trips in arizona

21 Best Places to Visit in Arizona (AZ Bucket List!)

Home to some of the most iconic and otherwordly landscapes in the American Southwest, not to mention plenty of towns and cities to explore, it’s safe to say that tackling all of the best places to visit in Arizona is quite the challenge.

After visiting Arizona many times, we still leave each time with an ever-longer list of hikes, viewpoints, small towns, and quirky attractions that we hope to enjoy (and plenty that we hope to return to again and again).

This AZ bucket list is designed to help you make the most of your time in The Grand Canyon State!

Whether you want to hike in the iconic Grand Canyon, check into a relaxing resort in Scottsdale, stand in awe of towering saguaro cacti, or try to nab a hard-to-get permit for some of Arizona’s (literal) hidden gems, this list of beautiful places in Arizona to visit will have you dreaming of desert sunsets in no time.

Here are the best places to go in Arizona!

Table of Contents

Naturally Beautiful Places in Arizona to Visit

Arizona bucket list cities + towns to visit, more of the best places to visit in arizona, read more about visiting arizona (and the southwest usa).

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Grand Canyon National Park

Of course, no Arizona bucket list could possibly begin with anything other than the absolutely iconic Grand Canyon!

Home to some of the most incredible views in the USA, the Colorado River has been working for millions of years to create this absolute masterpiece.

According to one 2012 study, the formation of the Grand Canyon may reach back a whopping 70 million years!

Some of the most popular things to do in the Grand Canyon today include strolling along the Rim Trail, hiking into the canyon itself (on the South Rim, the Bright Angel trail and South Kaibab trails are both incredibly popular–South Kaibab is my favorite), and watching the sunset from the viewpoints.

The national park itself is split into two sections: the popular South Rim, home to the best-known views and trails, and the lesser-visited but still beautiful North Rim.

While the South Rim should undoubtedly be your first stop, if you have time to add on a trip to the North Rim too, you won’t be sorry!

(Note that while the South Rim is open year-round, the North Rim closes seasonally, but is traditionally open from mid-May to mid-October).

Horseshoe Bend

This iconic bend in the Colorado River is one of the best places to visit in Arizona and a must-see attraction in the small town of Page !

Seeing how big of a sensation this gorgeous viewpoint has become, it’s hard to believe that during our first visit to Horseshoe Bend in 2015, it was barely a blip on the map.

At that time, Horseshoe Bend was free to visit, and we were one of only a handful of people there!

Now, everything from a large parking lot to a hiking trail to a viewing platform has been built to accommodate the number of visitors eager to admire the view–and it deserves every bit of its fame.

As of the time of writing, there’s a $10 parking fee, per car, to visit.

From Paula of Paula Pins the Planet

The Wave is one of the  best places to go hiking in Arizona … and also one of the most competitive!

This Arizona bucket list destination is known for its beautiful red and orange wave-like sandstone formations.

However, you must be the lucky winner of the permit lottery to be able to hike to this epic spot.

Each day, only 64 people are allotted permits to hike there.

You can apply online 4 months in advance, or you can show up at the Grand Staircase Escalante Visitor Center the day prior to trying your chance at the walk-in lottery.

The hike is about 8 miles round trip and rated as moderate.

The trail is primarily used for hiking and is best used from October until May.

It is highly recommended to hire a local guide to do the hike with, especially if you are not super skilled with route-finding.

The Wave is located in the Coyote Buttes North area of the Utah and Arizona border, and in addition to the Wave, it has many other spectacular rock formations to be explored.

Canyon de Chelly National Monument

From Daria of The Discovery Nut

Arizona is well-known for its stunning natural landmarks such as the Grand Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, and Antelope Canyon which are popular with travelers who go there on a day trip from nearby cities such as Las Vegas .

However, the state also boasts many less-discovered gems that have been quietly flying under the radar for many years.

One of them is Canyon De Chelly National Monument, a spectacular landmark in the Four Corners region located near the town of Chinle in northeastern Arizona.

With over 800 archaeological sites that include cliff dwellings, petroglyphs, and other remnants of past civilizations that inhabited this place, Canyon De Chelly is well worth a stop.

What’s interesting is that this monument consists of three major canyons including Monument Canyon, Canyon Del Muerto, and Canyon De Chelly.

It’s a fantastic place for hiking and enjoying the scenic views, and, unlike some other landmarks in the region such as Monument Valley, Canyon De Chelly offers a less crowded space.

Saguaro National Park

From Ale of Sea Salt & Fog

The saguaro cactus is the icon of the West, and there’s no better way to see these unique cacti in their full splendor than by visiting Saguaro National Park.

Located in Tucson, Arizona, the national park is made up of rolling hills dotted in saguaros and is a photographer’s dream. 

One of the  best things to do in Saguaro National Park  is to go hiking among the saguaros.

The Kings Canyon / Gould Mine Loop trail is a short, but moderately strenuous hike that will give you stunning views of the saguaros and of the city of Tucson.

This is one of the best places in the park to experience and photograph the sunset, and an Arizona bucket list destination for photographers!

If hiking isn’t your thing, you can still greatly enjoy one of the scenic drives in the park.

The Bajada Loop drive is a great introduction to Saguaro National Park.

On the eastern side, the cactus forest drive will also deliver beautiful views right from your car.  

Saguaro National Park is one of the most beautiful places to go in AZ and one that should definitely be on your Arizona bucket list.

Lake Powell

From Sarah of Roadmaps and Restaurants

Lake Powell should be on everyone’s must-visit list when exploring the best places in Arizona. 

Lake Powell is a man-made reservoir along the Colorado River that offers something for everyone!

From kayaking, boating, and watersports to camping, hiking, and exploring the nearby Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, Lake Powell is filled with opportunities for both adventure and relaxation.

There is even a golf course if you’re interested in playing a round on your trip.

In addition to camping at multiple RV or tent campgrounds, you can rent houseboats to stay on the water or stay at the Lake Powell Resort !

The resort also has multiple dining options including the Rainbow Room, which offers a delicious meal with unparalleled views of the water. 

Lake Powell is also right by Page, AZ , and approximately a 15-minute drive from the famous Horseshoe Bend, which is definitely worth a stop!  

Monument Valley

From James Ian of Park Collecting

When you think of classic Southwest USA scenery, you are probably thinking of the iconic  Monument Valley .

With its desert plains dotted with buttes and mesas, it is both famous (you can partially thank Forrest Gump for that) and incredibly beautiful.  

The valley is designated as the Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park and, because this is Navajo land, there are restrictions on how you can access it.

There is one road, a 17-mile loop called Valley Drive, that you can drive yourself.  This takes you past many of the main formations.

You can stop off at John Wayne Point and get your photo taken sitting on a horse looking out over the scenery just like John Wayne did.

For more detailed exploration, take a backcountry tour with a Navajo guide and learn more about their culture and see additional sites.

If you like to hike, there is one trail – the Wildcat Trail – that you can hike yourself.

Other hikes also require the services of a Navajo guide.

Havasu Falls

As one of the most logistically challenging places to visit in Arizona–but also one of the most beautiful–there’s something truly magical about visiting Havasu Falls.

Tucked into a corner of the Grand Canyon that is part of the land belonging to the Havasupai people, Havasu Falls is not part of the national park.

For that reason, visiting Havasu Falls entails first nabbing an elusive permit , and then hiking 10 miles each way into the gorgeous Havasu Canyon.

No day hiking is allowed, so laying your eyes on this waterfall requires both advance planning and a commitment to camping overnight.

For those who make the journey, though, the effort is absolutely worth the magnificent reward!

Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument

From Lori of Southerner Says

There are several reasons that Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument should be on anyone’s list of the best places to visit in Arizona.

First, there’s nowhere else in the United States where you can see this many organ pipe cacti.

A rare cactus, the organ pipe requires special conditions to flourish.

Because there are so many in this compact area of southern Arizona, Organ Pipe was declared a national monument and a UNESCO biosphere reserve. 

Second, the Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument is home to one of the last places on earth where visitors can see a certain rare fish.

A fish in the desert you might ask? Yes!

In the United States, the Sonoyta Pupfish exists only in Quitobaquito Springs inside the park.

Besides Organ Pipe, there are two other places in the world (both in Mexico) where it’s found. 

When visiting Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, don’t miss the 21-mile unpaved, but maintained, scenic Ajo Mountain Drive for the best views of the cacti and the park.

It’s doable in a car if you keep it slow.

Antelope Canyon

From Ashley of Jetset Jansen

One of the most popular attractions to see in Arizona is the famous slot canyon known as Antelope Canyon.

Its popularity is due to the incredible canyons that have been carved out of sandstone by water over thousands of years.

The swirling walls make for beautiful pictures, but what you may not know is that there are actually two different sections to see: the  Upper Canyon and Lower Canyon .

Both parts of Antelope Canyon have a stunning landscape, but they do have slight differences.

The Upper Canyon has a shallower opening and lets in less light. This can create light beams that shine through the canyon.

The Lower Canyon has a wider opening, so it does not get the light beams shining through, but it does have ladders that descend into the canyon. 

Antelope Canyon is located on Navajo land and you must enter with an official tour to visit.

You’ll want to plan your tour well in advance because of its popularity (particularly in the cooler months), but it is well worth the visit!

Chiricahua National Monument

From Megan Kopp of Time. Travel. Trek.

It started with a volcanic eruption over 27 million years ago. Time and weather eroded rhyolite tuff into the “Land of the Standing Up Rocks.”

Chiricahua National Monument – 120 miles southeast of Tucson – is a perfect blend of both history and hiking.

While you’re there, you can wander in the footsteps of the Chiricahua Apaches, and pay homage to Buffalo Soldiers who camped in the canyon and carved their names into monument stones.

Learn about Lillian and the Faraway Ranch while admiring the now-preserved stones built into the dining room fireplace.

Explore remains of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) camp built on the ranch property.

Head up to the top of this “sky island” and hike down Echo Trail’s wild switchbacks.

Or, go big with 7.3 miles (11.8 km) of hiking bliss as you stroll along Ed Riggs trail past Mushroom and Big Balanced Rocks, navigating the Heart of the Rocks loop before continuing down Sarah Deming and Lower Rhyolite Canyon trails to the Visitor Center.

From Tegan and Alex of Why Not Walk Travel Guides

Sedona is a picturesque town located right along the Red Rock Scenic Byway, one of the most beautiful drives in the country.

Known for its funky vibe, Sedona is famous for being one of the premier places in the world to experience vortexes or convergences of energy that are said to leave you feeling recharged and inspired.

Sedona is a fantastic destination to add to any visit to Arizona and is a particular favorite for hiking and nature lovers, or those seeking an escape to a quiet and calming place.

While you’re here, be sure to check out the views of Cathedral Rock and the other astounding rock formations with their signature red hues.

One great place to do so is at Buddha Beach, and don’t miss splashing around a bit in its beautiful iridescent pools, which are quite shallow and fairly warm year-round.

If you’re in the mood for a brief hike, the Devil’s Bridge hike is one of the most popular in the area, and hiking it takes less than 2 miles round-trip along a smooth and well-paved trail.

Art lovers will surely enjoy the Sedona Art Walk and the variety of boutiques and galleries in the Gallery District.

From Margie of DQ Family Travel

Winslow makes for a great stop when visiting Arizona.

This classic Route 66 town is located an hour east of Flagstaff and is a popular tourist destination for those driving the Mother Road.

Winslow is home to two famous roadside attractions.

The first is “Standin’ on the Corner” Park, which was created to pay tribute to the 1970s Eagles song that made Winslow a town to sing about.

Many people stop here and take pictures at this corner and in front of the giant mural.

The second best thing to do in Winslow is to stay at the famous La Posada Hotel .

Opened in 1930, this hotel was a stop on the Santa Fe Railway and had a number of famous guests in its heyday (Albert Einstein, Amelia Earhart, FDR, John Wayne, and Betty Grable, just to name a few).

It was restored in the late 1990s and features beautiful gardens, local art, and updated rooms.

In addition, it is home to one of the  best Route 66 restaurants , The Turquoise Room.

The chef is a James Beard nominee and the restaurant features seasonally changing menus with a Southwest influence.

From Stella Jane of Around the World in 24 Hours

Even though  Phoenix is the 5th largest city in the United States, people often overlook it when listing the best cities to visit in America. This is a true shame.

Phoenix has some of the best cultural experiences in the country, from museums to restaurants to botanical gardens. 

The best museum in Phoenix might be the Heard Museum, which is dedicated to advancing American Indian art and history.

Don’t miss their amazing Katsina doll collection!

If you want a more hands-on museum, visit the Musical Instrument Museum, where you can hear instruments from all over the world.

There’s also a section on Arizona musicians, like rock legend Alice Cooper. 

If you’d rather get outdoors, try exploring the gorgeous Desert Botanical Garden.

You can also visit the historic homes in Heritage Square, and afterward get a pizza at the legendary Pizzeria Bianco.

Phoenix truly has something for everyone, and its large airport makes it the perfect jumping-off point for exploring more of the best places to visit in Arizona.

From Alexa of 52 Perfect Days

Yuma is located in the southwestern corner of Arizona, just a few miles from the California-Arizona state line.

Anyone who lives in San Diego or Phoenix knows  Yuma  as a halfway point between the two cities, but it’s much more than a stopover!

Yuma is a city with an interesting past. It was a true wild west town of cowboys, brothels, gambling, and gunfights during the California Gold Rush.

For a small “pitstop” town, there is a surprising number of things to do.

The historic downtown is where you’ll find Lutes Casino, now a restaurant but where gambling took place from 1912 to 1920. Today, they are famous for their funky decor and potato tacos.

Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park is a must-visit in Yuma. It was built by its first prisoners and opened in 1876. It is now a museum and free to tour.

Yuma Quartermaster Depot State Historic Park is perfect for any military buffs.

In the late 1800s, this was a thriving military post used by the U.S. Army to store and distribute supplies for all the military posts in Arizona and throughout the West.

Five of the original depot buildings remain on the park grounds, and four of these buildings contain exhibits.

The Confluence of the Colorado and Gila Rivers happens in Yuma, which makes for great tubing.

If you visit from late spring to early fall, a float down the Colorado River is a must.

It’s definitely worth adding Yuma to your list of places to visit in AZ!

From Sydney of A World in Reach

If you’re looking for an Arizona bucket list destination where you can enjoy the outdoors and the city all in one, Scottsdale is the place to be.

The city has great hikes and other outdoor activities as well as a fun downtown with plenty of museums and a thriving foodie scene.

Spend a morning hiking Camelback Mountain or one of the trails in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve.

Make sure to get an early start – it gets very hot in Scottsdale, so starting before sunrise can help you beat the heat.

Up next, explore Old Town Scottsdale. Here, you can go souvenir shopping, visit museums, and go winery hopping along the Scottsdale Wine Trail.

Arizona wine country may be under the radar, but it has plenty of gems to offer!

When visiting Scottsdale, you have to stay at one of the excellent resorts, like the Andaz Resort & Bungalows .

If you’re visiting Scottsdale on a budget , go during the summer when the resorts slash their prices.

It’ll be hot, but you can cool yourself down at the resort pool!

From Katie of Two Wandering Soles

With one of the best Mexican food scenes in the US, a unique national park, and a burgeoning arts scene, Tucson is adored by foodies, outdoor enthusiasts, and art fiends alike.

If you find yourself in this southern Arizona city, you’ll have no shortage of ways to fill your time!

First and foremost, one of the  best things to do in Tucson  is to visit Saguaro National Park, which is divided into two sections — the most popular being on the west side of town and a less crowded portion to the east of the city.

Known as one of the best places in the world to see the  saguaro cacti  after which it was named ,  there are plenty of scenic drives and hikes suitable for all levels.

Once you’ve worked up an appetite, sample your way through the city’s famous Mexican food scene.

Order your favorites or try a Sonoran Dog — one of Tucson’s staple dishes.

Even if you don’t eat meat or dairy, you’ll find some great vegan Mexican restaurants in the city.

If you’re in the mood, Tucson has a pretty lively nightlife scene, complete with a pretty good variety of live music.

If you prefer your evenings on the more relaxed side, do a sunset hike up “A Mountain” for a spectacular view over town as it begins to light up!

Oatman Ghost Town

From Debbie of World Adventurists

Located in western Arizona along Historic Route 66 flourishes the ghost town of  Oatman , in the Black Mountains of Mohave County.

Oatman was originally a mining camp where two prospectors struck $10 million in gold back in 1915.

Its location on Historic Route 66 has kept it alive since, with over half a million visitors every year.

You’ll stop for the wild burros that wander around town, but you’ll soon realize they are just the start of the show.

Stay to watch the Gunslingers Wild West shootout (1:30 & 3:30 daily) and wander the western-themed shops.

You’ll quickly also notice the fun sassy town vibe, with each storefront being named something cheeky.   Don’t miss the Oatman Hotel’s saloon, covered with signed one-dollar bills.

This started when Miners would sign and attach their money to the wall for use when they were short of funds.

Locals also claim that the hotel is haunted and the whispers and laughs of ghosts are heard in empty rooms. 

Montezuma Castle National Monument

From Alanna of Periodic Adventures

Between Sedona and Phoenix, you’ll find  Montezuma Castle National Monument , a hidden gem in Arizona.

There are two locations 11 miles apart that make up the National Monument; the castle and the well.

Montezuma Well is a large freshwater sinkhole that was once frequented by ancient Native peoples, as evidenced by cliff dwellings and irrigation systems, that still function today!

There is one main path around the area, and some of it is shaded near the small irrigation ditches.

Rest here for a tranquil break from the Arizona heat.

Montezuma Castle is the main site where you can see the large cliff dwelling that was erected over 900 years ago by the Sinagua people!

Take the circular path around the site to see the main Castle, other cliff dwellings, and unique Arizona plant life and wildlife.

There is a visitor center at the Castle site with facilities and a small museum to explore as well.

Apache Trail

From Noel of Travel Photo Discovery

One of the most unique places to visit in Arizona, just on the outskirts of Phoenix, is the Apache Trail area.

This rugged landscape with man-made reservoirs cut into the large basins collects water to take care of the Phoenix water needs.

Traveling through this trail and now more of a graveled road through the various reservoirs, rivers, and desert landscape is so unique and old western that doesn’t look changed from the old days.

You also get to pass through striking Superstitious Mountain State Park, the Goldfield Ghost Town, and some of the most beautiful mountain and desert-scape in the area, which comprises the Apache Trail.

There’s even a cool western town called Tortilla Flats that has a western bar that is so photo-worthy that a stop really gives you a sense of place in this small western spit far removed from the rest of the region.

The striking beauty and landscape of this area stand out and is a unique place to visit that isn’t even touristy in appeal but a very cool road trip experience.

Desert Botanical Garden (Phoenix)

From Cat of For Two, Please

Whether you are looking for  romantic things to do in Arizona  or fun family outings around the area, be sure to make a stop at Desert Botanical Garden!

Located in Papago Park, Phoenix, the visually stunning plant sanctuary offers a peaceful opportunity for visitors to discover 4,000+ different cactus species from around the world!

There are several hiking trails inside the Garden – all offering fantastic views of the surrounding landscape while immersing yourselves in colors and fragrances.

Throughout the year, the Garden continuously hosts exciting events to celebrate each season. Concert series, wine tastings, and dinners, to name a few.

If you’re visiting in the winter, check out Las Noches de las Luminarias.

Using projection, lighting, and sound, you will watch the cacti, succulents, and rocks be brought to life and put on a show you’ve never seen before.

The event runs throughout the entire month of December – in time to celebrate the winter holidays!

The Garden is quite big to spend half a day exploring. Make sure to plan ahead and set aside enough time to get a full experience.

Devil’s Bridge (Sedona)

From Jessica of Unearth the Voyage

Of all the best places to visit in Arizona, Sedona’s iconic Devil’s Bridge is definitely high on the list!

There are lots of fun things to do in Sedona, but the  hiking in Sedona  is out of the world amazing.

Of all the really neat hikes Sedona has to offer, you definitely cannot miss Devil’s Bridge.

It is arguably the most famous hike in Sedona, landing a spot on Arizona bucket lists for visitors across the country.

If you’re looking for a picture-perfect shot on a really cool natural arch, Devil’s Bridge is your place.

The hike to Devil’s Bridge is rated as moderately challenging and can be shorter or longer depending on where you park (and parking is extremely competitive–be prepared for an early start!).

For the closest parking to Devil’s Bridge, it is recommended to have a 4-wheel drive vehicle to get there, especially after it’s been raining.

The trail itself has some gorgeous red-rock scenery that Sedona is so famous for so you will get to admire that on your 2-4.2 mile hike (depending on where you park).

After walking on a fairly easy flat trail for more of your hike, you will come to the mountain face where you will have to do some rock-scrambling to get to the arch.

The rock scrambling isn’t too bad though, and it’s for a very short distance.

After you’ve climbed up the rock staircase, you will be rewarded with a gorgeous view of one of the most beautiful places in Arizona and Devil’s Bridge!

Planning a trip to the Southwest soon, and want to keep reading?

You can browse all of  our 100+ USA blog posts here , or check out these guides:

• 9 Best Things to Do in Page, AZ (+ Nearby!)
• 3 Days in Las Vegas: The Perfect Weekend in Vegas Itinerary
• 11 Epic Day Hikes in the Grand Canyon (South Rim)
• Horseshoe Bend, Arizona: The Ultimate Travel Guide
• 19 Stunning Southwest Road Trip Itinerary Ideas (+ Tips!)

About Kate Storm

In May 2016, I left my suburban life in the USA and became a full-time traveler. Since then, I have visited 50+ countries on 5 continents and lived in Portugal, developing a special love of traveling in Europe (especially Italy) along the way. Today, along with my husband Jeremy and dog Ranger, I’m working toward my eventual goal of splitting my life between Europe and the USA.

3 thoughts on “21 Best Places to Visit in Arizona (AZ Bucket List!)”

Check out Fountain Hills az. Just east of Scottsdale, this town has the largest fountain in the world that goes off approximately every hour on the hour . It is approximately 375 ft high, surrounded by a beautiful park. The Town has some of the most beautiful vistas in the valley and it’s mountainous landscape is like nothing else in the Phoenix valley. Don’t miss this gem.

I lived in Arizona for a year and I loved the scenery. I’d love to go back someday. Such a beautiful place.

