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ARIZONA TRAVEL GUIDE

the Wave, Arizona Buckskin Gulch, Arizona Horsehoe Bend, Arizona
Welcome to the bigroads.com travel guide to Arizona! Hopefully this page helps provide some inspiration and tips to help you plan your next trip to Arizona.

Take note that I build and maintain this website as both a hobby and public service. I take joy in performing travel research and sharing my experiences and adventures. I currently do not make a profit from this website, and you will see no invasive or annoying ads on it. Your constructive feedback about this site and its content is encouraged. Please email me if you have any suggestions or ideas for improvement.

Author/Contributor: Greg Parsons

 OVERVIEW


Arizona is famous for its high temps and desert beauty. Travelers from all over the world come here to soak up the sun and scenic views in places like Scottsdale, Sedona, Tucson, and the Grand Canyon. Tourism is big business all over Arizona, and so you'll find great attractions all over the state. If you enjoy the great outdoors, there are few states that offer desert landscapes as attractive as Arizona does.

 TOP 10 ATTRACTIONS IN ARIZONA


Are you short on time or struggling to choose something to do or see in Arizona? Here are my selections for the top 10 attractions or experiences in Arizona, in no particular order:

Visit the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, ideally staying in a lodge or campground on or near the rim for a few nights
Spend at least 3-4 days exploring the beautiful red-rock country of Sedona
Take a guided tour of one or several slot canyons in Page (e.g. Lower or Upper Antelope Canyon)
Explore these two amazing museums in Tucson: Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum and the Pima Air & Space Museum
Drive through the wild west scenery of Monument Valley (highway US-163)
Backpack down to the marvelous waterfalls of Havasupai
Hike to Horseshoe Bend near Page
Take a cave tour in Kartchner Caverns State Park
Go golfing at one of the 50-plus golf courses in the Scottsdale area
See some of the largest cactus in the country within the western section of Saguaro National Park

If I could select only one place to visit in Arizona, I would choose the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. Havasupai and Sedona would probably be next.

For a list of 10 great attractions in each U.S. state, click here.

 5-STAR ATTRACTIONS IN ARIZONA


Here is my opinionated list of 5-star attractions in Arizona. I believe each of these attractions should be on your Arizona bucket list since they are all noteworthy from a national perspective:

Northwestern Arizona (including Kingman)
Hoover Dam - see the most famous dam in the U.S. from one or several different viewpoints
Lake Mead - this reservoir of the Colorado River is one of the most famous boating locations in the U.S.
Willow Beach Marina - miles of shoreline in the Black Canyon region of the Colorado River between Lake Mead and Lake Mohave


Northcentral and northeastern Arizona (including Page, Monument Valley, and the North Rim of the Grand Canyon)
Canyon de Chelly National Monument - see beautiful canyons and outstanding archaeological sites; guided tours to more sites are offered
Coal Mine Canyon - if you can find one willing to, hire a Native American guide to visit this stunning and geologically unique desert park
Four Corners Monument - the only spot in the U.S. where four states border each other; Note: not everyone appreciates the novelty of this
Glen Canyon National Recreation Area - this park includes Lake Powell and offers amazing boating and hiking opportunities
Grand Canyon National Park, North Rim - the (open seasonally) North Rim is the quieter, less-developed side of the Grand Canyon
Guided slot canyon tours - take a Navajo-guided tour of a beautiful slot canyon (e.g. Lower or Upper Antelope, Canyon X, Secret Canyon)
Horseshoe Bend, near Page - take a 1.5-mile round-trip hike to a natural bend of the Colorado River (one of the top views in the U.S.)
Lake Powell - a famous boating spot where renting houseboats is very popular
Moenave Dinosaur Tracks, Tuba City - see real dinosaur tracks in the ground with the help of a Navajo guide (tips of at least $15 expected)
Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park - drive and/or hike among some of the most iconic rock formations in the American West
Mystery Valley, near Monument Valley - hire a Navajo guide to see beautiful desert scenery, including hidden natural arches
Navajo Bridge, Marble Canyon - this bridge connects two dramatic canyon walls and is among one of the most scenic bridges in the U.S.
Navajo National Monument - visit an ancient Pueblo cliff village; the park offers self-guided and ranger-guided hikes
Phantom Ranch - a historic ranch and set of cabins at the bottom of the Grand Canyon; lodging is available, but you must win a lottery
US-163 / Forrest Gump Highway - if you've seen Forrest Gump (movie), you'll likely recall these stunning roadside views of Monument Valley
Vermillion Cliffs National Monument, near Page - wild & colorful rock formations, including Coyote Buttes North (The Wave) & White Pocket
Whitewater rafting the Colorado River / Grand Canyon - one of the best places on Earth for an extended whitewater rafting adventure
Window Rock Tribal Park & Veteran's Memorial, Window Rock - offers a memorial to the Navajo Code Talkers and also a large natural arch


