There’s a great deal of natural beauty to be found in Arizona, from the towering red rock canyons to the roaring rivers below. Have you ever been before? If not, now is the right time to give it a go and explore on your own or with your friends and family. In this article, we’ll briefly explore some of the best natural settings you’ll find when you visit. Keep on reading to make sure that you don’t miss out on any of these beauties!
Top 8 Locations & Monuments That You Will Need To Visit In Arizona
1. Grand Canyon
Source: utah.com
As an official UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Grand Canyon welcomes around six million visitors a year. For millions of years, the Grand Canyon has continued to expand due to the help of the Colorado River. People have traveled to the location for hundreds of years to take in the pure beauty of it all. If you’re planning a visit, speak with a guide about the best places to tour, hike, or camp. Some locations are way more popular than others, which can mean heavier crowds.
2. Sedona
Regarded as one of America’s most beautiful natural settings, Sedona is known for its blazing red rocks contrasted with the bright blue sky. Visitors will find well over 100 hiking trails as well as guided Jeep tours to explore the environment. If you’re looking to experience a different part of the area, then head to the local spas for a red clay wrap or blue corn body scrub.
If you want to get in touch with your spiritual side, there are a few New Age “vortexes” in the area that are said to help balance the spirit. After a long day of exploring, sample a glass of locally made wine and stare up at the night sky.
3. Vermilion Cliffs National Monument
Source: thrillist.com
Hikers wanting to experience awe-inspiring sights without heavy crowds should head to the Vermilion Cliffs National Monument. Specific points of interest are The Wave in Coyote Buttes North and White Pocket in the Paria Canyon, but visitors should know that these sites require permits for hiking and camping.
The permits are distributed by Arizona’s Bureau of Land Management. In an effort to reduce foot traffic and crowds in these beautiful areas, only about 20 permits are given out each day. As long as you plan ahead, you’ll be able to secure your permit and it’ll feel like you have the whole place to yourself.
4. Thunderbird Conservation Park
Located in Glendale, the Thunderbird Conservation Park is a great place to plan a day hike. You’ll find walking or hiking trails with varying levels of terrain. If you’re looking for a nice natural setting to take a few photos then you’ll have plenty of opportunities along your track. You’ll find some amazing scenic overlooks spanning for miles as you gaze upon the rocky ground below.
If you enjoyed your hike, then look to find what other opportunities are available in Glendale, Arizona. You might even decide to relocate to the region. Search Glendale apartments to see what the area has to offer its residents. For more information, you can visit apartmentguide.com.
5. Montezuma Castle National Monument
Source: grandcanyontrust.org
Named after an Aztec emperor, these five-story dwellings were previously inhabited by the Sinagua Indian Tribe. Though it gives the appearance of a high-rise apartment building, the monument is actually built into the cliffs of central Arizona’s Verde Valley.
Visitors are welcome to hike and explore the surrounding area, however, the monument itself is off-limits due to the current fragile state of the dwellings. There are also opportunities to learn about the people and culture of the Sinagua Indian Tribe while you visit.
6. Havasu Falls
A major destination for serious hikers has to be the Havasu Falls. You will have the time of your life while going around and near Supai on the Havasupai Indian Reservation. Hikers or explorers can have fun while cascading over 100 feet and enjoying the site of bright and natural waterfalls that will leave you feeling breathless!
These blue-green waterfalls are hidden in the Grand Canyon and require a bit of planning. Most hikers and professionals will need to go under a 10-mile hike each way before they are rewarded with this beauty. Once you get there you will enjoy the picturesque point. Make sure that you have enough time to explore and relax.
7. Glen canyon
Source: addons.opera.com
Want to enjoy Glen Canyon instead of Grand Canyon? The Glen Canyon National Recreation Area is nearly 2,000 miles of shoreline that wrap around Lake Powell. People visiting will enjoy and easily navigate through the area without running into the same scenery over and over again due to its vivid and lively atmosphere.
There are 1.2 million acres of a variety of land and water-based recreation. Explore the well-known Lake Powell that is mostly visited and enjoyed by boating enthusiasts. You can also visit and see the Glen Canyon Dam to fish and chill next to a bonfire with your friends.
8. Lava river cave
Located in the Coconino National Forest, the Lava River Cave is a gorgeous sight for everyone to enjoy and soak in. This is also known as a natural wonder since it is home to the longest cave in Arizona. Enjoy this site if you’re someone who likes biology and geology, perfect for scientists or nerds who love to connect with nature! If you are an adrenaline junkie you will enjoy having to climb down a deep hole to even access the area where you’ll be rewarded with the prettiest view!
Ready To Explore?
If you’re ready to explore and have the time of your life in Arizona, make sure that you consider some of these locations and spots. Men, women, as well as friends or family groups, will enjoy some of our recommended beauties and destinations. Let us know if you’ve ever been before and what you loved the most from your trip, or what you can’t wait to see if you’re going for the first time! We would love to know where you stand.
