Have you ever wondered, “When did Arizona become a state?” Or “Who founded Arizona?” If so, I have the answer in time for Arizona’s birthday. As if there wasn’t enough to love about Arizona yet, Grand Canyon State was born on Valentine’s Day, the sweetest day of the year.

On February 14, 1912, President William Howard Taft signed a law that allowed Arizona to unions as the 48th state. I’m from Texas, but since my first visit in 2014, Arizona has been my favorite. Nothing compares to the wide open, sturdy desert landscape, pasted with ancient red rocks and majestic Sagaro Sabotes. Arizona quickly captured my heart, so to celebrate her special day, I would like to highlight 14 reasons why Grand Canyon State is always special to me. It was difficult to narrow it down to just 14, but we ended up getting there.

1. Grand Falls

I wrote an article about how lucky I was to have the opportunity to visit Grand Falls before Grand Falls was closed indefinitely. Words cannot be used alone to describe how magical this distant Navajo waterfall is. This waterfall is actually taller than Niagara Falls, and the powerful sound of the waters of the charge combined with isolated places makes it a life-changing experience.

2. Sagaros

The Sonoran Desert is the only place on Earth where Sagarro cacti grow in the wild, and as you don’t have a passport, the only opportunity to see them is in Arizona. You can’t put your fingers on why you love these unique plants. Perhaps because they can live for hundreds of years, or because they have a stoic and imposing appearance about them as if they were standing on the desert. Regardless of the reason, my mind warms every time I see it.

3. Salt River

I had never seen a wild horse before swimming in the salt river. Well, I try to squeeze it on a river trip every time I come to Arizona. Because I don’t take the ability to approach such majestic creatures for granted.

4. Sedona

There’s a risk of sounding like a typical tourist, so I’m just going to come out and say it: I love Sedona. I don’t love the over-commercialization of the natural environment, but I don’t deny the scenery that takes my breath away. I fall in love with those red rocks every time I visit, as if I was looking with brand new eyes. Belllock is my favorite, and the coffee potlock is approaching seconds (after all, I’m a self-proclaimed coffee addict).

5. There is no daylight saving time

I live in Texas so I personally can’t experience this perk, but that’s something I admire about Arizona because I hate saving daylight savings. Do you lose an hour of sleep? No, thank you! (I know it’s just one night, but still.)

6. Grand Canyon

Obviously they had to include Arizona It’s the most spectacular It claims fame, but it’s kind of given. That sounds dramatic, but I cried the first time I saw the Grand Canyon in person. The funny thing is, I’ve actually only gone to the North Rim. This is only 10% of the total visitors to the park (the other 90% may have to be put on the Arizona Bucket list). I really enjoyed the small crowd and the various views that most of the photos and postcards painted.

7. Diverse climates

From rugged desert terrain in southern Arizona to lush, fairytale woods to the north, Grand Canyon offers two vastly different climates. There are few places where you can go from skiing to sweating in a few hours. Seeing such a variety of scenery in one state has always been one of my favorites about Arizona.

8. Meteor Crater Natural Landmark

I have experienced quite a few hurricanes in my relatively short life, and the winds in Winslow’s meteor crater were comparable. Honestly, it’s one of the most incredible places I’ve ever visited and I’d love to come back one day.

9. Flagstaff

You won’t miss out on the opportunity to visit Flagstaff, especially in the winter. Skiing in the Snow Bowl is one of my favorite entertainment in Arizona, and in other seasons I feel like I’m in a storybook, hiking through the magical forest.

10. Red rock

New Mexico may be a fascinating land, but personally, there’s nothing more magical than the red rocks of Arizona. There is a certain mysticism about them that I really can’t put words in. I have always been skeptical about the so-called “energy vortex” in and around Sedona, but perhaps there is a truth in the belief.

11. history

From hiking miles to ancient cliff dwellings skillfully crafted by indigenous peoples, to going underground to see the mechanisms of the old mines inside, Arizona is rich in nature and human history. I’ve been to Grand Canyon counties dozens of times and still have a bucket list full of check-off destinations.

12. Mountain road

I was 15 when I first visited Arizona on a road trip with my sister. I had to take the wheels from time to time because she couldn’t drive despite having only permission from my learners. I will never forget the exhilarating experience of driving on the winding mountain roads near Pason. I was so fascinated to be nervous – seeing evergreen trees lined up on the cliffs never failed to lose words.

13. Route 66

Obviously, Route 66 is not only in Arizona, but some of my favorite towns along Mother Road are in Grand Canyon State. Holbrook and Kingman are two of my favorites!

14. people

Arizonan is some of the most amazing people I have ever met. Whether you’re learning facts about Arizona from locals or asking park rangers for directions, everyone is always kind and kind to stay out of the way. I hate to feel like a “nasty tourist,” but that’s not the case in Arizona.

In honor of Arizona’s birthday, what are your favorite Grand Canyon state? More importantly, what is your “why” behind those reasons?

If you are planning on taking a road trip in Arizona this year, the Road Trip Packing Guide lists all the most important items to bring in one convenient location.