Arizona, a state in the southwestern United States, is famed for its breathtaking and diverse natural landscapes. From the majestic Grand Canyon to sprawling deserts and lush pine forests, Arizona is an ideal destination for those who love exploration and outdoor adventures. Join “Du lịch khắp thế gian” (Travel the World) to discover the most beautiful picnic spots in Arizona, where you can immerse yourself in nature and enjoy unforgettable experiences.
Exploring Arizona is more than just a trip; it’s a journey into the raw and magnificent beauty of nature. From stunning canyons and winding rivers to verdant forests, Arizona promises memorable outdoor adventures. With countless attractions, choosing just a few to explore can be a delightful challenge.
Grand Canyon – A Majestic Natural Wonder
The Grand Canyon, one of the world’s most renowned natural wonders, is a must-visit destination in Arizona. Stretching over 446 km in length and reaching depths of up to 1,857 meters, the Grand Canyon is a colossal gorge carved over millions of years by the Colorado River.
- Location: Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona, USA (approximately a 3-hour drive from Phoenix).
- Entrance Fees:
- $35 per vehicle (valid for 7 days).
- $20 per person for pedestrians or cyclists.
- Annual Grand Canyon Pass: $70.
Panoramic view of the Grand Canyon, Arizona
At the Grand Canyon, you can enjoy numerous outdoor activities, such as hiking along various trails, watching sunrise or sunset from the Rim Trail, or taking a helicopter tour to admire panoramic views of the canyon from above. For the adventurous, consider hiking down to the canyon floor and discovering the hidden wonders within.
Antelope Canyon – A Photographer’s Paradise
Antelope Canyon, also known as the Corkscrew Canyon, is a slot canyon located on Navajo Nation land, near Page, Arizona. It is renowned for its gracefully curving sandstone walls, creating surreal and unique formations.
- Location: Near Page, Arizona, on Navajo Nation land.
- Entrance Fees:
- Lower Antelope Canyon Tour: approximately $50-80 per person (depending on the season).
- Upper Antelope Canyon Tour (guided): approximately $70-100 per person.
- Navajo Nation permit fee: $8 per person (mandatory).
- Note: Access is only permitted through guided Navajo tours.
Sunlight streaming into Antelope Canyon, Arizona
Sunlight filtering through the narrow openings in the canyon walls creates shimmering, magical light beams, transforming Antelope Canyon into a paradise for photographers. For the best photographs, visit around midday when sunlight shines directly into the canyon.
Horseshoe Bend – Colorado River’s Dramatic Turn
Horseshoe Bend is a horseshoe-shaped meander of the Colorado River, located near Page, Arizona. From the overlook, the turquoise river winds around red cliffs, creating a breathtaking and impressive vista.
- Location: Near Page, Arizona, about a 2-hour drive from the Grand Canyon.
- Entrance Fees:
- Parking fee: $10 per vehicle.
- No additional entrance fee.
Horseshoe Bend overlook with the Colorado River
To appreciate the beauty of Horseshoe Bend, take a short 1.2 km walk from the parking lot to the viewpoint. It’s an ideal spot to watch the sunset, as the evening light paints the cliffs and river in vibrant hues, creating a stunning scene.
Sedona – Spiritual Land of Red Rock Formations
Sedona is a small town nestled amidst towering red rock formations, about a 2-hour drive from Phoenix. Known as a spiritual vortex, it attracts visitors from around the world with its unique energy.
- Location: Along State Route 89A, approximately a 2-hour drive from Phoenix.
- Entrance Fees:
- Hiking trail fees: $5-15 per person (depending on the area).
- Cathedral Rock (most famous spot): Requires Red Rock Pass, $5 per day or $15 per week.
Red rock landscape and town of Sedona, Arizona
In Sedona, you can enjoy activities like hiking, rock climbing, mountain biking, or participate in yoga and meditation retreats. You can also explore unique art galleries and savor local cuisine.
