Want to explore incredible landscapes in the heart of the USA? We have a great option for you! Just pick up Jeep Wrangler rental Phoenix and go on a road trip to Arizona! The extraordinary, contrasting nature has made it the fame of America’s most beautiful state. At the same time, Arizona’s truly cinematic beauty and the ideal climate attract many travelers from all over the world.
Well, if you’re among them, rent a car and keep your way to Arizona as well. Its nature is diverse and includes both arid deserts and huge forests, as well as lakes, rivers, and, of course, canyons. In short, you’ll have a lot of spots to enjoy fabulous wildlife views.
Still don’t know where to go in Arizona? Here’re some stunning places you shouldn’t miss!
Antelope Canyon
You need about 3-4 hours to get from Phoenix to Antelope Canyon in a rental car. Yes, it’s quite long, but your efforts will pay off.
This natural monument is so unusual that it seems as if you have entered another surreal world of bright colors and smooth flowing forms. Only forces of nature could create such beauty. This Arizona landmark is not a national park, so it’s not as popular as the Grand Canyon. However, there’s definitely something to admire.
The unique color of the walls, which is an endless gradation of scarlet, terracotta, brown and reddish shades, looks incredible. The skin of the antelope has a similar play of color – that’s why this canyon has such a name.
The canyon is considered to be the possession of the American Indians, and tourists should pay a fee for visiting it. A natural miracle was formed due to the weathering and erosion of red sandstone rocks. The wind and water carried away tiny grains of sand, thus forming long, bizarre passages in the rock.
The territory is conditionally divided into the Upper and Lower canyon. The first is more suitable for inspection, while the route along the Lower Canyon is quite challenging.
Grand Canyon National Park
In the parched expanses of Arizona, you’ll find another planet’s great geological wonder, the Grand Canyon of the Colorado River. The national park organized on its territory attracts thousands of nature lovers from all over the world. Its size is huge – the park covers about 5,000 square kilometers, while its maximum depth is 1.5 kilometers.
However, the uniqueness of the Grand Canyon is not in its size, but in its beauty. All kinds of colors from red, orange, brown to gold, purple, blue, and gray change their hue depending on the location, lighting, and time of day.
According to geologists, the formation of the Grand Canyon lasted about 50 million years. The southern part is more popular among travelers, as it’s easy to reach in a rental car. In addition, movement in this area is much safer. You will find many well-appointed viewing platforms from which you can admire the unique scenery and take photos.
Tonto National Forest
Covering nearly 3 million acres, Tonto in Arizona ranks among the state’s six largest national forests. It’s just 63 miles from Phoenix making it easy to get to with a rental car.
In addition to desert lands and mountains, there are lakes, fertile river valleys, rocky canyons, and flat endless plains. Tonto is divided into eight sections, but some of them may not be accessible to the public. This is due to the risk of flooding of hiking trails and roads during rains.
However, under favorable weather conditions, state residents are happy to go there and have a pleasant rest near artificial lakes. They usually enjoy boating, water skiing, and fishing. Also, in the center of the forest, you’ll find the Tonto National Monument – well-preserved rock dwellings of the Indians who lived on the territory in the XIII-XV centuries.
Monument Valley
Monument Valley in Arizona is rightfully considered to be a national treasure of the United States. It’s the oldest geological formation located in the Navajo lands. By the way, only this tribe owns the right to conduct excursions for travelers. Therefore, a person who comes to Arizona won’t be able to see the sights of the reserve on their own, without an Indian guide.
This place looks amazing. Sometimes you may even feel like you are seeing a Martian landscape from one of Riddley Scott’s films. It appeared thanks to the accumulation of a large number of huge stone rocks that proudly rise above the sand dunes. The excursion program includes not only the sightseeing itself. You can visit the Navajo village and explore the life of the local tribe.
Canyon de Chelly National Monument
Canyon De Chelly is another great place that you can easily reach with your rental car. This deserted but beautiful spot embodies the uniqueness and richness of US nature. The attraction is located in the Arizona territory, within the Navajo Indian reservation. Therefore, you must obtain permission and go to explore it with a guide. Usually, this is one of the representatives of the Indian tribe.
While exploring the area, you can get acquainted with the life of the Navajo. The men are engaged in farming, while the women weave beautiful carpets. Moreover, the weaving looms are placed directly in the yard. If desired, everyone can get acquainted with the process of creating a skillful carpet and learn a lot of interesting things about this craft.
The canyon is one huge attraction. Still, the most iconic site is the Navajo Fortress. A century and a half ago, locals took refuge in this powerful stone tower. For almost 100 days, they bravely defended themselves against the invaders who besieged the fortress.