Extreme Hiking: September 2010

From Kona take Highway 190 to Highway 200 in 45 minutes of driving. Saddle Road, which cuts between the "saddle" of Mauna Loa on the south and Mauna Kea to the north, passes through ranch lands and the Pohakuloa Military Training Facility, for another 45 minutes, to the turn for Mauna Kea Access Road (John Burns Way). Nearby, Kipuka Huluhulu, or "shaggy hill", is a 20 minute hike to the top and back. From here it is a 30 minute drive to the Mauna Kea Visitor Information Center. The small village is home to scientists and astronomers that work in the observatories and an amazing place to learn what their research tells us about our universe. Returning to Hwy 200, drive 45 minutes to the amazing Kaumana Cave lava tube, a short hike and a wonderful exploration. A further 30 minutes down Hwy 200 brings one to downtown Hilo, where there are shops, restaurants, fine museums, gorgeous waterfront beach parks and a fabulous Farmers Market. From Hilo, it is approximately three hours to return to Kailua Kona over Hwy 200; alternately one can take the faster though less scenic Hwy 19 to Waimea and then Hwy 190 into Kailua Kona, about a 2 1/2 hour drive.

Leg 1) In Kailua Kona, start at Ahu'ena Heiau; take Palani Road east to Hwy 190; take Hwy 190 to jct with Hwy 200, The Saddle Road

Ahu'ena Heiau and Kamakahonu Beach

Centuries ago the inhabitants of this region built a series of sacred temples, or heiaus, which were originally used for the purpose of sacrificing human beings to their war god, Kuka'ilimoku. This particular archeological site is called Ahu'ena Heiau, which in Hawaiian means "Hill of Fire".

Built originally in the 15th century and rededicated by Kamehameha the Great in the early 1800s as the main temple of his capital, the current structures seen at Ahu'ena Heiau were re-built in 1975 under the auspices of the Bishop Museum with financial help from the Hotel King Kamehameha and are constructed to 1/3 the original scale. There are restrooms and showers located on the pier near the beach. Adjacent Old Kailua Town is a treasure of shops, restaurants and aloha.

Leg 2) Take Hwy 200, The Saddle Road, east to jct with John Burns Way (also called Mauna Kea Access Road).

Saddle Road

Crossing the spectacular saddle between the towering bulk of the volcanoes Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa at about 6600 feet, The Saddle Road runs through brush, grass and forest lands, over lava fields and through some of the wildest and most breath-taking scenery on the Island. From this roadway, four of the 5 principal volcanoes that form The Big Island may be seen: Hualalai, Kohala, Mauna Loa, and Mauna Kea. Because the western half of the road is in notoriously poor condition and consists, in reality, of only one operable lane for much of its descent from the saddle to the Mamalahoa Highway.

However, this road provides the only road access to the Mauna Kea Summit Area and Visitor Information Center, Mauna Kea State Park, Pohakuloa Training Area, Mauna Kea Astronomical Observatory Complex, Waikii Ranch and the Kilohana Girl Scout Camp. The Saddle Road also provides the only access to thousands of acres of public forest and open grass lands. Connecting Hilo from about milepost 7.8 on the Hawai'i Belt Road to the Mamalahoa Highway approximately 6 miles south of Waimea, the Saddle Road is widely used by island residents for cross-island travel, despite its somewhat poor condition and undeserved, evil reputation.

The Saddle Road frequently has perfect weather, but also fairly routine are patches of intense rain, fog and high winds. It's takes about 2 ½ to 3 hours straight driving time, depending upon weather, to make the full traverse from Kailua Kona to Hilo; however, one should be sure to leave time in the schedule to drive up to Mauna Kea Visitor Information Station or hike the Pu'u Huluhulu nature trails.

Along its entire 53 mile length between the turn-off from the highway just 6 miles west of Waimea and where it meets Hawaii Belt Road just north of Hilo, there is no gas and there are no services available; plan accordingly. Some food, water and restrooms may be available at the Mauna Kea Visitor Information Station which is a 30 minute drive up a side road off the Saddle Road about half way.

Leg 3) Off a Spur road at the jct of John Burns Way and Hwy 200, on the south side, is Kipuka Huluhulu ("Shaggy Hill") Nene Sanctuary.

