7 Southwest Highways & Fields
The Campfire Outdoors Guide
Arizona
Hot summer desert temperatures means a July Arizona vacation might not be great for outdoor recreation. So why not take advantage of the cool January temperatures? Since much of Arizona is desert, night-time temperatures dip into the 20s frequently, but winter days are quite enjoyable with highs in the upper 40s to 50s. Take a winter hike at an Arizona State or National Park to see the breathtaking scenery without the scorching heat. If you don't mind the cool temperatures, why not camp overnight? You can also ride your bike along a scenic road or trail. Fishing is generally good this time of year, for trout, bass and other species. Striper can be caught in Lake Powell, and trout fishing is great in The Colorado River, as the temperature cools, and the trout become more active. January fishing in Arizona can be quite pleasant and rewarding, on days when storms and fronts are not forecasted. Fishing tip: try submerging a waterproof light into the lake from your boat on a night with a new moon, to attract striper. The Quail and Chukar seasons are open until February. Deer hunting with a bow and arrow is legal in some regions of the state until January 31, and firearm deer season has come to an end. Pheasants can also be harvested with bow-and-arrow. If birdwatching is your thing, Arizona is a great birding destination any time of the year. In January, look for wintering raptors and cranes. Search for Sparrows, Longspurs, Thrashers and Costa's Hummingbirds in grasslands and desert lowlands in the southern part of the state. Boating is a good recreation opportunity this month, just be aware of the cold water. Skiing is possible in some parts of the state, with Flagstaff's Arizona Snowbowl being one of the most popular destinations. Other ski resorts will be listed in this month's feature article.