Top 15 Most Interesting Facts About Arizona

1. State Motto: "God Enriches" (Ditat Deus).
2. State Bird: Cactus Wren.
3. State Mammal: Ringtail (a member of the raccoon family).
4. State Flag: Features a copper star in the center, representing Arizona's copper industry, with rays of red and yellow symbolizing the setting sun and blue for liberty.
5. Total Area: 113,990 square miles, making it the 6th largest state in the U.S.
6. Arizona is home to the Grand Canyon, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.
7. It has three national parks: Grand Canyon, Petrified Forest, and Saguaro National Parks.
8. The state has the largest percentage of Native American tribal land in the U.S.
9. Arizona is the only state where the famous saguaro cactus grows naturally.
10. Tombstone, Arizona, is famous for the 1881 Gunfight at the O.K. Corral.
11. The Hoover Dam, built in 1935, is located on the border between Arizona and Nevada.
12. Arizona's Painted Desert and Petrified Forest offer unique geological formations and ancient petrified wood.
13. It has over 300 days of sunshine per year, making it a popular destination for outdoor activities.
14. Arizona became the 48th state of the U.S. on February 14, 1912.
15. It is home to the Lowell Observatory, where Pluto was discovered in 1930.

Geography of Arizona

Arizona is known for its desert landscapes, mountain ranges, and iconic natural landmarks. Key features include:

• Highest Point: Humphreys Peak (12,637 feet) in the San Francisco Peaks.
• Lowest Point: Colorado River at 70 feet above sea level.
• Mountain Ranges: The San Francisco Peaks, Superstition Mountains, and Chiricahua Mountains.
• Major Regions:
  • Colorado Plateau: A high desert region with canyons and mesas in the northern part of the state.
  • Sonoran Desert: A hot desert region home to the iconic saguaro cactus.
  • Mountain Regions: Cooler, forested areas in the central and northern parts of the state.

A Brief History of Arizona

Arizona's history is deeply rooted in Native American cultures and the Old West:

• Originally home to tribes such as the Navajo, Hopi, Apache, and Hualapai.
• Became part of the U.S. through the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo in 1848 after the Mexican-American War.
• Became the 48th and final contiguous state to join the Union on February 14, 1912.

Top 10 Things to Do in Arizona

1. Visit the Grand Canyon National Park.
2. Explore Sedona's red rock formations and spiritual vortexes.
3. Hike in Saguaro National Park near Tucson.
4. Tour Monument Valley's iconic sandstone buttes.
5. Visit the historic town of Tombstone and the O.K. Corral.
6. Take a boat tour on Lake Powell or Lake Havasu.
7. Drive along Route 66 and visit historic roadside attractions.
8. Explore the Petrified Forest and Painted Desert.
9. Attend the Arizona State Fair in Phoenix.
10. Visit the Hoover Dam near the Nevada border.

Top 10 Destinations in Arizona

1. Grand Canyon National Park
2. Sedona
3. Tucson
4. Monument Valley
5. Phoenix

Plan Your Visit

For more information about Arizona, visit the state’s official tourism site: Visit Arizona