With its two billion years of geological history and more than 4 million visitors per year, the Grand Canyon is definitely one of the most popular hitchhiking spot of America. The popularity of the canyon has also taken the spotlight away of many other pleasing sites in Arizona for hitchhikers and sportsmen to visit. From those can be quoted the Slide Rock State Park and the Red Rock State Park, but also Verde Allee and the city of Flagstaff and its surroundings. Also keep in mind that under American law, it is illegal to hitchhike in national parks, without authorization.

Slide Park State Park and Red Rock State park are two natural parks located a few miles away from the city of Sedona. They represent two red rock parks overflowing with wildlife, vegetation and geology. Slide Rock State park is an ideal place for practicing sport in family. If you are willing to pay the parking bill, you will be granted access to hiking paths that follow the rim of the gorge. A rock slide is also there for kids and adults. The site is likely to be crowed in summer, and this may lead to occasional closing. On the other hand, the Red Rock State Park is less popular, offering a more relaxed and peaceful environment in the summer.

Verde Allee is another example of city that fell under the Grand Canyon’s shadow. Indeed, Arizona was nicknamed the “copper vallee” because of richness of the mineral soils. With all of its cooper mines, red soils and local vegetation the place has a very unique landscape. People with disabilities can also take a ride on the Verde Canyon Railroad

If you are passing by Arizona this summer, another cities to visit while practicing sport is Flagstaff. The city is mostly used by tourist whom stop over for the night before finishing their trip to the Grand Canyon. But Flagstaff is after all a wonderful place to stop by more than one day! It is an excellent place to stop for trips to ancient native american sites, and it is also full of sport activities in the summer. Visitors can hike, trail, bike, rock climb and even more.