When I see a movie set on another planet, like Mars for example, it makes sense that the scenes are often shot in the Arizona desert.

Our state is full of otherworldly landscapes, and it makes a great backdrop for out-of-this-world adventures and scenery.

Visit this unique Arizona landscape.
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Otherworldly Landscape: The Chiricahua Mountains

Southeastern Arizona has a hidden gem. The Chiricahua Mountains. This natural wonder is full of stunning rock formations, creating an impressive wonderland that looks as though giants have been stacking rocks.

READ: The Arizona Monument May Soon Be Our Newest National Park

It's hard to look away for fear they may topple over. Fortunately, they've been standing for thousands of years, silent sentries standing guard in the Arizona landscape.

Visit this unique Arizona landscape.
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The area is full of rich biodiversity. The area is often called the "Wonderland of Rocks" for the dramatic spires, pinnacles, and balanced formations that make up the rocky skyline. The impressive mountains were formed from volcanic eruptions millions of years ago, creating a skyline unlike anything you've ever seen.

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The area is part of the Madrean Sky Islands, which is a unique area. The isolated mountain range rises from the desert floor and creates a unique habitat, supporting an incredible range of unique plants and animals.

READ: Discover the Amazing Biodiversity of Arizona’s Sky Islands

Visit this unique Arizona landscape.
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The Rick Biodiversity of the Chiricahua Mountains

Four major ecosystems unite in the Chiricahua Mountains, making this a unique and biodiverse area.

Visit this unique Arizona landscape.
Birds like the woodpecker is a common sight in the Chiricahuas. // Canva
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The Rocky Mountains, the Sierra Madre, the Sonoran Desert, and the Chihuahuan Desert converge in the Chiricahuas. This area is a haven for over 200 species of birds, attracting birdwatchers from all over the planet to this hotspot of avian activity.

Visiting Chiricahua National Park

Chiricahua National Park is managed by the National Park Service, and a small fee is required to enter. Camping is also allowed in the park, so plan your trip and enjoy a visit to one of the most unique places on the planet.

Visit this unique Arizona landscape.
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Click this link to see the current list of fees for visiting the park. Remember to take lots of photos—you won't want to forget your visit to this amazing natural wonder!

Sources: National Park Service | Chiricahua Mountains - Wikipedia | Google Maps

LOOK: Best scenic drives in Arizona

It's time to hit the road—Stacker compiled a list of the best scenic drives in Arizona using data from Tripadvisor as of March 2024.

Gallery Credit: Stacker

LOOK: Closest national parks to Sierra Vista

Stacker compiled a list of the closest national parks to Sierra Vista-Douglas, AZ Metro Area.

Gallery Credit: Stacker

LOOK: Which movies were filmed in Arizona?

Stacker compiled a list of movies filmed in Arizona using data from Movie Locations, with additional information about each film collected from IMDb.

Gallery Credit: Stacker

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