What's New
Here's where you can quickly find out what's new to the website. Whether there's a new trail or QTR added, or a update to a review. It will be listed here so you're always up-to-date on what's happening with Experience Arizona.
What's New: Hassayampa River Bridge
May 9, 2012
By Matt Marine
This is an awesome piece of Arizona history. Built in 1924 and still in use today, the Hassayampa Bridge is the only bridge in Arizona that combines through and pony truss spans.
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What's New: Arizona Fiction Writer Page
May 6, 2012
By Matt Marine
As you already know, I review nonfiction books on Arizona adventures, trails and history on my nonfiction book page. Now I've added a page on Arizona fiction writers. This page was created to highlight authors who live in Arizona and whose books are set in Arizona. If you're interested in Arizona or just a good mystery, there are some great Arizona fiction writers out there. Check them out.
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What's New: Where in Arizona Am I? Winner!!!!
May 3, 2012
By Matt Marine
We have a winner in the 3rd Where in Arizona Am I? Contest. Brian Sullins correctly guessed that I was at Sheep's Bridge. This is a wonderful place north of New River that is accessible by high-clearance 2WD vehicles. I hope to have a full adventure uploaded to the website soon. For all of you that played along, thanks! I hope you had fun. A new contest will begin shortly. Good luck.
for more info ...
What's New: Bathtub Tank 4WD Adventure Added
April 28, 2012
By Matt Marine
This is an easy 4WD (actually during the time I ran it, I did not need 4WD at all due to the recent grading) that ultimately leads to a beautiful dam and tank. The trail zigzags it's way through some very scenic canyons, then back along the tops of the ridges between them. There are some nice remote camping sites along Hog and Adobe Canyons (mostly Hog). The grasslands and views along the ridges are wonderful. Although this is a long trail, I was able to do the entire trip in about 8 hours (from Tucson). This was due to the road being recently graded and fairly smooth. I kept up a relatively fast speed (no 4WD LO required). If the road conditions change (it becomes rougher), then a day trip out to Bathtub Tank may not be feasible.
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What's New: Hassayampa 4WD Adventure Added
March 28, 2012
By Matt Marine
At certain times of the year, this trail can be about as much fun as you can have with 4 wheels. It's a short, easy trail through a sandy wash that starts out wide, then gets very narrow at the end.
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What's New: 50-Year Hiking Adventure Added
March 24, 2012
By Matt Marine
This can be a nice trail that leads from Catalina State Park to The Chutes.
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What's New: Peppersauce Cave Adventure Added
March 4, 2012
By Matt Marine
Want a cool, easy cave to explore? Then Peppersauce Cave may be for you. It's easy enough that you don't need to be a professional. This little cave near Oracle is a great place to spend an afternoon adventure.
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What's New: Cactus Cymry Book Review and Author Interview?
February 25, 2012
By Matt Marine
I've reviewed an Arizona history book called Cactus Cymry. It's a great short read about Welsh immigrants and how they influenced southern Arizona history. I also had a chance to interview the book's author, Jude Johnson. For anyone interested in southern Arizona history, I'd recommend a look.
Cactus Cymry Book Review
Interview with Jude Johnson
What's New: Where in Arizona Am I?
February 10, 2012
By Matt Marine
It's time for another Where in Arizona am I? contest. It's all about knowing your way around the hiking, biking and four-wheel drive trails in Arizona. This contest is open to all Experience Arizona members (subscription is free), so if you want to win some cool stuff, make sure you visit the Experience Arizona: Where in Arizona am I? page.
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What's New: 50-Year Mountain Biking Trail Added
February 5, 2012
By Matt Marine
I've added a new mountain biking adventure along the 50-year trail. This is fun, but rocky trail that links Catalina State Park and the popular Chutes Trail. The north end of the trail is fast, smooth and fun. The lower portion of the trail is rocky, but not too technical, and fun to ride down (from north to south). Riding up this can be challenging.
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What's New: Arizona Backcountry Adventures Book Review
February 4, 2012
By Matt Marine
If you could only buy one 4WD adventure book for Arizona, I would have to recommend the Backcountry Adventures: Arizona. It is the best 4WD adventure book out there. It not only has detailed information on hundred of trails, but history and interesting facts about Arizona too.
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What's New: Robbers Roost Hike Adventure Added
January 29, 2012
By Matt Marine
I've added a new hiking adventure to the website: Robbers Roost. This is a short, but beautiful hike to a unique place near Sedona. If you want to get away from it all and have a great time, this is a fun place to go. Not for those who are scared of heights though.
