Known as the Copper State of the US, this state incorporates one of the mythical beauty created by mother earth, The Grand Canyon. Yes, we are talking about none other than the state of Arizona.
With vast deserts, enormous canyons, and breathtaking views of nature, Arizona has always been the top tourist attraction in the USA. The state is also nicknamed ‘The Grand Canyon State’.
If you have heard that Arizona is almost a desert and so it's hot out there! You will be forced to revise your opinion here. There are also options for skiing! Hiking, camping, rafting, and skiing are among the top other activities you can carry out here in this beautiful land.
So without wasting any more time let's scan through the curated blog just for your interest in the best places to visit in Arizona. This article will give you all the insights about the places and why you should go there.
List of Places That You Should Try Not To Miss In Arizona!
Having a view of these spectacular sights, you will have all your desires fulfilled by the beauty of nature. If you are in Arizona, these are the places that you should try to take advantage of.
Grand Canyon National Park:
Lying around under your foot is the geological History of the Earth from millions of years carved in layers of Redstone. This park is a UNESCO world heritage site that preserves one of the largest canyons on the Earth. The Grand Canyon National Park has spectacular geological formations that can be visible layer by layer through your naked eye.
The parks offer various viewpoints including Mather Point, Yavapai Observation Station, and architect Mary Colter’s Lookout Studio, from where the real beauty of the canyon can be seen. For sunrise, sunset, and a wide-beautiful view of the Colorado River, you can get down to Lipan Point.
For tourists, this comes among the top places to visit Arizona, with activities like trekking, hiking, camping, and river rafting being some of the most popular things to do in the Grand Canyon National Park. If you wish you can also drive along or cycle through the scenic Hermit Road in the south rim of the park. If you visit the park during the spring or the fall, you will have better maneuverability as there are fewer crowds and the weather is pleasant.
Sedona Desert Town
Your wish to experience a desert town with much more than just desert can be experienced. Sedona is a small town covered in red-rock buttes, steep canyon walls, and pine forests located in the interior chaparral, semi-desert grassland, and conifer woodland biomes of northern Arizona. The town has a spectacular view of the red-rock formations, canyon walls, and evergreen forests.
If you wish to get a better view of the beauty in Sedona, get to the old town’s outskirts, where numerous trails lead to the best view of Red Rock State Park, which offers bird-watching, hiking, and picnicking spots. Sedona is also famous for its one and only McDonald's with a turquoise arch.
The weather here is mild year-long so you can get there anytime you wish and you can indulge in activities like spiritual pursuits to the hundreds of hiking and mountain biking trails and many more.
Antelope Canyon
Located in the Navajoland, east of Lechee, Arizona, the Antelope Canyon is a formation caused by thousands of years of wear and tear in the red rocks, carving a spectacular sight that catches all eyes. The canyon has been divided into two parts- upper canyon and lower canyon. Most of the visitors come here only to the upper canyon as the lower canyon is miles away and requires descent and ascent via a ladder.
The beauty and potency of nature are clearly visible on the walls of the canyon in a flowing effect. This place is heavily flooded with visitors looking for a perfect picture. The early mornings and evenings can provide some of the most phenomenal photos you have ever clicked.
However, the biggest threat here is that water can come knocking without any notice, even if there is no rainfall in the area. Miles away rainfall in the upstreams can cause catastrophic calamity. Except for monsoons, you can get there any time of the year to admire the beauty craved inside by nature.
Monument Valley
One of the biggest filming locations, located in the Arizona-Utah state borders, offers spectacular views for tourists seeking natural wonders. The incredible buttes of towering red-rock formation in the desert contain evidence of generations of nature's constructive and destructive power.
If you get there you must not miss the spectacular view of the towering red-rock formation during the sunrise and sunset. The famous steeply sloped Mittens buttes can be best viewed from John Ford’s Point.
You can drive along the 17-mile-long desert to get some of the most amazing views throughout your journey. The best time to visit here is in summer as the winters can get really cold and freezing.
Saguaro National Park
Located on either side of the city of Tucson, the Saguaro National Park is a land of the largest cacti species, the saguaro. The amazingly large species of cactus are native to these deserts only and can reach of height up to 50 feet.
