Sites To See When Traveling To Arizona

The state of Arizona has dozens of natural attractions that both local and foreign tourists will find breathtaking. These attractions are like no other in the world. The following are the top 4 Arizona sights to see.

The Grand Canyon

Snaking through the Grand Canyon is the Colorado River, which carved this magnificent landscape. The Grand Canyon is one of the biggest attractions in North America. In the afternoon sun, the walls of the canyon emit different types of colors. You will notice hues of red, orange and yellow among others. To get the most spectacular view and take great photos, you way want to consider taking a helicopter ride over the canyon or hiking down the canyon.

 

Glen Canyon

The area around Glen Canyon is home to one of the largest man-made lakes in the United States, Lake Powell. Glen Canyon is a beautiful site with desert landscape, blue water and dramatic stonewalls. Construction of the Glen Canyon dam was completed in 1964, and that led to the formation of Lake Powell. Tourists can use the town of Page as their base for exploration activities. Visitors can walk through the narrow canyon for the best experience.

Monument Valley

Monument Valley stretches across the Navajo Tribal Park, which falls between Arizona and Utah. The valley has breathtaking sand dunes, dramatic buttes and jugged rock formations that give the area an impressive Wild West landscape. The area is great for photography tours, but visitors can also take guided tours or drive themselves across the valley.

Hoover Dam

Hoover Dam is an architectural masterpiece and an engineering marvel. Completed in the year 1935, the dam crosses Colorado River and links the states of Arizona and Nevada. Rising 726 feet high, the dam is 110 miles long. Hoover Dam has the capacity to hold two year’s flow of Colorado River.

Other Arizona sights to see include: Sedona, Jerome, Havasu Falls, Canyon de Chelly, Bisbee, Lake Mead, Petrified Forest National Park, Saguaro National Park, Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, Tumacacori National Historic Park and Antelope Canyon.

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Road Rules For Bicyclists To Keep You Safe

Cycling on the road is always a tricky proposition. It can be intimidating to pedal along beside larger 4-wheel vehicles that are whizzing by. Yet many are able to do it on a regular basis without incident. You too can ride around with confidence as long as you follow a few bicyclist safety precautions.

Check Your Bike

Before you go out, see whether the vital parts are functioning well. The brakes are particularly important so test them a bit and make adjustments if necessary. Look for wheel punctures and other potential issues. Tighten all the loose parts and fix the things that might be causing noise to lessen distractions while riding.

Assume Invisibility

Bikes are slim and silent. These characteristics make it hard for car drivers to notice that a bike is approaching them. Cyclists have to assume that they are invisible and work from this viewpoint. They have to take it upon themselves to enhance their visibility through light-colored clothing, safety vests, reflectors, and blinking lights. Stay out of blind spots and use a reasonably loud horn when needed.

Follow the Road Rules

Everyone on the roads must follow the rules. Cyclists are not exempt from this. Stop when the light goes red and go when it’s green. Abide by the signs and don’t go over the speed limit. Most people assume that bikes are slow but they can actually go very fast if the rider is fit and the slope is going down. Wear a helmet if it is prescribed by state law. Even if it isn’t, it’s probably best to wear one anyway. Studies have repeatedly shown how proper headgear can save lives.

Stay Predictable

Commit to one lane and avoid swerving too much or speeding up just to get ahead. Do not make sudden turns. Do not sprint at intersections. Make a clear signal using hand gestures for turns and stops so that drivers will know what you plan to do. Be as predictable as possible in your movements to give others the time to react accordingly.

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Tips For Choosing The Best Hiking Boots

Hiking is a popular activity that allows one to enjoy outdoors scenery alone or with others. However, one must wear the right hiking footwear to avoid developing painful blisters. With that in mind, here are tips for choosing the best hiking boots:

Quality of Hiking Boots

Hiking terrain varies widely from dusty to snowy or muddy. With this in mind, go for quality boots that can withstand walking over uneven surface without developing serious wear and tear. In addition, they should not leak in water when crossing streams or walking on wet ground. However, they should allow in fresh air to prevent bad odors developing if you have sweaty feet.

Type of Hiking Boots

Choose hiking boots that will allow you to move over hiking terrain with ease. Sturdy hiking boots that reach well above the ankles are the right choice if you are planning to tackle a steep or muddy trail. They should also be waterproof. Such boots will give your feet and ankles much needed support as well as keep them dry. A pair of boots with stiff soles will also come in handy when climbing a mountain.

Fit of Hiking Boots

It is advisable to try on the pair of boots you are eyeing to ensure they fit well. The rule of thumb is to try these boots wearing the pair of socks you plan to wear while hiking. You should also do so towards the end of the day when the feet tend to have swollen a bit. The right pair of boots should feel comfortable and leave space for the toes to wiggle. If you can, walk down an incline wearing them. Your feet should not slide forward. If they do, you are likely wearing boots that are too wide.

Load Support of Hiking Boots

If you will be carrying a heavy backpack, choose boots that can support such weight. It is worth noting that this does not necessarily mean that the boots must be heavy. Manufacturers use light but sturdy materials that can last years.

In summary, the key factors to consider when choosing hiking boots include load support, fit, type, and quality. Equally important, you should take one or two short hikes to break in a new pair of hiking boots.

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Tips For Staying Safe While Camping Or Hiking In The Desert

The sandy wilderness can be a fun place to be, especially for the wanderlust camper. There is a lot to marvel about like the constantly traveling dunes, the site of gem oasis or a caravan of camels longing for their end destination. However, we cannot also forget that behind this beautiful scenic view lies a danger we need to protect ourselves from.

There is a lot to consider when camping out in the desert than just packing a backpack and going. You should be equipped with a few desert hiking safety tips that will ensure your survive whatever situation that may come away. If you are a first time desert camper, here are a few things you need to consider while out there:

Water and Food: Water and food should always be first on the list—but water should be prioritized because the scorch environment of the desert can drain your body to dehydration. Thus carry an extra gallon of water safely with you and ensure you have enough food to last the camping period.

Clothes: You also have to consider the kind of clothes to wear out there. Because the heat will be intense, dressing lightly is advised; dress in bright colors that reflected sunrays away as opposed to dull colors. Sunglasses and a hat are ideal when the sun becomes unbearably hot. A heavy jacket should be considered too because the deserts nights can get quite chilly.

Where to Camp: While out in the desert, beware of the poisonous creatures that lurk in the sandy terrains. Avoid areas that may attract snakes or scorpions like deserted rock, logs, holes or thick bushes. Watch where you sit, where you walk and where you touch at all times. Carry a first aid kit with you in case someone is bitten by a poisonous animal and needs quick medical aid.

Lastly, before setting out to the sandy terrains, always inform someone of where you are going and who you are going with. For extra safety, always hike with friends because this increases your survival chances when something goes wrong.

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