1. Horseshoe Bend
Located near the town of Page, Horseshoe Bend is one of the most spectacular views I've ever seen. Just over a 4hr drive from both Phoenix and Las Vegas, it's best to visit during sunset or sunrise. Entry fee costs only $10USD per vehicle to park in the nearby parking lot and this scene is just a short hike from there. The walk to this location is a 1.4km in and back trail and is good for all skill levels! The trail is open year round and it features a river and rare rock formations. If you're not scared of heights you can even sit or stand on the edge of the cliff for the perfect photo!
2.The Wave
The Wave is a sandstone formation located right near the the border of Arizona and Utah. Due to the popularity of the site, the Bureau of Land Management limits 20 people to visit per day (half in advance lottery, half in person lottery). It's about a 2-4 hour hike and a permit is required for the cost of $5-7USD per person, per day. To apply for a permit you can do so at the Coyote Buttes North Lottery Page, or a you can enter the walk-in lottery at the visitor centre in Kanub, Utah (for a ticket the following day). Although it might not be easy to get a permit, it's worth the shot to see this rare Navajo Sandstone formation.
3. Antelope Canyon
Separated into Lower and Upper portions, Antelope Canyon is one of the most unique formations in North America. It is located just over 4 hours from both Phoenix and Las Vegas; plus its only a 15 min drive from Horseshoe Bend. If you want to explore Antelope Canyon, you are required to purchase a tour to ensure it is properly preserved and protected. When we visited, we booked a lower canyon tour with Kens Tours. It was about $50USD per person, including the park entry fee and the actual tour itself. The guides were super helpful and friendly; plus they gave us plenty of time for photos. If you're interested in visiting the upper canyon, tours are about $57-$75USD. Whatever you choose, this spot is not one to miss. It was by far my favourite spot to visit in Arizona!
4.Havasu Falls
Want to visit the spot where Beyonce filmed parts of the iconic "Spirit" music video? Havasu falls is a waterfall of the Havasu creek, located in Grand Canyon Arizona. It's SO blue due to the minerals like calcium, carbonate and magnesium in the water. From Phoenix, it is about a 4 hour drive to the Havasupai trailhead. The only option to visit the falls is to get a 3 day permit. To get a permit you must make an account on Havasupai Reservations page BEFORE February 1st. Tickets go on sale each year at 8am (Arizona time) and they sell out within minutes. The cost of a permit is $100USD during week days and $125USD on weekends; adding up to about $300-$375 for the 3 days that are required.
5.Monument Valley
Another spectacular view on the border of Utah and Arizona lays Monument Valley! The inspiration for many Western style movies is this very red sand desert region. To access Monument valley you must enter the Navajo Tribal park for $10USD per person or $20USD per vehicle. You can loop around the 17 mile valley drive, but be advised that 4WD vehicles are encouraged to drive on the rubble roads. Monument valley can be reached after a 5-6hr drive from Phoenix and 6.5hr drive from Salt Lake City or Las Vegas; be sure to make a full day trip out of this iconic spot.
6.Grand Canyon
Located in Grand Canyon National park, this canyon is one of the 7 natural wonders of the world! It stretches an impressive 227 miles long and averages about 10 miles wide. This beautiful Canyon is about at 3.5hr drive from Phoenix to the south rim and a 4.5 hour drive from Vegas to the North rim. The entry fee to access the canyon is $30USD per vehicle and can be paid upon entry. Another amazing way to see the Grand Canyon is by Helicopter! These tours give you the best possible view and start at around $150-$200USD. No matter how you get here, the Grand Canyon is definitely an item to check off any bucket list!
7.Sedona
Just two hours north of Phoenix lays the desert village of Sedona. It's surrounded by steep canyons, red rock cliffs and beautiful pine forests. The hiking in Sedona is some of the best in the state including: Cathedral rock, Devils bridge and Soldiers pass. Make a full day trip out of this town, or just take a quick stop here on your way to more northern locations in AZ. Whatever you do, don't skip this beautiful location with an iconic "Saturday night, kinda pink"- Houndmouth.
"Life is short, the world is wide, I wanna make some memories"
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If you need help planning your next adventure, send me and email at keana@travelgurus.ca. Planning travel is one of my biggest passions in life and i'd love to make your travel dreams come to life!
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