor activities like: photography, equestrian, hiking, off roading, and others. It is very popular with hikers and tourists. Also Four Peaks has cooler weather that helps make these and other outdoor activities more enjoyable.

This mountain range is located just north of Apache Junction. The four-wheel drive road that goes over the mountain is just 20 miles north of Apache Junction.

Facts:● Four Peaks was established in 1984● There is over 60,000 acres in Four Peaks.● It is 15 miles east of fountain hills.● Four Peaks is located in Tonto National Forest.● The tallest of the four peaks is Brown’s Peak at the height of 7,657 ft.● It is 40 miles long and has the same latitude as Payson Arizona.● Four Peaks has 10 hiking trails.● Four Peaks has 134 trails. One of the trails is Cane springs trail.● In 1996, the Lone Fire burned for 11 days and destroyed 61,500 acres.

Click here for more information.

Four Peak MountainsFour Peaks after an unusually large amount

of snow fell in March 2005.

Altitude: 7,657 feet (2,334 m)

Pictures by Patty Carpenter (2005)

Goldfield Ghost Town, Apache Junction, AZ

Goldfield Ghost Town The reason you should visit the Goldfield Ghost town is because it was built in a progressing time of America’s History. Also because there is just so much learning to involved when you go there. Another reason why you should visit is the view of the Superstition Mountains, and the buildings from the town.

Facts● Founded in October 7, 1893● At the time 1,500 souls were living in the town.● MIne was disconnected from society November 2, 1898● Then became a Ghost Town.● 2nd post office was established on June 8, 1921, also known as Youngberg.● The Gold was all mined after 5 years of its rebirth.● In 1966 Robert F. made his first trip to the Superstition Mountains.● In 1988 opened his business,the blue nugget a general store the mammoth saloon and the Goldfield museum

and made a photo shop.● 1970 he began to dream of his own Ghost Town● When you visit the the town you can have underground Mine tours● 1984 people first reconstructed the mining tunnel, which included a snack bar which opened in 1984

For more information click -HERE-

All pictures taken by:Ken Lund-march 21,2009

Grand CanyonFacts :The Grand Canyon is found in the US state of Arizona, and is currently around 6,000 feet deep, 277 miles in length. The Colorado River runs through the Grand Canyon, and has been eroding for millions of years. The rock found at the bottom of the Grand Canyon (schist) is around 2 billion years old, and the rock found on the upper rim (limestone) is around 230 million years old. American Indians have been living in and around the canyon for thousands of years. They used to build their homes in the canyon, and collect resources around it to provide for their family and friends in the tribe. The canyon is 1,217,403 acres in size

Fun Facts:No one has ever Found a fossilized reptile skeleton or bone within the Grand Canyon. Fossil footprints were left by more than 20 species of reptiles and amphibians, but no teeth or bones!

Grand Canyon, Arizona

Photo by Olivier BACQUET

Photo by Grand Canyon NPSPhoto by: Linsey W. (2013)

Grand Canyon CavernsIt was there 345 million years ago.It started at the bottom of an ancient sea this was during the Mississipian Period of geologic time. When sea animals die their skeletons fell to the bottom of the ocean creating a fine and oozy mud that turned to a limestone bedrock, which is now the base of the caverns.

The Caverns’ elevation is now more than 5,000 feet above sea level. 97% of the world’s caverns are wet,they still have water seeping in them.The Grand Canyon Caverns are dry, that means, no more are being formed. Only 3 out of every 100 caverns in the world are dry which makes these Caverns very rare and unique!

In in 1972 ,a young woodcutter, Walter Peck was on his way to play poker with some of his friends, but before he got to the game he tripped and almost fell into a huge funnel shaped hole. Since he didn’t have equipment to explore the hole, he kept going on to the game. He told friends about the hole, and the next day they went and explored the wondrous hole.

He lowered himself 150 ft. down to the cave floor, and found tons and tons of gold. He shined his light around the cave, and the light reflected many sparkles in the rocks.He gathered samples and left the cave. After that day, the cave became a beautiful tourist site.

All pictures by Lynsey W. (2013)

Havasupai Falls

You should come here because Havasupai Falls has activities including camping, hiking, lodging and horseback riding.

The reservation was created in 1882. It confined the Baaja tribe. Baaja tribe has been there since the early 1900’s and resulted in a economic loss. Finally, the tribe agreed to let tourists visit.

Now, hundreds of hikers, willing to brave a 13 mile hike down into the canyon, visit the town of Havasupai and continue on past the town to the falls.

Along with Havasupai Falls, hikers can continue on to Mooney Falls, Beaver Falls, and then hike 9 miles further to the Colorado River.