What is often missing as a place to visit in Arizona is Meteor Crater, a few miles from Winslow. About 50,000 years ago, an enormous nickel-iron meteorite smashed into the Earth and within a few seconds a crater nearly a mile in diameter and hundreds of feet deep was formed. The explosion was so great that anyone or any animals close by would have been killed. The meteorite is estimated to have been about 150 feet across. Upon impact, solid rocks were pulverized into what I’d describe as face powder. The crater is a marvelous place to visit and people of all ages will find it fascinating. It is the best preserved meteorite impact crater in the world. Most of the incoming meteorite was vaporized the moment of the impact. The visitor center has wonderful photographs and exhibits describing the event. There are guided tours of part of the crater rim. In the visitor center is the largest meteorite found there, about 1,400 pounds and visitors can actually touch this fascinating “visitor from outer space.” There is a gift shop and food is available. The cost of admission is much lower than what theme parks charge. I have been there several times and it is always a fun, educational and inspirational experience.

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The top 10 places to visit in Arizona, from ghost towns to the Grand Canyon

Sep 12, 2023 • 9 min read

Arizona has some of the most incredible hikes available in the US © PeopleImages / Getty Images

Travelers are drawn to Arizona by the blinding desert sunshine, but the Grand Canyon state has so much more to offer. Under these flawless blue skies, everything you can imagine to entice, entertain and enthrall is up for grabs.

There are outdoor thrills and indoor indulgences, encounters with history and hip modern quarters, wilderness escapes and tourist-packed ski resorts. Arizona's diversity spans everything from big city living to empty spaces that are perfect for quiet contemplation.

Along with desert cities that exude a hint of the Old West, Arizona has atmospheric ghost towns and natural wonders aplenty, including the Grand Canyon and the world’s largest pine forest (where you can also ski). Here's our pick of the ten best places to visit in Arizona.

1. The Grand Canyon

Best place for jaw-dropping views

Unsurprisingly, the Grand Canyon is Arizona’s most famous sight. It’s colossal and spectacular and draws huge crowds in summer , which might dissuade first-timers or those seeking a quiet escape. However, it's somewhere that lives up to the hype. People think of this massive canyon system carved by the Colorado River as a single park, but there are actually four separate areas you can visit. 

Grand Canyon National Park is divided into the South Rim (open year-round) and the North Rim (closed from mid-October to mid-May), and these two zones are 210 miles apart. Along with mesmerizing views and hiking trails, the busier South Rim has a free shuttle service, a geology museum and some good on-site accommodations. Reaching 8000ft in elevation, the North Rim delivers more outsize panoramas and has milder weather and fewer people on the trails, contributing to a more relaxing atmosphere.

The Grand Canyon’s West and East rims are also worth exploring, but these areas fall outside the national park. The Grand Canyon West tourism area on the Hualapai Indian Reservation is famed for its glass-bottomed Skywalk, looming 70ft out over the canyon rim, while the East Rim is quieter and ideal for peaceful hiking.

Planning tip: To see the best of the East Rim, check out the Little Colorado River Gorge in Navajo Tribal Park , about 11 miles from Cameron. There’s a $5 fee to access two stunning overlooks and you’ll need a $12 backcountry permit to hike the trails but solitude is practically guaranteed. 

2. Verde Valley

Best place for wine trails and historic towns

Central Arizona’s Verde Valley is an underrated spot, characterized by prehistoric ruins, outpost towns, abundant wildlife and a wine trail that snakes around rivers and mountains. To get a sense of its rugged beauty, follow the 30-mile road that winds through the valley, starting in atmospheric Jerome, once hailed as the "wickedest town in the West." Built by a mining magnate in the 19th century, this once-notorious outpost is today considered a ghost town although it still has around 500 residents. 

Jerome's Cleopatra Hill once delivered payloads of gold, silver and copper for eager miners, but the town today is a mix of eclectic restaurants, artists' studios and offbeat boutiques, all set inside Victorian buildings that look poised to tumble into the valley below. In the fertile land below Jerome are the similarly historic towns of Clarkdale, Cornville and Cottonwood – home to Dead Horse Ranch State Park , a peaceful spot for outdoor recreation. 

Planning tip: On a trip to the Verde Valley, you can also swing by Tuzigoot National Monument and Montezuma Castle National Monument , where you can see the remains of pueblos (villages) built by the Sinagua people in around 1050 CE.

3. Horseshoe Bend

Best place for photo opportunities

What marks out this 270-degree bend in the Colorado River from all the other twists and turns along this mighty watercourse? Maybe it’s the way the dark blue waters of Horseshoe Bend reflect the towering sandstone walls that surround it, leaving you humbled by the thought of the massive forces of nature that shaped this region near Page, Arizona.

The overlook in Glen Canyon Recreation Area is the best place to snap a classic Horseshoe Bend photo, but a more enriching way to experience the canyon’s immensity is on a raft. Guided rafting tours head downriver to Horseshoe Bend and stop at a swimming beach with ancient Puebloan petroglyphs.

4. Monument Valley

Best place to learn about Indigenous culture

To explore Arizona’s Indigenous culture amid 1000ft sandstone towers, make a beeline for Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park . You’ll immediately recognize the landscape’s monoliths; they've been starring in movies and TV Westerns since the 1930s.

The outcrops are called se’Bii’Ndzisgaii in the Navajo language, and the best way to fully appreciate this sacred land is to travel with a local guide who will add context to the experience as you walk in the shadow of buttes such as East Mitten and West Mitten. 

Planning tip: Sunrise and sunset are the best times to photograph the towering buttes of Monument Valley. For sublime sunset photos, stake out a spot by the Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park visitor center or the View Hotel .

Best place for art and architecture

As Arizona’s capital, Phoenix is arguably the best place to fuel your appetite for art and architecture in Arizona. Frank Lloyd Wright, the father of modern American architecture, left his fingerprints all over the city. Start the tour at Taliesin West , Wright’s desert laboratory and a National Historic Landmark. In 2019, the house was inscribed on the Unesco World Heritage site list (along with seven of his other major works) for its cultural significance. To delve deeper into Wright’s oeuvre, visit the Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa ; the building was designed by Albert Chase McArthur, with Wright acting as a consultant for four months in 1928.

The Phoenix Art Museum is another top venue featuring work by both big-name and emerging artists. In its permanent collection is one of Yayoi Kusama’s wildly popular infinity mirror rooms, entitled, You Who Are Getting Obliterated in the Dancing Swarm of Fireflies . From the art museum, it’s just three blocks to Roosevelt Row , where you can admire the murals that made Phoenix’s street art scene rightly famous. 

Best place for historic sites and hipster vibes

Home to half a million people, Tucson is Arizona’s second-largest city, and it beautifully blends urban comforts with outdoor endeavors. Although it’s smack in the middle of the Sonoran Desert – fringing Saguaro National Park with its ancient, eight-ton cactuses – Tucson defies the desert city tropes. A short drive from downtown along the Sky Island Scenic Byway, 9000ft Mount Lemmon is the highest point in the Santa Catalina Mountains, and the southernmost spot in the continental US where you can go skiing. 

Downtown Tucson is a mix of historic sights and hipster vibes. The Turquoise Trail is a self-guided walking route linking 22 historic landmarks. Nearby, Fourth Avenue celebrates Tucson's heritage with youthful energy; its murals, tattoo shops and vintage boutiques are frequented by students from The University of Arizona.

Planning tip: Tucson scores bonus points for sustainability thanks to the Sun Link Streetcar and The Loop , a 131-mile car-free pathway for cyclists, runners and walkers. You can rent a bike from Tucson Bike Rentals on The Loop.

Best place for spirituality and wellness

Although it's technically a city, Sedona feels more like a glamorous village and it's surrounded by natural splendor. Wherever you wander, you’ll be greeted by imposing red-rock formations and 5000ft monoliths such as Bell Rock and Cathedral Rock – said to be focal points for natural energy fields known as vortexes.

Modern-day Sedona has evolved from an outpost of ranches and apple orchards to a popular hub for spirituality, wellness and – reputedly – UFO sightings, and this land is also sacred to a number of Indigenous groups. It’s also a great stop for art buffs and outdoor enthusiasts , with more than 80 galleries and 400 miles of trails zigzagging along Oak Creek through stands of prickly pear cactuses and ponderosa pines. 

8. Flagstaff

Best place for stargazing

Perched at 7000ft, Flagstaff offers the best of the city and the mountains. Situated in the world’s largest ponderosa pine forest, “Flag” is home to Northern Arizona University, which contributes to the city's youthful vibe. The streets are awash with coffee houses and craft beer establishments, which you can explore on the Flagstaff Brewery Trail . 

To connect with the great outdoors, head to the Arizona Snowbowl , a four-season playground in Flagstaff’s backyard with 40 ski runs and three terrain parks. Chairlifts go up to 11,500ft, offering dizzying views of Sedona’s red rocks, the rim of the Grand Canyon and fields of cinder cones as you ride up the western slope of 12,637ft Mount Humphreys. 

Flagstaff is also a leading destination for astrotourism. In 1930, astronomers at Lowell Observatory discovered Pluto, and all the American astronauts who walked on the moon were trained in Flagstaff. Decades later, Flagstaff became the word’s first international dark sky city , and many visitors are drawn here specifically by the start-gazing opportunities.

Planning tip: Flagstaff is a great base for exploring Arizona. Meteor Crater is just 42 miles away, and you can also easily access Grand Canyon National Park, Walnut Canyon National Monument , Sunset Volcano National Monument and Wupatki National Monument by car.

9. Meteor Crater

Best place for ancient history

Arizona has more than its share of superlative sites, and Meteor Crater near Winslow is one for the ages. This massive depression, almost a mile wide and 550ft deep, is considered the best-preserved meteorite impact site in the world. The site has a fascinating backstory; it was created some 50,000 years ago when a monstrous iron-nickel meteorite smashed into the ground at 26,000 mph, leaving a perfect impact crater. You can learn more about the site at the visitor center and 4D theater. 

10. Grand Canyon Caverns 

Best place for a quirky Route 66 stop

There are many stretches of Route 66 that visitors can explore in Arizona, but we recommend making a stop at the wild and sometimes weird Grand Canyon Caverns . Located in Peach Springs, this idiosyncratic site is composed of an inn, a four-table restaurant and the largest dry cavern in the US, situated 210ft down in the underbelly of the Grand Canyon.

Fitting this outpost's oddball history, local woodcutter Walter Peck accidentally discovered the caves in 1927 after falling off his horse while heading to a poker game. Today, you can explore them yourself on a series of tours, including a ghost walk.

Planning tip: Arizona lays claim to 401 miles of Route 66, making this a great base for short road trips on this historic route. Essential stops include Holbrook (home to the Wigwam Motel ), Winslow (immortalized by The Eagles in the song Take it Easy ) and Williams, starting point for the Grand Canyon Railway .

This article was first published Sep 14, 2021 and updated Sep 12, 2023.

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23 Top-Rated Attractions & Places to Visit in Arizona

Written by Lana Law Updated May 13, 2023

Author Lana Law has spent many winters in Arizona and traveled the state extensively.

In the heart of the American Southwest, Arizona is filled with natural wonders, vibrant cities, and charming small towns . The Grand Canyon is one of the top attractions in the United States and a must-see destination. But those who venture deeper into the state will find unique places to visit and interesting sights.

While cities and towns like Phoenix and Sedona make great vacation destinations, you can head beyond the urban centers to discover Native American cliff dwellings and remnants of ancient cultures, along with historic ghost towns from the mining days.

Arizona also has a landscape perfect for outdoor adventures . The state is home to deserts, lakes , mountains, slot canyons, saguaro cactuses, buttes, waterfalls, and even a volcano with downhill skiing , all of which offer a world of possibilities for travelers.

Before heading off on your trip, have a read through our list of the best attractions and places to visit in Arizona.

Grand Canyon

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Standing on the rim of the Grand Canyon peering out over the endless ridges of colorful cliff walls and deep ravines, it's impossible not to be inspired by this natural wonder. The view never gets old no matter how many times you visit.

The canyon glows in the late afternoon sun, revealing hues of orange, red, yellow, and everything in between.

One of the biggest attractions in America, and certainly in the state of Arizona, the Grand Canyon is a place that has to be visited to be fully appreciated. Carved out over the centuries by the Colorado River, which can be seen in the distance far below, the enormity of this natural wonder is captivating.

Most visitors head to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon , where lookouts all along the road and walkways running along the canyon's edge offer incredible views.

The North Rim provides a different view altogether, but the road is closed in winter. Depending on the time of year you visit the canyon, the North Rim may not even be an option.

If you've seen pictures of the glass bridge jutting out over the Grand Canyon, these are from Eagle Point. The Skywalk , as the bridge is known, is at Grand Canyon West , about a 2.5-hour drive from Las Vegas.

For those who want a closer look, hiking trails offer access to incredible lookouts and a route to the canyon floor. If you want less physical activity, try a helicopter flight over or into the Grand Canyon.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions at the Grand Canyon

Surrounded by stunning red rock mountains and buttes, Sedona has one of the most beautiful settings in Arizona. About a 1.5-hour drive north of Phoenix , Sedona is a popular day trip from Phoenix , but the town is worthy of much more than just a few hours.

The drive into Sedona from the south, beginning at the Village of Oak Creek , is mesmerizing and pullouts along the way allow you to stop and enjoy the scenery.

Sedona's main street (89A) is full of interesting tourist shops, art galleries, and restaurants and is an easy place to spend an afternoon. The town is also one of the best places to visit in Arizona if you're looking for great hiking trails and mountain biking trails .

You can also find a number of good golf courses and golf resorts in Sedona. If you want something a little more relaxing, consider a stay at one of Sedona's spa resorts .

Jeep tours, one of the most popular things to do in Sedona , provide an even easier way to get out into the landscape. Also in the surrounding area are a number of historical Native American dwellings, which you can visit on your own or as part of a tour.

Sedona is considered by many to be a highly spiritual place. It is known for its energy vortexes , found at a number of sites around the town. In downtown, you'll also find New Age shops and unique opportunities, from UFO tours and aura readings to psychics and crystal sellers.

Popular day trip destinations within easy reach of Sedona include Flagstaff and Jerome. The scenic drives to both of these towns from Sedona make them worth the trip, but you can easily fill a day exploring either place. Skiers can even find downhill skiing just outside Flagstaff at Arizona Snowbowl.

Some of the most iconic images of the Southwest are the sandstone buttes that dominate Monument Valley. This area, straddling the border between Arizona and Utah, includes jagged rock formations, stone spires and buttes, and sand dunes.

At the heart of the valley is the Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park , where you'll find an impressive visitor center and a 17-mile self-drive route along a one-way gravel road through the park.

You can also take a guided sightseeing tour to explore the area more thoroughly. If you don't have time to go into the park, you can appreciate some of the views from the highway.

Phoenix is a great base for exploring Arizona but it's also a major destination in the winter for golfers and sun seekers, who simply want to enjoy a stay at a resort or spa and spend a little time basking in the heat of the desert.

In the Phoenix Metropolitan Area, which includes Scottsdale and Mesa, you'll find great shopping, dining, golf courses, desert parks with hiking trails , biking trails, campgrounds , and some outstanding attractions. Topping the list of places to visit around Phoenix are the Heard Museum and Frank Lloyd Wright's Taliesin West .

If you are spending some time in the area, there are some wonderful day trips from Phoenix , which will take you to cliff dwellings, historic mountain towns, and ghost towns, and even the Grand Canyon.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Phoenix

Hoover Dam is one of America's great engineering marvels. This massive structure, completed in 1935, crosses the Colorado River, linking Arizona and Nevada. It is 726 feet high and 1,244 feet long.

Lake Mead , held back by the Hoover Dam, is the largest artificial lake in the United States. It is 110 miles long, and holds the equivalent of two years of flow of the Colorado River.

You can drive or walk across the dam for free, although there is a charge for parking. Another option is to take a tour of Hoover Dam or the Powerplant. The visitor center provides information on the dam and tours, and has a café with some basic food options.

The Glen Canyon National Recreation Area is a stunning region of blue water, desert landscape, and dramatic stone walls. Home to Lake Powell , one of the largest manmade lakes in the United States, this area is known for both land-based and water-based recreational activities.

The Glen Canyon Dam was constructed between 1956 and 1964 to block the Colorado River and create Lake Powell. A 15-mile section of Glen Canyon downstream from the Glen Canyon Dam, stretches from the dam down to Lees Ferry.

The town of Page is a good base for exploring the Glen Canyon National Recreation area and surrounding region. The largest marina on Lake Powell, Wahweap Marina , is located just 7 miles north of Page.

One of the area's biggest attractions is the nearby slot canyons of Antelope Canyon . Depending on the section of the canyon, you can either simply walk through a narrow slot canyon with shafts of light penetrating through the top, illuminating the red walls, or opt to repel down into a canyon.

Photos of Antelope Canyon are often found on postcards or in fine art galleries. You can visit Antelope Canyon on a guided tour.

Tucson is a beautiful city set in the Sonoran Desert and surrounded by mountains. As the second largest city in Arizona, it has many cultural attractions, as well as historic sites and natural areas to explore nearby.

Some of the highlights include the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum , Saguaro National Park , El Presidio Historic District , and Old Tucson Studios .

Nature lovers will find wonderful hiking trails and camping in the city and nearby surrounding mountains and canyons. The Mount Lemmon Scenic Byway is a popular driving route just outside of Tucson, which offers outstanding views. From Tucson, you can also do day trips to nearby destinations like Tombstone or Bisbee.

Although the climate is warm and arid, Tucson is a little higher than Phoenix and is generally slightly cooler. The elevation is just under 2,400 feet.

Set on a mountainside high above the desert floor, Jerome is an old mining town, turned ghost town, turned tourist attraction. A steep hill with switchbacks is the main street through town, lined with interesting stores and restaurants.

Views from the streets and some of the shop windows are amazing. Most of the old buildings have been renovated but some still stand as ruins, creating a very interesting dynamic.

The town's history can be appreciated at the Gold King Mine Museum and the Jerome State Historic Park .

This town is a popular day trip from Sedona, Prescott, Phoenix, or Flagstaff. Accommodation is available for those who want to spend the night.

Jerome is unique to say the least, but some might just call it quirky. The Sliding Jail in Jerome was originally built around 1928. Built on a clay slick, it soon began to slide and now sits 2,500 feet from its original location. The Bartlett Hotel was once one of Jerome's finest hotels but today stands in ruins.

The Jerome Grand Hotel , built in 1927, is the highest public building in the Verde Valley, and it offers breathtaking views.

Canyon de Chelly National Monument is home to spectacular Native American cliff dwellings set along steep-sided canyons, with walls up to 1,000 feet high.

In the main canyon, some of the key attractions are the White House Ruins , constructed circa 1050 and discovered in 1849, and Spider Rock. The White House is the best known of the more than one hundred cliff dwellings.

The only self-guided hike in the park, which leaves from the White House Overlook on the South Rim, descends 600 feet to the White House Ruins.

Other cliff dwellings include the Antelope House and Mummy Cave (in which mummies were found) in the Canyon del Muerto. Most of the ruins, which are largely inaccessible to visitors, were occupied from around AD 350 to 1300.

You can tour the site on your own by driving along the North and South Rim Drives and stopping at the pullouts. Although you can easily see ruins nearby, many of the lookouts also have scopes that let you pinpoint ruins on the distant walls.

From spring until fall, you can join a free ranger-led hike or take a private tour of the canyon.

It's hard to scroll through things to do in Arizona and not come across a striking picture of Horseshoe Bend. This stunning sight, where the Colorado River makes a dramatic 270-degree U-turn around a sandstone escarpment, is a hot spot for photographers visiting Arizona . The sight of the green water of the river juxtaposed with the tan sandstone in an unbelievable natural formation is simply breathtaking.

Until recent years, Horseshoe Bend was relatively undiscovered by the masses, but with the age of Instagram and other photo-sharing services, its popularity has mushroomed, and it is a must-do when visiting Arizona. Today over two million people visit annually.

Count on a 1.5-mile round-trip walk along a rock walkway to get to the overlook. You won't find any real safety features here except for a lookout area with a fence. If you want to walk right out to the edge, you are free to do so at your own risk.

In the far southeast corner of Arizona, near the Mexico border, is one of Arizona's most interesting towns and possibly one of its best kept secrets. The former mining town of Bisbee is a unique little community set high in the mountains and one of the best small towns in America .

After the mines here closed, Bisbee became a ghost town, and squatters took up residence. Eventually, the town became a haven for artists and hippies.

Today, it is a prosperous small town with an eclectic mix of residents, unique shops and restaurants in the historic downtown, and many interesting things to see and do.

Homes, many of which are former miners' cabins, line the hills surrounding the historic downtown area. Many of these residences are only accessible via long sets of stairs that lead to the town center below.

Views from the upper streets and hillside homes are incredible, looking out over mountains all the way to Mexico. In the hills above town are a number of informal hiking trails.

Bisbee is a popular day trip from Tucson and surrounding areas, often combined with a stop in Tombstone.

Near Supai on the Havasupai Indian Reservation is the 100-foot Havasu Falls. The pools at the base of Havasu Falls have a bluish green tint to the water, and the fall is forked so it appears that there are two falls when the river is flowing heavily.

In the canyon of Havasu Creek, a tributary of the Colorado River, some 450 people of the Havasupai tribe (the "people of the blue-green water") live a secluded life, subsisting on their modest farming activities but now mainly dependent on the tourist trade.

In this paradisiac valley the Havasu have created a number of waterfalls and carved out basins in the travertine rock which form attractive bathing pools.

Day hiking is not allowed here. You need to make reservations , obtain a permit, and pay a fee. Access is via a long hike, horseback or mule, or helicopter.

Lake Mead National Recreation Area spans 177 miles of the Colorado River and includes Lake Mead and Lake Mohave . The area's 1.5 million acres stretches into southern Nevada.

The area offers boating and water sports, camping facilities, fishing , and hiking opportunities. Lake Mohave is 67 miles long, making it the smaller of the two major lakes in the Lake Mead National Recreation Area. Like its counterpart, Lake Mohave is an artificial body of water, held back by Davis Dam.

Willow Beach is a small resort town on the Colorado River with accommodation, restaurants, a marina, and fish hatchery.

