Arizona Landmarks

Arizona Landmarks

Arizona boasts an abundance of iconic landmarks ranging from natural phenomena like great rifts in the earth to ancient cultural remnants that stand the test of time, making this state an essential stop on every traveler's itinerary. These landmarks should definitely not be missed!

The Grand Canyon

The Grand Canyon, one of UNESCO's World Heritage Sites and one of seven natural wonders of the world, is breathtaking in scope. It stretches for 277 miles in length, reaches up to 18 miles across at its widest points, and is over one mile deep at its deepest points. It was carved out by the Colorado River over millions of years with red rock layers revealing millions of years of geological history in each cross section.

Visitors from around the globe travel to witness its astounding beauty at Grand Canyon National Park. You can hike one of its many trails, ride a mule, whitewater raft along Colorado River, or simply admire it from one of many scenic overlooks.

The Grand Canyon is America's second most visited national park and there's always something new to learn. Recent research has led to updated ages of some rock layers in the canyon's stunning landscape revealing that its stunning features may be much older than previously believed. Discover its rich history at Yavapai Geology Museum before wandering along the Trail of Time (an interpretive path which follows Grand Canyon's geological timeline with each meter representing one million years)!

Petrified Forest National Park

The Petrified Forest National Park is best known for its fossils from the Triassic Epoch approximately 225 million years ago. You can spot these fossils among colorful sediments known as the Chinle Formation that make up much of this park. During the Triassic period, this area was near the equator and on the southwest edge of supercontinent Pangea.

Fossil logs found here were once covered with layers of silt, mud and volcanic ash that cut off their oxygen supply and slowed decomposition. Over time, silica-rich groundwater seeped through these logs to replace their original tissues with stones which now create the colorful badlands found within this park.

Visitors can also discover interesting features at the park, including Newspaper Rock's petroglyphs and Puerco Pueblo ruins. Trails range from easy paved or gravel pathways to more challenging hikes. Due to being relatively small with all attractions easily accessible from its North and South entrances, it makes a perfect stopover for travelers wanting a taste of Arizona without taking up too much of their time.

Petrified Forest National Park lies about 19 miles east of Holbrook and can be easily reached along Interstate 40 as it travels across both Arizona and New Mexico. Driving this route will give you access to all the park's best attractions within one day!

Pueblo Grande Museum Archaeological Park

Near Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport lies this archaeological site, now known as S'edav Va'aki Museum, which was home to Hohokam village ruins. Now converted into a museum, this attraction provides one of the best things to do in Arizona for history buffs. Explore its outdoor trail or visit its galleries. This National Historic Landmark also hosts various programs and events throughout the year.

The main gallery showcases an excavated platform mound, ballcourt ruins, garden, irrigation canals, and replicas of prehistoric houses from Hohokam culture that disappeared around 1450 from this region. There are two hiking trail options, both ADA accessible, each less than a mile long. The Interpretive Platform Mound Trail allows you to trail along a prehistoric village site that includes signs that explain the significant features, while the Portal Loop trail allows you to view/experience the importance of water on the environment and desert wildlife.

Havasupai Falls

Havasupai Falls is an essential Arizona landmark located in Supai, Arizona (within the Grand Canyon). There are five Havasupai Falls including Navajo Falls, Fifty Foot Falls, Havasu Falls (one of the more popular waterfalls), Mooney Falls and Beaver Falls. A cross between Narnia, Avatar, and Jurassic Park, this magical wonderland is home to the Havasupai Tribe (known as "people of the blue-green water"). Spread across over 188,000 acres of Havasupai tribal land, Havasupai's rugged wilderness contains lush landscapes with waterfalls that make this experience unparalleled anywhere else on Earth. Only those completing an 11-mile desert trek will experience a spiritual and physical journey that will leave them forever changed.

The waterfalls at Supai, just beyond the village (and near to campgrounds), offer the perfect place for taking a refreshing swim or simply lounging about. Snapping photos here might also prove rewarding, though this might best be done later when your feet have had time to rest after hiking the Grand Canyon.

Havasupai Falls is an untouched wilderness area, so it's essential that visitors adhere to Leave No Trace principles when exploring it. Be sure to pack out all trash, use portable toilets, and never disturb any plant or animal life in its vicinity.

Oak Creek Canyon Park

Oak Creek Canyon Park, approximately 7 miles northeast of Sedona, is co-managed by Arizona State Parks agency and U.S Forest Service and draws large crowds from both locals and visitors from around the world. Peak season crowds may even lead to full parking lots during summer months!

At this popular park, visitors will find something fun to do and see for all ages - outdoor picnicking, scenic hiking trails, fishing for rainbow trout in Oak Creek, and an annual apple festival are just a few activities available. Hiking trails range from low to moderate intensity levels - Pendley Homestead Trail, Slide Rock Route, and Clifftop Nature Trail being among them. The park is open year-round with hours varying depending on the time of year. Entrance fees apply per vehicle with up to four passengers.

Slide Rock (one of Oak Creek Canyons more popular attractions) was honored as one of "America's Top 10 Swimming Holes". Located in Oak Creek Canyon in Sedona, its natural rock water slide provides access to cool pools of fresh, clear water. A must-do while visiting Arizona's Red Rock Country!

Horseshoe Bend

Horseshoe Bend, one of Arizona's iconic landmarks in Page, Arizona, is a breathtaking geological phenomenon known as Horseshoe Bend. An amazing meander in the Colorado River with stunning canyon walls framing it provides panoramic views and showcases geological forces' power over time. Visitors marvel at this natural marvel that stands as testament to both geology's strength and its grandeur in history.

Horseshoe Bend should be visited between morning and midday. Later in the day, shadows from the sun make it hard to see. Sunset visits are particularly beautiful as light reflects off rock layers and tranquil turquoise waters of the river for an impressive display that also tends to be less crowded during this time.

Horseshoe Bend offers more than stunning scenery. There is also plenty to do and see at Horseshoe Bend like hiking to the rim of Horseshoe Bend and marveling at its different rock layers that took millions of years to form. One such layer is called Navajo Sandstone which contains cemented sand from an ancient seabed.

Page, Arizona offers various tours that make stops at Horseshoe Bend, giving visitors the best possible experience and cutting down travel times from destinations such as Sedona or Las Vegas.

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