A Look Into Arizona Canyons

 

Have you ever been to any Arizona canyons? If you have not, you should definitely add it to your list of travel dreams. These canyons are breathtaking and awe-inspiring. They are the kind of places to bring battery packs to, so everything stays charged. You can take as many pictures as you want while you are there so be sure to bring your phone or camera. 

 

All Things Arizona Canyons

Arizona is the perfect state to visit if you want to see some stunning canyon sites. Most importantly, When visiting, consider how high the temperature gets in some months. You will want to bring a lot of water and bottles. The off months, rather than the dead of summer, might be a better option because they are cooler.

 

The second most important thing to remember is that a lot of these canyons are located on Navajo Nation land, so you will need a tour guide to enter these places. Spots are limited so you may have to book a trip several months, or even years, in advance.

 

Antelope Canyon

Yes, Antelope Canyon is number one on our list. At Lower Antelope Canyon Tours, we love this canyon. There is a lot about this canyon to love, but our favorite is the rich scenery and the gorgeous deep curves of the canyon. You will need a tour guide to get into the canyon and can get one here!

 

The Grand Canyon

This canyon is known as one of the seven natural wonders of the world. Once you see this canyon you will see why it is considered one of the seven natural wonders. This canyon does not need a tour guide. You can hire a donkey ride to go down into the canyon if you are looking for something different to do.

 

Waterholes Canyon

You will need a tour guide to get into this canyon. There was a time where you did not need to have a tour guide. Now you need a reservation with a guide to get in. Tickets can only be bought online and not in person. As with most Arizona canyons, be sure to book in advance because spots are limited.

 

It is similar to other Arizona canyons located in the area because it has deep orange layered bands. You can also find pleasant water spots in this slot canyon, hence the name: Waterholes Canyon. Most of the trails through this canyon meet up with the Horseshoe Bend or Colorado River. 

 

Sabino Canyon

If you want to see some awesome desert plants, you have come to the right canyon. This canyon presents saguaro plants that reach up to 40 feet tall. While you do not need a tour guide to visit this canyon, you will need to pay for parking. Cars are not allowed in the actual canyon so there is visitor parking. 

 

Once you park, there is a tram that you take to get into the canyon. There are 9 stops on the tram, so it takes about 45 minutes to get to the canyon. From the tram stop, there are several trails that you can start at.

 

Bear Canyon

Bear Canyon is truthfully located in the Sabino Canyon area. This canyon is a great place for anyone who wants to go rappelling. It features a river and several swimming holes. The main water attraction is the waterfalls that you can go swimming in. The hike is easily a 4-6 hour hike, especially if you stop to swim or take some time to eat food.

 

This hike is classified as a moderate hike. You will definitely need to bring sturdy hiking shoes, especially if you go when there is water, as the rivulets do dry up in the summer heat, but are full and active in other seasons. The rocks are not solid so they can be unstable with water running near it. 

 

Glen Canyon

Glen Canyon is another canyon that covers both Utah and Arizona. It is near Lake Powell and officially covers over one million acres. Most of the acreage is empty desert, do not let this deter you from this amazing canyon. 

 

This canyon is a hands-on canyon where you can touch rocks, wade in the streams, and see a variety of desert plant life. The canyon also features a dam that is one of the main attractions. Glen Canyon’s official website keeps you up to date with alerts about what the state of the canyon is like before you go.

 

Walnut Canyon

Listed as a National Park, this canyon features a rim with the canyon floor being 350 feet lower than the rim. This canyon is located near Flagstaff Arizona and close to Interstate 40. For hiking, you march down into the canyon and are then able to see the ancient cliff dwellings. Keep in mind that once you hike in, you will have to hike back out of the canyon. If you do not want to hike down into the canyon, there is a level path around the rim that lets you look down into the canyon.

 

Marble Canyon

 

This canyon is essentially the start of the Grand Canyon. It is also below the Glen Canyon Dam. If you want to explore more than one canyon in the area, this is a great canyon to add to your list. It features bright colors and rock walls. This canyon is similar to Zion’s National Park and is even a little less crowded. If you are up for an adventure, you can also kayak or boat down the Colorado River to see some great sites.

 

Paria Canyon

If you want a canyon that covers two states, this canyon is for you. It is in both Arizona and Utah. Paria Canyon is also near Page, Arizona so it is near Antelope Canyon and a great addition to any trip. If you cannot get tickets to Antelope Canyon it is also a good alternative canyon to visit.

 

 

Have you been to any of these canyons? Make sure to share this with someone who loves hiking and exploring the great outdoors.