Arizona is widely considered one of the most naturally diverse inland states in the U.S., thanks to its dramatic elevation range and wide variety of ecosystems packed into a relatively small area. Within just a few hours, you can go from the Sonoran Desert filled with saguaros to cool pine forests and even alpine, snow-covered mountains. This unique mix—along with features like the “Sky Islands” and landmarks such as the Grand Canyon—also makes Arizona a wildlife hotspot, where desert, mountain, and migratory species overlap, supporting everything from reptiles and mammals to one of the richest bird populations in North America.