Flagstaff, Williams, and the South Rim of the Grand Canyon
Bearizona Wildlife Park, Williams - arguably one of the best drive-thru zoos in the U.S.
El Tovar, Grand Canyon National Park - a historic lodge on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon that offers lodging and fine meals
Grand Canyon Greenway - a paved cycling path along a part of the South Rim of the Grand Canyon; the trail also heads south to Tusayan
Grand Canyon National Park, South Rim - the most famous canyon in the world, with many historic lodges, trailheads, viewpoints, and services
Grand Canyon Railway, Williams - take a historic railroad journey to within a short walk of the South Rim of the Grand Canyon
Grand Falls, near Flagstaff - drive a long (normally 2WD) dirt road giant to see waterfalls that roar with chocolate color after heavy rains
Havasupai / Havasu Falls - features two of the top 10 waterfalls in the U.S.; backpacking permits are required (and are very hard to obtain)
Humphreys Peak - take a challenging but rewarding day hike to the highest point in AZ; typically hiked from June-October to avoid snow/ice
Lava River Cave, Flagstaff - tour an underground lava tube on public land (tip: bring a headlamp and a sense of adventure)
Lowell Observatory, Flagstaff - visit one of the oldest and most famous astronomy observatories in the U.S.
Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument - offers a scenic drive with several hikes to see interesting volcanic scenery
Walnut Canyon National Monument, near Flagstaff - take a short hike to interesting cliff-dwellings and ruins (some of which you can enter)
Whitewater rafting the Colorado River / Grand Canyon - one of the best places on Earth for an extended whitewater rafting adventure
Wupatki National Monument, near Flagstaff - take short walks from a scenic drive to visit several clusters of ground-level ancient ruins


Eastcentral Arizona (including Holbrook & Winslow)
Meteor Crater, Winslow - a tourist attraction ($) featuring the largest meteor impact site in the U.S.
Petrified Forest National Park - see colorful badlands plus petrified wood stumps; features a great scenic drive and many on and off-trail hikes


Sedona (see below for the rest of central Arizona)
4x4 driving in Sedona - drive your own vehicle or you can take one of the guided tours offered in the downtown area (e.g. Pink Jeep Tours)
Airport Mesa - one of the most scenic views in one of the most scenic towns in the U.S.
Amitabha Stupa and Peace Park - a spiritual oasis/park with scenic views
Bell Rock - one of several iconic rock formations in Sedona that you can scramble up to earn fantastic views
Cathedral Rock - one of several iconic rock formations in Sedona that you can scramble up to earn fantastic views
Chapel of the Holy Cross - a tall church set among gorgeous red-rock scenery
Crescent Moon Picnic Site - a nature park with scenic views of red-rock scenery; gorgeous at sunset
Devil's Bridge - take a 4.5-mile round-trip hike (with some moderate scrambling) to see a famous natural bridge (which you can stand atop)
Downtown Sedona - a very lively tourist area with tons of restaurants, shops, and art galleries; make sure to take a Pink Jeep tour
Mountain biking in Sedona - there are many awesome mountain biking trails in town, and the red-rock scenery is world-class
Red Rock Scenic Byway (AZ-179) - an 8-mile long scenic drive with many excellent views
Slide Rock State Park - one of the premier swimming holes in the U.S., but the park gets extremely crowded (timed entry may be required)
Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village - a popular and attractive tourist area in Sedona with many shops and art galleries
Vortex Sites - there are several "vortexes" in Sedona that are believed to facilitate meditation, mind and body healing, and creative thinking


Central Arizona (including Phoenix, Prescott, and Scottsdale; see above for Sedona)
Butterfly Wonderland, Scottsdale - one of the best butterfly exhibits in the U.S.
Camelback Mountain, Scottsdale - take a moderate hike up this famous mountain in Scottsdale (hundreds of people do just that every day)
Desert Botanical Garden, Phoenix - features excellent desert gardens with a 2-mile long walking loop
Golfing in Scottsdale - Scottsdale offers many world-class golf courses to choose from
Heard Museum, Phoenix - an excellent American Indian art & history museum
Indian Bend Wash & Camelback Greenbelt, Scottsdale - a series of excellent paved cycling and walking paths
Kayaking the Salt River - this river offers the best kayaking in central Arizona; guided tours are available
Lost Dutchman State Park, Apache Junction - this state park has some of the best scenery in central Arizona; 30 minutes east of Phoenix
McDowell Sonoran Preserve, Scottsdale - features a beautiful desert habitat and great hiking trails
Montezuma Castle National Monument, Camp Verde - take a short walk to impressive overhead ancient cliff-dwellings
Musical Instrument Museum, Phoenix - this is widely considered the best music-focused museum in the U.S.
New River Trail - a 16.5-mile paved rail trail for cycling, walking, etc.; travels from Glendale to Peoria
Oatman - a historic town known for its wild burros (donkeys) that roam the street (you can feed them) and about 10-15 tourist shops
Out of Africa Wildlife Park, Camp Verde - one of the best wildlife parks in the U.S.
Prescott Peavine National Recreation Trail - a beautiful 6.0 mile unpaved rail trail in Prescott; passes by the attractive Watson Lake
Taliesin West, Scottsdale - explore a building designed by the famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright
Tonto Natural Bridge State Park, Pine - see an impressive 183-foot tall, 150-foot wide natural bridge
Watson Lake, Prescott - giant boulders surround this exceptionally pretty lake
Western Spirit: Scottsdale's Museum of the West, Scottsdale - an excellent art, culture, and western history museum


Southern Arizona (including Bisbee, Tombstone, and Tucson)
Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, Tucson - offers world-renowned desert gardens plus an impressive zoo and museum
Bird Cage Theatre, Tombstone - a historic wild west museum that also offers guided ghost tours
Chiricahua National Monument - hike to see interesting and unusual rock formations in one of the best national monuments in the U.S.
Copper Queen Mine, Bisbee - tour a copper mine
Downtown Bisbee - an artsy, hip town with shops and restaurants; consider tackling the Bisbee 1000 step challenge while there
International Wildlife Museum, Tucson - a museum with more than 400 taxidermied animals on display
Kartchner Caverns State Park, Benson - excellent cave tours in one of the US's best caves; make reservations well in advance (they sell out)
Mission San Xavier del Bac, Tucson - a historic Spanish Catholic mission
Mt. Lemmon Scenic Byway, Tucson - a rewarding scenic drive near Tucson (although the very top seemed a bit anti-climatic to me)
O.K. Corral, Tombstone - visit the historic Wild West gunfight site
Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument - US/Mexico border scenery plus impressive cactus (perhaps the most impressive cactus in the U.S.)
Pima Air & Space Museum, Tucson - this is one of the finest aviation museums in the U.S.
Rattlesnake Bridge, Tucson - a highway bridge in the shape of a giant rattlesnake; one of Arizona's best "roadside attractions"
Saguaro National Park - see the highest concentration of saguaro cactus in the U.S.: the park has two separate districts (East and West)
Titan Missile Museum, Green Valley - take a guided tour of a Cold War-era ICBM missile silo
Tucson Botanical Gardens, Tucson - features beautiful urban gardens in the heart of the city
Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park, Yuma - take a historic prison tour


