When you think of Arizona, you think desert. But Arizona is also home to mountains that top 12 ,000 feet and broad plateaus that are shaded by ponderosa pines, spruce, and fir. Sheer cliff faces soar skyward, mesas abound, and, yes, Arizona is dissected by gulches, abysses, and canyons, including the impressive Grand Canyon. It is in this grand variety of topographies that recreational activities and camping opportunities abound.
In 2000 and 2001, former President Bill Clinton established five new national monuments in Arizona: Grand Canyon-Parashant, Vermilion Cliffs, Agua Fria, Sonoran Desert, and Ironwood Forest. These new national monuments encompass some of the state's most biologically and culturally rich wildlands. There's something for everyone in the new edition of Exploring Arizona's Wild Areas.
