This Epic Road Trip Leads To 7 Iconic Landmarks In Arizona
By Katie Lawrence|Published January 31, 2022
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Katie Lawrence
Author
Katie Lawrence is a Southeast Texas native who graduated 18th in her high school class with a GPA of 4.25. She attended college in the Houston area and began writing for OnlyInYourState in 2015.
Today, Katie writes, edits, and performs several other tasks for OnlyInYourState and has never been more passionate about a job before. Outside of work, you can likely find her curled up on with a hot cup of coffee, practicing yoga, baking, or exploring the beautiful Lone Star State (in particular, the vast and mystical West Texas desert).
We recently took you on a trip to some of the most famous natural wonders in Arizona, from Horseshoe Bend and Monument Valley to Antelope Canyon and Petrified Forest National Park. This next trip, however, also includes man-made marvels, such as Sedona’s Chapel of the Holy Cross and the world-famous Hoover Dam. Whether you’re a history buff, nature lover, or a little bit of both, this trip is for you. Get ready to see some of the most iconic landmarks in Arizona!
Click here for the customizable Google Map for the trip.
One of the most impressive engineering and architectural feats of all time, the Hoover Dam is located in both Arizona and Nevada. Constructed during the Great Depression under President Franklin D. Roosevelt, the dam holds back Lake Mead, which (when full) is the largest reservoir in the nation. Nearly a million people tour the dam each year!
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2. London Bridge (Lake Havasu City)
London Bridge, 1340 McCulloch Blvd, Lake Havasu City, AZ 86403, USA
Originally built in the 1830s over the River Thames in London, the London Bridge is a little piece of England right here in Arizona. Robert P. McCulloch, the visionary behind Lake Havasu City, purchased the bridge in 1968, and its exterior blocks were used in the construction of a new bridge spanning the Bridgewater Channel Canal. When you walk across the bridge, you'll see the U.S. flag, the State of Arizona Flag, and the Union Jack all flapping in the wind. You could say London and Lake Havasu City are sister cities!
You probably saw this one coming, but how could we not include our state's very own world wonder? One of the most popular tourist attractions on Earth, the Grand Canyon attracts roughly six million annual visitors. Between the expansive, awe-inspiring views and all there is to see and do in the park, it's easy to understand why.
Tucked away near the Grand Canyon on the Havasupai Indian Reservation, Havasu Falls is one of several consecutive waterfalls that look like they belong anywhere but Arizona. It's the most well-known of the bunch, and more than 20,000 people make the arduous, 10-mile hike to see it each year. It's important to note that reservations are required to embark on the trail, and you'll need to make them about a year in advance (and they sell out almost immediately). Learn more here.
5. Cathedral Rock (Sedona)
Cathedral Rock Trailhead, Back O Beyond Road, Sedona, AZ, USA
When most people think of Sedona, the city's iconic red rocks are what first come to mind. Cathedral Rock is the most famous of them all - in fact, the Cathedral Rock Trail is rated the number two hike in the state! This classic scene was an obvious addition to the trip.
6. Chapel of the Holy Cross (Sedona)
Chapel of the Holy Cross, 780 Chapel Rd, Sedona, AZ 86336, USA
Also in Sedona, the Chapel of the Holy Cross is a Roman Catholic church built on a cliffside overlooking the Coconino National Forest. Completed in 1956, the chapel was voted one of the Seven Man-Made Wonders of Arizona in 2007 and designated as a National Historic Landmark four years later. No matter your faith, a visit to this manmade masterpiece is a life-changing experience.
7. Meteor Crater Natural Landmark (Winslow)
Meteor Crater Natural Landmark, Arizona 86047, USA
Our trip ends with a bang (pun intended) at Meteor Crater Natural Landmark, the best-preserved meteorite impact site on Earth. Located 18 miles west of Winslow, this ancient wonder is almost 4,000 feet wide - 11 football fields could fit inside it! Both guided and self-guided tours are available, plus a variety of other attractions on the surface.
Would you take this road trip to some of the most iconic landmarks in Arizona? Tell us your thoughts in the comments! For another fun road trip that leads to the best fry bread restaurants in the state, check out our previous article.
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