Arizona - Grand Canyon State

Arizona, the Grand Canyon State, is a wondrous place both geographically and culturally diverse. Arizona boasts vast open spaces and scenic beauty from the lush desert area in the south to the magnificent Grand Canyon in the north. Mountain ranges rise from the desert floor throughout the Sonoran Desert region. Traveling northward, pine covered mountain slopes lead to snow capped peaks in Flagstaff and in the White Mountains. In areas like Sedona and Monument Valley, reddish rock formations give the landscape striking colors and unique formations.

Arizona's landscape reveals vast differences from region to region. One of the most impressive natural features in Arizona is the Grand Canyon, acknowledged as one of the seven natural wonders of the world. The Navajo and the Hopi reside in Northeast Arizona on lands that have a strong American Indian heritage. In Arizona's High Country, visitors find a wealth of Americana, from a wild west atmosphere to the storied Route 66. Southern Arizona is home to Tucson, featuring a number of cultural landmarks as well as skiing at Mount Lemmon. Phoenix, the state capital, is located northwest of Tucson and is popular for its heat and varied attractions. North of Phoenix lies Coconino National Forest and the centers of Sedona and Camp Verde. West Coast Arizona, though not a true coast, is named because of the Colorado River, which makes up much of Arizona's border with California and Nevada.