“It’s just a desert. Why would anyone want to go to Arizona?” This is what many uninformed people think or say when talking about Arizona. They see Arizona as a desert wasteland with only tumbleweeds, triple-digit heat, and dust.
There are also places like this in Arizona. But thankfully, the state has so much more to offer.
Arizona is one of the most diverse and unique states in the nation. No, it doesn’t have mountain ranges like the Sierra Nevada or the Cascades, but it does have turquoise oases, incredible rock formations, great hiking, and skiing until May. Not bad for a desert wasteland, right?
So let’s take a little trip through the best places to visit in Arizona and show you why this state is worth your attention.
Things to know before visiting Arizona
Before embarking on an adventure, it’s important to know what’s coming and how to prepare. Below are some points to know before exploring the best places to visit in Arizona.
Exploring Arizona is unlike anywhere else
As you travel throughout Arizona, you’ll see things you’ve never seen before. This is especially true on the East Coast. Enjoy century-old saguaro cacti that grow for miles toward the horizon, and admire America’s most famous canyons, stunning waterfalls, ancient logs turned into rock, and more.
get ready
Traveling to Arizona means entering a climate that is foreign to many. It’s dry so you need to drink water all the time. The trail is steep, so be sure to pack appropriate mountaineering clothing. The afternoon monsoon can also change your heart rate (though this is usually a concern in late summer).
When recreating or exploring Arizona, be sure to be prepared to have a great time.
What is the best month to travel to Arizona?
Most people will tell you to stay away from Arizona during the summer. This applies to him 75% of the time. Most of the state is hot and the summer months are not pleasant. However, if you plan on visiting the highlands (Flagstaff, Mt. Lemmon, Grand Canyon, Pinetop), you’ll have a great time.
The best months to visit Arizona are October to April. Even when more than half the country is shivering in their boots, you can still play golf, tan by the pool, go for a daytime hike, and drink margaritas with friends.
If you plan your trip correctly, you can come to Arizona year-round and have the time of your life.
When should I leave?
Avoid visiting Arizona from late May to September, especially if you want to spend time in the desert. Within minutes of sitting in your car, you’re experiencing endless triple-digit heat and sweating. (I know from experience!)
How many days do I need in Arizona?
This depends on your location and what you want to see, but we recommend 4-7 days to see the best of Arizona. Even if your trip is long, there’s no need to rush and you can take your time and enjoy the majesty of the place.
Places to Visit in Arizona: 15 Notable Destinations
1.Havasupai
Havasuapi is located in the Grand Canyon and is an Indian reservation. This is a place that cannot be conveyed in photos. That’s saying something, because the images of Havasuapi are amazing. There’s nothing like seeing a waterfall up close, climbing down a ladder to Moonee Falls, and experiencing the wonders of a waterfall. hiking Inside the Grand Canyon.
2. Grand Canyon National Park
You can spend your entire trip exploring the Grand Canyon, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, and leave wanting to see more.
Make sure to walk under the rim. Only a small percentage of tourists actually set foot on the trail, but descending below the canyon walls will give you an even better idea of its majesty. But, and this is important, stay within your capabilities.
3. White Pocket
White Pocket is one of my favorite places to explore in Arizona. Because it’s rugged, beautiful, and far less crowded than similarly unique destinations. It is only 90 minutes from Page, Arizona, you’ll need a high-clearance four-wheel drive vehicle to get there. This keeps most tourists away, leaving this pristine landscape for the ambitious.
4. Saguaro National Park
Saguaro National Park is the only national park in southern Arizona. Divided into two sections. One is on the west side of Tucson and the other is on the east side. Furthermore, they are very different, with the western region having a typical desert environment and the eastern region being more mountainous. Both are amazing and really show the diversity of Arizona’s landscape.
5. Arizona Slot Canyon
whether to visit buckskin gulch Or head to Antelope Canyon for some real fun. These natural slot canyons were formed by millions of years of erosion and show off just how powerful nature can be.
