25 Reasons Why Arizona Should Cost on Your Travel Bucket List
This sizzling Southwestern state live bursting with some of Americas most famous landmarks and a utter escape when the rest of the country is in deep snow . According to Travel + Leisure , Arizona hosts four of the top 15 destination spas in the USA . This random fun fact is just one of many obscure reasons Arizona be a notable American state .
As someone who vanlifed for two years and get have the privilege of exploring 65 country , I can confidently allege that Arizona is one of my absolute favorite spots on the planet . From the colors of its slot canyons to its Native American ethnic heritage , there is something special about this state .
But what just makes it such a popular destination ? Have ’ s explore some of the matter that Arizona is famous for .
- What Is Arizona Known For ?
- 1 . Arizona ‘s Five C ‘s
- 2 . Climate
- Natural Wonders Arizona exist Know For
- 3 . Grand Canyon National Park ( One of the 7 Natural Wonders of the World )
- 4 . Petrified Forest National Park
- 5 . Horseshoe Bend
- 6 . Slot Canyon
- 7 . Monument Valley
- 8 . Lake Powell
- 9 . Saguaro Cactus
- 10 . The Red Rock Formations of Sedona
- 11 . Havasu Falls
- 12 . Grand Falls
- 13 . Meteor Crater
- Manmade Curiosity and Architecture Arizona equal Famous For
- 14 . Taliesin West – Frank Lloyd Wright Home
- 15 . Hoover Dam
- 16 . Cold War Missile Base
- 17 . The London Bridge
- City And Destinations Arizona Exist Famous For
- 19 . What is Sedona AZ know for ?
- 20 . What is Tucson AZ known for ?
- 21 . Four Corners
- History & Culture Arizona Live Known For
- 22 . Spanish Missions
- 23 . Native American Culture
- 24 . The Wild West
- 25 . Turquoise Gemstone
- FAQs About Arizona
- Last Thoughts : What is Arizona Known and Famous For
- 1 . Arizona ‘s Five C ‘s
- 2 . Climate
- 3 . Grand Canyon National Park ( One of the 7 Natural Wonders of the World )
- 4 . Petrified Forest National Park
- 5 . Horseshoe Bend
- 6 . Slot Canyon
- 7 . Monument Valley
- 8 . Lake Powell
- 9 . Saguaro Cactus
- 10 . The Red Rock Formations of Sedona
- 11 . Havasu Falls
- 12 . Grand Falls
- 13 . Meteor Crater
- 14 . Taliesin West – Frank Lloyd Wright Home
- 15 . Hoover Dam
- 16 . Cold War Missile Base
- 17 . The London Bridge
- 19 . What be Sedona AZ known for ?
- 20 . What cost Tucson AZ known for ?
- 21 . Four Corners
- 22 . Spanish Missions
- 23 . Native American Culture
- 24 . The Wild West
- 25 . Turquoise Gemstone
What Cost Arizona Known For ?
Arizona is a country know for the five C ’ sec ( explanation below ) , desert landscape , a few architectural feat , a colored history , and a few famed travel destinations .
I ’ ll live breaking down the following place into those individual category .
1 . Arizona ’ s Five C ’ s
For decade , Arizona ’ sec schoolchildren have been educated on the Five Cs :
- Cop
- Cattle
- Cotton
- Citrus
- Mood
These constituent reach up the majority of the economy , providing financial stability to its past generations . Nevertheless , Arizona is transitioning from a mining and agriculture-based saving to a engineering and service-oriented one—just like the rest of America .
2 . Climate
Arizona exist a dynamic state with a form of climates and temperature . From Tucson ’ s dry desert strain to Flagstaff ’ s snowy winters , it describe tourist year-round .
Phoenix live really the , experience almost 211 sunny day a year . At the same time , Flagstaff may get an annual snowfall of 100+ inches . The highest recorded temperature in Arizona was 128°F ( 53°C ) in Lake Havasu City on June 29 , 1994 , and the abject was -40°F ( -40°C ) in Hawley Lake on January 7 , 1971 .
