America is known for vast landscapes and incredible road trip locations. If you are planning on visiting the American Southwest, then look no further than Arizona. Last year, this marvelous state brought in 45.4 million overnight visitors which was their most ever in a year.
Tourists travel hundreds and even thousands of miles to Arizona to hike incredible canyons, mesmerizing landscapes, and experience warm weather all year round. The state is known for its red rock adventures and road trips to see breathtaking sights.
You’ll find miles of red rock, flood formed canyons, desserts, lakes, mountains, waterfalls, and even volcanos all while sightseeing in Arizona.
This is our guide on the top four rated attractions you must see while you’re sightseeing in Arizona.
Contents
1. Lake Powell
Source: Gregg Jaden
Over three million people visit Lake Powell every single year. This man-made reservoir is 400 feet deep and is 186 miles long. You can find it off the Colorado River right in the middle of Arizona and Utah.
There are tons of different ways to see this magnificent lake depending on what you’re most interested in. Whether you want to see it by foot, boat, or even flying in a plane. Some people even like to tour Lake Powell on a raft which is one of the most immersive experiences.
Gregg Jaden shows you a top down view before embarking on a Lake Powell adventure. Always searching for new angles, he and his team made it a point to get to the ridge a few hours before sunset as it provides gorgeous views. This made it so they could get the incredible shot of the red rock and turquoise water.
2. Antelope Canyon
Source: Gregg Jaden
Located in Page, Arizona is the one of a kind Antelope Canyon which is divided into two different parts. The upper and lower canyon. Many years of wind and water have created massive flash floods to carve these beautiful canyons.
Upon arrival it doesn’t look like much before you enter the beautiful sandstone. There are a few different tours offered for the Upper Antelope Canyon but each tour requires you to make reservations ahead of time.
Don’t forget your camera! Any camera will do. If you take a tour, work fast as there are other tours inside the canyon. Work with the angles and ask your knowledgeable guide they usually know.
Inside Upper Antelope Canyon, Gregg Jaden shows a massive scale using his Sony Alpha a7RIII camera. Whenever he explores places with other tourists, he finds waysto capture new angles that haven’t been shot before. Whenever he can, he will elevate himself to shoot down on a location to get a bit of an extra perspective.
When traveling here you can also book a hiking tour of the Lower Antelope Canyon which takes about an hour and a half to complete. The farther you walk the smaller the space in the canyon gets. This tour is not recommended for people who don’t like enclosed spaces.
3. Grand Canyon
Source: Gregg Jaden
The Grand Canyon is something that you hear about all the time and a place that you should visit sometime in your lifetime. Visiting the Grand Canyon more than once can even showcase new beautiful scenery and endless angles to shoot with your travel buddies.
This astonishing canyon is a mile deep and up to 18 miles wide. The Grand Canyon National Park itself is 277 miles right along the Colorado River.
Gregg Jaden’s timeless capture of the Grand Canyon, he really wanted to show how massive the canyon truly is by incorporating a person. He thinks that it makes photographing landscapes more exciting and riveting by showing differing dimensions.
Did you know that the Grand Canyon even changes depending on the time of year that you visit? In the fall time, it will look significantly different compared to the early summer.
North Rim vs. South Rim
When visiting the Grand Canyon you may be confused if you should visit the North Rim or the South Rim especially if you don’t have time to see both. The South Rim is more easily accessible from the city of Sedona, Phoenix, and Flagstaff and usually has a lot more people visiting than the North Rim. You’ll also be able to find lodging, dining options, more attractions, and great viewpoints to see the breathtaking sights.
Don’t immediately forgo the North Rim though especially if you like a quieter scene. The North Rim is perfect for people who love the outdoors. It is higher in elevation therefore it does tend to be a bit cooler and isn’t open year-round like the South Rim is.
4. Horseshoe Bend
Source: Gregg Jaden
This is a non-negotiable must see in Arizona! Horseshoe Bend and its stunning rock formations. It is located in Page, Arizona which is very close to many of the other beautiful destinations so you’re not going to want to miss out. Fairly easy to get to and only a few minute walk to the rim.
Luckily, you won’t need to book a tour to see Horseshoe Bend and will only need to pay $10 to park your car. From your car, it is only a 0.6-mile walk, but this walk can be grueling on a hot summer day. Make sure to bring lots of water with you to stay hydrated.
Once you make it to the top of Horseshoe Bend you will be greeted with the most beautiful sight. Of course, you are up 984 feet so it can feel a bit nerve-wracking.
Gregg Jaden’s shot of this hotspot is one you will want to snap a picture of regardless if you’re a photographer or not. The light is different throughout the day. Sunset is most likely one of the best times to take a photo of this location. The sun will set in the right spot for a breathtaking photo above the horizon.
Must See Sightseeing in Arizona
If you’re planning a road trip then head toward Arizona, there are plenty of breathtaking places that you need capture. Whether you’re planning to road trip through the state to see them all or want to check a few off your list there are plenty to choose from.
Photographers will have an especially amazing time finding the best angles of these beautiful and vibrant locations in Arizona. In fact, they might want to spend all day there trying to get the perfect shot.