Havasupai Falls

Photo taken by John Roig 6/11/09 ----->

Photo taken by Ostrich noise on 6/3/09

Photo taken by Jankgo 10/04/09

Hoover Dam and BridgeWhy you Should visit.● The Hoover Dam is on the way to Las Vegas.● The Hoover Dam is on the border of Nevada and Arizona.● The Hoover Dam is a place full history.● The Hoover Dam has the water of the colorado river.● The Hoover Dam is shaped liked a curved axe.● There is no fee for visiting The Hoover Dam

Facts on The Hoover Dam● Construction on the dam began in 1931.● The Hoover Dam is 726 ft. tall, is also 1242 ft. across.● 45 million lbs of steel in dam.● The Hoover Dam is shaped liked a curved axe.● It used to be named Boulder Dam but it was changed in honor of Herbert

Hoover.● Over 16,000 men and women worked on the dam

Click here for more information

Photo source: Lilybay, April 2005

Hoover Dam

Hoover Dam/Bridge

Fun Facts Hoover dam is 726 ft high, 45 ft thick at the top and 660 ft at the bottom, and is larger than the Great Pyramid of Cheops. The entry fee is 7 dollars, and 30 bucks for the tour.

The lowest wage for a hoover dam work was 50 cents an hour. The highest was, $1.25.It stretches 1,900 ft across black canyon, and 900 ft above the churning Colorado River.Hoover Dam is located 30 miles southeast of los vegas,in between the states of Nevada, California, and Arizona.It is considered to be the Earths biggisest Dam.It is an engieering marble consideringit was built in the 1930’s.The Hoover Dam gives accsses to much-needed water and water power to the southwestern states.The hydroelectric genorators produce nearly 19% of Arizonas Hydroelectric power.

Fun Fact:On the wall directly across from the escalator to the dam is a

plaque with a dedication to the dams mascot, who was a stray dog who

was a stray dog that was “adopted “ by the dam and all of its workers and

employees.He was believed to be part labrador and was offtenly called

“Nig”He is buried nearby.

Cool Pictures

By David Jones from Isle of W

ight,

United Kingdom [CC-BY-2.0(http:

//creativecommons.

org/licenses/by/2.0)]

By Cygnusloop99 (http://creativecommons.

org/licenses/by-sa/3.0) or GFDL (http://www.

gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html)]

Jerome, ArizonaJerome

Located-The city of Jerome is located on the top of Cleopatra Hill 52,000ft. The hill is located between Prescott and Flagstaff.

History-Jerome was founded in the 1876.It started out as an old minning town.The minning cave was called Phelp Dodge Mine. When World War 2 started the need for copper increased. Then when the war ended Phelp Dodge Mine closed.The 50-100 workers that remained had promoted the small town to a ghost town. Then in 1967 the federal government designed the two to be a Natural History Museum. Today it is a tourists attraction.

Fun Facts-It is the largest copper mine in Arizona and it produces about 3 million pounds of copper each month. It’s was the 4th largest city in Arizona. The population is about 450,000 people. About 62% or people in jerome are owners of houses not renters. The population in Jerome is about 450 people living there. Most of the buildings that are there now where built in the late 1890’s. Nellie Bly is the biggest most known kaleidoscope shop in the world. Most people that live there are hippie’s

why you should go there- It is a fascinating and interesting and beautiful place that you will enjoy and can see Arizona from a different view. :)

Click here for more information.

Photo by: Andrew Dunn

Photograph © Andrew Dunn, 1992

Ken Lund Taken on November 12, 2011

Photo source: Finetooth 7 March 2013

Kartchner Caverns near Benson, AZ

The Kartchner Caverns

People should come to the Kartchner caverns because it has a rich and interesting history. Also it has fun and exciting things to do inside the beautiful cave.

Near Benson AZ, the famous Kartchner Caverns were found in 1974. It was opened & dedicated on November 5, 1999. It sits at the eastern side of the Whetstone Mountains. Gary Tenen and Randy Tufts have kept the cave a secret until 1978, when the press found out. The two didn’t want builders changing the form of the caverns. Inside the cave, there are beautiful limestone details that have been saved since the opening in 1977. It has been measured at 2.4 miles, and 13,000 feet of passageways. That’s about as long as a football field, making the cave 7 acres! In April 27, 1988 the Kartchner family was introduced to the senate and the house. They all later in the afternoon agreed to join the Arizona state parks board. States park leased the property on April 29, 1988. Developments to the caverns costed over 28$ million dollars that included over 10 years of researching, planning, construction mining concerns and more.

