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Arizona is known for its natural beauty, which is why the state’s national parks are a must-see, both for locals and folks visiting from elsewhere. The state has three national parks, all with different scenery and activities. But what they have in common is the variety of things to do. Popular activities include hiking, camping, and even horseback riding, so it’s possible for visitors to find something that works for all skill levels and interests. Visitors can choose to stay overnight at one of the park’s campgrounds, or they can just come for a few hours to take photos, enjoy the activities, and take in the natural beauty of Arizona’s state parks.

Below, we take a look at what folks should know about each of Arizona’s national parks before planning a visit. Knowing how each of the parks is distinct can help visitors decide which one is best for them. But for those who have the opportunity, seeing all three is the best way to experience Arizona’s natural beauty.

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Grand Canyon National Park

Grand Canyon National Park was established over 100 years ago in 1919. Spanning 1,902 square miles, it’s the largest and most famous national park in Arizona. In 2019, it was estimated that the park receives 5.9 million visitors annually – which is over five times what the second most popular park receives in visitors per year -- and these numbers have likely risen since the COVID-19 pandemic.

An interesting feature about the Grand Canyon National Park is that it’s separated into North and South Rims, divided by a 227-mile-long (446 km) canyon. It’s approximately a 5-hour drive between the South and North Rim villages.

The climates and scenery of the two rims are very distinct. “It is almost like having two parks in one and it takes time, planning and effort to be able to visit both sides of the Canyon in one trip,” the park’s website says.

The South Rim is the easier of the two sides to get to. Approximately 90% of the park’s visitors go there. Comparatively, the North Rim is harder to access, located on the “Utah” side of the canyon. It’s also more secluded and wilder. The North Rim has a shorter season; most guest services are closed during the winter months.

There are plenty of trails for hiking and biking in both the North and South rim. Visitors can also drive to outlook points. Other activities include riding the Grand Canyon Railway, a raft trip on the Colorado River, visiting the Tusayan Pueblo/Museum, or taking a mule ride on the trails.

Accommodation Options

It’s possible to stay overnight at the Grand Canyon National Park. Visitors can book lodging inside the park. The South Rim lodging is available all year, though the park’s website warns it books up quickly, especially in the spring and summer months.

There are other lodges in the Grand Canyon Village that are within walking distance to the canyon’s rims. There’s a South Rum shuttle bus that drives visitors to the overlook and trails if they park their vehicle or are staying in accommodation in or around the village.

There are also plenty of options for camping, but not all of them are open year-long. The Desert View campground and North Rim campground are both closed for the winter, but the Mather Campground on the South Rim is open the entire year. Reservations can be made up to six years in advance.

While you can park an RV at the park’s campground, be aware they do not offer RV hookups.

Saguaro National Park

If you love cacti, then you’ll adore Saguaro National Park. The park is named after America’s largest cactus (standing an average height of 40 feet), which has become a symbol of Tucson, Arizona. This national park is relatively newer, having been established in 1994. It receives approximately 1.02 million visitors annually.

But it’s not only the cacti that draw people to the park It’s also home to historical spiral petroglyphs, made by the Hohokam people, a prehistoric Indigenous community who inhabited the area from 100 to 1400 ce.

This park is a great option for visitors looking to hike and/or take a drive to outlook points, especially anyone interested in photography and foliage.

Accommodation Options

The accommodation options at Saguaro National Park are comparatively more limited. Backcountry camping is possible with a permit, and there are six designated campgrounds within the park. However, these campgrounds can’t be accessed by a vehicle and need to be hiked to. Some hiking trails are more difficult than others, so it’s essential to do research to ensure you choose one that matches your skill level.

Unfortunately, there are no campgrounds that can accommodate vehicle camping (i.e., RV).

Petrified Forest National Park

Finally, the third national park in Arizona is Petrified Forest National Park. Though it’s the second largest (at 229.6 square miles), it’s the least popular. It attracts an average of 131,802 guests annually, only 10% of Saguaro National Park receives. This park is also the second oldest in Arizona, having been established in 1962.

Though Petrified Forest is different scenically than Arizona’s other national parks, it has a unique look. It’s known for its dryness – the forest used to have a river flowing through it, which is now completely dried. But the river caused minerals to accumulate in the area, leaving the area with a swirl of colors and giving the park its nickname, the Rainbow Forest.

Like Saguaro, you can also find historic petroglyphs deep in the heart of the forest as well as the ruins of an old Indigenous village, known as Puerco Pueblo.

Petrified Forest is a pet-friendly park, though all animals need to be leashed. The park offers a variety of things to do, including hiking, biking, horseback riding, geocaching, and guided tours.

Accommodation Options

Unfortunately, accommodation options are limited. There are no TV, car, or front country camping sites available, though there are private campgrounds in neighboring communities. Visitors can hike into the forest and stay overnight. A backpacking wilderness permit is required but is free to obtain.