The Arizona Republic conducted a countdown of the top 50 places to see in Arizona. They visited sites familiar and unfamiliar, reintroducing you to a state that is full of surprises.

 No. 50: Swansea - A reviving ghost town

Despite the site's formidable access road, tourists and history buffs have been coming to Swansea from around the world for decades. Every year, 3,500 to 5,000 people explore the miners' barracks, slag heaps and smelter ruins. An iron fence surrounds the main shaft, which is 1,200 feet deep.

The White Mountains sprawl across eastern Arizona, a land of rugged peaks, tall pines and lovely lakes. Other than the San Francisco Peaks, it is the highest mountain range in Arizona, with several peaks topping out at more than 11,000 feet.

South Mountain Park is one of the great recreational resources of the Valley. With more than 50 miles of multiuse trails crisscrossing more than 16,000 acres of rugged desert beauty, the park is adored by hikers, bikers and horseback riders alike.

Marriott's Camelback Inn lies between two of the Valley's signature mountains and smack in the middle of many locals' hearts. Nominated as one of 50 favorite places in Arizona by readers, the 70-year-old resort has played host to movie stars, business tycoons, political leaders and legions of tourists, but the hometown crowd is among the most loyal clientele.

Arizona and Las Vegas casinos both offer the chance to win and lose large amounts of money, but ours are different from the Vegas brethren. Arizona's are scattered around the state, rather than being concentrated on or near a strip and downtown. However, there are advantages to the Arizona experience.

Wouldn't it be great to have a cabin tucked away in the mountains or hidden in the forest? For most of us, that's a fantasy. But thanks to the "Rooms With a View" program run by the Forest Service, the dream can become a reality, at least for a day or two.

After writing four Arizona hiking guides and hiking thousands of miles on hundreds of trails in the past dozen years, I still discover hidden jewels. But some trails linger in my mind's eye and keep me coming back. Here's a selection of the 10 most scenic trails.

Arizona is full of remote, backcountry beauty. No place, though, is quite as remote or difficult to reach, or, arguably, more beautiful than the Arizona Strip, a 5 million-acre swath of splendor between the Colorado River and the Utah line.

Besides birds, Santa Cruz County also is well known for destinations such as the arts colony at Tubac and the old mission at Tumacacori. It's a county rich with lesser-known destinations, too, such as the Amado Territorial Inn that houses restaurants and artist studios.

Scorching triple-digit weather means triple-digit savings in the neighborhood of $200 to $1,000 a night at some Valley resorts. Stay at resorts during the off-season, now through September, and experience how celebrities, presidents and the wealthy live - without spending what they spend.

Sycamore Canyon may be the best place in Arizona you never heard of. The second-largest canyon in the state - 20 miles long and, in places, seven miles wide - slices through the Mogollon Rim just a dozen miles northwest of Sedona. It has been described as Oak Creek Canyon without the people.

Leave the hustle and bustle of city life - and the triple-digit heat - and head north to experience the neighboring mountain communities of Pine and Strawberry. Just 15 miles north of Payson, the air is fresher and 15 degrees cooler than metropolitan Phoenix.

No matter how many times you ride the Grand Canyon Railway or the Verde Canyon Railroad, there's something different to see. And there's always a new group of guests eager to explore another area of the state.

Jerome draws visitors with its Old West history and sends them away with a healthy appreciation for its modern-day charm. Today, the town is home to artists, writers, merchants, hippies and restaurateurs.

Granite Creek Vineyards is a 20-acre organic winery in Chino Valley, a town known more for its mishmash of farms, retirement villas and sandstone pits than Cabernet Sauvignon grapes.

Mount Lemmon is a cool place - literally (the daytime temperature rarely gets higher than 80 degrees), figuratively (as in "Cool!") and superlatively ("Way cool!").

Tonto Natural Bridge State Park features picnic areas, four steep trails into the gorge, paved paths near the parking lot, designated viewpoints and herds of javelinas.

Kartchner Caverns State Park is 2-1/2 miles of nearly unrivaled wonders and as magnificent as that big hole in the ground north of Flagstaff. It's the Grand Canyon with a lid.
• Arizona's other fantastic caves

There are several ways to view the labyrinth, and they're all good, because the canyon is one of those spectacular creations that have no bad side. The south rim drive alone seven wondrous overlooks.

