14 Places That Show Off The Unexpected Beauty Of Arizona’s Deserts
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Monica Spencer
Author
Most people think of the desert and immediately think of some stereotypical sights: dry, sandy, barren landscapes that can barely sustain life. However, Arizonans (and Arizonans at heart) know that the desert comes in all forms and not only can sustain life but is home to some of the most stunning landscapes you will ever see. Here are 14 incredible examples that show off the desert’s unexpected beauty.
Arizona is filled with iconic landscapes and this is just one of those many natural spaces. Antelope Canyon sits in northern Arizona, almost completely hidden away from prying eyes and is an absolute delight to find and photograph on a sunny day.
This unique canyon is a hidden treasure on the Hopi Reservation but is certainly worth the effort of finding with a guide.
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I think by now you’ve noticed a trend in canyons and seeing this one on the Navajo Nation doesn’t disappoint. You can hike a trail down to the bottom to see the old White House ruins and take a guided tour of other areas of the canyon.
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The Grand Canyon is huge and diverse, possessing quite a bit of forested, riparian, and desert terrains.
Lovingly shaped over the centuries by the Colorado River, Horseshoe Bend offers quite the stunning view!
A small part of the majestic Mojave Desert lies in Arizona and the terrain surrounding the Colorado River and Lake Mead will introduce you to the desert’s beauty. My favorite time to see this place is in the early morning when the many layers of rugged landscape come into view.
This underrated little place sits just north of Winslow where you can see beautiful views that sees few visitors on a daily basis. You can take a short drive along the rim of the desert to take as much of the beauty as possible.
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We share this iconic landscape with Utah but we’re okay with that because Arizona gets those world famous mittens. There are probably fewer land formations that are more recognizable than this spot!
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This park sits along the Arizona-Mexico border and shows off some of the most unique cactus you will ever see: the organ pipe cactus. That combined with the rugged landscape and nearly cloudless sky makes for quite the photo opportunity.
If you want to see how quickly Arizona’s landscape changes, you need to book a visit to Petrified Forest, where you can find some beautifully diverse desert scenery that is rich in views and history.
Here’s another underrated area, this time in Arizona’s Sonoran Desert. Salt River Canyon is a pretty quiet area with deep canyon walls and incredibly rugged landscapes.
If you want rugged landscapes to hike, the Superstitions are it! The mountain range are a popular, though intense, hiking area and looks even more stunning when the wildflowers are in full bloom.
Okay, this area is located within the Superstition Mountains but it’s an area that still shows off the lovely desert views. Enjoy a hike to the old Salado ruins that were inhabited as early as the 13th century.
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This area is absolutely gorgeous and you can probably say that we saved the best for last. If you love the red rock formations you would find in many other areas of northern Arizona, you won’t want to miss a visit to this dreamy landscape.
Want to check out some more stunning examples of Arizona’s diverse landscapes? See our article, Everyone Should Explore These 12 Stunning Places In Arizona At Least Once, for ideas!
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