To see the world is to take it home in your memory. Since I was a young kid, I’ve carried fond memories of Arizona with me on my travels. I remember hiking Camelback Mountain with my family in Phoenix, smelling the clear, wild air, and scraping my boots along the hard red granite. I recall counting the flowering and towering cacti in Saguaro National Park while hiking up Wasson Peak. I know the feeling of exploration in the naturally-formed burnt-orange bowls and twists of Vermillion Cliffs National Monument; the spaces between the rock formations holding a moment in time still like a desert snow globe. I know the awe of seeing the Grand Canyon and looking below at all of the hidden rivers, valleys, cliffs, and edges in its landscape. In Arizona, the blue skies feel like they stretch forever over a sea of red soil and magnificent desert mountains. The rock formations defy basic shapes and lines. The landscape is earth-made art sculpted by seas receding, mountains moving, ground eroding, and rain pouring over the course of millions of years. The elements have tailored gorgeous mesas, hoodoos, plateaus, canyons, hills, rivers, dunes, and valleys. Arizona’s wilderness is a testament to how the earth is resilient and beautiful with time.
This story was created in parntership with Visit Arizona.
Traveling in Arizona when I was younger showed me how big the world can be. Although those trips were years ago, camping in and exploring Arizona are treasured memories from my travels that I’ll remember forever.
I’m excited to go back someday, where I can try new hiking trails and set up my tent at campsites I never have before. I look forward to road-tripping there with friends and going down an itinerary of fun-filled destinations. I’m stoked to take my partner there to try the delicious local food, learn about the various cultures and histories in the state, and embark on an exciting outdoor getaway. Most of all though, I am thrilled to take a family of my own to Arizona someday. I’m excited to check out Tucson and Phoenix, take the train to Grand Canyon National Park, look for quail and coyote in the Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge, admire hoodoos at the Chiricahua National Monument, see ancient cliff dwellings at Montezuma Castle National Monument, and to explore all the state has to offer. I’m so grateful for the memories I’ve had and hope to have in Arizona.
Getting to spend time there growing up was magical, and whether it’s traveling by myself or with others, I hope to pass that on in the future. By being mindful of our impact when we travel, we can help to honor the past, present, and future legacy of both residents and travelers in Arizona.Â
To see the world is to take it home in our memory. I’ll carry my memories of exploring Arizona with me forever, and I hope everyone can have that experience too.
