Outdoorshopping Blog

Home to the Grand Canyon, Arizona is located in the southwestern region of the United States. Known for its desert climate, the southern portions of Arizona are home to the Sonoran Desert where seasons are characterized by very hot summers and mild winters. In stark contrast, northern Arizona is home to mountainous regions including the San Francisco Mountains and many forested areas of Douglas fir, pine trees, and spruce trees. In addition to the tourist attraction that is the Grand Canyon, Arizona is also home to several national forests, national parks, and national monuments as well.

Horseback Riding

If you’ve ever been to the grand canyon or heard fellow adventurers talk about their time there, then you’ve probably heard that horseback riding into the canyon is one of those ‘must-do’ activities. Horseback riding is one of the best ways for folks to experience the splendor of all that Arizona’s scenery has to offer while enjoying a close-up experience with nature - sans the traditional means of transportation. Bringing the Old West history to life, horseback riding can be enjoyed by novices and experienced riders alike.

While riding horseback in the Grand Canyon itself is a large boon for the tourist industry, there are many parts of the state that can be enjoyed atop an equine. Here are a few horseback trails and adventures to consider:

• Guided Trails in Sedona: If you’re new to the area or not an experienced rider, guided trails are a great way to get the horseback experience at a casual and leisurely pace. Some companies even offer guided multi-day rides complete with Old West-style meals and excursions to give visitors the full experience.

• Riding Lessons at Gold Canyon Cattle Ranch: Maybe you’re looking for a little more independence on the trail or looking to spruce up your horseback riding skills. Take it from the pros of Arizona by enrolling in riding lessons at the Gold Canyon Cattle Ranch.

• Cave Creek Trail Rides: Voted #1 on TripAdvisor, families can experience the horseback experience within the guided trails of Cave Creek National Park. This ride focuses more on the history of the area and gives riders smaller ride lengths of 1 to 3 hours, making it a great addition to a day of outdoor fun.

Ballooning and Water Sports

Clear, sunny, warm weather make for perfect ballooning and watersports conditions. While one may not consider this desert region for watersport activity, one must remember that it was the Colorado River that carved the great Grand Canyon, and it’s these waterways that make for perfect boating and rafting conditions. If you’re not a fan of the water, then take your adventure to new heights by ballooning over Arizona to view the scenery from above.

With more than 30 lakes as well as countless rivers and streams, there are many areas primed for watersport activities:

• Lake Powell: Located on the border of Utah, Lake Powell boasts clear waters, red rock formations, and perfect boating conditions.

• Prescott: Three lakes dot this picturesque town, giving visitors the chance to boat, swim, fish, and enjoy a variety of other water-related activities.

• Black Canyon: This 11-mile stretch of the Colorado River is perfect for rafting and boating activities for the more adventurous sportsman.

The best way to experience the full scenery of Arizona’s deserts and waterways is to view from above via hot air balloon. There are many different companies situated in different areas of the state, allowing for visitors to choose their location and scenery for a day up in the sky. Check out Visit Arizona’s website for some popular locations.