Tombstone offers a modern look at an Old West town. Staged gunfights in the streets and characters walking through town in period costume recreate the glory days of this small Arizona town.

Every shop, restaurant, and attraction is designed with tourists in mind, but you can still see some of the town's history in the historic sites, including the famous O.K. Corral and the Boothill Graveyard .

Also of note is the Tombstone Courthouse State Historic Park, housed in the original courthouse, which is now a museum.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Tombstone

One of the main stops on Historic Route 66, Flagstaff is a treasure trove of well preserved buildings and streets. Take some time to stroll around the restored downtown area, and if you find yourself in town at night, check out the impressive neon signs.

However, Flagstaff, or Flag as the locals call it, is not all about history. Today it's a young, dynamic mountain town with a lively air, driven by the large number of students at Northern Arizona University (NSU). This active set ensures that you'll find a good variety of restaurants along with entertainment throughout town.

Owing to its elevation at nearly 7,000 feet, Flagstaff enjoys a more moderate climate than Phoenix, just a couple of hours down the road. This means it gets chilly here in the winter, and snow falls not only in town but at Arizona Snowbowl Ski Resort located a short drive from the city.

Flagstaff is an ideal place to base yourself if you are considering visiting some of the national parks and monuments located nearby, including the Grand Canyon, Walnut Canyon, Wupatki National Monument, and Sunset Crater National Monument.

• Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Flagstaff
• From Flagstaff to the Grand Canyon: Best Ways to get There

Large pieces of petrified wood, along with fossilized plants, fish, and reptiles, have been revealed in great numbers in what is today Petrified National Forest in the Painted Desert . The park access road runs by many of the highlights and short interpretive trails allow for close up looks at a variety of unique sights.

The Visitors Center provides insight into the ecology and geology of the park and is a good place to start before heading out on the drive.

Saguaro National Park is a great place to experience the desert landscape around Tucson and see the famous saguaro cactiuses up close. The park has two sections, an east and a west portion, located on the east and west side of Tucson, approximately 30 minutes apart.

Both sections of the park offer great opportunities to see the desert flora and fauna along roads and hiking trails. Hikes range from easy walks to challenging trails that lead up into the high mountains, reaching up to 8,000 feet in elevation.

You can visit both sections of the park on the same entrance ticket or park pass.

Seen in countless photographs in galleries all over Arizona, Antelope Canyon is a slot canyon located just outside of Page. The sculpted, twisting sandstone walls rise up around you, with shafts of light breaking through from the narrow opening above as you walk through the canyon.

You can tour Upper Antelope Canyon or Lower Antelope Canyon , or both, on a guided tour. Upper Antelope Canyon is the easier option, perfect for anyone with mobility issues or people who prefer a flat ground and solid footing, but it still provides the stunning scenery.

Photographers will not be disappointed! You are given plenty of free time to explore on your own and at your own pace. The canyon lies within the Navajo Nation reserve boundary.

Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument is an International Biosphere Reserve situated in southwestern Arizona, on the frontier with Mexico. The main feature of the monument is the namesake organ pipe cactus, but the area is stunning, with mountains and beautiful sunsets over the desert.

Withing the area are three distinct desert vegetation zones and some 30 different species of cactus. The organ pipes grow up to 23 feet high and bloom from May to July . Because of the often extreme heat during the day, it opens up its flowers only after sunset.

The area can be explored on various roads and hiking trails, but the two main scenic drives of note are Ajo Mountain Drive and Puerto Blanco Drive . You can access hiking trails off both of these roads.

The Bull Pasture/Estes Canyon Loop Trail is one of the top hiking trails in Arizona . This is just one of the hikes in the park.

The park is also one of the best places to camp in Arizona , and given that the main attractions in the park are quite a drive from the nearest towns and hotels, camping is a great option out here.

One of the most delightful small cities in Arizona, Lake Havasu is an oasis in an otherwise dry and dusty desert. Created when the Colorado River was dammed, Lake Havasu today is a wonderful place to enjoy the water at the beach, on a pleasure boat, or at a lakeside patio.

The city that surrounds the lake has two personalities: In the winter, it's home to snowbirds from the northern states and Canada fleeing the cold. In the spring and summer, it's home to local Arizonians looking to escape the heat.

A highlight of any visit to Lake Havasu is a stroll over London Bridge . This bridge, parts of which date to 1831, was transported from London, England and installed at its present location in 1971. A fun fact about the bridge is that it was actually reassembled on dry land in the middle of a field. It was only later on that a canal was dredged underneath it.

With tall Ponderosa pine trees, lakes, and occasionally even a sprinkle of snow, Prescott is an unexpected find in Arizona. At 5,300 feet, this small city has more defined seasons. It's also incredibly scenic and offers opportunities for hiking , kayaking, and camping .

This city is also a former capital of the Arizona Territory. The charming downtown has a number of tourist attractions and historic sites , including the old courthouse and the Elks Theatre . Stop for lunch at one of the downtown restaurants or spend a night at one of the beautifully restored bed and breakfasts or hotels.

The city of Yuma is off on its own in the far southwest of Arizona and a stopping-off point for people heading to and from Mexico. Here, you'll find some interesting historical sites, one of the most important being the Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park . Tour the park, dating from 1876, and step into the cells where the outlaws were housed.

Another must do when in town is to stroll up and down the historic main street. Just look for the neon sign indicating the street, and you'll know you've found the right place. A number of restaurants, shops, and other services line the street, many fronted by a covered walkway.

Yuma is fortunate for such a dry place to have the Colorado River flowing right through town. Exceptional opportunities for water-based recreation exist, including pleasure boating, swimming, kayaking, and stand up paddleboarding.

Tumacacori National Historical Park , located south of Tucson, preserves the ruins of three early Spanish colonial missions on 47 acres in southern Arizona. San José de Tumacácori and Los Santos Ángeles de Guevavi were established in 1691 and are the two oldest missions in Arizona. The third mission, San Cayetano de Calabazas, was established in 1756.

The site was abandoned in 1848 due to Apache raids, neglect, and a terrible winter. Tumacacori became a national monument in 1908 and the two Spanish missions, Guevavi and Calabazas, were added to the site in 1990.

Address: 1891 East Frontage Road, Tumacacori

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Resorts and Hotels in Arizona: Because not everyone is a snowbird renting a place for the winter, we've compiled some lists to help narrow your search when it comes to places to stay in Arizona. For a relaxing city getaway, see our list of the top resorts in Phoenix or Scottsdale .

Camping in Arizona: Spending a night under the stars in the quiet of the desert should be on everyone's bucket list of things to do. Arizona is the perfect place for camping during the winter months and in the spring, when the desert turns a lush green and blooms in a fantastic display of color. Campgrounds near Phoenix usually offer the warmest weather, making them perfect during the coldest months. Tucson campgrounds are a little cooler but still great for camping in winter.

In spring and early summer , you can move into higher elevations. At this time of year, consider heading to the campgrounds in Sedona and Prescott . At a much higher elevation, the campgrounds around Payson are also good in late spring and summer. For a more complete look, see our article on the best campgrounds in Arizona .

More on Arizona

26 Amazing Places to See in Arizona (+ Map & How to Visit)

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: May 2, 2024

Best known as the Grand Canyon State , Arizona is home to some of the most spectacular landscapes in the USA. But there is so much more to see and do in Arizona beyond its world-famous landmark!

If you are planning a trip and want to visit the best places in Arizona, but also explore a bit deeper , this article is for you! In this guide, we share all the must-see landmarks and sights of Arizona, but also some other cool places that will make your trip so much more special.

In addition to our own tips and recommendations, we also asked our fellow travel writers for suggestions, their personal favorite places in Arizona that they recommend the most. This guide includes a good mix of the most beautiful nature destinations and stunning sceneries, historic landmarks, best cities and towns, Route 66 attractions, quirky places where you can still find the ‘Old West’ feel, and so much more.

While this is in no way a complete guide to all the best places to visit in Arizona (you’d need a few long trips for that!), it covers all the musts and places that are worth visiting the most . In addition, we also include some lesser-known places for those who are looking to escape the crowds, explore deeper, or get just a bit off the beaten path. Find out!

TIP: To give you a better idea of where all these landmarks and attractions are located and to help you plan your trip, we created a MAP indicating all the best places in Arizona mentioned in this guide. You can find it at the end of this article.

Good to know: We tried to sort this list from the most popular, nicest places in Arizona to the somewhat lesser-known ones further below. But the reality is that there are just too many amazing destinations and points of interest to be able to differentiate (and everyone has different interests and expectations anyway).

So while we start with the ‘musts’, I highly recommend that you scroll down through the entire list before you decide where to go in Arizona and what interests you the most.

Keep in mind that some of these places require more time while others can easily be seen as a short stop when passing by. So by reading beyond the main Arizona attractions, you might find some amazing gems that will make your trip so much more special.

Our map at the end of this article will also help you ‘group’ the places together so that you can make the most of your time when sightseeing in Arizona. Take a look!

Without further ado, here are some of the very best places to visit in Arizona:

1. Grand Canyon National Park

Arizona’s most famous landmark, Grand Canyon needs no introduction. This impressive natural wonder is not just #1 among the must-see places in Arizona, but also one of the most popular national parks in the United States attracting millions of visitors every year. I really couldn’t start this list with any other place…

Grand Canyon National Park is huge and you can spend several days and even weeks exploring everything it has to offer. But you can see some of the magnificent scenery even if you only have a couple of hours, which explains Grand Canyon’s popularity as one of the top day trips from Las Vegas .

Depending on your travel itinerary, the season when you visit, and how much time you have, there are three main areas you can visit at the Grand Canyon – South Rim, North Rim, or Grand Canyon West.

South Rim is the best-known and the most popular place attracting the biggest majority of Grand Canyon visitors. Here, you’ll find some of the most impressive viewpoints, stunning hikes, and also great facilities including the best Grand Canyon hotels , restaurants, various visitor centers, popular attractions like the Grand Canyon IMAX movie experience , and bucket-list activities such as helicopter flights over the Grand Canyon .

If there’s one area you visit at the Grand Canyon, South Rim is the place to be! This is also the best place to visit if you are planning a winter trip to Grand Canyon .

LEARN MORE: How to see the best of the Grand Canyon in one day & How to avoid long queues at Grand Canyon south entrance

Grand Canyon West is best known for the glass-bottomed Skywalk touring high above the canyon. The panoramic views are amazing and it’s a very special experience to be able to walk above the canyon.

This part of the Grand Canyon is also home to the Hualapai Indian tribe, so you can also learn more about their culture or pick up some Native American souvenirs.

Grand Canyon North Rim also offers great views and is well worth a visit, but the road to get there is usually only open from around mid-May to October-early November.

If you are visiting Arizona during the summer season and have some time to explore the Grand Canyon deeper, you may want to include this side of the canyon in your itinerary as well. In that case, don’t miss the Kaibab National Forest as well.

Sedona also deserves a top spot on this list of the very best places to see in Arizona! This area is best known for its stunning scenery and impressive red rocks that will take your breath away. The landscapes here are phenomenal! The area around Sedona is also famous for its energy vortex sites.

Some of the must-see places in Sedona include Bell Rock and Cathedral Rock . Also, Boynton Canyon and Airport Mesa are not to be missed. If you hike, don’t miss the popular Devil’s Bridge Trail , and if you’re visiting with kids in the warm season, be sure to go for a swim at the natural pools of the nearby Slide Rock State Park .

In the town itself, don’t miss the Chapel of the Holy Cross , with its modernistic architecture and even more unique location perched between the red rocks overlooking the area. Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village is a nice place for local art, shops, and restaurants.

TIP: One of the most popular ways to explore the scenery around Sedona is by joining jeep tours . These 4×4 tours bring you to some amazing locations that you’d never be able to see otherwise.

How much time to spend. It’s possible to see the most popular sights of Sedona in just one day. Therefore, many first-time visitors simply visit Sedona as a day trip from Phoenix, Grand Canyon, or from Flagstaff. However, there’s plenty to see and do, so you can easily fill 3-5 days here as well. Here you can find a suggested 1-day itinerary for Sedona .

LEARN MORE: Best things to do in Sedona

3. Antelope Canyon

Antelope Canyon with its ‘flowing’ colorful sandstone walls is an impressive natural wonder and one of the most picturesque places in Arizona! There is not one, but several slot canyons here that all have been carved by fast-flowing flash flood waters and sandstone erosion. At the moment, you can easily visit three of them: Upper Antelope Canyon, Lower Antelope Canyon, and Canyon X.

The most famous slot canyons are the Upper Antelope Canyon and the Lower Antelope Canyon . Both parts of the canyon are equally beautiful, but the Upper Antelope canyon is more popular because it’s easy to visit for everyone, whereas the Lower Antelope canyon involves some stairs and ladders (but is also quieter and it’s much cheaper too).

Located on the Navajo ground, a visit to any of the slot canyons is only possible with a local tour guide. If you want to be sure that you can go inside, you really should reserve a tour in advance . In high season, it’s a must and tours sell out long upfront, but also in the lower season, you never know if there will be any walk-in spots left when you arrive. Here you can reserve Lower Antelope Canyon tickets and here – tickets for the Upper Antelope Canyon .

Good to know: Antelope Canyon photography tours have been suspended a few years ago. You can still bring your camera or a smartphone, but tripods aren’t allowed anymore. Also, selfie sticks or bags (of any size) are not allowed inside the canyon.

Because the Antelope canyons are so well-known and have become so popular, some people now opt to visit private and secluded Antelope Canyon X instead (also here, you have to reserve in advance !).

Alternatively, check out the beautiful Buckskin Gulch , the longest slot canyon in the world. This canyon is located in Utah, just at the border of Arizona, and requires quite a strenuous hike. Here, you can find more info and a tour that visits Buckskin Gulch , and here is a popular private tour that can bring you to this beautiful place as well.

TIP: If you drive all the way to Page, AZ, in order to visit these slot canyons, be sure not to miss the famous Horseshoe Bend as well. More info below. You can also find more details in our suggested 2-day itinerary for Grand Canyon, Antelope Canyon, and Horseshoe Bend .

4. Horseshoe Bend

Horseshoe Bend is another extremely popular place to visit in Arizona. This U-shaped turn in the Colorado River with 1,000-foot sheer rock drops has become extremely popular in the last decade, mostly due to the jaw-dropping images that probably everyone has seen on social media at one time or another.

A visit to Horseshoe Bend is easy and doesn’t require much preparation and that’s also one of the reasons for its popularity. The hike from the car parking to the viewing area is just 0.6 miles (less than 1 km) and takes about 15 minutes one way. In addition, you can walk a bit further to the right along the rim – the views are nice and it tends to be quieter than at the main viewpoint.

Good to know: There’s a small entrance fee – at the moment of writing, $10 per car, and your National Park Pass isn’t valid here. Also, bring water, wear comfy shoes, and be careful around the edge!

You can visit Horseshoe Bend in about one hour, but to really get the most out of your visit, plan on spending two hours. The earlier mentioned Antelope Canyon is also just nearby, so most people visit these two places together.

TIP: For a different perspective, you can also opt for a helicopter tour over the Horseshoe Bend and the surrounding area. In addition, you also fly over Lake Powell and Glen Canyon Dam – the views are amazing! If you are looking for an even more special experience and a longer flight, take a look at this helicopter tour that also includes a landing on Tower Butte .

No list of the best things to do in Arizona would be complete without mentioning its capital city, Phoenix . The “Valley of the Sun,” as Phoenix is affectionately known, gets over 300 days of sun a year. It’s rare to see a cloudy or rainy day outside of the summer monsoons. During that time, temperatures can hit 110°F (43°C) and above, so you’ll want to enjoy your fun indoors.

For the rest of the year, Phoenix is known for its gorgeous weather and outdoor activities. Hike the many trails in and around the city. Camelback Mountain , Piestewa Peak Park , and South Mountain are favorites.

Learn how beautiful the desert can be at the Desert Botanical Garden . The colors may be muted, but you’ll find a beautiful tapestry in the desert that’s different from most of the country. If you need a break from the desert, check out the Japanese Friendship Garden or the Farm at South Mountain .

Phoenix is a foodie’s paradise and there are lots of restaurants offering all kinds of food. Many have outdoor seating or large patio windows that open wide so you can enjoy the gorgeous weather for much of the year.

If you visit during the hottest summer months, there are plenty of fun indoor activities that you can enjoy in Phoenix. Check out the city’s world-class museums such as the exceptional Musical Instrument Museum and the Heard Museum , which showcases southeastern Native American art.

Good to know: Phoenix is a resort town and hosts thousands of conferences annually. So if you visit in the summer, you can get some amazing hotel and spa deals . Locals love it for staycations and tourists can enjoy the best of Phoenix spa life at a markedly reduced cost.

There’s a lot to do in Phoenix no matter what time of year you visit. Plan to spend a few days so that you can see all of the top sights in and around the city.

TIP: If you are looking for something special to do in Arizona, check out hot-air balloon tours . It’s one of the most unique experiences in Phoenix and an amazing way to see some of the stunning scenery.

Recommended by a Phoenix local, Sam from My Flying Leap .

LEARN MORE: Phoenix itinerary recommendations for any trip

6. Havasu Falls

Located in a remote desert canyon in Northern Arizona, Havasu Falls cascades 80-feet over a red sandstone cliff into a beautiful turquoise blue swimming hole. It’s a truly magical oasis in the middle of the desert. And when you see pictures of this stunning waterfall, you’ll understand why it’s one of the most popular places to visit in Arizona.

But to reach this paradise requires preparation and fitness. Havasu Falls is located on the Havasupai Indian Reservation and it’s a 10-mile trek from the nearest road. You’ll need to hike through a dusty canyon in the hot Arizona sun carrying all of your food and camping supplies. You’ll also need to plan well in advance. Only a limited number of camping permits (or lodge stays) are available for each day and most are purchased the moment they become available on February 1st of each year.

The Havasu Falls trailhead is located 67.5 miles Northeast of Peach Springs, AZ. From the parking lot, it’s a 1.5-mile descent to the bottom of the canyon via several switchbacks. Continuing on, the trail is mostly flat with a gradual descent, but you’ll need to watch out for loose rocks and gravel. It’s best to start your hike in the early morning to avoid walking in the heat of the day. It’s a total of 10 miles each way to reach Havasu Falls: 8 miles to the Havasupai Village and an additional 2 miles to the base of the falls. Here you can find more practical information for visiting Havasu Falls .

It’s quite a challenging hike, but once you reach Havasu Falls, you’ll know that the reward was worth the effort. The waterfall and canyon are both absolutely breathtaking. Plus Havasu Falls is not the only beautiful waterfall in the canyon. If you continue your trek downstream, you’ll find Mooney Falls and Beaver Falls . And if you’re up for an even longer hike you can follow Havasu Canyon all the way down to the confluence with the Colorado River at the edge of the Grand Canyon.

Good to know: You need at least two days to visit Havasu Falls and all visits require a reservation . If you stay at the lodge, you can reserve for one night/ two days, whereas if you camp, you can only book three nights/ four days.

Recommended by Nick from Wandering Wheatleys.

7. Monument Valley

The iconic Monument Valley is another must-see in Arizona! You probably have seen images of this red-sand desert with towering sandstone buttes in various movies and commercials, but it’s even more impressive in reality!

Located in the northeastern corner of Arizona, along the Utah border, Monument Valley is quite far from most other landmarks in Arizona, but it’s definitely worth a trip in its own right. It’s also about halfway between the Grand Canyon and Moab area in Utah where you’ll find the famous Arches National Park and also Canyonlands National Park . So whether you are only visiting the best places in Arizona, or are making a bigger trip in the Southwest, it’s well worth coming here.

You can see some great views of Monument Valley while simply driving on Interstate 163. However, if you want to explore deeper and get closer to the rock formations, you should visit the Monument Valley Tribal Park . An entrance here requires a permit and you can only visit during daytime hours (and need to pay for a pass).

The main activity here is driving the 15-mile Scenic Drive that takes you through the area and close to the majestic buttes. Some of them are as high as 1,000 ft above the ground – a very impressive sight and plenty of great photo opportunities.

However, the roads here are in a really bad state and many people opt for one of the many 4×4 tours or horseback riding tours instead . Not only do you learn quite a bit about the area by going with a local guide, but many of these tours also bring you to some nice places beyond the scenic loop which you wouldn’t get to see on your own.

TIP: This tour is one of the best price-quality Monument Valley tours that include backcountry access. It also visits a local Navajo Hogan where you can watch a Navajo Rug Weaving demonstration and traditional musical performance by your local guide. You can also find this same tour on Viator , but it’s usually a bit more expensive. You can also opt for a very similar tour in the evening and enjoy the amazing colors of Monument Valley at sunset.

Good to know: Most of the tours do not include an entrance fee to the Monument Valley Tribal Park, so you need to pay for that separately.

How much time to spend. If you are simply passing by on the highway, Monument Valley can be just a quick photo stop. If you opt to visit the Monument Valley Tribal Park and drive the scenic loop, count at least 1.5-2 hours. If you go on a tour, most of them take about 2-4 hours. For a truly unique visit, you can opt for this 2-day overnight tour . It’s an amazing experience, as long as you know what to expect.

Where to stay. Most people visit Monument Valley for a day from Flagstaff, Page, or other bigger towns in Arizona or en route to/from Utah or Colorado. There’s a hotel at the visitor center itself. Nearby, you can also find Goulding’s Lodge , which also has a pool. Alternatively, there are several hotels in Kayenta , about 25 miles/ 30 minutes southwest of Monument Valley.

TIP: The beautiful Church Rock Valley (featured photo at the top of this article) can be found along Hwy 160, 10 min drive east of Kayenta.

LEARN MORE: Monument Valley Scenic Drive

8. Scottsdale

If you look at Arizona on a map, you might wonder why Scottsdale is getting called out on its own in this list. Isn’t it just a suburb of Phoenix, you ask? Well no, Scottsdale is actually a separate city of over 250,000 people that is distinctly unique in the state.

Scottsdale has long been a desert getaway for the rich and famous. Today, it offers a delightful mix of art galleries, great restaurants, historic mid-century hotels, dreamy spas, and all the desert landscapes you expect to find in Arizona.

