
Arizona is a Magnificent State
Arizona holds some of Earth’s most mind-bending natural wonders. From twisting slot canyons to red rock formations that look like they belong on Mars, our state packs more incredible views than you can imagine.

Antelope Canyon
Located near Page, this slot canyon formed when flash floods carved through Navajo sandstone, creating smooth, twisted walls up to 120 feet high.
The famous light beams appear when sunlight hits small openings above, illuminating rock dust in the air.
Fittingly, the Navajo name for Upper Antelope Canyon is “Tsé bighánílíní,” which means “the place where water runs through rocks.”

The Wave (Coyote Buttes)
This famous sandstone formation looks like giant waves frozen in time. The swooping lines and swirling patterns formed 190 million years ago from sand dunes that turned to rock.
Only 64 people can visit each day, making this one of the toughest permits to get in Arizona.

Havasu Falls
Tucked away in the Grand Canyon, these bright turquoise waterfalls crash into crystal-clear pools surrounded by red rocks.
The stunning blue-green color comes from limestone deposits in the water. The falls sit on Havasupai tribal land and require advance permits and a 10-mile hike to reach.

White Pocket (Vermilion Cliffs)
White Pocket looks like someone took different colors of bread dough and twisted them together.
The swirling patterns of white, orange, and red rock formations create a natural art gallery that will make your head spin.
Unlike its famous neighbor The Wave, you don’t need a permit to visit. However, you do need a high-clearance 4×4 vehicle to navigate the deep sand roads leading to this remote wonderland.

Painted Desert
Stretching from the Grand Canyon to the Petrified Forest, the Painted Desert is a showstopping view of rolling hills striped with bands of red, pink, purple, and gray stretch as far as the eye can see.
These colorful layers formed from ancient mud, sand, and volcanic ash over millions of years. The best times to visit are during sunrise and sunset when the low light makes the colors pop even more.
You can drive through parts of it in Petrified Forest National Park, where fossilized trees add another layer of prehistoric wonder.

Monument Valley
At Monument Valley, massive sandstone buttes rise dramatically from the desert floor, creating one of the most recognizable landscapes in the American Southwest.
These towering rock formations can reach heights of 1,000 feet. The Navajo Nation manages this iconic area, and you can take guided tours to learn about the cultural significance of these sacred formations.

Sedona Vortex Sites
Sedona’s famous red rocks hold special spots called vortexes, where many people feel powerful energy flows.
The most popular sites include Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, and Airport Mesa. Whether or not you believe in the spiritual aspects, these locations offer some of Arizona’s most stunning views.

Horseshoe Bend
The Colorado River carved this dramatic 270-degree turn through sandstone layers over millions of years. Standing at the edge of the 1,000-foot cliff gives you an amazing view of the emerald green river below.
The short hike from the parking lot makes this natural wonder accessible to most visitors, but be careful because there are no guardrails at the main viewpoint.

Chiricahua National Monument
Known as the “Wonderland of Rocks,” this forest of stone pillars stands like an army of giants. Volcanic activity created these balanced rocks, spires, and pinnacles 27 million years ago.
The 8-mile scenic drive and 17 miles of hiking trails let you explore these bizarre formations up close.

Lava River Cave
This mile-long tube formed when lava’s outer surface cooled while hot lava continued flowing inside, creating a natural tunnel.
At around 700,000 years old, it’s one of Arizona’s youngest caves. It also stays a cool 40 degrees Fahrenheit year-round, a nice contrast from the desert heat.
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