While the greater Phoenix area isn’t typically top of your must-see travel list, it is a great place to do a lot of things. Whether you are interested in exploring the desert during a hike, scenic drive, or just view the oddities of the desert there is something for everyone in Phoenix. Here are a few socially distanced activities we found in the area.
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Phoenix Facts:
- There are only 21 deserts in the world. Four of those are in North America and Arizona is the only U.S. state to host all four. The Greater Phoenix area is located in the Sonoran Desert.
- The Sonoran Desert is one of the wettest and greenest deserts in North America with 3-15 inches of annual rainfall.
- The saguaro cactus is native to the Sonoran.
- Phoenix itself is the sixth largest city in the United States.
- Phoenix was once thought to be where the fabled Seven Cities of Cibola lay.
- An estimated 400,000 “snowbirds” descend on the Phoenix area each year.
Admittedly 2020 is a rough year for travel. When we made our full-time RV plan we never could have expected what March of 2020 and on would bring. We made the decision to stick to an altered plan and hit the road on November 30. The altered plan includes outdoor and distanced activities. Skipping large indoor spaces and cooking from our RV (for the most part). Obviously, these restrictions eliminate many attractions these towns offer. But we will return when things are normal.
A few days in Phoenix allowed us to get the RV ready for its cross-country trip while we eased into a life on the road. Without a real plan for the days we roamed the desert along the Apache Trail and the Lost Dutchman State Park. Headed to the north end of the metro area to see the Anthem Veteran Memorial. Then to downtown Chandler to view the traditional tumbleweed Christmas tree.
The Apache Trail Scenic Drive begins shortly after the Lost Dutchman State Park. The scenic drive winds through the Superstition Mountains for about 40 miles. Gorgeous views and quirky desert roadside buildings dot the (mostly paved) path. (The last few miles are dirt roads. The roads were well maintained when we visited.)
Goldfield Ghost Town sits just off the road. The “town” is a recreation of the 1890’s mining town. While very touristy it did look like a great RV park to enjoy the views of the Superstition Mountains.
Lost Dutchman State Park was a great stop. The entrance fee was $7 per car (2020 pricing), but does offer veteran discounts. You will have contact entering the park to pay the fee, but the ranger was wearing a mask and conscious. The park offers hiking trails (camping is available too, but we did not view the spaces). The trails were distanced and the park ranger even pointed out the need to leave a parking space between you and the other car. It is a great opportunity to take a short or long hike in the Sonoran Desert and offers amazing views of the mountains.
The Anthem Veteran Memorial has been on my list for some time. After seeing the videos online we wanted to visit for the Veteran’s Day activities, but those were (understandably) canceled for 2020.
This memorial contains pillars for each Armed Forces branch. On 11/11 at 11:11 the sun lines up to shine its ray through the pillars to illuminate the Great Seal of the United States. The entire park was gorgeous and well worth the stop any time of year!
Making a life change this big deserves a celebratory beer tasting. We chose Arizona Wilderness Brewing and they did not disappoint! Here’s the full story, but their patch says it all!
Commemorative Air Force has 85 locations to house more than 170 restored aircraft. Of course, as we saw the warbirds flying we had to stop in to see what they had to offer. The experience was well distanced and gave you an up-close and personal view of the places. See more about what Vince had to say here.
Downtown Chandler has been constructing a Christmas tree from tumbleweeds since 19____. The oddity has become a tradition for the area so, of course, we headed over to see it.
(((insert Gracie photo)))
While we didn’t get a chance to visit any wineries, our friends over at Buddy the Traveling Monkey have a great Scottsdale wineries post.
Angela’s Fave
The Lost Dutchman State Park and surrounding area was beautiful (especially at sunrise and sunset). But the Anthem Veteran Memorial was a place my dad wanted to see so it takes my favorite spot for the memories of talks with my dad!
Vince’s Fave
I’m a history buff. Coupled with retired Air Force. So, my favorite part of our visit has to be the Commemorative Air Force Museum. Seeing the actual planes that fought and won WWII, and hearing the stories from the Greatest Generation is too hard to beat for me.
Getting to Phoenix
The drives into Phoenix are beautiful desert drives. If you love a good road trip there are plenty of surrounding sites to see on the way into the metro area. Phoenix is host to Sky Harbor International Airport for any flights.
Tips for your trip to Phoenix
- Drink more water than you think you need. You are in the desert. Dehydration will sneak up on you.
- Watch your step on trails. Winter doesn’t mean the creepy crawlies are gone in Phoenix.
- Expect traffic. Phoenix is a big and sprawling city. You will have some windshield time.