Letters to the Editor

rstieve@arizonahighways.com

bear maximum

I recently hiked up Bear Mountain, which is located just outside of Sedona, with a copy of your Best Restaurants edition [April 2012]. I enjoy your articles and your photography of Arizona, and recently subscribed to the digital edition so that I can view the magazine on my iPad. You should do an article on Bear Mountain. It's a short (5 miles round-trip) and strenuous (1,800 feet in elevation gain) hike, but has some rewarding views of Mount Wilson to the east, the San Francisco Peaks to the north and Jerome to the west.

Marilyn Sanders, Sedona, Arizona

palm reader

I enjoyed the article Rugged Good Looks by Craig Childs [April 2012], but have one question. On page 42, the photo caption reads, "The only native palm trees in Arizona are located in Palm Canyon." It's my understanding that native palms also grow in the Castle Hot Springs area, which is located west of Lake Pleasant along Castle Creek. There might also be some native palms along the Hassayampa River south of Wickenburg, but experts believe those were planted by settlers, because the trees' pollen cannot be found in the ancient mud. Those of us who have visited the Castle Hot Springs property are saddened that this outstanding historic and natural area is not protected. Perhaps an article about it in Arizona Highways would spark some interest in protecting it.

John Mediz, Globe, Arizona

about what ed said ...

I just read the March 2012 issue. Loved it, as usual. I was amused by the letter from Ed Campbell of Chandler. Since when is artistry in photography a bad thing? If there were no artistry in the photos you print, we'd be subjected to photos taken by any hack with a camera, maybe even Ed. Thank you for the December 2011 issue, with all its artistry. It's what every photographer worth his or her salt strives for. I wish I could spend more time in Arizona photographing the great scenery. Maybe one of these days. Until then, I'll continue to enjoy your magazine and all the artistic photography you can cram into it. I did, however, like Ed's idea about a magazine about nothing but that artsy stuff. Maybe you could call it, "Arizona for Everybody But Ed." Just a thought.

Tom Porter, Albany, Oregon

high-clearance lowdown

In the Scenic Drive section of Arizona Highways you frequently use the phrase, "A high-clearance vehicle is required." Can you quantify "high-clearance" for me? How much (in inches) is that? Or, are you generically referring to pickup trucks or some other class of vehicles?

Ted Popowchak, Scottsdale, Arizona

Editor's Note: Good question, Ted, we get it a lot. When we refer to a high-clearance vehicle, we're referring to a full-size pickup or a full-size SUV (Honda Pilot, Toyota 4Runner, Ford Explorer, et al.). Army tanks would work, too, but we discourage their use because they're hard on the environment and they get lousy gas mileage.

still the one

I started my first magazine subscription when I was about 9 years old (51 years ago), and it was Arizona Highways. Even back then, I was really impressed with the photography. Josef Muench has been a "guiding light" to me, and your magazine has had so many great photos by others, as well. Even today, your magazine is the only one I subscribe to. Since 1960, I have been through Arizona one time, and I love the area. Please keep up the good work. Even though I can't afford to travel, your magazine helps me get to the places my heart wants to be.

Randy Muir, Nashville, Tennessee

 

excellent memories

I've been a subscriber to and have loved Arizona Highways for 62 years, and have wanted to congratulate you and your staff for each and every issue; however, after receiving this month's Centennial issue [February 2012], I must write and tell you how it touched my heart and brought back happy memories! Before graduating from West Phoenix High School in 1953 and going on to ASU, I modeled for the Phoenix Chamber of Commerce Tourism Department doing many "shoots" in Paradise Valley (page 49) with not a person or structure in sight. I was at the grand opening in 1953 of the second McDonald's on Central Avenue and Indian School Road (page 58). And as a dancer with the Gene Bumph Dance Studio, I did shows at The Biltmore Hotel (pages 17 and 35) and many other surrounding resorts and fine-dining venues. Thank you for your superb publication, and for this month in particular, which provided me with many happy memories of our beautiful Arizona!

Patti Morton, Rialto, California

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Table of ContentsFind out what's new in the latest issue of Arizona Highways... [more] Where Is This?Like clockwork, we've posted a new location to identify. Submit your answer for a chance to win... [more] Photo PortfolioMother Nature Lives Here It’s hard to stand out in a state that’s home to the Grand Canyon, but the runners-up in Arizona are something special. In fact, we’re pretty sure that Mother Nature spends her summers in either Sedona or Oak Creek Canyon. ... [more]

Editor's LetterEditor Robert Stieve discusses Weekend Adventures & Road Trips in the current issue. ... [more] Hike of the MonthRed Mountain Trail: This short hike offers panoramic views of the San Francisco Peaks, a great lesson in geology and a rare look inside an ancient volcano. ... [more] Scenic DriveMonument Valley Drive Monument Valley has been the subject of millions of photographs and paintings, as well as several Hollywood Westerns. A cruise along this scenic route makes it easy to see why. ...[more]