Visitors will see a home filled with the Riordans' belongings — from flypaper to luggage. Their furnishings include nearly pristine, now priceless, handcrafted chairs, tables and rockers by Gustav Strickley.

In few places on Earth are the forces of geology on such extravagant display as in the Chiricahua Mountains, in the southeastern corner of the state.
• Ariz. a wonderland of stone formations

The trail's saguaro-covered hills and deep canyons stretch for miles, broken by red-rock cliffs and hoodoos. The area remains a favorite among local sightseers, boaters, hikers and anglers.

Visitors to the vast park (its boundaries, extended in 2004, encompass 218,533 acres) will see the petrified remains of trees that grew here millions of years ago.

Nestled along Bright Angel Creek at the bottom of the Grand Canyon, Phantom Ranch is one of the world's premier destinations. And for good reason.

The redundantly named Picacho Peak ("peak" in Spanish is picacho) rises abruptly from the desert floor between Phoenix and Tucson and for centuries has served as a landmark for explorers.

Little else matters, especially not the lawn that needs mowing or office desk buried with work, as I recline against a warm, smooth rock after a swim in the turquoise-hued pools of Havasu Creek.

We know it from the movies as John Ford's favorite stage. And yet Monument Valley feels like the most foreign of places, even exotic - if such things still can be said about a large piece of our map.

This 67-year-old Arizona treasure hosts events from the annual Music in the Garden concert series to winter holiday evenings that feature thousands of candlelighted luminaries.

Voted best spa by Condé Nast Traveler magazine 10 times, Canyon Ranch may be the best-known resort of its type in America. It's been a leader among destination spas in combining health and fitness, and it employs 3 staff members for every guest to ensure that customers leave happy.

Had enough of viewing Sedona's red rock beauty and searching for bargains at Tlaquepaque? Don't leave yet. There are lesser-known, hidden-away places that are well worth exploring. And they don't cost nearly as much as a foray into the upscale attractions.

At the Astronomers Inn in Benson, stargazers can stay all night and examine the heavens through a variety of telescopes, then enjoy a hearty breakfast the next morning.

The twin mining towns of Globe and Miami are becoming destinations for Valley travelers, not just a passage to the White Mountains. The communities lay claim to spectacular views in the foothills of the Pinal Mountains and provide a glimpse into the state's rich mining history.

There's no off-season in Sabino Canyon, a desert oasis and spectacular canyon at the base of the Santa Catalina Mountains northeast of Tucson.

Montezuma Castle, a five-level cliff dwelling in a limestone alcove above Beaver Creek near Camp Verde. The structure was home to Sinagua people more than 600 years ago. It's one of three well-known ruins in the Verde Valley, about 90 miles north of Phoenix. Montezuma Castle, Montezuma Well and Tuzigoot National Monument make a scenic and informative day trip from the Valley.

Wickenburg is near the Hassayampa River, a rich riparian area that has sheltered the Yavapai Indians, lured there by its fertile planting ground. Gold wooed miners. Clear skies, uncluttered mountain views and the Sonoran Desert lure Valley visitors, who can escape urban life, journey into the state's historic past and still make it home before sunset.

For more than 20 years, Singing Wind Bookshop has been delighting its visitors, not just from Arizona but also from around the world. Charmingly, the bookstore is plunked in the middle of a cattle ranch just north of Benson.

Nine miles south of Tucson, the towers of San Xavier del Bac Mission rise unexpectedly from the sun-baked desert floor. Nestled in the Santa Cruz Valley, the mission is one of the state's gems.

Forget London Bridge and spring break. The real fun of Lake Havasu lies, surprise, in the lake. From boating to scuba diving to wakeboarding, visitors to Lake Havasu have myriad choices when it comes to water-related activities.

Downtown Scottsdale covers a lot of territory historically, from remnants of the Old West farming community founded in 1888 by Army chaplain Winfield Scott to the contemporary art interspersed with traditional pieces in galleries around Main Street and Marshall Way.

Walking through El Presidio, Tucson's historic, geographic and psychic center, you'll see vibrant reminders of a past that's still celebrated.

No. 1-10: Your top spots in Arizona

The top choices in a poll recently conducted by the AZ Republic

#1 THE GRAND CANYON

One of the seven natural wonders of the world is a four-hour drive from Phoenix. That's one of seven. In the whole, wide world. Read why.