On your first trip to Scottsdale, the must-dos include exploring the shops, galleries, and public art in Old Town Scottsdale, drinking wine along the city’s Urban Wine Trail, visiting a museum like the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art (SmoCA) or Wonderspaces, and touring Frank Lloyd Wright’s winter home of Taliesin West. Also Scottsdale’s classy spas and golf courses are not to be missed.

If you love the outdoors, you’ll also want to be sure to visit the McDowell Sonoran Preserve , a 30,500-acre nature preserve where you can see impressive saguaro cacti up close.

How much time to spend. You can see all the highlights in Scottsdale in about three days (here’s an itinerary for 3 days in Scottsdale ), though a longer trip would be even better if you want to spend extra time relaxing poolside or at the spa.

Since Scottsdale is just next to Phoenix, Tempe, and many other nice places mentioned in this article, we recommend that you take a look at this Phoenix – Scottsdale travel guide and itinerary for more information on how to plan your trip.

Good to know: Scottsdale Old Town is easy to get around on foot, but rideshares are plentiful and affordable, too. Furthermore, parking is free almost everywhere.

Recommended by Amanda of A Dangerous Business Travel Blog

Tucson should be at the top of any list of places to visit in Arizona! The city is one of the most culturally rich in the state, the food is great, and there are lots of fun things to do in town and nearby. What you have the opportunity to visit nowadays, has been molded by native groups, Spanish missionaries, Mexican ranchers, California gold rushers, and many others.

Start your visit downtown and walk through the historic and modern areas of Tucson , or join this popular historic bike tour . Check out the Historic Pima County Courthouse, Presidio San Agustin del Tucson, Museum of Art, and Arizona Historical Society. Congress Street and 4th Avenue are booming with restaurants, breweries, murals, public works of art, and artisan studios. Tucson’s cuisine shines like a bright beacon.

In 2017, the city was declared a “ City of Gastronomy ” by UNESCO. You can spend days eating Sonoran hot dogs, chimichangas, tamales, and steak fingers.

A visit to the San Xavier del Bac Mission (located about 10 miles from downtown) is also a must! Besides, the city is surrounded by national parks, mountain parks, natural areas, and other spaces ideal for outdoor activities.

If you are an outdoor enthusiast, you will be spoiled with choice. A list of places to check out includes the Tucscon Botanical Gardens, the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, Saguaro National Park (see further below), Tucson Mountain Park, Sabino Canyon, and Santa Catalina Natural Area.

In addition to the city itself, there are several interesting day trip options from the city. These include Tubac, Tumacacori, Sonoita, Kartchner Caverns, Sonora Desert, Bisbee, and Tombstone.

How much time to spend. It is recommended to spend at least 3 full days in Tucson: one day dedicated to the city, one day to take advantage of the outdoor opportunities, and another day for a day trip to places like Tombstone (see further below). If you do not want to rush through the attractions, you can easily allocate 5 to 7 days to the area. Depending on your travel style, you can either stay in Tucson and make it your base for the area or you can just stop here for a day or two as part of a road trip visiting some of the best places in Arizona.

Good to know: Remember Tucson has dry desert weather and the best time to visit is from October to May. Also, keep in mind temperatures in the area can vary greatly, so wear layers.

Recommended by Ruth from Tanama Tales .

10. Vermilion Cliffs National Monument: The Wave, White Pocket & More

If you just can’t get enough of the unique landscapes of Arizona, consider visiting Vermillion Cliffs National Monument as well! This is a huge nature reserve in Northern Arizona, at the border with Utah, and it’s jam-packed with many incredible natural features.

You can see some of the area by driving Highway 89A. However, the majority of the most beautiful scenery requires a high clearance 4×4 vehicle, is not simple to reach or find, and is not something most travelers will easily be able to visit. This is one of those remote places where you won’t find any tourism infrastructure, only unspoiled wilderness with the most amazing landscapes of slot canyons, mesas, and buttes…

The most famous natural landmark of Vermillion Cliffs National Monument is The Wave , located in Coyote Buttes. This is one of the places that you can only visit if you get extremely lucky with their lottery-based permit system . Only 12 groups (max. 48 people) are allowed to visit here per day, so you can imagine that the chances are very slim (and you have to try 4 months in advance).

However, don’t despair if you don’t have a 4×4 or can’t get to see The Wave. There are several other amazing places at Vermilion Cliffs National Monument that you can easily visit with organized tours.

One such place is White Pocket – a unique rock formation in a stunning, remote area. You can visit here with this highly-rated private day tour .

Another area that can be visited with a tour is Buckskin Gulch (already mentioned as an alternative to Antelope Canyon higher above). There are several tours that visit this slot canyon .

If you have a very good 4×4, you might be able to get to the White Pocket, Buckskin Gulch, and other places in Vermillion Cliffs National Monument on your own. But you really have to travel well prepared! Also, this is probably not the best place to explore on your own in summer because it gets terribly hot. No matter how you visit – on your own or with a guide – be sure to carry plenty of drinking water with you!

11. Lake Powell & Page

Lake Powell is a huge man-made reservoir on the Colorado River in Northern Arizona and southern Utah. Located just near Page, AZ (where you can also visit previously mentioned landmarks like Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend), the lake is also a major vacation spot in the area, attracting a couple of million tourists a year.

There is a lot to see and do in Page and around Lake Powell. If you are here on vacation, you can rent boats , go jet-skiing , try flyboarding , or join various tours on the lake. If you are mostly interested in sightseeing, in addition to Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend , you can easily see Glen Canyon Dam and Wahweap Overlook . There are also some nice scenic trails in this area – check out the Hanging Gardens , a 1-mile hike north of Page.

As already mentioned in the Horseshoe Bend section above, there are also amazing air tours in this area. One of the best price-quality options is this highly-rated tour by a small airplane . You can enjoy spectacular aerial views of Horseshoe Bend, Lake Powell, and Glen Canyon.

How much time to spend. This highly depends on what you are planning to see and do in this area. You can see all the ‘musts’ in just half a day to a day, but you can also spend a week here and never get bored.

12. Hoover Dam

Located at the Arizona – Nevada state border, Hoover Dam is one of the top landmarks of Arizona (and yes, that of Nevada too)! There’s even a sign at the dam showing where the two states split. It’s a unique chance to stand in Nevada and Arizona at the same time and also a great photo opportunity. So this list (and your trip to the area) wouldn’t be complete without mentioning Hoover Dam as one of the best places to see in Arizona.

Hoover Dam is a man-made wonder and once you see how huge it is, it will take your breath away. Built almost a hundred years ago, in the 1930s, it was the tallest dam in the world at that time. At the Visitor Center, you can learn more about its history, see models and exhibits, and you can also take a tour inside .

However, most people don’t visit inside and simply enjoy the views of the dam and the surroundings from various viewpoints. It all really depends on how much time you have and what other places you are planning to see nearby.

TIP: On a short visit, don’t miss a view from the Mike O’Callaghan Memorial Bridge. This is the best place to take in the immense size of the dam. Also check out the views from the Hoover Dam itself (there’s a pedestrian footpath next to the road)!

13. Saguaro National Park

There’s no more iconic symbol of the state of Arizona than the towering Saguaro cactus, and there’s no better place to see them than in Saguaro National Park near Tucson. There are nearly two million Saguaro cacti in the park!

Saguaro National Park is spread across two divisions, one to the east of downtown Tucson and the other to the west. You can spend anywhere between a half-day and two full days exploring Saguaro NP.

For those who are truly in a rush through their trip to Arizona, it’s possible to explore the west side of Saguaro National Park (formally known as the Tucson Mountain Division) on a day trip from Phoenix, as the drive is just over 90 minutes. But if you want to explore both sides of the park to the fullest, it’s best to stay in Tucson and combine a visit here with several other best places and landmarks in Arizona mentioned in this guide.

Both sides of Saguaro National Park are excellent for families visiting with young children or visitors with limited mobility. There are loop drives through some of the Park’s most scenic areas. The Valley View Overlook trail (west) and Cactus Forest Trail (east) offer short, relatively flat walks that put visitors up close with many different species and shapes of cacti and also offer great wildlife viewing opportunities. Here you can find more info for visiting Saguaro National Park .

TIP: For a stunning desert sunset, visit the west side late in the day – the return half of the loop drive faces west as the sun sets through the dense cactus groves. The park has no formal closing time so there’s no need to rush (though the entire mountain range is extremely dark).

Recommended by Melissa from The Family Voyage.

14. Montezuma Castle National Monument

Located next to the main road between Phoenix and Flagstaff, just south of Sedona, Montezuma Castle National Monument is one of the easy-to-visit places in Arizona. If you find yourself in this area, don’t just pass by!

Montezuma Castle is a large 12th-century cliff dwelling that was built and used by the Sinagua people. The main structure of the cliff dwelling is a 5-story building that has twenty rooms. In all honesty, it looks more like a huge apartment building rather than a castle. Nevertheless, it’s very impressive and well worth a visit.

Access inside isn’t allowed, but you can easily admire this unique structure by walking the short paved trail around it. This is a very enjoyable attraction for the whole family and it only takes 15-30 minutes to visit. So Montezuma Castle National Monument isn’t really a destination in itself, but a very nice stop if you are passing by.

If you have more time, you can also visit Montezuma Well . This is an archeological site about 10 miles from Montezuma Castle, a 20-minute drive a bit off the main road. But since you can reconnect to the main highway from there, it’s actually not such a big detour.

Good to know: The Visitor Center is open daily from 8 AM to 5 PM, except for Christmas and New Year’s Day. The entrance fee is somewhat steep at 10 USD per adult, but kids 15 and under are free, and the pass includes both places. If you have the annual National Parks pass ( America the Beautiful Pass ), it’s also valid here.

15. Tombstone

When you visit the “Old West”, you have so many historical sites, ghost towns, and other attractions to choose from that it can be hard to know which ones are truly worth the time and money. A visit to Tombstone in southern Arizona, however, is sure to be a universal favorite. If you are looking for a fun and exciting taste of the Wild West, you’ll definitely find it in Tombstone, AZ . For us, this is one of the must-see places in Arizona!

The whole town has committed to recreating the history and feel of the gunfight at the O.K. Corral and the nostalgia of the American Old West .

Walking down E. Allen Street, a dusty dirt road in the town center, is quite an experience in and of itself. Gunslingers tip their hats as they walk quietly by in the glaring sun while the horsedrawn coach rattles off from the old Wells Fargo Stagecoach depot. Suddenly, the locals are scrambling to hide behind barrels and peeking over saloon doors. A gunfighter is making his way down the middle of the road, guns in hand, looking for a fight… Everyone knows what comes next. It’s cheesy, yes, but it’s great fun and perfectly recreated.

Of course, there’s more to see and do in Tombstone! Once the sheriff has taken down the outlaw, it’s time to go underground at the silver mine or discover the real story at the infamous shootout at the O.K. Corral. You can also learn more about the history of the area at the Tombstone Courthouse History Museum . And be sure to take a Tombstone Historical Trolley Tour – it’s a great way to get the current scoop on life in town. Another must-see is the gunfight show at the Old Tombstone Western Theme Park .

How much time to spend. Most people will spend 4-5 hours in Tombstone, more than enough to make it a solid day trip from the nearby Tucson or even from Phoenix . However, if you decide to stay here for a night, you can opt for even more fun activities in the evening. For instance, you can join a spooky ghost and murders tour through town or the family-friendly dead men’s tales ghost tour . There are several nice hotels in Tombstone , and staying here will surely add to the ultimate Old West experience.

Recommended by Jim Vail at Roving Vails .

16. Canyon de Chelly National Monument

The Grand Canyon may be the most popular canyon in the state of Arizona, and there’s definitely a good reason for that. But if you want to get off the tourist path in Arizona, Canyon de Chelly is incredibly stunning and equally worth seeing. If you are looking to experience the best of Arizona, don’t miss this lesser-known gem!

Canyon de Chelly National Monument is located in a remote area of northeastern Arizona on Native American lands. You can drive around the rim for easy access to the stunning views inside the canyon. Take advantage of the many pullouts and take your time to enjoy the scenery. Canyon de Chelly is painted in an exquisite palate of reds, golds, and browns but with a lush green canyon floor.

Good to know: While you can visit some places on your own, you are required to hire a local guide to enter most of the canyon. But it’s worth doing to get to learn about life in the area and in the tribe. Your guide will take you for a drive into the canyon and you can hike the many trails. Stop at the visitor center for a list of guides and recommendations for your visit or check out the official website for more information.

There are also a couple of trails you can hike on your own. One leads you to the White House ruin , which is incredible to see. Or, you can hike the Sliding House Overlook trail to see a cliff dwelling high up on the canyon wall. It’s so interesting to see these different types of dwellings.

One of the most spectacular views in Canyon de Chelly is looking out on the Spider Rock spire . Its brilliant red is striking against the green patchwork of color and will remain etched in your mind long after your visit.

TIP: While you can enjoy some of the best that Canyon de Chelly has to offer in just a day, plan for at least a couple of days in this peaceful area. It’s a real gem – you won’t be disappointed! There are a couple of hotels in Chinle , just at the entrance of the park.

Recommended by Arizona local Sam from My Flying Leap .

17. Flagstaff

If you’re looking for the best places to visit in Arizona, Flagstaff should be high on your list! Often overlooked for nearby Sedona and the Grand Canyon, there are actually many great things to do in Flagstaff that make it worthy of a stop on your Arizona trip.

Flagstaff is best known for being along Arizona’s stretch of Route 66 . The famous “Mother Road” goes right through the heart of downtown! If you’ve never been on Route 66 before, you’ll enjoy the chance to see the famous sign and snap a photo with this iconic piece of Americana.

Flagstaff has a very different landscape than a lot of Arizona because it’s at a high altitude. The town sits at an elevation of nearly 7,000 feet, and you can even go skiing in the winter just outside of town! No matter when you visit, be sure to take the Snowbowl Scenic Chairlift up to the Arizona Snowbowl atop Agassiz Peak, the second-highest mountain in Arizona at 12,356 feet. Another unique landscape spot is nearby Sunset Crater Volcanic National Monument , with its lava tubes and volcanic landscape.

Flagstaff also holds the distinction of being the world’s first “International Dark Sky City” – an honor normally only bestowed on smaller towns and national parks. It has its own observatory, the Lowell Observatory , which is where Pluto was discovered! It is a National Historic Landmark and you can take tours of the observatory if you book in advance.

Another fun thing to do in Flagstaff is checking out the thriving brewery culture. There are a number of great breweries which are brewing up creative new craft beer and serving them up with some delicious pub food! Mother Road Brewing Company (named for Route 66) is one of the best of the bunch. They specialize in ales (IPAs, double IPAs, tripels, brown ales, pale ales, etc.) and everything is fantastic.

Recommended by Allison from Eternal Arrival .

18. Williams & Bearizona Wildlife Park

Williams, Arizona may not be on your radar as a great travel destination in Arizona because it is foreshadowed by bigger cities and so many amazing National and State Parks in the state. But you will be wrong to dismiss it from your travel plans because it has many interesting attractions!

Just as many towns in this area, Williams is located right on the famous Route 66 . So also here, you can visit various Route 66 attractions: old buildings, gift shops, and Route 66 Gas Station Museum.

One of the main attractions not to miss in Williams is a scenic train ride to Grand Canyon on the Grand Canyon Railway . You board the train in town in the morning and travel about 2 hours to the South Rim at the Grand Canyon National Park.

You can ride in glass dome cars and enjoy the amazing scenery, and you have a few hours of free time to explore the South Rim. It’s possible to stay in the park longer, but most people just do this as a day trip and return back to Williams by train in the afternoon.

One of the absolute must-sees in Williams is Bearizona Wildlife Park , a drive-thru wildlife and safari park dedicated to the wildlife of Arizona. The uniqueness of Bearizona is in its layout: animals are not kept in small enclosures but allowed to roam free and tourists can drive around their habitats in their vehicles.

This gives you an opportunity for close encounters with such magnificent animals as bison, bear, and wolf. It is an amazing experience when a wolf just walks by your car or two bears fight an arm’s length from you, with only a car window in between!

There are also ‘walk-through’ exhibits where you can observe smaller animals such a beaver, porcupine, red fox, and many others. In addition to its exhibits, Bearizona also organizes live animal presentations, the most popular of which is the birds of prey show. This is such a great place to visit in Arizona for everyone, and an absolute must for families!

Good to know: Bearizona is open daily, all year round. It’s cheaper to visit on weekdays than on the weekends. For more info, please see their website .

Recommended by Tatiana from Family Road Trip Guru .

19. Sunset Crater Volcano & Wupatki National Monuments

There are two more interesting places to check out in Arizona – Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument and Wupatki National Monument. They are both located just near Flagstaff and don’t require much time, so you can easily add them to your Arizona road trip itinerary if you have a couple of hours to spare in this area.

Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument is centered around a cinder cone dormant volcano that has erupted about 1,000 years ago (1025 AD). Needless to say, a volcano is a surprising sight to see in Arizona!

The Lava Flow Trail is one of the best trails to hike as it takes you through the Bonito Lava Flow and numerous volcanic features while walking at the base of Sunset Crater Volcano. The trail is an easy 1 mi (1.6 km) round-trip hike. Hikers can view a lava tube and other lava features. A stop at the Visitor Center provides additional information as well as the Junior Rangers program.

Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument connects to Wupatki National Monument by loop road about 10 miles away.

Less than 800 years ago, Wupatiki was the tallest, largest, and most influential pueblo around. Between 85-100 people lived here, and several thousand more lived within a day’s walk.

There are several short hikes around the pueblo sites. There is also a Visitor Center offering a Junior Rangers program and other information about the site and its history.

TIP: Visit these parks early or late afternoon as there is no shade. If you arrive early enough, you may spot pronghorns in the fields near the Wupatki National Monument entrance.

Recommended by Nicole from AffordableFamilyTravel .

20. Petrified Forest National Park

The Petrified Forest National Park located between two major roads – Hwy 40 and Hwy 180 – in eastern Arizona is an incredible place to visit if you enjoy the great outdoors and some adventure. This park is unlike any other place in Arizona, with unique colorful landscapes, 200 million-year-old petrified tree trunks, fossils, and petroglyphs.

Be sure to visit the Rainbow Forest Museum which is easily accessible via Highway 180. The museum is small but very informative and will tell you all you need to know about the natural history of the area. The Petrified Forest National Park is also a fantastic place to go hiking and exploring. The Blue Mesa Trail is highly recommended as it’s one of the most scenic trails in the park and the loop is only 1 mile (1.6 km). Painted Desert Rim Trail is another really nice and short hike of similar length.

It’s definitely possible to see the park in one day and you can drive to many places of interest or enjoy one or two short hikes. Since accommodation nearby is limited, most tourists only visit here for a couple of hours or a day. However, if you want to truly enjoy the beauty of this park, you can also stay here for two or three nights and you’ll find plenty to see and do.

Good to know: Campsites are only accessible on foot and there is no RV camping permitted. To camp, you need to obtain a free permit from the Rainbow Forest Museum. This is definitely an adventure and only suitable for experienced campers and hikers. Alternatively, the best town to stay nearby is Holbrook, AZ , where you’ll find several hotels, shops, and restaurants. It’s about 20 miles/25 minutes drive from either entrance to the park. The entrance fee is 25$ per vehicle, or you can also use your annual national parks pass.

Recommended by Victoria from Guide Your Travel .

21. Navajo National Monument

Navajo National Monument has three of the best-preserved cliff dwellings in Arizona. You can spend an hour, a morning, or even two or three days here depending on what you want to see. But no matter how much time you have, it’s well worth a visit!

The most popular (and easiest) way to experience the monument is to hike the self-guided Sandal Trail . The 1.3-mile out-and-back paved trail passes through areas of pine and junipers to an overlook where there is a great view of the Betatakin cliff dwelling 0.25 miles away across the canyon. To do this hike, you will need about an hour or two, including the time to enjoy seeing the dwelling.

If you have more time, it’s also possible to take a backcountry hike to see the dwellings up close. Guided hikes/ tours to see Betatakin typically take 3-5 hours. They include either a 3-mile or 5-mile steep, strenuous hike, plus time at the dwelling. They are normally offered twice a day mid-May to mid-September. You can sign up for these at the Visitor Center on the same day. For more information, see the official site of the National Park Service .

For the more adventurous (and fitter), there is also a very strenuous 17-mile roundtrip backcountry self-guided hike to the Keet Siel dwelling . This can be done in one day or with an overnight camping stop. If you plan to hike Keet Siel, you need to make a reservation and then attend a mandatory orientation in the afternoon on the day before your hike.

TIP: You can do the Betatakin hike in the morning, then attend the Keet Siel orientation when you return and then hike to Keet Siel the next day. That way, you get to see both cliff dwellings in two days (or three if you opt for overnight camping). There is also a campground near the Visitor Center and a few hotels in Kayenta , about 30 minutes drive.

Recommended by James Ian from Parks Collecting .

22. Lower Salt River & Wild Horses

Winding through the arid Tonto National Forest, the Lower Salt River is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream. The best way to explore this scenic Sonoran Desert oasis is by boat. You paddle between jagged, red cliffs, and also have great scenic views of the landscapes dotted by cacti.

You don’t have to be an experienced kayaker or paddler to enjoy this calm river, either. But if you know how to steer your watercraft, you’ll be able to get yourself a better view of the big draw in the area – the wild mustangs. Small herds of wild horses can be spotted as they come to the water for a drink. If you’re lucky, you may spy a line of horses crossing the river.

The entire Salt River is 200 miles long, but the most popular section for kayaking or beginner-friendly floating trips is the Lower Salt River. Due to its proximity to Phoenix, it’s an easy day trip for visitors to the metro area, and most of these tours start in Mesa, AZ.

It’s best to go on a guided tour . Local outfitters provide the equipment (including a wet bag to keep your belongings dry), instructions, and knowledgeable guides will add to the experience, pointing out native wildlife and sharing entertaining stories. You can rent equipment and paddle unguided, too, but you’ll need to arrange transportation and you also need a Tonto National Forest Recreational Pass. If you book a tour, they normally take care of all of this.

Good to know: Dress in layers since it’s cooler in the morning and heats up quickly. And plan on getting wet. It’s common to take breaks in shallow areas of the river to cool in the water.

TIP: If you are looking for more action and adventure, there are also rafting trips on the other part of the Salt River. Most of them start in Whiteriver, AZ. Here you can book a 3-hr rafting tour on Salt River and here’s a longer 6-hr rafting tour . Most of these tours are still very beginner-friendly, and even kids (usually age 8+) can partake.

