The Great Escape: Your Vacation Guide to Sun Country

From the Editors of Arizona Highways (PRECEDING PAGE) The stately saguaro and a legendary sunset symbolize the serenity still to be found in Arizona's thousands of square miles of desert wilderness. JERRY JACKA For convenience, we've organized this "primer" of Arizona's spectacular places and enjoyable activities (there's actually much, much more) into regional sections. You'll find an area locator map accompanying each of the six sections that follow. Region 1 encompasses Tucson, the Papago reservations, ghost towns and near-ghosts, and such historic places as Bisbee, Tombstone, and the rugged Chiricahua Mountains. Region 2 is the metropolitan heart of the state: Phoenix and Maricopa County, plus the water-oriented playground of the Salt River's chain of lakes. Region 3 includes splendid high-country vacationland, the Apache reservations, and evergreen forests that stretch to far horizons. Region 4 spans dramatic desert reaches and showcases the lower Colorado River, where you can enjoy every conceivable water sport. Region 5 has as its focal points the lovely old territorial capital of Prescott, Sedona and its red rock country, the 7000-foot-high city of Flagstaff cradled in the lap of the San Francisco Peaks - and the incomparable Grand Canyon. Region 6 is Indian country: the huge Navajo reservation and its photogenic Monument Valley, Canyon de Chelly, and ancient ruins of Navajo National Monument; and the Hopi reservation, Home of the friendly people of the high mesas whose cultural heritage reaches far back into antiquity. As we said, this really is only a primer, a starter list for exploring the wonders of Arizona. You'll discover much more yourself as you travel the highways and back roads of this remarkable state.

Arizona is literally a great wide-open country full to brimming with potential vacation adventures to please every taste. The choices extend from the enchanting desert in the south to the standing-tall country of big trees, plateaus, and canyons to the north of that dramatic divide, the Mogollon Rim. But Arizona isn't all outdoor spectacle, by any means. There are splendid resorts and the special attractions to be found only in metropolitan cities. And there's even a fascinating foreign land at our doorstep.

Lake Havasu by houseboat-or, when spring warms Lake Powell, trace its intricate shoreline the same way. Or schedule a special tour, one of your own creation or one that leaves the driving to someone else. There are many protected wildlife and natural areas in Arizona waiting to arouse the naturalist or bird-watcher in you. Again, how about a visit to ghost towns where you can still catch echoes of those colorful days of shoot-outs and gold dust? If you're no do-it-yourselfer, remember that private touring companies abound. They've plenty of special places to show you, from missions to Indian reservations to canyon country-and much more. Maybe you just want to stay in one spot. For lazy living in the sun, you can park your recreational vehicle or pop-up camper somewhere along the Salt River's chain of lakes; then you can fish, hike, water-ski, sail, or simply sit and watch the sun drift across the deep blue sky. If city activity is more your fare, bustling Phoenix, its Valley of the Sun neighbors, and mushrooming Tucson all beckon. Major ports of call for vacationers, they offer the finest of accommodations, shopping, dining, sight-seeing. and varied recreation. From Tucson, Nogales, and Yuma, exotic Mexico is only a short distance away.

Here are some suggestions we'd like you to consider for a memorable winter or spring vacation in the sun: Travel on horseback into forestnested mountains or the majestic expanses of Indian countrynourished, if you wish, by gourmet meals. Spend a week or more hiking trails in one of our many glorious wilderness areas where peace and quiet reign. Drive up to the snow in a few short hours and experience one of Arizona's ski resorts, or challenge the highest mountains in the state, the San Francisco Peaks. Maybe you'd prefer to play buckaroo for a spell at a dude ranch on the desert. For a real change of pace, consider a leisurely exploration of the lower Colorado River or Finally, and surely best of all, we recommend the Grand Canyon. There's a generous choice of quarters on the South Rim, with breathtaking, everchanging views of the great gorge and easily arranged journeys into the canyon depths. Why not tailor a vacation in magnificent Arizona this coming winter or spring? We confidently forecast sunny weather, friendly people, and great fun! • For specific information, write the Arizona Office of Tourism, 1480 East Bethany Home Road, Suite 180, Phoenix, AZ 85014; or telephone (602) 255-3618.

