If you're visiting Africa, wouldn't you want to safari in the Serengeti? Traveling in Australia, wouldn't you snorkel the Great Barrier Reef? Then if you live or are visiting the Valley, exploring the White Tank Mountains is an Arizona wonder you must not miss.

Verrado's "I Believe in the White Tanks" event, held in September, provided Valley residents with the opportunity to explore the White Tank Mountains and 20 miles of new hiking and biking trails within Verrado.

"The White Tank Mountains is an incredible natural wonder that is literally in our own backyard," said Kristine Bender, a Verrado resident and the community\'s experiential marketing manager. Verrado is located at the foothills of the White Tank Mountains.

"Verrado's own trail system was designed to take you throughout the community and connect with trails within the White Tank Mountains."

Event activities included:

- Tours by safari vehicles on Verrado hiking trails to ancient petroglyphs

- Desert Animal Encounter Tent with Jungle Joe from the Wildlife World Zoo. Jungle Joe had a range of desert inhabitants on hand, including a nine-foot-long boa constrictor, tortoise, scorpions, hissing cockroaches and others.

- Cabela's Hiking Adventure Tent, where experts discussed hiking and desert safety.

- Heard Museum Craft Tent, craft activities for children.

- Native American Flutist