The Desert Botanical Garden contains any type of plant, cactus, and flower that grows in the desert climate. It is amazing to see how many beautiful plants exist in nature. The colors are deep and stunning, despite the harsh climate that they live in.

It seems like there can only be a few varieties of cactus in the wild. As a native Arizonan, I thought I had seen it all. This garden is full of life that seems strange even in this desert environment. Notice the cactus on the bottom of this photo slightly left from center. Its thorns are so long and thick, almost like small branches sprouting from a tree.

The trees that grow in the desert are also different than what you would expect. These blossoming trees look similar to something that would be seen on the east cost during the fall. This picture was taken just a summer was beginning. During the warm weather these amazing plants flourish and come to life in the dry air.

My favorite stop at the garden is the recently added butterfly exhibit. This is a large tent filled with amazing flowers and beautiful butterflies. This is the most stunning life that can be found in the desert.

It is hard to believe that these colors can be found in the Arizona desert. This desert is not the typical blowing sand landscape that many may think it is. It is full of life and activity throughout the hottest of days.

The experience of a swarm of butterflies floating around you is very calming. They make no noise and fill the room with colorful motion. They will even land on your arms and hands if you remain still enough.

As I was preparing to leave the park I found this stunning butterfly. Its colors were completely different than the others that I had been observing. No matter what you look at in the Arizona desert, there is always something unique to be seen. Just when you thought you had seen every shape and color of butterflies, along comes one that stands out among the rest.

The Desert Botanical Garden is full of plants and life that you might not see elsewhere. It is definitely worth the trip to this amazing exhibit. Make sure you pick a cool, sunny day to go though… it still is the desert.

Another not-to-miss piece of Phoenix is the Desert Botanical Garden which has the world's finest collection of desert plants. It has 50 acres beautiful outdoor exhibits which is the home to 139 endangered species from around the world. Its located in Papago Park in Central Phoenix.

Climb Piestewa Peak, also known as Squaw Peak is part of the Phoenix Mountains Preserve is the place from where you can get a great view of the city. The two main attractions at Piestewa Peak are the Summit Trail and the Circumference Trail.

If you adore art walls, there are more than 100 art gallaries in Scottsdale Art Walk that you can enjoy every Thursday evening, year round (except Thanksgiving) from 7-9 p.m. There are Special Event ArtWalks with live music along the streets and special themed events several times a year.

The Phoenix Zoo again is a wonderful place to visit. The Phoenix Zoo is opened most of the year from 9 a.m to 5 p.m. You can see the gila monsters, giraffes, raptors and elephants and also take a pedal boat ride in the lake, enjoy a snack or take the Safari Shuttle. During summer, one should try to get there as soon as possible, since many animals head for shade and hide during the heat of the day.The tickets are very reasonable.

If you love adventure, the Drive Apache Trail is among the best memorable drives you will ever visit. The 46 miles between Apache Junction and Roosevelt lake provides you with the most scenic part of this challenging drive. If you are a nervous driver, it might not be for you.

If you are a fashion freak, the Scottsdale Fashion Square is the best place to visit. With 250 stores and restaurants, this Square is where you can boost your shopping. Tiffany, Burberry, Gucci, Fossil, Foot Locker, Swarovski Bebe, Williams-Sonomoa, Victoria's Secret, name it you have it.

There are many more places like the Chase Field (also known as Bank One Ballpark), Boyce Thompson Arboretum,Rawhide Western Town and Steakhouse, Golf at Gold Canyon Ranch, Dinosaur Course, Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art, South Mountain Park and Montezuma Castle and Tuzigoot that are worth mentioning.

To get to the Grand Canyon, travel to Phoenix, Arizona first. It is about a 4 hour drive from Central Phoenix to the South rim. The entrance fee to the Grand Canyon is $25 per vehicle to cover maintenance costs. However if you possess a National Parks Golden Eagle pass the cost is reduced.

Importance of the site

The fact that the Grand Canyon is listed as a World Heritage site means a lot to groups and governments involved. Conservationist groups major argument was that the parks wilderness aspect was being exterminated by visitors trampling carelessly and coming too often. The excessive visitors were causing lack of biodiversity. The Grand Canyon met all four requirements of UNESCO World heritage customs thus becoming a World Heritage Site.

Site Management

The US National Park Service managed the sight since 1919 as a National Park. This was before it became a World Heritage Site. There was a site management plan made in 1977 in accordance to the Environmental Policy act of 1969.

Characteristics of the site

This is a natural World Heritage site, not cultural as humans did not make it, the environment did. The sheer spectacular view would leave you speechless. The canyon is a world heritage sight as of 1979. It is revered for historical importance as it tells us history dating back millenniums. It helps in understanding of geological activity in the last 6 million years as nothing but the elements created it.

Location

Located in the state Arizona, in America the Grand Canyon shows millenniums of history. The abyss is nearly 1500m deep.

Climate

At the Grand Canyon the weather varies, and often the north rim and the south rim are different. The temperature can rise or drop dramatically, so be prepared for anything. Also, altitude sickness can occur due to being so high up. The South rim is 7000 feet above sea level, and the North rim is 8000 feet above sea level. At the south rim, June and July are the warmest however it is also the rainiest season. The coolest time is January, reaching down to -8c Celsius. The north rim is generally colder than the south, with the rainfall being higher and the temperature cooler.