Shackleford-Photography Getty Images/iStockphoto
The scenic drive to Sedona is just one significant part of a trip here.
Words by Steve Fennell
At approximately 295,000 sq km (113,998 sq m), Arizona is ranked the sixth largest state in the U.S. and the capital city of Phoenix is one of the major draws all year. A dry, comfortable, warm climate through the winter makes Arizona a popular destination for snowbirds. What is also appealing is the accommodating, full-service RV resorts and parks, in addition to numerous places of interest.
You can easily fall into daily routines with programs at the RV resorts while golfing, dining, and shopping are never far away. According to Visit Phoenix, the greater area of Phoenix has more than 160 golf courses, which is just less than half of the state’s total count of 370, providing ample opportunities to practise your game. Play a different course every few days or find one that best suits your skill level. If ‘retail therapy’ is your preference, Phoenix Premium Outlets, Outlets at Anthem and Uptown Plaza with its locally-owned shops and restaurants will never disappoint.
RV destinations are also all about discovering the surrounding area. From driving 30 minutes to a few hours outside of the greater city limits, there are many day and overnight trips to further realize what the Grand Canyon State has to offer.
The Village of Oak Creek and Sedona
Located in the Verde Valley, Sedona is approximately 187 km (116 mi) from Phoenix via Hwy 17 and Hwy 179. Known as the Red Rock Scenic Byway, Hwy 179 is about 13 km (8 mi) and was named Arizona’s first All-American Road by the U.S. Department of Transportation.
A popular stop along this route is the Village of Oak Creek. It’s perhaps the gateway to red-rock country and if you take your time, you can plan a great round of golf, take in some shopping at the variety of shops, and visit the amazing rock formations of Bell Rock and Cathedral Rock.
Just past Oak Creek is Sedona. Its downtown business hub is home to more shopping and dining. There are also art galleries displaying local works, shops selling jewellery and gems, as well as stores specializing in home decor, antiques/collectables and stylish apparel.
Sedona Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Bureau
There are a variety of excellent hiking trails throughout the Sedona area - some are considered the best in the state.
A great outing is the wine tours as the Verde Valley has a fertile climate for vintners to create several types of local vintages. Conventional tours are available but perhaps try a guided wine tour via kayak, paddleboard and/or an e-bike along the Verde River. Various packages range from 2.5 to 4.5 hours and each one provides the chance to experience the outdoors - and excellent wine.
Should you feel like staying the night, you’ll find many RV campgrounds. From the spacious and shaded sites at the Rancho Sedona RV Park to the outdoor recreation at Oak Creek Mobilodge, many have all the services and amenities for a comfortable night’s stay or longer.
Tonto National Forest and Tonto National Monument
Day trips here begin following an approximate 40-minute drive from Phoenix. It’s best to plan ahead given all of the outdoor activities and attractions to enjoy. It covers 1,214,056 ha (3 million ac) in the Sonoran Desert and is ranked as the largest of the six preserved forests in Arizona and one of the largest in the U.S.
If the water is your calling, Canyon Lake covers 364 ha (900 ac) and is one of four reservoirs created by the damming of the Salt River. It’s a popular go-to spot for RVers and ideal to visit through the winter as average temps range from 15 to 26℃ (59 to 78℉) in November through to March. The area is known to get cooler after the sun sets during the winter months so it’s best to be prepared with the proper clothing and gear in the event you want to stay longer.
One of the gateways to the water is Canyon Lake Marina & Campground. Various rentals are available - from powerboats and PWCs to kayaks and canoes - providing access to a range of lake activities. Fishing is popular and is stocked with rainbows from November to March. Channel catfish, bluegill, crappie, large- and smallmouth bass, and walleye are other active species. Fishing gear is available to rent at the marina.
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Scenic Canyon Lake in Tonto National Forest, which has an altitude that ranges from 396 m (1,300 ft) to approximately 2,438 (8,000 ft).
If you want to spend the night, 19 sites are available (six are right on the water) with 30-amp power while 17 have 30/50 amp power. All include a table, firepit, and charcoal grill. Private restrooms and showers are on site and a general store is expected to open in 2024. Additional campgrounds can be found throughout the park with services and access to more outdoor activities.
Tonto National Monument is part of the Tonto National Forest and tells the story of the region’s history. Consisting of naturally formed caves - called the Upper and Lower Dwellings - on the edge of steep cliffs, this monument dates back 700 years and was occupied by the Salado people during the 13th, 14th, and early 15th centuries.
The lower dwelling is open all year and you can observe historic rooms and artifacts by hiking the paved trailhead from the visitor centre. The Upper Cliff Dwelling has larger rooms and original pieces of pottery to observe, yet it’s accessible only by guided tours (approximately three times a week) from November through to April. Reservations are recommended. While the trail to the Lower Dwelling has an elevation gain of 107 m (350 ft), the Upper Dwelling has a gain of 183 m (600 ft) along a rugged trail.
The monument was also designated as an International Dark-Sky Park. To view the glittering star systems, Night Sky Programs are held from November to April.
Other notable attractions in Tonto National Forest include Goldfield Ghost Town, which reflects its Wild West past with tours of period buildings, museums, and the Goldfield mine. Ghost walking tours and staged gunfights are other highlights. An RV park with full hookups is also on the grounds. For more information and to learn about more attractions visit www.nps.gov and www.fs.usda.gov/.
An Pham
The centuries-old Tonto National Monument offers excellent views of Theodore Roosevelt Lake.
Find an Event in Chandler
Although spectacular, the outdoors and preserved lands are not the only attractions in this region of Arizona. Chandler is part of Metro Phoenix and is a quick drive from many RV resorts.
While Chandler is popular for shopping and dining, events are held throughout the year that reflect the state’s culture. Oktoberfest and the Chandler Chuck Wagon Cook-Off in November always draw the crowds, but January through to the spring have some interesting events as well.
- Chandler Innovation Fair - In its 12th year, The Chandler Innovation Fair (formerly the Chandler Science Spectacular) recognizes the engineering and innovative accomplishments of local businesses, artists, and students. Hosted every February, admission is free and the event is hosted as part of the annual Arizona SciTech Festival.
- The Chandler Jazz Festival downtown is held every March with live performances from local and national talent, ranging from traditional and fusion rhythm to smooth jazz.
- Also in March is The 102.5 KNIX Barbeque & Beer Festival in Tumbleweed Park. Arizona takes pride in its local flavours and the event serves up classic and original BBQ by more than 30 pro pitmasters who proudly tout their culinary bragging rights. If children are with you, they’ll appreciate the carnival and petting zoo while everyone will enjoy the live country music from local performers who share two stages. For all 2024 dates visit www.chandleraz.gov.
With even more events throughout the year, in addition to many attractions, there is always a new area to experience in the winter as well as during the spring, summer and fall peak RV seasons. For more information go to www.visitphoenix.com or www.visitarizona.com.