Scenic desert drives, water sports, skiing, hiking, sightseeing, professional sports and camping are just the tip of the iceberg for things to do in the great state of Arizona, offering one of the America’s most diverse landscapes. Choosing the top 10 tourist attractions for your Arizona vacation is very difficult, to say the least. When traveling through Arizona, it is imperative to purchase a detailed map of the area you plan to visit, because Arizona has many hidden treasures within the desert.

The following is a list of the greatest attractions that the state of Arizona has to offer. It is imperative that you be prepared when planning a road trip through this beautiful state. The demands of American life usually only give us so much annual vacation that you’ll be short on your stay anyway. But if for some reason you have a couple of weeks to work, you won’t be short of things to do during your Arizona travels.

1. Grand Canyon National Park – The Grand Canyon speaks for itself; this is the pride and joy of Arizona. The Grand Canyon is located in the northwestern part of the state. Carved by the Colorado River over millions of years. One of America’s natural wonders and first national parks, it’s a must see in a lifetime; it is also one of the Seven Wonders of the World. River rafting, hiking, and skywalking on the West Rim are great starting points… just to name a few. While you’re in the Grand Canyon area, be sure to visit the Reindeer Farm west of Flagstaff.

2. Hoover Dam: Much more than a large pile of concrete, the sheer size of the Hoover Dam is impressive. Built in the 1930s, the Hoover Dam is located in northwestern Arizona and shares a border with Nevada. Named after former President Herbert Hoover, the Hoover Dam was one of the largest projects of its time. During your visit to the Hoover Dam, be sure to visit Lake Mead.

3. Sedona AZ- Located south of Flagstaff in Red Rock country, it is another of Arizona’s not-so-best-kept secrets. Sedona is home to some of Arizona’s and Hollywood’s elite; Sharon Stone and Al Pacino have homes in Sedona, as does John Travolta. Sedona also has some of the most beautiful sunsets and scenic drives in the country. Numerous biking and walking trails dominate the colorful red rock sandstone landscape. Must-sees when traveling to Sedona include Solid Rock Church and Slide Rock Park. Kill an entire day sliding down natural rock formations. While in the Sedona area, be sure to visit Jerome and Prescott as well.

4. Monument Valley Park: Located in the northeastern part of the state, Monument Valley is famous for the legendary battles between the Roadrunner and Wiley Coyote (Warner Brothers cartoon) and the popular desert scene in the National Lampoon’s ‘Vacation’ movies. Dominated by colorful mesas and mesas, in some ways Monument Valley is the face of the Southwest. Monument Valley’s most popular landmarks are located in the Navaho Tribal Park on the Utah border. While you’re in the area, be sure to check out the Utah side of Monument Valley.

5. Lake Havasu, AZ – Lake Havasu City is home to the London Bridge. Brought from England in the 1960s, the London Bridge put Lake Havasu on the map. The English Village surrounding the bridge is just one of the oddities you’ll find in this desert paradise. Water sports, lake tours, off-road driving, spring breaks, and enjoying sunsets, to name a few, are very popular in this desert oasis. While you’re in Lake Havasu City, be sure to check out Parker Dam, which is about 30 miles south.

6. Lake Powell Arizona- Lake Powell is an artificial reservoir located in northern Arizona, which shares a border with Utah. It became famous for its “bathtub” ring around the lake and its beautiful moonscape, canyons, and towering rock formations. Here you will find that camping and renting a houseboat are also favorites with tourists. Rent a houseboat and get lost under the stars at Lake Powell Glen Canyon National Recreation Area.

7. Havasupai Falls: Havasupai Falls, one of the most scenic travel spots in Arizona, period. Located deep in the Grand Canyon, there are four sets of falls: Mooney Falls, Havasu Falls, Navajo Falls, and Beaver Falls. The blue-green water caused by the high mineral content turns the falls and its tidal pools into a tropical lagoon-style setting. Most of us will need to walk to get there, although helicopter tours are available.

8. Painted Desert: Located near the south rim of the Grand Canyon, Painted Desert predates its name. Its multicolored landscape is impressive. Seeing the Painted Desert at sunrise is a must. The Painted Desert sits between the Grand Canyon and the Petrified Forest, so be sure to visit all three on your travels. Meteor Crater is also a must see.

9. Tombstone, AZ – Nicknamed “The Town Too Tough to Die,” Tombstone is the most notorious of the Old West mining towns. Made famous by the fight at the OK Corral, along with some of its legendary residents, Wyatt Earp and Doc Holladay, Tombstone’s story has been told in numerous books and movies. While you’re in Tombstone, do yourself a favor and visit Saguaro National Park.

10. Oatman, AZ- Another former mining town that rarely gets the recognition it deserves is Oatman, Arizona. Located south of Bullhead City, Arizona is this former mining town. Its current population is approximately 100. This quaint town is made up of only novelty shops that cater to tourists. But its main draws are the donkeys that roam the streets and the popular gunfight shows. Most shops sell carrots to feed the donkeys, who have no problem eating them right out of your hands. If you have kids and want to experience a taste of the old west, Oatman is a must visit.