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North Central Arizona facts for kids

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North Central Arizona is a special part of Arizona. It's known for its amazing and rugged landscapes. This area sits between two big land regions: the Basin and Range Province and the Colorado Plateau. Because of this, it has a mix of different natural features.

Most of North Central Arizona is part of the southern Colorado Plateau. This part is called the Mogollon Plateau. It's pretty high up, usually between 4,000 and 5,000 feet above sea level.

Cool Natural Places in North Central Arizona

This region is home to many incredible natural landmarks. Here are some of the most famous ones:

  • Mogollon Rim: A huge cliff that stretches for miles. It marks the edge of the Colorado Plateau.
  • San Francisco Volcanic Field: An area with many volcanoes. Some of them are now extinct.
  • Humphrey's Peak: This is the highest mountain in all of Arizona! It stands tall at 12,633 feet.
  • Barringer Crater (also known as Meteor Crater): A giant hole in the ground made by a meteor hitting Earth a long, long time ago.
  • Mormon Lake: One of the largest natural lakes in Arizona.
  • Oak Creek Canyon: A beautiful river gorge with stunning red rocks and green trees. It's a popular spot for hiking.
  • Verde Valley: A green valley carved by the Verde River. It's known for its rich history and farming.
  • Mingus Mountain (Black Hills (Arizona)): A mountain range offering great views.
  • Verde Rim: Another impressive cliff formation.
  • Red Rock Country: This area around Sedona and Village of Oak Creek, Arizona is famous for its bright red sandstone formations.
  • Bradshaw Mountains: A mountain range known for its mining history.
  • Granite Mountain (Arizona): A large granite dome near Prescott.
  • Little Colorado River: A river that flows through parts of the region.
  • Fossil Creek Canyon: A canyon with a beautiful, clear creek. It's known for its travertine dams.

National Monuments to Explore

National Monuments are special places protected by the U.S. government. They preserve important natural or historical sites. North Central Arizona has several of these amazing places:

  • Wupatki: This monument protects ancient Native American pueblos. You can see how people lived here long ago.
  • Sunset Crater: This monument features a volcano that erupted about 900 years ago. You can see the lava flows and cinder cone.
  • Walnut Canyon: Here, you can explore ancient cliff dwellings built into the canyon walls.
  • Montezuma Castle: This monument protects a very well-preserved cliff dwelling built by the Sinagua people.
  • Tuzigoot: Another ancient pueblo site, located on a hilltop overlooking the Verde Valley.

Arizona State Parks to Visit

Arizona State Parks are areas managed by the state to protect natural beauty and offer outdoor activities.

  • Riordan Mansion: A historic mansion in Flagstaff that shows how a wealthy family lived in the early 1900s.
  • Slide Rock: Famous for its natural water slide in Oak Creek Canyon. It's a fun place to cool off in summer.
  • Red Rock: Offers beautiful views of the red rocks and trails for hiking and birdwatching.
  • Dead Horse Ranch: A park along the Verde River, great for camping, fishing, and horseback riding.
  • Jerome: Located in the historic mining town of Jerome, this park tells the story of the town's past.
  • Fort Verde: A historic fort that was important during the Apache Wars. You can learn about military life in the 1800s.
  • Tonto Natural Bridge: Home to the largest natural travertine bridge in the world.

Cities and Towns in North Central Arizona

This region is also home to many interesting cities and towns, each with its own unique charm and history. Many of these places are popular for tourism, outdoor adventures, or simply enjoying the beautiful Arizona landscape.

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North Central Arizona Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.