Recommended by Kim from Oh My! Omaha

23. Apache Trail

If you are visiting the Phoenix area, one of the cool places that really gives you a sense of Arizona and the wild, wild, west is the Apache Trail located just about 20 miles outside of the city.

A real taste of old Phoenix and the western days, the Apache Trail holds most of the water reservoirs that feed a large part of the population. But it’s also interspersed with arid desert filled with local cactus and flora, ghost towns, and little spit communities with cool dive bars and memorabilia stuck to the walls and ceilings. It really is a special area to visit in Arizona that remains unchanged and so Old Western in appeal.

The Apache Trail is about 40 miles, with lots of scenic lookouts and great photo opportunities. It’s totally unique and fun to explore. Most of the trail drive is on dirt and gravel roads, winding trails that curve the water edges, and into hilly areas with stunning scenic views of this magnificent countryside.

A popular place to visit along the route through the Apache Trail is Goldfield ghost town , an old miner town that is more tourist-focused but not so tacky and still authentic. Superstition Mountain and the Lost Dutchman State Park are beautiful mountain and outcrop formations with fantastic hikes to enjoy.

Canyon Lake is also a nice stop. It has nice facilities to enjoy a picnic, water fun, and even some water sports. Tortilla Flat is another must-see en route. It’s an old western settlement with a funky old general store, a bar, and some interesting outbuildings to explore. It is fun and what you would typically expect from an outpost in this area.

The forty miles of varied terrain on the Apache Trail is not a fast journey. Count at least 3-4 hours, but you can easily fill an entire day for this route. If you are in Phoenix, make sure to take some time to visit the Apache Trail for a taste of the Wild West of Arizona.

Recommended by Noel Morata from Travel Photo Discovery .

24. Lake Havasu

Although you may never have heard of Lake Havasu before, it is actually home to the second most visited attraction in Arizona, the world-famous London Bridge ! Yes, the London Bridge from England, UK, featured in the popular nursery rhyme “London Bridge is Falling Down.” After being purchased from England in 1968, the bridge was meticulously relocated brick by brick from its former home on the river Themes to Lake Havasu, linking the city with an island in the Colorado River.

Rumor has it that the founder of Lake Havasu City actually thought he was purchasing the much more decedent Tower Bridge rather than the plain brick London Bridge they received.

Other than spotting a somewhat out-of-place historic monument, there are plenty more reasons why you should visit Lake Havasu. From hiking and mountain biking through SARA Park to fishing , boating , and paddleboarding on the lake itself or simply relaxing on its sandy beaches , this lakeside city in the Sonoran Desert indeed does have something to satisfy everyone’s preferred vacation.

An amazing event to see is the Lake Havasu Hot Air balloon festival, which sees more than 80 hot air balloons take the sky in an incredibly picturesque setting over the lake for a weekend in mid-January. Take your family to enjoy the music, food, entertainment, and carnival rides that truly make this the most magical time to visit Lake Havasu.

TIP: While you can visit Lake Havasu for a day, it’s a real vacation destination that is best enjoyed on a longer visit! Allow at least three days to relax and see the sites of Lake Havasu. The best way to embrace the summer vacation spirit here is to rent a lakefront Airbnb with your family or friends for a group getaway.

Recommended by Kate from Miss Tourist.

If you are looking for nice places to visit along the iconic Route 66 in Arizona , check out the tiny village of Oatman , between Needles and Kingman. Oatman was founded in 1915 when two people found gold in this area that was worth over 10 million dollars. Within a year, the town’s population grew to 3,500 inhabitants. However, after the mines closed and Interstate 40 was built, Oatman turned into a ghost town.

Nowadays, the town is a popular stop for people road-tripping through the Southwest USA and Oatman has about 40-50 inhabitants. Besides historic Route 66 (the section between Oatman and Kingman is breathtakingly beautiful), there are many other interesting things to see in Oatman.

The first thing you’ll notice when you arrive is the large number of wild burros that wander through town. They are descendants of the pack mules that were used by the prospectors back in the day. The burros are protected by the government and roam around freely. In the shops, you can buy food to feed them.

Also the Oatman Hotel is worth checking out. Clark Gable and Carole Lombard (the famous couple from Gone with the Wind) stayed here during their honeymoon in 1939. Besides that, the hotel is known to be haunted. But don’t worry, “Oatie the Ghost” seems to be a friendly ghost.

If you are passing nearby, be sure to take a detour off the main highway, drive part of the original Route 66, and visit Oatman. It’s just a short stop that doesn’t require more than an hour or two, but it will definitely make your Arizona road trip more special.

Recommended by Jacoba from Op Reis Met Co .

26. Seligman, Route 66

Seligman is one more place that we feel deserves a separate mention on this list of the best places to visit in Arizona. Considered the “Birthplace of Historic Route 66” , Seligman is a small town along the original line of this historic route and a great place to get a taste of what Route 66 used to be like.

Seligman is a colorful town that has preserved a lot of its buildings and culture, and it’s full of fun photo opportunities.

One of the best places to start is the Copper Cart , an old gas station that now functions as a gift shop. Often, a real-life cowboy fully equipped with a couple of horses, cowboy hats, and 1870s Winchester rifles hangs out here and you can take some great pictures with all the ‘props’. Don’t forget to tip as the proceeds go toward hay for the horses. Historic Seligman Sundries is another nice place for souvenirs and photos.

There are dozens of great photo opportunities in Seligman (don’t miss the colorful  Seligman sign  too), so you can spend an hour or two wandering around and taking pictures. There are also a couple of nice old-school places for lunch or a snack (check out Delgadillo’s Snow Cap or Westside Lilo’s Cafe).

Just like most Route 66 attractions, Seligman isn’t really a destination in itself, but a great photo/lunch stop when passing by. If you find yourself near Williams, AZ, or if you are driving between Las Vegas and Grand Canyon, be sure to check it out! If you have more time, you can also drive a section of the historic Route 66 here.

Map of the Best Places in Arizona

To give you a better idea of where all these places are located, we created a map indicating all the main landmarks and attractions mentioned in this article (see below). This will help you decide which places can be visited together so that you can plan a perfect Arizona itinerary covering all the sights that interest you the most.

How to use this map:  Use your computer mouse (or fingers) to zoom in or out. Click on the icons to get more information about each place. Click the arrow on the top left corner for the index. Click the star next to the map’s title to add it to your Google Maps account. To view the saved map on your smartphone or PC, open Google Maps, click the menu and go to ‘Your Places’/’Maps’. If you want to print the map or see it in a bigger window, click on ‘View larger map’ in the top right corner.

So, this is our guide to some of the best places in the Grand Canyon state. I hope that it gave you plenty of ideas of where to go and what to see in Arizona!

For more travel inspiration for this area, please see our featured articles below. Check it out!

Visiting Arizona? Check out these guides as well:

More travel tips for Arizona & Utah:

• One day in Grand Canyon
• Where to stay in Grand Canyon
• Grand Canyon – Antelope Canyon – Horseshoe Bend itinerary
• Best things to do in Sedona
• Sedona day trip
• Zion to Bryce Canyon – travel info and itinerary suggestions
• Best hikes in Zion National Park
• Where to stay in and near Zion National Park
• Best things to do in Arches National Park
• Best things to do in Canyonlands National Park
• Best things to do in Moab
• Where to stay in Moab
• Best Moab Tours

Travel tips for Las Vegas:

• Best things to do in Las Vegas
• First-timer’s guide and tips for visiting Las Vegas
• 1-day Las Vegas Itinerary
• Best day trips from Las Vegas

Southern California:

• Los Angeles Itinerary for 3 Days
• Universal Studios Hollywood: Tips for First Visit
• Universal Studios vs. Warner Bros Studios Hollywood
• San Diego Itinerary
• Best Places to See in Death Valley National Park

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Additional image credits: Depositphotos.com

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Tuesday 19th of March 2024

i like the Sedona its cool

Wednesday 20th of March 2024

It is! There are so many cool places in Arizona, right?!

korosh solhi

Wednesday 29th of November 2023

hi this is great

Thursday 30th of November 2023

Glad to help. Happy travels!

Frances Williams

Monday 30th of January 2023

Hello Jurga, I am going to Italy this September and using all your suggestions- love your blogs! Please can you suggest an organized tour for 3 Seniors in May to visit Sedona and the GC, south rim. We won’t drive. We would like to stay a couple of nights in Sedona and do day trips but how do we get to Sedona from Phoenix? Would love your guidance. Thanks

Wednesday 1st of February 2023

Hello Frances, I did some research and found this company that seems to arrange transportation between Phoenix (airport) and various places in the area including Sedona. Once in Sedona, you can take tours to any of the places you want to visit in that area. For recommendations, take a look at our guide to the best things to do in Sedona. Have a great trip!

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The 10 Best Places to Visit in Arizona

State 48, as it's known locally, is more than the tumbleweeds and cacti depicted in classic Western movies. In major cities like Phoenix and Tucson, you’ll find world-class museums and luxury resorts. At the Grand Canyon, you’ll be inspired as you view the only one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World located in North America. The state has world-class spas, Native American arts and crafts, and UNESCO World Heritage sites.

On the same day, you can kick off your morning walking the still-dusty streets of Tombstone and end the day sipping wine at a winery. Or, pose with the world’s largest cacti at Saguaro National Park near Tucson, then Instagram a photo of yourself standing in the world’s largest stand of Ponderosa Pine trees in Coconino National Forest. The possibilities are endless. 

 Matt Mawson / Getty Images

Chances are, if you fly to Arizona, you’ll most likely land at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport in Phoenix. The fifth-largest city in the United States boasts some of the state’s best museums, including the internationally acclaimed Musical Instrument Museum and the Heard Museum with its impressive collection of Native American art. Taliesin West , the winter home of architect Frank Lloyd Wright, is now a UNESCO World Heritage site and open for tours in Scottsdale.

Even though the greater Phoenix metropolitan area is surrounded by the Sonoran Desert, its unique landscape is worth exploring in the cooler months. Get a primer on the area’s flora with a visit to the Desert Botanical Garden and its fauna at the Phoenix Zoo before heading out. You can explore the Sonoran Desert on your own on a hike at South Mountain Park , one of the largest city parks in the world, or take a 4x4 tour into the Four Peaks Wilderness.

Phoenix also has some of the state’s best restaurants, including its only AAA Five Diamond and Forbes Five Star award-winning restaurant, Kai; nearly 200 golf courses; and some of the nation’s best spas. 

Grand Canyon National Park

TripSavvy / Taylor McIntyre

One of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, the Grand Canyon is a must for any visitor to Arizona. You can see the canyon from viewpoints at the South Rim, the national park’s main entrance; the North Rim; and Grand Canyon West, the Hualapai tribal lands where the glass Skywalk curves over the rim’s edge. First-time visitors will want to experience the canyon at the South Rim, which is the easiest access and has jaw-dropping views.

After gazing across the expanse of the South Rim, you can hike or bike the mostly-paved Rim Trail, trek a short way into the canyon (or all the way to the bottom if you plan to overnight there), or ride a mule with reservations on the rim or below. Rafting trips, which generally leave from Page, and helicopter tours, which take off at Grand Canyon National Park Airport, are other ways to explore the canyon. 

 Nikolas_jkd / Getty Images

Surrounded by rocks tinged red with rusting iron, Sedona is one of the most beautiful cities in the state. Outdoor enthusiasts can hike or mountain bike the trails in Red Rock State Park, cool off at Slide Rock State Park, or take a yoga class on the red rocks, but you don’t need to work out to indulge at one of Sedona’s luxury spas. Pamper yourself even further with an aura reading or by meditating in a vortex, a swirling pocket of energy that promotes healing and self-exploration.

A trip to Sedona wouldn’t be complete without a Pink Jeep tour. Book the two-hour Broken Arrow tour to see the red rocks up close while tackling rugged terrain in an open-air Jeep Wrangler. After, shop for souvenirs on the main route through the city, State Route 89A, or at the boutiques and galleries at the Spanish-style shopping center, Tlaquepaque. 

ChrisBoswell / Getty Images 

This city makes a good base for exploring the Grand Canyon, but it’s a destination in its own right. Start in the historic downtown, where you can shop Flagstaff’s boutiques, specialty stores, and art galleries. Between retailers, break with a pint from one of several downtown breweries on the Flagstaff Brewery Trail or grab a bite to eat at Proper Meats + Provisions or Pizzicletta . Or, discover the downtown area on a self-guided walking tour. The city’s “Walk This Talk” tour retraces the Route 66 alignment through Flagstaff. Drop by the Visitor Center in the historic train depot at 1 E. Route 66 for more information.

Beyond downtown, the Museum of Northern Arizona features exhibits on geology and Native American culture while Lowell Observatory introduces visitors to the universe and tells the story of how Pluto was discovered onsite in 1930. 

Jim Vallee / Getty Images 

Jerome—dubbed the Wickedest City in the West in the early 1900s—nearly became a ghost town after its mines played out. Thankfully, in the 1960s, artists moved in and breathed new life into the community. Today, Jerome is known for its art galleries, specialty shops like Nellie Bly Kaleidoscopes, winery tasting rooms, and great food. Before heading into town, make a stop at Jerome State Historic Park to learn about the community’s mining past.

A day trip to Jerome can easily be combined with a visit to Cottonwood , which has even more galleries, restaurants, and tasting rooms. Serious wine lovers may want to overnight either in Jerome or Cottonwood and spend the following day visiting the actual wineries on the Verde Valley Wine Trail near Cornville. 

 Esdelval / Getty Images

The second-largest city in Arizona, Tucson is the first UNESCO City of Gastronomy in the United States, thanks to its rich agricultural history and efforts to preserve heirloom crops. You can visit the nation’s oldest continuously farmed land at San Agustin Mission Farm and drop by Native Seeds/Search to learn more.

But Tucson is much more than its farming past. It’s home to the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, a highly-acclaimed botanical garden, zoo, and small aquarium, as well as the Pima Air & Space Museum. In addition to a tram tour of its outdoor aircraft, the museum also offers guided tours of the AMARG “Boneyard” across the street at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base. Round out your visit with stops at Mission San Xavier del Bac, Sabino Canyon, and Saguaro National Park.

Want to experience life as a cowpoke? Tucson has two dude ranches: White Stallion Ranch and Tanque Verde Ranch . 

vuk8691 / Getty Images

Immortalized in movies and books, this legendary silver boom town in Southern Arizona lives on today. You can stand in the same spot where the Earp brothers—Wyatt, Virgil, and Morgan—along with Doc Holliday stared down rivals Ike Clanton, Billy Clanton, Tom McLaury, and Frank McLaury before the infamous shootout at the O.K. Corral. Actors reenact the scene at the O.K. Corral Historic Complex daily for ticketholders, but you can dive even deeper into the gunfight at the Tombstone Courthouse State Historic Park. Tour the Bird Cage Theater Museum , and get a drink at Big Nose Kate’s Saloon before you go.

A visit to Tombstone can easily be combined with time in Bisbee , a mining-town-turned-arts-community less than a half hour’s drive south. Browse the galleries there, discover the excellent, Smithsonian-affiliated Bisbee Mining and Historical Museum , or go underground on a Copper Queen Mine tour. 

Sonoita/Elgin Wine Region

Chiyacat / Getty Images

Believe it or not, Arizona produces wines so impressive they’ve been served at the White House. While the Willcox area is the largest growing region in the state, some of the best vintages come from the Sonoita/Elgin wine region , the state’s first American Viticulture Area (AVA). Download a map here to visit some of the wineries on your own, or leave the driving to someone else with Arizona Winery Tours . Top wineries include Dox Cabezas WineWorks, Kief-Joshua Vineyards, and Sonoita Vineyards.

If you want to discover even more Arizona wines, detour to Willcox , where several Willcox AVA wineries, such as Keeling Schaefer Vineyards, have tasting rooms.  

Antelope Canyon

 Buena Vista Images / Getty Images

You’ve likely been awed by pictures of Antelope Canyon , the sandstone slot canyon in northern Arizona formed over millions of years by water and wind. Its wavy, orange walls, and shafts of light give it an otherworldly appearance. Located near Page, it is an extremely popular destination.

Book your tour before you go, especially if you will be visiting during the fall or spring when temperatures are more moderate. Most tours spend about an hour in the actual canyon and involve some hiking. (Due to COVID-19, visitors are not permitted to walk back through the canyon to the 4x4 that brought them. Instead, they have to hike out over a low section of wall.)

Upper Antelope Canyon is more commonly toured since it’s easier to navigate, but some companies also offer tours of Lower Antelope Canyon and nearby Waterhole Canyon and other slot canyons. 

Monument Valley Tribal Park

 Don White / Getty Images

Straddling the Arizona-Utah border, the iconic landscapes of Monument Valley Tribal Park are well over a five-hour drive from Phoenix but not to be missed if you have the time. You can drive the unpaved 17-mile road on your own into the park’s interior or, better yet, have a Navajo guide take you off-road. Often these tours include weaving demonstrations, sunset dinners, and Native American singing and dancing. Plan to spend the night at The View Hotel , the only hotel in the park, to watch the sunrise over the Mittens rock formations the next morning. 

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The Ultimate Road Trip From Phoenix to the Grand Canyon

This arizona road trip serves up major doses of scenery, hiking, biking, and some serious “me time,” whether at the spa or on your second plate of enchiladas..

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Start your road trip with a stay at Mountain Shadows, at the foot of Camelback Mountain in Scottsdale.

Courtesy of Mountain Shadows

Whether you’re on a cross-country trip or just jetting in and out of Arizona, it’s impossible to miss how painfully beautiful the southwestern state is. At first glance, you might only see shades of beige as you drive—many homes are designed to complement the desert landscape—but look closer, and you’ll notice dusty green saguaro cacti, wildflower pops of canary yellow, and enough aquamarine pools to make you wonder why you live in the frozen tundra up north.

At AFAR we have feels about the ideal Arizona road trip—our founders lived in the Phoenix area for years, and there are vocal natives on staff—so this route is the product of much debate. Here’s the classic five-day Arizona road trip from Phoenix to the Grand Canyon (with a few trip extensions if you have more time).

Day 1: Phoenix to Scottsdale

• Distance: 8 miles
• Highlights: Old Town Scottsdale, Camelback Mountain

Phoenix’s greater metropolitan area—which also includes Mesa and Scottsdale—has about 5 million residents. For this trip, ease into vacation with an overnight in the smaller, resort-heavy Scottsdale, about a 20-minute drive from Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX).

Where to stay in Scottsdale

Sister properties Hotel Valley Ho and Mountain Shadows , both AFAR favorites, have two very different vibes: Valley Ho is a midcentury-modern throwback with a glam pool scene and a hammam experience down a hallway lined with historic photos (Jackie Gleason! Tony Curtis!). Bonus: It’s a short walk from Old Town Scottsdale.

Mountain Shadows makes you want to be outside, whether it’s on your personal patio overlooking the firepit, out on the golf course, or stargazing with a specialty cocktail (’cause #vacation) at the base of Camelback Mountain.

For families, the Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort and Spa has a full-blown water playground with a three-story waterslide and a Camp Hyatt for kids ages 3 to 12.

Keep an eye open for . . .

That enticing hump of Camelback, calling all hikers and climbers with its 2,704-foot elevation. If you’d prefer something more mellow, the Quartz Ridge Trail near Mountain Shadows has a three-mile trek you could cover in a little over an hour or combine with intersecting trails. You’ll see trail runners and locals walking their dogs—and no cars for miles.

Don’t miss . . .

The green chili rolled enchiladas at Frank and Lupe’s (the best Mexican food in Old Town Scottsdale) and a round of darts and drinks at dive bar Coach House .

Want more restaurant choices? Read this chef’s guide to the best dining in Phoenix and Scottsdale.

Famous for its red rock buttes and canyons, Sedona is one of the most popular destinations in Arizona.

Photo by Malgorzata Litkowska/Shutterstock

Day 2: Scottsdale to Sedona

• Distance: 125 miles
• Highlights: ghost towns, red rocks

Roll out of Scottsdale after a leisurely breakfast and aim for Sedona, one of the top destinations in the state (after, you know, that giant canyon . . .). There’s a raw energy here amid the red rock buttes and canyons; wellness retreats and crystal shops enhance the spiritual vibe. It’s also a weekend getaway for Phoenix locals so beware of traffic during peak season (February through June, especially when Cactus League spring training is back in action).

Where to stay in Sedona

Pull into L’Auberge de Sedona , a “few minutes from the shops, galleries, and restaurants of Sedona, but tucked away along the banks of quiet-flowing Oak Creek—it’s one of the Southwest’s most romantic hideaways,” says AFAR contributor Bob Payne . “It has red-rock views, as every accommodation in Sedona must, but its French-country-inn style, in the land of adobe architecture, and its leafy, creekside location, are what define it.” If you prefer the space and family-friendly amenities of a vacation rental, there are plenty of Airbnbs in Sedona , as well.

Jerome, a turn-of-the-century copper mining community turned ghost town off 89A between Prescott and Sedona.

Detour worth taking

Coffee and huevos rancheros at the Local in Prescott, a (surprise!) hyper-local café that seems to be universally beloved by travelers, and a stroll down historic Whiskey Row, which was home to 40-odd saloons during its gold rush heyday.

Cathedral Rock offers memorable views of the surrounding Verde Valley.

Photo by Kevin J. Wolfson/Shutterstock

Day 3: Sedona

• Highlights: some of the top hikes (and views) in the Southwest

With L’Auberge as your base, set out for Cathedral Rock , “a magnificent red rock formation with soaring spires that resemble a cathedral,” says Katie Galeotti, AFAR executive director, marketing and special projects. “It’s also one of Sedona’s four major vortices—centers of heightened spiritual and metaphysical energy” that can be experienced with .7-mile (steep) hike to a plateau with unreal views of Verde Valley.

Another tip, from VP, publisher Bryan Kinkade: The shop Run Sedona will offer suggestions on less-trafficked hikes if you find Cathedral Rock inundated.

Iconic Bell Rock and the Oak Creek Canyon Drive on 89A, offering another set of spectacular views.