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What's New: New Charouleau Gap Video and Pictures
January 29, 2012
By Matt Marine
I've added an old video from a trip to Charouleau's Gap when we did in back in 2001. Wow, how the trail has changed (gotten easier). You can see this video at here. I've also added to new pictures to the gallery. The first is what Coronado Camp (a cabin along Charouleau's Gap trail) looked like in the late 1980s and what it looks like now (from a trip in late 2011). It's a real shame.
1980s picture
2011 picture
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What's New: Schnebly Hill Road 4WD Adventure
January 27, 2012
By Matt Marine
I've just added a new 4WD adventure. Well, it's not really 4WD, but it is in Sedona. This popular trail offers lots of gorgeous views. It is a very bumpy road which can be done by most vehicles.
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What's New: Offroad Passport Link
January 16, 2012
By Matt Marine
I just found an awesome offroad adventure website and forum that everyone should take a look at. They've got some great information, lots of runs planned and photos galore!
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What's New: T.C. Schnebly
January 16, 2012
By Matt Marine
Ever wonder how Sedona got its name? We have a few people that we owe our thanks that this town isn't called Schnebly! Click link below to find out more.
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What's New: Total Wreck 4WD Adventure Added
January 13, 2012
By Matt Marine
Total Wreck is a super fun, but easy 4WD trail. lt starts by Empire Ranch near Sonoita and the first section takes you through the vast range grasslands of the area. This is a very beautiful section of Arizona. The trail follows a gasline road and there are tons of short (50-100 ft) climbs and descents. Some of these are very steep and can be a little scary for newbies. These are a blast. Many of these also have bypasses that are less steep.
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What's New: Interview with Rich Klein, President of W.E.ROCK USA
January 11, 2012
By Matt Marine
I've started a new Interview section on Experience Arizona. In an attempt to help understand, promote and distribute news regarding outdoor activities in the state of Arizona, I will be conducting interviews with some important players in outdoor activities in Arizona. My first interview was with Big Rich Klein, the President of W.E. ROCK USA. W.E. ROCK is heading up the Dirt Riot race coming to Tucson this Saturday.
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What's New: Oracle Ridge 4WD Adventure
December 28, 2011
By Matt Marine
Oracle Ridge is a really easy 4WD trail that may be interesting for anyone just learning the sport. The trail doesn't have any obstacles and the only reason it is 4WD is a few of the hills are a little steep for 2WD. This is also a neat place to explore. There are tons of other trails in the area and you can visit the Campo Bonito mess hall.
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What's New: Arizona Rails, Ruins and Trails Blog
December 26, 2011
By Matt Marine
Here's a new blog about tracking down Arizona's railroad lines near Flagstaff. I've put a new link for this blog on my Ghost Towns page. If you're interested, check it out.
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What's New: Hot Loop Trail in Sedona
December 24, 2011
By Matt Marine
This is a short, easy (but rough) trail along the Mogollon Rim near Sedona. The best part of this trail are the views down into the valley and the camping spots along the rim. Just wonderful.
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What's New: Gleeson
December 16, 2011
By Matt Marine
Gleeson is a ghost town near Tombstone thats car-accessible! Drive the 15 miles east of Tombstone to go back 100 years.
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What's New: First Sponsor
December 14, 2011
By Matt Marine
Please visit our sponsor page to check out our first sponsor: Desert Winds Chiropractic. If you're in the Tucson area and need a chiropractor, I highly recommend Desert Winds Chiropractic!
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What's New: Rattlesnake Crafts QTR
December 10, 2011
By Matt Marine
Want a unique place to go while visiting Tombstone? Try Rattlesnake Crafts. There's much more than just rattlesnake stuff there!
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What's New: December Newsletter
December 6, 2011
By Matt Marine
I've added the December Online Newsletter to the website. Take a look at what's coming soon!
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What's New: Honanki Hiking Adventure
December 4, 2011
By Matt Marine
This is a wonderful short hike to a bunch of Indian cliff dwellings that's more about history than the hike. These are some of the best preserved cliff dwellings I've seen in a while and the rock art is outstanding.
