When most people think of Arizona, the first thing that comes to mind is sprawling desert that stretches for miles until you reach The Grand Canyon—one of the world’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders. But outside of this remarkable entity, not much is known by outsiders about the Arizona landscape, which is home to some of the most scenic attractions in the U.S. Whether you’re planning a short trip or just passing through, here’s a look at some of Arizona’s most breathtaking places.
Antelope Canyon
Ambitious photographers have a field day capturing the red waves of smooth rock that sweep over Antelope Canyon. Located on Native American Navajo land east of Page, Arizona, the mesmerizing slot canyon is broken up into two separate sections consisting of Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon. Thousands of years of water erosion helped to create the smooth grooves and gravel between the rock formations and make for picture-perfect moments.
Havasu Falls
Contrary to popular belief, Arizona is more than just a dry, desolate stretch of land, and The Grand Canyon’s Havasu Falls is proof of that. Perched within Havasupai tribal lands, getting to the falls is not for the faint of heart; the journey requires a 10-mile hike each way along a guided tour,  but the view of the blue-green waters is well worth the trek.
The Wave
Situated near Arizona’s northern border with Utah sits the The Wave—a massive sandstone formation comprised of colorful hardened stone and dunes. The Wave’s most popular access point is Coyote Buttes North, with smaller trailheads surrounding the region as well. The hike is no easy trek, and because of its newfound popularity and efforts by the Bureau of Land Management to preserve the sacred area, potential visitors must try their luck at obtaining a permit in an online or in-person lottery draw in order to be considered for a trip to the formation.
Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument
A drive or hike through Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument is filled with scenic wonders and adventure. The well-preserved monument consists of over 26 species of cactus—including the renowned Organ Pipe Cactus, for which the 517 square mile park is named —and an abundance of wildlife. The park is located in the Sonoran Desert and includes campgrounds for tourists to rest their heads if looking for an extended stay to explore the surrounding wilderness.
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