Create your own Arizona day trip experience!
Whether you wish to plan a trip to see nature and wildlife, learn about the history of the southwest or just want to get away from it all Arizona has a variety of places to see and things to do that will interest any recreational adventurer.
Day trips make a refreshing break from the chaos of the daily routine. They can also be cheap, since many of the areas are distant from the city.
Arizona features a surprising range of terrain that includes desert, grassy lowlands and vegetated mountain regions. The climate found across the state also shows much variety. And you don't have to travel far to appreciate this assortment of scenery. In the summer you can take a break in the cool, nearby hills, while the lower lying areas are more popular in the winter months.
Alpine is in Apache County which is in the eastern most part of Arizona. Located due east of Scottsdale-Phoenix it is only 6 miles from the border with New Mexico. You can get there by taking U.S. Highway 180 and U.S. Highway 191.
The town is nestled among the gentle pines of Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest. The San Francisco River also begins its winding path toward the pacific coast near Alpine.
The land is at a very high elevation. The climate is continental steppe and highland so that plant life is rich what one expects to see along mountains. The distinctive mountains stand out boldly against the surrounding lower elevations. Wildlife includes elk and mountain lion. The area is mostly geared toward year around outdoor recreation.
Wildlife preservation is a passion here. There are many animal habitats here, of which the Southwestern Willow Flycatcher Habitat (an endangered species of bird) is just one example
Alpine is also designated a Biotic Community. This means that interdependent natural resources, such as soil, water, climate, topical features, flora and fauna are all linked, resulting in unique life zones from sea level deserts to Arctic tundra.
Alpine is, in a word, a naturalist's paradise.
The earliest settlers put up their first log cabins about 1876. The first settlement was named Fort Bush. Mormon settlers came to this area to build a community and the name was changed to Alpine because some thought the mountains surrounding the town looked like the Alps. In 1953 a historic Fort Bush Monument was erected to honor the early pioneers.
There is one attraction in town that will be a real hit with golfers. The Alpine Country Club offers 18 holes of golf set amongst the pines. An outdoor attractions: high altitude golf (should assist duffers with their loft and distance), Luna Lake. Luna Lake Wildlife Area is a wildlife refuge. Bald and golden eagles live here as do swans and geese.
The Coronado Trail Scenic Byway provides viewers gorgeous landscapes.
As you might guess, hiking, back packing and pack animal, camping, hunting, fishing and sightseeing are popular here.
The many winter cabin and chalet style flats highlight the focus on fall and winter recreation. There is plenty of bed and breakfast lodging available for those not so eager to rough it in the wilderness.
The higher elevations make skiing and backpacking popular; and for the winter sportsman there is even an Iditarod in January.
The area is popular for conventions as well. Many car, motorcycle and other groups hold events at this location. Accommodations are priced so that Alpine's popularity will likely continue.
See which features of this community appeal to you the most.
History, nature, and memorable experiences are all a part of what Arizona offers those who live, work, and visit. So consider the things this area has to offer the next time you take off to discover Arizona
R. Steven Thomas Yacono is a legal scholar, educator and writer who has traveled extensively over the course past decade. From Beijing to Barstow and Xiamen to Sedona, his journeys have provided a wealth of experiences about fascinating people and places to share with interested readers. You can find out more about Arizona at http://www.arizonan.com; and to plan your next trip visit http://www.on-holiday.com Your comments are welcomed. Please direct correspondence to R. Steven Thomas Yacono at aztreking@hotmail.com
[tags]arizona, travel, vacation, day trip, history, scenery, southwest, wildlife, phoenix, scottsdale[/tags]
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