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Arizona is in many ways synonymous with the Grand Canyon, one of the most iconic travel destinations in the United States. As one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the 麻豆AV, this awe-inspiring feat of nature draws visitors from all walks of life and from every corner of the globe. Family vacationers, road-trippers, and adventure-seekers alike are drawn to its overwhelming beauty.

However, the Grand Canyon is just one page of Arizona's story. Over hundreds of millions of years, the state's vast landscapes have evolved into a surreal tapestry of colors, shapes, and formations. From towering rock arches to stunning turquoise waterfalls, Arizona鈥檚 geological marvels feel like something from another 麻豆AV. Whether visiting as a follow-up to the Grand Canyon or devoting an entire trip to these natural wonders, they will make you feel small and full of wonder all at once.

Havasu Falls

If you want to experience the Grand Canyon鈥檚 splendor beyond the famed National Park, Havasu Falls is one of the prettiest natural landmarks in Arizona. The 100-foot waterfall is renowned for its bright turquoise waters, resulting from the magnesium and calcium carbonate in Havasu Creek. It is located outside of Grand Canyon National Park in the Havasupai Indian Reservation, whose tribe name translates to 鈥減eople of the blue-green waters.鈥�

There are a few things to keep in mind if you want to visit this breathtaking cascade, but the efforts are well worth the reward. Permits from the Havasupai Tribe are required to access the falls and surrounding area, and all visits require a minimum one-night stay. Travelers can visit from February through November during its official season, whether spending the night at the Havasupai Campground or Havasupai Lodge. The earlier months are preferred by those seeking smaller crowds, although summer is favored for swimming at the base of the falls. However, also take into account that the Havasu Falls Trail may close on occasion in the summertime due to extreme heat or flooding.

Antelope Canyon

Near the town of Page in the Navajo Nation, Antelope Canyon is another bucket list-worthy experience. Set in Arizona鈥檚 slot canyons, these surreal sandstone sculptures were carved over millions of years, mainly through flash floods. The Antelope Canyon stands out for its flowing rock impressions and vibrant red-orange hues. Midday is generally the best time to tour, with the sun illuminating the ancient walls with sharp streaks of light. Most like to visit the Upper Antelope Canyon for this effect while the Lower Canyon offers a more intimate, albeit less bright view of the sandstone layers.

Similar to Havasu Falls, there are a few things to keep in mind if you want to visit this natural wonder. While open year-round, March through October is when Antelope Canyon gets its best light, while November through February is a better time to visit if you want to avoid crowds and find better rates. Additionally, Antelope Canyon can only be explored with authorized tour companies to prevent vandalism and keep visitors safe. Companies like Antelope Canyon Tours offer an Upper Antelope Canyon Sightseeing Tour to experience the famous ribbons of light, with rates varying by season.

Horseshoe Bend

Also located near the town of Page, Horseshoe Bend is one of Arizona鈥檚 most photographed geological wonders. Often described as a 鈥渟ocial media darling,鈥� the natural landmark is the most famous feature in the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. The river bend gets its name from the dramatic horseshoe shape, carved over millions of years by the Colorado River. The powerful waterway carved through the Glen Canyon鈥檚 sandstone, creating the deep, roughly 1,000-foot deep canyon we see today.

The most popular way to take in panoramic views of the Bend is to hike to its overlook. The 1.5-mile out-and-back trail takes around 34 minutes in total, but with views this grand, your time at the overlook can easily double the excursion. The best time to visit also depends on what you want out of your experience. For instance, spring and autumn shine for their smaller crowds and cooler temperatures, especially since the trail features little shade. Alternatively, you may want to view the Bend from a different perspective. Boat tour agencies like Kayak Horseshoe Bend allow you to paddle the river and witness the canyon walls at ground level.

Monument Valley

As one of the most photographed places in the 麻豆AV, Monument Valley is another geological wonder you might recognize. Known to the Navajo as 鈥淭se鈥橞ii鈥橬dzisgaii,鈥� Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park is beloved for its massive sandstone rock formations. With some soaring up to 1,000 feet high, these rugged formations are a jaw-dropping display of long-term erosion from wind and water. Spread over nearly 92,000 acres in southern Utah and northern Arizona, a visit to this Tribal Park will leave you inspired and in awe.

