(20) Colorado River Rafting, Grand Canyon Photo by abraham karam

20 Colorado River Rafting
Grand Canyon
Most of us have been to Grand Canyon National Park and enjoyed breathtaking views from the rim. But experiencing the interior of the canyon – that’s another thing. In fact, a two-week river trip covering 240 miles of the magnificent Grand Canyon may change your perspective. The journey will take you to 100 rapids and up side canyons to hidden springs. Plus, you’ll have plenty of time to contemplate the magnitude and history of your surroundings. A list of National Park Service-approved rafting outfitters is available at nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/river-concessioners.
Elevation: 7,000 feet (South Rim); 2,000 feet (Colorado River)
Directions: Take I-17 to Flagstaff, then I-40 west for about 30 miles to
Highway 64. Go north directly to the South Rim.
Driving Time: 4 hours (234 miles)
Hours: South Rim is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year
Admission: River rafting trip fees vary by the length and mode of the
trip (paddle rafts, motorized rafts, dories) and by the outfitter.
Lodging: You’ll be sleeping under the stars.
Info: nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit

21 Navajo Nation Fair Window Rock
With approximately 300,000 members, the Navajo Nation is the largest North American Indian Tribe, so it’s fitting that its members would throw the largest powwow. The 63rd-annual Navajo Nation Fair will be held in early September at the Navajo Nation Fairgrounds in Window Rock. The fair attracts 100,000 people from all over the world for an all-Indian Rodeo, the Miss Navajo Nation competition and, according to Frommers, “arguably the largest inter-tribal powwow in North America.” Navajo agriculture and arts and crafts also will be on display.
Elevation: 6,830 feet
Directions: Take Highway 87 north to Highway 260 and go east. Take Highway 277 north, then Highway 377 north. Turn left on Highway 77 and merge onto I-40 east. Take exit 357 toward Window Rock then turn left on BIA Junction 12. The fairgrounds are located nearly one mile west of BIA Junction 12 and Highway 264.
Driving Time: 4 hours, 45 minutes (285 miles)
Hours: Visit navajonationfair.com for a full schedule of events.
Admission: General admission is $3 for adults, $2 for children. Parking is $3. Check navajonationfair.com for separate event ticket prices.
Lodging: Call 928-871-6647 for camping reservations near the fairgrounds. Hotels in Window Rock are limited and can be researched at travel sites such as travel.Yahoo.com. A directory of Holbrook hotels is available at ci.holbrook.az.us.
Info: navajonationfair.com
Travel tip: The Navajo Nation observes Daylight Savings Time.

22 Wild Women Saloon and Grill Heber-Overgaard
There’s more to do in Bison Town than toss a few back at the Wild Women Saloon, but we’re not above sensationalism. In this 1890s replica town located between Payson and Show Low, there’s an ice cream parlor and coffee shop, a boutique and restaurants, including the Wild Women Saloon and Grill. The nearby Bison Ranch Retreat Center is geared toward large groups, but there are 80 one- and two-bedroom resort cabins available for individual families. Amenities include fishing, horseback riding, tennis, basketball, hiking and cycling.
Elevation: 6,600 feet
Directions: From Phoenix, take Highway 87 east to Payson. Take Highway 260 east about 60 miles to Heber-Overgaard. Bison Ranch is located just after milepost 309 on the south side of Highway 260.
Driving Time: 2 hours, 15 minutes (135 miles)
Lodging: Cabin rates range from $69 to $149 per night depending on the day(s) of the week and the season.
Info: Bison Ranch Retreat Center: 928-535-9545 or bison-
ranchretreatcenter.com