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By Cassaundra Brooks, with Marshall Trimble
Cooler temperatures have begun to settle in, but perhaps not quite enough for some of you! Central Arizona is always rather warm by the much of the nation’s standards regardless of the season; while the fall may not bring quite the varied color palette of the East Coast, this state does boast more than one distinct landscape, as well as a treasure trove of historic and awe-inspiring sites. Over the next couple of months, consider taking a couple of long weekends and exploring the high country—and some of the low country.
1. The X Diamond Ranch, which lies between Greer and Eagar, is a guest ranch owned by Wink Crigler. It is quaintly situated in a beautiful little valley, and The Little Colorado River runs right through it. Rent a cabin or bungalow and enjoy your serene retreat from the bustling Valley.
2. Now is one of the best times to check out Monument Valley, from which you could then swing around to Canyon de Chelly. Don’t pass up the Hubbell Trading Post while you’re there.
3. It’s off-season at the Grand Canyon, and the El Tovar is the best place to stay to really experience the total ambience of the Canyon. It’s not just a natural wonder for viewing in the summertime or from the tiny window of your commercial flight thousands of feet above the top of the canyon.
4. Tombstone is brimming with activities and is rich in history, and Bisbee has a wealth of great places for lodging.
5. There’s a good chance you know someone with a cabin up in Greer. It’s about time you saw for yourself what the fuss is all about. Just like X Diamond Ranch, it is located in some of Arizona’s most beautiful high country. The Little Colorado River, which headwaters nearby, runs through it as well.
6. Drink in some fresh air and rich Arizona history in the mile-high city. Prescott, the first territorial capital, is home to the Sharlot Hall Museum, as well as to historic Whiskey Row, which houses Arizona’s longest-running saloon that features a beautiful 1870s handcrafted Brunswick back bar. Check it out while dining at the Palace Restaurant and Saloon.
7. Flagstaff is known as the hub of “things to do” in northern Arizona. There you can find the San Francisco Peaks, the state’s highest mountain range. The fall colors are also spectacular in October. Take a scenic tour on the ski lift at the Sno Bowl.
8. Spend some time in the Verde Valley! From Clarkdale, take the scenic Verde Canyon Railroad. Visit Jerome, Montezuma Castle National Monument, Tuzigoot National Monument, Sedona, and Oak Creek Canyon. Oak Creek Canyon is especially beautiful in the fall.
9. One of the state’s best-kept secrets is the spectacular Chiricahua Mountains of Cochise County. Take a rewarding trip to see the Chiricahua National Monument and Apache Pass.
10. Pine and Strawberry make for great camping spots, but they’re also great places for a different sort of relaxing getaway. Spend the night at Winslow’s La Posada Hotel and enjoy the higher elevation before winter sets in.
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