Road Trip Through Arizona: Land of Natural Wonders

Lesson Plan - Get It!

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Where Is Arizona?

Arizona is in the southwestern United States. It borders California and Nevada to the west, Utah to the north, New Mexico to the east, and Mexico to the south.

Check out this map to see its sunny spot in the United States!

Well, it is part of the southwestern United States. California and Nevada are on the western border, Utah is directly north, and New Mexico rides along its eastern border. To the south is the country of Mexico.

A Long History

People have lived in Arizona for over 20,000 years!

Indigenous groups thrived here long before Spanish explorers arrived in the 1500s. Arizona was part of Mexico until the 1848 Mexican-American War.

The U.S. won the war and gained more than 500,000 miles of territory, including the state of Arizona. Arizona became a U.S. territory before becoming the 48^th state in 1912.

• What comes to mind when you think about the state of Arizona?

A Land of Extremes

Arizona's landscapes range from scorching hot deserts to snowy mountains. The Sonoran, Mojave, and Chihuahuan Deserts are full of cacti and unique animals, while the Great Basin Desert up north gets snowy winters.

Arizona is known for its dry, hot climate. Temperatures reach over 100 degrees Fahrenheit regularly.

• Does all of Arizona experience hot weather?

Surprisingly, no! The Great Basin Desert in the northern Colorado Plateau region can get frigid winters with snow!

• What kind of plants and animals live in Arizona?

Wildlife and Landmarks

Rattlesnakes, Gila monsters, and road runners call Arizona home, as do cacti, desert marigolds, and brittlebrush.

There are many important landforms and landmarks to see in Arizona, but none more popular than the Grand Canyon.

The Grand Canyon is over 270 miles long, 18 miles wide, and more than a mile deep! Visitors can even ride mules from the top to the bottom of the canyon.

You can also take a dip there at the Havasu Falls.

Another interesting stop is the Petrified Forest National Park, known for its many deposits of fossilized or petrified wood, giving it the nickname Painted Desert.

Arizona is also home to the Meteor Crater National Landmark, the oldest known crater made from a meteorite striking the earth.

The Hoover Dam creates enough hydroelectric energy to power 1.3 million people.

Horseshoe Bend was formed from river erosion cutting through the sandstone, forming a perfect horseshoe shape.

• What is the culture like in Arizona?

Cultural Blend

Arizona's rich culture blends Native American, Spanish, and Mexican influences. You can see history's mark everywhere, from rock art to missions like San Xavier del Bac.

Continue exploring Arizona in the Got It? section!