SOUTHEASTERN ARIZONA

(CLOCKWISE, FROM BELOW, LEFT) Year after year, the Old Tucson movie set remains a top visitor attraction. Sun-warmed resorts nestle in the foothills close by Tucson's metropolitan attractions. The former Cochise County Courthouse in Tombstone isn't the only relic of the wild West that you'll find in the town too tough to die. You can also trace the steps of the Earp brothers to the Bird Cage Theatre, the Crystal Palace Saloon, and the O.K. Corral. At the international border, Nogales, Arizona, faces Nogales, Sonora, and the romantic ambience of Old Mexico. Back in Tucson, you'll find the city bracketed by the two sections of giant cactus forests of the Saguaro National Monument.

REGION 2 CENTRAL ARIZONA

(CLOCKWISE, FROM BOTTOM, LEFT) Canyon Lake, one of the Salt River reservoirs, offers glorious desertscapes and mountain scenery while you sail the calm waters or wait for a hungry bass to strike. The brooding presence of the Superstition Mountains stirs a lurking thought, even for pampered resort guests, that they just might discover the Lost Dutchman Mine. Arizona's cosmopolitan capital city, Phoenix, is big, sprawling, and beautiful. It's the ideal base for your Arizona adventuring, complete with art centers, museums, fine restaurants and hotels, a wide range of shopping, outdoor recreation, sports events, and more. To the east and north of the city are the popular destinations of Scottsdale and the Cave Creek-Carefree area, where resorts, restaurants, and shopping share attention with the beauty of desert flora.

EAST-CENTRAL ARIZONA

(CLOCKWISE, FROM BELOW) The exciting plateau country is a year-round attraction. Skiing is popular in the fresh, clear air of the White Mountains. Trout challenge the angler in the cold lakes and streams of this top-of-the-world region. Bright sun, crystalline snow, and sky-scraping conifers create a fetching scene for visitors to Arizona's high country. Exploring the forested wilds on cross-country skis is a fast-growing sport in many mountain areas.

WESTERN ARIZONA

(CLOCKWISE, FROM BELOW, LEFT) An English village offering British and Continental shopping, dining, and pubcrawling stands at the threshold of famed London Bridge in Lake Havasu City. The Colorado River and its reservoirs along Arizona's western border let thousands of visitors annually engage in a variety of water sports second to none. You'll probably meet up with a friendly burro or two as you tour such Mohave County ghost towns as Goldroad and Oatman. Slow down and admire nature at the wildlife refuges along the Colorado north of Yuma. Or dude it up and see our matchless countryside from the back of a surefooted horse.

NORTHWESTERN ARIZONA

(CLOCKWISE, FROM BELOW, LEFT) Sedona's handsome red rock heights, shown here in winter dress, are just a few hours from palm trees and swimming pools of the warm desert communities to the south. At this season, the gorgeous scenery is yours without the press of summer crowds. El Tovar edges the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. After you've experienced the ultimate in spectacle, experience the ultimate in fine dining in the dignified old hostelry. Dawn arrives at Mather Point on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.

REGION 6 NORTHEASTERN ARIZONA

(CLOCKWISE, FROM BELOW, LEFT) Trees of stone mark Petrified Forest National Park, home of the world's oldest dinosaur. Like a breath of fresh air for the soul, Monument Valley provides inspiration to its visitors with awesome formations such as Totem Pole, right, and the row of dancer-like pillars called Yei Bichai. Hopi butterfly dancers perform at Second Mesa. Canyon de Chelly National Monument is a prehistoric treasure-trove. Here among ancient cliff dwellings (this is White House), visitors can view close-up evidence of a 900-year-old Pueblo past. Facilities at Wahweap Marina expand the holiday attraction of Lake Powell, heart of the 1,255,000-acre Glen Canyon National Recreation Area.