The peak season to visit Monument Valley is from May through September, with September being the best time to enjoy warm days and mild nights. However, visiting during monsoon season from July through August is generally not recommended, as the muddy roads can become slippery and tours can be canceled if the weather is too extreme. Outside of monsoon season, the park鈥檚 17-mile loop drive is a gorgeous way to see the buttes, spires, and other rock formations without leaving your car. Hikes on the Wildcat Trail can also be enjoyed solo, or you can explore the landscape with a local guide with companies like Monument Valley Tribal Tours.

Cathedral Rock

Cathedral Rock, one of the most popular natural attractions in Sedona鈥檚 "Red Rock Country," is a majestic landform that lives up to its ethereal name. The rust-colored sandstone butte is part of the Permian Schnebly Hill formation, its signature red hue resulting from iron reacting with oxygen. Towering nearly 5,000-feet at its highest point, Cathedral Rock is both a tourist destination and spiritual hub, with some claiming the formation is laced with rejuvenating energy. Whether you believe in these properties or simply want to enjoy the beauty of this natural wonder, your time at Cathedral Rock will be nothing short of extraordinary.

While challenging, the Cathedral Rock Trail is one of the best ways to experience the landform up close. While the short-and-sweet trail is just over 1-mile long, it has a 741-foot elevation gain and several points require scrambling. Once you reach the top of your trek, you are rewarded with a panoramic viewing ledge that makes it more than worthwhile. Bear in mind, similar to Arizona鈥檚 other wonders, you may want to avoid hiking Cathedral Rock during the summertime as the trail is unshaded and the heat may be a bit too overwhelming. Spring and fall provide more comfortable weather, especially at sunrise or sunset, which pairs with a stunning sky.

Devil鈥檚 Bridge

While in Sedona, the Devil's Bridge is another breathtaking landform to add to your travel itinerary in 2025. Although its name may sound a bit ominous, in reality, the sights and scenes are as heavenly as they come. The 鈥渂ridge鈥� is actually Sedona鈥檚 largest red-rock arch, a geological phenomenon resulting from wind and rain erosion. Today, the top of the arch can be walked across like a bridge, granting hikers the ultimate thrill and photo-op.

Described as 鈥渕oderately challenging,鈥� the 4-mile out-and-back Devil鈥檚 Bridge Trail has a 521-foot elevation gain, with a steeper climb toward the end. At the base of the bridge, hikers will ascend the first of two natural rock staircases, with the top of the arch bridge as your finale. Since this is a super popular hike, you may want to plan your adventure for a weekday early in the morning or at sunrise to avoid large crowds. Other than that, previous hikers suggest wearing comfortable shoes, having water on hand, and definitely packing your camera.

The Wave

Right on the Arizona-Utah border, Vermilion Cliffs National Monument is home to The Wave, an other麻豆AVly sandstone formation welcoming just 64 people per day. Often compared to a Van Gogh artwork, The Wave is a striking landscape with wave-like layers. The ribbons of pink, yellow, red, and brown began to form nearly 200 million years ago, the sandstone stripes revealed by wind and rain. This geological wonder is, by all means, a work of art, and it is easy to see why it is such a coveted attraction.

Unfortunately, much like Havasu Falls, The Wave cannot be a spontaneous day trip. This sought-after landscape requires a permit to visit, with a lottery system in place to select applicants. Keep in mind that less than 5% of applicants are selected annually, so if you are not one of the lucky ones, try not to be discouraged. While it may feel frustrating, the lottery is in place to maintain the integrity of the landscape, and it certainly adds to The Wave鈥檚 prestige, making it a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience.

The Wave is open year-round, although October and November are one of the better times to visit, with cooler weather and less chances for rain. However, if you want to increase your chances of being selected through the lottery, winter is when fewer people apply for permits since there is a chance of snow. If you are one of the selected applicants, you may also want to consider the time of day you visit. Midday comes with the perk of shadow-free photos, while early morning and late afternoon bring the prettiest lighting.

Final Thoughts

The Grand Canyon will always be Arizona鈥檚 star attraction, but that does not mean its other natural wonders should be overlooked. While smaller in size and, for the most part, less well known, these landscapes and landforms are no less memorable. Whether planning ahead with a permit for attractions like Havasu Falls or making a more impromptu trip to sites like Horseshoe Bend, these majestic natural landmarks make for the perfect follow-up or prelude to your time at the Grand Canyon. Who knows鈥攜ou might even find yourself even more captivated by the beauty of these hidden gems.