Arizona is a state of dramatic contrasts, and three spots stand out for the sheer breadth of scenery they offer: the high, forested North Rim of the Grand Canyon, the sculpted red mesas and buttes of Monument Valley, and the soaring walls and ancient dwellings of Canyon de Chelly. Each site delivers a signature view that captures a different facet of the state’s geology and history, and each requires a bit of planning — from how remote services are to when a Navajo guide is needed to actually enter the canyon floor. Below are the essentials for seeing these three treasured viewpoints, plus a few practical notes on access and what you can expect when you arrive.
Formed by uplift of igneous and metamorphic rock and carved through millennia by the Colorado River, the Grand Canyon remains one of the nation’s most iconic natural landscapes. The North Rim, less visited and more remote than its South Rim counterpart, provides particularly dramatic panoramas. Two of its most notable vantage points are Point Imperial — the North Rim’s highest point at 8,803 feet — and Cape Royal, where broad panoramas sweep up, down and across the canyon. From Cape Royal visitors can even see the Colorado River as it bends, framed through the natural arch known as Angels Window. For those wanting to move beyond the overlooks, day hikes such as the Bright Angel Point Trail offer up-close canyon perspectives, though trails in this area can be steep and require caution.
Expansive Grand Canyon rim view showing layered cliffs and the inner canyon — one of the three ‘most treasured views’ highlighted in the Arizona Republic guide.
Reaching and visiting the North Rim comes with caveats. Cape Royal Road is the primary scenic drive for reaching the overlooks, but the North Rim’s remoteness means amenities are limited, and visitors should prepare accordingly. The 2026 season is expected to see even fewer on-site services after the Dragon Bravo Fire destroyed the Grand Canyon Lodge, and the nearest fuel, food and water are available in Jacob Lake. For travelers who want to combine their North Rim trip with nearby stops, the towns of Kanab, Utah, about 75 miles away, and Page, roughly 130 miles away, are common side-trip options. Kanab is noted locally for the Brown Box Cafe, while Page offers dining choices including BirdHouse, which has been singled out for its fried chicken.
Monument Valley’s palette of reds and oranges, its towering buttes and wide desert expanses present an image often associated with the American West. The valley is approachable in several ways: a 17-mile dirt loop known as Valley Drive makes for self-guided touring that brings travelers close to many of the iconic formations, while guided tours can reach more secluded spots and provide deeper perspective on the landscape. Visitors may choose to walk short distances from the roadside overlooks, or to drive the loop in a high-clearance vehicle; a number of outfitters operate in the area for those preferring a guided experience. The valley’s combination of immediate accessibility and dramatic rock forms makes it a popular stop for photographers and road travelers alike.
Monument Valley’s red sandstone butte framed by twisted juniper and a bright blue sky — an iconic Arizona vista recommended in the story for scenic road trips.
Within Monument Valley, certain viewpoints have become particularly well known. John Ford Point is among the most frequently visited, and it has long been used as a cinematic backdrop; visitors there can arrange a momentary horse prop photo opportunity for about $10. Along the roadside local Navajo artists commonly sell handmade jewelry, rugs, belts and paintings, and the Trading Post at The View Hotel also offers a selection of locally made goods including rugs, pottery and traditional squash blossom necklaces. Those planning to buy authentic Navajo crafts should be prepared to shop directly with artisans at roadside stands or at the trading post, where pieces are offered by the artists themselves.
Canyon de Chelly National Monument presents another distinct Arizona view: an amphitheater of towering red walls, with cliff dwellings and sculpted spires tucked into the stone. Located near the town of Chinle in the state’s northeast, the canyon is roughly 300 miles from Phoenix — about a five-hour drive — and can be experienced from paved rim drives that lead to a series of overlooks. For visitors who want to descend into the canyon, Navajo-guided tours are required; private companies and guides offer hikes, horseback rides and vehicle tours that take guests down to the canyon floor and to features such as Spider Rock, the sandstone spire that rises roughly 800 feet above the canyon floor.
The visitor experience at Canyon de Chelly can be tailored to different levels of activity. Those staying on their own can drive the paved rim roads and stop at overlooks for views of archaeological sites and sweeping canyon vistas. Hikers will find rim trails that offer close-in perspectives of the cliffs, while guided trips onto the canyon floor allow access to areas that are otherwise off-limits to independent visitors. Anyone planning to enter the canyon should arrange a Navajo guide in advance — guides must be hired to go below the rim — and many guides and tour companies accept online reservations. For multi-day visits Chinle is the most convenient base, situated just a few miles from the canyon entrances and home to hotels and lodges that serve as staging points for guided excursions.
Together the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, Monument Valley and Canyon de Chelly offer a cross-section of Arizona’s most celebrated scenery: high-elevation panoramic rims carved by rivers, broad desert basins punctuated by sculpted rock, and narrow canyon sanctuaries that preserve both natural drama and human history. Each site requires different practical preparations — from planning around limited services on the North Rim to booking a Navajo guide for Canyon de Chelly and choosing whether to drive or join a tour in Monument Valley — but all three reward the effort with views that are distinct to this region. For travelers organizing a visit, checking current conditions, service availability and tour booking requirements before departure will ensure the most straightforward experience at these widely admired Arizona vistas.