FTC Forum
Special Category => பயண கட்டுரைகள் - NATURE AND TRAVEL => Topic started by: MysteRy on July 01, 2014, 10:28:22 AM
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Top 10 Places to Visit in Arizona, USA
Arizona is a great small state - only some 300 miles wide by 400 long. This means all these great sites are accessible and usually within an easy day's reach! This is the last mainland state to be admitted into the union, a state rich in Spanish history and architecture, and it borders Mexico for nearly 390 miles; also Nevada, California, Utah and New Mexico. There are some fantastic cities, including Tucson and Phoenix, and great historic pioneer towns such as Flagstaff. Don't forget: historic Route 66 passes through here as did so many settlers, following the Native Americans who have long made Arizona their home. Don't just 'do' Grand Canyon and move on: explore these top ten places and discover a wonderful, diverse state of natural beauty and rich history. This is also one of the top places in the USA for star gazing, so get out into the high deserts and mountains at night and see the stars like dust. From man's achievements to nature's glory, it is all right on your doorstep in Arizona.
1. Grand Canyon National Park
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Undoubtedly one of the seven natural wonders of the world, the Grand Canyon has to be seen to be believed. And even then, you might not believe the sheer scale of this incredible gorge, gouged out by the Colorado river. This is an UNESCO World Heritage site that simply has to be visited. To avoid the crowds and some of the tackier aspects tourism inevitably brings, visit the north rim from Highway 67, coming down from Jacob Lake. But nothing joins the north to the south ... the canyon is 277 miles long, 18 miles wide and plummets down over a mile in places. It can take over five hours to drive the geographically short distance from one side to the other of the canyon. It literally splits Arizona apart. Much more accessible is the South Rim, under eighty miles north of Flagstaff. Here there is also accommodation - often booked up well in advance. But you can raft, hike, take helicopter tours, run marathons, take donkey treks and more from the southern access. There are several vantage points from the west as well, where you might be able to avoid the crowds and take in this simply breathtaking creation of nature.
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2. Colorado River and Horseshoe Bend
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"Wow” is the word that usually comes out when you see the horseshoe bend of the Colorado River for the first time. From the lookout point on Route 89 near the town of Page, the river almost doubles back upon itself, leaving a tall column of rock stranded in the middle. Steep cliffs surround the deep canyon, of the very river that carved out the Grand Canyon and is only stopped by the Hoover Dam. As the seasons and sunlight changes, the colours of the river far below change, often providing an amazing mirror to the sky. So gaze from above, or kayak and canoe through the river itself. The walking trail from the road is only three quarters of a mile though there is some pretty deep sand to wade through. Just watch out for the kids ... absolutely no railings here!
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3. Meteor Crater
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Also known as Barringer Crater, this is a massive indent in the earth caused by the impact of a meteor some 50,000 years ago and is probably the best preserved site of its kind worldwide. A massive meteor formed a crater almost 600 feet deep and over a kilometre in diameter. At this time, Arizona was home to mammoths and giant sloths, living on the open grasslands. There were no people here in the Pleistocene era. There is an incredible view of this moon-like landscape from viewing decks on the north rim, where there is also a visitor's centre with interpretive information on astronomy and space exploration. Amazingly, it was not until the 1950s that scientists agreed the crater was formed by a meteor impact! Find it from Interstate 40, exit 233 just 20 miles to the west of Winslow or 35 miles east from Flagstaff.
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4. Phoenix Zoo
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Right here in Phoenix is one of the top five favourite zoos in the USA. Open since the early Sixties, this is the biggest not-for-profit zoological gardens in North America. There are over 1,300 animals here, viewed from four themed trails: a Children's Trail, with petting zoo; the Africa Trail; Tropics Trail featuring rainforest animals and the Arizona Trail featuring indigenous plants and animals of the state. The zoo is world famous for its conservation and reintroduction programmes, including safeguarding the last Oryx from the Arabian peninsular, and leading the vanguard for their eventual reintroduction into the wild. Here you can see giraffe, cheetahs, orang utans, wolves, lions, tigers, elephants and many more species. The zoo is open every day, even Christmas Day though hours vary.
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5. Saguaro National Park
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Just thirteen miles to the east of Tucson is Saguaro, a place of protected wilderness including desert and mountains. Here you can see towering cacti, superb sunsets, snowy peaks and much more. Saguaro is home to the USA's tallest cacti, wild tortoises, black bears and the poisonous Gila monster lizard. There are two distinct regions to explore: the Tucson and the Rincon Mountain areas. But it's not just desert! There are oak woodlands, pine forests and scrublands. But, of course, most of us come to see the great big cacti.
