Arizona is a land of breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and adventure, offering countless attractions to explore. Here are 17 must-see attractions in Arizona that you simply can’t miss!
I am sure the majority of the Americans know that Arizona State is not only known for the Grand Canyon, but several more, incredible naturally beautiful places.
But, do you know them?
I have personally spoken to many Canadians who tour the U.S twice a year. Even they admitted that they had been to Arizona, only to see the Grand Canyon, one of the breathtaking rock formations in the world.
In this blog post, I reveal to you several more attractions in Arizona to visit, apart from the Grand Canyon. I foresee, once you read this article fully, you may make at least a couple of more trips to visit attractions in Arizona.
17 Must-See Attractions in Arizona You Can’t Miss!
Here we go:
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Grand Falls in Arizona
Are your mouth and eyes, wide open in sheer astonishment? You are not alone, buddy.
Moreover, did you notice the brownish color of the gushing water in great volume? It is why the Grand Falls (the image at the beginning of the post) are also known as ‘Chocolate Falls’.
The feeder to these falls is the Little Colorado River, a sibling of the mighty Colorado River that caused the imposing Grand Canyon.
The nearest city to see the Grand Falls in the state of Arizona is “Flagstaff”. This is 145 km north of the state capital Phoenix. The exact location of the Grand Falls is Leupp.
The water is falling from a height of 185 feet. Incidentally, that is taller than the gorgeous Niagara Falls (167 feet).
The water current is very high and hence, you cannot stand under the Grand Falls.
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Painted Desert
Though it is part of the tourist landmarks in Arizona, not many people go there because of the hot climate.
Though it is a desert, it is unlike the Sahara or Thar Deserts that are made of soft sand.
The Painted Desert is falling under the Badlands category of rocks, which are formed of soft, sandy rocks.
The location of the Painted Desert is very interesting, and is known in geography as the ‘Four Corners’.
The Four Corners point to the meeting points of 4 different states in the U.S.
- Arizona
- Utah
- Colorado
- New Mexico (not the country of Mexico).
The Painted Desert’s main color is red, but it shows shades of lavender at times. You may also recognize the lovely pink, bright orange, and the rare purple colors.
It is located near the Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona. Trekking is the main activity. Two trails that are named the Painted Desert Rim Trail, and the Tawa Trails are the popular trails for super views, and unique geological traits.
While you are walking, you might come across rattlesnakes, large lizards, ravens, and coyotes.
Star Gazing:
Due to its remote location, and the lack of any artificial lights nearby, the Painted Desert makes an ideal place for cosmic viewing (star gazing).
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Petrified Forest
It is a national park, near the Painted Desert. The nearest city to stay is Holbrook.
As the name suggests, there are fossilized (petrified) flora. It is an extensive area comprising a big 900 sq. km.
You may like to know that the Petrified Forest contains over 400 species of trees in petrified form.
Go ahead and touch the fossilized wood pieces, mate, that will take you back to a whopping 225 million years!
This elevated NP (5400 feet altitude) is also home to numerous Badlands Rock Formations.
In addition, it is an important birding area.
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Havasu Falls
The Havasu Creek is the feeder to the gentle falls. The Havasu Creek itself is a tributary of the lengthy Colorado River (2330 km).
The color of the Havasu Falls is turquoise, which is a rarity in falling waters.
The video will reveal the true colors of the water.
You can dive into the pool at the foot of the falls, If you are mesmerized, prolong your good feeling by pitching up a tent in the designated campsite.
If you do that, there are rewards for you in the form of more waterfalls (beaver Falls, and Mooney Falls) to see in the vicinity.
Reaching up to the falls itself is quite an adventure. I read you will walk past the Havasu Canyon. The name of the place for Havasu Falls is ‘Supai’.
If you are visiting the Grand Canyon, you can take a day off and go to see the lovely Havasu Falls. The drive takes only 3 hours.
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Monument Valley
Yes, I admit it looks desolate but then, it has its own attraction traits. You might be surprised to know that it is one of the star attractions among Arizona’s desert landscape.
All over, you can notice the sandstone Buttes. They have been christened too to identify. Here are some of the names:
- Merric Butte
- West Mitten Butte
- East Mitten Butte
Location:
This is what will greet you, as you drive towards Utah from Arizona.
The entire valley lies at an altitude ranging from 5000 to 6000 feet!
The nearest city with basic amenities is Mexican Hat. It is 540 km away from the state capital Phoenix.
