Arizona is America’s 6th largest state after Alaska, Texas, California, Montana and New Mexico. It is noted for its hot desert climate, with exceptionally hot summers, and mild winters, but the high country in the north features pine forests and mountain ranges with cooler weather.
While Arizona is mostly known for the Grand Canyon, there are a few more notable places to see there.
Montezuma’s Castle – This is a national monument which is a 1000 year old cliff dwelling and preserved for the historian in you. In December 1906, when President Theodore Roosevelt declared this among our many national monuments, visitors were allowed inside the castle, but in order to preserve it, visitors have only been able to view this from the outside for the last few decades. The limestone cliffs and the dwellings within are said to be based on the Aztec architecture, and hence called Montezuma’s Castle.
Montezuma's Castle
Meteor Crater – 35 miles east of Flagstaff, the Meteor Crater is one of the best preserved sites of a meteor crater anywhere on Earth. Approximately 50,000 years ago, this crater struck our planet with a velocity of 40,000 miles per hour, and create a crater at the site of impact over 4,000 feet across and 2.4 miles in circumference. Today, this crater attracts tourists and science enthusiasts alike. A museum has been erected which tells you a compelling story of what occurred to cause this crater, how it occurred and when. The museum also houses pieces from the meteor that was excavated from this site in the 19th and 20th centuries.
Meteor Crater near Flagstaff, AZ
Sedona – a short but scenic drive from Flagstaff, Sedona is also known as Red Rock City. The city is a geological marvel with red mountains, red sand, red rocks – pretty much a red landscape. Most people going to the Grand Canyon make a stop here to experience an almost Mars like territory. If you plan to ski in Flagstaff or visit the Grand Canyon, you should definitely spend a few hours in Sedona.
Sedona, AZ
Jerome – Regarded as America’s largest ghost city and located high on a mountain (Cleopatra Hill) almost a mile above sea level (5200 feet), Jerome is a town of 500 odd people living there simply to serve as hosts to tourists looking to visit this ghost town. Nesled on Cleopatra Hill between Prescott and Flagstaff, Jerome is a historic copper mining town, which once thrived on copper mining, with over 15,000 residents back in the 1920′s. Today it is often a biker hangout and a souvenier stop for those heading to Sedona or Flagstaff.
Ghost Town of Jerome, AZ
Arizona boasts plenty of opportunity and things to do while you visit (Lake Havasu definitely comes to mind), however, the four sites above, along with the Grand Canyon, capture the historical importance and geological diversity of Arizona. No trip there is complete without a visit to these four places.
Safe travels!
“Approximately 50,000 years ago, this crater struck our planet with a velocity of 40,000 miles per hour.” Huh, hmm, it’s a meteor that struck the planet. >;^)
David – sorry for the late reply. Thanks for correcting. You discovered what I hope is a rare typo. I will leave it as it is to see if more people catch this. You were the first.
After reading your article, I became increasingly interested in visiting this country. Can you name the places of interest to visit in this country? I need more information about this country, because next month I will vacation to Arizona with my family. Thank you
I love traveling, i am from the country Philippines and is hoping that i could come to Arizona to see its beauty. Really waiting for that time.
I’ve never had the chance to visit Arizona but i might want to go there someday if time would allow me.I think it’s a great place and there’s plenty to look forward in it. Thanks to this post!
Meteor Crater
The crater is still owned and run by the Barringer family. An entry fee is payable. Visitors may not enter the crater itself.
Very well written blog with lot of information. I wanna exchange link with u.
I have been to Arizona many times and I think my favourite spot to visit was Montezuma’s castle, it is amazing to think that they were able to build this so long ago and in such a dangerous and difficult location is amazing.
Cheers Erin
Indeed it really is an amazing site although I believe it is not actually King Montezuma’s old digs as the name would suggest. I hope you checked out the Meteor crater not too far from there. Worth seeing.
Actually, I think Montezuma’s Castle was simply misnamed, assuming that it had to be connected to the Aztecs even though there isn’t any evidence to support it.
Yes you are right in that it is not really Montezuma’s castle. Just named that.
John