Monument Valley – Valley of the Monuments
Monument Valley is a vast expanse of land straddling the border between Arizona and Utah. It is famous for its towering sandstone buttes rising from the desert floor, creating an incredibly striking and unique landscape.
- Location: On the border between Arizona and Utah, within the Navajo Nation.
- Entrance Fees:
- $8 per person (children under 9 free).
- Jeep tours exploring deeper into the valley: $50-75 per person.
- Note: Much of the valley is accessible only through Navajo Nation-guided tours.
Iconic sandstone buttes of Monument Valley, Arizona-Utah border
To explore Monument Valley, consider taking a jeep tour operated by Navajo guides. On these tours, you’ll witness famous formations like The Mittens, Totem Pole, and Three Sisters, while learning about Navajo culture and history.
The Wave – Nature’s Artistic Masterpiece
The Wave, located in Vermilion Cliffs National Monument, is one of the most unique and rare outdoor destinations in Arizona. With its undulating, wave-like rock formations, The Wave is an artistic masterpiece sculpted by wind and water erosion over millions of years.
- Location: Vermilion Cliffs National Monument, near the Utah-Arizona border.
- Permit Lottery System:
- $9 per person online lottery application fee (non-refundable).
- Permit fee if successful: $7 per person (including children).
- Note: Only 64 people are allowed per day. Apply early through the official website lottery.
Due to the extremely limited permits for The Wave, you must enter an online lottery system for a chance to experience its beauty. If you are lucky enough to win a permit, you’re in for an unforgettable outdoor adventure.
Bryce Canyon National Park – A Garden of Rock Spires
Although located in Utah, Bryce Canyon National Park is still an excellent destination for those exploring the natural beauty of the American Southwest. Bryce Canyon is famous for its unique hoodoos, spire-shaped rock formations sculpted by water and ice erosion over millions of years.
- Location: Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah, about a 4-hour drive from the Grand Canyon.
- Entrance Fees:
- $35 per vehicle (valid for 7 days).
- $20 per person for pedestrians or cyclists.
- Annual Bryce Canyon Pass: $70.
Hoodoos in Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah
At Bryce Canyon, you can hike along various trails, watch sunrise or sunset from Bryce Point, or take a horseback ride to explore remote areas of the park.
Flagstaff – Gateway to the Grand Canyon
Flagstaff is a city in northern Arizona, nestled at the base of the San Francisco Peaks. With its convenient location, Flagstaff is an ideal base for exploring the Grand Canyon and other outdoor destinations in the area.
- Location: At the base of the San Francisco Peaks, about a 1.5-hour drive from the Grand Canyon.
- Entrance Fees:
- Most attractions in the city are free.
- Snowbowl Scenic Gondola lift tickets (summer and fall): approximately $20-25 per person.
Downtown street scene in Flagstaff, Arizona
In Flagstaff, you can visit Lowell Observatory, where scientists discovered Pluto, or hike trails in the San Francisco Peaks area. You can also explore the downtown area with its unique shops, restaurants, and bars.
Hoover Dam – A Monument of Engineering
While not a natural outdoor spot, Hoover Dam is still a compelling destination for those interested in American history and engineering. Hoover Dam is a massive hydroelectric dam on the Colorado River, about a 45-minute drive from Las Vegas.
- Location: On the Colorado River, approximately a 45-minute drive from Las Vegas.
- Entrance Fees:
- Dam interior tours: $10-30 per person depending on the tour package.
- Free access to the exterior areas.
Hoover Dam and Lake Mead on the Colorado River
At Hoover Dam, you can take a tour to learn about its construction and operation, or walk across the Mike O’Callaghan–Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge to admire panoramic views of the dam and Colorado River.
Conclusion
Arizona is a state brimming with wonders and exciting places to explore. We hope this list of the most beautiful picnic spots in Arizona from “Du lịch khắp thế gian” (Travel the World) will help you plan a memorable and meaningful trip. Don’t forget to bring your camera to capture the wonderful moments with family and friends! Let Arizona be your next destination in your journey to explore the world.