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What's New: Sunflower Mine 4WD Adventure
November 27, 2011
By Matt Marine
Sunflower Mine is one of my favorite 4WD trails in Arizona. It is difficult and challenging without being extreme. There's also lots to see out there. Beautiful scenery, a cool old mine and processing plant and a bunch of other ruins and mines. If you've got the guts, this trail shouldn't be missed!.
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What's New: Smittybilt XRC Rockslider Review
November 24, 2011
By Matt Marine
If you're looking for a reasonably priced, reasonably solid pair of rock sliders that should get all but the hardest core wheelers through, then the Smittybilt XRC Rock Sliders may be for you. I review them at the following link.
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What's New: Help for people with MCS and Fibromyalgia
November 17, 2011
By Matt Marine
I recently attended a Dynamic Neural Retraining System workshop in Santa Fe, New Mexico with Annie Hopper. THIS is the "cure" for MCS, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, electrical sensitivity and other limbic system impairments. I am now on day 7 of the six month program and I am already seeing significant improvements. If you know of someone who suffers from these disorders, you need to go to one of these seminars. This really works!
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What's New: Arizona Ghost Towns
November 9, 2011
By Matt Marine
I've added a new section to the Experience Arizona website: Arizona Ghost Towns! All the Experience Arizona adventures that access ghost towns, mines, mining ruins, cabins or foundations are compiled in one list. I rate each for it's "ghost town-ishness" and give a brief description of what can be found at each. The ghost town page can be accessed by clicking the ghost town logo on the right sidebar of each main page. If you're interested in Arizona history, check out this new section.
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What's New: Schnebly Hill Lookout QTR
November 8, 2011
By Matt Marine
If you’ve been through Oak Creek Canyon and can’t get enough of the beautiful views of the rim and into Sedona, the Schnebly Hill Lookout may be for you! This lookout features more of the famous Sedona red rock than the Oak Creek Canyon lookouts, but the road is rough and bumpy. Four-wheel drive not needed, but I don’t think I’d be taking my nice new car on this drive.
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What's New: Soldiers Pass 4WD
November 7, 2011
By Matt Marine
This is a fun, moderately challenging 4WD trail in the heart of Sedona - one of the most beautiful places in the world. Although the trail is short, there's lots to see: Devil's Kitchen (a large sinkhole) and the Seven Sacred Pools. If you have limited time in Sedona and want to get a taste of four-wheeling adventure, this trail may be for you!
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What's New: Wildcat Trail
November 5, 2011
By Matt Marine
Two new adventure were added today: Wildcat bike and 4WD adventure. Wildcat Trail is an easy high-clearance 2WD Jeep and bike trail that runs parallel to the power lines that connect Oracle to Campo Bonito. This may be what you're looking for to teach your kids some mountain biking skills without worrying about narrow singletrack. It also provides access to Campo Bonito, Francis Mountain and Oracle Ridge trails.
more (biking)...
What's New: Arizona History - Campo Bonito
November 5, 2011
By Matt Marine
Campo Bonito is the mining group in which William "Buffalo Bill" Cody invested in the early 1900s near Oracle, Arizona. Cody mined gold, silver, quartz and tungsten in the area. Oracle and Campo Bonito are rich with Buffalo Bill history.
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What's New: November 2011 Online Magazine
November 2, 2011
By Matt Marine
I've added the November Experience Arizona Online Magazine to the website. It has previews of a 4WD trail in Sedona, a QTR to a wonderful lookout and information on Geocaching. This is a great place to see what's coming in November!
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What's New: American Flag QTR
October 24, 2011
By Matt Marine
A quick place for a visit on the way up the "backside" of Mt. Lemmon is American Flag. Although access is limited by private property. It's a neat place to stop and have a look.
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What's New: Where in Arizona Am I Winner!
October 22, 2011
By Matt Marine
And we have a winner! Steve from Tucson correctly guessed that I was on the Baby Jesus Trail (at Wooden Trough Spring). It's a great hike to an unexpected "pool" of goldfish. Congrat's to Steve. If you didn't win, that's okay. We'll do it again shortly.
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What's New: Francis Mountain 4WD Adventure
October 18, 2011
By Matt Marine
This is a super short, but fun 4WD trail to an interesting place with great views of the surrounding area. The trail is washed out and can be difficult for stock, low-clearance 4WD vehicles. My Rubicon handled it without any assistance from my lockers, careful wheel placement is required portions of the trail.
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What's New: Where in Arizona am I?