#2 SEDONA

WHY IT'S WORTHY

Sedona is one of Arizona's must-see wonders. At the end of Oak Creek Canyon, another scenic destination, the town is known not only for rock formations such as Coffee Pot Rock, Cathedral Rock and Courthouse Butte, but also for its hiking and biking trails, art galleries and spiritual-energy vortexes.

THINGS TO DO

On Arizona 179 between the Village of Oak Creek and Sedona, stop at the Chapel of the Holy Cross for an indescribable view of Sedona's red rocks. Sedona is a mecca for hikers, climbers and cyclists, as well as shoppers. Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village is on Arizona 179 where it crosses Oak Creek. This weekend is the Golden Age Spiritual Realization New Year's Eve Festival. The International Sedona Film Festival (sedonafilmfestival.com) is Feb. 28-March 4.

WHERE TO EAT

René at Tlaquepaque: An upscale restaurant in picturesque Tlaquepaque. It's considered one of the city's most romantic eateries.

Details: 336 Arizona 179. 1-(928)-282-9225 or rene-sedona.com. Lunch, 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. daily. Dinner, 5:30-8 p.m. daily.

Cowboy Club Grille & Spirits:

Here's the place where you can order rattlesnake or buffalo.

Details: 241 N. Arizona 89A. 1-(928)-282-4200. Lunch, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. daily. Dinner, 5-10 p.m. daily.

Heartline Café: You can dine in the cozy main room or outside by an open fireplace on fresh, organic food. Takeout available.

Details: 1610 W. Arizona 89A. 1-928-282-0785 or heartlinecafe.com. 11 a.m.-11 p.m. daily.

WHERE TO STAY

L'Auberge de Sedona: This upscale, intimate resort is within walking distance of downtown Sedona and Oak Creek. You can sip wine on a patio beside the bubbling stream.

Details: 301 L'Auberge Lane. 1-800-905-5745 or lauberge.com.

IF YOU GO

About 120 miles from central Phoenix. Take Interstate 17 north to Arizona 179 (Exit 298) and go northwest to Sedona. Sedona Chamber of Commerce, 1-800-288-7336 or sedona.com. - Susan Felt

#3 THE HEARD MUSEUM
WHY IT'S WORTHY

Since 1929, the vibrancy of era-spanning Native American art and hands-on exhibits has wowed Arizonans and out-of-state visitors. For artist Joe Baker, curator of fine art for the Heard, the museum's intellectual, social and physical space, "where artists can give themselves permission to experiment and visitors can be exposed to both traditional and contemporary Native American art forms," is worth treasuring.

THINGS TO DO

The 21,000-square-foot signature exhibit "HOME: Native People of the Southwest," featuring the finest works from the Heard's permanent collection of about 39,000 pieces, is a must-see. And make time for "Remembering Our Indian School Days: The Boarding School Experience," which revisits U.S. history "in a very courageous and bold way," Baker said. Also for your museum "must" list: the annual hoop dance contest Feb. 3-4, Indian fair and market March 3-4, and a stop in the gift shop and bookstore.

WHERE TO EAT

The on-site Arcadia Farms Cafe serves Southwest-influenced dishes such as posole and tamales, plus soups, salads, artisan-bread sandwiches and desserts. It's open 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. daily.

WHERE TO STAY

Several hotels are nearby, among them the Clarendon Hotel + Suites, a boutique hotel with swimming pool, the Camus restaurant and 24-hour fitness-center and business-center access. Details: 401 W. Clarendon Ave., Phoenix. (602) 252-7363 or www.theclarendon.net.

IF YOU GO

2301 N. Central Ave., Phoenix. (602) 252-8848 or www.heard.org. 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. daily except New Year's Day, Easter, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas. $10; $9 for age 65 and older; $5 for students with ID; $3 for ages 6-12; free for Native Americans and age 5 and younger. Other locations: Heard Museum North, El Pedregal Festival Marketplace, 34505 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, (480) 488-9817; and Heard Museum West, 16126 N. Civic Center Plaza, Surprise, (623) 344-2200. - Connie Midey

#4 THE ARIZONA-SONORA DESERT MUSEUM
WHY IT'S WORTHY

Take desert creatures such as prairie dogs and Gila monsters and put them in a nearly natural outdoor setting. Add a dose of natural history and you have the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum. The museum features hundreds of creature species and more than 1,200 varieties of plants and is a great way to pass a few instructive and interesting hours.

