Arizona is a stunning state full of natural beauty and fascinating attractions. From the iconic Grand Canyon to the beautiful red rocks of Sedona, Arizona has something for everyone. Here are 12 must-visit locations that you should add to your Arizona travel plans.
1. The Grand Canyon: One of the world’s Seven Natural Wonders, the Grand Canyon is a huge gorge carved by the Colorado River over millions of years. At 277 miles (446 km) long, up to 18 miles (29 km) wide, and one mile (1.6 km) deep, it’s an incredible sight that can’t be missed! There are plenty of hiking trails as well as mule rides along the rim to get a close-up view. And don’t forget to take pictures from the best vantage points along its South Rim.
2. The Sonoran Desert: This beautiful desert in southern Arizona is filled with diverse landscapes that range from dry canyons and rugged mountains to lush oases scattered with palm trees and saguaro cacti. It is home to many endangered species including bighorn sheep, spotted owls, and desert tortoise—all perfect photographic subjects! As you explore this amazing ecosystem, you’ll also find some awesome hot springs and ancient Native American petroglyphs etched into sandstone walls too!
3. Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park: Located on the border between Utah and Arizona, this spectacular area features majestic mesas that tower above the flat desert floor like sentinels keeping watch over the land below them. You’ll also have some great opportunities to take photographs of wild horses, antelope, and other wildlife native to this region while surrounded by breathtaking views!
4. Antelope Canyon: This slot canyon near Page in northern Arizona has been carved out of sandstone by erosion caused by flash flooding over hundreds of years—creating a unique landscape filled with beautiful colors created by reflections from sunlight shining through cracks in rock walls above it! Guided tours are available so you can experience its wonders firsthand without having any trouble finding your way around inside its narrow passageways!
5. Saguaro National Park: Named after its signature tall cacti, Saguaro National Park is home to some 600 types of plants native to this part of North America—including creosote bush shrubs and wildflowers blooming in springtime—and several different kinds of wildlife such as coyotes, bobcats and Gila monsters too! Even better? The park provides some great unobstructed views at night where you can see stars twinkling in clear skies above!
6. Sedona Red Rocks: Just two hours north of Phoenix lies Sedona’s famous red rocks which were formed millions of years ago when volcanoes spewed lava onto their surroundings creating surreal red hues which now cover much of the surrounding areas! Hiking trails offer excellent views or you can enjoy a scenic drive where you can stop off at spectacular viewpoints overlooking Sedona’s impressive topography!
7. Bisbee Historic Downtown District: This former mining town located less than two hours south east from Tucson offers visitors an amazing mixture of old time charm combined with modern artistic flair found amongst its colorful buildings; galleries showcasing artworks; as well as various shops and cafes situated along Bisbee’s winding streets dotted with historic landmarks such as St Elmo Hotel built back in 1902—just one more highlight among all these incredible sights waiting for exploration here!
8. Tombstone: Step back in time when visiting Tombstone; this Wild West town was once home to Wyatt Earp during his gunslinging days back in 1879 where he famously defeated outlaws during his famous “Gunfight at OK Corral” shootout that went down in history books since then! Nowadays, however; visitors come here for its amazing reenactments narrated by live actors depicting how things used be around here during those legendary times – perfect for anyone who loves history but also wants entertainment too!
9. Cathedral Rock Trailhead: Discover nature at Cathedral Rock Trailhead located 45 minutes south from Flagstaff – an area renowned for hiking trails offering lots potential photo ops such as vistas looking out onto natural bridges leading across Oak Creek nearby or stunning sunsets reflecting on its tranquil waters too!.
10 . Kartchner Caverns State Park : Found within Kartchner Caverns State Park near Benson lies a remarkable limestone cave system stretching over 2 miles (3 km) underground containing fascinating formations such as stalactites dripping down from ceilings or ‘curtains’ resembling drapes hanging down walls plus various other unique wonders awaiting discovery here too!.
11 . Petrified Forest National Park : Take time exploring Petrified Forest National Park which covers parts both Arizona & New Mexico – an area known for petrified wood pieces eroded away over time creating colorful pieces of sandstone resembling trees now! A guided tour will help show the best spots to hunt for these treasures or you can enjoy a stroll through its landscaped trails lined with blooming wildflowers in season too!.
12. Montezuma Castle National Monument: Climb up to incredible cliff dwellings built inside limestone caves at Montezuma Castle near Camp Verde—a place believed to have been first inhabited by Sinagua Indians over 6 centuries ago and today, visitors can explore its ancient ruins as well as learn about their society through interpretive programs held on location too!. With all these unforgettable locations waiting for exploration, it’s easy to see why Arizona is considered an ideal destination for anyone looking for some great adventure and scenery! So why not take a trip here soon and discover all these amazing sites for yourself? You won’t regret it! Happy travels!