The American state of Arizona is popular with visitors all year round due to its wonderful climate. There are numerous attractions in this scenic part of the U.S., with these being 7 of the best.
1. Hoover Dam
The Hoover Dam, which was completed in 1935, is one of the most famous engineering wonders in the modern world. It features a curved wall that’s about 727 feet high and 1244 feet in length. It’s also 660 feet thick at the base of it. However, it’s only the second biggest dam in America.
The dam was originally named Boulder Dam and it’s located on the Colorado River in the Black Canyon. Each year the dam is able to generate 4 billion kilowatt-hours of hydroelectric power, which is enough to serve the needs of about 1.3 million residents.
2. Desert Botanical Garden, Phoenix
This amazing garden features about 50,000 desert plants that have been collected from all across the globe. The beautiful site is located close to the Phoenix Zoo and Papago Park. It features a herb garden, yucca forest, and a wildflower path.
In December, it features Las Noches De Las Luminarias, which is a presentation of 8000 lighted luminaria bags along with live musical entertainment. It’s also home to many different colored cacti, with the highest cactus being 22 feet tall.
3. Petrified Forest National Park
This well known area isn’t really a forest; however it does feature one of the biggest concentrations of fossils and petrified wood in the world. It’s believed that many of the fossils here are close to 200-million years old.
There used to be a forest on the location, but it eroded over the years due to volcanic eruptions which covered the trees in sediment and ash. Over time, the erosion has created the colourful petrified wood. It’s quite a scenic spot and an ideal place to hike through. You’ll also get some excellent views of Arizona’s Painted Desert from here.
4. The Lowell Observatory, Flagstaff
If you’re into stargazing, astronomy, and science then you’ll love the Lowell Observatory in the city of Flagstaff. The planet of Pluto was actually discovered from here back in 1930 and the observatory houses the Discovery Channel telescope.
It’s an excellent lookout point due to the clear skies and the high altitude in Northern Arizona. This is just one of Flagstaff’s many wonderful attractions. You can also explore the historic downtown region and catch free concerts at Heritage Square.
5. Taliesin West, Scottsdale
This architectural wonder sits in the town of Scottsdale in the foothills of the majestic McDowell Mountains. It was constructed back in 1937 by famous American architect and designer Frank Lloyd Wright and was used as his winter residence as well as an architectural training ground and studio. TheFrank Lloyd Wright School of architecture is still located here. There are several tours available inside the magnificent residence. The building will be celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2012.
6. Sedona
The town of Sedona is surrounded by colourful red rocks that are millions of years old. It’s quite a popular location with bikers and hikers because of its natural beauty and rich history, especially Soldier Pass Trail. The town is believed to have magnetic hot spots which give off heightened energy. The red rocks are fantastic, but you can also pamper yourself in one of the town’s magnificent spas.
7. The Grand Canyon
This natural wonder can’t be missed on a trip to Arizona. It’s an amazing sight that everybody should see if they have the chance. This world-famous canyon is 277 miles in length and a mile deep.
Most of the visitors, about 4 million a year, head to the South Rim; however the North Rim is home to the canyon’s highest lookout point. The famous glass-bottomed Skywalk is on the West Rim and allows you to walk over the canyon. You can also enjoy hikes from the South Rim to the North Rim and take rafting trips down the mighty Colorado River.
