advertisement
6 February 2023
Arizona is home to a diverse range of landscapes and, surprisingly, to some, rich agricultural valleys. With its unique climates and fertile soils, the state boasts some incredible farms that not only produce high-quality, organic crops but also offer visitors an opportunity to explore and enjoy the agricultural side of Arizona. Whether you’re a foodie looking for fresh farm-to-table experiences or simply a nature lover, these farms are well worth a visit.
Located in the White Mountains, the Lavender Farm in Pinetop-Lakeside is a peaceful escape offering visitors a chance to stroll through acres of beautiful lavender fields. The farm grows several types of lavender, and during the summer, it hosts lavender festivals, where you can harvest your own lavender, shop for handmade products, and learn about the lavender distilling process. The farm’s scenic location makes it perfect for a day trip to enjoy the stunning natural surroundings.
What to Expect:
If you’re in the mood for fresh, crisp apples, head over to the Apple Farm in Willcox, one of Arizona’s hidden gems located in the southeastern part of the state. The farm features over 30 varieties of apples, and during the fall harvest season, you can pick your own apples straight from the tree. The farm also hosts an annual Apple Festival, with live music, food vendors, and local artisans offering delicious apple-based treats.
What to Expect:
One of Arizona’s most iconic farms, Schnepf Farms in Queen Creek, is the perfect family-friendly destination for an entire day of farm fun. This 300-acre working farm offers everything from pick-your-own produce to amusement-style rides. Schnepf Farms is famous for its seasonal festivals, such as the Peach Festival in summer, and the Pumpkin & Chili Party in the fall. You can also visit their petting zoo, take a hayride, and shop for fresh, locally-grown produce.
What to Expect:
Bumble Bee Ranch is one of Arizona’s best-kept secrets, offering visitors a chance to experience life on a working farm while also enjoying an educational experience about sustainable farming. Located near Black Canyon City, the farm grows a variety of fruits and vegetables, with a focus on sustainability and conservation. Bumble Bee Ranch also offers “Farm Tours,” where you can explore the farm, learn about organic farming practices, and even engage in hands-on activities like planting or harvesting.
What to Expect:
For an unforgettable farm experience in the heart of Scottsdale, Tanaka Farms is the place to visit. The farm is known for its beautiful rows of fresh produce and flowers, and it offers a variety of agritourism activities. One of the highlights is their “Harvest Tour,” where guests can hop on a tractor-pulled wagon, tour the farm, and sample a variety of seasonal fruits and vegetables directly from the field. This is a great way to learn about local farming practices while enjoying delicious, freshly-picked produce.
What to Expect:
Little Red Tractor Farm in Tucson is perfect for families who want to experience a more interactive farm visit. The farm offers educational tours where children (and adults) can learn about different farm animals, participate in feeding sessions, and explore the farm’s organic gardens. The farm is also known for hosting farm camps, where kids can spend an entire week learning about farming, gardening, and caring for animals.
What to Expect:
If you’re an eco-tourist or looking for a more sustainable farm experience, Aravaipa Farms in Winkelman is a must-visit. Specializing in organic produce and eco-friendly practices, the farm grows everything from tomatoes and peppers to herbs and melons. Aravaipa Farms also has a focus on community-supported agriculture (CSA), offering fresh organic produce for local families. Visitors can tour the farm, engage in workshops, or enjoy fresh meals made from their harvest.
What to Expect:
advertisement
A towering wall of dust can roll across central Arizona on a monsoon evening, swallowing skylines, grounding flights, and cutting visibility to near zero across parts of the Phoenix metro. Spectacular? Absolutely. Routine? In the Southwest, yes. These dramatic dust storms—called haboobs—are a hallmark of Arizona’s summer monsoon. Here is what they are, how they form, and how to stay safe when one arrives. advertisement What Is a Haboob? A haboob is a fast-moving dust storm generated by thunderstorm outflow winds. As a storm cell collapses or surges forward, dense, cool air rushes toward the ground and spreads outward like
Coyotes are as much a part of Arizona’s landscape as saguaros and sunsets. Known for their adaptability and eerie night calls, these wild canines have become one of the state’s most fascinating and misunderstood residents. Whether spotted trotting across desert trails or heard howling in suburban neighborhoods, coyotes embody the untamed spirit of the Southwest. advertisement Masters of Adaptation Arizona’s diverse terrain — from the Sonoran Desert to pine-covered plateaus — offers coyotes a variety of habitats. Few animals are as flexible in their survival strategies. Coyotes thrive in deserts, forests, grasslands, and even urban environments like Phoenix and Tucson.
Arizona might be known for its sun-soaked deserts and dramatic red rock formations, but the Grand Canyon State also offers incredible water adventures for locals and visitors alike. From lazy tubing down rivers to kayaking through canyons, there’s no shortage of aquatic fun to cool off under the Arizona sun. advertisement 1. Tubing the Salt River No Arizona summer is complete without a float down the Salt River in Mesa. This laid-back, family-friendly activity lets you relax as you drift through stunning desert scenery while spotting wild horses along the banks. Bring sunscreen, water shoes, and a waterproof speaker for
The Salt River wild horses are one of Arizona’s most beloved symbols of freedom, beauty, and resilience. These majestic animals roam the lower Salt River in the Tonto National Forest, an area synonymous with the wild, untamed spirit of the American West. But once again, their very existence is under threat. advertisement A Fight for Survival In 2015, when the Salt River wild horses faced possible removal, Arizonans came together in a historic show of unity. The outpouring of public support led to the passage of the Salt River Horse Act in 2016, protecting the herd from unnecessary removal and
