Arizona Parks: Beauties Beyond Grand Canyon

The west is dotted with national parks and state parks abound. Arizona is chock full of park systems — one of the most populated in the U.S. (aside from Utah and California). Tourists will find that Arizona is a different variety, with plants and animals that have unique adaptation to constant drought-like conditions. The extremes of wildlife and the barren beauty make these extremes reason enough for a national park preserve area. This article will go over a few places that slip under many vacationing radars; they’re often overshadowed by Arizona’s Flagship park — The Grand Canyon.

Painted Rocks

Let’s take Painted Desert for instance. This is the badland area of Arizona — badlands, meaning that the arid ground has been eroded by wind and water from ancient times past until present. The strata of soil and rock show bare, like the earth’s bones lay strewn in the sun with limbs seemingly sawed through in places leaving them glowing ruddy with shades of vermillion — menacing and almost out of place.

This park is just a little further down from Grand Canyon — still in Northern Arizona and among the Navajo Nation. It covers an expanse of land, everything from just southeast from the Grand Canyon to the Petrified Forest National park, roughly 7500 square miles. This is a colorful display of miles and miles of buttes and hills with Neapolitan-like rock strata showing lines of beige, white, brick red and blood red colors. The soil and land is the remnant landscape of an ancient Triassic time, where the organic material has long decayed yet left its mark within the soil.

The highlight within the Painted Desert area is the Petrified Forest national park. It’s within the Painted Desert region and it displays a wonderment of Petrified rock and fossilized plant and animal material. An ancient coniferous forest that had previously existed, in what was once a much more lush and moist place, left fallen wood of extinct trees that later became petrified over the years.

There is a great deal of dinosaur fossils that pique the interests of the public and field of archaeology alike as well. Vertebrate animals are found on a consistent basis by both amateurs and pros. Triassic animals like the aetosaur and the phytosaur were found with nearly complete skeletal structures.

This is a lesser known area in Arizona that is often left of the list. Where most people are spending time golfing and spending leisure time in Arizona resorts, its places like this that the more adventuresome vacationers seek out.

More Vacation In Northern California Articles

5 Bs Needed When Traveling to the US

The United States of America is one of the most visited places around the world. Mostly of the people who go to U.S.A. wants to study, spend a vacation, and to find jobs. In visiting the place there are things that should be considered when traveling to U.S.

There are 50 states comprising the United States of America. The number of states alone tells how huge the country is and how sundry the possibilities when you’re there. For a traveler and a foreigner, it is very important to first determine which among the states you would desire to visit. Whichever of the states you want to go, remember these 5 essentials.

Bring your papers and identification cards with you

When you travel to U.S., always secure your papers and bring it with you. Your passport and visa are the most vital documents you need to bring with you. Also, your driver’s license is required if you are to rent vehicles in exploring the place. Validated identification cards are extremely vital for offices and agencies, as well. Your credit and ATM cards are also crucial in traveling around so you can get away from carrying big cash. This is also for your financial security. Just be sure that the ATM and credit cards you are using are functional internationally.

Bring Road Maps and Visitors’ Guide with you

U.S. road maps or states road maps are essential when you are discovering the State by yourself. This will help you save time, effort, and money. Maps will also show you significant landmarks of the areas you like to visit. This will also give you an idea how accessible the place is in addition to recreation, dining, places to stay, and business facilities found in the place. Avail a copy of brochures and visitors’ guides of the states you are planning to see. Accommodation and contact numbers are written in the brochures which you can use during your stay. You can get them from the following:

• Airports
• Terminals
• Traveling agencies and offices
• Seaports
• Tourism offices

Be Educated with Climate as well as Laws and Regulations

Needless to say, awareness of common U.S. laws and regulations is of great importance. You have to be cultured with this so as to avoid unwanted conflict and be safe as a foreigner in the country. You can be able to enjoy your right as a foreigner and less likely to break rules when you’re educated of State laws.

Being a huge nation, US diverge immensely in climate conditions. On the whole, the southern portions and western part of the USA has a warmer climate than that of the northern and eastern regions. Therefore, it’s important to be aware of the climate of the state you’re heading. For example, if you’re visiting Los Angeles, California in particular, you have to be aware that the state’s climate is likened to that of Mediterranean climate because of its dry and warm summers.

