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Wonders of Arizona
  Highlights
Some of the world’s most impressive sights are located in Arizona. This American state has such landmarks of world fame as Grand Canyon and Monument Valley. The most amazing wonders of Arizona are:
- Canyons and cliff formations. Grand Canyon is by far the largest canyon not only in Arizona but in whole America and one of the most prominent natural landmarks in the world. But there are many more impressive canyons – some are wide and majestic, some – very narrow, dark. Arizona is very rich with amazing rock formations – hoodoos, colored cliffs, beautiful natural arches.
- Ancient cliff dwellings. The majestic natural setting of Arizona and hostilities between the people of Arizona approximately one thousand years ago inspired the unique design of settlements which were built in cliff overhangs.
Map with the described wonders
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Top 25 wonders of Arizona
Geological wonders
Grand Canyon
Possibly the most impressive canyon in the world. This 446 km long canyon is up to 1,800 m deep and has rugged, nearly vertical walls.
Meteor Crater (Barringer crater)
Visually the most impressive meteorite impact crater on Earth. The diameter of the crater is about 1,180 m, depth is 170 m. The outer side of the rim rises 45 m high above the surrounding plains. The bottom is covered with a 210 – 240 m thick layer of rubble. The impact took place some 49,000 years ago.
Monument Valley
Monumental desert landscape with enormous, up to 300 m tall sandstone buttes. Numerous magnificent natural arches, rock stacks, and other formations.
Upper Antelope Canyon
Approximately 200 m long slot canyon that provides numerous grand sights. This is the more popular part of the Antelope Canyon because it does not require climbing and sunlight shines in it fairly frequently.
Kartchner Caverns
This gorgeous cave was discovered in 1974. The cave contains amazing and even unique cave formations, and the process of their formation continues. Here is located one of the world’s longest soda straws: 647 cm long! The length of the cave passages is some 3.9 – 4 km.
Tonto Natural Bridge
Possibly the largest natural bridge from the travertine. The bridge represents a 120 m long tunnel, up to 46 m wide and 56 m high.
Havasu Canyon
A side canyon of the tributary of the Grand Canyon. Havasu canyon is very spectacular due to the light blue color of calcium carbonate-rich spring water, which contrasts with the red color of the cliffs. Numerous limestone terraces, and large waterfalls.
Mooney Falls
Approximately 58 m tall waterfall in Havasu canyon. Around the falls are interesting tufa formations, and below the falls have formed terraces.
Grand Canyon Caverns
Cave with enormous cave rooms. Contains remnants of some extinct animals, e.g. ground sloth. Caves can be accessed through a 64 m deep shaft while the natural entrance has been sealed off as it is a sacred place to the Hualapai people.
Grand Falls in Arizona
An enormous waterfall. Grand Falls are 56 m tall and, at high water – more than 150 m wide. Muddy water flows over the falls. For the most part of the year, only small trickles fall, but at snowmelt and rain, the sight here is spectacular.
Chiricahua National Monument
Site with a large number of spectacular vertical rock formations, including impressive balancing rocks.
Lower Antelope Canyon
Very impressive slot canyon that is 407 m long and some 37 m deep. This is a bit less popular tourist destination than the Upper Antelope Canyon nearby.
Biological wonders
Saguaro National Park, West
One of the best locations to see the unique saguaro cactus (Carnegia gigantea) stands with thousands of these giant cacti. One of the most biologically diverse deserts in the world.
Archaeological wonders
Montezuma Castle
Very well preserved cliff dwelling, built by the Sinagua people around 700 AD and occupied until 1400 AD. Occasional religious ceremonies take place here up to this day. Access to the site requires a long ladder or very good climbing skills.
Antelope House
Impressive ruins of Anasazi settlement under cliff overhang. Abandoned around 1260. Nearby was the Tomb of Weaver which contained a mummified body of an old man.
White House Ruins
Ruins of Anasazi settlements under a rock overhang. Ruins of a once large building with 80 rooms that were inhabited in 1040 – 1275 AD. Numerous petroglyphs are nearby.
Keet Seel
Abandoned Anasazi cliff dwelling, occupied in 1250, abandoned around 1300 AD. Here lived up to 150 people. Contains a circular tower, one of the most prominent cliff dwellings in the United States. Located under a cliff overhang.
Palatki Pueblo
Ruins of Sinagua settlement from 1100 – 1400 AD and rich finds of petroglyphs from 4000 BC – 1400 AD.
Betatakin
Abandoned Anasazi cliff dwelling that once had up to 120 rooms for up to 125 people, now some 80 rooms remain. Located under a spectacular cliff overhang.
Tonto Upper Cliff Dwelling
The largest ancient cliff dwelling in Tonto National Monument. An ancient structure with some 40 rooms in a natural alcove. It was developed and inhabited by Salado culture around 1300 – 1350 AD.
Architecture wonders
Hoover Dam
Comparatively old and enormous dam for the hydropower station, 221 m high. The structure is adorned with details in Art Deco style and was constructed in 1931 – 1936.
Large Binocular Telescope
One of the most sophisticated optical telescopes in the world with two 8.4 m large mirrors. Constructed in 1996 – 2004.
Oraibi
One of the oldest continuously inhabited settlements in the United States. Founded before 1100 AD. Stronghold of Hopi culture and traditions, with traditional architecture.
Recommended books
Fodor’s Arizona & The Grand Canyon
From the vastness of the Grand Canyon to Sedona’s red rocks and the living Sonoran Desert, Arizona’s landscapes are awe-inspiring. The state’s spectacular canyons, blooming deserts, raging rivers, petrified forests, and scenic mountains enthrall lovers of the outdoors in pursuit of hiking, rafting, golf, or picturesque spots to watch the sunset. In full color throughout, Fodor’s Arizona and the Grand Canyon helps travelers take advantage of the state’s myriad pleasures, including outstanding museums and galleries, Navajo and Hopi cultural experiences, three national parks, and world-renowned spas.
Overlooked Arizona
From the towering saguaro cacti of her deserts to the pine-covered mountains of the Mogollon Rim, Arizona is filled with wonderful attractions that most visitors never get to see. Frontier forts, ghost towns, Spanish missions, historical museums, canyons, and winding mountain roads are all waiting for you, with adventure along every mile of the way. Come explore with this handy guidebook!