The area of present-day Arizona in the southwestern United States is one of the longest inhabited areas on the North American continent. The original Anasazi and Holokam Indians lived here for more than 2,500 years, later succeeded by the Apaches and Navajo tribes. The first Europeans to explore this arid but beautiful landscape were the Spaniards, to whom it belonged until 1848. Subsequently, Arizona fell to the United States, in 1912 it became a member of the Union and thus the 48th state of the USA. Neighboring states are New Mexico, Utah, California, Nevada and Mexico. The name of the state was probably formed by the composition of two Spanish words “árida zona”, which means dry or arid area.
- LIUXERS: Offers a list of schools with federal school code in Arizona, including contact information, graduation rate, retention rate and transfer rate for each college located within Arizona.
The surface of the country is mostly desert, but in the higher parts of the north it is possible to come across pine forests and hot meadows full of colorful flowers. Arizona’s highest point is Humphreys Peak, measuring 3,851 meters above sea level. Strange rocky formations and canyons excavated by the Colorado River are also typical of the local landscape. Grand Canyon National Park has become Arizona’s most visited tourist destination. However, there are many other unique national parks that attract visitors throughout the year, such as Monument Valley, Petrified Forest or Painted Desert. The country is full of Native American reserves, but also forests and monuments. There are also many legends about the “Wild West” associated with this area. Arizona is also known for its hot summers and mild winters. In the summer months, temperatures often rise to 50 ° C.
The population is predominantly white, with a large percentage of African Americans, Asians, Hispanics, and a high proportion of Indians. In the 1970s, there was a huge influx of immigrants, who came here mainly for work and a warm climate. Most people live in large cities, much of Arizona is very sparsely populated. The majority of the population is Christian.
According to COUNTRYAAH, the capital of Arizona is Phoenix, other major cities include Tucson, Mesa and Glendale. As you walk through the capital, you will feel the Native American past at every turn. Be sure to visit the Heard Museum, the Pueblo Grande Museum and the Desert Botanical Garden. The towns of Rawhide, Wickenburg, Flagstaff, Sedona or Montezuma Castle, Montezuma Well, Wupatki National Monument, Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument and Meteor Crater are also attractive for tourists. You can also take the legendary Route 66 or visit the Baroque Mission San Xaver del Bal Church, an architectural gem of all of Arizona.
Canyon De Chelly National Monument
Canyon de Chelly National Monument is located in the northeast of Arizona in the Navajo Reservation. It was created by the irregular flow of the Chinle Wash river, which gradually pierced the vast sandstone plateau of the Defiance Plateau. This place is one of the oldest inhabited areas in America, as evidenced by the remains of puebella and numerous excavations, some of which are more than 4,500 years old.
In the past, the area was home to the Hopi, Pueblo and Anasazi Indian tribes. It is these people who have left behind numerous remains and doubles, which are very popular with tourists today. Of interest are, for example, the remains of the White House pueblo, which was built here more than a thousand years ago. For the past 300 years, the site has been home to the Navajo Indians, whose 27,000-square-mile reservation is the largest reservation in the United States.
In 1931, the canyon was declared a National Monument, which guarantees the necessary protection for this unique landscape and nature. Today, whites and Indians are working together and trying to preserve the uniqueness of this wonderful place for future generations. However, Indians still live and farm down in the canyons, who also consider many of the local sites to be sacred.
One of the park’s biggest attractions is the picturesque 243-meter-high Spider Rock, which has even become a backdrop in the famous American film Mackenas’ Gold. Spider Rock is today the most photographed place in the park and has also become a kind of its symbol. There are 2 main routes through the canyon – North Rim Drive and South Rim Drive, which copy the edge of the canyons from the north and south and make the individual views accessible with their short turns. There are 11 viewpoints in the park, from where you can enjoy wonderful panoramic views of the diverse landscape.
Canyon de Chelly gradually follows the next Canyon del Muerto, which further branches into a rugged labyrinth of rocky folds and nooks and sandstone walls rise to a height of 300 meters. Canyon de Chelly is unjustly neglected by most tourists on their way to the much more famous parks. But people don’t know what he’s missing. Here you will find both a rich history and beautiful nature and breathtaking scenery. In addition, hiking trails are not challenging at all, so everyone can really enjoy themselves here and take away a truly unforgettable experience.