Are you aware of any other 5-star attractions in Arizona? If so, please email me at gparsons66@hotmail.com.

For a list of 5-star attractions in neighboring states, click on any of these links:  CA  |  CO  |  NM  |  NV  |  UT

 BEST TOWNS & CITIES TO VISIT IN ARIZONA


These towns and cities in Arizona are generally regarded as the most interesting to travelers:

Northern Arizona
Flagstaff - a medium-sized, high-elevation city with access to nearby mountains that offer great hiking, skiing, and other outdoor activities
Page - a small city with access to exceptional desert scenery and boating/kayaking on Lake Powell; guided slot canyon tours are offered
Williams - a small town with Route 66 history and several family-friendly attractions; gateway to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon
Winslow - a small town famous for its "standing on a corner" statue (a great photo opp of the famous lyrics by The Eagles)

Central Arizona
Jerome - a small town famous for its historic buildings and mining history; there are a few boutique shops here as well
Lake Havasu City - a small city known for the London Bridge; the "Jet Ski capital of the world"; a popular boating and spring break spot
Oatman - a tiny town famous for its historic tourist district and wild burros (donkeys) that roam in the streets
Prescott - a small city with a historic downtown that has several bars dubbed "Whiskey Row"; great scenery at Watson Lake
Sedona - a gorgeous desert town that is world-famous for its red rock desert scenery, New Age centers, 4x4 driving, tourist shops, art galleries, vortexes, hiking, and mountain biking
Scottsdale - a large and beautiful desert city with upscale resorts and shopping areas, many golf courses, awesome nature preserves, and fun hiking trails

Southern Arizona
Bisbee - a small town that is famous for its historic buildings, attractive tourist district, copper mining history, and its 1000-step challenge
Tombstone - a small town known for its Wild West history; the town survives on tourism and has many shops, attractions, and museums
Tucson - a major city famous for its excellent museums, botanical gardens, and access to nearby scenic drives and nature preserves/parks

My favorite city in Arizona is Scottsdale - I recommend that first-time visitors spend at least 2-3 nights there
My favorite small town/small city in northern Arizona is Page - I recommend that first-time visitors spend at least 2-3 nights there
My favorite small town/small city in central Arizona is Sedona - I recommend that first-time visitors spend at least 4-5 nights there
My favorite small town/small city in southern Arizona is Bisbee - I recommend that first-time visitors spend at least 1 night there

If you like hiking, visit the Grand Canyon, Flagstaff, Sedona, and/or Scottsdale.
If you like craft breweries, visit Flagstaff and/or Phoenix.
If you like golfing, visit Scottsdale.
If you like wild west history, visit Tombstone.
If you like mining history, visit Bisbee or Jerome.
If you like museums, visit Phoenix and/or Tucson.
If you like shopping and fine dining, visit Scottsdale or Sedona.
If you like Route 66 attractions, visit Holbrook, Winslow, Williams, Seligman, Kingman, and/or Oatman.
If you want to visit the Grand Canyon, try to stay in the actual park or in a nearby town (e.g. Tusayan, Grand Canyon Junction, Flagstaff, Williams).
If you want to see some of the world's most amazing slot canyons, visit Page.
If you want to see world-class red rock desert scenery, visit Sedona.
If you want to rent a houseboat, visit Lake Havasu City or Page.

Click here if you'd like to see a complete list of towns and cities that I find interesting across the entire U.S.

 WHAT IS ARIZONA FAMOUS FOR?


Here are some things that Arizona is famous or well-known for:

4x4 driving
ATV/ORV/UHV-driving
artistic designs of highway bridges/overpasses
astronomy / stargazing
boating
canyons / slot canyons
copper mines / copper mining
dams (e.g. Hoover Dam, Glen Canyon Dam, etc.)
date nuts
desert landscapes
geology / rock formations
ghost towns
golfing / golf courses
helicopter tours
hot air balloons / hot air ballooning
hot temperatures (e.g. average temperature in Phoenix in July is 106 degrees)
national monuments
Native American culture and history
organ pipe cactus
petrified wood
red rocks
saguaro cactus
sandstone buttes
slot canyons
Spanish missions
turquoise gemstones
water reservoirs (e.g. Lake Mead, Lake Powell)
waterfalls (e.g. Havasu Falls, Mooney Falls, Grand Falls)
wild west history

Click here if you'd like to learn what other U.S. states are famous for.

