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5 January 2022
Home to the famous Grand Canyon, Arizona is a fantastic destination if you’re looking for sunshine, natural beauty, and charming cities and towns. Being the sixth largest state in the United States of America, Arizona offers numerous interesting sites and places that both tourists and locals alike can visit.
Here is our list of the top must-see and must-visit destinations in Arizona.
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Grand Canyon, with its endless ridges of colorful cliff walls and deep valleys, is a sight to behold. The canyon glows orange, red, yellow, and everything in between in the late afternoon sun.
There is no doubt that the Grand Canyon is one of the most popular attractions in the country, and certainly in Arizona. It is a place that must be seen in person to be appreciated fully. The Colorado River has carved out this natural wonder over the centuries, which can be seen in the distance far below.
Among Arizona’s most spectacular settings are Sedona’s red rock mountains and buttes. Sedona is about 1.5 hours north of Phoenix, making it a popular day trip, but the town is worth much more than just a few hours of your time.
The drive into Sedona from the south, beginning at the Village of Oak Creek, is breathtaking, and the pullouts along the way allow you to enjoy the scenery.
The Hoover Dam is one of America’s greatest engineering feats. Completed in 1935, this massive structure crosses the Colorado River between Arizona and Nevada. It measures 726 feet high and 1,244 feet long.
The largest artificial lake in the United States is Lake Mead, which is held back by the Hoover Dam. 110 miles long, it holds the equivalent of two years’ flow of the Colorado River.
You can drive or walk across the dam for free, but there is a fee for parking. A tour of Hoover Dam or the Powerplant is another option. The visitor center provides information about the dam and tours, as well as basic food options.
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Enjoy a variety of water activities at Lake Havasu, including swimming, fishing, boating, and water skiing. Discover hidden coves that are accessible by kayak and admire the beauty of the eye-catching London Bridge. You may also decide to head ashore to Lake Havasu City for campgrounds, hiking trails, shops, and restaurants.
Havasu Falls on the Havasupai Indian Reservation is one of the most breathtaking sites you’ll ever see. You’ll have to plan ahead and buy a permit from the Havasupai Tribe to access the area. The number of permits is extremely limited, so be sure to plan your adventure ahead.
The sandstone buttes that dominate Monument Valley are some of the most iconic images of the Southwest. Along the border between Arizona and Utah, there are jagged rock formations, stone spires and buttes, and sand dunes.
Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, located in the heart of the valley, offers a 17-mile self-driving route along a one-way gravel road.
Guided tours of the area are also available. Even if you don’t have time to visit the park, you can still enjoy some of the views from the highway.
Whether you’re traveling on a vacation or planning to move to the Copper State, the top destinations we mentioned above, along with the state’s culture, heritage, cuisine, and people, are what make Arizona one of the most livable and interesting states in the US.
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Arizona during the Wild West era, spanning roughly from the 1860s to the 1890s, was a region marked by adventure, danger, and dramatic change. From lawless boomtowns to resilient settlers, the territory’s unique blend of cultures and challenges shaped its enduring legends. Here are ten captivating facts about what life was like in Arizona during that time: advertisement 1. Lawlessness and Notorious Towns Towns like Tombstone became infamous for their lack of law and order. The Gunfight at the O.K. Corral is just one example of the many violent confrontations between lawmen, outlaws, and vigilantes that defined the era. 2.
The saguaro cactus (Carnegiea gigantea) is one of the most iconic symbols of the American Southwest, and for good reason. These towering cacti are found primarily in the Sonoran Desert of Arizona, California, and Mexico, standing tall and proud with their arm-like branches reaching toward the sky. While most people are familiar with the saguaro cactus thanks to Western films and desert landscapes, there are several fascinating facts that many may not know about this unique plant. Here are some intriguing facts about saguaro cacti that may surprise you! advertisement 1. They Can Live Over 150 Years Saguaro cacti are
Arizona is a hiker’s paradise, whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or a casual weekend explorer, the state has a trail for every style, season, and skill level. Here are some of the best places to hike in Arizona. advertisement 1. Cathedral Rock – Sedona Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous Why It’s Amazing: This iconic red-rock formation offers one of Sedona’s most breathtaking climbs. The trail is steep, hands-on, and rewarding with unforgettable panoramic views. 2. Camelback Mountain – Phoenix Difficulty: Strenuous Why It’s Amazing: One of the most famous urban hikes in the country, Camelback delivers challenging scrambles, busy energy, and
When most people picture Arizona, they imagine cactus-filled deserts and blazing summer heat. But head north or climb in elevation, and a completely different side of the state appears: powdery snow, pine forests, cozy cabins, and ski runs with sweeping mountain views. Arizona’s snowy adventures offer a surprising winter escape for travelers who want chill instead of sizzle. advertisement Where to Find Snow in Arizona Snow in Arizona is all about elevation. The higher the climb, the better the chance of a winter wonderland. Northern and eastern Arizona are the prime regions for cold-weather fun, with pine-covered plateaus and mountain
