Entry #2. Exploring the Beauty of Arizona

    When you think about Arizona, a few things probably come to mind. Arizona is known for the Grand Canyon, Sedona Red Rocks, and the balmy summer heat. If you’re not native to Arizona, this state might astound you with its abundance of exuberant national forests, icy mountains and its cascading waterfalls. Growing up, I always questioned my parents decision to raise my siblings and myself in the state. As an adult, I cherish the beauty of this state, and admire its natural wonders.

 

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It’d be easy to chalk Arizona up to the great wonder of the world, The Grand Canyon. Millions of people visit Arizona every year just to see The Grand Canyon. It is, in all its glory, spectacular - and that understates it. The vast, massive canyon exposes bright red and yellow veins in the rock, and the vivid green trees and bushes scatter throughout. The view is just phenomenal and breathtaking. If the sun is setting, you’re in for a special treat. Arizona is also known for the colors that light up the sky during sunset nearly everyday. The entire sky will turn into the most stunning watercolor painting of orange and yellow bleeding into purple and blue. The single fact that I have the opportunity to have even a glimpse of the prettiest sunrises and sunsets makes me grateful to live in this state. 

A bit further south of The Grand Canyon, you’ll find Sedona. Sedona is engulfed by towering boulders and canyon walls with many layers of orange-red sandstone. Sedona is another large tourist attraction in Arizona (for a good reason). The Uptown area is charming and delightful. Two-story tollies and bright pink Jeeps filled with smiling faces are always bustling up and down the winding roads that are lined with cute shops and eager shop-owners. Every window you look out of, you’re met with a rare and unique landscape. 

Although these are prime examples of views to look forward to when visiting Arizona, there are many more hidden gems throughout. The national forests are lush and whimsical. They’re far enough from the big city, but not too far. They’re the perfect escape from the busy city life about 2 hours away. Since mountains are kind of Arizona’s thing, you’ll find them close to the forests too. During the winter seasons, the mountains and forests are covered in snow and ice. This ice and snow are accompanied by weeks of freezing temperatures. Many people don’t know that northern Arizona does have a bit of snow-fall, even though Phoenix may only reach 40 degrees in the winter.  

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Even being native to Arizona, I was unaware of the amount of waterfalls in this state until I was 20. The larger-than life waterfalls rushing to the bottom are something many people most-likely miss when they visit Arizona. While The Grand Canyon and Sedona are wonderful sights, many of Arizona's pinnacles can be found by looking just beyond these destinations. Regardless of where you go in this state, mountains and rock will find you. I’ve grown to love these mountains and rocks. They don’t only symbolize my home, but I grew up with them surrounding me at all times. I find when I visit other states, I miss the mountains. I miss the blistering sun if I’m away for too long - that’s how you know you’re from Arizona. You find peace and a sense of home in the valleys and ridges of the mountains.