 NATIONAL PARKS IN ARIZONA


There are many national parks and other federally-managed parks and properties in Arizona, including:

National Parks
Grand Canyon National Park - see the world's most famous canyon from either of its rims; awesome hiking and backpacking; historic lodges
Petrified Forest National Park - known for its colorful petrified wood and desert badlands-type scenery
Saguaro National Park - has the highest concentration of saguaro cactus in the U.S.: the park has two separate districts (East and West)

National Monuments
Aqua Fria National Monument - desert scenery; archaeological sites; off-trail hiking; primitive camping
Canyon de Chelly National Monument - desert scenery; rock formations; archaeological sites; Native American cultural sites
Casa Grande Ruins National Monument - archaeological site
Chiricahua National Monument - desert scenery; fascinating geology/rock formations; 17-miles of day-use hiking trails; developed camping
Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument - desert scenery; 4x4 driving; primitive camping
Hohokam Pima National Monument - archaeological site; NOT open to the public
Ironwood Forest National Monument - desert scenery; cactus; 4x4 driving; primitive camping; off-trail hiking; historic mines
Montezuma Castle National Monument - impressive archaeological ruins/cliff dwellings
Navajo National Monument - impressive archaeological ruins; camping
Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument - desert scenery; beautiful organ pipe cactus; 4x4 driving; hiking; developed & primitive camping
Pipe Spring National Monument - historical sites; home tours; Native American history and culture
Sonoran Desert National Monument - desert scenery; cactus; 4x4 driving; hiking trails; horseback riding; developed & primitive camping
Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument - ancient lava flows; volcanic scenery; hiking trails
Tonto National Monument - impressive archaeological ruins/cliff dwellings
Tuzigoot National Monument - archaeological sites/ruins; short hiking trails
Vermillion Cliffs National Monument - outstanding desert scenery; geologic attractions; 4x4 driving; hiking (on and off trail); backpacking
Walnut Canyon National Monument - archaeological sites/ruins; short hiking trails
Wupatki National Monument - archaeological sites/ruins; short hiking trails

National Recreation Areas
Glen Canyon National Recreation Area - boating; kayaking; camping; fishing; 4x4 driving; hiking trails; mountain biking
Lake Mead National Recreation Area - boating; kayaking; camping; fishing; 4x4 driving; hiking trails; horseback riding; hunting; scenic drives

National Forests
Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest
Coconino National Forest
Coronado National Forest
Kaibab National Forest
Prescott National Forest
Tonto National Forest

National Historical Parks / Other National Parks
Coronado National Memorial
Fort Bowie National Historic Site
Hubbell Trading Post National Historic Site
Tumacacori National Historical Park
Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area

My favorite national park in Arizona is, of course, Grand Canyon National Park. I prefer the South Rim over the North Rim since it has more services and better day hikes. I personally wouldn't bother visiting both the South Rim and North Rim of the Grand Canyon on the same trip. Instead, I would visit them on separate trips. This is primarily because it is a 4-hour drive between the two rims. Additionally, there are other nearby attractions you can visit when visiting each rim (e.g. you can combine Zion National Park with the North Rim). The South Rim has many more visitor services and is open year-round. The North Rim is quieter, but has limited services and is only open seasonally (generally May to October). The South Rim offers far better day hikes, but the crowds can be very heavy.

My favorite national monument in Arizona is Vermillion Cliffs National Monument. Other personal favorites include Canyon de Chelly, Chiricahua, Montezuma Castle, and Organ Pipe Cactus.

Here are my recommendations for the minimum amount of time a first-time visitor should spend at each of Arizona's national parks:
  • Grand Canyon National Park, North Rim - 1-2 days (typically open May to October; closed in winter)
  • Grand Canyon National Park, South Rim - 2-3 days
  • Petrified Forest National Park - 1-2 days
  • Saguaro National Park - 1-2 days
For more information on Arizona's national parks, visit the Arizona page of the National Park Service. For an overview of all U.S. national parks, click here.

 STATE PARKS IN ARIZONA


Arizona has more than 30 state parks. Here is a list of what I consider to be Arizona's finest state parks:

Flagship / Premier State Parks:
Kartchner Caverns State Park - cave tours (including "wild" cave tours)
Lost Dutchman State Park - impressive desert scenery with great day hikes and desirable RV and tent camping
Slide Rock State Park - attractive desert scenery with swimming holes and natural waterslides
Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park - tour a historic prison

Other Notable State Parks:
Catalina State Park - desert scenery; day hiking; horseback riding; RV and tent camping
Picacho Peak State Park - desert scenery; day hiking (tip: bring gloves for the steel cables if you want to hike to the summit)
Red Rock State Park - desert scenery; hiking trails
Tonto Natural Bridge State Park - natural bridge; very short hiking trails

My favorite state park in Arizona is Slide Rock State Park in Sedona. The swimming holes and natural waterslides are an absolute blast. The state park can get insanely crowded though, and water quality can be iffy at times. I think timed entry requirements is likely to be ultimately implemented here.

If you want to visit Kartschner Caverns State Park in southern Arizona, you should attempt to make reservations well in advance. Their cave tours always seem to sell out well in advance. I've never been able to grab an open slot.

To see my list of the top 100 state parks in the country, click here.

 BEST WATERFALLS IN ARIZONA


Arizona has more than 100 natural waterfalls. Here is a list of many of the finest waterfalls in Arizona:

Havasupai Indian Reservation / Supai
Beaver Falls
Havasu Falls
Mooney Falls
Upper Navajo Falls (also called "Fifty Foot Falls" and "New Navajo Falls")
Lower Navajo Falls (also called "Little Navajo Falls" and "Rock Falls")

Grand Canyon National Park and surrounding area
Deer Creek Falls in Grand Canyon National Park
Grand Falls/Chocolate Falls near Flagstaff
Ribbon Falls in Grand Canyon National Park

Central Arizona
Cibecue Falls on White Mountain Apache Tribe land
Fossil Creek in Coconino National Forest
Fossil Springs in Coconino National Forest
Water Wheel Falls in Tonto National Forest

Southern Arizona (including Bisbee, Tombstone, and Tucson)
Seven Falls in Sabino Canyon Recreation Area near Tucson
Tanque Verde Falls in Coronado National Forest

Permits to Havasupai are required to visit their waterfalls, and they are very difficult to obtain. Demand is insanely high and the annual allotment typically sells out in minutes.