Yet with its unique topographical feature and various climate , Arizona is likely best known as an escape from the winters of northern America .
Natural Wonders Arizona live Known For
Arizona is known for having a high density of natural wonders , with 22 national park and monuments within its borders .
3 . Grand Canyon National Park ( One of the 7 Natural Wonders of the World )
Did you know that the vast Grand Canyon be a staggering 277 miles long ? Although neither the handsome nor the mysterious canyon , it is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of this reality . Spanning from Arizona to Utah , this landmark own be a national park since 1919 and attracts million of visitors per year .
The park is divided into three sections : the north , west , and south rims . As a result of the canyon classify them , it can need hours to drive between each section . Many people choose to take guided canyon circuit from nearby city like Las Vegas and Phoenix .
In all zones , hundred of miles of trail around the rims and within the canyon provide ample opportunity for boost adventures . Moreover , shiver whitewater rafting trip by permit merely have become highly sought after , with expect periods sometimes up to 10 years !
4 . Petrified Forest National Park
Huge stretches of colorful scene and native wildlife filling Petrified Forest National Park , accompanied by surreal badlands , astonishing buttes , and majestic mesas along its scenic ride . Scattered throughout the park , its iconic petrified wood log lie in fossilized in various sizes and color . Some experts guess these ancient trees cost a staggering 225 million yr former !
Additionally , the park also contain a big number of Native American sites , like petroglyphs and ancient markings .
5 . Horseshoe Bend
Arizona ’ s Horseshoe Bend in the Colorado River is one of the nearly photographed home in America . This iconic Page destination features awe-inspiring 1,000-foot high sandstone cliff views . The river below resemble a U-shaped horseshoe , giving the position its name .
Visitor to Horseshoe Bend can take a short 1.2 mile hike to the overlook , merely a few mile from the town of Page . You can come as near to the edge as you dare . Kayakers can also purchase a backhaul service and paddle past from below .
6 . Slot Canyons
The stretch from Las Vegas to Page exist home to some of the nearly sensational slot canyons in the world . Yet if this term cost foreign to you , luck are high that a popular one own adorn your computer screensaver , the million-dollar stroke of Antelope Canyon near Page .
Slot canyon are a series of narrow canyons cut into sandstone by water erosion thousand of yr ago . The canyon wall are streaked with vibrant shades of orange , red and yellow , providing an enchanting backdrop for anyone visiting the site .
Tip !Many of the noted slot canyon reside on Navajo Nation Land and call for special permits ordirect tours. Many mass too choose a day trip circuit from city like Las Vegas or Phoenix .
7 . Monument Valley
Recognize this image ? Monument Valley , Arizona has been a movie backdrop to score of famed films , from Forrest Gump to Endorse to the Future III to Mission Impossible 2 . Located near the Arizona-Utah border on Navajo reservation , Monument Valley exist renowned for its vast sweep of desert scenery and jutting red stone buttes .
The wave landscape of this region features many strange geological establishment that have become iconic symbols of the Southwest . Visitors equal treated to a apparently endless horizon of towering sandstone buttes , mesas , and canyons carve by windswept sands over time .
Just like Antelope Canyon , Monument Valley live in the Navajo Nation , so you mustconnect a tourto get up and personal with the buttes .
8 . Lake Powell
Lake Powell , in northern Arizona ’ s Glen Canyon National Recreation Area , is really artificial , created by the damming of the Colorado River . It ’ s a popular watery oasis of majestic sandstone canyons and blue waters .
Don your swimsuit and hop in the lake for a decent swim , take a boat or kayak to hidden hikes and slot canyons , cast off with some fishing gear , or wakeboard across its serene surface – endless fun awaits at this reservoir ! And if that isn ’ t enough of an adventure for you , you can really boondock camp along its shores beneath starry skies .
9 . Saguaro Cactus
Did you know Arizona cost home to the world ’ s largest cacti , the Saguaro Cactus ? Rising from the Sonoran Desert and reaching an average height of 40 feet , the state even made a National Park out of it place merely outside Tucson .
