Arizona, the largest landlocked state in terms of population, is found on the southwestern region of the United States. Its capital is the city of Phoenix, which is also the largest city. Noted for its desert climate, the state is home to national forests, mountain ranges, deserts, lakes, and valleys. Perhaps the most famous natural landmark in Arizona is the Grand Canyon. As a gorge in the Colorado River, it is one of the most popular natural wonders of the world. In fact, UNESCO has declared it a World Heritage Site. Dating back to Precambrian times, the Grand Canyon awes visitors by its size, depth, and amazing rock formations. Despite being remote, many visitors flock to the Grand Canyon to experience its rugged beauty. Arizona is mainly known for this natural landmark which is why the state is nicknamed, The Grand Canyon State.

Arizona is also home to the Barringer Crater. Discovered by Daniel Barringer, a mining engineer, the crater measures 0.75 miles across, 575 feet deep, and has a rim 148 feet higher than the surrounding plain. Touted to be the best-preserved impact crater ever, it was formed when a nickel-iron meteorite weighing several hundred thousand tons hit Earth at a speed of 40,000 miles. The crater is also known as Meteor Crater, Canyon Diablo, and Coon Butte.

A Wild West icon, the bolo tie, was declared as the state’s official neckwear in 1971. This string-and-buckle necktie was apparently invented by an Arizona silversmith to avoid losing the buckle in a high-wind horse ride.