THINGS TO DO

The museum has two miles of paths covering 21 acres of desert, so bring comfy shoes and plan to spend a couple of hours wandering through the interpretive displays of Sonoran Desert plants and creatures. Most of the museum is outside, so dress appropriately. At 10:30 a.m. Thursdays, visitors can take a behind-the-scenes tour with an animal keeper. The $15 tickets are sold on a first-come, first-served basis, and children younger than 12 are not allowed on the tour. Through April 15, check out the Raptor Free Flight, which showcases birds of prey, such as the barn owl and prairie falcon. Shows take place at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. daily.

WHERE TO EAT

The museum features the Ironwood Terrace, a self-serve grill, and the Ocotillo Cafe, which offers a more upscale option. There also are a coffee bar and snack shop, and picnic area if you prefer to bring your own lunch.

WHERE TO STAY

The expansive JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort & Spa is about a 20-minute drive from the museum. Amenities include a spa and three golf courses.

Details: 1-(520)-792-3500 or jwmarriottstarrpass.com.

IF YOU GO

The museum is at 2021 N. Kinney Road, Tucson. 1-(520)-883-2702 or desertmuseum.org. From central Phoenix, take Interstate 10 east about 100 miles to Speedway Boulevard (Exit 257) and head west. Turn right onto Kinney Road. The museum is about 2.5 miles ahead on the left. Open every day. From October through February, hours are 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. From March through September, hours are 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m. From September through May, admission is $12; $4 for ages 6-12. From June through August, admission is $9; $2 for ages 6-12. Always free for age 5 and younger. - Emily Seftel

#SAGUARO NATIONAL PARK
WHY IT'S WORTHY

This park in Tucson comprises 91,000 acres set aside as a preserve for the giant saguaro cactus, whose blossoms are the Arizona state flower. The saguaro is native to the Sonoran Desert of southern Arizona and Sonora, Mexico. The Sonoran Desert is a cactus-friendly environment with two rainy seasons, which make this one of the most lush deserts in the world and bring biodiversity to the region.

THINGS TO DO

The park is divided into two districts: the Tucson Mountain District, on the west side of Tucson, and the Rincon Mountain District, on the east side. The drive between the districts takes about an hour. Inside the park are 150 miles of trails for hikers and equestrians. No horse vendors operate in the park, but riders with their own mounts are welcome. The Cactus Garden Trail, at the center of the park, travels a paved walkway through a collection of desert plants. The Desert Discovery Nature Trail follows a half mile along the gently sloping foot of the Tucson Mountains. In the Rincon Mountain District, the 8-mile Cactus Forest Loop Drive snakes through the heart of a saguaro forest and offers an up-close look at a variety of Sonoran Desert life. The paved one-way road begins at the visitor center. Development is kept to a minimum in the park. There are no food sales, so bring a lunch to enjoy at one of the picnic areas. Each has tables, grills and pit toilets. Visitors also can explore the nearby Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, which is a zoo and botanical garden, just south of the Tucson Mountain District.

WHERE TO EAT

Saguaro Corners: This popular restaurant is near the entrance to the park's eastern district.

Details: 3750 S. Old Spanish Trail. 1-(520)-886-5424.

Cafe Poca Cosa: This charming little downtown restaurant has upscale Mexico City cuisine (try the moles) and affordable prices.

Details: 110 E. Pennington St., 1-(520)-622-6400.

El Charro: This restaurant, in the historic El Presidio neighborhood, is considered the oldest continuously operating restaurant in Arizona.

Details: 311 N. Court Ave. 1-(520)-622-1922.

WHERE TO STAY

Tuck yourself into an 1878 Victorian home in historic downtown Tucson at the Royal Elizabeth Bed and Breakfast Inn, The adobe building is on the National Register of Historic Places.

Details: 204 S. Scott Ave. 1-(520)-670-9022.

