Arizona’s Most Stunning Destinations
Taking the time to travel to stunning destinations, like those found in Arizona, can be eye-opening and enriching. Whether you’re looking to get away from your everyday routine or just want to see something new, this state offers plenty of exciting places that are certain to please visitors of all types. Here are three of the most stunning destinations in Arizona and why they’re worth visiting this year.
Sedona
With its incredible red rock formations, Sedona is a must-see destination in Arizona. The area is also home to a number of heritage sites and beautiful places to explore. If you’re looking for a place to enjoy the outdoors, Sedona is the perfect spot. With its stunning natural beauty, it’s no wonder that Sedona is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Arizona. Featuring breathtaking natural views, famous landmarks like Bell Rock and Cathedral Rock, as well as unique attractions like vortexes, Sedona offers plenty of things to do and see.
For those who want an authentic experience with a little more ruggedness than some other scenic areas offer, check out Slide Rock State Park where you can play on the natural water slides! Or visit Oak Creek Canyon which features fantastic hikes through natural beauty! You’ll never be disappointed by the opportunities available at these great travel destinations. From museums to galleries, there are many different ways to learn about the local culture and history. Take your time exploring – you’ll find something new around every corner!
Monument Valley
One of the most beautiful places in Arizona is also a heritage site. Monument Valley is home to some of the most iconic architecture in the American Southwest. The red rock buttes and mesas are truly a sight to behold. If you’re looking for a place to get away from it all and enjoy some stunning scenery, Monument Valley is the perfect destination. You can take one of the day trips offered by your local tourist center or spend an entire weekend exploring its wonders.
For a more authentic experience, visit during Indian Market on Fridays in October or November to watch artists create jewelry and pottery as they’ve done for centuries before purchasing your own souvenirs. Whether you stay for the whole weekend or just one day, this is sure to be a trip of a lifetime. It would be remiss not to mention that there are actually two monuments: the Navajo Monument and the Hopi Monument. While both have their charm, we recommend taking time to explore them both!
Lake Powell
If you’re looking for breathtaking views, look no further than Lake Powell. With its red rock cliffs and turquoise waters, it’s easy to see why this is one of Arizona’s most popular destinations. Plus, there’s plenty to do here – from hiking and biking to boating and fishing. No matter if you’re seeking a relaxed escape or an adventurous trip, Lake Powell has something for you. The town of Page is home to some incredible architectue as well as breathtaking scenery. You’ll be able to explore the canyon on foot, by bike, kayak or jeep.
Make sure you stop by Horseshoe Bend for the ultimate view! Located near Page, Arizona, Horseshoe Bend is one of the many hidden gems in the area. It’s not just for hikers though – you can experience the beauty of this spot from almost anywhere along its perimeter. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife like bighorn sheep and bald eagles while exploring these picturesque lands. Visitors love coming back time and time again because each visit is so different. So what are you waiting for?
Weaver’s Needle Trail
Hiking to the top of Weaver’s Needle is a must-do while in Arizona. The views of the surrounding landscape are incredible, and you can see for miles. The trail is well-maintained and relatively easy to hike, making it perfect for all skill levels. Plus, the architectue of Weaver’s Needle is fascinating and definitely worth checking out! It is one of only two buildings designed by Frank Lloyd Wright on this list (the other being Taliesin West). To get there, take Highway 87 about 16 miles south from Sedona or about 24 miles north from Jerome. After parking at the lot, head east on FR 354.
Cross FR 356 and continue up to the junction with FR 355 where you will turn left. Follow that road up until it crosses under US 89A and then cross US 89A itself at milepost 11. Turn right onto US 89A as if going towards Cottonwood and drive 3/4 mile before turning left onto FR 351 which leads directly to Weaver’s Needle Trailhead. Enjoy your hike! There are also some great places to stop along the way. For example, just past L’Auberge de Sedona hotel you’ll find Crescent Moon Spring–a popular spot for swimming among locals. If you’ve got kids in tow, stop by Whispering Winds Park just off Highway 179 near Cornville. There’s a playground and picnic tables available there so grab lunch before heading back home on one of Arizona’s most scenic roads–Highway 179!
The Grove
Tucked away in the north-central part of the state, The Grove is a hidden gem. This small town is home to a number of unique shops and restaurants, as well as a beautiful forest. If you’re looking for a place to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, The Grove is the perfect destination. In addition to many eateries and shops, there are also plenty of hiking trails that can be enjoyed by novice hikers or seasoned outdoorsmen alike. Families with children will enjoy visiting Picacho Peak State Park, which offers picnic areas and educational opportunities.
