Arizona and Utah are a short hop from California, where about two-thirds of New Zealanders who visit the United States start their trip. Pam Jones looks at what is available in the mountain states of the American West.
ARIZONA
Southeast of California lies scenic, rugged, adventure-filled Arizona. The stony terrain that includes the Grand Canyon and Monument Valley sends photographers into a tailspin. But visit also Arizona's tiny ghost towns, ski areas and Indian reserves. Try these five ideas for size:
1. A national historic landmark, the San Xavier Spanish Catholic Mission was founded in the late 1600s and construction of the current church completed in 1797. About 200,000 visitors come each year from all over the world to view what is the oldest intact European structure in Arizona, about 14km
south of Tuscon. It's a haven for artlovers, containing historic European art.
2. Phoenix is a desert city at the heart of an area of history, culture, great food and nightlife. Visit nearby Scottsdale, full of golf courses and resorts (and where the new Scottsdale Museum of the West has just opened). Explore the history of the American Indians: Arizona boasts the largest percentage
of its land designated as American Indian lands, and many of the tribes have cultural centres open to the public and host annual events such as rodeos, festivals and craft fairs. Or try being a cowboy for a day at the Arizona Cowboy College. Visitors can also stay on many working ranches.
3. Tombstone was the site of the famed gunfight at the OK Corral and is now billed as "more tourist destination than rough-and-tumble cowboy town''. But the old Wild West town is still lined with old saloons, candy shops and gift stores and boasts re-enactments of that fabled fight.
4. The Grand Canyon Railway gives another perspective through Grand Canyon country with a 105km journey from Williams to the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. Visit also nearby Flagstaff, a self-proclaimed "laid-back mountain town with an outdoorsy vibe and plenty of charm''. The famed
Route 66 winds through its old-fashioned downtown, featuring streets lined with classic diners and historic hotels.
5. The phrase "the great outdoors'' takes on a special significance in Arizona, where behemoths such as the Grand Canyon and Monument Valley take visitors' breath away. Visit also the red rocks of Sedona, the cool, blue Colorado river and try Arizona's skiing for size. Best known is the Arizona Snowbowl,
near Flagstaff, but the biggest is Sunrise Park, 320km from Phoenix and owned and operated by the White Mountain Apache Tribe.
UTAH
For even more skiing, head next door to Utah, which markets itself as having the greatest snow on earth. But there's a lot on in summer too. Try these five Utah experiences.
1. The largest ski resort in the United States is being created with a US$50 million project to connect Park City Mountain Resort to Canyons Resort. The development will create a resort with almost 3000 skiable hectares. Lots of Utah ski resorts offer joint pass initiatives which give skiers access to multiple
ski areas.
2. For summer fun, try one of Utah's summer series concerts or festivals in the Park City or Ogden area. This summer's lineup includes rock, country, soul, classical and everything in between, in wide, open spaces, natural amphitheatres or small made-to-measure stages.
3. Salt Lake City has a mountain backdrop to die for and offers an eclectic mix. This is where the Sundance Film Festival was born and still runs every year. Utah's capital also houses Temple Square, the world headquarters of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Guided tours are available
to learn about Mormon culture. Nearby, the Great Salt Lake's buoyant waters attract swimmers and sunbathers, especially at Antelope Island State Park. On a culinary note, check out Utah's fabled farmer's markets or its restaurant and bar scene. And forget the rumours you may have heard about prohibitive
liquor laws in Utah; they certainly have a few quirks, but the Visit Salt Lake Tourism office advises it's about as easy to get a drink in Utah as just about anywhere else - so long as you're of legal drinking age.
4. So back to Antelope Island. Hike, mountain bike or horseback ride the park's backcountry trails, camp out under the stars or try a spot of kayaking. Antelope Island is home to free-ranging bison, mule deer, bighorn sheep, pronghorn (antelope), and many other desert animals. Millions of birds also
congregate along the shores surrounding the island.
5. Utah is also home to five national parks, collectively known as "The Mighty 5''. Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Canyonlands, Arches and Zion national parks have the wide expanses, canyons and natural monuments many only dream of. Get your hiking boots, mountain bike or river raft ready to explore some of the great American West.