Pu'u Huluhulu Nature Trails/Kipuka Aina Hou

Frequently described as simultaneously the most noticeable and the most overlooked landmark along the Saddle Road, Kipuka Pu'u Huluhulu rises more than 200 feet out of the surrounding lava flows. It's name meaning "furry hill", this forested cinder cone has multiple trails winding up through rare native koa trees to breathtaking 360° views of Hualalai, Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa at the top, where you can also wander a meadow of native Hawaiian plants recently reintroduced in this protected natural habitat. By whatever trail, the summit of Kipuka Huluhulu is only about 20 minutes walk from the car.

Owing to the encapsulated nature of the kipuka, bird watching here is particularly fabulous; the ÄEUR'akepa, Nene and the ÄEUR'akiapola ÄEUR'au, as well as the Kalij pheasants, pueo, i'o and turkeys are among the rare, endangered or just plain beautiful birds you will see here. The numerous roads and trails through the hundreds of square miles of adjacent lava flows makes for interesting, if hot and dry, mountain biking and hiking.

Parking and a unisex pit toilet are the only amenities available at Kipuka Pu'u Huluhulu.

Leg 4) Go north on John Burns Way to Mauna Kea Visitor Information Station.

Mauna Kea Visitor Information Station

The Visitor Information Station is open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. During the day there are interactive computer exhibits about Mauna Kea, the observatories and astronomical research, plus there are video presentations and nature trails to hike. Many evenings after dark National Park personnel and astronomers put on public programs and discuss what the latest astronomical findings tell us about the nature of our universe. The souvenir shop has some food items, including hot chocolate, coffee and hot soup, for sale.

Mauna Kea Summit

Before you decide to go to the summit of Mauna Kea, stop, think, plan. Are you prepared for cold and high altitude? Do you understand the nature and dangers of altitude sickness and UV radiation? Are you experienced at traveling icy dirt roads? Is you car safe for the trip (many car rental agencies on the island forbid you to drive this road)? The Rangers at the Visitor's center can brief you on altitude sickness, UV radiation preparedness, the condition of the road and all other information you need to decide whether to visit the summit.

The summit of Mauna Kea is truly an amazing place. Beautiful, awe-inspiring, 360 degree views of the entire Big Island, the summit is also culturally and religiously important to the native Hawai'ians and is home to several, world-class astronomical observatories and their support buildings. Because of the extremity of the altitude and the poor quality of the road above the Visitor's Center, it is advised that extreme caution be exercised in deciding to visit Mauna Kea's Summit. From the road's end very near the summit, a short, 10 minute trail leads up Pu'u Weiku cinder cone to the actual mountain top and a Hawaiian religious shrine. Also near the summit is the 1-mile hike to Lake Waiau, the 7th highest lake in the US, as well as numerous archeological sites. Moving at altitude is strenuous, so conserve energy. Do not over-tax yourself, be sure to drink plenty of fluids and protect yourself from the sun, wind and cold. Leave the summit area and return to the paved road long before you are tired.

Leg 6) Return John Burns Way to Hwy 200; take Hwy 200 east to Kaumana Caves

Kaumana Caves

A skylight opening to 25-mile long Kaumana Cave is located at the county park near the 4-mile marker on the Hilo side of the Saddle Road. Concrete stairs take you down through the rain forest jungle to the bottom of a collapse pit forming two entrances to the cave. Most people are drawn to the entrance on the right, a large, opening leading to cavernous rooms. In this entrance, graffiti from hundreds of years ago to the present is preserved, scratched into the rocks. The entrance on the left, however, is more interesting, leading through squeezes and low spots to numerous rooms with fascinating speleo-architecture and cave formations. Both caves go to true dark in fewer than 300 feet in either direction. There are more than 2 miles of easily accessible, wild cave to explore here, but if you intend more than just a cursory inspection near the entrances, bring a hard hat, water and at least 3 sources of light. A quick tour of the caves takes fewer than 20 minutes.

Parking for the caves is located across the highway from the park; extreme care should be taken when crossing he road. Public restrooms, water and picnic tables are available at the park. As you approach Hilo from Kaumana Caves, Hwy 200 becomes variously called Kaumana Drive, then Waianuenue Avenue.

Leg 7) Take Hwy 200 into Hilo Town.

Hilo Town

Beautiful but wet, metropolitan but decrepit, bustling but laid back, Hilo is a lovely, maddening, heartbreaking, addictive study in contrasts. In can rain all day long for 50 days in a row, yet when the sun does shine, the views of Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea from the Lilioukalani Gardens, or of Hilo Bay as you drive down from the mountains, or the rain-forest and waterfall choked gulches with lovely beaches along the highway north of town, make Hilo one of the most truly, achingly-lovely spots on earth.

