Welcome to the Bigroads ultimate travel guide to Arizona! Hopefully this page helps provide some inspiration and tips to help you plan your next trip to Arizona.
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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.
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TOP 10 ATTRACTIONS IN ARIZONA
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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.
Interested in discovering great attractions in other U.S. states? My 10 Great Attractions in Each U.S. State guide covers the best attractions from coast-to-coast. And here is a guide to the best One-Week Vacations in the U.S..
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5-STAR ATTRACTIONS IN ARIZONA
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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
✮ Vermilion 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-through 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; reserve in advance; ages 7+
✮ 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.
Discover 5-star attractions in neighboring states using these state guides:
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UT
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BEST TOWNS & CITIES TO VISIT IN ARIZONA
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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.
Read my Favorite Places in the U.S. Guide to find new and interesting towns and cities across the country.
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WHAT IS ARIZONA FAMOUS FOR?
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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
Visit my What is Each U.S. State Famous For? guide to explore the unique characteristics of other states.
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NATIONAL PARKS IN ARIZONA
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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
✮ Vermilion 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 Vermilion 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 of America's national parks, explore my U.S. National Parks Guide.
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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.
Find the best state parks across the country using my Top 100 State Parks in the U.S. guide.
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BEST WATERFALLS IN ARIZONA
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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.
Chase more waterfalls across the country with my Best Waterfalls in the U.S. guide.
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BEST SCENIC DRIVES IN ARIZONA
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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
✮ Vermilion 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.
Discover great scenic drives across the country with my Best Scenic Drives in the U.S. guide.
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BEST RAIL TRAILS IN ARIZONA
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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.
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BEST AMUSEMENT PARKS IN ARIZONA
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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
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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 (Tucson), Heard Museum (Phoenix), and the Pima Air & Space Museum (Tucson).
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BEST DAY HIKES IN ARIZONA
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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, Vermilion 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, Vermilion 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, 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.
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BEST BACKPACKING TRIPS IN ARIZONA
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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.
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CLASSIC OUTDOOR ADVENTURES IN ARIZONA
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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 Vermilion 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 Loop - a bicycling system of more than 100 miles in Tucson
✮ 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 Vermilion 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
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BEST SKI RESORTS IN ARIZONA
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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
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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 Tucson). 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.
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UNIQUE / SPECIALTY FOODS TO TRY IN ARIZONA
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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 U.S. state, explore my Road Trip Food guide.
For a list of the top-rated beers to try in Arizona (or any other U.S. state), visit the Beer Advocate website.
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OTHER KEY ARIZONA INFORMATION
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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.
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The Wave, Arizona
Buckskin Gulch, Arizona
Horseshoe Bend near Page, Arizona
South Kaibab Trail, Grand Canyon National Park (South Rim), Arizona
Hole-in-the-Rock, Papago Park in Phoenix Arizona
Montezuma Castle, Arizona
views in Sedona, Arizona
Chapel of the Holy Cross in Sedona, Arizona
hiking near Sedona, Arizona
Slide Rock State Park in Sedona, Arizona
Meteor Crater, Arizona
Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument, Arizona
Watson Lake near Prescott, Arizona
Williams, Arizona
real dinosaur footprints near Page, Arizona
Monument Valley, Arizona
Spider Rock, Canyon de Chelly National Monument, Arizona
Wupatki National Monument, Arizona
Upper Antelope Canyon near Page, Arizona
road to Monument Valley (US 163), Arizona
Saguaro National Park, Arizona
Havasu Falls, Havasupai, Arizona
the Wave, Arizona
Chiricahua National Monument, Arizona
Saguaro cactus near Tucson, Arizona
Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona
Saguaro National Park, Arizona
Vermilion Cliffs National Monument, Arizona
MORE U.S. STATE TRAVEL GUIDES
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Did you enjoy this state travel guide? If so, here are links to more of my comprehensive U.S. state travel guides:
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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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