October 16, 2011
By Matt Marine
I am introducing a new contest to Experience Arizona! It's called, Where in Arizona am I? It's all about knowing your way around the hiking, biking and four-wheel drive trails in Arizona. This contest is open to all Experience Arizona members (subscription is free), so if you want to win some cool stuff, make sure you visit the new Experience Arizona: Where in Arizona am I? page.
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What's New: Dragoon Mountains Book Review
October 11, 2011
By Matt Marine
I review the book Mines, Camps, Ranches and Characters of the Dragoon Mountains, by Lynn R. Baily. This book is a great reference for anyone interested in the history, people and places of the Dragoon Mountains. See complete review for more information.
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What's New: Fossil Creek Hiking Adventure
October 11, 2011
By Matt Marine
This is one of the most beautiful places I've been to in Arizona. Discovering Fossil Creek was like finding a surprise in your box of cereal—an emerald surprise. Emerald green and aqua blue water cascading over multiple falls and deep, clear pools of water are beautiful anywhere in the world, but in Arizona, known for its dry desert, this gem is especially sweet.
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What's New: Experience Arizona October, 2011 Online Magazine
October 5, 2011
By Matt Marine
I've uploaded the October Online Magazine. It has previews of a hike to one of the most beautiful places in Arizona, a QTR to the oldest standing school house in Arizona and a book about the Dragoon Mountains.
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What's New: Arizona History - Strawberry School House
October 4, 2011
By Matt Marine
I've added a historical place to the About Arizona page: the Strawberry School House. This is the oldest standing school in Arizona and is a great place to take a few moments to walk back into history.
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What's New: National Geographic Topo Review
October 2, 2011
By Matt Marine
I've reviewed National Geographic State Series Topo software. Find out why I think it's the best topo software out there and I use it for Experience Arizona.
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What's New: Windy Point QTR Added
September 27, 2011
By Matt Marine
I've added a new QTR: Windy Point. This is a great spot to visit on your way up Mt. Lemmon, maybe do a little hike, take some pictures or do some rock climbing. If this is your first time up Mt. Lemmon, don't pass this by.
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What's New: China Camp 4WD Adventure Added
September 22, 2011
By Matt Marine
I've added a great new 4WD adventure in the Dragoon Mountains (southeast Arizona) called China Camp. The Dragoon Mountains are a unique and beautiful place to explore in Arizona. You don't want to miss this adventure!
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What's New: All Offroad Az Link
September 19, 2011
By Matt Marine
A new link has been added to the home page and links page: All Offroad Az. This is a forum based site that has a bunch of friendly and knowledgeable folks. They are sponsoring an event called FlorenceFest 2011 on November 3rd - 6th. Check out the website and register for their forum. You'll be glad you did!
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What's New: Thudbuster Review
September 18, 2011
By Matt Marine
A review of a unique suspension seat post. by Cane Creek for your hardtail. Click on the link below for the review..
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What's New: September Online Magazine
September 16, 2011
By Matt Marine
The September 2011 issue of the Experience Arizona Online has been uploaded to the website. It contains previews of an adventure to an old mining camp in the Dragoon Mountains, a "windy" QTR and details of the Experience Arizona Interactive Map.
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What's New: Hiking Adventure -Sweetwater Preserve
September, 2011
By Matt Marine
If you want a quick hike that's close to Tucson, then the Sweetwater Preserve may be what you're looking for. The trail system is well-marked and easily accessible. It's not going to replace going up to the mountains for a day long hike, but if you're looking to burn some calories after work (and not inside a gym), then Sweetwater is worth looking into.
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What's New: Bike Adventure: Sweetwater Preserve
August 31, 2011
By Matt Marine
Here's a great trail system for mountain bikers in Tucson. It's got a bunch of different trails from beginner to intermediate singletrack. If you haven't been on Sweetwater, get over there and see what's you're missing.
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What's New: Gear Review - Rugged Ridge XHD Front Bumper
August 28, 2011
By Matt Marine
I've uploaded a review (and some hints on how to install) on the Rugged Ridge XHD front Bumper. So far, it's been a great bumper and I would have no problem recommended it, except for one thing ...
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What's New: Marshall Gulch QTR
August 25, 2011
By Matt Marine
Want to go to a nice place for a short hike and a picnic on Mt. Lemmon? One area that's nice is Marshall Gulch. This area is a great retreat away from the summer heat.