More laid back and sleepier than bustling Kailua Kona, Hilo is the largest town on the island, and the county seat. The Imiloa Astronomy Center of Hawaii, Tsunami Museum, Lyman House Missionary Museum and the Panaewa Rainforest Zoo are all wonderful places to learn about various aspects of Hawaii. There are numerous shopping districts, two large malls and the Historic Old Hilo downtown shops to browse through, a variety of sprawling green parks, a fabulous tropical arboretum right downtown and a mile-long black-sand beach fronting the bay to explore. Hilo's Farmer's Market is a "must see" for any visitor who is spending time on this side of the island.

Leg 8) Return Waianuenue Avenue to Kaumana Drive to Hwy 200; take Hwy 200 west.

For more information about visiting and touring Hawaii in general, and exploring the historic and cultural sites on the Big Island in particular, visit http://tourguidehawaii.com and http://lovingthebigisland.wordpress.com

Saturday, September 25, 2010

Top 10 Places in Australia Not to Be Missed

Australia is not only a country of breathtaking beauty but of cultural and historic significance. The most perfect travel Australia journey will include a mix of cultural and natural exploration of this great country.

Listed below you will find some of the greatest places to visit during your extreme travel Australia journey that will create unforgettable memories for years to come. Top 10 Places that should not be missed during your next vacation to Australia.

1. Opera House in Sydney is a signature trademark of Australia depicted on many postcards. The Opera House was built by a Danish architect Jorn Utzon in 1973 and represents a ship ready to sail. This magnificent buildings hosts over 3000 thousand opera, ballet and theatre performances every year and attracts over 200,000 tourists to admire its architectural design.

2. Blue Mountains region in Australia is a nature's oasis located within a 2 hour car ride from Sydney. Nowhere else in the world you are going to be submerged into the wilderness fully without any reservations and at the end of the day you can relax in the comfort of world class accommodations and dine at exclusive restaurants. Everybody, old and young, can find plenty of things to do like hiking, scenic railway, visiting a row of limestone caves where you can witness a series of aboriginal wall art and many more family friendly activities.

3. Great Barrier Reef is a unique collection of living coral organisms that is even visible from the space. Over 2,000,000 million tourists come annually to the east coast of Australia to experience the majestic beauty of coral reefs. Tourists are normally brought by various vessels and allowed to wander only around certain areas in order to preserve the ecosystem and prevent the possible damage to the Reef Barrier. Apart from enjoying the coral beauty you can also see numerous species of ocean habitat that call The Great Barrier Reef its home like dolphins, whales, green turtles, exotic fish and dugong.

4. Kakadu National Park is the largest nature's reserve in Australia and is a true nature lover's paradise. This national park offers multiple guided hiking tours to enjoy the spectacular beauty of true Australia, the largest collection of aboriginal wall art and perhaps see some of the rarest animals and birds in the world. Amazing wildlife, waterfall creek and rare fauna and flora make Kakadu National Park the ultimate destination for any Australian vacation.

5. Shark's Bay in Australia is a great place to explore nature's unique marine creatures in their unique and unaltered ecosystem. Here you can see world's rare species of turtles, whales, sea snakes, sharks and dugongs. You can also embark on diving and snorkeling adventures here in Shark's Bay.

6. Kangaroo Island is one of the few left untouched by civilization spots on the earth where you can experience the authentic beauty of Australia. About one third of the island is a protected conservation zone intended to protect the island's ecosystem. Here you can sample world's tastiest dishes like fresh sheep's milk cheeses, honey and virgin olive oil pressed from the olive trees growing on the island. Take one of many tours offered on the island to sea seals basking in the sun or koalas having a eucalyptus snack. Kangaroo Island is yours to explore.

7. Uluru- Ayers Rock is the most famous natural icons of Australia. These unique sandstone formations change colors depending on the time of the day and changing weather. Spectacular views could be especially enjoyed by means of helicopter rides and climbing tours which are hot attractions in the area.

8. Nambung National Park offers splendid opportunities to enjoy secluded Australian beaches for swimming, diving and snorkeling. This park offers multiple camping and picnic grounds. It's home to amazing giant limestone pillars that were supposedly formed thousands years ago from broken seashells brought here from the ocean. Catch the wave and go windsurfing that is going to be an experience of a lifetime.