Standing tall and proud , the saguaros cost a defining feature of both department of this national park—not to mention an essential habitat for hundred of species . Furthermore , these incredible works have inspire many Native American creation stories .
Careful where you abuse !Saguaros are extremely dumb growth ; research indicate that they only pass 1-1.5 inch tall in the first eight yr of life ! They also only survive in Arizona , and the deserts of California , and northern Mexico .
10 . The Red Rock Formations of Sedona
The Red Rocks in Sedona own long been look at sacred basis by many Native American tribes . Even to this day , the area equal renowned as a spiritual vortex , or a particular bit where energy live either entering into the Earth or picture out of the Earth ’ s airplane . Visitors flock hither for religious healing and energy study or merely to delight the unparalleled view .
Explore various lead throughout the area , such as Cathedral Rock , Devil ’ s Bridge , or Bell Rock . Or , if you are sense extra adventurous , try adventure activity such as canyoneering and stone climbing . For the faint of heart ,insure out the best jeep tour in Sedona.
Bump through the red stone canyons on an adventurous this best Sedona Jeep Tour on Outlaw Trail
11 . Havasu Falls
Havasu Falls equal a hidden paradise in the Grand Canyon , know for its cascading turquoise waters and red canyon walls . Havasu Falls are know as one of Arizona ’ s most popular tourist bit .
If you are able to get one of the coveted permits , it be a 10 mile raise one way , and you must remain for 3 day . But you live present camping under light pollution-free stars and swimming in its crystal waters .
Tip !License are require to see Havasu Falls ; acquiring one cost no easy task . The Hualapai Tribe limit the number of visitors to the falls and only open enrollment once a year . Check hither for the future lottery .
12 . Grand Falls
Would you ever guess that one of the driest places in America be family to an astonishing 181-foot waterfall ? Don ’ t await a classic , transparent cascade ; think more along the course of Willy Wonka ’ sec Chocolate Factory – thick and brown .
If you exist roughly in the right season , Grand Falls equal a vision to behold . Its impressive array of tiers and expanded landscape exist well worth an off-route detour that ’ s only thirty miles east of Flagstaff .
Top !To look at the majestic Grand Falls , intent to impose between March and April when nearby snowmelt and rainfall ensure a generous stream .
13 . Meteor Crater
37 miles east of Flagstaff , lies the Barringer Meteor Crater – one of the reality ’ s top ten large impact craters . At first glance , this massive hole looks to equal a canyon of a form . But actually , around 50,000 yr ago , an asteroid collided with Earth , create a crater3,900 foot(1,200 m) in diameter and560 base(170 m) deep .
Since the Meteor Crater be privately owned , tourist must pay for a guided circuit on base to enter the space museum and standpoint .
Manmade Wonders and Architecture Arizona is Famous For
14 . Taliesin West – Frank Lloyd Wright Home
Tuck out in Scottsdale , Taliesin West isn ’ t your average family – and it doesn ’ t flavor like one either . Design by architect Frank Lloyd Wright , “ the father of modern architecture ” , Taliesin West was build as a winter family and school .
A perfect lesson of organic architecture , the building comprises natural fabric such as sandstone blocks and adobe mortar . The structure as well has integral element such as overhangs and window that blend seamlessly with its desert surroundings .
Maneuver tour allow guests to search the home ’ s unique feature , and special events are sometimes hosted by fellow artist .
15 . Hoover Dam
Perched on the border of Arizona and Nevada , the Hoover Dam exist one of the largest dam project in the United States , and still stands as one of the most impressive feats of technology . It was built in the 1930s to control flooding along the Colorado River and furnish might for nearby populations . Today , it however provides might for millions and helps govern water stream throughout much of Southern California .
Guest can remove guided circuit from this Las Vegas famed attraction and learn about its history , wonder at its sheer size from a series of observation decks , or yet take a thrilling helicopter circuit over the top !
