{"id":10494,"date":"2020-02-09T15:38:50","date_gmt":"2020-02-09T19:38:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.budgetyourtrip.com\/blog\/?p=10494"},"modified":"2023-06-30T05:16:59","modified_gmt":"2023-06-30T09:16:59","slug":"top-destinations-arizona","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.budgetyourtrip.com\/blog\/2020\/02\/top-destinations-arizona\/","title":{"rendered":"The Top 5 Can’t-Miss Destinations in Arizona"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Arizona is often associated with the Grand Canyon, desert and the Saguaro cactus \u2013 but there\u2019s so much more to the state than most people know! Drawing in millions of visitors every year (with a record-breaking 45 million in 2018), Arizona is home to some of the most beautiful and breath-taking places in the world<\/a>. Not to mention that the state is steeped in classic \u201cwild-west\u201d history \u2013 from railroads and mining towns to monuments eternalizing the escapades of some of the greatest gunfighters and lawmen from the past. Regardless of whether you\u2019re a history buff or the more outdoorsy kind, there\u2019s a little something in Arizona for everyone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Should you decide to visit, here are 5 places in Arizona you\nshouldn\u2019t miss!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Drive Through Monument Valley<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
Monument Valley<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Located on the border of Arizona and Utah, Monument Valley has one of\nthe most iconic and widely-recognized landscapes in the world, thanks to the\nextensive coverage it has received through movies and media over the years.\nKnown for its unique geographic formations (called \u201cbuttes\u201d), and particularly\nthe \u201cEye of the Sun\u201d, a visit to this one-of-a-kind region is a must for anyone\nlooking to get a taste of Arizona. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Embark on a 17-mile drive down dusty brown roads that wind through some breath-taking vistas. Marvel at the panoramic expanse of the desert plains punctuated by massive monoliths of red rock and sandstone. Tourists can drive themselves or join a group tour led by a Navajo guide<\/a>. For the more adventurous tourists, there\u2019s the Wildcat Trail \u2013 a 3.2-mile hiking route that goes around the Merrick Butte, and the East and West Mitten Buttes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Experience Antelope Canyon<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
Antelope Canyon<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Antelope Canyon is one of the most widely photographed places in the world \u2013 and rightly so, because of its geographical uniqueness and historic importance to the Navajo tribe. It’s one of several slot canyons around Page, Arizona<\/a> that can be visited by tourists. The two most popular “slots” frequented by tourists are the Upper and Lower Canyon Areas. The Upper Canyon Area is the more popular of the two, mainly because of the ease of access. The biggest attraction here are the shafts of light that stream into the canyon at around noon between the months of April and September.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Lower Canyon Area is less accessible, and even a little difficult to reach; reaching it requires tourists to climb several stairways<\/a>, a few ladders and watch their footing on slippery, sandy surfaces. The difficulty in reaching the Lower Canyon is compensated by the amazing photography opportunities it provides. Tip from the locals: the best time to visit is early to late morning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

All trips to Antelope Canyon require an entry fee and a paid Navajo guide \u2013 more information about Antelope Canyon Tours here<\/a>. Some of the other canyon and park areas have their own entry requirements, especially those located on Navajo lands, so make a reservation first or book a guided tour to make it easier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Near Antelope Canyon are a few other attractions you wouldn\u2019t want to\nmiss \u2013 the Glen Canyon Dam (there are daily guided tours) and Horseshoe Bend\n(half-mile trek to the iconic overlook point).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ride the Grand Canyon Railway<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Built in 1901, the Grand Canyon Railway is a heritage rail line that\nconnects Williams, Arizona to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. An experience\nunlike any other, the railroad aims to recreate the \u201cOld West\u201d experience for\npassengers in the truest possible sense. Right from running historic steam\nlocomotives on certain holidays to a mock train-robbery scenario, the 65-mile\njourney is entertaining, educational and simply unforgettable. Modern coaches\noffering panoramic views of the desert and local wildlife \u2013 skunks, elk and\neven the occasional mountain lion. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The railroad climbs to a lofty 6000 feet above sea level; though the\nclimb is gradual, the change in vegetation and landscape is quite evident. With\nforests of the famous Ponderosa Pine near Williams at the beginning, open\nprairies as far as the eye can see in the middle and forests of Pinion Pine as\nGrand Canyon National Park approaches, there are a myriad of captivating views\nthroughout the journey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With up to two trains running during tourist season, the Grand Canyon Railway<\/a> makes for an amazing experience of Arizona.<\/p>\n\n\n\n