9. Twelve Apostles are not to be missed during your vacation to Australia. Twelve Apostles are colossal limestone rocks created by means of erosion of underwater rock formations. These rocks rise proudly from the water of the South Ocean. The Twelve Apostles magically change colors in the sunrise and sunset creating breathtaking background for any picture that you are going to take home from Australia. These rocks are surrounded by two main attractions of the area, namely Marine National Park and Port Campbell National Park.

10. Tasmania is perhaps the cleanest and the least polluted island in the world situated just 240 kilometers off the Australian mainland. Here you can enjoy what Australia has to offer along its tall mountains, lush vegetation, mountain lakes and rivers. Enjoy over 2000 kilometers of hiking trails and 18 National parks that offer plenty of opportunities to enjoy camping for nature lovers of the world.

Travel Australia journey can offer amazing opportunities for the thrill seeker like you.

Caroline Hawthorn is one of the fellow contributors of the travel blog at http://www.TravelInformation123.com.

Cave Hiking - What It Is And What Equipment To Use

Cave hiking is considered to be an extreme sport in some circles. However, extreme sport tends to mean that the people who participate have little regard for safety and that is not true with this sport. Cave hiking is a recreational activity that is quite challenging and requires skills of varying levels depending on the type of cave you're exploring.

When you go cave hiking, you need equipment to help you navigate. The sport is physically demanding but fun and rewarding. It is similar to mountain climbing and diving in terms of the physical demand required and the rush you get from accomplishing it. Throughout the world there are many caves that you can explore, especially in the larger countries like the United States.

While cave hiking is not extremely popular, the athletes that do participate in the sport find it quite exciting and different from other sports. There are thousands of caves that can be explored and there are still many that have not yet been explored. If you are new to the activity, you should hire a guide to go with you to make sure that you have a safe trip that is enjoyable - the trip stops being fun when you are trapped in a cave and you don't have the right equipment.

Safety is paramount in cave hiking and there is equipment you need:

LED lights: When you are cave hiking, you should have a few different light sources to help you see in the dark caves. Ideally, you will have a LED headlamp, which is a popular choice of equipment with cave hikers. Headlamps offer you a light source without needing to use your hands. It points in the direction your head is pointed, which is usually where you are headed and need light the most. You will also want to have a LED flashlight with you to shine into other spaces, tight spaces or into a different direction. Lanterns offer a lot of light and are great for lighting up an entire cave. You will want to use LED lights because they offer you a longer battery life and longer bulb life. Always have two light sources with you when cave hiking for extra safety.

Knife: You will need to carry some type of survival knife with you as well while you are cave hiking, such as a Swiss Army knife or hunting knife. A knife is paramount in case you need to cut ropes or vines, etc. while in the cave. It also may be needed if you have to mark your direction in the ground or rock.

Other equipment: Items like ropes, helmets, carabineers, hiking boots, water and food are additional items you will want to carry with you when cave hiking. It is best to check with a guide or take a course with a guide on what is the appropriate equipment and attire for the particular area you will be hiking. Don't cave hike on your own until you have done so with a proper guide.

Always remember - safety first. Tell someone that you are going hiking, when you are entering the cave, where it is located and when you expect to return. This is to ensure that if something goes wrong and you don't return on time, someone knows where to begin the search. Always ensure that if you are new to the area or new to the cave that you take a guide with you who is experienced in that area and cave. This will ensure that you are safe throughout the hike and that you have fun.

~Ben Anton, 2007

Ben Anton lives in Portland, OR and writes for DLK.
We invite you to read more about the cave hiking safety standards and equipment at our outdoor LED lights and knives website.

Friday, September 24, 2010

How to Have an Active Adventure in Puerto Rico

As an active backpacker, I always look forward to experience the best (and worst in some cases) that my travel destination can offer. One of the best ways to achieve this is by getting off the beaten path and exploring actively the destination's natural features. Recently, I adventured some of the best natural spots of the island of Puerto Rico. And I have to say... I was impressed!

When it comes to having nature as your platform for travel and adventure, this small island really stands out. Let's start with one of its most famous (and touristy) natural features, El Yunque. This rainforest, the only one in the United States, counts with many treks that let you explore its wild and rich landscape. You can hike to the watchtower on the top of the mountain and see the breath-taking view all the way to the sea. There are also others active ways to experience the rainforest, like zip-lining.

