While undoubtedly most famous for its astounding natural wonder - the Grand Canyon - Arizona has far more to offer visitors and locals alike. This Southwestern state overflows with fascinating geography, history, and cuisine influenced by Native American, Mexican, and Anglo cultures.
In 2016 we were able to visit and experience the jaw-dropping beauty of the Grand Canyon. We had been preparing ourselves for the arduous hike for months and thought we were ready. We weren't!
Although we made it I can honestly say it was the most difficult thing I had ever done and also the most rewarding!
We started our adventure at 6 am. It was still dark and there was snow on the ground. We set off on the Bright Angel Trail as soon as the sun crested over the rim.
Pictures just can't do it justice (especially pictures taken with a 2016 iPhone camera 😂) The colors were just incredible - layers of red, orange, and brown looked like they were glowing in the morning light.
By mid-morning, we made it to the canyon floor and grabbed a quick lunch near the roaring waters of Bright Angel Creek. No snow here! It was actually so hot we had to cool off in the stream.
After lunch, we hiked out a few more miles until we could see the Colorado River. It was just breathtaking and totally worth the extra mile or so.
We had an incredible day, but the sign was true. Going back up was mandatory and the kickbacks were brutal! There were definitely a few moments we wished we'd had those pack mules.
12.2 miles and about 12 hours later we crested the top. Right at dusk (whew). Our legs were like rubber, but it was an incredible experience we will never forget.
Fun Facts About Arizona
- Arizona's Petrified Forest National Park features one of the world's largest concentrations of petrified wood, with trees dating back over 200 million years.
- The Sonoran Desert of Arizona is the hottest desert in North America, with summer temperatures frequently exceeding 115°F.
- The Navajo Nation reservation covers over 27,000 square miles across Arizona, Utah, and New Mexico. It's one of the largest intact territories of indigenous peoples in the U.S.
- London Bridge was transported from England and re-assembled in Lake Havasu City, Arizona in the 1960s when the city was founded.
Iconic Arizona Recipes
Chimichangas - Although their origins are debated, this classic Southwestern delicacy of a large burrito that's been deep-fried to crispy perfection was popularized in Tucson and Phoenix.
Fry Bread - Pillowy, puffy rounds of dough fried to chewy perfection, this Native American staple originated with the Navajo people in the Four Corners region. It's amazing for breakfast, lunch, and dessert.
Carne Asada - The signature garlicky grilled steak of the Southwest, carne asada sizzles over pecan and mesquite wood fires imparting an incredible smoky flavor.
Sonoran Hot Dogs - A modern regional classic, these bacon-wrapped franks are loaded up with pinto beans, grilled onions, tomatoes, and mayo before getting squiggled with mustard and jalapeño salsa.
Arizona's landscapes will leave you spellbound from the cosmic geology of the Painted Desert to the awe-inspiring views along the Desert View Watchtower Drive. The state's Native and Mexican cultural influences bring equal magic to the food scene with Southwestern specialties that showcase an incredible array of chiles, beans, corn tortillas, and mesquite-fired flavors.
One taste and you'll understand why Arizona's cuisine is as memorable as its scenery.
