I WILL BE IN PHOENIX SOON ADN WONDER IF THERE IS ANYTHING INTERESTING TO SEE WITHIN AN HOUR'S DRIVE--FOR EXAMPLE, I HAVE HEARD OF A ROCK BRIDGE FORMATION NORTH OF TOWN....ANY THOUGHTS?

Tom,

Maybe if you give us an idea of what your interested in we could help more. There are lots of things to do. If you like antiques, there is a great historic/antique district in Glendale, if you like nature Sedona and Flagstaff might interest you. And there is also plenty to see within the city itself. The rock formation you mentioned must be Rainbow Bridge, and although I have lived in Phoenix for 20 years, I haven't seen it! But, I've heard it is beautiful.

SHANNON--THANKS FOR YOUR THOUGHTS---WE ARE GOING TO THE BOULDERS FOR SOME R & R FOR 2 DAYS--I ENJOY THE DESERT AND INDIAN COUNTRY, BUT WE REALY DON'T HAVE ENOUGH TIME TO DO THAT THIS TIME....AT LEAST TO GO UP TO THE FOUR CORNERS OR GRAND CANYON---I AM INTERESTED IN THE DESERT AND INDIAN STUFF/CULTURE AND ARCHITECTURE--WE HAVE VISITED ARCOSANTI AND TALLYESSIN WEST, BUT NOT THE BILTMORE HOTEL--WE HAVE A FOUR O'CLOCK PLANE TO CATCH, AND i WONDERED WHAT WE MIGHT DO UNTIL THEN.....

Phoenix is a terrific city - lots to do there and in the neighboring city of
Scotsdate. An interesting drive is
the Apache Trail. If you'd be willing to
drive 2 hours, go up north to Sedona
(absoltely breathtaking scenery); on the
way stop at Montezumas Castle (remains of Indian cliff dwellings). If you like
animals (lions, tigers) - visit Out of Africa, also in Phoenix.
Look online - lots of info available.

Since you're going to be at The Boulders, take a short ride over to Frank Lloyd Wright's Taliesin (sp?) West. It's worth a couple of hours.

I agree with Stephanie that Apache Trail is a great drive, although at this time of year it will be a little dry and barren...it is along three desert lakes...or, you could drive up to Payson and surrounds.....talk to your concierge to get easy directions and ideas.

The bridge you are talking about (Rainbow bridge, I believe) is about 2-hr's drive north, right off the interstate. Interesting and doesn't take too long to see. But if you are going that far, be sure to see Montezuma's Castle (Indian cliff ruins), which is very close, right off the interstate, and well worth the stop. Easy to do both in a day trip.

Rainbow Bridge is by Lake Powell -way too far to visit in one day. Tonto Bridge near Payson is interesting. You might consider a drive up to Globe via Superior and the Boyce Thompson Arboretum

Sorry, Steve, you're right. It's not Rainbow Bridge. It's Tonto Bridge. Both it and Montezuma's Castle can be done in a day trip from Phoenix. Thank you for correcting me, Steve.

There is Tonto natural bridge in Strawberry,Az. It is quite a hike down but worth it . Strawberry is just fifteen min. drive north of Payson.Two hour drive from Phoenix . It is beauteful country and much cooler than Phoenix. The area reminds me of Maine.

do not miss the Heard museum!
I also agree Montezumas castle is outstanding as well as apache trails--
sunset crater had some indian ruins that were neat too--
enjoy!