Arizona is home to 20 Native American Indian nations and communities, all of which offer some interest to visitors. The largest reservation, in the northeast of the state, belongs to the Navajo and includes many sights of interest, while inside the Navajo land is the Hopi Nation. The Hopi Indians are one of the most recognized indigenous U.S. tribes, famous for their long tradition of art, crafts and pottery. Particular sites of interest include the Hopi Cultural Center, on the Second Mesa, and the village of Oraibi, in Navajo County, the longest continuously inhabited settlement within the U.S. Another option is to visit the White Mountain Apache Tribe lands, 200 miles northeast of Phoenix, where the tribes people have become known for various touristic enterprises, including a ski resort and casino.
Arizona is blessed with an abundance of impressive natural and manmade landmarks, catering to any level of activity. The Grand Canyon provides opportunities for hiking, which can be done as part of an organized group, or alone. Alternatively it is possible to visit one of the many lodges along the hiking trails to see if it is possible to join a group. A particularly challenging day hike, only suitable for seasoned hikers, is the "rim to rim" route. Alternatively, the Hoover Dam, once one of the largest concrete constructions ever built, is still today an impressive structure that attracts more than a million visitors annually. Sitting on the border between Arizona and Nevada, the dam is an example of a Depression-era construction project. Lake Mead, a byproduct of the dam's construction, also offers a wide range of water recreation activities.
Dancing is often seen as a prohibitive pastime for singles, especially because it requires a partner. But many dance styles emphasize socializing and are taught in such a way that single dancers are welcomed. An example is Ceroc, a form of modern jive that is fun, interactive and offers a full routine by the end of the first session. The lessons teach participants how to continually swap partners, therefore promoting interaction and not requiring a partner to start. Alternatively, there is an abundance of swing and Lindy Hop dancing lessons offered in Arizona that use the same partner-swapping format.
Joining a volunteering project offers the opportunity to do something worthwhile while meeting people with shared interests. A wide range of charitable and organizational volunteering opportunities are available in Arizona, from one-day projects to ongoing community development projects. Whether you are interested in homeless outreach work or community gardening, there is a wealth of options available. Websites such as volunteermatch.org provide a wide range of opportunities tailored to individual locations and availability. Alternatively, specific government bodies, such as the Arizona State Parks, take volunteers directly.