For a listing of all known waterfalls in Arizona, visit the World Waterfall Database website.

 BEST SCENIC DRIVES IN ARIZONA


Here is a list of the best scenic drives in Arizona:

Ajo Mountain Drive, Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument - a 21-mile dirt/gravel loop with one-directional travel
Apache Trail Scenic Drive - a 39-mile mostly dirt/gravel route from Apache Junction to Theodore Roosevelt Lake
Bajada Loop Drive, Saguaro National Park (West Unit) - a 6-mile dirt/gravel route that passes many saguaro cactus
Cactus Forest Drive, Saguaro National Park (East Unit) - an 8-mile paved route that passes many saguaro cactus
Canyon de Chelly National Monument park roads
Chiricahua National Monument park roads
Grand Canyon South Rim/Desert View Drive/AZ-64 - a 23-mile paved route within Grand Canyon National Park
Grand Canyon South Rim/Hermit Road - a 7-mile paved route within Grand Canyon National Park; only open to private vehicles in winter
Monument Valley/US-163 - a 44-mile paved route from Kayenta, AZ to Mexican Hat, UT; this is also known as "Forrest Gump Highway"
Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park - a 17-mile rough dirt/gravel road within the actual tribal park; you can pay for a guided tour
Oak Creek Canyon/AZ-89A - a 25-mile paved route from downtown Sedona that heads north to I-17 near Flagstaff
Red Rock Loop Road - an 8.5-mile paved loop off AZ-89A just west of downtown Sedona; gateway to Red Rock State Park & Crescent Moon
Red Rock Scenic Byway/AZ-179 - a 14-mile paved route from I-17 north through the Village of Oak Creek to downtown Sedona
San Francisco Peaks Scenic Road/US-180 - a 50-mile paved route from Flagstaff to Grand Canyon Junction/AZ-64
Sky Island Scenic Byway/Catalina Highway/Mount Lemmon - a 28-mile paved route that climbs 6,000+ feet from Tucson to Mount Lemmon
Sunset Crater/Wupatki National Monuments loop - a 35-mile paved route through two national monuments; connects with US-89
Vermillion Cliffs Scenic Highway/US-89A - an 85-mile paved route from Bitter Springs to Fredonia that crosses the famous Navajo Bridge

The Salt River Canyon Scenic Drive may also be of interest to travelers, but I haven't driven it myself yet.

For a list of great scenic drives in each U.S. state, click here.

 BEST RAIL TRAILS IN ARIZONA


Here is a list of some of the best rail trails (or similar cycling paths) in Arizona:

Indian Bend Wash Path
Grand Canyon Greenway - paved path along a portion of the South Rim of the Grand Canyon; the trail also heads south to Tuscayan
New River Trail - 16.5 mile paved rail trail from Glendale to Peoria
Prescott Peavine National Recreation Trail - beautiful 6.0 mile unpaved rail trail in Prescott; passes by attractive Watson lake
Rillito River Park Trail

For detailed information on all known rail trails in Arizona, visit the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy website.

 BEST AMUSEMENT PARKS IN ARIZONA


There are only a few amusement parks in Arizona (probably because it's too hot there in summer). These amusement parks are generally small and other than the new Mattel Adventure Park, I personally don't think any of them are nationally significant.

Castles-N-Coasters, Phoenix
Enchanted Island Amusement Park, Phoenix
Golfland Sunsplash, Mesa - 20 minutes east of Phoenix
Funtasticks Family Fun Park, Tucson
Mattel Adventure Park, Glendale - expected to open in 2024!; 20 minutes northwest of Phoenix
Six Flags Hurricane Harbor, Glendale - 20 minutes northwest of Phoenix
Waylon's Water World, Yuma

 BEST MUSEUMS IN ARIZONA


Arizona has some of the finest museums in the United States. In fact, I would say there are only a handful of states that offer a better assortment of museums than Arizona. The best museums in Arizona include:

Northern Arizona (including Flagstaff, Page, and both the South Rim and North Rim of the Grand Canyon)
Historic Route 66 Museum, Kingman
Lowell Observatory, Flagstaff
Museum of Northern Arizona, Flagstaff

Central Arizona (including Phoenix, Prescott, Scottsdale, and Sedona)
Arizona Museum of Natural History, Mesa
Children’s Museum of Phoenix, Phoenix
Commemorative Air Force Museum, Mesa
Heard Museum, Phoenix
Musical Instrument Museum, Phoenix
Penske Racing Museum, Scottsdale
Phoenix Art Museum, Phoenix
Western Spirit: Scottsdale's Museum of the West, Scottsdale

Southern Arizona (including Bisbee, Tombstone, and Tucson)
Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, Tucson
Bisbee Mining & Historical Museum, Bisbee
O.K. Corral, Tombstone
Pima Air and Space Museum, Tucson
Titan Missile Museum, Green Valley
Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park, Yuma

In my opinion, the very best museums in Arizona are the Musical Instrument Museum (Phoenix), Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum (Tuscon), Heard Museum (Phoenix), and the Pima Air & Space Museum (Tucson).

