Arizona is famous all over the world for its beautiful deserts and rock shapes. Here are 12 amazing rock formations in Arizona that you shouldn’t miss, ranging from shaped sandstone arches to tall spires:
1. The Wavea
Place: This is where it is: Coyote Buttes North (Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness)
Features: This beautiful sandstone creation has mesmerizing red and orange swirls that make it look like a wave frozen in time.
Hike: The 6.4-mile round-trip hike to The Wave is hard because it goes through rough desert landscape. To come, you need a permit.
2. Horseshoe Bend
Place: Along the Colorado River, close to Page.
Features: The river curves in a dramatic horseshoe shape, and there are steep Navajo rock canyon walls all around it.
Hike: A short and easy 1.5-mile hike from the parking lot gets you to the lookout point.
3. The Mittens of Monument Valley
Place: Monument Valley Great Navajo Tribal Park
Features: Towering sandstone buttes, called “The Mittens,” rise sharply from the desert floor and have been used as movie sets many times.
Hike: For a close look at West Mitten Butte, hike the 3.2-mile loop of the Wildcat Trail.
4. Rock of Cathedral
Place: Sedona is the place.
Features: This beautiful red rock creation is a popular place to watch the sunset and find spiritual energy.
Hike: The Cathedral Rock Trail is a steep 1.2-mile hike that goes all the way around and has great views at the top.
5. Chiricahua Rocks That Are Balanced
Place: The Chiricahua National Monument is there.
Features: Strange rock formations that seem to resist gravity; they were formed by volcanoes active in the past.
Hike: How to Get There: The Echo Canyon Loop is a 3.3-mile easy walk that shows off the best balanced rocks.
6. Canyon of Antelope
Place: Near Page, Navajo Nation
Features: A well-known slot canyon with winding rock walls that are lit by sunlight beams. Ideal for shooters.
Hike: You have to go on a guided tour and take a short walk through the tight canyon.
7. The Bell Rock
Place: Sedona is the place.
Features: The feature is a huge, bell-shaped red rock creation that hikers and spiritual seekers like.
Hike: The 3.6-mile Bell Rock Pathway trail has choices that are both easy and hard.
8. Spider Rock
Place: Canyon de Chelly National Monument is where it is.
Features: There is a holy 800-foot rock spire that the Navajo people worship.
Hike: For a great view of Spider Rock, hike the White House Trail, which is 2.5 miles round-trip.
9. The Meteor Crater
Place: Near Winslow
Features: A huge impact hole was made by a meteorite 50,000 years ago, and the geology around it is very interesting.
Hike: Follow the marked trails or check out the observation decks at the tourist center.
10. The Weaver’s Needle on Superstition Mountain
Place: Superstition Wilderness is near Phoenix.
Features: A dramatic volcanic tower that is often linked to the story of the Lost Dutchman’s Gold Mine.
Hike: The Peralta Trail, which is 5.8 miles round-trip, has amazing views of the needle.
11. Hoodoos made of toadstools
Place: Vermilion Cliffs National Monument is where it is.
Features: Unique rocks in the shape of mushrooms sitting on top of thin stems that were made by erosion.
Walk: This whimsical wonderland can be reached by a 1.5-mile trail that goes around and back.
12. The Devil’s Bridge
Place: Sedona is the place.
Features: It has the biggest natural rock arch in the area, and the views from the top will make your heart race.
Hike: The Devil’s Bridge Trail is a 4.2-mile walk that goes in a circle and has a steep climb to the arch.
There is a lot of excitement, natural beauty, and interesting history in these Arizona rock formations. Every one of these formations shows how geologically diverse the state is, whether you’re climbing, driving, or just taking in the view.
