University of Arizona - Desert Yearbook (Tucson, AZ)

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Arizona is a place of many colors and contrasts, most of them far surpassing the state ' s stereo typical image of being a wild-western desert. The desert itself displays its color in the form of blossoming cacti, the jagged maroon mountains and water-colored sun- sets. Flashing shades of orange, red and purple, the Arizona desert has a flavor of its own. Even as the temperatures climb to more than 1 1 degrees in the latter days of summer, the desert shows off violent rainstorms that often flood the riverbeds and rejuvinate the vegetation. Although U of A is nestled in the southeastern desert and most stu- dents are familiar with the habitat, there are many more facets of the state. Over thousands of years the Colorado River, which boarders the western side of the state, cut awesome gorges and canyons into the rocky earth. Waterfalls and river cur- rents run through the canyons, making them favorite camping and picnic sites for week- ends and vacations. The greatest of the Colorado ' s artwork is the Grand Canyon which runs over a mile deep. During the summer the canyon proudly displays the magnificent shapes and sculptures that the Colorado so painstakingly carved. However, as the winter settles in the north the canyon wears a blanket of snow that shields its colorful formations. As compensation, winter allows the canyon to show off its quieter, more tranquil side, as snow covered silhouettes protrude from the canyon walls. Arizona seems to offer something to everyone. The White Mountains are covered with pine and spruce trees where o there is seem ingly endless hunting, hiking and skiing to be enjoyed. Oak Creek Canyon and Sedona, red-rock areas, display scenery and atmosphere that has been photo- graphed and enjoyed by many travellers who catch them- ,,, selves in awe of the sunset-colored stone. There are lakes and resevoirs for fishing, water skiing and boating; sand dunes for motorcyclists; and ghost .- ; towns nestled in the central Arizona hills to capture any explorer ' s curiousity. While Arizona ' s population is growing quickly, the state still carries parts of its old western flavor. And rightfully so, because the multi-faceted terrain of Arizona appeals to the outdoorsman in everyone.

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