Arizona’s Desert Capital

The sprawling city of Phoenix is in the southwest of the United States of America, close to the border with Mexico.  Surrounded by the McDowell, White Tank and Superstition Mountains, it lies in the Sonoran Desert.  The area was originally settled by the Hohokam Native American people, who introduced irrigation to allow agriculture.  It is believed that they abandoned the area around 1400, due to droughts; today’s city was founded on the remains of its Hohokam predecessor in 1868, hence the name Phoenix.  1.4m people now live there, with the main activities being agriculture, mixed industry and tourism; there is also a strong military presence, with 7,000 airmen and women being based at nearby Luke Air Force Base.  Phoenix is home to a Symphony Orchestra, the Arizona Opera and the Arizona Theatre Company, not to mention the Arizona Diamondbacks (baseball), the Arizona Cardinals (American football) and the Phoenix Suns (basketball).

Why go?
It is perhaps what surrounds the city, rather than the city itself, which you will find most interesting.  There are hiking and walking opportunities galore in the nearby conservation areas.  Cycling, horse-riding and watersports are also recommended, to be followed by some Mexican food, for which the town is famous.

When to go?
The desert location means that temperatures can rise to 40°C in the summer; 20°C is the norm in winter.  Phoenix is, therefore, primarily popular as a winter destination.  In October, you can experience USA culture at the Arizona State Fair, which includes rodeos and demolition derbies.  Between February and May, you can go white-water rafting in the Upper Salt River.

How to get there?
You can fly from most major USA cities into Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX), formerly Williams Air Force Base.  It is situated 5km east of the city centre, which can be reached by Metro light rail.  Public transport within the city is limited to buses and light rail, so car hire may be your best option.

Must see
Find out about the original inhabitants of the area at the Heard Museum of Native American culture or at the Pueblo Grande Museum and Archeology Park.  Drive the Scenic Apache Trail, where you’ll come across ghost towns and the Theodore Roosevelt Dam (1911).  Climb Camelback Mountain or visit the Desert Botanical Garden.  On the first Friday of every month, go on an Artwalk, when all the art galleries will let you in for free!  Take in the majesty of the desert scenery on a glider-ride, in a hot-air balloon, on a jeep tour or by scenic flight.