The Long Haul: Road Tripping Through the Arizona Desert

Home to the Grand Canyon and mountainous pine forests in the north, and cactus-filled deserts in the south, Arizona has a varied natural landscape unlike any other state. Yet as tough and rugged as the landscape might look on the outside, destinations throughout the state have been tamed with creature comforts complete with golf courses, spas, and shopping. See both sides of the state with a long-haul trip to Arizona running north from the Grand Canyon and traveling south to Tucson and Tombstone.

GETTING DOWN IN THE GRAND CANYON
Arizona's nickname is "The Grand Canyon" state, and for good reason. The natural wonder stretches across 277 miles and reaches over 6,000 feet deep in spots, created by the Colorado River carving its way through.

Most visitors enter the canyon at the South Rim, where the park headquarters are located along with a number of hotels and restaurants. Experienced campers can start at the less crowded North Rim from mid-May to mid-October where campsites can be booked online up to six months in advance. The entrance fee for both entry points costs $25 for vehicles and $12 for visitors traveling by foot, bicycle, or motorcycle.

Read the rest of the The Long Haul: Road Tripping Through the Arizona Desert at AOL's MapQuest Discover.

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