Arizona

Arizona is a large state but about 3/4 of the population is concentrated either in the Phoenix Metro area or in the Tucson Metro area. The lower areas of the state are noted for their very hot and dry summers and warm winters. The higher areas of the state are noted for their hot summers and cold winters. The higher areas do see snow in the winter while the lower areas often call winter "the rainy season." The eastern and northern mountains also see a rainy season (with lots of lightning) in July and August. The dividing line between high and low is the Mogollon Rim, the southern edge of the Colorado Plateau, an area of ancient geology that was uplifted as a block some 60-65 million years ago. About half the state is mountain, about one-quarter is forested (the largest stand of Ponderosa pines on Earth is in Arizona).

Several years ago I had to spend six weeks in Phoenix on a work assignment. I was there from Memorial Day weekend to mid-July. On only one day did the temperature top out below 100°F (it stopped at 99°F that day). The highest I saw was 116°F, and I saw that several times.

The Navajo Reservation in northeastern Arizona is the largest Native American reservation in the 48 contiguous states. It completely encompasses the Hopi Reservation in its center. There are also 12 reservations within the Phoenix Metro area. Arizona is also home to the Grand Canyon, the Barringer Meteor Crater, the Petrified Forest and Saguaro National Park.