Arizona's backyard is full of surprises and beautiful sights. This southwestern state is well-linked to the Grand Canyon, so much so that its nickname is "The Grand Canyon State"! The vibrancy and vastness of the Grand Canyon National Park is undeniable, from the bright-red landscape to its secrets of Havasu Falls. However, while this world-famous attraction is stunning, there are other parks in Arizona worth a traveler's time and admiration. While visiting Arizona or embarking on a road trip, be sure to visit these stunning parks to see the jaw-dropping backyard of this southwestern state!
10 Saguaro National Park
Visit Saguaro National Park to witness a large field of saguaro cacti, producer of Arizona's state flower and a symbol of the American west. Venture to the park's Tucson Mountain District to admire a forest filled with these peculiar plants, or take the scenic desert route and tackle the Bajada Loop Drive, offering views of the vast desert landscape and ancient petroglyphs along the way.
9 Chiricahua National Monument
Situated in Wilcox and nicknamed the "Wonderland of Rocks," the Chiricahua National Monument is a stunning sight, whether one tackles the 8-mile scenic drive or one of the parks hiking trails. Spanning 12,025 acres, this landscape is home to the Chiricahua Apache and the "hoodoos," towering rock formations that look unreal!
8 Petrified Forest National Park
Set near Holbrook in Northern Arizona, the Petrified Forest National Park is eerie, but only by name. In reality, this natural wonder will knock the socks off of nature-loving visitors which features acres of petrified wood and reptile fossils dating back millions of years. Resembling a painting, the ancient rocks at this Arizona national park make for a beautiful sight, from the petroglyph-bearing stones of Newspaper Rock to the vibrancy of the Painted Desert.
7 Montezuma Castle National Monument
Those who claim rocks are boring have never seen the Montezuma Castle National Monument. Established in 1906, this fascinating landmark includes a 20-room, 5-story, high-rise apartment jutting out of a limestone cliff, which was once the home of the Sinagua people for three centuries. Beautifully preserved due to its ideal location (i.e., away from significant sunshine or rain), over 300,000 visitors flock the see the Montezuma Castle every year.
6 Canyon De Chelly National Monument
Home to the Navajo community, the Canyon de Chelly National Monument is ancient, housing ruins that date back as early as 350 AD! Whether embarking on a ranger-guided tour or tackling a self-guided one, this national monument is a sight for sore eyes. Admire the area's geology while visiting Spider Rock or hike along the White House Trail to take in the beauty of the expansive canyon.
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Note: Besides Spider Rock, there is still a lot of landscape to see at the Canyon de Chelly National Monument! Before visiting, be sure to book an authorized guide to safely see the local sights. |
5 Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument
Beautiful things can come from a chaotic phenomenon, including the geological formations at Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument. Thousands of years ago, a volcanic eruption altered the local landscape of this Arizona land, carving out craggy craters while populating the area with lush flora and fauna. Nature lovers can get their fill of the wilderness while hiking at this national monument along Sunset Crater, encountering local species like ponderosa pine or the American pronghorn.
4 Wuptaki National Monument
Near the Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument, the Wuptaki National Monument is home to a collection of prehistoric villages that are over 900 years old! Situated north of Flagstaff, this iconic monument features ruins that were once the homesteads and pueblos of communities related to the Hopi, Zuni, and Puebloan communities. Visitors can admire these preserved ruins, which were built from the surrounding red rocks.
3 Lost Dutchman State Park
Situated in Arizona's Pinal County, the Lost Dutchman State Park gets its name from a legendary gold mine. Overlooking the Superstition Mountains, legend has it that in the mid-19th century, the Peralta family of Mexico built a gold mine they would excavate and take home to Mexico. Unfortunately, while returning home, the family was ambushed by the local Apaches, killing most of the family members while seizing their gold. Though many people ventured to this state park in search of gold, others prefer visiting the Lost Dutchman State Park for its beauty, particularly for its picturesque hiking trails and views of the Superstition Mountains.
2 Vermilion Cliffs National Monument
Arizona's Vermilion Cliffs National Monument houses some of the most rugged landmarks in the state, which are jaw-dropping and spectacular. Bordering the Kaibab National Forest and the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, many hikers are hopeful of catching a glimpse of the 3,000-foot Vermilion Cliffs, or "The Wave," which come complete with petroglyphs and dinosaur prints! Otherwise, this national monument also houses the stunning Paria Canyon, the Coyote Buttes, and the Buckskin Gulch.
1 Meteor Crater Natural Landmark
Also known as the Barringer Crater and hanging out just off Interstate 40, the Meteor Crater is a 50,000-year-old wonder, a bowl-shaped landmark made by a massive, iron-nickel meteorite colliding with the earth's surface. Located just outside Winslow, the Meteor Crater makes for great photos while tackling a road trip and also houses an educational visitors center and museum.