Arizona: Steeped in Southwestern Style

Arizona is located in the southwest corner of the United States, bordering Mexico, New Mexico and Utah. The Colorado River separates it from California and parts of Nevada.

Originally nicknamed the Copper State for its large production of the natural resource, it is now referred to as the Grand Canyon State, and has about 6.6 million residents. Arizona has the largest population of Native Americans in the U.S. and was the birthplace of famous Apaches Cochise and Geronimo.

The capital, Phoenix, is located in the central part of the state. About 230 miles north is the most visited attraction in Arizona, the Grand Canyon. Its South Rim is laden with restaurants, hotels and tour guides focusing on the breathtaking views of the exquisite natural wonder.

Much of the state is made of desert and has a warm, dry climate. The Sonora Desert covers 120,000 square miles and is one of the hottest, largest deserts in North America. The state’s flower, the Saguaro cactus, is found in the Sonora Desert among many other unusual types of plants and animals.

The Painted Desert covers more than 93,500 acres and is named for its unusual array of colors, including purple, gray, pink, red and orange. It is reminiscent of a rainbow made from mostly clay and sandstone.

Other points of interest for Arizona’s many visitors and vacationers are the Petrified Forest, Wupatki National Monument Indian Ruins, the Cliff Castle Casino and the San Xavier del Bac Mission, also known as the White Dove of the Desert.

These breathtaking views can be seen from above in one of Arizona’s many airborne leisure activities, hot air balloon rides, hang gliding and sky diving. Other recreation includes caving and spelunking, paintball, fishing, golfing, hiking, skiing and swimming.

The National Football League’s (NFL) Arizona Cardinals play their home games at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale. The $450 million stadium opened 2006. The team is a charter member of the NFL and is the oldest continually run professional football franchise in the U.S.

Arizona’s other professional sports teams are the Phoenix Suns (NBA), Arizona Diamondbacks (MLB) Phoenix Mercury (WNBA), and the Arizona Rattlers (Arena Football).

Famous people born in Arizona include politician Barry Goldwater, “Wonder Woman” actress Lynda Carter, recording artists Linda Ronstadt and Stevie Nicks, Olympic gymnast Kerri Strug and labor activist Cesar Chavez.