This “living” cave is still growing due to water. The water, which decomposes from the ground when it rains, falls through the top of the caverns. The water create calcite formations. These formations look like giant icicles. They have been growing for thousands of years. Inside the cave, it is humid and moist unlike the Arizona heat. There are different things that make these caves special. One is the longest soda straw stalactites, which is 21 feet and 3 inches long. And a magnificent throne room. It’s the biggest in the state. At 58 feet tall, the Kubla Khan stands high above all other places in the caverns.

Click here for more information.

Kartchner Caverns

Photo by: Kyra E. 2013)

Photo by: Angela A. (2013)

Meteor CraterMeteor Crater is one of the best known attractions in Arizona, and it has been a tourist

draw for more than half a century.

● Meteor Crater was the first recognized crater on Earth● It hit earth half a million years ago● The meteor itself was 30 to 50 meter diameter and made of iron. This asteroid

impacted the Colorado Plateau in northern Arizona going 7 miles per second.● The crater that it made is about 1 mile wide and 570 feet deep, and 4,100 feet

across.● The explosion was equivalent to 2.5 megatons of TNT● In 1928 $200,000 was raised for to prepare it for viewing by the public● If they played at football game at the bottom of the crater the sides of the crater

could hold up to two million fans.

Click HERE to read more

Meteor

Photo By D. Roddy, U.S. Geological Survey

Photo by: Mingo Hagen September 26,2006

Crater

Petrified Forest

This is the wood in the Petrified Forest . It is a National Park in Arizona . The park has 93,533 acres within park boundaries . 10,000 years of human history can be found in the park . Hundreds of animal and plant species are featured at the park. Over 600,000 people visit the forest every year. It was designated as a national park on December 9, 1962.

Petrified Forest Wood

by Petrified Forest Rangerby Petrified Forest Ranger

by Petrified Forest Ranger

photo by Petrified Forest Ranger By Ksd5 [CC0], via Wikimedia Commons

Petrified forest

on average its over 100

degrees fahrenheit in the

petrified forest.

The petrified forest has

over 50,000 acres of

wilderness.

Tortilla flats Tortilla Flat

In the Tortilla flat Superstition Saloon and Restaurant they put money on the walls from visitors. They have real Saddlers as a bar stool at the bar of the superstition saloon and restaurant. They have the hottest chile and coldest drinks. The restaurant is most famous for their salsa and food. It has been taken away from the apache trail. They have the world famous prickle pear ice cream. Tortilla flat is near the Grand Canyon national park.

Tortilla flat is located in the Maricopa county, Arizona on the summer days it starts in june 1, to september 31,9am to 5pm. Winter hours are oct 1, to may 31, 9am to 6m.tortilla flats is a fun place for the whole family.There is a long snake that hang on the wall(just the skin).they also have a barbecue patio where they have food and watch people sing and dance and play music.

Tortilla Flat started out as a stagecoach stop in 1904.It is an authentic remnant of an old western town. Tortilla flat is a place that you can sit down and have a nice cold beer and a hot bowl of chilli. When You Tortilla Flat you might think its a little food joint but its not its an old western

Tortilla Flats, Arizona picture taken from Lukishima

Slide Rock- Sedona, ArizonaSlide Rock, Sedona, Arizona

Sedona is a great place to visit if you want to have a nice cool vacation with your family. Slide Rock is one of the biggest attractions in Sedona, Arizona.

Slide rock state park was founded in 1907.The park was discovered by Frank L Pendley. Its located in Oak creek canyon, and Coconino National Forest.Slide Rock State Park is located in Coconino National Forest.Slide Rock State Park is one of the most attracted place in ArizonaSlide Rock is located 7 miles of North Sedona.

The park is 1.5 mile of creek.Arizona State parks purchased Slide Rock State Park on July 10 1985.It was opened in October 1987.Slide rock is 43 acres.

Slide rock is a natural waterslide formed by rocks.Sliderock is part apple orchard and part natural waterslide.Slide rock is a flowing stream of water that consists of a water hole and slide.Slide Rock Park is a great place to go swimming, fishing, and hiking.

For more information click here

Slide Rock- Sedona, Arizona

Picture by mrdonduck June 29, 2013

Picture by Maddy U. (2013)

Background photo taken by:Devin C. (2013)

Superstition Mts.- Apache Junction, AZ

The Superstition mountains

The mountains were once known in spanish as Sierra de la Espuma. The Spanish were the first Europeans to discover the Superstition Mountains. It was believed that the mountain were named my early settlers and/or farmers. The Superstition Mountains are famous for paranormal tales of the Lost Dutchman's mines.