 BEST DAY HIKES IN ARIZONA


Arizona has thousands of miles of hiking trails, and there is great hiking to be found across the state. Here are some of the best day hikes in Arizona:

Northeastern Arizona (including Kingman)
Arizona Hot Springs, Lake Mead National Recreation Area - 6.0 miles round-trip; typically closed 5/15 through 9/30 due to extreme heat
Liberty Bell Arch, Lake Mead National Recreation Area - typically closed 5/15 through 9/30 due to extreme heat; trail may be hard to follow

Northcentral and northeastern Arizona (including Page, Monument Valley, and the North Rim of the Grand Canyon)
Blue Mesa Trail, Petrified Forest National Park - 0.9 mile loop
Cape Final, Grand Canyon National Park (North Rim) - a seasonal, 4.0 mile round-trip hike
Coyote Buttes North/The Wave, Vermillion Cliffs National Monument - 6.0 miles round-trip; permits are required and are difficult to obtain!
Horseshoe Bend, Glen Canyon National Recreation Area - 1.5 miles round-trip
North Kaibab Trail, Grand Canyon National Park (North Rim) - a seasonal, 3.6 miles round-trip hike (longer hikes are also possible)
White House Ruin Trail, Canyon de Chelly National Monument - 2.5 miles round-trip; always check their website as trail may now be closed
White Pocket, Vermillion Cliffs National Monument - wander around for up to 2 miles round-trip; a high-clearance 4x4 vehicle is required!
Wildcat Trail, Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park - 4.0 miles round-trip; an entry fee is required

Flagstaff, Williams, and the South Rim of the Grand Canyon
Bright Angel Trail, Grand Canyon National Park (South Rim) - hike 1.5 or 3.0 miles down into the canyon and then back up
Grandview Trail, Grand Canyon National Park (South Rim) - minimum of 2.2 miles round-trip (longer hikes are possible)
Humphrey's Peak, Coconino National Forest - 9.0 miles round-trip to the highest point in AZ (longer hikes are possible)
Rim Trail, Grand Canyon National Park (South Rim) - a 13-mile long paved path (I recommend hiking at least 3-4 miles round-trip)
South Kaibab Trail, Grand Canyon National Park (South Rim) - 3.0 miles round-trip to Cedar Ridge (longer hikes are possible); shuttle required!

Central Arizona (including Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Sedona)
Bear Mountain Trail, Coconino National Forest near Sedona - 4.8 miles round-trip
Camelback Mountain, Echo Canyon Recreation Area in Scottsdale - 2.4 miles round-trip (longer hikes are also possible)
Cathedral Rock, Coconino National Forest near Sedona - steep (but fun) scrambling is required!
Devil's Bridge, Coconino National Forest near Sedona - 4.5 miles round-trip (this can be shorter with a high clearance 4x4 vehicle)
Flatiron/Siphon Draw Trail, Lost Dutchman State Park - 6.0 miles round-trip
Piestewa Peak/Summit Trail, Phoenix Mountains Preserve - 2.4 miles round-trip (longer hikes are possible)
Weaver's Needle/Peralta Trail, Tonto National Forest - 4.8 miles round-trip (longer hikes are possible)
West Fork Trail/Oak Creek Canyon, Coconino National Forest near Sedona - 8.0 miles round-trip, which includes 1.5 miles of in-river hiking
Wilson Mountain, Coconino National Forest near Sedona - 6.4 miles round-trip

Southern Arizona (including Bisbee, Tombstone, and Tucson)
Heart of Rocks Big Loop/Echo Canyon, Chiricahua National Monument - 9.5 miles round-trip (although shorter hikes are also possible)
Hugh Norris Trail/Wasson Peak, Saguaro National Park (West Unit) - 9.8 miles round-trip (longer hikes are possible)
Hunter Trail/Picacho Peak, Picacho Peak State Park - 4.0 miles round-trip (longer hikes are also possible)

My favorite day hikes in Grand Canyon National Park (South Rim) - Rim Trail (walk at least a few miles along the rim), Bright Angel Trail (down to the 3 mile rest house), South Kaibab Trail (1.5 miles down to Ooh Aah Point)
My favorite day hikes in Petrified Forest National Park - Blue Forest Trail, Blue Mesa Loop Trail, Crystal Forest Loop
My favorite day hikes in/near Page - Lower Antelope Canyon, Upper Antelope Canyon, Secret Canyon, Canyon X, Waterhole Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, Skylight Arch, Toadstool Hoodoos, Wahweap Hoodoos
My favorite day hikes in/near Sedona - West Fork Trail, Bell Rock, Cathedral Rock, Devil's Bridge, Bear Mountain, Wilson Mountain
My favorite day hikes in/near Scottsdale - Camelback Mountain, Pinnacle Peak, Piestewa Peak, Tom's Thumb Trail, Flatiron (in Lost Dutchman State Park)

The highpoint of Arizona is Humphrey's Peak (12,637') near Flagstaff in northern Arizona. It's a fun but challenging day hike to reach the top. The general hiking season is June through October. Watch out for afternoon thunderstorms!

To find more hikes in Arizona or to learn more about the hikes I've listed above, I recommend purchasing hiking guidebooks on Amazon (or from your local retailer). Another option is using alltrails.com, but you have to be very careful when using that website as its information is often wrong or incomplete. Published hiking guidebooks will likely always be significantly better than the information you find online.

 BEST BACKPACKING TRIPS IN ARIZONA


Arizona offers several outstanding backpacking opportunities. Some of premier backpacking routes in Arizona include:

Northern Arizona
Buckskin Gulch/Paria Canyon
Rainbow Bridge in Rainbow Bridge National Monument

Grand Canyon National Park and surrounding area
Escalante Route (South Rim)
Grandview/Tonto/Bright Angel Loop (South Rim)
Havasu Falls/Mooney Falls in Havasupai
Hermit/Tonto/Bright Angel Loop (South Rim)
Rim to Rim - a private shuttle or two vehicles is required; significant planning is important here since the driving distance is so long
South Kaibab/Bright Angel Loop (South Rim) - a park shuttle is required to get to South Kaibab trailhead; try to win the lottery to stay at Phantom Ranch if you can

Central Arizona
Rincon Mountains of Saguaro National Park
Superstition Wilderness - e.g. White Rock Springs

Backpacking in the Grand Canyon is a world-class backpacking experience. Permits are difficult to obtain, and you should expect extremely challenging (and often very hot) hiking conditions. The classic backpacking experience in the Grand Canyon is going down the South Kaibab Trail and exiting via the Bright Angel Trail. This is an 18-mile loop and it requires a park shuttle to get to the start of the South Kaibab Trail. I did this hike in 2023 and it was phenomenal.

