Here Is The Most Remote, Isolated Spot In Arizona And It's Positively Breathtaking
By Monica Spencer|Published October 07, 2016
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Monica Spencer
Author
Monica is a Diné (Navajo) freelance writer and photographer based in the Southwest. Born in Gallup and raised in Phoenix, she is Tódich'ii'nii (Bitter Water People) and Tsi'naajinii (Black Streak Wood People). Monica is a staff writer for Only In Your State, photo editor for The Mesa Legend, and previously a staff writer for The Navajo Post. You can reach her at monica.d.spencer@gmail.com.
Looking for a section of Arizona to escape to where coming across another human is fairly unlikely to happen? Actually, that is a pretty common occurrence here in Arizona but there is at least one section of the state that has few access points and is even geographically separated from the state. That place is the Arizona Strip.
Whoa, a strip in Arizona? Yup, that’s what we call that section of land that sits just north of the Grand Canyon and between Utah and Nevada borders.
This part of the state is fairly large: it covers approximately 7,856 square miles of land, making it larger than the state of Massachusetts! However, it only totals 6.9% of Arizona’s landbase.
This part of the state is probably one of the least accessible! Through Arizona, you can only access it through Routes 89 and 89A by driving over Marble Canyon and the Colorado River or by hiking through the Grand Canyon to the North Rim.
Otherwise, it can be more easily accessed through Utah and Nevada but even these roads are limited not necessarily paved.
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Culturally, this isolated spot has been a haven for groups looking for anonymity such as polygamous sects and antigovernment groups. However, you’ll also find plenty of snowbirds, retirees, and families living here as well.
Despite that, the remote nature of this area makes this area one of the most isolated places in the state but also ensures the landscapes are left in impeccable condition.
You’ll find places like Kanab Creek and Vermilion Cliffs National Monument that really show off these landscapes.
In addition to finding some incredible, scenic areas, you’ll also find hiking trails and historic trails (like the Old Spanish and the Honeymoon Trails).
At the same time, you’ll also come across some forested areas along the Grand Canyon’s North Rim, composed of thick collections of ponderosa pine, other evergreen, and aspen trees.