IF YOU GO

To visit the Tucson Mountain District from central Phoenix, take Interstate 10 east to Avra Valley Road (Exit 242) in Tucson. Go 5 miles west to Sandario Road and turn left. Drive 9 miles south to Kinney Road and turn left. The visitor center is 2 miles ahead on the left. To visit the Rincon Mountain District from central Phoenix, go east on I-10 past Tucson to Houghton Road (Exit 275). Go 9.5 miles north to Old Spanish Trail and turn right. Drive 3 miles southeast to the park entrance on the left. The park is open 7 a.m.-sunset daily. The visitor centers are open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily except Christmas. Park admission of $10 per vehicle is good for seven days. 1-(520)-733-5153 (Rincon Mountain District), 1-(520)-733-5158 (Tucson Mountain District) or www.nps.gov/sagu. - Barbara Yost

#6 THE LOWELL OBSERVATORY
WHY IT'S WORTHY

Founded in 1894, Lowell Observatory is one of the oldest research institutions in the United States and a National Historic Landmark. There are two large telescopes, including the original 24-inch telescope, for public viewing. Lowell is building the 4.2-meter Discovery Channel Telescope, which will be operational in 2010.

THINGS TO DO

Public programs are offered day and night, and include a tour of the campus, including the site of the telescope used to discover Pluto. Evening programs usually include telescope viewing, depending on the weather. A new space theater, which will feature research from Lowell's astronomers, is scheduled to open in early spring. Consider booking a private stargazing workshop, where you'll learn about aspects of astronomy and what's going on in the night sky. The cost is $70 for a daytime session and $150 for a nighttime session. Book at least three weeks in advance.

WHERE TO EAT

Cottage Place Restaurant: Enjoy upscale dining in a 1909 bungalow. Pistachio-crusted pork chop and rack of lamb for two are on the menu.

Details: 126 W. Cottage Ave., Flagstaff. 5-9:30 p.m. Wednesdays-Sundays. 1-(928)-774-8431 or www.cottageplace.com.

Macy's European Coffeehouse, Bakery & Vegetarian Restaurant: Find brownies, pies and vegan fare at this casual downtown spot.

Details: 14 S. Beaver St., Flagstaff. 6 a.m.-10 p.m. daily. 1-(928)-774-2243 or macyscoffee.net.

WHERE TO STAY

The Inn at 410: This exquisite bed-and-breakfast has nine units, some with Jacuzzis or fireplaces. The owners have a wealth of information on what to do in Flagstaff.

Details: 410 N. Leroux St., Flagstaff. 1-800-774-2008 or Inn410.com.

Arizona Sled Dog Inn: This rustic bed-and-breakfast features a huge fireplace, a hot tub and a sauna. The name comes from the owners' love of huskies.

Details: 10155 Mountainaire Road, Flagstaff. 1-800-754-0664 or www.sleddoginn.com.

IF YOU GO

Lowell Observatory is at 1400 W. Mars Hill Road, Flagstaff, about 130 miles north of central Phoenix. Take Interstate 17 north to Flagstaff, merge onto Milton Road, turn left on Santa Fe Avenue, then turn right on Mars Hill Road. Daytime hours from November through February are noon-5 p.m.; from March through October, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Evening hours from September through May begin at 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays; from June through August they begin at 8 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays. $5; $4 for seniors and students; $2 for ages 5-17; free for age 4 and younger. 1-(928)-774-3358 or www.Lowell.edu. - Mary Beth Faller

#7 BOYCE THOMPSON ABORETUM
WHY IT'S WORTHY

Arizona's largest and oldest botanical garden features 323 acres of trails and gardens galore, including cactus, herbs, hummingbirds/butterflies, desert legumes and roses.

THINGS TO DO

Next Saturday offers a great reason to visit. The arboretum marks the 50th anniversary of Arizona State Parks with half-price admission. Guided tours will be given from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Check the Web site for more special events. The Main Trail is about 1.5 miles and takes 90 minutes to hike, but one could spend a morning or afternoon exploring side trails. The High Trail is a half-mile climb that levels off and parallels Queen Creek, giving a bird's-eye view of the riparian corridor and towering volcanic-rock formations. Pack a picnic; the arboretum sports a serene picnic spot with tables and charcoal grills. Leashed dogs are welcome.

WHERE TO EAT

Cafe Piedra Roja: Inexpensive, innovative Mexican cuisine with mounds of guacamole. Locals recommend the grilled chicken and mango salad.

Details: 507 W. Main St., Superior. 1-(520)-689-0194. 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays.

Buckboard City Cafe: Ample breakfasts, Western and American fare. The "Southwesty," a burger smothered with green chiles, is a lunch favorite.

