Expert: Judy Hedding - 9/11/2007

Question
Hi Judy, My wife and I are planning to scout out the sights in central Arizona in mid March next year.  We spend about 6 weeks every year (Feb-March) in San Miguel de Allende in Mexico and would like to see some of the Southwest States on our way back to Canada.  I travelled to the area about 10 years ago..but on business, so did not see much, even though I was out in the field, looking at some mining operations.
Our plans are to rent a car in Phoenix and spend 6 to 9 days in the area.  We are both interested in culture, but also birdwatching and hiking...but the time of year may present a problem with the latter.  Could you recommend some trips from Phoenix...we have no problem with trip length.  I'm most worried about the weather, recognizing that Arizona is or can be quite mountainous.  Cheers.  Rod

Answer
Hi Rod,

I wasn't really clear from your question if you wanted to stay in the Phoenix area (where weather is not a problem) or if you wanted to go elsewhere, but here's the short answer.

You might want to pend a few of those days in Southern Arizona on your way north from Mexico, known for excellent birding opportunities.
http://www.sabo.org/

There are wonderful places to hike in Central Arizona, as well as north of here for every level of hiker. Here's a comprehensive hiking resource:
http://hikearizona.com/

In the springtime, don't miss the Boyce Thompson Arboretum (we probably won't have abundant wildflowers this year due to continuing drought).
http://phoenix.about.com/od/gardensandzoos/ss/boyce.htm

Springtime is also beautiful up in the Sedona area. Hiking in and around Oak Creek Canyon is popular.
http://hikearizona.com/

Enjoy your trip!

Regards,
Judy Hedding
About.com Guide to Phoenix, AZ
http://phoenix.about.com

www.About.com
About.com is part of The New York Times Company