The park features amazing camping, hiking, and backpacking trails for every level. In the eastern Rincon Mountain District, Cactus Forest Drive has been known for winding roads that offer the best view of the deserts. In the western Tucson Mountain District, Signal Hill Trail has a path craved to access the rock art of ancient Hohokam peoples.
The park is accessible all around the year and it best is to visit during spring and fall. You will be amazed at the sheer size of the cactus growing there. Tourists in Arizona visit places that are not that worthy and leave this as a secondary option.
Tucson Desert Town
A desert town, known for the iconic Saguaro cactus, as well as its vibrant Mexican-American culture and delicious cuisine, Tucson is located in the southern part of Arizona. The town is home to numerous cultural landmarks and museums, such as the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, showcasing the region's diverse flora and fauna, and the Mission San Xavier del Bac, a historic Spanish mission dating back to the 18th century.
While being outdoors you can enjoy hiking, biking, and rock climbing, with stunning vistas and unique geological formations to keep your eyes on. Tucson's food scene is also a must-try, with a diverse selection of recommended restaurants and cafes, such as Cafe Poca Cosa and El Charro Cafe, serving up delicious Mexican cuisine and drinks.
During the fall and winter the weather there is mild and you will see fewer visitors roaming around. Although during the summer and spring, the place is still enjoyable you will have to deal with a high number of visitors during that time. Come experience the unique blend of culture and nature in Tucson!
Petrified Forest National Park
Nestled in northeastern Arizona, the Petrified Forest National Park is a geological wonder that houses an incredible collection of petrified wood and fossils. Covering an area of over 146 square miles, this park is home to one of the largest and most colorful concentrations of petrified wood in the world. The ancient trees, which have been turned to stone over millions of years, are a testament to the region's prehistoric past.
The park also boasts an impressive array of fossils, including ancient reptiles and dinosaurs. For outdoor enthusiasts, the park offers several hiking trails ranging from easy to challenging, providing stunning vistas and unique geological formations.
The best time to visit is during the spring and fall months when the weather is milder, and crowds are smaller. However, visitors can still enjoy the park during the summer and winter, provided they're prepared for the hot, dry summers, and cold, snowy winters. Explore the wonders of Petrified Forest National Park and create unforgettable memories!
Lake Powell
Lake Powell, located in northern Arizona and southern Utah, is a man-made reservoir that spans over 186 miles and offers abundant outdoor activities. The lake's crystal-clear waters surround towering red rock cliffs, creating a picturesque landscape.
Boating and water activities are popular pastimes at Lake Powell, with options for kayaking, waterskiing, wakeboarding, and fishing. With the spectacular and unique surroundings and geological formations, such as the iconic Horseshoe Bend, the lake also offers a great site for hiking.
Talking about the best time to visit, during the spring and fall the temperatures are milder, and fewer tourists are seen around. However, the best time to enjoy the lake is during the summer months when a horde of people gather around there. This is one of the most popular spots for vacations in Arizona. Come experience the beauty and adventure of Lake Powell for yourself!
Jerome Historic Town
Jerome, located in central Arizona, is a charming historic town, restored to its former glory with love. Perched on a hillside overlooking the Verde Valley, Jerome is known for its peculiar character and stunning views. The town incorporates numerous historical landmarks and museums, including the Jerome State Historic Park and the Douglas Mansion, which provide insight into the town's mining history.
There are numerous art galleries displaying the works of local artists, where you can visit. For foodies, Jerome has plenty of delicious restaurants and cafes, such as The Asylum Restaurant and The Flatiron Cafe, serving up gourmet cuisine and drinks.
During the spring and fall, the place is less crowded and you can have a wonderful time there. During summer, there are plenty of visitors in the town and this might interrupt your peaceful maneuver. Come explore the historic charm and unique character of Jerome!
Conclusion
The love for Arizona can only escalate once you have been there and seen the massive-scale beauty of mother nature. This place is a dedicated tourist attraction and the need is obvious, as you won’t find another Grand Canyon on the Earth unless you rip out all the water out of Mariana Trench. Just kidding!
So if you seriously loved reading this blog on the best places to visit in Arizona, share it with someone who hasn’t been to Arizona yet so that they can also learn about the wonders it has to hide from the world. Make sure to inspire them to travel the world to uncover unknown mysteries and the beauty of nature and humans.