I know many of you may not take the effort to drive out to see this attraction, but, it is no doubt a stunning wilderness.
As you drive through the valley, you can stop by at a few viewing platforms for memorable photography. You can walk a few kilometers in one of the walking trails.
If you can afford a chartered helicopter tour, you can get aerial views of the following attractions.
- Monument Valley
- Lake Powell
- One side of the Grand Canyon
- Rainbow Bridge National Monument
The chopper tours offer 1 to 3 hours of duration.
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Rainbow Bridge National Monument, Arizona
The American are known to be very proud of their national monuments, and fiercely protect them.
This is located in the state of Utah, but very close to the border of Arizona. As a matter of fact, the nearest city known as Page, is part of Arizona.
A boat access is also possible to the site of the monument. The boat ride involves a 30-minute journey in Lake Powell.
This is one of the largest natural arches in the world. If viewed aerially and at different times of the day, you can notice several colors and hence, got the ‘rainbow’ name.
Similar to the buttes, this geographical wonder is also made of ‘sandstone’.
Visiting Rainbow Bridge National Monument can be an awe-inspiring experience.
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Lake Powell
So many boats in the picture mean, boating in Lake Powell is the major adventure.
This 300 km long lake is located very close to the Rainbow Bridge National Monument. It is part of both Arizona and Utah.
As many as 4 rivers make up the lake.
- Colorado River
- San Juan River
- Escalante River
- Green River
The large lakefront site is one of the major weekend holiday destinations in the U.S.
Nearly 2 million tourists visit the place annually. As it is a major drinking water resource, a dam is constructed in the lake.
Due to its immense size, several water-based adventures are offered including:
- Wakeboarding
- Boating
- Jet Skiing
- Stand-up paddling
- Water Skiing
- Kayaking
These adventure activities lure many water sports buffs.
In fact, even scuba diving, and snorkeling are also possible. It means the fish species are rich and diverse.
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Vermilion Cliffs National Monument
Aren’t your eyes frozen on the picture.? Imagine how wide your mouth will open, when you stand in front of this breathtaking attraction in Arizona. Now, do you realize that Arizona is not only the Grand Canyon, but many more spectacular sights?
The wave-like pattern on the earth is a big natural wonder. To visit this fantastic place, Page City is the gateway. Just 50 km stands between the two points.
Awesome rock formations and lovely colors! This is part of the Vermilion Cliffs National Monument.
You need a special all-terrain vehicle to reach this out-of-the-world geological beauty. These are caused by erosion over several thousand years.
Aerial views from a chopper are possible. Make your inquiries in Page City.
Don’t miss the aerial views of White Pocket, and the Vermilion Cliffs.
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Chiricahua Rock Formation
Well, here, the rock formations are in hundreds, if not in thousands. I think it is a maze of rocks. What a big attraction in Arizona!
Wilcox is the nearest city. It is located nearly 320 km southeast of Phoenix.
This is a national monument in the United States. These rocks are called ‘hoodoos’.
Do you know that these spires-like structures are made of volcanic ash? Yes, this is an outcome of a big volcanic eruption that happened several million years ago. Thus, its historic significance is overwhelming!
Due to its remote location, star gazing is recommended here. In fact, it is declared as a ‘Dark Sky Park’.
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Saguaro Lake
Ironically, this 1200 acres lake contains freshwater that is carried by a river called “Salt River”.
A dam is constructed to make the lake, a reservoir. The lake is a picnic spot for the residents of Phoenix, which is only 66 km away.
Water sports in Lake Saguaro.
Paddle boats (kayaks) are given out for rent. Paddleboards are also available. You can either stand up on it, or kneel down to enjoy the adventure.
Fishing is allowed. You know the Americans are crazy about angling. They are seen in large numbers, sitting patiently.
But, due to the hot temperature, you would yield to the urge to get into the water, and swim.
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Horseshoe Bend
This terrific natural beauty is located close to the city of Page. Horseshoe Bend is part of the Gel Canyon National Recreation Area.
The water body you see that surrounds the horseshoe-shaped rock is Colorado River.
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Canyon de Chelley National Monument
This looks very familiar to the old timers-right? It is as f we are taken back o the times of the great western movies-isn’t it?
Yes, the Navajo people are still seen around, even today. This is another breathtaking canyon in Arizona. The canyon’s nearly 1000 feet tall.
There are trails that can open into panoramic vistas of wilderness, and great cliffs, running into several miles.