Details: 1111 W. U.S. 60, Superior. 1-(520)-689-5800. 6 a.m.-2 p.m. daily except Tuesdays.

Los Hermanos Restaurant & Lounge: Valley residents drive here just to take home the tortillas, made on-site. Folks can drink beer and shoot pool, too.

Details: 835 W. U.S. 60, Superior. 1-(520)-689-5465 or loshermanosrestaurant.com. 5:30-9:30 p.m. daily.

WHERE TO STAY

Noftsger Hill Inn: Visitors planning to stay the night might consider the Noftsger Hill Inn in Globe, about 24 miles east of Superior. This 17,000-square-foot building served as Globe's elementary school from the 1940s through the 1980s. Now, former classrooms have been turned into bedrooms packed with antiques.

Details: 425 North St., Globe. 1-(928)-425-2260 or noftsgerhillinn.com.

IF YOU GO

From central Phoenix, take U.S. 60 east about 55 miles. The arboretum is near mile marker 223, a few miles west of Superior. From September through April, hours are 8 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. From May through August, hours are 6 a.m.-3 p.m. daily. Closed Christmas. $7.50; $3 for ages 5-12; free for age 4 and younger. 1-(520)-689-2811 or ag.arizona.edu/BTA. - Sonja Haller

#8 TOMBSTONE & BISBEE
WHY THEY'RE WORTHY

Though they share a region (southeastern Arizona) and a legacy (mining), Tombstone and Bisbee are on opposite ends of the tourist spectrum. Tombstone's rough-and-tumble past appeals to the outlaw in all of us. The shoot- out at OK Corral put the town on the map and continues to draw visitors, who can watch daily re-enactments of the gunfight. Tombstone also claims the world's largest rosebush, worth a look once you've spent enough time along Toughnut Street and Boot Hill. Bisbee, a quirky art town perched along cliffs, embraces its independent spirit (a popular hotel is composed of 1950s travel trailers) and vertical nature (dozens of staircases are among the fastest, and most traveled, routes in town). Enjoy the galleries, then descend into a copper mine to see how Bisbee came to be.

THINGS TO DO IN TOMBSTONE

Just about everyone stops at the OK Corral (on Allen Street between Third and Fourth streets) to stand next to the mannequins of gunfight participants. Wait long enough and you'll see someone draw an index finger and start shooting. Make sure you see the Bird Cage Theatre Museum (Sixth and Allen streets), which was a gambling hall, saloon and house of ill repute rolled into one building. Several bullet holes remain and, according to local legend, so do the spirits of a few former patrons.

THINGS TO DO IN BISBEE

Queen Mine Tour: Ride into the depths of the mine, where you'll be given a hat, slicker and lantern. A mine car takes you 1,500 feet into the man-made tunnel, where it is always 47 degrees.

Details: 1-866-432-2071 or www.queenminetour.com.

Bisbee Mining & Historical Museum: Get a better feel for mining history at this museum in a historic building. Don't miss the second-floor "Digging In" exhibit, created in conjunction with the Smithsonian Institution.

Details: 1-(520)-432-7071 or bisbeemuseum.org.

WHERE TO EAT IN TOMBSTONE

The OK Cafe: Come on, how can you resist? This cozy place open for breakfast and lunch is far enough off the tourist path that it's a great place to rub elbows with the locals.

Details: 220 E Allen St. 1-(520)-457-3980. 6 a.m.-2 p.m. daily.

Big Nose Kate's Saloon: This reportedly haunted restaurant is a former hotel where some of the gunfight participants stayed before that fateful October day in 1881. Now, it's a historic place to have a beer and a buffalo burger.

Details: 417 E. Allen St. 1-(520)-457-3107. 11 a.m.-8 p.m. daily.

WHERE TO EAT IN BISBEE

Prickly Pear Cafe: A solid selection of soups, salads and wraps makes this a popular choice with visitors as well as locals. There's also a darn fine Philly cheesesteak.

Details: 105 Main St. 1-(520)-432-7337. 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturdays, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sundays, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Tuesdays.

Cafe Roka: Take a seat inside this brick building built in 1907 and enjoy a four-course gourmet meal by owner and chef Rod Kass. Drop by Friday evenings for live jazz. Reservations are advisable.

Details: 35 Main St. 1-(520)-432-5153. 5-9 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays. Hours are adjusted seasonally, so call ahead.

