Arizona is the 48th state in USA, having achieved statehood on February 14th, 1912. The state of Arizona is known for the desert climate, meaning hot summers and mild winters. Northern Arizona has mountains, and forests, as well as deep canyons and ski resorts. Apart from the Grand Canyon, there are numerous national forests and parks, many of them with monuments to see.

One quarter of the state is Indian reservation land, housing the 27 tribes of Native Americans. The largest tribe is the Navajo Nation, with a citizenship of over 300,000 people.

The population of Arizona boomed after the introduction of refrigeration soon after WWII, and it is now the sixth largest state in area.

Many people believe that the name comes from a Basque word meaning ‘place of oaks’, while the Papago Tribe translates it as ‘place of the little spring’. Whichever translation you adopt, the state will amaze you with some of the sights and places of interest to explore.

61. Cathedral Rock

This is possibly one of the most photographed landmarks in the state. You will find it near Sedona. It is in the Coconino National Forest. The top of the rock stands at 4,967 feet tall.

There are many hiking trails up and around the rock, some of which are moderately easy, and others which are rated as very difficult.

Whichever trail you follow, the views are spectacular! It is recommended that you wear hiking boots with grips. There is a hiking fee of $5 per day, and a small store where you can stock up on water before you leave.

The park gets very quiet in the winter months, but can get busy with hikers in the summer season.

This is not a good idea for anyone who is unfit.

62. Superstition Mountain

This mountain range is located on the east side of the city of Phoenix. Look out for ‘Weaver’s Needle’, which is a good landmark popular with rock climbers. It is a very tall piece of volcanic rock. Locals will tell you the legend of the Lost Dutchman’s Gold Mine, and this landmark plays a part in that.

There are trails which will take you close to Weaver’s Needle, where the views are amazing.

The wilderness vegetation is very popular with hikers. As with any parks in the low desert areas, the summer temperatures can be uncomfortably hot, so many people leave this until the cooler months. The top of the mountains is at 6,200 feet above sea level, so even in the summer, it is bearable higher up.

It is interesting to read how the mountains got their name.

Plan to spend a day if you are going to hike the mountains, and make sure to take your own provisions.

63. Meteor Crater

You will find this landmark about 37 miles east of Flagstaff. There is a small museum on the site, where you can see exactly how the crater occurred, and see a large piece of the meteor. The museum claims that the crater is the best preserved in the world.

The hole is about 3,900 feet in diameter, and 560 feet deep. There is a shop on the site where you can buy all sorts of interesting things such as meteor samples and such like.

It will take a half a day to see the museum and then walk around outside looking at the crater.

64. Oak Creek Canyon

This canyon is located between the towns of Sedona and Flagstaff. Like the Grand Canyon, it is spectacular. The canyon is in fact second most popular place to be visited in Arizona, the first being the Grand Canyon.

Hiking, climbing, and rambling make this a great attraction, along with the cooler temperatures when it gets too hot in the city of Phoenix.

As with any hiking in the desert, be sure to wear good shoes, and take water and provisions with you, as there are none along the way.

This is also a good area to take an RV and spend a few days exploring the canyon. This will give you the opportunity to see the sunsets and sun rises, and the colours on the rocks.

65. Mesa Arts Centre

This complex is situated in downtown Mesa. It was completed in 2005, and to date is the biggest arts complex in the state.

There are four different areas to the complex, along with housing Mesa Contemporary Arts which is where you will find a further 5 art galleries.

You will note that the architecture is very modern, with sharp angles, glass walls, and sloped roofs.

If you plan to see any productions here, then be sure to book in advance to avoid disappointment.

Plan to spend a day here, or an evening for most performances. You will find many places where you can stay overnight.

Source:
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