[Source: Erin Zlomek, Arizona Republic] -- The non-profit Western Trails Association made a pitch to the Surprise City Council last week for cross-promotional cooperation, donations and spots on a city-operated TV channel to make a scenic heritage trail reality. The group is in the process of filing for 501(c)(3) status with the goal of mapping out a scenic heritage trail from Surprise to Grand Canyon National Park. The group's goal is to generate state tourism grants, then market the trail in a similar fashion to historic Route 66 through Arizona. Association leader Marianne Archibald said she envisions a backroads driving trail winding north from Surprise, with suggested stops at historic Arizona landmarks and museums before landing tourists at the famous gorge. Most tourists now take Interstate 17 north from the Phoenix metro area to the Grand Canyon, bypassing many of the state's off-the-beaten-path attractions and sometimes forcing them to make day trips of what could be overnight stays that are of more benefit to towns along the way.
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