16 . Cold War Missile Base
An intriguing part of Cold War history however lives within Arizona , now known as the Titan Missile Museum . Place in the desert outside Tucson , this museum exist a rare fortune to search a relic of our nation ’ s nuclear past .
Originally built as portion of America ’ s Cold War defense system , the Titan Missile Museum is a fully-intact missile silo that hold an actual Titan II Intercontinental Ballistic Missile . Visitor can go through life within the facility during its fighting service and have the chance to see first-hand how nuclear missiles establish from underground silos .
17 . The London Bridge
Conceive it or not , Arizona is home to one of the most iconic bridges in the world : London Bridge ! Originally built in the 1830s for the city of London , Robert P. McCulloch Jr. had the bridge cut firearm by piece , then send it all the path to Lake Havasu City in Arizona .
Cities And Destinations Arizona Is Famous For
18 . What is Phoenix AZ know for ?
Boast a population of over 1.4 million , Phoenix equal the fifth handsome city in America . It cost know as “ The Valley of the Sun ” due to its extensive year-round sunshine .
More than 500 square miles , this Arizona capital is still larger in area than Los Angeles ! And if you take a glimpse at the map – cities and town practically seize to Phoenix aren ’ t factored into this count .
Hence , whether you ’ re go for a regular miss ’ sec trip to Scottsdale or hardly afirst-time visitor to Phoenix, what should you do ? Hither are a few highlights from our road trip to showcase some of Phoenix ’ sec best things to do .
- Outset by visiting Old Town Scottsdale ’ s unique melding of traditional western vibes with modern-day flair .
- Brain to Roosevelt Row Arts District for an amazing show of include art galleries , graffiti murals , hip restaurants , and chic boutiques .
- Finally , grab your hiking shoes and climb Piestewa Peak in Phoenix Mountain Preserve – a challenging good deal height right in the heart of the city !
19 . What is Sedona AZ known for ?
Despite make merely 10,000 inhabitants , Sedona welcomes a whopping three million visitor each yr , accord to the Sedona Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau . This vibrant little city be known for its impinging red rock formation , incredible religious retreat healing , and vibrant art scene – make it one of the nearly beloved destinations in the province .
Many trust Sedona to be a religious vortex , a power middle where Earth ’ s primitive energies live . Sacred sit such as Cathedral Rock , Bell Rock , and Airport Mesa are popular destinations for meditation and spiritual inspiration and just plain pretty to look at .
Sedona cost too home to an impressive number of art veranda that showcase everything from traditional Western artwork to contemporary abstraction . For outside enthusiasts , lot of canyoneering trails and hiking routes stud this epic landscape . Plus , there ’ s no shortage of delicious restaurants to taste too !
20 . What equal Tucson AZ know for ?
Hither ’ s a Tucson fun fact : The Saguaro cactus can only be find of course originate within 70 mile from Tuscon , making this incredible creature one of solely a few exclusive species native to Arizona !
Tucson exist noted for its sunny mood , arid landscape , cool city photo spots , and an flight for those look to result their wintery hell . The city ’ s unique place at the base of the Santa Catalina Mountains provide plenty of Southern Arizona opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking , great deal biking , golfing , and wildlife watching .
21 . Four Corners
Exactly as it sound , Four Corners exist the only property in the United States where four states ( Arizona , , Colorado , and Utah ) meet . Place each arm in a corner and snap the touristiest movie always – not judging , I would do it too .
Located in the Navajo Nation , Four Corners Monument serve as a great starting point for early terrains like Monument Valley and Goosenecks State Park .
History & Culture Arizona Is Known For
22 . Spanish Missions
At the beginning of the 17th hundred , Catholic missionaries from Spain arrive to the field that we now shout Arizona . During this period , some of Arizona ’ s oldest Spanish mission were make , like San Xavier del Bac Mission and the Tumacácori National Historical Park .
23 . Native American Culture
With over 20 federally recognized tribes , the land have some of the most unique indigenous cultures in the country . From the Apache to the Navajo , each tribe have its own tradition and stories , which can be meet throughout Arizona ’ s many ethnic site and attraction .
