We all know the biggest draw towards Arizona is the Great Canyons. Not only is it the most favorite attraction of Arizona, it is also one of the biggest attractions of America. Carved beautifully by the Colorado River, the spectacular landscapes reveal the artistic creativity of the nature. While the canyons glow in a wide variety of colors during sunset, it is loved by hikers all over the world.
What beyond the Great Canyons? Is Great Canyons the only place worth seeing in Arizona? Arizona is so much more than just the canyon which makes it a traveler’s delight.
Read on to know about the best places to visit in Arizona.
1. The Monument Valley
Straddling between the borders of Utah and Arizona is the Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park. The spectacular landscape of the Wild West boasts of dramatic buttes, impressive sand dunes, and uneven rock formations. You can enjoy a self drive, and take a guided photography tour too.
2. Hoover Dam
One of the worlds’s best engineering marvels; the Hoover Dam is a massive structure connecting Nevada and Arizona through the Colorado River. This 1244ft long and 726 ft high structure was completed in the year 1935. The dam holds back the largest artificial lake in the United States of America- Lake Mead. The lake holds a flow equivalent to the flow of 2 years for river Colorado.
3. Glen Canyon National Recreation Area
Enjoy the stunning blue water, dramatic stone walls, and desert landscapes to the best at the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. Home to one of the largest manmade lakes in America, Glen Canyon National Recreation Area is a must visit to admire the natural beauty beyond the great Canyon.
4. Lava River Cave
Over 7 lakh years ago, the Lava River Cave came into existence by the molten rocks that erupted from a volcanic vent. The best time to go there is summers as the cave is pretty cool and you would need warm clothing to march inside. Many a time ice blocks are also found inside. It is a perfect place for an adventurous and fun outing.
5. Sedona
The small town of Sedona has abundance of beauty and red rock mountains, much to the delight of the hikers and mountain bikers. The landscape is so beautiful that special jeep tours are provided to admire its beauty. As for the people of Sedona, they are known to be highly spiritual in nature and the town is known for its high vortexes.
6. The Sliding Jail in Jerome
Located in the historic town of Jerome, the sliding jail was built in 1928 on a clay slick. Over the years it began to slide and now rests at a height of 2500ft. the sliding Jerome is still intact in spite of the general shifting, cracks and dynamite blasts.
7. Phoenix Zoo
One of the largest zoos in the United States, the Phoenix Zoo is a nonprofit and privately owned zoo and is a home to various species of animals hailing from different parts of the world. There is a special section of animals featuring the animals from Arizona. It marks a total trail of 2.5 miles of walking. One of the most famous elephant of the Zoo- Ruby draws a lot of crowds due to her ability of painting on a canvas with a brush.
8. Havasu Falls
This 100 feet high waterfall adds to the scenic beauty of Arizona. Cascading down with sparkling waters from the red sandstones in to the pearl blue pool, it is a major attraction for the tourists. The area around the waterfall is also a place of exploration. The red stones are a sight to behold.
9. Flagstaff
Located on the backdrop of the beautiful peaks of San Francisco, the small city of Flagstaff is known for its colleges and amazing mountain retreats. It is a perfect place to visit for a laid back relaxation and enjoying the hip restaurants and bars with a relatively young crowd. There are various adventure courses, guided tours and treks that can help you get up close and personal with the magnificent mountain ranges of the place.
10. Verde Valley
A stunning valley with mineral riches, the Verde Valley has a great contribution in helping the state getting its nickname as Copper state. The valley was formerly home to various copper mines. Also the place boasts of many great types of scenery with houses and small buildings nestled in the mountains making up for a magnificent view.
11. Montezuma Castle
One of Arizona’s best preserved dwellings on the cliff, Montezuma castle dates back to early 12the century and is a 5 storey structure with 20 different rooms built like an apartment complex. The place also has a museum with dwellings and artifacts so rare that mere the sight of them will amaze you.
12. Saguaro National park
Enveloping an area of 91000 acres of Sonoran desert in Tucson, the Saguaro National park protects the massive Saguaro cactus. Visit the Saguaro National park not only for the beautiful cactuses but also for prehistoric sites, and the awe- inspiring wildlife that’s rare. Other than this, the place is a delight for hikers and mountain bikers.
Just the name of Arizona lights the bulb of great canyons in the mind. But Arizona is so much more than just the amazing canyons. It is home to abundant natural beauty, historical architectures and amazing wildlife. Go to Arizona and explore the remarkable and the unexplored beauty that exists untamed.
