Growing Up in the Desert

Growing up in the Desert

Arizona may seem like nothing more than a desert, but there are bustling cities and beautiful scenery and wildlife. Our most well-known tourist attractions, one of the seven world wonders of the world, The Grande Canyon, is just the start of the awe-inspiring views waiting for you in Arizona.

Sedona

Thought to be one of the most beautiful places on Earth, Sedona is well-known as the red rock country of the west. A geological wonderland of brilliant red peaks and plateaus. Hiking and horseback riding through the canyons will take your breath away. Learn about the untamed history behind the wild west at Jerome, a cowboy town stuck in time with authentic inns and shops. Deeper within the canyon you can explore the ancient Sinaguan civilizations, taking part in a reenergizing ritual at a past vortex site. Sedona’s famous Verde Valley has been awarded for its outstanding wine and distinctive culture

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Wildlife

The coyote appears often in the tales and traditions of Native Americans—usually as a very savvy and clever beast. Coyotes have displayed their cleverness by adapting to the changing Arizona landscape. Coyotes are smaller than wolves and are sometimes called prairie wolves or brush wolves. They communicate with a distinctive call, which you can often hear at night as  a raucous canine chorus. 

Though some people think javelina are a type of wild pig, they are actually members of the peccary family, a group of hoofed mammals originating from South America. Javelina are common in much of central and southern Arizona, including the outskirts of the Phoenix area, most of Tucson, and occasionally as far north as Flagstaff.