Phoenix with car for 3 days--must sees?
 

That's about it, above; what's the best way to spend three days in January in the greater Phoenix area (I like to drive, see scenery, culture modern and ancient, so day trips are good). I thank you in advance for your suggestions!

Visit Taliesen West.

I would put the Heard Museum at the top of the list. The collection of Kachina dolls is incredible. Indian basket weaving is also a great exhibit.

I cannot recommend any museum of southwest culture that I think is better.

I always like to take a drive down to Carefree and explore that little town. Scottsdale Road going in that direction has markers on the plantings by the side of the road. Stop and see the Boulders and then head into the town of Carefree. Also, one time we drove out to the Superstition Mountains which was fun. There's a little museum out there and you can do some hiking.

Thanks, all.

Boyce Thompson Arboretum. Bring your binoclulars. The birds are great. Fabulous scenery. Great plants (duh).

http://arboretum.ag.arizona.edu/

I agree with the recommendations of the Heard Museum and Taliesen West.

We also liked the Desert Botanical Garden, and the Indian mounds.

I second Taliesen West and the Desert Botanical Garden.

It might be a bit of a long day trip but I'd recommend driving North on 89A and stopping in Jerome, Prescott, Sedona and up through the Walnut Creek Canyon. There are some Native American ruins on this route, toom though the name escapes me at the moment. The scenery is really beautiful.

Is there a Walnut Creek Canyon? I know of Oak Creek Canyon...

Here is a link with the National Monuments on it. Walnut Creek Canyon is fabulous.

Sorry -

http://www.americansouthwest.net/arizona/index.shtml

A couple other ideas:

If you like scenery, drive the Apache Trail UNLESS it has rained in the last day or so, or it might rain while you're driving. If you feel adventurous, drive into the Superstition Mountain Wilderness and take a day hike (proper preparation on this is a MUST!).

Thanks to all for the suggestions; the website in particular is a font of info!