WHERE TO STAY IN TOMBSTONE

Katie's Cozy Cabins: Stay within walking distance of the OK Corral and Bird Cage Theatre. Each air-conditioned cabin has a kitchen- ette, cable TV and porch.

Details: 16 W. Allen St. 1-(520)-457-3963 or www.cabinsintombstone.com.

San Jose House: You know who slept here? No, not Washington. Even better. The town's most famous gunslingers, including the Earps and Clantons. The adobe boardinghouse was built in 1879.

Details: Fifth and Fremont streets. 1-(520)-457-2392 or www.go-arizona.com/the-tomb stone-san-jose-house/.

WHERE TO STAY IN BISBEE

Copper Queen Hotel: The belle of the lodging ball remains the Copper Queen Hotel. The 48-room hotel was built in 1902 and is considered the state's oldest continuously operating hotel.

Details: 11 Howell Ave. 1-(520)-432-2216 or copperqueen.com.

Shady Dell: Go retro at this kitschy place, a collection of nine 1950s trailers, a 60-year-old bus and a 47-foot yacht.

Details: 1 Old Douglas Road. 1-(520)-432-3567 or www.theshadydell.com.

IF YOU GO

Tombstone: From central Phoenix, take Interstate 10 east past Tucson to Arizona 80 at Benson (Exit 303). Go south on Arizona 80 to Tombstone. The town is about 185 miles from central Phoenix. Tombstone Chamber of Commerce, 1-888-457-3929 or www.tombstone.org.

Bisbee: From central Phoenix, take I-10 east past Tucson to Arizona 80 at Benson (Exit 303). Go south on Arizona 80 through Tombstone to Bisbee. It's about 215 miles from central Phoenix. Bisbee Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center, 1-(520)-432-5421 or www.bis beearizona.com. - Scott Craven

#9 LAKE POWELL

WHY IT'S WORTHY

The second-largest man-made lake in America (after Lake Mead), and one of the most beautiful in the world, Lake Powell is a boater's paradise. Bordered by sandstone canyons, the lake is part of the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, which covers hundreds of miles in Arizona and Utah.

THINGS TO DO

There's boating, boating and boating. There's also camping, hiking and mountain biking. There are four marinas, two of which rent watercraft. The boating can be low-key - rent a kayak for a few hours - or upscale - go for broke and rent a luxury houseboat. Lake Powell Resort offers several lodging/activity packages that include kayaking, water skiing, boating and cultural activities, starting at about $600 for two people. A 20-foot powerboat rents for about $400 a day. Kayaks cost $25 a day, as do skis and wakeboards.

Details: 1-800-255-5561 or foreverhouseboats.com.

When you tire of boating, take a photographic tour of the haunting Antelope Canyon, led by Navajo guides.

Details: www.antelopecanyon.com.

WHERE TO EAT

The Rainbow Room: This glass-walled restaurant offers a spectacular view along with such upscale fare as sweet potato pancakes and striped bass.

Details: At Lake Powell Resort, 100 Lakeshore Drive, Page. 1-(928)-645-1124. Breakfast and lunch, 6 a.m.-2 p.m., and dinner, 5-9:30 p.m., daily year-round.

Canyon King Dinner Cruise: A 2 1/2-hour cruise with a prime-rib dinner on the lake. Tickets cost $63 and the cruise runs daily June 1-Sept. 30.

Details: 1-800-528-6154.

WHERE TO STAY

Houseboat: For the ultimate water view, rent a houseboat. Rates range from about $1,500 for three days on a boat that sleeps six up to about $12,000 for a week on a luxury craft that sleeps 12.

Details: 1-800-528-6154 or www.lakepowell.com.

Canyon Colors Bed & Breakfast: This inn near downtown Page has a pool and a grill on the patio so guests can make their own dinner. Summer rates are about $95 for two per night, $125 for three, and include a full breakfast.

Details: 1-800-536-2530 or www.canyoncolors.com.

