Arizona Day Trip- Wupatki Will Blow You Away!

One of the great things about Arizona is the variety. Yes... variety!

Arizona’s not just one big desert and a huge hole in the ground. We also have lakes, mountains and fertile plains. For activities you can water ski, snow ski, hike, bird watch, camp... you name it. In the following weeks I'll be sharing some of the activities that are available in this great state. We call them "Day Trips." Here's our latest adventure.

As one travels north from Phoenix toward the cool mountain pines of Flagstaff... there's a stop along the way that is unlike anything you may have ever seen. It's the Sunset Crater Volcano and Wupatki National Monument.  This is a must-see experience for anyone who happens to be anywhere near the Grand Canyon.

The region looks as barren and rocky as the mars photos. Yet, in the 1100’s it was a thriving crossroads and trading stop for several cultures. The “town” center had a 100 room pueblo, banquet hall and ball court. Several thousand people lived within a day’s walk.

The National Parks Service has an excellent multi-page trail guide that explains it all. My kid’s favorite stop is the “blow hole”. Wind works through the fissures below ground only to escape through a few small release valves. Geologist’s estimate that there’s seven billion cubic feet of pressure below the surface… the result? Nature’s blow-dryer. Here’s a slide show … there’s the building and ball court and, of course, a few of the shots of the family enjoying nature's special effects.

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 Chuck Willman is a real estate agent based in the Phoenix Arizona metro area.

 Search for Arizona Homes, both new and existing: www.NewHomesAZ.com