Southwest grill Mariposa comes with a side of red rocks—opt for outdoor seating—and fantastic handmade empanadas, tacos, and spicy margaritas. And don’t miss the smoked brisket enchiladas at Elote Cafe , “where the atmosphere is casual but the food is fancy.”

When driving from Sedona to the Grand Canyon, stop off in Flagstaff for a pastrami sandwich at Proper Meats and Provisions.

Photo by Shutterstock

Day 4: Sedona to Grand Canyon South Rim

• Distance: 115 miles
• Highlights: Flagstaff’s diverse food scene, a Grand Canyon sunset

It’s a short drive to the Grand Canyon’s South Rim from Sedona, so if you set out in the morning, you’ll still have time to stop for lunch in hippie college town Flagstaff and make it to the canyon for the sunset. (Oak Creek Canyon Drive is also on your way.)

Where to stay near the Grand Canyon

We love Bright Angel Lodge by architect Mary J. Colter (who designed several other buildings in the park ), especially its porch views and floor-to-ceiling fireplace in the main lounge, says AFAR contributor Deb Hopewell. But we’d like to give Under Canvas a try—the luxury tents are fit for roving families with king-size beds, lounges, and wood stoves to keep the tents cozy. (Anyone who’s camped at the Grand Canyon knows it gets cold at night—like, sleep in the car with your shoes on cold.)

Read on for the best hotels in Arizona .

A pastrami sandwich in Flagstaff? Believe us: Proper Meats and Provisions , a local, whole animal butcher shop, has one of the best outside New York City. Don’t worry, Flagstaff is also a hotbed of vegan and gluten-free options. And churros.

Take in the Grand Canyon from the South Kaibab Trail.

Photo by Bryan Kinkade

Day 5: Grand Canyon South Rim

• Highlights: diversity of hikes in and around the Grand Canyon South Rim

You’re here! You made it! Now explore the canyon from above and within—starting with a short hike along South Kaibab Trail . “It’s a well-maintained (but steep!) stretch of dirt with very little shade,” warns AFAR local expert Katarina Kovacevic , but “it’s a scenic adventure through and through. South Kaibab’s main destinations include Ooh-Aah Point (at the highest elevation of 6,660 feet), Cedar Ridge (good for novice hikers and late starters), and Skeleton Point (an unobstructed view of the Colorado River with steep switchbacks).”

Believe it or not, the Grand Canyon IMAX at the visitor center is worth a stop. Grand Canyon: Rivers of Time runs every hour on the half-hour and offers an excellent primer on the canyon’s history.

Read on for a first-timer’s guide to the Grand Canyon.

Trip extensions from the Grand Canyon South Rim

If you have a little more time, consider extending your Arizona road trip with these add-ons.

Start in Tucson instead of Phoenix

Additional time needed: 2–3 days

It’s a 90-minute to two-hour drive southeast of Phoenix and, by our estimation, Tucson is the best food city in Arizona . (Ever hear of the James Beard Award–winning Sonoran hot dog? It’s from here.) Nearby Saguaro National Park and the adjacent Tucson Mountain Park are also spectacular, says AFAR contributor and Tucson native Sara Button, as is the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum , “which is essentially a really well-done zoo/garden for the area’s desert flora and fauna, with wonderful family programming. I recommend it for every first-time visitor to town.” Bed down at the Joshua Tree Tucson , a five-suite inn that sits on 38 acres along the border of Saguaro National Park.

Head north to Lake Powell

Drive back to Phoenix: 4 hours, 20 minutes

Drive 2.5 hours (137 miles) north from the South Rim to Lake Powell, which can serve as your base to explore nearby Antelope Canyon, the lesser (and less touristed) canyons, and Horseshoe Bend , home to one of the best hikes outside the Grand Canyon.

Head east to Canyon de Chelly

Drive back to Phoenix: 5 hours Drive 3.5 hours (195 miles) east of the South Rim for three national wonders: the Painted Desert , Petrified Forest National Park , and Canyon de Chelly National Monument .

This article was originally published in 2020. It was most recently updated on August 21, 2023 to include new information.

35 Best Things To Do & Places To Visit In Arizona

By: Author Jerric Chong

Posted on Last updated: August 23, 2024

Arizona, one of the best vacation spots in the world , is packed with must see places and tourist spots, all with their own unique points of interest, and features.

It can be hard to figure out all the things to do in Arizona this weekend or during your next visit due to the sheer wealth of options – but we have you covered.

Here are the 35 best things to do and places to visit in Arizona.

Table of Contents

1. Canyon de Chelly National Monument

Canyon de Chelly National Monument

Need some really cool Arizona vacation ideas?

How about a majestic Native American heritage site?

After all, there are few things more fascinating than that!

Head inside the boundaries of the Navajo Nation and look up Canyon de Chelly National Monument – a location that has seen almost 5,000 years of uninterrupted human occupation by the Anasazi and Navajo people.

These days, it’s all ruins – but that doesn’t mean it isn’t worth visiting.

If you take a private tour or a free ranger-led hike you can see the spectacular sight that is all these cliff dwellings high up and carved into the side of the canyon walls.

Most of the ruins are inaccessible to visitors these days, but there are still some places you can go wander through yourself and at least one self-guided hike available.

So if you’re in the area, why not give yourself a chance to check out some incredible history in person?

It’s among the top things to do in Arizona!

Address: Highway 191, Chinle, AZ 86503, United States

2. Walnut Canyon

Walnut Canyon

Looking for fun things to do in Arizona?

Why not dive deep into some pre-Colombian history, and take a moment to appreciate the culture and beauty of a land and its native citizens?

One of the most popular tourist attractions in the state is the historical cliff dwellings that are hewn into the side of canyon walls.

Walnut Canyon specifically was home to the Sinagua people, before it was suddenly abandoned.

Considering that the Sinagua not only thrived in such an environment but even had a trading empire, their vanishment comes as a mystery.

To this day, historians and archeologists haven’t been able to unravel this puzzle.

And since the site is open to visitors, tackling this mystery by yourself is now fair game! (Within reasonable limits, of course.)

So if and you’re interested in around playing as archeological detectives, why not add visiting this incredible location to your list of to-dos?

Address:  3 Walnut Canyon Rd, Flagstaff, AZ 86004, United States

3. Grand Canyon

Grand Canyon

The internationally renowned jewel of the Colorado Plateau Province, and undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places in America , is the Grand Canyon .

Large enough to be seen from space, this location sits among the top 10 best Arizona travel destinations lists for a good reason.

With breathtaking views, incredible biodiversity, and challenging activities for you to do, there is never a dull moment in this Canyon.

Consider white-water rafting along the Colorado River, or marveling at how the Earth’s history on full display on the walls of the canyon.

And if you would rather not walk, there are even mule rides available!

All in all, the Grand Canyon is a must-see destination if you’re an outdoorsy person or someone with an amateur interest in geology.

There’s just something that strikes awe into the human soul about this geological marvel, and it is really worth coming here for an experience you’ll never forget!

This is one of the things to see in Arizona to add to your must do list.

Address:  Arizona, United States

4. Antelope Canyon

Antelope Canyon

Need a sprinkling of danger to heighten those senses for maximum enjoyment?

Antelope Canyon may just be what you’re looking for.

A location infamous for its frequent flash floods, this particular canyon requires that visitors be led on guided tours for their own safety.

That said, there’s a reason it is one of the most beautiful places you can visit in Arizona.

The banded sandstone here has been worn smooth into gorgeous shapes that are reminiscent of the water that rushes through them.

This incredible view alone should put this place on your list of things to see in Arizona!

Named after the pronghorn antelopes that used to be common here, the canyons themselves are divided into two parts – the upper and lower canyon.

While both are equally beautiful, you might want to pick the upper canyon if you are a casual tourist that just wants some fun!

Address: Navajo Tribal Park, Page, AZ 86040, United States

5. Wupatki National Monument

Wupatki National Monument

What is the point of visiting the state if you don’t at least check out the view?

Some of the top things to do in Arizona include siteseeing – an activity that makes complete sense if you drop by the Wupatki National Monument to take a look.

Located in the middle of the state’s scenic desert vistas, the Wupatki National Monument is home to some of the best-preserved pueblo ruins in the country.

Despite excavations beginning as early as the 1800s, studies and further archeological work is still ongoing due to the rarity of finding such a well-preserved pueblo.

Despite having been abandoned for centuries, the pueblos still feel haunting.

Drop around sunset, and it’s as if the houses and buildings are still waiting for the inhabitants that will never come home.

Maybe you can fill in the space for a bit, and explore its centuries’ worth of history.

Address:  25137 N Wupatki Ln, Flagstaff, AZ 86004, United States

Don’t forget to check out some more fun things to do in Flagstaff !

Despite what most people think, some of the best things to do in Arizona include staring at the scenery.

The desert landscape here amidst the canyons and valleys is a breathtaking view and carries with it a raw kind of earthy energy that can attract sensitive types.

If you are any kind of spiritual practitioner, you ought to put visiting Sedona on your must-visit list today.

Located in Verde Valley, the desert town is a cultural arts enclave surrounded by incredible rock formations.

While the red bands of iron oxide and manganese are often enough to attract visitors, Sedona is famous for something else.

Within the masses of rock formations lies four vortexes of energy, sites that have made visitors burst into tears just by walking into it.

There’s a reason for all the metaphysical shops in that town, after all!

Don’t worry if you’re not the metaphysical type – Sedona is one of those vacation spots that has something for everyone.

Why not check out Cathedral’s Rock, an elevated summit that presents itself as a challenge?

Here’s a list of some of the most amazing things to do in Sedona !

7. Petrified Forest National Park

Petrified Forest National Park

Scenic places usually don’t function as a main draw for a lot of people, but there’s a reason Arizona attractions are all about the view.

Just where else would you find a completely fossilized forest?

It’s a truly one-of-a-kind spot!

The Petrified Forest National Park spans across northeastern Arizona, covering both Navajo and Apache counties in an area of approximately 146 square miles.

Made into a national monument in 1906, the park has some incredible terrain you would be hard-pressed to find anywhere else in the world.

Just think about it – where else are you going to find an entire fossilized forest in such incredible condition?

It would be an adventure just to walk among the petrified trees alone.

If the incredible views alone aren’t enough to wow you, however, the history buffs among you might prefer looking at the remnants of prehistoric people’s homes instead.

Address: Petrified Forest, Holbrook, AZ 86028, United States

8. Musical Instrument Museum

Musical Instrument Museum

If you’re a culture and history buff, then it only makes sense that your list of top things to do in Arizona include checking out the litany of culturally rich museums the state has to offer.

Alas, you have so many places to go and so little time.

How are you supposed to make the best of your visit in Arizona?

How about a museum dedicated almost entirely to instruments?

A pretty recent institution by museum standards, the Musical Instrument Museum first opened its Arizona doors in early 2010 and differentiates itself by one key feature – its main exhibits is about musical instruments.

Boasting over 15,000 instruments from every single country in the world in its galleries, this is an exhibit that music lovers should not miss.

And the best part?

You’re allowed to play and handle most of them too!

What’s the point of enjoying music if you can’t have hands-on experience, after all?

Address:  4725 E Mayo Blvd, Phoenix, AZ 85050, United States

Planning a trip to Phoenix soon? Be sure to check out our list of things to do in Phoenix !

9. Camelback Mountain

Camelback Mountain

Some of us may be familiar with the story of how the camel got its hump.

Have you ever tried asking how the mountain got its head?

The answer is pretty interesting!

Named after its distinctive shape, Camelback Mountain sits pretty high on the list of tourist places you must visit if you’re a hiker making your way through Arizona.

It historically was home to pre-colonial Native Americans, so budding historians might be interested in checking out this mountain’s historical areas too!

But the real fun here is for the geologists.

The head of the “camel” gets its unique shape from the red sandstone eroding faster than the harder granite sitting on top of it.

There’s just one question – how did the old granite end up on top of the younger, newer sandstone for this particular part of the mountain?

Drop by this scenic location yourself and see if you can solve the mystery!

Address: Phoenix, AZ 85018, United States

10. Lake Powell

Lake Powell

Still need to bulk up your list of places to visit in Arizona?

Why not check out Lake Powell ?

A man-made reservoir situated on the Colorado River, it was created in 1972 when the Glen Canyon was flooded by the construction of the Glen Canyon Dam.

Aside from supplying water to multiple different states, these days it serves as one of the best places in the state for all sorts of recreational water activities in an otherwise arid landscape.

If you’re struggling to beat the heat while visiting Arizona in the summer, why not pop this lake for fishing, boating, or water skiing?

Even better, why not grab a boat tour to Rainbow Bridge?

It’s a jaw-dropping rock arch accessible best by boat.

Sure, you can find other similarly beautiful formations elsewhere, but how many of them are suspended above a sparkling expanse of water?

Address: Utah and Arizona, United States

11. Superstition Mountain Museum

Superstition Mountain Museum

If you’re in Arizona for a weekend trip, why not tick visiting this museum off your Arizona bucket list?

East of Phoenix is a mountain range known as the Superstition Mountains.

Tall and forbidding, the mountains themselves are a sight to behold – and are crammed full of incredible hiking trails.

Perhaps if you’re lucky, you might even finally find the legendary Lost Dutchman’s Goldmine!

But if you’re a movie buff, it’s more likely that you’re interested in the movie sets – and this happens to also be the perfect place to indulge that hobby.

Nestled in the foot of the mountain range is a museum named after the mountains itself – and it’s a locale you may recognize.

The Superstition Mountain Museum has been featured in all sorts of Western kitschy movies and commercials.

Feel free to wander around the Western-style sets, or even have yourself an Elvis wedding!

Address:  4087 N Apache Trail, Apache Junction, AZ 85119, United States

12. Montezuma Castle National Monument

Montezuma Castle National Monument

On a road trip and need some fun things to do in Arizona?

Why not do yourself a favor and visit some of the most popular tourist attractions in the state?

History fans and budding archeologists will be particularly excited about this one.

Just 50 miles away from Flagstaff, Arizona is a resilient testament to the resilience of the Sinagua people – Montezuma Castle .

Named after an Aztec ruler by white colonists who had mistaken it for an Aztec ruin, Montezuma Castle is a dwelling carved into the sides of Beaver Creek Canyon.

Five-stories tall and located a good hundred feet above the canyon floor, the dwelling is partitioned into twenty rooms that you can explore in person.

By the way, if you’re bringing along a dog, it’s time to rejoice!

This particular ancient pueblo allows visitors to bring along their dogs – so long as they’re kept on leashes, of course.

Address:  Montezuma Castle Rd, Camp Verde, AZ, United States

13. Tombstone

In need of fun places to visit?

Say no more, and put this locale on your list of Arizona vacation spots.

Harkening back to the Victorian heyday where pioneers were still pushing westward in search of gold and land, Tombstone is a town especially for you.

Unlike all the other attractions listed so far, Tombstone is a town that is explicitly designed to cater to tourists.

Step in here and let yourself be transported back to the days of the Old West, with its period-accurate buildings and staged recreations of famous historical gunfights.

Indulge your love for Western B-movies, and have fun with the activities available here!

For those who are craving for more authentic stuff, there’s still hints of the town’s mining history that can be discovered.

Why not head on down to the Tombstone Courthouse State Historic Park, visit the museum there, and see if that hits the spot?

14. Route 66

Made famous by Pixar’s Cars, Route 66 is a location that’s sure high on your child’s list of places to see in Arizona.

Back in the days before interstates were routes like this one, which still hold a lot of their old-world charm.

If you’re heading down to the place where this road will take you anyway, then isn’t it great to take a moment to use this route?

The scenery is what American road trips are made off, and you’ll be reminded that it is always the journey that makes it worthwhile, not the final destinations!

You may still be asking where to go to find this route.

From Interstate 40, just take a bypass and drive for another 75 miles.

You’ll find it in no time – just keep driving along and enjoying the stuff to see along the way.

While you’re there, why not stop for lunch at Delgadillo’s Snow Cap Drive-In?

On trips like these, it’s the memories you make along the way that really makes it worthwhile.

15. Havasupai Falls

Havasupai Falls

If you’re already set on going sightseeing, why not visit some of the most beautiful places in Arizona – like the Havasupai Falls?

Tucked away deep in the heart of the Grand Canyon on Havasupai reservation is the Havasu Cavern – home to a series of gorgeous aquamarine waterfalls from which the Havasupai people derive their name.

Despite its beauty, this location is still a relatively unknown secret in Arizona!

The most famous of these waterfalls is known as the Havasu Falls – a waterfall with turquoise cascades so intensely colored, it’s hard to believe that the water flowing through it isn’t transparent.

Unfortunately, trying to get there is pretty difficult.

Not only do you require a permit to enter the reservation, it’s a tough journey to make.

Still, if you can make it, it’s one that will be definitely worth your while.

Address: Hualapai Hilltop, Supai, AZ 86435, United States

16. Yayoi Kusama Firefly Infinity Mirror Room

Yayoi Kusama Firefly Infinity Mirror Room

If you are an art junkie, then one of the top things to do in Arizona is to see Yayoi Kusama’s work in person for yourself.

The darling of the New York avant-garde art scene in the 1960s, Kusama faded largely into obscurity when she voluntarily moved back home to Japan and stayed in a hospital for the mentally ill in 1973.

Now, at the age of 89, Kusama is once again steadily regaining her well-deserved reputation as an incredible artist.

And now you too can personally experience the fun and joy of her mindbending artwork yourself!

Just head on over to the Phoenix Art Museum in Arizona to see the permanent exhibit installed there.

The title “You Who Are Getting Obliterated in the Dancing Swarm of Butterflies” may seem like an odd name to the casual onlooker, but the appropriateness of the name quickly becomes apparent once you are standing there to experience the exhibit in person yourself.

All in all, it is certainly a piece of art you should personally check out at least once in your life while you’re in Arizona!

Address:  1625 N Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85004, United States

17. Mt. Lemmon Scenic Byway

Mt. Lemmon Scenic Byway

Despite being largely a desert, Arizona doesn’t fall short of pretty places.

In fact, some of the best Arizona attractions can be accessible just by turning out of the nearest freeway exit.

In this particular case, the route itself is the actual tourist attraction!

Boasting one of the most scenic views in the state, Mt. Lemmon Scenic Byway is no short journey with its round-trip length of almost 60 miles.

But it is definitely a road well-worth traveling.

Over the course of these 60-odd miles, drivers making their way through this byway will see some incredible views found nowhere else.

Not only does the temperature change as you make your way up and down, you will also be privy to a wide variety of landscapes – from the arid vista of the Mexican desert to the forested slopes of the Canadian mountains.

Just where else are you going to find an experience like that?

Address: Tucson, AZ, United States

Planning a road trip around Arizona? Here are some incredible things to do in Tucson  & things to do in Scottsdale !

18. Meteor Crater

Meteor Crater

Still in need of fun places to go to while you’re in Arizona?

Would visiting a crater be cool enough a destination for you?

Yes, you heard us correctly – we did say “crater”!

One of the top things to do in Arizona is to check out the incredible desert vista and marvel at the history it holds – like the Barringer Crater.

Better known as simply the Meteor Crater , this is a massive scar on the Earth caused by a meteor impact over 50,000 years ago.

These days, it is an incredible sight to behold – though a dangerous one.

In 1964, two curious pilots in their Cessna 150 had flown too low over this unique mar in the Earth’s crust.

Luckily, they survived and managed to walk away with their lives.

If you are lucky, you may even spot the wreckage they left behind as a warning to other daredevil pilots.

While flying over the crater is ill-advised, you can still visit the place on foot.

Maybe if you’re lucky, you’ll find some of the unique minerals that are only made when a meteorite crashes into the Earth!

Address:  Interstate 40, Winslow, AZ 86047, United States

19. Horseshoe Bend

Horseshoe Bend

For all of you outdoor enthusiasts and amateur geologists, the Glen Canyon Recreational Area is home to some of the most awesome places in Arizona.

Think about it – just where else will you find sites like the Horseshoe Bend ?

Flowing 1,000 ft above sea level is the Colorado River, carving its way through the rocky plateau as it makes its way Southwest.

Thanks to the geological makeup of this unique desert landscape, the river is forced to flow in all sorts of weird shapes.

At one point, the river makes a perfect U-shaped bend that looks like a horseshoe!

For the best view, head on down to Route 89.

From there, it’s just a quick hike before you’re faced with one of the most stunning views American nature has to offer.

Address:  Page, AZ 86040, United States

20. Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument

Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument

If you were already going to see the most jaw-dropping points of interest Arizona has to offer, then why not make a fun detour to the Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument ?

Nature lovers, in particular, take note – this certainly should be on your list of places to visit in Arizona if you want to make your trip truly worthwhile.

Established in 1937, the Monument was intended to preserve some of the unique biodiversity and geology that can only be found in the Sonoran Desert and to share that love with the general public.

Crammed full of rare and incredible plants (including the titular Organ Pipe Cactus), this is a destination you won’t want to miss!

517 square miles isn’t enough for how many things this park is packing, but it manages it all anyway.

As long as you’re an outdoorsy person, there’s something for you here – whether it’s a place to enjoy camping under starlit skies or scenic paths where you can meander through the local plant life, this park has got you covered.

Address:  10 Organ Pipe Dr, Ajo, AZ 85321, United States

21. Kartchner Caverns

Kartchner Caverns ( Robert Shea / flickr )

If you don’t already have an Arizona bucket list of some sort, then it’s time to start one just to add this destination to your list.

Discovered in 1974, the incredible sights of Kartchner Caverns were kept a secret from even the landowners themselves in an effort to protect it from any activities that may damage or destroy it.

And it’s easy to see why this decision was made – the cavern is home to some of the longest stalactite formations in the world and is a sight to behold like no other.

After the government of Arizona purchased the land from the family in 1988, the caverns were carefully opened up for public viewing.

Consider making a weekend trip to view these caverns for yourself – it’s well worth your time.

A fun bonus: if you decide to take a tour of the caverns, the guide may point out to you footprints that were left behind by the discoverers when they first explored the caverns!

Address:  2980 AZ-90, Benson, AZ 85602, United States

22. Saguaro National Park

Saguaro National Park

The Giant Saguaro is an undeniable symbol of the American West – but for something so ubiquitous in movies and TV, it’s actually a very rare plant that grows in a few select locations.

One of these locations is in a park at the heart of the Sonoran Desert, a cool 2,400 feet above sea level.