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What's New: Tucson Velo
August 22, 2011
By Matt Marine
Although Experience Arizona doesn't deal with road biking, I know that there are a bunch of bikers out there that do both road and mountain biking. A great resource for road biking in Tucson is Tucson Velo. It has all the information you're going to need for road biking in Tucson. Check it out.
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What's New: Arizona History - George N. Bascom
August 18, 2011
By Matt Marine
Second lieutenant George N. Bascom is notorious in Arizona lore as the instigator of the "Bascom Affair" which started more than a decade of bloody warfare between the native Indians and white settlers
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What's New: Arizona Trail Horse Lake
August 11, 2011
By Matt Marine
This is one of the easiest portions of the Arizona Trail that I've been on. Although the elevations is high (about 7100 feet), it is very flat. A major portion of the trail is on two track which most children will find simple.
Mountain bike adventure ...
Hiking adventure ...
What's New: August Online Magazine
August 8, 2011
By Matt Marine
The August 2011 issue of the Experience Arizona Online has been uploaded to the website. It contains previews of an adventure along the Arizona Trail near Flagstaff and a QTR from a historic ranch in southern Arizona.
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New QTR: Sedona's Red Rock Park
August 3, 2011
By Matt Marine
Another great place to explore in Sedona is the Red Rock Crossing State Park. It's got just about everything Sedona's famous for to explore: beautiful red rock, water, interesting art, history and nature. If you're in Sedona, this is a great place to stop for an afternoon.
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Experience Arizona is Social!
July 30, 2011
By Matt Marine
I've added Facebook "Like" and "Send" buttons to the left sidebar of each page. If you have a Facebook account, you can "Like" the Experience Arizona website and easily share the site with your friends (through Facebook or regular email). Please, if you have a Facebook account and enjoy the site, use the Like button. It's fast, painless and much appreciated!
And if you're into Twitter, I've added a Tweet button. You can Tweet any webpage you like to your Twitter friends with just one click.
You can find these buttons under the Find Us on Facebook and YouTube links.
Thanks!
Online Coronado National Forest Maps and New Rain Gauge Link
July 23, 2011
By Matt Marine
I've added a couple of great new resources. First is the Rainlog link I've added to the Weather page. This website surveys people around Arizona who have set up their own rain gauges to calculate rainfall amounts.
The second is the Coronado National Forest motor vehicle use maps link added to the Az Map page. Just click on the district of interest and you have a map of the forest roads in the area.
Both of these are great resources!
Temporal Gulch 4WD Adventure Added
July 18, 2011
By Matt Marine
I've added a great 4WD adventure in southeastern Arizona called Temporal Gulch. It's down near Patagonia and takes you up to a series of natural pools at Walker Basin. There's also an interesting side trip on FR72A that you don't want to miss.
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Sitemap Added
July 17, 2011
By Matt Marine
I've added a handy sitemap to the website. It can be accessed through the bottom navigation bar. You can use this to quickly find whatever you're looking for.
The majestic saguaro
July 16, 2011
By Matt Marine
I love the saguaro cactus. It's the icon of the southwest and much more. Go to the About Arizona page and have a look at a truly unique cactus.
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Experience Arizona Channel on Youtube!
July 15, 2011
By Matt Marine
I've created an Experience Arizona Channel on Youtube. This channel has all the Experience Arizona videos in one place.
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Rain Gauges added to Weather Page
July 13, 2011
By Matt Marine
Want to see how much rain your favorite trail received during the latest storm? It's easy to do (as long as your favorite trail resides in Pima or Maricopa counties). Go to the weather page and see how easy it is.
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New QTR
July 11, 2011
By Matt Marine
We went for a quick trip to the Sutherland Wash to see if we could catch the wash running after a nice storm. Didn't get to see that, but the pups had a great time anyway.
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Subscribe and Contact Forms Fixed
July 8, 2011
By Matt Marine
I found a bug in the Subscribe and Contact forms, so if you've tried to do these earlier, I apologize. Please try again, I really do want to hear from you!
Official Deployment of the Experience Arizona Website!
July 4, 2011
By Matt Marine
After more than a year's worth of hard work, it's ready to go (which doesn't include the 25+ years exploring Arizona :-). I'm so excited. I've got one hundred kick-butt adventures in Arizona detailed, mapped and photographed and ready to go. Plus a bunch of other cool stuff that I've always wanted in other websites I've been to.
I hope everyone enjoys this website as much as I have putting it together. Now, off to find another adventure ...