For a comprehensive guide to hiking Havasupai, click here.

 CLASSIC OUTDOOR ADVENTURES IN ARIZONA


Arizona offers many excellent adventures, including these classics:

4x4 driving in Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park - a high-clearance 4x4 vehicle is often but not always required (conditions are variable)
4x4 driving in Grand Canyon National Park (e.g. drive to Toroweap)
4x4 driving in Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument
4x4 driving in Sedona
4x4 driving in Vermillion Cliffs National Monument (e.g. White Pocket, South Coyote Buttes) - a high-clearance 4x4 vehicle is required!
ATV/ORV-ing in Cave Creek
ATV/ORV-ing in Page
ATV/ORV-ing in Sedona
Backpacking Buckskin Gulch/Paria Canyon - permits are required!
Backpacking Grand Canyon National Park - permits are required!
Backpacking Havasupai - permits are required!
Backpacking Superstition Mountains / Superstition Wilderness
Caving in Kartchner Caverns State Park - guided tours required! make reservations well in advance
Caving the Lava River Cave in Coconino National Forest in Flagstaff - bring good/strong headlamps
Cycling the Grand Canyon Greenway - paved path along the South Rim of the Grand Canyon; the trail then heads south to Tuscayan
Cycling the New River Trail - 16.5 mile paved rail trail from Glendale to Peoria
Cycling the Prescott Peavine National Recreation Trail - beautiful 6.0 mile unpaved rail trail in Prescott; passes by attractive Watson lake
Day hiking Camelback Mountain in Scottsdale
Day hiking Coyote Buttes North/The Wave in Vermillion Cliffs National Monument - permits are required!
Day hiking Grand Canyon National Park
Day hiking Humphrey's Peak near Flagstaff
Day hiking to the Colorado River in Grand Canyon National Park - extremely difficult! typically done South Kaibab > Bright Angel Trail
Day hiking Rim-to-Rim in Grand Canyon National Park - extremely difficult!
Helicopter tours in Sedona
Helicopter tours over the Grand Canyon
Hot air ballooning in Phoenix and Scottsdale
Hot air ballooning in Sedona
Kayak Emerald Cove
Kayak Horseshoe Bend
Kayak Watson Lake
Mountain biking the Black Canyon Trail in Phoenix - carries the coveted IMBA "EPICS" designation
Mountain biking the Golder Ranch Trail System / 50-Year Trail
Mountain biking the Hawes Trail System in Mesa
Mountain biking the McDowell Sonoran Preserve / Brown's Ranch
Mountain biking in Sedona
Mountain biking in South Mountain Park in Phoenix
Scramble up Bell Rock in Sedona
Scramble up Cathedral Rock in Sedona
Scramble up Picacho Peak between Tucson and Phoenix
Slot canyons in/near Page
Whitewater rafting the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon
Whitewater rafting the Salt River

 BEST SKI RESORTS IN ARIZONA


Arizona has only three actively-operating ski resorts:

Premier Ski/Snowboard Resorts:
Arizona Snowbowl - 55 trails; 2,800ft vertical drop; 11,500ft summit
Sunrise Park Resort - 65 trails; 1,800ft vertical drop; 11,100ft summit

Other Notable Ski/Snowboard Resorts:
Mt. Lemmon Ski Valley

 ARIZONA TRAVEL TIPS


For offbeat and unique Arizona attractions, visit one or both of these amazing websites: Atlas Obscura and Roadside America

If you want to visit Arizona for the first time, and you have two full weeks to spend, I would consider this plan/route (in this exact order):
Start in Phoenix
Tucson - 1-2 nights
Bisbee/Tombstone - 1-2 nights
Phoenix/Scottsdale - 2-3 nights
Sedona - 3-4 nights
South Rim of the Grand Canyon - 1-2 nights
Page - 1-2 nights
Finish in Phoenix

There are a few great towns and attractions that are within 1-2 hours of the Arizona border that are also worth visiting. This includes:
Durango, Colorado
Goosenecks State Park, Utah
Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Utah
Kanab, Utah
Las Vegas, Nevada
Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado

Many areas in Arizona can get insanely hot from May through October. Over 110 degrees is common in many low elevation desert areas (like Phoenix and Tuscon). However, elevations do vary widely in the state, and so you should research average monthly temperatures for the areas you hope to visit. High-elevation areas like Flagstaff are usually very enjoyable in summer.

Southern Arizona is one of the best places for winter travel in the United States. This is a great time to visit places like Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tucson, and Bisbee.

At some point in your life, you simply must catch a sunrise or a sunset at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. If you can, try to stay at one of the national park lodges.

Pay attention to where wildfires are currently burning in Arizona; they are an annual occurrence, with dozens of fires usually burning in the spring and summer.

The whole world now knows about the fabulous waterfalls of Havasupai, and so obtaining permits is next to impossible. Make sure you try to score permits the second they go on sale.