IF YOU GO

Lake Powell is about 280 miles northeast of central Phoenix, straddling the Arizona-Utah state line. Take Interstate 17 north to Interstate 40 east, then U.S. 89 north to Page. Summer is the most popular time to visit. Services are reduced in other seasons. A vehicle pass into Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, 1-(928)-608-6200 or www.nps.gov/glca, costs $15 and is good for seven days. Campsites cost $6-$10 per night. - Mary Beth Faller

#10: ROUTE 66
WHY IT'S WORTHY

Route 66 has been described as the "world's longest small town." Millions of drivers who have followed the route since it was commissioned in 1926 have discovered the flavor of America as this two-lane road linked early highways, farm-to-market roads and city boulevards in states from the Midwest to the Pacific Ocean. Visiting a few towns along Route 66, which generally follows present-day Interstate 40 across northern Arizona, is an easy, practical alternative to traveling the entire length of "the mother road" from Chicago to Los Angeles. Here are things to do in three towns along the route.

THINGS TO DO

Holbrook was a small, sleepy village in 1927 when Route 66 came to town. Tourism flourished until gas shortages during World War II. After the war, tourism and the local economy picked up again. Not far from Holbrook is Petrified Forest National Park, which includes the Painted Desert. Visitors can see colorful vistas, huge petrified logs, petroglyphs and an Anasazi ruin.

Details: 1-(928)-524-6228 or www.nps.gov/pefo.

Near Seligman, about 60 miles west of Flagstaff, visit the Grand Canyon Caverns. Explore the natural limestone caverns 210 feet underground during a 45-minute tour.

Details: 1-(928)-422-3223 or www.gccaverns.com.

In Kingman, take a walking tour of downtown. A guidebook of 27 places to see is available at the Powerhouse Visitor Center and Mohave Museum of History and Arts. Or hike or mountain bike on nearby trails, including the Camp Beale Loop Trail.

Details: 1-866-427-7866 or www.kingmantourism.org.

WHERE TO EAT

Joe & Aggie's Cafe: A small, family-owned Mexican-American restaurant.

Details: 120 W. Hopi Drive, Holbrook. 6 a.m.-8 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays. Closed Sundays. 1-(928)-524-6540.

Snow Cap Drive-In: A fun little burger joint with lots of charm.

Details: 301 E. Historic Route 66, Seligman. 1-(928)-422-3291. Call for hours.

Mr. D'z Route 66 Diner: An old gas station converted into a soda shop.

Details: 105 E. Andy Devine Ave., Kingman. 1-(928)-718-0066. Call for hours.

WHERE TO STAY

Wigwam Motel: TripAdvisor.com called this motel, built in the 1950s, one of the world's 10 quirkiest. In September, Oprah Winfrey mentioned that during her summer cross-country trip, also known as "Oprah & Gayle's Big Adventure," the two friends (Oprah and Gayle King have been best friends for about 30 years, Oprah says) planned to stay at the Wigwam Motel. That is, until Winfrey learned that the motel's 15 wigwams could not accommodate her entire camera crew, so they made other arrangements.

Details: 811 W. Hopi Drive, Holbrook. 1-(928)-524-3048 or www.galerie-kokopelli.com/ wigwam/.

Aztec Motel: Newly refurbished rooms and a gift shop featuring, you guessed it, Route 66 collectibles.

Details: 312 E. Historic Route 66, Seligman. 1-(928)-422-3055.

Quality Inn: Features a corridor dedicated to Route 66 pictures, signs and other memorabilia.

Details: 1400 E. Andy Devine Ave., Kingman. 1-(928)-753-4747 or www.choicehotels.com.

IF YOU GO

Holbrook is 190 miles from central Phoenix. Take Interstate 17 north to Flagstaff, then Interstate 40 east to Holbrook. Stop at the historic Navajo County Court- house, 100 E. Arizona St., which houses a museum, visitor center, the Chamber of Commerce and Navajo County Historical Society. 1-(928)-524-6558 or www.ci.holbrook.az.us.

Seligman is 220 miles from central Phoenix. Take I-17 north to Flagstaff, then I-40 west to Seligman. Don't miss Angel & Vilma Delgadillo's Route 66 Gift Shop and Visitor's Center, 217 E. Historic Route 66. 1-(928)-422-3352 or www.route66giftshop.com/ seligman.html.

Kingman is 188 miles from central Phoenix. Take I-17 north to Carefree Highway (Arizona 74) and go west to U.S. 60. Go north on U.S. 60 to Wickenburg, then north on U.S. 93 to I-40. At I-40, go west to Kingman. The Powerhouse Visitor Center, 120 W. Route 66, houses the Route 66 Museum. 1-866-427-7866 or www.kingmantourism.org. -Sadie Jo Smokey