Anyone who loves being surrounded by nature will want to check out Whitewater Draw Regional Park where visitors can hike, bike, ride horses or fish. Visitors who love art should make their way to Pueblo Grande Museum and Archaeological Park, one of Arizona’s most significant archaeological sites. With its wide variety of amenities, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport makes it easy for travelers to take advantage of all the great things this area has to offer. Whether it’s mountain biking in Flagstaff or fishing in Lake Havasu City, there’s something for everyone at this airport!
Prescott
Situated in the Bradshaw Mountains, Prescott is a charming destination with a small-town feel. The town is home to a variety of historic buildings, including the state’s oldest courthouse. Visitors can also enjoy hiking and biking trails, horseback riding, and golfing. From Prescott, visitors can drive about 45 minutes to get to Sedona or about two hours to get to Phoenix. However, for those who want to be surrounded by nothing but red rocks for miles, there are plenty of places to go. In addition to visiting all three towns on this list, it’s worth checking out Jerome (about four hours from Prescott) or Flagstaff (about six hours).
Both have something unique to offer–a different kind of wilderness experience! You might not think that Arizona has beautiful beaches, but believe it or not, Lake Havasu City is one place you should definitely visit. It’s famous for its man-made London Bridge spanning across the Colorado River as well as its London themed pubs and other entertainment options. There are so many other places to explore in Arizona, but these five destinations are a great start if you’re looking for an incredible vacation!
Lake Havasu City
Nestled in the Mohave Desert, Lake Havasu City is a mecca for boaters and water-lovers. The city is home to London Bridge, which was brought over from England and rebuilt in 1971. Plus, there are plenty of beaches, restaurants, and bars to keep you busy. For a breathtaking view, head to one of the city’s many lookout points. Or, if you’re feeling more adventurous, try one of these three popular hikes: Mount Vernon Trail (5 miles), Weaver’s Needle Trail (2 miles), or Bell Rock Pathway (4 miles).
For those looking for a longer day hike, Humphreys Peak (11 miles) offers amazing views at the summit. An even tougher challenge? Hike Arizona’s most difficult trail–the Peralta Trail (3 miles)–where hikers gain 1,500 feet of elevation. You’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of Saguaro National Park West. Make sure to bring plenty of food and water as it takes up to 10 hours to complete this trek. Afterward, you can take a dip in nearby Oak Creek before driving back down into Tucson.
Saguaro National Park West Section
The Saguaro National Park West Section is a must-see for anyone visiting Arizona. The park is home to the largest cacti in the world, and its desert landscapes are truly breathtaking. Plus, there are plenty of hiking trails to explore, making it the perfect place to spend a day or two. If you’re more interested in exploring the night sky, then head to Kitt Peak Observatory near Tucson. It’s one of the best places on Earth for astronomical observation and has telescopes that can view the farthest reaches of our universe! Plus, once the sun sets over these incredible mountains, you’ll be able to enjoy an absolutely unforgettable sunset.
For an adventure closer to home, check out Havasu Falls in southern Arizona. These turquoise waters cascade down 200 feet and provide beautiful views from every angle. Plus, this spectacular waterfall offers a refreshing escape from summer heat waves if you visit during the hotter months of the year. And last but not least, make sure to visit Wupatki National Monument for some breathtaking cliff dwellings. Here you’ll find hundreds of ancient stone structures built by Native Americans more than 1000 years ago!
The Painted Desert of Arizona
The Painted Desert is one of Arizona’s most stunning destinations. The desert landscape is full of beautiful colors and unique rock formations. The best time to visit the Painted Desert is in the spring or fall, when the temperatures are more moderate. Visitors can hike, camp, or simply enjoy the views. While many people think of this area as a barren wasteland, it’s actually a really interesting place with all sorts of plant life.
There are great opportunities for photography here too – if you’re interested in taking pictures on your trip then bring your camera! If you want to explore the desert but don’t have much time, then head over to Kartchner Caverns State Park. Kartchner Caverns State Park is an underground wonderland of colorful stalactites and stalagmites. You’ll be blown away by these incredible natural wonders that are right under our feet! I hope this blog post has given you some ideas about where to go in Arizona. Happy travels!