Be courteous when asking information

People would be very eager to assist you when you are polite and respectful. Don’t be afraid to ask for information. Be clear and attentive when you ask your queries as to avoid misapprehension.

Be good in speaking and understanding English

Communication is fundamental when you are on a journey. If you know how to speak English at least averagely, you’ll get by when you inquire and communicate with folks. US federal laws are written in English. In traveling, instructions and directions is a vital key to avoid getting lost and to get to the place safe and sound. Visiting United States can be the most thrilling experience one have. Keep in mind these 5 Bs and you are headed to an awe-inspiring and exciting trip ever.

My idea is to fly into northern California or souther Oregon, rent a car, (preferably a convertible) and just drive down the PCH with my wife. Any tips or suggestions on where to stop and where to stay or eat?

are evergreens in general high acid loving plants?

Top 5 Jet Ski Destinations in the Western U.S

Jet skis provide a great way to have a ton of fun in the sun. They give you the freedom to control where you go and what you do on the water. This article will provide you with information on the Top 5 Jet Ski Destinations in the Western U.S. Whether you’re planning a vacation or just want to have some fun, the following will be beneficial to you.

Riding a jet ski is an exciting way to enjoy the water and it can provide hours of fun. If you love the water, the wind in your hair, the sun on your face and the thrill of an adrenaline rush, you’ll love riding a jet ski!

Jet skis are designed to provide the enjoyment of water sports. You can find jet ski rentals just about anywhere there’s an ocean or a lake or at a local ski shop. Most people prefer to rent right on the water so they can just hop on and take off. We’ve compiled a list of the Top 5 Jet Ski destinations in the Western United States, so you know where to go to have fun. Here they are (in no particular order):

1. Lake Powell. You can rent a jet ski in a little town just 6 miles from Lake Powell, called Page, Arizona. Lake Powell is located in the area of Northern Arizona and Southern Utah. It has 1,900 miles of shore line, covers 180 miles, have four marinas and some of the cleanest, clearest blue water in the U.S. Lake Powell is located in the Glen Canyon Recreation Area National Park – there are no jet ski restrictions!

2. Morro Bay Harbor. Morro Bay Harbor, near San Luis Obisbo, offers excellent access to the ocean. It is the only all-weather small craft commercial and recreational harbor between Santa Barbara and Monterey. There is no charge to launch, but freshwater rinse is required (for a couple of quarters). The speed limit in the bay is 5mph, but the open ocean is fair game. Big waves to jump (4′-15’+) along miles of deserted beach south of the harbor will keep you busy, not to mention the scenery and wildlife.

3. Columbia River. The Columbia River is the largest river in the Pacific Northwest region of North America. It stretches from British Columbia through Washington state, forming much of the border between Washington and Oregon before emptying into the Pacific Ocean. The river is 1,243 miles long, and its drainage basin is 258,000 square miles. Whether you’re in Washington or Oregon, the Columbia River provides a great place to jet ski – especially if you like your waters a little on the chilly side. Rental prices and fees vary depending on where you launch. There are literally hundreds of miles of boat free/people free places to ride!

4. Lake Mohave. A short drive north of Laughlin, Nevada and Bullhead City, Arizona is a 67-mile stretch of the Colorado River called Lake Mohave. The lake is comparatively narrow, not more than 4 miles across at its widest point. Lake Mohave is part of the Lake Mead National Recreation Area. This lake is perfect for recreation – jet skis, houseboats, boats, etc – and there are plenty of places to launch. PLUS, there are about 10 casinos to choose from along the Colorado River, so have fun!

5. Santa Monica Bay. A great public launch site in Southern California is the Santa Monica Bay. It’s only .00 per day including trailer. The waters are warm, the scenery is gorgeous and aquatic life is abundant. Oh, and you’re in SoCal! What more could you ask for?

I enjoyed a 5 day vacation in Northern California.
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I plan on moving from Texas after I obtain my degree…I want close the coast and nothing too expensive. Also, I don’t want to be too awfully far from San Francisco. What do you think?