 UNIQUE / SPECIALTY FOODS TO TRY IN ARIZONA


Here are some unique / specialty foods to try while you are in Arizona:

carne seca
cheese crisp
chilis rellenos
coctels del elote
date nuts / date shakes
fry bread
horchata
huevos rancheros
Navajo tacos
piki bread
pork chimichanga
posole
prickly pear margarita
Sonoran hot dog
tamales
topopo salad

For a list of unique foods and mom-and-pop type eateries and restaurants in Arizona (or any other U.S. state), visit the Roadfood.com website.
For a list of unique foods to try in each of the 50 U.S. states, click here.
For a list of the top-rated beers to try in Arizona (or any other U.S. state), visit the Beer Advocate website.

 OTHER KEY ARIZONA INFORMATION


Here is some helpful key information about Arizona:

State Capital:
Phoenix

Major Airports:
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) and Tucson International Airport (TUS); take note that many people will fly into Las Vegas, NV and then drive into Arizona instead

Largest Cities:
Phoenix (1,640,641), Tucson (547,131), Mesa (517,302), Chandler (283,959), Gilbert (279,810)

Primary U.S. Interstates:
I-8, I-10, I-15, I-17, I-19 (Note: I-19 may ultimately be renamed as I-11), I-40

State Highpoint:
Humphreys Peak (12,637'); a challenge day hike is required to reach the top

Professional Sports Teams:
MLB: Arizona Diamondbacks
NBA: Phoenix Suns
NFL: Arizona Cardinals
NHL: Arizona Coyotes
WNBA: Phoenix Mercury

Funny or Unique Town/City Names:
Bumble Bee, Carefree, Chloride, Christmas, Dateland, Gripe, Mexican Water, Nothing, Snowflake, Surprise, Tortilla Flat, and Why

Take note that in general this travel guide intentionally excluded restaurants, lodging/hotels, breweries, wineries/vineyards, and certain other types of attractions (like arcades, ax-throwing, bowling alleys, and escape rooms). These types of places tend to come and go, and keeping up with that would be too challenging. I encourage you to use Google Maps, Tripadvisor, Yelp, and other travel sites that have reader reviews to find the latest and greatest places that I haven't covered here.

The Wave, Arizona
The Wave, Arizona

Buckskin Gulch, Arizona
Buckskin Gulch, Arizona

Horseshoe Bend near Page, Arizona
Horseshoe Bend near Page, Arizona

South Kaibab Trail, Grand Canyon National Park (South Rim), Arizona
South Kaibab Trail, Grand Canyon National Park (South Rim), Arizona

Hole-in-the-Rock, Papago Park in Phoenix Arizona
Hole-in-the-Rock, Papago Park in Phoenix Arizona

Montezuma Castle, Arizona
Montezuma Castle, Arizona

views in Sedona, Arizona
views in Sedona, Arizona

Chapel of the Holy Cross in Sedona, Arizona
Chapel of the Holy Cross in Sedona, Arizona

hiking near Sedona, Arizona
hiking near Sedona, Arizona

Slide Rock State Park in Sedona, Arizona
Slide Rock State Park in Sedona, Arizona

Meteor Crater, Arizona
Meteor Crater, Arizona

Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument, Arizona
Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument, Arizona

Watson Lake near Prescott, Arizona
Watson Lake near Prescott, Arizona

Williams, Arizona
Williams, Arizona

dinosaur footprints near Page, Arizona
real dinosaur footprints near Page, Arizona

Monument Valley, Arizona
Monument Valley, Arizona

Spider Rock, Canyon de Chelly National Monument, Arizona
Spider Rock, Canyon de Chelly National Monument, Arizona

Wupatki National Monument, Arizona
Wupatki National Monument, Arizona

Upper Antelope Canyon near Page, Arizona
Upper Antelope Canyon near Page, Arizona

road to Monument Valley (US 163), Arizona
road to Monument Valley (US 163), Arizona

Saguaro National Park, Arizona
Saguaro National Park, Arizona

Havasu Falls, Havasupai, Arizona
Havasu Falls, Havasupai, Arizona

the Wave, Arizona
the Wave, Arizona

Chiricahua National Monument, Arizona
Chiricahua National Monument, Arizona

Sagauro cactus near Tucson, Arizona
Saguaro cactus near Tucson, Arizona

Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona
Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona

Saguaro National Park, Arizona
Saguaro National Park, Arizona

Vermillion Cliffs National Monument, Arizona
Vermillion Cliffs National Monument, Arizona

 ROAD TRIP GUIDEBOOKS


In addition to the information found on my website, I personally recommend purchasing these road trip/travel-related guidebooks. Click on any link to read reviews and/or purchase these books on Amazon.com (affiliate).

Fodor's Bucket List USA (1st edition; 2021)
Moon USA State by State (1st edition; 2021)
Your Guide to the National Parks (3rd edition; 2022)
Road Trip USA (9th edition; 2021)

 MORE U.S. STATE TRAVEL GUIDES


Did you enjoy this state travel guide? If so, here are links to more of my comprehensive U.S. state travel guides:

Alabama Maryland Oregon
Arizona Massachusetts Pennsylvania
Arkansas Michigan Rhode Island
California Minnesota South Carolina
Colorado Mississippi South Dakota
Connecticut Missouri Tennessee
Delaware Montana Texas
Florida Nebraska Utah
Georgia Nevada Vermont
Idaho New Hampshire Virginia
Illinois New Jersey Washington
Indiana New Mexico Washington DC
Iowa New York West Virginia
Kansas North Carolina Wisconsin
Kentucky North Dakota Wyoming
Louisiana Ohio  
Maine Oklahoma  

As an Amazon Associates affiliate, this website contains affiliate links. If you choose to purchase any products after clicking any Amazon.com link, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. I only endorse products that I have personally used or those that come highly recommended by trusted peers.

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