Arizona State Nickname: Grand Canyon State
Fact-checked • Updated December 9, 2025
"Grand Canyon State"
Also Known As:
About the Nickname Grand Canyon State
Arizona's official nickname is the Grand Canyon State. State lawmakers formally adopted this nickname in 2011. The name comes from the Grand Canyon, a massive natural landmark carved by the Colorado River. Stretching about 277 miles across northern Arizona, the canyon has long been the symbol most closely associated with the state.
Meaning of 'Grand Canyon State'
The Grand Canyon lies in northwestern Arizona and reaches depths of more than one mile in some areas. Its layered rock walls record nearly two billion years of geological history. The Colorado River continues shaping the canyon today through erosion.
Although people used the name Grand Canyon State in travel writing and tourism materials throughout the 20th century, Arizona did not have an official nickname for most of its history. The legislature passed a law in 2011 formally designating Grand Canyon State as the official nickname.
The nickname highlights Arizona’s most famous natural feature and reinforces the state’s identity in tourism, education, and government publications.
Other Nicknames
Copper State
Arizona earned this nickname because of its long history of copper mining. Large-scale mining began in the late 1800s, and Arizona remains the leading copper-producing state in the United States.
Valentine State
Arizona joined the Union on February 14, 1912. Because statehood occurred on Valentine’s Day, writers and educators sometimes referred to Arizona as the Valentine State.
Apache State
This historical nickname referred to the Apache tribes who lived in the region long before European settlement. It appeared in 19th-century military and government records but is rarely used today.
Baby State
Arizona was the last of the contiguous 48 states to enter the Union. Because of this, early 20th-century writers occasionally called it the Baby State.
Sunset State
Promoters once used this nickname to highlight Arizona’s desert sunsets and southwestern location. It never gained official recognition and gradually faded from use.
Interesting Facts
Fact 1 of 5
Arizona did not have an official state nickname until 2011.
Sources & References
This article has been researched using authoritative sources to ensure accuracy and reliability.
Official Arizona statute designating the Grand Canyon State as the state nickname
State library resource explaining Arizona’s official nickname and its history
General overview of Arizona history, geography, and state symbols