Everyone knows that the biggest natural wonder of Arizona is the Grand Canyon, but what they often do not know is that there are dozens of other breathtaking outdoor attractions to explore just down the road. Everything from scenic rivers to towering mountains, astounding canyons, and huge deserts is represented in this state. While you’re in town hiking or enjoying the sights, make sure to spend some time with these beautiful natural wonders.
Antelope Canyon
Antelope Canyon is located in Page, Arizona and is inside of a Navajo Nation reserve. The area is extremely popular for photographers, no matter the time of year. There are two different areas in Antelope Canyon, the Lower and Upper. You will need to seek out the assistance of a Navajo guide to appreciate all that this destination has to offer. Once you do, you can expect to take beautiful photos that friends and family will want to see again and again. The beauty of this canyon is largely due to its slim sandstone slot. The sunlight reaches the walls to send a shower of colors down, from purple to red and orange.
There are entrance fees for the Lower of Upper level, as well as for a photography package. This is on top of the $6 required to visit Navajo land. Either level is beautiful, but the Lower area is often cheaper, less packed, and allows longer visits. However, if the stunning light beams matter, you’d be better off going up instead of down.
Meteor Crater
The Meteor Crater is a truly unique site that marks the area where a meteor traveling thousands of miles an hour hit the earth over 50,000 years ago. It is noted as the best-preserved impact site that can be found anywhere around the globe. If you decide to visit, bring your hiking shoes as you can hike the rim on a guided tour of the 550-foot-deep crater or enjoy using the provided telescopes to get high-quality views of the rock walls nearby. The site also offers a movie theatre, gift shop, observation trails, and a massive surviving meteorite fragment that clocks in at over 300,000 tons.
This area is a true tourist destination with everything you could need to enjoy the day there. On nice days, there are guided hikes available. If you want to do something a bit more intense, consider the crater floor trip or crater rim tour. Both are very informative and give a unique experience you can’t find outside of Arizona. You’ll have plenty to talk about when you get home with your friends.
Glen Canyon National Recreational Area
If you’re looking for gorgeous scenery, you’ll appreciate Glen Canyon National Recreational Area. You can experience desert landscapes along with clear, blue water. There are almost 2,000 miles of shoreline which wrap around Lake Powell. This can give you something exciting to do for days on end, whether you want to head off and explore or take part in some of the water-based recreation available. Besides that, this area is a location that is loved by boating enthusiasts. The Glen Canyon Dam on the lake is one of the highest you will find in the entire United States. You can enjoy fishing, swimming, camping or all of the above.
The best thing is that Glen Canyon National Recreation Center is in an excellent spot to stop and enjoy some of the other natural wonders of Arizona. You can visit Capitol Reef National Park, Rainbow Bridge National Monument, or the Navajo National Monument that preserves cliff dwellings of Navajo ancestors.
Petrified Forest National Park
In the Northeastern area of Arizona, you can find the unique and impressive Petrified Forest National Park. You will see giant pieces of petrified wood, but that is only the beginning. This area has a broad geographical history with amazing fossils. In fact, it used to be a tropical area and scientists have discovered more than 150 different fossilized plants in the park. You can drive along the road to find a short trail or viewpoint. These gives an up-close look at the sights of Rainbow Forest, Blue Mesa, Crystal Forest, and Jasper Forest.
Blue Mesa is an area that is characterized by the blue clay that logs rest in. The soil here is fragile, so you’ll have to do your trail hiking somewhere else. The Rainbow Forest has tons of petrified logs, as well as the local museum. There are numerous trails to explore. Jasper Forest allows no hiking, but you can take a peek at it from a short road that leads to the Agate Bridge. The Crystal Forest gets its name from the massive amounts of crystals and quartz that could be found long ago.
Havasu Falls
If you enjoy hiking, you need to check out Havasu Falls. It is located near Supai on the Havasupai Indian Reservation. You’ll see majestic waterfalls that tower into the sky. There is a 10-mile hike to get there, so only experienced hikers should take on this activity. However, once you get there, you’ll be rewarded with a view of amazing pools near the base of the falls. Another fun activity is bathing in the serene pools available near the falls. You will need to reserve a campsite with the Havasupai Tribe if you intend to camp or enjoy the sights.
Horseshoe Bend
Our next natural wonder of Arizona is none other than Horseshoe Bend. It’s located in a central location close to Sedona, Page, and Flagstaff so you will likely not have to drive far to experience its beauty. It’s right off of US Route 89, just a 3 ½ mile hike away. This is an area that brings many photographers and is known for the many unique views that can be found depending on the time of day when you reach the area. For those who need lodging, it’s available in Page with several options to fit your needs. There are also plenty of shops around so you can be sure that you'll have the essentials covered.
Kartchner Caverns
The last natural wonder on our list is Kartchner Caverns, which offers the world’s largest formation of stalactites. It’s a huge limestone cave that can be found a short drive away from Tucson in southern Arizona. If you’re bringing your family along, the children will love exploring and experiencing the many formations and minerals that are a part of the journey. This cavern was found in the 1970s and offers visits the chance to go underground to experience a true living cave. You’ll also learn about the bats which live there, along with the other participants in the fragile ecosystem.
The Grand Canyon is an amazing place to visit, and everyone should see it at least once. However, there are dozens of other options for those who are looking to step off the beaten path and try something new. No matter who you are and what you’re interested in, Arizona provides many exceptional options for exploring natural wonders. Whether you visit the Kartchner Caverns, bathe in the Havasu Falls, or enjoy the colors at Antelope Canyon, you’ll be glad you did. Get ready to hit the road to the Grand Canyon by making sure you have your cheap car insurance in Arizona here.
