14 Places In Arizona You Thought Only Existed In Your Imagination

One of Arizona’s best attributes is her good looks. The landscapes always manage to look amazing, no matter the season or time of day, and quite a few places have sights so surreal, you would probably think you’re dreaming. Nope, that’s just Arizona looking amazing once again. Here’s a look at 14 such places.

1. Antelope Canyon

This red, wavy slot canyon with its dim lighting and naturally quiet environment looks like something out of a dream.

2. Blue Canyon

Found on the Hopi reservation, this is just one of many examples of the sandstone formations you’ll find throughout northern Arizona. This spot, with the distinctive white section, looks especially striking against the blue sky.

3. Fossil Creek

Fossil Creek is a treasure on the Mogollon Rim because its beauty and secluded area look like a place you wouldn’t expect to find in Arizona. It’s also a location that Arizonans are "loving to death" because of the hordes of people that flock here each year and destroy the natural setting. So unless people start taking more responsibility, it could one day only live on in our imagination.

4. Glen Canyon

If this doesn’t look like a spot to unwind, I don’t know what does. Part of Glen Canyon these days actually exists in the imagination; well before it became a reservoir, the canyon had a rich cultural and natural history that may not be experienced again until after the waters are drained.

5. Granite Dells

These bedrock formations near Prescott create a bubbly appearance over the reservoir waters at Watson and Willow Lakes.

6. Havasu Falls

Red rocks, turquoise waters, a waterfall, and clear blue skies? Yes, please.

7. Japanese Friendship Garden

Would you guess this serene spot is located in the middle of Phoenix?

8. Mojave Desert

There are two things I love about the Mojave Desert: the mountain ranges and the Joshua trees. I can only imagine what people think seeing these for the first time.

9. Painted Desert

Before you saw the Painted Desert (or its relative, the Little Painted Desert near Winslow), did you ever think you would see such colorful land before?

10. Red Rock State Park

Just perfect. That’s all.

11. San Francisco Peaks

Many people wouldn’t think places like this could exist in an arid place like Arizona. It looks even more amazing when the wildflowers are blooming or on a snowy day.

12. The Wave

This spot located at Vermillion Cliffs looks like an open, more fluid version of Antelope Canyon. What will surprise you is that the sandstone here wasn’t carved by water like the aforementioned place. Instead it was shaped by wind.

13. White Pocket

Another beautiful spot at Vermillion Cliffs, White Pocket is visited less often and the twisting features look almost unreal. It’s okay to blink here because you will see it again.

Did any of your favorite spots make this list? What are some other places in Arizona that always manage to impress you?