Montezuma's Castle was built...
Montezuma's Castle was built into a cliff face and was inhabited approximately 1,000 years ago. Photography: Carl and Ann Calvert
Central Arizona is bursting with national parks, monuments, and areas of historical significance. As an example, this area contains such places as the Grand Canyon, Montezuma's Castle and Well, Tuzigoot, Fort Verde, Walnut Canyon, Sunset Crater, and Wupatki, all of which are either national parks or monuments. Keep in mind that in the popular months (especially in summer) these areas are crowded and congested. On the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, for instance, for much of the year private autos are not permitted to drive around the rim, and you must take one of the park trams to see many of the sights.
If you plan on seeing many of the national parks and monuments it is a good idea to purchase an annual pass for the National Park system. Since many of the national parks can be fairly expensive ($20 for a one-week Grand Canyon pass), an annual pass at just under $100 can be a wise purchase, especially if you plan on seeing parks in other states during the upcoming year.
Also keep in mind that many of the national parks and monuments often have limited parking and access roads for large RVs. If towing a trailer, it's often a wise choice to travel with just your truck while visiting these areas and leave your camper in the RV park.
The town of Jerome is a popular...
The town of Jerome is a popular tourist destination and one of Arizona's premier historic mining towns. Photography: Carl and Ann Calvert
Because Central Arizona is extremely diverse, the RV traveler can expect to find a wide variety of dining, entertainment, shopping, and RV supply opportunities as he or she drives through this area.
As for eating establishments, they range anywhere from roadside stands in Indian territory to five-star restaurants in Sedona. National parks and monuments tend to be rather iffy for dining establishments, and it's often a good idea to bring your own lunch when visiting these areas.
However, in most of the towns and cities in central Arizona-Sedona, Prescott, Flagstaff, and Verde Valley-you'll find a tasty and diverse mix of eateries. The mining town of Jerome has its own eclectic mix of restaurants, making the town a must-see for a day visit.
Like elsewhere, Indian casinos are located throughout central Arizona, especially in Prescott and the Verde Valley.
Lastly, keep in mind that when traveling this area, central Arizona is big. Traveling distances and times can often be much more than expected. For instance, a drive from the South Rim of the Grand Canyon to the North Rim, can easily take five hours. Likewise, a drive from Prescott to Flagstaff is nearly 100 miles and can take over two hours. However, if you plan to stay in the area for several days, it's fairly easy to see all the sights if you plan your route carefully.