Overview
 I
have stayed around Phoenix, Arizona from 12 Sep 1998 to
30 Sep 2000.  Being
a desert, it is not called the valley of the sun for nothing.
During summer, temperature can reach a scorching 120 degree
fahrenheit. Unlike the tropical region that I came from,
rains are few and uncommon. However, the occasional sand
storm that occurs during the summer period can be quite
an experience for the first-timer. Winter here however,
is usually a comfortable 70s during the day. The lows during
the night is usually around the 30s to the 40s. Most area
of Arizona does not experience snow. The exception being
places at higher altitude like Flagstuff and Grand Canyon.
Antelope Canyon
  
Antelope Canyon is a place that no photographer should
miss. Within the narrow confines of the canyon walls lies
numerous photographic opportunities. As the interior is
relatively dark, a tripod is absolutely neccessary for all
those long exposure shots. The canyon is located at the
small town of page (in northern Arizona, bordering Utah)
where you can also find Lake Powell and Glen Canyon.
Grand Canyon
The most popular attraction of Arizona have got to be Grand
Canyon. Being one of the seven natural wonders of the world,
this is one of the 'must-see' if you happen to be around
in the area. The nearest major airport is Sky Harbour Airport
in Phoenix and Grand Canyon is just about 250 miles north
of it. I have a short visit to Grand Canyon during the early
November of 1998 and it is a truly magnificient place. Despite
the freezing November morning, watching the rising sun at
the canyon is definitely one of the best experience that
I have in USA.
Flagstaff and its surrounding
Flagstaff is one of the only few places that receive snow
in Arizona. Thus it is more popular during winter when people
head up to Arizona Snow Bowl at the area. Just 12 miles
north of Flagstaff lies Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument.
Here, you can see cinder cones left behind by the eruption
of Sunset Crater Volcano in A.D.1064-1065. Those interested
in meteor craters can see one just east of Flagstaff.
Biosphere 2
For those who has interest in ecology, you might want to
take a look at Biosphere 2. It is located near Tucson, which
is south east of Phoenix. Biosphere is one of the largest
living laboratory in the world today. Enclosed within the
Biosphere is a rainforest, a million gallon salt water ocean,
a coastal fog desert, and four other wilderness ecosystems.
It is, in my opinion, a very impressive research project.
Others
Montezuma Well is another place that might be worth a visit.
It is located about 100 miles north of Phoenix. No entrance
fee is charged for the area. Montezuma Well is a limestone
sink formed long ago by the collapse of an immense underground
cavern and is filled with water. It certainly is a refreshing
sight in the midst of the surrounding desert. Also north
of Phoenix lies Oak Creek Canyon and Sedona, both of which
are very beautiful places.
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