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Phoenix

Phun in Phoenix Arizona

Hiking to the Top of the WorldMore Photos
  • by Milja
  • A March 2005 travel journal
  • Last Updated: March 22, 2005
Journal Usefulness Rating 2 out of 5
Journal Usefulness
7
Reviews
2
Photos

A wonderful week of sightseeing, hiking, and shopping in Phoenix.

Phun in Phoenix Arizona

Overview

Top stops include hiking at a few local mountains - Camelback and Squaw Peak are wonderful, but any mountain is worth it. Apache Trail was awesome, but only if heights don't bother you!

Quick Tips:

Instead of renting a car at the airport, go to Thrifty at Wal-Mart on Bell. We saved over for a one-week rental by saving extra fees and a huge tax on rentals at the airport.

Best Way To Get Around:

Car rental is an absolute must.

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Carolina's Mexican Food

Restaurant

Carolinas Mexican

Carolina's Mexican is an awesome dining experience if you like Mexican. The food is fantastic and authentic - and affordable! I heard about them from several travel books of the area, and I was not disappointed. The cobos were approximately $4 - and huge portions! An absolute must for local cuisine. The walls are lined with awards for the food.
  • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by Milja on March 22, 2005

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Carolina's Mexican Food
1202 East Mohave St Phoenix, Arizona 85034
+1 602 252 1503

Camelback Mountain

Activity

Hiking to the Top of the World

Camelback Mountain

Hiking Camelback is probably the most difficult hike we have ever taken. The climbs are so steep in parts that there are metal bars you need to hold on to to get up and down the sheer cliffs. Very rocky and slow going to come down. The view at the top (1 hour to top) is incredible. You can see the entire city, and it is breathtaking. Be prepared with lots of water - this hike is a major challenge!
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by Milja on March 22, 2005

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Camelback Mountain
5700 North Echo Canyon Parkway Phoenix, Arizona 85018
Phoenix Parks: +1 60

Pichaco Peak

Activity

Pichaco Peak

Pichaco Peak is a nice, enjoyable hike. Moderately difficult, it is fine for beginners, and the view is great. This is a nice pit stop along the drive from Phoenix to Tucson. A great place to get out and stretch and get some exercise.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by Milja on March 22, 2005

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Pichaco Peak
P.O. Box 275 Phoenix, Arizona 85241
(520) 466-3183

Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum

Activity

Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum

This is a great destination for everyone - and a good place to learn about everything desert. Many desert animals make this more of a zoo than a museum - but the plants make it much more than a zoo. A large cactus garden, bird aviary, and wildlife area make it a very interesting destination for all.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by Milja on March 22, 2005

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Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
2021 North Kinney Road Tucson, Arizona 85743
+1 520 883 1380

Apache Trail

Activity

Scenic Overlook

Apache Trail

Wow! The Apache Trail is an absolutely stunning driving day trip from Phoenix. Starting out at Goldstone Ghost Town was a good entry into history. But the heart of the drive starts where the pavement ends. Climbing up the Superstition Mountains the first scenic stop is at Canyon Lake - the views are breathtaking - mountains, a gorgeous canyon and sparkling water in the desert. A great place for a picnic lunch. From there, the winding (often scary) road snakes through the mountains to Apache Lake for more stunning views. The pavement starts again at Roosevelt Dam, and the circle route goes through the mining town of Globe before returning to Phoenix. All in all, with slow driving and lots of stops for picnicing and swimming, this a long day trip (wee did it in 10 hours round-trip). It could be done in four without stopping. If you love the views and don't mind the curvy roads, then this is a must!
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by Milja on March 22, 2005

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Apache Trail
Apache Junction Phoenix, Arizona

Spring Training Baseball Games

Activity

Spring Training Baseball

Spring Training Baseball! We went to three games in Tucson (home to Colorado Rockies), Surprise (home to Texas Rangers), and Scottsdale (home to SF Giants). The best stadium was in Surprise, but all games were great. Anyone going should check out parking options in advance. Parking is usually limited and you need to arrive at least an hour early to get a spot. otherwise, most cities offer parking at a local mall with free shuttle service to the games. Tickets are usually cheap - ranigng from $5 to $17 at the games we went to. Grass seats are great! Often players give autographs, but you need to be there early or stay until the home team starts their "after-game practice". Try to catch some games if you are in the area in March.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by Milja on March 22, 2005

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Spring Training Baseball Games
Various Stadiums Phoenix, Arizona

Arizona Mills Mall

Activity

Arizona Mills Outlet Mall

We found some great deals at Arizona Mills - but it is one of those places that you have to check occasionally. Many stores are not outlets, which is what you expect at first impression.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by Milja on March 22, 2005

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Arizona Mills Mall
5000 Arizona Mills Circle Phoenix, Arizona 85282
(480) 491-7300

About the Writer

Milja
Milja
Waterloo, United States

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