There are many attractions in Arizona, such as cactus deserts, mountains, red canyons, and also attractions which are built by men, such as esteemed museums, historic settlements, vibrant cities, and marvels. Arizona has been a popular tourist destination, since its admission to the Union as the 48th state of the United States. With so many world-famous attractions, that is not surprising. Here are the top 5 tourist attractions in Arizona.
1. Grand Canyon
The spectacular Grand Canyon is one of the biggest attractions in the United States, and certainly in the state of Arizona. Carved out by the Colorado River, his incredible landscape reveals the power of nature and the wonder it can create. The Grand Canyon walls glow in many colors in the late afternoon sun, with hues of yellow, red, and orange. Most tourists see the canyon from the South Rim, where there are many lookout areas all along the walkway and road running along the canyon’s edge. For those who want a closer look, it is possible to take a helicopter flight over and through the canyon or hike down in the Grand Canyon.
2. Glen Canyon National Recreation Area
The Glen Canyon National Recreation Area is a stunning area of the desert landscape, dramatic stone walls, and blue water. The area is also home to Lake Powell, which is one of the largest manmade lakes in America. The Glen Canyon Dam was built to block the Colorado River and create Lake Powell. A good base for exploring Glen Canyon National Recreating are and surrounding region is the town of Page. Wahweap Marina is the largest marina on Lake Powell and is located 7 miles north of Page. Nearby slot canyons of Antelope Canyon is one of the area’s biggest attractions.
3. Monument Valley
Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park straddles the border between the state of Utah and the state of Arizona. This impressive Wild West landscape includes dramatic buttes, sand dunes, and jagged rock formations. Tourists can do a self-drive tour through the valley, take a photography tour or a guided tour, or just appreciate some of the views from the passing highway.
4. Hoover Dam
Hoover Dam is one of the greatest engineering marvels in the world. Completed in 1935, this massive structure crosses the Colorado River, linking Nevada and Arizona. It is 1,244 feet long and 726 feet high. Held back by the Hoover Dam, Lake Mead is the largest artificial lake in America. It holds the equivalent of two years of flow of the Colorado River and is 110 miles long.
5. Sedona
About an hour and a half drive north of Phoenix, the town of Sedona is situated in a stunning setting, surrounded by red-rock buttes and mountains. There are amazing views from the main highway running through the town and almost every street corner. Even though the area has great hiking and mountain biking, jeep tours provide an even easier way to get out into the landscape. This town is known for its energy vortexes and there are many people who consider Sedona a highly spiritual place.