So I'm going to be in Arizona...

[sherpaxc]

As per usual, my wife, kid and I will be taking the summer off for mucho adventures.  Last year we spent 6 weeks on the road through Colorado and Wyoming.  This summer (July 1-14) I'll be in Arizonaish (Meaning we're gonna spend a couple days in Vegas) for 2 weeks, then heading over to Crested Butte for a week and then from there on the the Colorado Trail (not with the wife and kid though!).

We will be doing a lot of family stuff, but we'll have grandparents and aunts and uncles with us so I've got some lee-way in being able to hit up some fun stuff.  We'll be around the Grand Canyon area for a while as well.

My question is, where are some great places to go and camp/fish/ride.  I'm not looking for anything epic all day long, but something to spend 2 or 3 hours doing.  Any fly fishers in AZ?  Where do you go? 

This will be a great way for me to scope out AZ before I come again next April for the 300!

Thanks all.  I REALLY look forward to checking out the AZ.

[AZTtripper]

That time of year you'll want to stay up north that for sure. I would think the family would want to see the Canyon if they haven't already. I would not go to the S Rim though as it can be a ZOO. Even the N Rim park is pretty full in high season. The Rainbow Rim is great but even that sees more use then in the past. But I would still recommend it. The trail is 18 miles one way with 5 different access points. We have been there a couple of times and found Locust point to be the best for views and trail access (it's right in the middle). The riding is mellow but the views are stellar. Camping is on Forest Service with no services and a 30 some mile dirt access road. You can also pick up the AZT up there. Last time we found a camp site near East Rim View I had a good ride south to the Park border and back on the roads. Got dumped on when the afternoon monsoon kicked in and froze my butt off, living in S AZ you get used to the heat any thing below 80 is considered cold.

Not much of a fisherman myself but I know it's big business at Lee's Ferry. Not sure how good it is at the put in point. There are several outfitters that run motor boats up river for day trips.

Enjoy Tim

[jimfab]

Not far from the north rim is Lake Powell. If you are into primitive camping check out the Lone Rock Launch and campground. Plenty O fishing, swimming, even a few bike trails around there. But it is HOT there in July! If you wind your way through St. George, zion, Hurricane, coarl pink sand dunes, or even Cedar City AKA Virgin river from Vegas, You will see some of the finest bits of land in the southwest. There is a bunch of rivers and streams along that drive, but i am not sure if they are seasonal. That will take you right into the Kaibab, and the North rim, Lees, Powell. Then you are only an hour or so from Flag. Can't go wrong. If you do get to Lake Powell make sure you check out horseshoe bend just south of town, A must see!

Enjoy- JF