Located in Tucson, Arizona, Saguaro National Park is high on the list of tourist attractions thanks to its namesake plant.

Aside from checking out the cacti, there are plenty of other experiences to be had in the park.

For starters, there’s a myriad of hiking trails for both beginners and experienced hikers alike, and there are biking trails if you want to put your new mountain bike to the test!

Alternatively, maybe you would prefer to go camping instead and stare at the moonlit night sky.

Whatever the case may be, it’s undeniable that there’s plenty of fun things to do in Arizona with a park like this!

23. Hall of Flame Museum of Firefighting

Hall of Flame Museum of Firefighting ( Daniel Greene / flickr )

Firefighting is already a dangerous profession as it is – and in highly flammable, arid desert regions, the task becomes even more important.

After seeing how many lives were lost to fires, citizens thought it best to honor these brave people by creating a memorial for them

If you’re still asking about what to do in Arizona, then visiting the Hall of Flame Museum to pay tribute to these brave professionals is a must-do.

These days, the memorial doubles as a museum, with an exhibit dedicated to displaying old firefighting equipment.

Tracing the history of firefighting to 1725, the museum shows just how firefighting has changed over the centuries as technology evolved and training becomes more extensive.

You’ll definitely walk away with a greater appreciation for our heroes after a visit to this place!

Address:  6101 E Van Buren St, Phoenix, AZ 85008, United States

24. Arizona Copper Art Museum

Arizona Copper Art Museum

Thanks to its rich deposits of minerals, Arizona has a mining history that can still be seen now!

One of the minerals that was hunted down by pioneers in the state’s heyday was copper.

An incredibly useful mineral, the desire for it gave way to some incredible mining operations – many of which are still in operation today!

While modern copper mines are nothing to sniff at, it’s the historical mines that form some of the coolest places to see in Arizona.

If you’re not keen on running around all over the state to check out the actual locations themselves, then the Arizona Copper Art Museum is the place for you.

Here you can trace the history of copper and its uses throughout 500 years of human history.

From the reminder that Venus’s astrological symbol is also the alchemical symbol for copper, to its uses in artillery in World War I and II, you must visit this museum to enjoy its fun celebration of all things copper.

Address:  849 Main St, Clarkdale, AZ 86324, United States

25. Hoover Dam

An engineering marvel, visiting the Hoover Dam sits on the list of top things to do in Arizona.

Completed in 1935, it stands as a testament to what the best minds in humanity are capable of when their efforts are focused.

These days, the dam is a hot location for sightseeing, thanks to its incredible scale and size.

It also doubles as a link between Arizona and Nevada, if you plan to drive to either state.

Ideally, however, you would take the time to stop and enjoy the view.

It’s not every day you get to see the largest artificial lake in the nation, after all!

While you’re here, consider taking a tour of the Hoover Dam or its attached Powerplant.

If that’s not quite your speed, then why not walk around the Hoover Dam instead?

It’s hard to beat that low entry price of free!

Address:  Nevada 89005, United States

If you’re an amateur ghost-hunter, then high on your list of cool things to do in Arizona will definitely be visiting abandoned mining towns like Jerome .

While the town is still largely a ghost town, today it has plenty of attractions and activities catered towards visitors looking to get some thrills.

Built in 1928, this town was originally constructed around some vertigo-inducing cliffside operations.

Many of the ruined buildings still stand on steep hillsides – a haunting reminder of the town’s citizens and history.

Some standout views include The Sliding Jail, which was built unawares on clay slick.

Thanks to its hillside location and gravity, the entire jail has slid about 2,500 feet over the years, and will likely continue moving further and further away from its original point of construction.

It’s a good idea to visit it while you still can before it slides right off the cliff!

27. Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area

Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area

Some of the best Arizona attractions harken back to the state’s history, pulling forward its past for us to enjoy and experience in the present.

And in Yuma , this history is still alive and breathing.

Founded in the 1500s by Spanish explorers, Yuma is not only just as old as Arizona itself but played a crucial role in founding the state.

The modern city of Yuma is still spectacular, but budding visitors will want to head down to Yuma Crossing – a patchwork of wetlands and parks that connects the modern to the old, historic downtown.

That isn’t to say the park itself has no places of interest in and of itself.

When you’re done with revisiting history, why not drop by for some scenic riverside trails?

It will surely be worth your time!

Address:  180 W 1st St, Yuma, AZ 85364, United States

28. Chiricahua National Monument

Chiricahua National Monument

Ever asked what to do in search of fun while on a trip to Arizona?

Perhaps this particular attraction may grab your fancy!

Called the “Land of Standing-Up Rocks” by the native Apache people, Chiricahua National Monument is 12,000 acres of wonder.

Initially formed by a volcano eruption, this area spent the next 27 million years being shaped and chiseled out by the elements.

After so many years, nature’s magnum opus is complete. The Monument is crammed full of all sorts of ancient rock spires and caves.

Go hiking alongside ancient lava flows, or stare at the strange rock garden that nature had so proudly carved out of stone hundreds of feet high.

If this alone isn’t enough to land visiting this locale on your list of top things to do in Arizona, then the 17 miles of hiking trail would be of greater interest to you.

You can also opt for a scenic 8-mile tour if you would rather stay in the comfort of your car!

Address:  E Bonita Canyon Rd, Willcox, AZ 85643, United States

29. London Bridge

London Bridge

Some of the top things to do in Arizona is to go and explore the attractions it offers.

And as it turns out, you can see some of London right here in the state!

No, there’s no teleport to London just yet.

Instead, what you have is the titular bridge of the famous nursery rhyme “London Bridge Is Falling Down” being one of the biggest roadside attractions in Arizona.

Built in the 1830s, London Bridge used to span the River Thames until it began sinking.

Eventually, the bridge was purchased by Lake Havasu City founder Robert P. McCullough and deconstructed in 1967, where it was brought over to the city itself and reconstructed in 1971.

These days, you can get a walking tour of a piece of London’s history – right here in the United States!

Address:  1340 McCulloch Blvd, Lake Havasu City, AZ 86403, United States

30. Apache Death Cave

Apache Death Cave ( J Jakobson / flickr )

For those of us who respect local legends and myths, some points of interest are wisely avoided.

For others who are thrill-seekers in search of exploring and examining such local stories, the Apache Death Cave may be on your list of places to visit in Arizona.

It was common for the Native American nations to loot and pillage each other’s settlements in search of valuables and goods.

The attack on a Navajo encampment in 1878 was no different.

Apache raiders came in and slaughtered the entire encampment’s population save for three girls before taking their leave.

Navajo leaders were enraged and sent out teams to hunt down these raiders – to no avail.

It wasn’t until after a second similar raid did scouts finally discover a cave the Apache raiders were hiding in.

Revenge was swift, absolute, and merciless, and it seems the act had left a permanent mark.

Drop by this cave to explore the curse it supposedly left behind – if you dare.

Address:  2 Guns, Winslow, AZ 86047, United States

31. Hubbell Trading Post

Hubbell Trading Post

During the heyday of Western pioneering, trading hubs were set up so that both pioneers and natives could sell, exchange, and trade goods.

For a fun trip to tick off your Arizona bucket list, why not travel up to the Hubbell Trading Post in the north?

Founded in 1878 by John Lorenzo Hubbell, the trading post ended up supplying the exiled Navajo people when they finally began returning home to their homes – and it hasn’t stopped since.

These days, the trading post is home to all sorts of handmade items like rugs and jewelry.

So if you’re in northern Arizona in search of some interesting activities to do, why not drop by this trading post and support the local craftsmen with your purchase of a one-of-a-kind item?

Address:  1/2 Mile W, S U.S. Hwy 191, Ganado, AZ 86505, United States

32. Coconino Lava River Cave

Coconino Lava River Cave

Thanks to Arizona’s history of being a geological hotspot, some of the best things to do in Arizona is to check out the ancient landscape.

Shaped and carved over millennia of erosion, it is now full of must-see places that harken back to a pre-historic era, a time where dinosaurs still roamed the Earth and the world was still in its infancy.

These days, Arizona is a pretty stable area in terms of volcanic activity – but all that shifting and flowing has left its mark.

There are certain caverns and tunnels like Coconino Lava River Cave , where lava flowed through these underground passages and permanently reshaped the ground it flowed on.

In this particular case, this cave was the result of a giant lava flow that had run through the earth like an underground river.

It now is a smooth, near-perfect circle that you can swear is a man-made passage.

And that’s just scratching the surface of the beauty this subterranean marvel holds!

Address:  171B Forest Rd, Flagstaff, AZ 86001, United States

33. Tumacacori National Historical Park

Tumacacori National Historical Park

No matter what your Arizona vacation ideas are, checking out the state’s history is always a must do.

After all, nothing quite beats learning about transpired events than by being able to see, touch, and feel the weight of history carried by all that have lived through it.

After centuries of war, raids, and cultural clashes, it is a miracle that the ruins of these three 17th-century missions still stand tall.

These days, the ruins are protected by the establishment of Tumacacori National Historical Park , which serves to care for the surviving ruins as much as possible.

If you’re visiting Arizona, consider walking through the ruins to check out the picturesque Mission of San Jose de Tumacacori, or learning more about the area via the Tumacacori Museum!

Informative guided tours are also available, though the Museum and the Mission remnants provide plenty of information if you’re short on time.

Address:  1891 I-19 Frontage Rd, Tumacacori, AZ 85640, United States

34. Desert Botanical Garden

Desert Botanical Garden

Cartoons, movies, and television all tell us that the desert is just nothing but miles and miles of sandy dunes, broken up by the occasional cactus.

If we’re lucky, there may be an oasis with palm trees!

But this is far from the actual reality of this type of land.

In reality, desert regions like Arizona are bursting at the brim with all sorts of incredible plant life – and Desert Botanical Garden is a crucial example.

With over 4,000 species, this garden is overflowing with all the floral beauty a desert can ever hope to muster.

So if you’re still asking about what to see in Arizona, then why not add this garden to your to-do list?

It will certainly be a fun and happy trip that’s designed to bust your expectations of what a desert should be like!

Address:  1201 N Galvin Pkwy, Phoenix, AZ 85008, United States

Founded in 1880, Bisbee is one of the many mining camps that sprung up in the Old West as pioneers hoped to strike fame and fortune.

Despite the riches it accrued, it, unfortunately, fell to the same fate that other mining towns did, and was quickly abandoned when the mines closed down in the mid-1970s.

These days, its name is the answer to would-be visitors asking where to visit in Arizona – and for good reason.

If the history and incredible surroundings alone aren’t good enough a reason for you, then perhaps the activities it has may spark your interest instead!

What kind of activities, you may ask?

Consider checking out the many museums and galleries this little town holds, or hop along on a guided tour to learn more about Bisbee’s colorful history.

There’s never a dull moment in a historical town such as this one!

Start Planning Your Trip To Arizona

There’s no shortage of Arizona attractions to enjoy, each filled with stuff to do.

With all the great places to travel, there’s no shortage of tourist spots to enjoy so plan a vacation today!

Hopefully, our list of the best things to do in Arizona will help you see all the sights and get to all the destinations that Arizona has to offer!

Best road trip routes in Arizona? here are 11 spectacular ideas to try

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Last Updated on March 19, 2024

INSIDE: Check out our 11 different routes, and find the best road trips in Arizona for YOU! Mix and match to make up your own perfect vacation!

“Arizona is a state of extraordinary contrasts, where every turn of the road brings into view something grand, mysterious, or lovely.” – Zane Grey

Good ol’ Zane Grey said it best. There’s something about Arizona’s clear blue skies 💙 and wide open spaces that make it perfect for a road trip. But what are the best road trips in Arizona?

That really depends on you , and your own personal interests.

We’ve driven all over the state－from corner to corner－and have put together 11 different road trips for you to try. (And that’s a lotta driving! 🚙)

Some of these Arizona road trips are thematic , others are based on geographic areas.

Most can be done in 2-3 days, which allows for plenty of time to visit the sights without simply stopping for a photo op. (Of course, you might want to linger for a few days at some magnificent parks and National Monuments !)

Any of these Arizona road trip itineraries can be mixed and matched with another (or 2 . . . or 3!), so you can put together your own personalized best road trip in Arizona!

PRO TIP: Be sure you have luggage that’s “road trip ready”. See our guide on how to choose the best 4 wheeled suitcase.

Click Here to see Table of Contents ➤

• Arizona Route 66 Road Trip

For many, driving along old Route 66 would be the best road trip in Arizona.

It’s a mixture of the old west with plenty of mid-century kitsch (who’s up for some giant arrows stuck in the ground!). . . and even a couple of abandoned old sites just withering in the Arizona sun.

Old Route 66 parallels (and in some cases overlaps) Interstate 40 across the state, so the route is pretty straightforward.

Stops along the way include Petrified Forest National Park , as well as the cool small towns such as Flagstaff, Willams and Winslow (yep, the town from the Eagles’ song Take it Easy! You can stop by and be Standing on the corner Winslow Arizona ). See more in our Route 66 in Arizona post.

• Highlights: Petrified Forest National Park, Old Route 66 towns
• Total Miles : About 260
• Connect with these itineraries: Grand Canyon, North Central, Northeast/Four Corners
• Where to stay: Any of these retro hotels and motels on Route 66

Need help planning your road trip? Download our FREE Road Trip Brainstorming Worksheet !

• Arizona Classic Cars Road Trip

Anyone who loves classic cars will love Arizona: the whole state is a virtual outdoor car museum !

The dry, sunny climate is perfect for old cars, and there are plenty of places in the state where you’ll be able to see them out there sunning themselves.

If you love seeing classic cars in all forms, then this is one of the perfect road trips in Arizona for you.

This road trip through Arizona takes you along Route 66, then turns south, almost to the Mexican border. Spend a day in Tucson, where a unique mid-century marketing idea placed over 50 classic cars around town. Finish your journey in the Arizona small town of Bisbee; a street parked with old cars (and a really cool old bus!) looks like “the land that time forgot.”

• Highlights: Route 66, Cottonwood, Tucson, Bisbee
• Total Miles : About 600
• Connect with these itineraries: Any other road trip on this list–you’ll be all over the state!
• Where to stay: Holbrook , Cottonwood , Tucson , Bisbee

Northwestern Arizona Road Trip: Las Vegas to Grand Canyon

The Grand Canyon is not just a magnificent destination on its own, it also makes a great anchor for road trips in Arizona. Begin (or end) this Arizona Journey at Las Vegas, just a short drive to Hoover Dam , an engineering marvel. Then make your way down to the town of Kingman , which will put you smack-dab in “Route 66” country. Be sure to check out the Route 66 Electric Vehicle Museum , and the Arizona Route 66 Museum while you’re there.

Continue making your way east along Old Route 66–this stretch through Peach Springs and Seligman is said to be the inspiration for the fictitious town of “Radiator Springs” in the Disney movie Cars. Spend some time enjoying the Victorian and mid-century ambiance of Williams before heading north to Grand Canyon National Park .

• Highlights: Grand Canyon, Hoover Dam, Old Route 66 towns
• Total Miles : 297
• Connect with these itineraries: Route 66, Flagstaff & North Central AZ, Sedona Loop
• Where to stay: Kingman , Williams , Tusayan (Grand Canyon Gate)

PRO TIP: If you’d like to avoid the crowds, consider a Grand Canyon November road trip.

• North Central Arizona Road Trip: To the North Rim

This Arizona road trip passes through some well-known sites, but then veers off onto the road-less-taken. Begin at the charming town of Flagstaff, with its terrific downtown full of brewpubs and coffee shops. There are some magnificent Arizona National Monuments along this rout. Explore the ancient indigenous dwellings at nearby Walnut Canyon and Waupatki National Monuments, then check out the geologic wonder of Sunset Crater National Monument .

Head north (be sure to stop at the Cameron Trading Post for some Native American Frybread !) toward the town of Page . From here you can take an excursion to the famous Horseshoe Bend , or go boating on Lake Powell in the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area . Head west, skirting the magnificent Vermillion Cliffs (or off-roading, if you have a 4-wheel-drive vehicle) on your way to the Grand Canyon’s North Rim . Continue on toward Utah and Nevada, stopping to see the historic homestead at Pipe Spring National Monument , which still has a working farm.

• Highlights: Flagstaff, Horseshoe Bend, North Rim of the Grand Canyon
• Total Miles : 390
• Connect with these itineraries: Route 66, Grand Canyon and Northwest AZ, Sedona & Central AZ, Four Corners and Northeast AZ
• Where to stay: Flagstaff , Page , Fredonia/Kanab (near North Rim)

Navajo Country: 4 Corners & Monument Valley Road Trip

This itinerary combines Native American history and culture with some wide-open spaces and some world-class geography geekiness! From Flagstaff, head northeast through the Navajo Nation. Be sure to stop into the Burger King in Kayenta, Arizona . . . not just for a Whopper; this is also the site of a museum commemorating the Navajo “Code Talkers” from World War II. Make your way to Monument Valley , home to incredible rock formations (and a whole passel of John Wayne movies!). From here, geography geeks (like us!) must make the short detour to Four Corners Monument –the only place in American where you can stand in 4 states at once!

As road trips in Arizona go, this one really delves into Native American sites. From Monument Valley, head south through the more of the Navajo Nation. Visit Canyon de Chelly National Monument to see the site of 5,000(!) years of civilization. Stop into the historic Hubbell Trading Post , which has been selling the work of Native American artisans for nearly 150 years. Continue southward to connect up with old Route 66 near Petrified Forest National Park.

• Highlights: Navajo heritage sites, Monument Valley scenery, Four Corners
• Total Miles : 488
• Connect with these itineraries: Route 66, Grand Canyon & Northwest AZ, North Central to North Rim, Mogollon Rim & Eastern AZ
• Where to stay: Kayenta , Monument Valley , Chinle

PRO TIP: The Navajo Nation observes Daylight Savings Time, the State of Arizona does NOT ; be sure to plan your schedule accordingly!

London Calling: Western Az & the Colorado River Road Trip

This is one of the lesser-known road trips in Arizona, but those seeking a to see a different side of the state will be well-rewarded. Head west from Phoenix to the small community of Quartzite, popular with RVers and van-dwellers, made famous in the recent Oscar-winning film Nomadland. From here, head northward, coming alongside the Colorado River. Get in some “beach time” (and camping if you like) along the Colorado at Cattail Cove and Lake Havasu State Parks . Be sure to visit the original London Bridge , which now proudly links the city of Lake Havasu with an island in the Colorado River.

This Arizona road trip continues northeast to Kingman, which will intersect with Route 66. Spend some time exploring the museums and memorabilia along Old Route 66 (see the Route 66 itinerary, above). Finally, head back toward Phoenix, stopping in at Wickenburg , an old west town that’s home to several dude ranches and the Desert Caballeros Western Museum , a Smithsonian affiliate.

• Highlights: London Bridge, Colorado River, Route 66, the town of Wickenburg
• Total Miles : 392
• Connect with these itineraries: Route 66, Grand Canyon & Northwest AZ, Sedona & Central AZ, Yuma & Southwestern AZ
• Where to stay: Lake Havasu City , Kingman , Wickenburg

• Red Rocks & Red Wine: Sedona & North Central Arizona Road Trip

This one of those road trips in Arizona that offers a little bit of everything: history, ancient native dwellings, stunning scenery and wonderful small towns. But first, before you head north out of Phoenix, fill your belly at Bianco Pizzeria or Ted’s Hot Dogs .

Stop at Camp Verde to learn some local history at Fort Verde Historic Park before moving on to Montezuma Castle National Monument (and adjacent Montezuma Well) to see some ancient cliff dwellings. Pick up a map of local hiking trails at the Red Rock Visitor Center outside Sedona. Following a trek through Sedona’s jaw-dropping scenery, browse for crystals & new age goodies in the many shops lining route 89A, or explore the many other ways to enjoy Sedona in the Fall .

Continue on to explore the charming shops, restaurants–and wine tasting rooms –of Old Town Cottonwood. Lovers of ancient culture will enjoy a side trip to the ruins of Tuzigoot National Monument in nearby Clarkdale. Stroll the streets of Jerome, an old mining town clinging to the side of a mountain, before taking the mountain pass (best done in daylight!) southwest to Prescott. While there, stroll the picturesque town square or attend the World’s Oldest Rodeo (really!). Continue the Western theme with a mosey on down to Wickenburg (see the “London Calling” road trip itinerary above).

• Highlights: Stunning red rock scenery & hiking, great small towns, Verde Valley wine tasting
• Total Miles : 245
• Connect with these itineraries: Route 66, North Central AZ, Western AZ/Colorado River, Southwestern AZ
• Where to stay: Sedona , Jerome/Cottonwood , Prescott or Wickenburg

• Life on the Edge: East Central Arizona & the Mogollon Rim Road Trip

Those craving a little greenery when planning road trips in Arizona should head to the eastern part of the state. Here, the largest ponderosa pine forest in the US sits along the Mogollon Rim, a giant escarpment. At 8,000 feet, the climate is refreshingly cool in summer (and snowy in winter!). Begin by heading east from Phoenix to the town of Globe, with it’s charming courthouse. Explore the Besh Ba Gowah archeological ruins of the ancient Salado people, then head north to Tonto National Monument to see Salado cliff dwellings.

Continue on to Payson, the central point for much of the outdoor activity located amidst the Tonto and Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests . From Payson, drive east along the Mogollon Rim (pronounced “mo-Goy-on”) itself as you catch glimpses of magnificent valley views 2,000 feet below. Stop by the Mogollon Rim Visitor Center , which provides interpretive exhibits and a photo op. Emerge from the forest and continue northeast to the Petrified Forest National Park and its Rainbow Forest Museum , which shows the type of “critters” used to live nearby. (Spoiler alert: they were BIGGG!)

• Highlights: Ponderosa pine forest with views, hiking, camping, fishing, ancient indigenous dwellings
• Total Miles : 285
• Connect with these itineraries: Route 66, Navajo Country & NE Arizona, North Central Arizona
• Where to stay: Globe , Payson , Holbrook

3:10 to Yuma: Southwestern Road Trips in Arizona

On this road trip in Arizona head west from Phoenix via to explore some of the state’s rugged southwest terrain. Rockhounds will love collecting quartz at Crystal Hill in the Kofa National Wildlife Refuge . Continue to the most southwestern corner of the state, to explore the many sights in the historic border town of Yuma , including its old Territorial Prison.

