Arizona FAQ’s

Will I need a car to get around Arizona?

The valley is pretty vast so a rental car is recommended. SG&L has an agreement with Hertz and Enterprise for discounted rates. If you are interested in this discount, please let our reservation agents know.

My spouse doesn’t golf, what else is there to do in Arizona?

Plenty. Choose from a variety of activities such as guided day tours, desert jeep tours, hot air balloon rides, guided hikes, shopping and much more. Visit our “Activities / Attractions” section for ideas or ask reservation agents for suggestions.

Are there any National Parks and Monuments in Arizona?

Arizona has three: The Grand Canyon, Petrified Forest and Saguaro; and 14 National Monuments, including Canyon de Chelly, Montezuma Castle, Sunset Crater Volcano and Saguaro. There are also two National Historical Sites, two National Recreation Areas and one National Memorial. There are 25 attractions in the State Park system.

Does Arizona have ski areas in the winter?

Snow falls in the northern part of the state. The two largest are Sunrise Ski Area in the White Mountains and Arizona Snowbowl outside Flagstaff.

Are there any native wildlife attractions?

The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum is one. There are also wildlife preserves, such as the Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve, which has abundant wildlife and botanical gardens, such as the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix.

What is the average temperature for the state?

In the deserts, winter temperatures average in the 50s and summer temperatures average in the 80s and 90s. In the high country, winter temps are in the 20s and 30s on average, and summer temps average in the 70s. The highest temperature ever recorded was 127 degrees in Parker in 1905. More recently, Phoenix reached 122 degrees in 1992 and 121 degrees in 1995.

How much rain does Arizona get?

Precipitation varies according to elevation. In the deserts of the southwest corner of the state, less than five inches fall annually. In the mountains and along the Mogollon Rim, 25 inches fall every year. Most precipitation occurs during winter storms in December through March and summer thunderstorms from mid-July to mid-September. Summer storms provide up to 70 percent of the precipitation in the deserts.

How far is the Grand Canyon from Phoenix?

It is a four-hour drive along mostly interstate.

What is the weather like at the Grand Canyon?

Varied. At the South Rim (elev. 6,950 feet), temperatures reach the mid-80s in the summer and highs are in the upper 30s and lower 40s in the winter. In the inner gorge of the canyon, summer highs average over 100 degrees and winter highs are a pleasant 50s or low 60s with rare freezes. On the North Rim (elev. 8,400 feet), summers are cool with highs in the 60s and 70s. Snows pile up to 6 to 10 feet in the winter and the National Park Service doesn't keep roads open from early November to mid-May.

What's the nearest city to the canyon?

When is the busy season?

In the desert communities of Phoenix, Tucson and Yuma the winter is when hotels fill up. In the high country (Flagstaff, Prescott, Grand Canyon), summer is the busy time of year.

Are there interesting historic places to stay?

The Hassayampa Inn in Prescott, Copper Queen Hotel in Bisbee, El Tovar at the Grand Canyon National Park and the Gadsden Hotel in Douglas are worth a peek in the lobby, even if you don't spend the night.

What is a dude ranch?

Dude ranches are working ranches that allow guests to stay there. They provide horseback riding, Western atmosphere, excellent food and even cowboy chores related to working cattle. There is roping and riding instruction, hayrides, cookouts and square dancing available as well as more mundane activities such as tennis and swimming.

How can I stay in Arizona for cheap?

Visitors who come in the off-seasons (summer in the desert and winter in the high country) can find bargain rates at some of the pricey resorts. Another way is to stay at a youth hostel, which usually consist of clean dormitory rooms for people of all ages. You must bring your own sheets and be prepared to help out around the hostel.

What is Arizona’s native style of food?

This question is debated often. Mexican food is prevalent and when people decide where they want to eat upon arriving in the state, a good Mexican restaurant is usually what they seek out.

Any opinions expressed above are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of the management. The information in this story was accurate at the time of publication. All contact information, directions and prices should be confirmed directly with the golf course or resort before making reservations and/or travel plans.