Arizona is a state of the United States of America. It is the sixth-largest of the 50 states of America. It is located in the southwestern region of the United States. Arizona’s capital and largest city are Phoenix. Do not miss visiting Phoenix in summer which is popularly known as the valley of the sun. Arizona is one of the four corner states and the other three are New Mexico, Utah, and Colorado.
Arizona joined the union as the 48th state on 14th February 1912 and it is the last of the contiguous states. At some point in history, Arizona, Utah, New Mexico, Nevada, and California were a part of Mexico. Then Arizona won the American-Mexican war in 1948 and then it became a part of the U.S.
Arizona is famous all over the world for the Grand Canyon which is located over a mile deep, about 227 miles long, and is up to 16 miles wide. It is the largest copper-producing state in the union. This state has almost 13 different species of rattlesnakes. The most famous national parks in Arizona are:
- Grand Canyon National Park
- Saguaro National Park
- Petrified National Park
Grand Canyon National Park
Grand Canyon National Park is located in Arizona which is about 277 miles from the Colorado River and adjacent uplands. This national park is home to many of the largest Grand Canyon which is a mile deep and up to 18 miles wide. It is located in the northern corner of Arizona which is a natural wonder. Due to the constant erosion of the Colorado River, the Grand Canyon was expanded over a million years. Visitors to the Grand Canyon are about 6 million per year.
The Grand Canyon is divided into two parts, the South Rim and the North Rim. And the climate in the Grand Canyon is semi-arid. This national park is open year-round.
Activities to do in the Grand Canyon National Park
- Grand Canyon Village
- North Rim
- Bright Angel Trail
- Rim Trail
- North Kaibab Trail
- Havasu Falls
- Colorado River Rafting
- Grand Canyon Skywalk
- Grand Canyon Railway
- Lees Ferry
- Parashant National Monument
- Tuweep
Saguaro National Park
Saguaro National Park is located in the South of Arizona. The park is about 92,000 acres that consist of two separate areas, the Tucson Mountain District which is about 10 miles west of Tucson city, and the Rincon Mountain District which is about 10 miles east of the city. It preserves fauna, flora that include giant saguaro cactus, and Sonoran Desert landscapes. The giant saguaro is the universal symbol of the western USA. These beautiful plants are found only in small portions of America and they are protected by Saguaro National Park. You will be able to see more cacti which are silhouetted by the incredible desert sunset.
It is also a place where you can see hundreds of species of grasses, flowers, cacti, shrubs, reptiles, mammals, trees, and birds. This national park is very attractive and scenic. There are many activities you can do in this park-like hiking, camping, etc. The park consists of two districts, the East and the West.
Activities to do in the Saguaro National Park
- Get a First View of the Cactus-Dotted Landscape from Gates Pass Overlook
- Visit the Red Hills Visitor Center
- Drive the Bajada Scenic Loop
- See Petroglyphs at Signal Hill
- Hike the King Canyon Trail to Wasson Peak
- Camp at the Gilbert Ray Campground
- Drive the Cactus Forest Scenic Loop
- Hike the Mica View and Loma Verde Trails
- Enjoy the Beautiful Spring Wildflowers
- Take a Photo Next to the Largest Saguaro Cactus you can find
Petrified Forest National Park
Petrified Forest National Park is known for its ancient trees that were formed over 225 million years into rainbow colors. This national park has all the wonders and also there are lots of discoveries and adventures. Petrified National Park lies in Northern Arizona of the U.S. It was covered with vegetation and trees.
But the whole forest was destroyed by volcanic lava and the remaining particles were formed into volcanic ash and water. The national park offers Red Basin, rocky cliffs, and backcountry hikes.
Activities to do in the Petrified Forest National Park
- Orient Yourself at the Visitor Centers
- Go on a hike
- See the Highlights Along a Scenic Drive
- Go Geocaching
- Camping
- Explore the Park by Bicycle or Horseback
- Time Your Visit with an Event