If you’re staying in northern Arizona, a visit to a slot canyon is a must.
6. Petrified Forest National Park
Let’s be honest, it’s not the most impressive national park, but it stands out for its history and uniqueness. While it may seem like a bland desert to some, it’s actually full of petrified wood, or “rock,” which is wood that has turned into rock over millions of years.
In half a day here, you can see natural wonders not easily seen elsewhere in the United States.
7. Superstition Mountains
Located an hour east of Phoenix, Superstitions offers great hiking options for locals. Hundreds of miles of trails through Lost Dutchman State Park and Tonto National Forest satisfy day hikers, backpackers, and photographers.
It’s truly a natural playground, so anyone visiting Phoenix should definitely check it out.
8. The Wave
This place can only be described as iconic. This is one of the most amazing places, but also one of the most difficult to access. Less than 50 people per day can visit The Wave, and some people have applied 100 times and never won.
If you have a chance to go, don’t miss it. It’s a place you’ll never forget.
9. Kofa National Wildlife Reserve
Kofa is one of those places you’ve probably never heard of before. Located near the Arizona-California border, it’s home to magical wildflowers in the spring. There are almost no crowds. With great hiking, wildlife, and fewer tourists, it’s a great place to go camping and enjoy time in nature.
10. Fossil Creek
This place is my favorite summer spot in Arizona. Who would miss swimming in the turquoise waters beneath a waterfall? Like many places, Fossil Creek has seen an explosion in tourism thanks to social media. For this reason, we currently require permission for access in order to manage your visit.
I highly recommend planning your weekend adventure here. The scenery is spectacular and there are few other places in the state as beautiful.
11. Canyon de Chelly National Monument
This is on the eastern edge of the state and there isn’t much else to explore. But if you’re returning from Colorado or want to visit a hidden gem in Arizona, Canyon de Chelly is the place for you. It is a beautifully landscaped national monument with many observation decks from which to view the canyon below. You can also book a tour to see its grandeur.
This is on tribal land, so please follow Leave No Trace principles. This land is sacred to many people.
12. Mt Baldy
Another area in eastern Arizona is Mount Baldy, about 40 minutes from Pinetop. Surprisingly, few people know that Mount Baldy is over 11,500 feet above sea level and is the perfect place to spend a cool summer day while Phoenix bakes bread. The mountain has 17 miles of spectacular loop trails, perfect for introductory backpacking or long-distance day hikes.
If you want to avoid Flagstaff, it’s also home to Sunrise Ski Resort, which offers excellent skiing and snowboarding.
13. Organ Pipe National Monument
Southwest of Phoenix, on the U.S.-Mexico border, is home to the Organ Pipe Cactus and offers many hiking trails and stunning views. Despite receiving a lot of attention, Organ Pipe National Monument ranks at the top of the list of least visited places in Arizona.
If you’re looking for dark night skies and spectacular sunsets, this is the place.
14. Sedona
Sedona is the land of red rocks! Gone are the days when you could visit here without crowding with tourists. Still, it is a fascinating place that everyone should visit at least once in their lifetime.
The hiking and scenery take this city to another level, while it is full of local culture and spiritual culture. There are activities for people of all skills, ages and abilities.
One suggestion is to visit during the week. Avoid weekends when it is crowded with tourists and locals.
15. Monument Valley
Last but not least is Monument Valley, a stunning natural wonder located on the border of Arizona and Utah. Spend two nights at a campsite or hotel to really get a feel for the place.
We also recommend taking a backcountry tour to visit hidden gems and learn more about Navajo culture and history. We took the tour in 2019 and it was the best we had in Monument Valley.
Many great places to visit in Arizona
That’s all there is to the desert wasteland, right? After reading this, you’ll see that Arizona is full of beauty and awe. However, remember that these places to visit in Arizona are only worth it if we treat them. So, as you venture and explore new destinations, try to leave no trace so that the next visitor can experience the same thing as you.
