(23) Montezuma Pass.  PtagoniA/Sonoita/Sierra Vista Photo by Abraham Karam

23 Montezuma Pass
PatagoniA/Sonoita/
Sierra Vista
Who would think that pointing your car south in summertime could lead to a reprieve from the heat? If you time it right – August is a good bet – monsoon moisture transforms prairie grasslands into seas of lush green along southern Arizona’s back roads, where you’ll spot more cattle than people. Drive to the top of Montezuma Pass for a sweeping view across the border into Mexico, or hike into Coronado National Forest to get your heart rate up.
Elevation: 4,000 feet (Patagonia); 6,575 feet (Montezuma Pass)
Directions: To Montezuma Pass, take I-10 east and exit south on Highway 90 to Sierra Vista. Go south on Highway 92 to S. Coronado Memorial Drive. Drive five miles to the visitor center.
Driving Time: 3 hours, 15 minutes (195 miles)
Hours: Open year-round from dawn to dusk.
Admission: Free
Lodging: For information on camping in Coronado National Forest, call 520-378-0311. (Monsoon conditions may not be ideal for outdoor camping, however.) For indoor options in Sierra Vista, visit villageprofile.com/arizona/sierravista.
Info: nps.gov/archive/coro/montezumapass.htm
Travel tip: Pack a detailed map and ample food and water. The area is remote and services are limited.

24 Casa Malpais Springerville
Brush up on 13th century history while soaking in Springerville’s cool summer air at the Casa Malpais – literally, the “house of the badlands” – Archaeological Park. The site dates back to 1250-1325 in Pueblo culture and is a National Historic Landmark preserved by the Center for Desert Archaeology. Situated on terraces of a fallen basalt cliff along the upper Little Colorado River, the site features the Great Kiva, a catacomb burial area and petroglyphs.
Elevation: 6,968 feet
Directions: Take US 60 through Show Low to Springerville. Once there, US 60 turns into Main Street. The Casa Malpais Visitor Center is located at 318 E. Main St.
Driving Time: 3 hours, 40 minutes (220 miles)
Hours: Museum: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; guided tours: 9 a.m., 11 a.m.,
2 p.m.; closed Sunday and Monday
Admission: $8 for adults, $6 for seniors, $5 for children
Lodging: springerville.com
Info: 928-333-5375 or cdarc.org/pages/what/exhibits/visit/-casa_malpais
Travel tip: The Great Kiva is accessible only via tours that depart from the Casa Malpais Visitor Center in Springerville.

25 Oatman Egg Fry Oatman
In the spirit of the expression, “It’s so hot you could fry an egg on the sidewalk,” Oatmanites spend each Fourth of July doing just that. The town’s annual Solar Egg Frying Contest earned a spot on National Public Radio’s All Things Considered in 2006. In 2007, media attention steamrolled when the Food Network’s Bob Blumer rolled into town to participate and avoided getting proverbial egg on his face by winning the thing. Contraptions used in the past have included small pans, magnifying glasses, mirrors, CDs and solar panels. Hundreds come to the city to watch.
Elevation: 2,700 feet
Directions: From Phoenix, take I-10 west (toward California) to US 95 north toward Needles. Merge onto I-40 west/US 95. Follow signs to Highway 95 then turn right onto Boundary Cone Road/CR 153. Follow into Oatman.
Driving Time: 3 hours, 35 minutes (215 miles)
Lodging: Oatman Hotel, 928-768-4408
Info: Oatman Chamber of Commerce, 928-768-6222 or e-mail oatman@oatmangoldroad.com

26 Summer Concert Series Flagstaff
Pack a picnic basket and head north for an outdoor concert at The Arboretum at Flagstaff. Events Coordinator Steve England is planning an ethnic mix of music for the 2009 series, including Latin music and perhaps African dance/drama. The San Francisco Peaks form a stunning backdrop for the intimate performance area, which is accessed via a wood-chipped path and through the gardens. Check the Arboretum’s Website for dates. The Arboretum also offers guided tours.
Elevation: 7,000 feet
Directions: Take I-17 north to Flagstaff then I-40 west to exit 191. Turn right at the stop sign on eastbound Route 66 and continue about 2 miles to Woody Mountain Road. Turn right and continue 3.8 miles to the Arboretum at 4001 S. Woody Mountain Road.
Driving Time: 2.5 hours (149 miles)
Hours: 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Admission: Last summer tickets were $10 for members,
$12 for non-members
Lodging: flagstaffarizona.org
Info: thearb.org/summer_concert_series.htm