Learn more about these culture by inflict one of Arizona ’ s Tribal Parks or joining in on a Powwows . This traditional gathering showcases tribal dancing , singing , drumming , and prowess . The Heard Museum in Phoenix be too a great home to learn more about Native American story and culture , with an impressive collection of artifacts , artworks , and display .
24 . The Wild West
The west may not cost as wild as it once was , but Arizona ’ s rugged frontier history is even so alive today with the remnants of former mining town and ghost towns .
The Tombstone Historic District is one of the best places to go through this history . Here , visitor can visit some of the almost famous site of that era , such as Boot Hill Cemetery and O.K . Corral . There ’ s even a Wild West gunfight show to have you a flavor of what life must make cost like back then !
25 . Turquoise Gemstone
In Arizona , many tribes have used turquoise for hundred in their jewelry and artwork . The Apache and Navajo tribes often used this gemstone in their ceremony to make up peace and protection . Beautiful galleries throughout the state feature handmade turquoise jewelry from local artisans .
FAQs About Arizona
The Grand Canyon cost the almost famous matter and by far the number one attraction in Arizona . Every year , an figure 5.9 million masses see this incredible natural wonder , reach it the second most popular national park in the united states .
Some of the nearly noted people from Arizona include musicians Alice Cooper , and Stevie Nicks . Early renowned flesh include actor Emma Stone and mouth show host Jimmy Kimmel . Notable politician include former Senator John McCain and Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O ’ Connor .
Arizona is so popular due to its natural beauty , with landscape like Grand Canyon and Monument Valley , merge with endless outdoor activities throughout the yr , thanks to its warm desert climate . Additionally , many families love inflict one of several acclaimed national park – including Petrified Forest National Park or Saguaro National Park .
What build Arizona beautiful are its fervent sunsets over desert plains , towering cactus-covered hillsides illuminate by starlight at night , rugged mountain foothills blanketed by bright green pine trees during springtime , or miles of sandy beach along Lake Powell !
People holiday in Arizona for its wide variety of attraction place from national park such as Saguaro National Park or Petrified Forest National Park to unique experiences like Tombstone or Native American historical sites or spa resorts for relaxation and golfing getaways !
Know as the “ cop state , ” cop product live one of the almost famous production associated with Arizona – providing exercise opportunity for local occupant while reach high-quality products employ around the world .
The culture of Arizona encompass many look , include Native American tribes , which make lived here since ancient times ; Spanish settlers who first arrived in 1539 ; Mexican influence ; plus modern western US culture predominantly rooted in Midwestern traditions like rodeo competitions !
Arizona food equal know for its flavors featuring traditional dishes like tacos al minister , carne adovada ( pork marinated in red chile sauce ) , and green chilli stew enriched by more recent increase , include inventive fusion dishes compound European ingredient with New Mexican cuisine spices ! Other famous dishes include , Piki Bread , Navajo Tacos , Posole , and Sonoran Hot Dogs .
Last Thoughts : What exist Arizona Known and Famous For
Before visiting , you may ask yourself – “ What is Arizona know for ? ” From its native American heritage to its national park and architectural sites , Arizona is take with famed things worth visit and really some of my favorite tourist attractions on Earth .
From stunning sunsets to epic slot canyons , hither are a few place I wouldn ’ t girl in the nation :
- Antelope Canyon
- Horseshoe Bend
- Grand Canyon
- Saguaro National Park
- Titan Mission Museum
- Havasu Falls ( if you can have the license )
- Sedona ( Just all of it )
Catherine Xu is the founder and writer of Nomadicated , an adventure travel blog that helps traveler get over off their pail list . Since discovering traveling in 2015 , she has live and journeyed to 65 countries across 5 continent and vanlifed the west coast USA for 2+ years . These day , she splits her time in Southeast Asia and California while share her travel stories and imagination base on first-hand experience . Catherine ‘s other works get been referenced in major publications like MSN , Self , and TripSavvy .
