Despite the typical images of a colorless and dry land that the word “desert” brings up in our minds, Arizona has a lot more to offer than varying shades of brown. Arizona landscapes and sights are unique and often breathtaking. They show the long, rich history of Arizona before buildings and people. Here are the 10 top Arizona landmarks and sights that are most eye-catching and jaw-dropping.

Meteor Crater, Winslow

10.

Meteor Crater

It is the world’s best preserved meteor crater, located near Winslow. It is nearly a mile across, 2.4 miles in circumference and over 550 feet deep. The crater was formed approximately 50,000 years ago when a piece of an asteroid traveling at 26,000 miles per hour collided with the Earth.

Grand Canyon

9.

Grand Canyon

Tourists come from around the world to see the magnificent sights of the Grand Canyon. It is one of the natural wonders of the world and proves that with its great size and history. The Grand Canyon spans 277 river miles and is up to 18 miles wide and a mile deep.

Canyon de Chelly

8.

Canyon de Chelly

It is the longest continuously inhabited landscape in North America and provides unique sights to anyone who visits. Besides the visual appeal, this area holds a lot of spiritual and cultural significance. There is architecture, artifacts and rock imagery from the past peoples that will amaze anyone.

Flickr: BethinAZ

7.

Oak Creek Canyon

Located near Flagstaff, Oak Creek Canyon offers spectacular scenes with its colorful rocks and unique formations. It is smaller than the Grand Canyon with a length of 88 miles but is no less breathtaking.

Cathedral Rocks, Sedona

6.

Cathedral Rocks

Cathedral Rocks is located in Sedona, an area known for its unique and often awe-worthy sights. The best view of this sight is along the Red Rock Crossing, where visitors and residents like to hike and enjoy the outdoors. Sedona, and particularly the areas where hiking is most popular, is also known for what people refer to as vortexes that give off a soothing and healing energy.

Monument Valley

5.

Monument Valley

Monument Valley borders northern Arizona and southern Utah in the Navajo Nation’s Monument Valley Park. Its large sandstone buttes are the main attraction of this sight, and they are one of the most photographed landscapes in the world.

North Coyote Butte

4.

The Wave

This amazing sight is located near the Arizona-Utah border in the Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness. A permit from the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is required to visit the Wave, but it is well worth it to see this unique Navajo Sandstone in person.

Papago Park

3.

Papago Park’s Hole-in-the-Rock

This unique sight is closer to home for many Phoenix area residents and far more accessible. Climbing up into one of the series of holes in this hill of red, arkosic conglomerate sandstone gives you a wonderful view of the park and surrounding area.

Corkscrew Canyon

2.

Corkscrew Canyon

This incredible sight is hidden away, just outside of Page, AZ. The only way to get to it is to take one of the tour shuttles that leaves from Page, but once you’re there you know the trip was worth it. You’re surrounded by winding sandstone as soon as you enter, and when the sunlight shines through just right, this sight is very breathtaking.

Flickr: Coconino National Forest

1.

Bell Rock Pathway

Along the Bell Rock Pathway — a hiking trail in Sedona — is an amazing view of the landscape which includes Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte. At the right time of the year, you can see just how green Arizona can get and the remarkable contrast of the red soil, as shown above.