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Arizona conjures up images of giant saguaros and wide open desert spaces,

Phoenix

. Flagstaff and maybe even Route 66. But if you’re like most people, the first thing you’ll think of when you think of Arizona is the Grand Canyon.

If you’ve never seen the Grand Canyon, you owe it to yourself to plan an Arizona trip to take in the majesty of one of the world’s seven natural wonders. Stretching 277 miles from east to west and 18 miles at its widest point, the Grand Canyon dazzles around five million people each year.

There are many ways to see the Grand Canyon. Xanterra, the company that manages the facilities for the National Park Service, offers rooms in seven lodges on the South Rim.

Free shuttle buses take you to various viewing spots or you can walk along the Rim Trail on your own. If you go with a full-service travel company like Detours, they will handle all the arrangements for you.

Navajo Nation

When you visit the natural wonders of Arizona, you will undoubtedly spend a great deal of time in the Navajo Nation.

Spreading across 27,000 square miles in three states, it is the largest area of land assigned to a Native American group, and the Navajo (or Dineh, as they call themselves) are the largest American Indian tribe with 180,000 registered residents.

Within Arizona, the Navajo Nation encompasses 28% of the state’s land including many of the most popular tourist sites such as Canyon de Chelly and Monument Valley.

As you pass through these areas, marveling at the natural beauty, your Navajo guides will remind you that many people still live, work and raise their families there. They are happy to share their beautiful land with you, though they ask that you treat it – and them – with respect. READ MORE