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6. Arizona State Capitol
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In the heart of Phoenix is the stately, quite beautiful capitol building and museum. The legislative bodies have now moved next door, leaving the historic nineteenth-century building to the visitor to explore. The museum chronicles the state's history since from its earliest settlers to the present day. There are some fascinating World War II exhibits, plus many artefacts from the USS Arizona, tragically sunk in the attack on Pearl Harbour. Admission is free and it is open on weekdays throughout the year, barring the state holidays.
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7. Coconino National Forest
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West of the historic, Route 66 town of Flagstaff is a fantastic forest of ponderosa pines, hoodoos, volcanic peaks and rivers. This is a huge protected reserve, designated in 1908 by President Roosevelt, with almost two million acres of pristine territory to explore. It has ten distinct wilderness areas with breathtaking and very diverse scenery. You could happily spend a week travelling exclusively within the park, camping, hiking, swimming, boating, fishing and taking photographs. The natural beauty of this forest stuns visitors - especially as it remains largely undiscovered and crowd free.
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8. Sonora Desert Museum
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Much more than a museum, this institution is more of a zoo, come botanic garden, come museum set in forty acres out in the desert ... all dedicated to the natural history of the incredible Sonora Desert region. Just seventeen miles west of Tucson is a glimpse of the wonderful wildlife and plantlife of the region, with over 300 species of animals including prairie dogs, mountain lions and much more. Open since the 1950s, some half a million people come here every year and you should join them.
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9. Mission San Xavier del Bac
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Just nine miles south of Tucson is one of the best preserved missions in the States, dating from the late 1700s. Here, Franciscan Catholics came from Spain bringing Christianity. There is no European-style structure older in Arizona and this is a wonderful example of the Spanish colonial architectural style, almost Moorish with a dome as well as bell towers. It stands proud, stark white, with twin bell towers and a long white protective wall. Because of its peaceful nature and the unique whiteness of the buildings, it is known as 'The White Dove of the Desert'. The mission opens every day from 7.00am and the interior is cool, serene and beautiful, with amazing murals lining the cupola and a grand altar.
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10. Heard Museum
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In full the Heard Museum of Native Cultures and Art, this is a one-of-a-kind testament to the native American culture of the USA. Here in the heart of Phoenix, the Heard is genuinely a living museum rather than a staid old collection of relics. There are fairs, interactive projects and much more. Since 1929 it has been educating and reaching out to the public and is internationally renowned for its rich collections housed in over twelve thousand square metres. The building itself is wonderful, surrounded by sculptured gardens and you can enjoy free guided tours daily. There is a second museum at North Scottsdale.
Another ten destinations could easily be added on, showing just how much Arizona has to offer the visitor, from 4 to 94. Consider the Lowell Observatory at Flagstaff, taking Route 66 and exploring the old towns, Walnut Canyon and Rainbow Canyon, the Petrified Forest National Park, and Scottsdale - and that is just for starters. When you are ready to head away inland from the beach and discover a surreal landscape, amazing geography and warm southern towns with a Mexican feel, Arizona is very hard to beat.
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📍 Location:
Northern Arizona, USA – split between the South Rim (most popular) and North Rim (quieter, seasonal).
🚪 Entrances:
South Rim (Open Year-Round): Best for first-timers, accessible by car or shuttle, close to Flagstaff, AZ
North Rim (Seasonal – May to Oct): Less crowded, more remote, higher elevation
West Rim (Home to the Skywalk): Closest to Las Vegas (not part of the national park)
🔥 Top Things to Do:
Mather Point Viewpoint – Iconic sunrise/sunset views
Hike the Bright Angel Trail – Great day hike option
South Kaibab Trail – Epic views with less foot traffic
Visit Desert View Watchtower – 70-foot-high panoramic lookout
Ride a Helicopter or Mule Tour – For a unique canyon perspective
Skywalk at Eagle Point (West Rim) – Glass bridge over the canyon
Rafting on the Colorado River – Multi-day adventure!
🕐 Best Time to Visit:
Spring (March–May) or Fall (September–November): Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Summer: Hot but great for long days and activities
Winter: Quiet and stunning, but some trails/facilities may be closed
🛏️ Where to Stay:
Inside the Park (South Rim): El Tovar Hotel, Bright Angel Lodge
Nearby Towns: Tusayan (very close), Flagstaff (~90 mins), Williams (~1 hour)
🎒 Travel Tips:
Book lodging & tours early, especially during peak season
Stay hydrated – it’s dry and high altitude
Bring layers – temps change quickly, especially at sunrise/sunset
Use the free shuttle bus system at the South Rim
🗺️ How to Get There:
Closest Airport: Flagstaff Pulliam Airport (FLG), or fly into Phoenix/Las Vegas and drive
By Train: Amtrak to Flagstaff or the scenic Grand Canyon Railway from Williams, AZ
By Car: Well-marked highways lead to the main entrances