13 Myths About Arizona That Are Simply Not True
Arizona is often the subject of wild assumptions and far-fetched tales. Its landscape is beautiful, but contrary to what most think, it isn’t just cacti and cowboy hats. It’s a place of surprising diversity, environmentally and demographically.
What you’ll hear about Arizona is believable at first but if you dig a little deeper, you’ll discover many of these beliefs are either outdated or just plain wrong. Let’s look at some of these myths and put the record straight.
It’s Always Hot in Arizona
In places like Phoenix, summers can be so hot you may as well be walking into an oven, with temps regularly above 110°F. Arizona is not uniformly scorching, however. In fact, Flagstaff and Prescott have cool, mild summers. Flagstaff’s average high in July is only 81 degrees, a world away from the blistering temperatures of the southern desert cities, according to the National Weather Service.
Arizona Is All Dry and Flat
Arizona isn’t just a flat desert as many envision it. There is no shortage of breathtaking landscapes, from the towering San Francisco Peaks to the dramatic cliffs of Canyon de Chelly.
Everyone Rides Horses or Drives Pickups
Arizona has its cowboy roots, but modern day residents aren’t riding into town for their morning coffee. The vast majority of Arizonans drive regular cars, use public transportation, or bike. Tech hubs, fine dining and cultural events give urban centers like Phoenix and Tucson a cosmopolitan feel more than they do old-school Western.
Arizona Has No Water
It is misleading to think of Arizona as parched. Water conservation is important in the desert, but the state is dependent on sophisticated systems like the Central Arizona Project which brings water from the Colorado River. Cities like Phoenix have also put a lot of money into water recycling and efficient infrastructure to support increasing populations.
All Arizona Has to Offer Is the Grand Canyon
While Arizona’s crown jewel is the Grand Canyon, it’s not the only attraction. Sedona’s red rock formations, the quirky town of Jerome, and the Petrified Forest National Park are all found here. Each place has its own story, rich history, and geological wonders.
Rattlesnakes Are Everywhere
There are definitely rattlesnakes in Arizona, but they’re not hiding under every rock. In fact, encounters are rare, particularly if you stay on the beaten track. Simple precautions, such as wearing sturdy shoes and staying alert during hikes, are the advice of wildlife experts to avoid run ins.
It Never Rains in Arizona
Arizona has a monsoon season, from June to September. It experiences thunderstorms, heavy rainfall, and flash floods. The Arizona State Climate Office reports that the state averages 12.6 inches of rain annually, much of it during the monsoons.
Everyone Here Is Retired
Arizona’s warm weather may attract many retired folk, but it’s also home to a young, thriving population. For instance, Phoenix is one of the fastest-growing economies in the country and attracts young professionals and families alike.
Arizona Is a Big, Barren Desert
Arizona is known for its deserts, especially the Sonoran Desert, but it’s much more than endless sand and saguaro cacti. Pine forests, snowy winters, and the Grand Canyon are the hallmark of northern Arizona. For example, Flagstaff is at a 7,000 feet elevation and it snows often in winter. From alpine Tundra to lush river valleys, the state has a wide diversity of ecosystems and is a hotbed for outdoor enthusiasts.
Spicy Mexican Food Is All the State Is About
Arizona is known primarily for its Mexican cuisine, but there are diverse and delicious dishes in this state. The gourmet sushi in Scottsdale and the Navajo fry bread in the north are just a few examples.
Arizona Is Lacking in Cultural Experiences
From the celebrated arts and culture of the Heard Museum to the music and countless festivals in Tucson, Arizona boasts a rich history and culture. World-class events such as the Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show and the Tucson Gem & Mineral Show attract the attention of people all over the world, and they all happen in Arizona.
Cacti Are Nothing but Pretty Decorations
The saguaro cactus is iconic and vital to Arizona’s ecosystem. The fruits of each plant have been traditionally used for food and medicine by Native American communities, and each plant can live for over 150 years. Harming a saguaro can come with heavy fines or jail time.
Without Air Conditioning, Arizona Is Uninhabitable
Air conditioning is a lifesaver during Arizona’s hotter months, but that’s not the only way residents survive. Many homes feature thick adobe walls, shaded patios, and energy-efficient windows that keep interiors cooler. Before AC was widely utilized, there were creative ways to keep cool, including the ever-so-popular swamp coolers and strategically placed shade trees.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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