As a perfect contrast, you can go south and visit the Dry Forest and the Dwarf Forest. It's ironic to see a "desert" region in a tropical island, but this variety of ecosystems makes Puerto Rico even more interesting. Just a few miles south of the main island you will find one of the most beautiful mangrove islands I've ever seen, called Gilligan's Island (yes, like the TV show). This extremely small and uninhabited island shows you a small pocket of paradise where you can picnic between the mangroves, swim in crystal clear waters, and sun bathe at its stunning beaches. This is definitely a place not to miss.

Puerto Rico also counts with various bioluminescent bays. In my opinion, the most impressive one is found at Mosquito Bay in Vieques Island, at the far east of the main island. Nocturnal kayaking will definitely make you feel like you are in another world as you see the dinoflagelates create a beautiful glow around your kayak and paddle. Go ahead, take a dip and swim in the bay to be part of this impressive light-show.

For the wild adventurers, there are various places throughout the mountains to rock climb like a pro. Or you can even try spelunking at the Camuy Caves and its underground rivers.

Certainly Puerto Rico has a lot to offer when it comes to natural adventures. I highly recommend visiting the island and immersing yourself in this natural collage. In addition, the old towns throughout the island will show you a vivid representation of its Spanish past through its fortress, churches, and colonial buildings. No matter what you are looking for in your trip, Puerto Rico will have something to offer to make your vacations a unique experience.

Norbert Figueroa is the author of this article and provides additional information about Backpacking and Independent Travel at GloboTreks.com. GloboTreks gives you all the insider tips on how to travel cheap and smart.

Thursday, September 23, 2010

Take a Walk on the Wild Side - Adventure Weekends With an Adrenaline Kick

Take your weekend holiday to the next level by adding a little spice to your vacation activities! What better way to experience the world's greatest destinations than by going to the extreme and taking on some adrenaline-pumping sport? Below is a list of the top 10 attractions for the adventurer in everyone and the best place to go to do them.

1. Skydiving in the Swiss Alps -Let your heart race as you soak in the beauty while plummeting past the majestic Alps from a plane! I recommend doing a little shopping around to ensure that you book your trip with a company that will give you the most for your Swiss skydiving experience! You'll also be able to do some quick sightseeing during the flight up - you'll get great views of the Interlaken lakes as well as the mountain peaks Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau. During the freefall you'll get that extra kick you've been craving as you plunge towards the earth at 120 MPH! After freefalling, you'll enjoy sightseeing from a different point of view - from the comfort of a canopy ride as you make your landing descent.

2. Hot Air Ballooning in France - Get to see one of the world's most picturesque countries from up above! A graceful way to explore the rich scenery of the French countryside, though hot air ballooning can be expensive, the memories from this trip are worth the fees. There are numerous places where you can take off, but I recommend going to Champagne for a balloon ride -you can take in a gorgeous view of the Reims. You can probably also catch a perfect view of the slopes of the Route du Champagne and the Regional Mountain Park of Reims.

3. Surfing in Indonesia - The Mentawai Islands are a surfer's dream with over 70 islands that are wave-rich and adventure-packed! Off the western coast of Sumatra in Indonesia, this is one of the hottest surfing destinations in the world. There are four main islands (Siberut, Sipora, North Pagi, and South Pagi) that provide some of the best surfing experiences. The only downside is that access to these swells is usually by ferry and charter boat, and costs can add up throughout the day for food and such, but dedicated surfers, or those looking for the ultimate first experience won't be disappointed.

4. Hiking in Morocco - The Toubkal Valley is one of the world's hidden beauties. Spend some time hiking and take in the scenery of one of the most exotic places on the planet. Travel from Marrakech through various hamlets and Berber villages and make your way to the Western High Atlas Mountains. Get the chance to trek past the villages of Taourirt, Targa and Imoula and visit a village in the Assif Aït Mizane Valley, where you'll overlook ancient irrigated terraced fields of fruit trees and vegetables! The winding mule tracks to the Tizi n'Tamatert provide you with a breathtaking panoramic view of the Atlas Mountains. The sightseeing possibilities in the Toubkal Valley are endless!