The nearest to see this canyon is known as Chinle. It is located some 500 km northeast of Phoenix City.
Canyon de Chelley is a pride national monument and it remains as one of the most visited places in the U.S.
Here is another view of the Canyon de Chelley.
The tall monolithic rocks appear to be very similar to the ones we have seen in the legendry movie “Mackenna’s Gold”.
Here the the rock is called ‘Spider Rock’. It stands nearly 800 feet tall!
You need to undertake a guided tour of the various corners and crevices of the canyon. The tours are offered by the Navajo natives.
You are seated on a horseback and taken around! How about that! Feel like Gregory Peck, and get photographed.
Here is a very good view that shows the grandeur of the Canyon de Chelley National Monument.
Ironically, it is called a ‘hidden gem’. Man, can you hide such an imposing canyon walls?
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Sedona
Mouth dropping sandstone red rocks, Sedona.
There is no pointing in touring Arizona without visiting Sedona, a city that is highly visited for its spectacular sandstone rock formations.
Sedona is one of the highly visited attractions in Arizona. Due to its proximity to Phoenix (180 km), it is a popular day trip destination for Phoenix dwellers.
Places to see in Sedona:
- Red Rock State Park
- Slide Rock State Park
How nice! It is a naturally formed slide. The rocks were smoothened due to natural wear and tear. But I think it is only worn, and not torn really! The water looks clean, and sparkling. It must be rich in minerals.
- Cathedral Rock
- Bell Rock
- Vortex sites (considered as a cosmic energy site)
Sedona is certainly one of the must-visit attractions in Arizona.
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Cactus Park
A forest of cactus plants is surely a rare sight. It is part of the Saguaro National Park in Arizona.
The nearest city is Tucson. It is 180 km southeast of Phoenix City.
Among the cacti, there is one cactus that is known as the Giant Cactus. The landscape is unique and so too is the fauna that includes:
- Desert Cottontail-a kind of rabbit
- Harris Hawk
- Cactus Wren-a bird
- Gila Monster-a venomous lizard
It looks like a snake that just now had a big meal!
- Roadrunner-we all know about it for its extraordinary speed running
I think this wildlife is a valid reason to visit the cactus forest in Arizona.
There are even desert tortoises that survive in the tough conditions. Strangely but contrastingly, too, you can spot beautiful wildflowers that coexist with the harsh-looking cacti. The wildflowers bloom can be seen only in March, and April.
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Sabino Canyon
This is one more canyon in the land of canyons, and deserts. The canyon is part of the Catalina Mountains.
Incredibly, amidst the desert geography, there is a wetland! An oasis for relaxing, camping, and bird watching, it is the reason for the people to take the trouble to visit the Sabino Canyon.
The canyon is located in the city of Tucson. If you trek through some of the pre-trodden trails, you will come across a few waterfalls too.
Waterfalls, and wetlands mean there is bound to be plenty of wildlife such as skunks, that are notorious for their very bad smelling spray that they discharge.
Be wary of scorpions and snakes that are found to be sunbathing on the hot rock surface.
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Piestewa Peak
The peak that is situated at a height of 2600 feet is a terrific viewing point of the city of Phoenix, and its desert landscape.
It is a popular day trip destination for the residents of Phoenix. Whenever they get visitors from other states in the U.S., the residents take them to Piestewa Peak. It is only 17 km from the city center.
Remember to trek up to the summit only during the night to avoid the cruel hot temperatures of Arizona. In addition, the city view amidst the lights is better than the daytime view.
The Piestewa Peak is part of the Phoenix Mountain Preserve. Numerous trails lead up to the summit. Sunset view is said to be a great experience.
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Coal Mine Canyon
Canyons are indeed jaw-dropping sights to look at-isn’t it? Whether we view it from ground level or aerially, the canyons look stunning.
Coal Mine Canyon is near the city of Tuba, one of the places where the Navajo people lives.
It was a coal mine area long ago. Now, the canyon walls throw so many colors at different times of the days. The colors include red, orange, black, and white. Red is the predominant of all other colors.
Helicopter Rides:
I read there are helicopter rides. You must not miss such an opportunity to view the Coal Mine Canyon from the sky.
In addition, the chopper pilot will point out several more attractions including Superstition Mountains, Roosevelt Lake, Apache Junction, and the Salt River.
Sadly, the aerial views last only 15 to 30 minutes.
Now, tell me, after going through so many natural attractions in the state of Arizona, will you plan a trip, just to see the Grand Canyon and Antelope Canyon?