It is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Arizona. Its cliffs rise 3,000 feet hiding the Lost Dutchman’s mines. The Superstition mountain is famous for its luxurious looks and fascinating ghost stories about the mines.

Click here for more information.

By: Doug DoldeFrom Wikimedia Commons

By: WaqckuFrom Wikimedia Commons

Mountains MajestySuperstitions at nightby: Cameron K. (2013)

Tombstone, ArizonaTombstone

Tombstone is a very historical, old town that has been there since 1877. It has all of it’s original

buildings. This makes people believe that it’s haunted. People feel cold spots, see apparitions.

Tombstone, named the “Town Too Tough To Die” because of all the shootouts. One of the more

famous fights at the OK Corral, it was between the cowboys Billy Claibourne, and Ike Clanton, the

fight was believed to last around 30 seconds. There was also a shoot out at the Bird Cage Theatre,

most of them were because people thought others were cheating poker, the Bird Cage was a bordello,

it was a bordello up until it closed in 1889. You can also go to the Courthouse; built in 1882 that was

shaped as Roman Cross. It is 12,000 square feet, and It cost around 50,000 dollars to build. This is

where they would settle court cases and hang people in the gallows.

Click here for more information

Cochise County Courthouse in

Tombstone, Arizona, before it was

restored. It remained vacant from 1931

through 1955, when it was redeveloped

as a museum. Farm Security Administration

Nick Ares, April 2, 2007

Tombstone, 1881Arizona Historical Society

Tonto National Forest

● Why you should visit:You should visit this park for its unique history. The Park features the Sonoran Desert, the tonto basin,and

prehistoric cave dwellings that over look the Tonto Basin. There is also a Museum where you can see and learn all about all

of the ancient artifacts.

Some trails include scenic hiking and also horseback trails that wind throughout the cactus filled hills.

Tonto Natural Bridge is believed to be the largest natural travertine bridge in the world, which is located between the

towns of Pine and Payson.

● Fun Facts!● 700 year old cave dwellings!

● Did you know that Salt River (No, it’s not salty) runs through this Park?

Rio Salado

● The Salado was a fine craftsman that created some of the most flamboyant polychrome pottery

● October 15 1966 was when this Park was listed for one of the History Places.

● Did you know, the first known written record of the cliff dwellings at Tonto National Monument dates back to 1880?

● Tonto National Monument is home to at least 160 species of birds, 6 species of amphibians, 32 species of reptiles, 26

species of land mammals, and at least 14 species of bats.

Click here for more information!

Click here for even more information!

Click here for more information if thats not enough!

Tonto National Forest(Tonto Basin, AZ)

Photo by Hanna H. 2013

Superstition Mt. in Tonto National Forest

Photo by: Doug Dolde October 2006

Tonto National Monument in Tonto National Forest

Photo by: Julie Edgley- October 2006

Wupatki Indian Ruins- near Flagstaff, AZWhy you should visit:

If you are looking to visit a historical and educational monument, the Wupatki Ruins is one of the best places to visit. It is very interesting to see the living conditions and the amazing architecture from 800 years ago. It has amazing sights, such as the Blowhole.

Facts:● It was built around 800 years ago.● 5,000 feet of elevation.● Little Colorado River is on the northeast edge of the monument.● In Flagstaff, AZ.● One of the warmest/driest places.● Monument boundaries have been changed 7 times.● Total of 35,422 acres.

Click Here to find out more!

Wupatki Ruins Pictures

“Wupaki Ruins” used under creative commons by “fchelaru”

“untitled” used under Creative Commons by Laurence Zankowski

Yuma Territorial Prison

● We should go there because it is one of the oldest prison of Arizona.

● Another reason why you should go to the Yuma Territorial Prison.

● Another reason you have to go there is because it supposedly haunted.

Facts

● It’s the hottest and driest climate in Arizona.● There were about 3069 prisoners in the jail at the time when it was functional.● Opened July 1st, 1876 and closed September 15, 1909.● It is now a national park in Arizona.● The Yuma Union High School occupied the buildings from 1910 to 1914.

Click here for more information.

Yuma Territorial Prison Ken Lund February 27, 2010

Taken by: Ken Lund on February 27, 2010

Route 66

Route 66 is most commonly known as the mother road,

the main street of America. Current maps of Route

66 don’t show the old Route 66. April 30, 1920 was

when it first started. 2,448 miles long, from Chicago

to L.A. The road passes through 8 states, and 3 time

zones. In 1926, 800 miles of it was paved.

Source: http://www.rv-trips.com/

Photo taken by: Kevin Carpenter (2013)

Route

66

Lost Dutchman CurseIt is one of the most famous lost mine in American history.

