advertisement
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.
advertisement
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.
advertisement
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.
advertisement
Arizona is home to an incredibly diverse range of wildlife, and the rich ecosystem faces many challenges, with habitat loss being the most pressing issue, leading to the endangerment of species across the state. Arizona currently has 71 endangered and threatened species, and efforts to protect these species are more essential than ever. Habitat Loss and the Impact on Arizona’s Wildlife Severe drought and climate change are exacerbating habitat loss in Arizona. In addition, non-native diseases and invasive species are further disrupting the delicate balance of Arizona’s ecosystems. These factors have left many of the state’s native species struggling to
Mesa, Arizona, has become the latest city in the Phoenix metro area to implement a ban on feeding wild birds, joining the ranks of Phoenix and Tempe, which have already enacted similar measures. The new law, passed in 2019, aims to curb the growing problem of excessive bird droppings in public spaces and private properties, but it has stirred up mixed reactions from the public.
advertisement
Many may not be aware of this, but Arizona faces unique environmental challenges related to air quality. Despite its natural beauty, the state’s air quality frequently falls below ideal levels, raising concerns for residents and visitors alike. Several factors contribute to poor air quality in Arizona, from its geographical features to human activities. Let’s explore why the air quality tends to be bad in this desert state.
advertisement
Located in Arizona’s White Mountains, Wenima Valley is a place where nature thrives, serving as a sanctuary for hikers, birdwatchers, and history enthusiasts alike. This serene wildlife area spans nearly three miles along the Little Colorado River, offering an exceptional experience for those eager to explore the intricate beauty of the Arizona wilderness.
advertisement