5. Rock Climbing in California, USA - Yosemite Valley in the National Park is the place to be for an extreme rock climbing adventure! Much more than just a valley filled with skyscraping rocks (literally, some of them are around 3,000 feet tall!), you'll get the experience - and exercise - of a lifetime when you visit here. Anyone passionate and adventurous enough to attempt to climb these rocks is in for a treat. Yosemite offers both the experienced and the beginner climbers not only challenging climbs, but mind-boggling views of the gorgeous landscape that's unlike anywhere you've been before.

6. Paragliding in India - If you're prepared to experience soaring through the sky and seeing the world from a bird's perspective, don't miss a visit to Kamshet, Maharashtra - a paragliding paradise! Kamshet is a hill station located in the Western Ghats near an ancient trade route. Prehistoric cave temples, hill citadels and colonial stations all give this area a unique archaic twist for anyone that loves adventure. Fall in love with the undisturbed nature of the area and relish the peaceful atmosphere of this location. On your paragliding adventure, you'll experience more than just a view of nature at its finest, but also an exhilarating experience that you'll cherish for a lifetime.

7. Coasteering in Wales - What better way to get your adrenaline pumping than by being tossed around the ocean swells during a session of coasteering in Wales? The birthplace of this ultimate adventure, they've got this sport down pat. Explore the brilliance of this country and test your abilities in the world's most natural playground. Though the concept of being thrashed around in the ocean is somewhat daunting, it is completely safe; qualified leaders are there to make sure your experience goes as smoothly as possible!

8. Scuba Diving in Australia - Probably the first thing that pops into anyone's mind for the best scuba diving experience is to see the Great Barrier Reef in Australia! This location is perfectly tailored for those that love to live life on the wild side. Scuba diving in Australia offers one of the most colorful and vibrant sightseeing underwater adventure experiences, and there is no better time than now to visit, since the Great Barrier Reef is quickly disappearing. The best times to go are from August to December, when the water is warmer and there is more aquatic life present, but diving is possible at any time throughout the year.

9. White Water Rafting in Thailand - There are so many ways to get your adrenaline fix in Thailand, one of the most exhilarating being white water rafting! Phang Nga, filled with gorgeous parks and scenery, is a must to visit, let alone white water raft! Get caught up in the ride as you raft down the Phang Nga River, while challenging your skills. This adventure is fairly new to Thailand and is considered the country's best kept secret. See the lush forests as you make your way down the river quench your thirst for high packed adventure!

10. Safari in Zambia, Africa - Discover all that Zambia has to offer by going on safari! Regardless of whether or not you're there for hunting game, river cruising down the Lower Zambezi National Park, or talking a walking tour through the South Luangwa National Park, you'll definitely be in for an eye-opening experience. Safaris in this African treasure are numerous and allow you to see the exotic wildlife (like a cheetah in Kafue!) and natural beauty of the area up close and personal.

By Jacel Egan

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Arizona - Fun in the Sun

The state of Arizona is located in the heart of the southwest United States, bordering Mexico to the south. Often called The Grand Canyon State because of its location as home to one of the most impressive natural canyon systems in the world, Arizona is truly an ideal location for outdoor adventure. Arizona is home to a diverse range of natural features including canyons, rivers, lakes, and forests.

As home to many indigenous Native American tribes and later to Spanish explorers and American settlers, Arizona has a diverse history going back many years. But its most famous feature is its geography, particularly the arid desert landscape, as well as its climate, which makes for extremely hot summers and mild winters. But Arizona is more than just desert. Almost 20% of Arizona's landscape is covered in forest.

Visitors to Arizona have a wide variety of choices for fun outdoor activities. One of the most popular attractions for both residents and tourists is the famous Grand Canyon. Stretching 277 miles long, 4-18 miles wide, and 6000 feet deep, the Grand Canyon is truly a wonder. The canyon was formed over millions of years as the Colorado River and its tributaries slowly cut channels through layers of rock.

Other popular activities include every possible outdoor adventure you can think of including mountain biking, ATV rentals, motorcycling, dirt biking, rock climbing, skydiving, caving, fishing, hunting, horseback riding, camping, hiking, boating, watersports, and even skiing. Arizona also offers scenic roads that are perfect for those who enjoy driving tours. With so many options for outdoor adventure, it is no wonder that Arizona is a top destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

Arizona Outdoor Fun Rentals LLC (http://www.arizonaoutdoorfun.com) is your complete one-stop shop for all your Arizona outdoor recreational fun and phoenix atv rentals. Ryan Coisson is a freelance writer.