People have been seeking this gold mine since 1892.The lure of the mine has been calling to prospectors since the 19th century.

The mine is named for a German immigrant, Jacob “The Dutchman” Waltz, who reportedly discovered it in the 19th century and kept its location a secret. One tale of the mine is that it is either cursedor protected by mysterious guardians who wish to keep the mine's location a secret.

One such explorer’s unlucky story:35 year old,Jesse Capen turned finding the lost dutchman’s treasure and obsession. Jesse walked into the Superstition Mountains one day in the winter of 2009 It is believed he accidentally fell on the same day he began a month-long search. Years later, on January 23, 2013, Jesse’s Jeep, wallet, backpack, and cellphone were found by hikers. Volunteers from Superstition Search and Rescue found his remains. The body was found in a crevice about 35 feet up the cliff, the face in the southern side of the Superstition Mountains, near the Tortilla Mount.

The trail of old Jacob “Lost Dutchman” Waltz

Sunset Crater near Flagstaff, Arizona

● Sunset crater is located near Flagstaff arizona.

● The crater was created by eruptions from nearby volcanoes.

● The crater is covered in snow during the winter.

● Sunset Crater is 1,120 feet tall.

● There is a one mile long self guided trail that is located at the base of

Sunset Crater.

● There are always animals roaming around or in the crater

● The elevation of Sunset crater is 8041’

● The crater is in a volcano range.

● Sunset Crater is a great attraction in Flagstaff,Arizona.

http://photo.itc.nps.gov/storage/images/sucr/sucr-Full.00003.html

Sunset Crater

Sunset Crater

Mr.Phil Horton TheArmchairExplorer.com 2013

Painted Desert in NE ArizonaYou should visit the Painted desert because it is a beautiful piece of

nature. It is an unforgettable place. The Navajo and Hopi people lived in the region hundreds of years ago.It looks like a multicolored birthday cake. It is a once in a lifetime experience. It is formed by volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, floods and sunlight.

● It is formed by volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, floods and sunlight.● It is a region of rocky badlands in encompassing more than 93,500 acres.● It is about 160 miles long.● Spanish Colonialists who gave this landscape the name we know it by

today – El Desierto Pintao.● It’s an arid land,sparsely vegetated and heavily eroded.● It is represented by outcropping of the late triassic period chinle formation.● The Painted Desert extends from the Grand Canyon.

● Photographed by Doug Dolde at the Petrified Forest National Park in April, 2009.

Salt River in ArizonaSalt RiverThe Salt River is a nice place to cool down in the hot summer and hang out with friends. It is a cheap way to cool down and relax. The Salt River is about 200 miles long but that doesn’t mean you go tubing for 200 miles. You go for as long as you feel. At one point in your tubing you can stop at the beach at the side of the river and take a food break or you can even eat while you are still tubing! While you flow down the river and relax you can see the amazing nature around you.

The Salt River is located in Mesa, Arizona. People enjoy going tubing down the river. The river is a little chilli all year around but you enjoy it during the hot summers, the average temperature is 68 degrees. The water that flows in the Salt River lake is coming from the Stewart Mountain Dam at Saguaro Lake.If you enjoy swimming for 9 hours come on down to the salt river! Its hours are from 9 am to 6 pm! The river sometimes floods in monsoon season.

Salt River, Arizona

Upper Salt River

Lower Salt RiverPhoto by: Alan Stark Sept. 10, 2010

Mogollon Rim- East of Payson, ArizonaThe Rim

The Rim, also known as the Mogollon Rim, is a great place to visit year round. The weather at The Rim is generally nice, it ranges from 50 to 90 degrees. Because of the nice weather, there are many different activities that you are able to take part in such as camping fishing,skydiving,swimming and boating. The Rim is about 4,500 feet tall and 12000-15000 feet above sea level.

The name Mogollon comes from the Spanish Governor Don Juan Ignacio Flores Mogollon. Mogollon was the Governor of Province, Mexico during 1712 through 1715.

For more information click here or here

❏ The Saguaro cactus can live up 150-200 years old.

❏ The Saguaro cactus is the largest cactus to grow in the United States

❏ Saguaros are found only in the Sonora Desert

❏ They can grow to be 40-60 feet tall (12-18m)

❏ They can number over 25 arms on one cactus

❏ The cactus blooms flowers over the summer mostly in may

The Saguaro Cactus

Saguaro Cactus Image

By Ken Bosma from Tucson, Arizona, USA (Tucson Icon) [CC-BY-2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)], via Wikimedia CommonsBy Ken Bosma from Tucson, Arizona, USA (White-tipped Saguaros) [CC-BY-2.0 (http:

//creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons