Arizona is a state that has been endowed with natural scenic beauty and places of historical, cultural, and scientific interest. It is a spectacularly diverse place that has a lot more to offer than just the iconic Grand Canyon.

1. Grand Canyon National Park. Grand Canyon National Park is probably the most famous of all the national parks in Arizona or even in the entire United States. The Colorado River slices through the earth over a mile deep here, displaying colorful rocks and unique rock formations. The Grand Canyon attracts over six million visitors annually, mainly along the south rim. Mather Point Lookout visitors can walk out to the edge, visit the historical Geology Museum, and climb the unusual Desert View Watchtower. Those with the energy and stamina can head down the Bright Angel trail to the river’s edge and set up camp. In the summer, the park can get crowded, but it has taken steps in recent years to alleviate some of the issues.

advertisement

---

2. Petrified Forest National Park. As you drive along Interstate 40, you might have seen signs for Petrified Forest National Park and thought that it sounded like an interesting place, but you haven’t stopped. If you are ever near Holbrook in the high desert, stop in and be prepared to be amazed. At the Petrified Forest National Park, you can see how plants and animals lived more than 200 million years ago, during the Triassic Period, just before the Jurassic Period. The petrified trees are some of the easiest fossils to see in the park. These trees were once alive, but over the course of time, they turned from wood to quartz. Only about 800,000 people visit the park each year, and it is spread out over a wide area. You’re likely to have the place to yourself no matter what time you arrive. Petrified Forest National Park can easily be included in an eastbound or westbound trip on Interstate 40; budget an extra hour, longer if you decide to explore.
3. Saguaro National Park. A national park with towering cacti, Saguaro National Park should not be missed. This national park offers breathtaking views of the flora and fauna of the surrounding desert in two park units, one east of Tucson and one west. The eastern part of the park has a beautifully scenic drive that takes you past some of the largest cacti, a good lookout point, and the trailheads to several short hikes. Watch out for Gila woodpeckers, desert tortoises, and long-eared jackrabbits if you choose to take one of the walks. It is hillier, wilder, and more open in the western part of the park. In its own way, the scenery is also spectacular, and it’s hard to believe you’re only a short drive from Tucson. While hiking here is more strenuous, the incredible views make it well worth the effort. In the western section, most of the roads are gravel and can be dusty. There is a very pleasant Gilbert Ray campground set among the cactus and a very pleasant spot to camp.
4. Canyon de Chelly. As you drive through the desolate lands north of Interstate 40 towards Canyon de Chelly, you may wonder why you are in the middle of nowhere. Keep going, because once you reach South Rim Drive and begin driving up to it, you will be rewarded for your efforts. In addition to the sheer beauty of Canyon de Chelly and the ancient rock dwellings found inside the canyon walls, Canyon de Chelly is one of the most fascinating places to visit in the United States. Archaeologists estimate humans have lived in the area for over 4,000 years. A visit here includes stops at White House Overlook, Spider Rock Overlook, and Junction Overlook, as well as a drive along South Rim Drive. Touring the canyon floor requires booking a 4WD trip with one of the local operators in Chinle.
5. Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument. A short distance from Flagstaff is a world of volcanoes, lava tubes, and cinder cones. Sunset Crater National Monument illustrates how the surrounding area, known as the San Francisco Volcanic Field, was home to more than 600 volcanoes at one point. Mount Humphreys is a dormant volcano towering 12,637 feet over Flagstaff. A great family destination, Sunset Crater National Monument offers many natural wonders. Hiking the one-mile Lava Flow Trail through an ancient lava field is one of the best ways to see the park. Don’t forget to bring your dog along for your hike; pets are welcome on the paved portion of the trail.
6. Wupatki National Monument. Wupatki National Monument is a short distance south of Sunset Crater National Monument along Highway 395. Several dozen ancient, now partially restored Puebloan villages can be found at the monument. The land here is hostile, with hot days, cold nights, and long winters. In touring the pueblos, it’s hard to imagine how the ancient people survived. Wupatki Pueblo is the main attraction of the monument. Researchers estimate that it is over 900 years old and once had over 100 rooms. You can easily reach it today by walking a half-mile round-trip on a paved pathway. It offers spectacular views of the Painted Desert.
7. Montezuma Castle National Monument. The Montezuma Castle National Monument is located near the small town of Camp Verde, not too far from Sedona. Here you’ll find the well-preserved remains of an ancient settlement dating back over 900 years. Under a rock overhang, the cliff dwellings allowed the former residents to escape floodwaters, observe approaching visitors, and avoid harsh desert weather. There is a paved trail of about a third of a mile leading to Montezuma Castle. Large trees provide ample shade from the relentless Arizona sun along the route. Along the way, there are informative exhibits providing background information about the region and its inhabitants. After passing beneath the cliff dwellings, the trail loops back to the visitor center. Montezuma’s Well is a must-see at Montezuma National Monument. The upwelling of water in the middle of a parched desert is a unique geological phenomenon. You can peer into the deep waters below from the lookout, which is just a short walk away. Over 15 million gallons of water are contained in Montezuma’s Well. You will also find an ancient canal system, which is still in use, as well as a pleasant area with trees and benches.

advertisement

---

8. Chiricahua National Monument.The Chiricahua National Monument, located in southeast Arizona, is home to a forest of bizarre rock formations. The park is colloquially known as the “Wonderland of Rocks,” and it extends over 12,025 acres of wilderness. An Echo Canyon Loop hike is one of the highlights of a visit here. You will pass notable sights, such as Wallstreet, the Grottoes, and Echo Park, along this 3.3-mile trail that takes about two hours to complete. The loop in Echo Canyon can be walked counterclockwise to avoid a particularly steep section.
9. Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument. One of the most unique national monuments in the country is located in the far south of Arizona, along the border with Mexico. Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument covers 516 square miles and is considered one of the best examples of undisturbed Sonoran Desert. The national monument is home to the endemic Organ Pipe Cactus, which is found nowhere else in the United States in significant numbers. In May and June, this fascinating (and large) cactus blooms only at night. It is more likely to see the bright red fruits that spring forth in early July. It may seem that this large park in the desert would be flat and boring; however, the opposite is true. Mt. Ajo is the highest point in the monument at 4,800 feet. Hiking in this varied landscape is a great experience. For those with stamina, the Bull Pasture hike is one of the best in Arizona. A three-mile round trip ascends part of Mount Ajo and offers spectacular views of the surrounding area. In the distance, you can see Mexico.
10. Walnut Canyon National Monument. Near Flagstaff, the Walnut Canyon National Monument is often overlooked. For those with a taste for adventure, there are two fantastic hikes in the national monument that showcase ancient dwellings. Visit the visitor center before choosing your hike. Those in good physical condition and can handle 736 stairs should opt for the Island Trail. A one-mile hike descends 185 feet into the canyon and winds past 25 ancient dwellings believed to be at least 700 years old. The path also offers good views of additional dwellings across the canyon floor. Rim Trail is a good option for those less inclined to that level of activity. Nearly all of the trail is level, and you can see ancient dwellings on the other side of the canyon from this 0.7-mile round-trip hike. Additionally, the trail passes by a partially rebuilt pueblo and pit house.

advertisement