The state of Arizona is shaped like a square. In the north, you’ll find Utah and Colorado. On its west, you’ll find California and Nevada, and New Mexico to the east. Also known as the Grand Canyon State, Arizona is home to a variety of terrain, climates, monuments, and cultures. 

Things To Do In Arizona

Arizona covers vast swaths of lands and water bodies including Lake Havasu, Lake Powell, Lake Mead and the Colorado River.

The state is defined by the Grand Canyon in the north, the Mogollon Rim in the central mountainous region and the Sonoran Desert to the south.

Scattered among these regions, features such as the red rocks of Sedona, the tall, windswept towers of Monument Valley, and the saguaro-filled desert valleys around Phoenix and Tucson add depth and character to the landscape of Arizona.

In the southwest of the state, the Sonoran Desert stretches out of Mexico and into Arizona with elevations as low as about 100 feet above sea level in the Lower Colorado River Valley.

Places To Go

Enjoy the natural beauty of Arizona and discover the national parks and other remarkable landmarks.

Monument Valley

Monument Valley is one of the most iconic landscapes in the American West. You have to visit this place. Located within the Navajo Nation on the border of Arizona and Utah, the valley has been the backdrop for numerous TV shows and movies.

Navajo Nation

Navajo Nation is the single largest Native American reservation in the United States)

National Parks

Glen Canyon National Recreation Area

Lake Mead National Recreation Area

Petrified Forest National Park

Saguaro National Park (A park dedicated to preserving the iconic giant Saguaro cacti)

National Monuments

Canyon de Chelly National Monument

Casa Grande Ruins National Monument

Chiricahua National Monument

Four Corners Monument

Montezuma Castle National Monument near Camp Verde

Navajo National Monument

Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument

Parashant National Monument

Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument near Flagstaff

Agua Fria National Monument

Phoenix

The desert landscape continues in the south. However, you’ll also find vibrant cities here. In the middle of Arizona, you’ll find Phoenix. It is a bustling city. Numerous student communities give rise to affordable clubs and cafes.

Phoenix’s young population makes it a prime destination for travelers who enjoy both fashion and art. Downtown Phoenix has a bohemian atmosphere.

Flagstaff

Flagstaff is the gateway to the Grand Canyon and the Northern Arizona. Situated at an altitude of 6990 feet, the city of Flagstaff and much of the surrounding region are substantially cooler than the low desert that dominates the southern part of the state.

Grand Canyon

The Grand Canyon is a famous landmark. It is located in northern Arizona. The area has a diverse geographical landscape, including both scorching deserts and lush forests. Temperatures top-out in the east. Both beautiful scenery and warm sands are abounding.

One of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, the Grand Canyon dominates the Northern Arizona landscape. Stretching 277 miles across the high plateaus and plunging up to 6,000 feet into the arid plateau, the canyon was shaped and carved by the constant motion of the Colorado River.

The Grand Canyon features three or four eras of geological time as well as several layers of fossil records, several varieties of rock types, numerous caves and several major ecosystems.

Meteor Crater

Meteor Crater is an exceptionally well-preserved huge meteor crater (although not the largest in the world). The crater was formed approximately 50,000 years ago by an explosion estimated to be the equivalent of 150 times the force of the atomic bomb that destroyed Hiroshima.

The meteorite itself was estimated to be 150 feet across and weighed approximately 300,000 tons. Although most of the meteorite itself vaporized upon impact, large chunks of nickel-iron remnants have been found in the surrounding area. The site is privately owned and includes a well-done visitor center with a number of interpretive exhibits and short trails to viewpoints.

Sedona

New Age folks and centers dominate Sedona, one of the most beautiful regions in Arizona. With a backdrop of the Grand Canyon and Oak Creek, it boasts beautiful scenery and also many opportunities for adventure.

You’ll have the chance to hike, bike, golf, tour, dine, relax, and also shop in Sedona. Bring your family to this city for the trip of a lifetime.

Tempe

Tempe is a great place for solo travelers. It has a lively atmosphere for the young and wild. Home to the largest university in the United States, Tempe knows how to party and is bursting with youthful energy.

Scottsdale

Those seeking a more refined trip will delight in Scottsdale. Here, golf courses, elegant boutiques, and luxurious spas make you feel like royalty. For food lovers, Tucson provides wonderful tours to please every palate.

Tucson

Tucson is a fun place in the south. It is nicknamed as “The Old Pueblo” & “Baja Arizona.” Culinary delights and beautiful mountains occupy this awesome place.

Arizona Highpoint

Humphreys Peak, part of the San Francisco Peaks, is the highest point in Arizona with an elevation of 12,611 feet. Baldy Peak, located in the White Mountains, is the second highest point with an elevation of 11,490 feet. You can hike these mountains. There are several good trails with great views.

Santa Catalina Mountains

The Santa Catalina Mountains are a mountain range in the Coronado National Forest and located northeast of Tucson. At an elevation of 9,157 feet, the range is a ‘sky island’, which has a very different climate from that of the valley and surrounding desert.

This climatic difference makes it a popular tourist destination for those in the Phoenix and Tucson areas, particularly in the summer months. The Catalinas are the home of Ski Valley, the location of the small town of Summerhaven, and the site of an astronomical observatory.

What To Wear

When visiting Arizona pack accordingly depending on the time of year and where you are traveling. Throughout the state, a dress is usually casual and comfortable, especially during the summer months. Very few restaurants require jackets and ties, however, if you are planning on attending a cultural event or dining at a fine restaurant, consider bringing business casual attire as well.

During the summer, shorts and sandals are standard wear during the day. You might even see some children barefoot in public. You can wear a light sweater or jacket during the evenings at higher elevations. In the cooler months, temperatures can differ greatly from day to night, so consider bringing a sweater or jacket if traveling in the desert areas. At higher elevations in the north of the state, a winter jacket is recommended.Hats,

Hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen should be used year-round.

September 26, 2016 10:46 pm Published by Staff Writer