Head back eastward, turning south toward Ajo, a great stopover when visiting Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument , where you can hike to the abandoned Victoria Mine amid majestic Organ Pipe cactus. Continue eastward and drive up Kitt Peak for a tour of the National Observatory , which will give you a new appreciation for those starry Arizona skies, before you head onward to Tucson.

• Highlights: Crystal collecting, historic Yuma, Organ Pipe Cactus NM, town of Ajo
• Total Miles : 576
• Connect with these itineraries: Western AZ & Colorado River, South Central Arizona
• Where to stay: Yuma , Ajo

• South Central Arizona Road Trip: History, Art & Underground Wonders

Tucson makes a great starting point for many road trips in Arizona, especially those in the southern part of the state. After feasting on plenty of Sonoran Hot Dogs in Tucson , take a cooling stroll underground viewing the wonders at Kartchner Caverns State Park . Loop back south and west, stopping to sip some of the recent vintages at one of the 17(!) wineries in the Sonoita/Elgin region . Continue south to the funky little village of Patagonia, perhaps spending a few days at the Circle Z , Arizona’s oldest continually operating guest ranch.

From here, it’s just a few miles to the town of Nogales, which straddles the Mexican border. It’s fun to park your car on the Arizona side and walk across the border to the Mexican side of Nogales. Browse the streets for Mexican wares, perhaps stopping for lunch at Leo’s Cafe . Turn northward, and allow plenty of time to explore the multiple exhibits at Tumacocori National Historical Park . From here it’s just a short jaunt northward to the artsy community of Tubac (pottery, anyone?). Finish this road trip in Arizona by touring another underground wonder–this one of the man-made variety: the Titan Missile Museum .

• Highlights: Underground caverns, Mexican border town, wineries
• Total Miles : 218
• Days: 2-3 (longer if you stay at Circle Z)
• Connect with these itineraries: Southeast Arizona, Classic Car Road Trip, Southwestern Arizona
• Where to stay: Benson , Patagonia , Tubac

Southeast Arizona Road Trip: Old West Immersion

Howdy, pardner! Feel like seeing a bit of the Old West? Then this might just be your favorite of road trips in Arizona. The southeastern part of the state is home to the town of Tombstone–home of the famous “Shootout at the OK Corral.” From there you head south to Bisbee, and Douglas, which are old mining towns that are now cool and funky in a retro-sort of way.

Round this Arizona road trip by visiting two Arizona national parks and monuments : Chiracahua and Fort Bowie. At Chiracahua you’ll see stunning ancient rock formations, whereas at Fort Bowie you’ll learn of the stunning (and often grim) clash between the native Chiracahua Apache and the U.S. Army. If you’re into the history of the old west, these destinations are a must-do on a road trip in Arizona.

PRO TIP: Southeastern Arizona is apple country. If visiting in the fall, be sure to explore ways to enjoy Apples in Arizona !

• Highlights: The towns of Tombstone & Bisbee, Fort Bowie National Historic Site.
• Total Miles : About 200
• Connect with these itineraries: Classic Car road trip, Tucson & South of the Border
• Where to stay: Tombstone/Bisbee , Willcox

There you have it: 11 different road trips in Arizona. They’re like pieces of a puzzle–mix and match ’em up to make up YOUR perfect road trip in Arizona! Where will YOU go???

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IF YOU LIKED THIS POST, PLEASE SHARE TO ONE OF YOUR PINTEREST BOARDS

COMPLETE LIST OF ARIZONA ROAD TRIPS

• Northwestern Arizona: Las Vegas to Grand Canyon Road Trip
• Navajo Country: Four Corners & Monument Valley Road Trip
• London Calling: West central Arizona & the Colorado River Road Trip
• 3:10 to Yuma: Southwestern Arizona Road Trip
• Old West Immersion: Southeastern Arizona Road Trip

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The 21 Best Arizona Tours

Visit the Grand Canyon, Sedona's red rocks and more on these top-rated excursions.

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Arizona is home to several incredible natural sites and Monument Valley is one must-see attraction.

Whatever draws you to Arizona , these tours – determined by U.S. News to be the best available thanks to traveler input and expert opinion – have something for you. If you're eager to see the Grand Canyon State's desert landscape, there are multiple methods offered, ranging from bicycles and off-road vehicles to hot air balloons and helicopters. If you're interested in more particular aspects of local culture, such as cuisine, wine or supernatural phenomena, there are tours for you, too. What these excursions all have in common is informed guides prepared to provide insights into the state's varied attractions.

Monument Valley Safari – Monument Valley Tour

This trip through Monument Valley takes participants to the valley's famous rock formations, including the Mitten Buttes, Three Sisters and the Totem Pole, as well as the Yei Bi Chei spires. You may recognize some of these landmarks from their numerous appearances in Hollywood Westerns. The 3 ½-hour excursion in off-road vehicles also features a Navajo rug-weaving demonstration and a visit to a traditional Navajo home. Visitors to the photogenic valley typically enjoy learning about its history from the experienced guides. Take note that the Navajo Reservation observes daylight saving time, so there may be a time difference between it and some other parts of Arizona. The approximately 36-mile trip is available to book daily with both morning and afternoon departure times (which vary by season). Tickets start at around $90 for adults and $70 for youths ages 8 to 17. Children 7 and younger can ride for free. Monument Valley Safari also offers more immersive experiences, such as an 18-hour Hunts Mesa tour.

[ View & Book Tickets .]

Apache Trail Tours – One Hour Off-Road Desert Tour

Embark on an exciting off-road adventure on this Sonoran Desert tour, where you'll ride trails dating back to the gold rush of the 1800s. As you travel through riverbeds and cross craggy terrain, you'll spot saguaro cacti and desert wildlife like diamondback rattlesnakes. Jeep tours are offered daily at 10 a.m., 1 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. Tour-takers typically find the drivers/guides both knowledgeable and amusing, and describe the scenery as exceptional. Fees start at $50 for adults and $40 for kids ages 2 to 15. (Children younger than 2 cannot take this tour.) In addition to this 60-minute tour, 90- and 120-minute iterations are also offered. Apache Trail Tours operates out of Goldfield Ghost Town, a recreated Old West boomtown about 40 miles east of Phoenix .

Arizona Winery Tours – Sedona Wine Tour

Visit three Sedona area vineyards on this daylong tour. Wineries visited may include Oak Creek Vineyards & Winery, D.A. Ranch and Page Springs Cellars, among others. Reviewers frequently express appreciation for the guides' knowledge about the specific wineries as well as the history of the surrounding area. Tickets cost approximately $150, which include round-trip transportation to the Sedona/Oak Creek area and transportation between various stops, lunch at one of the wineries, wine tasting fees and snacks. Trips usually occur daily (but may not be available on some weekdays during parts of the year, so be sure to check with Arizona Winery Tours before making your plans). Pickups start at 9 a.m. and outings typically end around 3 p.m. Private tours are also available. All participants must be at least 21 years old and have a photo ID.

Bright Angel Bike Rentals and Tours – Hermit Road Tour

Cycle alongside the South Rim of the Grand Canyon on this family-friendly ride, which winds along on a paved road closed to vehicular traffic. The 5 ½-mile trip features commentary about the sights and the area's history from guides widely deemed friendly and insightful. Prices depend on the size of bicycles used, with ones suitable for adults (or anyone at least 5 feet tall) starting around $75, and bikes for shorter riders running about $55. Bike trailers are available for children ages 2 and older who can't pedal. The fee includes transportation from Bright Angel's location near the canyon's South Rim Visitor Center to the starting point at Hopi Point and back from the journey's end at Hermit's Rest. Tours typically take place from mid-March to mid-October starting at 9 a.m. and last about three hours (including the van rides). The company also offers a guided ride covering a slightly longer distance, as well as bike rentals for those who wish to explore on their own.

Ghost Town Tours – Jerome – The Original Jerome Ghost Adventure

Are ghosts among the residents of Jerome, a former copper mining town? Find out on this 90-minute tour led by guides equipped with ghost-detecting gear. Ghost hunters enjoy the enthusiastic guides and their knowledge of local history as well as all things supernatural on this entertaining excursion. Tours take place daily and depart every two hours starting at 10 a.m.; the last tour departs at 8 p.m. Tickets cost approximately $70 for anyone 18 and older and about $35 for those 17 and younger. Jerome is located about 55 miles southwest of Flagstaff . In addition to Jerome tours, Ghost Town Tours conducts tours in Clarkdale and Cottonwood.

All-Star Grand Canyon Tours – Grand Canyon Day Tour from Flagstaff

This full-day sightseeing trip takes you all the way around the Grand Canyon (weather permitting). Stops include Yavapai Point, site of the Yavapai Observation Station; Mather Point , featuring overlooks atop projecting rocks; Lipan Point, which offers a popular view of the Colorado River; and Desert View, home of its namesake watchtower . The tour also includes a visit to a trading post on the Navajo reservation. Guides win fulsome praise for their insightful commentary. Tickets start at $185 per person (or $100 for children 3 and younger). Prices include transportation and a picnic lunch, which typically takes place at the Tusayan Ruins. In the winter, when it's too cold for a picnic, tickets are discounted and lunch is not included; travelers will be taken to a restaurant for lunch at their own expense. Trips usually start at around 8:30 a.m. and end at about 5 p.m., including the approximately 80-mile drive from and to Flagstaff, and at least five hours in the park. Note that because of COVID-19, only private tours are offered at this time.

Hot Air Expeditions – Shared Morning Balloon Flight

See Phoenix and environs from above on this hot air balloon tour, which reaches altitudes up to 5,000 feet. In addition to the city itself, views include Lake Pleasant and Camelback Mountain as well as Sonoran Desert wildlife like coyotes. Reviewers consistently rave about the unparalleled views of the area, and describe the flight as smooth and the pilots (who double as guides) as informative and skilled. Tours take place every day (except Thanksgiving and Christmas) starting between 4:30 and 6:30 a.m., depending on the time of year. Flights last about 45 to 60 minutes, but the overall tour can last a few hours as it also includes a catered breakfast and a sparkling wine toast. Prices start around $200 for adults and $150 for anyone ages 5 to 12 or shorter than 4 feet tall. Trips depart from Phoenix's Deer Valley Airport. From November through March, afternoon flights are also available.

[View & Book Tickets: Option 1 | Option 2 .]

Segway of Scottsdale – 2-Hour Scottsdale Segway Tour

Over the course of about 6 miles, this tour hits dozens of Scottsdale points of interest, including the city's canal system, its row of art galleries, its civic center, a ballpark and multiple pieces of public art. Segway of Scottsdale gives each rider an earpiece so they can always hear guides' commentary, which tour-takers tend to find very informative. Past participants report learning a great deal about the city on this two-hour outing. No previous Segway riding is required. Tickets start at $65 per person, which includes use of the Segway and a helmet. Tours depart daily at 11 a.m., 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. Riders must be between the ages of 12 and 75. E-bike tours are another option for getting to know Scottsdale.

Kerrick James | Courtesy of Verde Canyon Railroad

Verde Canyon Railroad

Ride in comfort through the ravines and red rock buttes along the Verde River bordering the Coconino and Prescott national forests on this approximately 40-mile, four-hour journey in refurbished, climate-controlled train cars. Each car has large windows for viewing the surrounding scenery and wildlife. Passengers also have access to open-air viewing cars where guides provide expert narration regarding the sights. The cars are equipped with full-service cash bars. Travelers find the views remarkable, and the open-air cars are especially popular. Trips typically depart at 1 p.m. on most days, with additional morning and evening tours during select months of the year. Ticket prices start at $100 per person. Packaged snacks and bottled water are provided. The ride's starting point in Clarkdale, the Verde Canyon Depot, features a cafe, gift shop and small railroad-related museum. It's about 25 miles southwest of Sedona.

Desert Wolf Tours – Half-Day TomCar ATV Tour

Take in Sonoran Desert mountain scenery, as well as former stagecoach trails and Native American ruins on this three-hour tour departing from Phoenix. When the weather allows, rides may also involve river crossings. The tour's namesake TomCar all-terrain vehicles seat four and are equipped with roofs and windshields, which means riders 18 and older do not need to wear helmets. Reviewers say guides are fun, safe and well-versed in the desert flora and fauna. Tours are available daily at 8:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. from mid-September through May. From June through mid-September, tours run at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday to Sunday only. Rates start at $175 for anyone 12 or older and $109 for those 11 or younger. Drivers must be at least 16 years old with a valid driver's license. In addition to the ATV rides, prices include some branded souvenirs. Desert Wolf Tours also conducts outings combining ATV adventures and time at a shooting range.

Arizona Outdoor Fun – Centipede Guided Tour

Explore the Sonoran Desert's mountains, canyons and Agua Fria River via the Centipede Trail on this ATV or utility terrain vehicle adventure. The approximately two-hour trip covers 11 miles and features a nearly 2,000-foot change in elevation. Travelers often describe this journey as great fun and the guides as personable and professional. Drivers must be at least 16 years old to operate either single-seat ATVs or multiple-seat UTVs, which can carry between two and five passengers, depending on models used. Tickets cost about $100 for an individual ATV and range from around $200 to $500 for a UTV, depending on the number of passengers. Tours are available multiple times daily year-round (except Christmas). Start times vary by season: Morning departures are available year-round, but afternoon departures are only available seasonally. Other activities offered by New River-based Arizona Outdoor Fun include rifle shooting and hiking. The company's base camp sits about 45 miles north of Phoenix.

Pink Adventure Tours – Ancient Ruin

Learn about the Sinagua people by visiting the ruins of the cliff dwellings they built near Sedona roughly 700 years ago. Sights on this trip to the Honanki Heritage Site include carved petroglyphs, painted pictographs and other artifacts. In addition to describing the lifestyle and farming practices of the Sinagua people, guides point out the red rock formations and other points of interest during the trip in the company's namesake pink vehicles to and from the site. Travelers generally find the guides to be educational and entertaining. Tours depart daily every hour from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., though there may be fewer options during select months. Tickets for the three-hour expedition start at around $109 for adults and $98 for children ages 2 to 12. (Infants younger than 2 are not permitted.) Be prepared for some walking on bumpy dirt paths during this activity. Pink Adventure Tours offers a variety of Jeep excursions in Sedona and the Grand Canyon.

Maverick Helicopters – Grand Canyon Spirit Tour

Observe the Painted Desert, Desert View Watchtower, Point Imperial, Marble Canyon and other famed Grand Canyon landmarks as you follow the course of the Colorado River from the South Rim to the North Rim on this approximately 45-minute flight. Recent flyers found the aerial views unsurpassable and the pilots friendly, enthusiastic and insightful. Ticket prices start at $309 per person. Tours typically depart Grand Canyon National Park Airport several times daily, in both the morning and afternoon, but the number of flights and particular start times vary by time of year. Maverick Helicopters also offers a number of other Grand Canyon helicopter tours as well as scenic flights around Las Vegas .

Grand Canyon Adventures – Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend Tour

Spend a day visiting two of Arizona's most iconic landscapes. Marvel at Antelope Canyon , a remarkable slot canyon, in the morning and Glen Canyon National Recreation Area's Horseshoe Bend Overlook in the afternoon. In all, this trip includes transportation from and to Flagstaff (roughly two hours each way), about 90 minutes at Antelope Canyon and about an hour at Horseshoe Bend; it may also feature a stop at a Navajo trading post. Tour-takers appreciate the stunning landscapes and the guides' informed commentary. Tours are offered daily starting at around 8 a.m. and conclude at about 5:30 p.m. Tickets typically start at $229 for adults and $199 for children ages 4 to 13; prices include canyon entrance fees, lunch, drinks and snacks. The company also offers guided tours of Sedona and Grand Canyon National Park that depart from Flagstaff.

Arizona Safari Jeep Tours – The Vortex Experience

Visit Sedona's Vortexes – sites believed by some to possess a special mystical, yet palpable energy – on this 2 ½-hour Jeep ride. At each stop, guides share the cultural beliefs associated with the vortexes – a commentary that participants consistently find informative and interesting. The scenery itself also wins high marks. Trips with groups no larger than 15 people take place daily year-round with both morning and evening departures, though specific start times vary with the seasons. Tickets cost approximately $100 for participants 13 and older and $80 for youths ages 5 to 12. (This outing isn't recommended for children younger than 5.) Arizona Safari Jeep Tours also conducts numerous other tours in and around the canyons and rock formations of Sedona.

[View & Book Tickets: Option 1 | Option 2 | Option 3 .]

Sunset Charter & Tour Co. – Topock Gorge Experience

See Devil's Elbow, Mohave Rock, Praying Indian, Stargazer and other landmarks on this 50-mile pontoon boat ride through Topock Gorge, which is often referred to as a miniature version of the Grand Canyon. The journey along the lower Colorado River also affords opportunities to observe ancient Native American petroglyphs, as well as water fowl and other wildlife. Reviewers appreciate the ample wildlife on display, as well as the captains' astute commentary. From April through September, cruises are offered Monday through Friday at 9 a.m. During these warm weather months, passengers are welcome to swim during the lunch break, so bring a swimsuit if you'd like to take a dip. From October through March, the cruise departs daily at 10 a.m. Tickets cost approximately $145 per person and include a picnic lunch and bottled water. The company also offers sunset cruises on Lake Havasu, as well as tours through Copper Canyon, among other experiences.

Arizona Food Tours – A Taste of Old Scottsdale Food Tour

Sample some of the fare that makes Scottsdale a destination for foodies on this approximately three-hour walking tour. Along the way, you'll stop at up to five eateries in the city's Old Town area for samples of barbecue, gelato, craft beer and Latin cuisine, among other dishes. Samples amount to a full meal and include two alcoholic beverages. Tourgoers enjoy both the tasty offerings and the local history provided by the engaging guides. Tours, which meet at the Old Adobe Mission, are offered daily at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Tickets start at $75 per person. This tour typically involves a mile or more of walking and is not considered appropriate for anyone younger than 12. At this time, Arizona Food Tours only offers private tours of at least four people (though public tours may resume in the future). A happy hour tour and wine-focused outing are also available.

Rainbow Ryders Hot Air Balloon Ride Co. – Sunrise Balloon Ride

Watch the sun rise over Phoenix's Sonoran Desert and Deer Valley during this top-rated hot air balloon trip. Riders regularly express enthusiasm about the beautiful desert scenery and the pilots' professionalism. The tour, which is offered daily, lasts up to 3 ½ hours and features 45 to 60 minutes in the air. To ensure participants don't miss a minute of the sunrise, Rainbow Ryders requires riders to arrive early (sometimes as early as 4:30 a.m., depending on the time of year). For late risers, a seasonal sunset tour is available. Tickets cost around $250 for adults and $100 for children 5 to 12. (Children younger than 5 as well as pregnant individuals are not allowed on this trip.)

Desert Belle Cruises – Narration Cruise

Bald eagles, bobcats, bighorn sheep, deer and horses reside in the area around Saguaro Lake and may be glimpsed on this 80-minute cruise. During the boat ride, the captain provides commentary regarding area wildlife, as well as local history and geography. Often exceeding travelers' expectations, this trip is frequently described as great fun by reviewers who find the commentary both humorous and informative. The boat, which features an open-air upper deck and a full cash bar, also wins praise. Prices start at $25 for participants 13 and older and $15 for kids ages 3 to 12; infants 2 and younger ride for $5. Narration cruises usually launch at noon and 2 p.m. daily from Saguaro Lake. (Other cruises featuring live music and wine or craft beer tastings are available at 4 p.m. on select days.)

Queen Mine Tours

Descend underground beneath Bisbee to a explore a former mine. During the hourlong tram tour, you'll learn about the methods and risks of copper mining from retired miners who double as guides. Travelers regularly find the guides' commentary fascinating and also describe the tram ride as fun. Tours are offered daily with multiple start times in both the morning and the afternoon. Tickets start at $14 for adults and $6.50 for children ages 6 to 12. Children 5 and younger are not permitted on this excursion. Open-toe shoes and high heels are forbidden. Prices include use of a hardhat and a miner's headlamp.

Tucson Bike Tours – Historic City Bike Tour

Navigate Tucson by bike on this small-group ride. Highlights of the 9-mile journey include the downtown area (featuring a spin through a restored train depot), a Spanish fort in the Presidio district, the University of Arizona , a neighborhood with colorful adobe houses and another with old bars and unique shops. Cyclists describe the tour as a leisurely ride (it traverses mostly flat terrain) and say they learned a lot about the city's history from the insightful guides. This roughly two-hour trip takes place daily at 9 a.m. and noon and is limited to eight cyclists. The company also offers tours highlighting the city's best Mexican cuisine and its vibrant murals.

You may also be interested in:

• The Best Places to Visit in Arizona
• The Top Things to Do in Arizona
• The Best Restaurants in Sedona
• The Best Sedona Tours
• The Best Sedona Jeep Tours
• The Top Lakes in Arizona
• The Top Arizona Waterfalls

Tags: Arizona , Tours , Travel , Vacations , Arizona Vacations , US Vacations , Southwest Vacations

World's Best Places To Visit

• # 1 South Island, New Zealand
• # 4 Bora Bora

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Everything You Need to See, Do, and Eat on an Arizona Road Trip

Drive from Tucson to Page, stopping at the Grand Canyon and other iconic landmarks along the way.

Macy Sirmans is a New York-based freelance storyteller and marketing director for Condé Nast. Her work has appeared in Travel + Leisure , Food & Wine , and Departures magazines, where her social-first strategy has gained her traction with a travel-centric audience.

There's more to the Grand Canyon State than its namesake. Arizona is brimming with surprisingly luxurious hotels and spas, underrated and unique cities and towns, and southwestern dining guaranteed to take your taste buds for a ride. So grab your camera, hiking boots , and sense of adventure, then hit the back roads of the Wild West for an unforgettable journey.

Here, we take you from Tucson up through the bucket-list destinations of Sedona and Grand Canyon National Park before landing in Page, home to the otherworldly Antelope Canyon. Spend five days minimum exploring this slice of the Southwest to properly soak in all the sights.

Day 1: Start in Tucson

Enveloped by the vast Sonoran Desert, Tucson is a vibrant and colorful Southwestern city with a thriving culinary scene. Stay at Hotel Congress , a landmark property that harbors a concert venue, club, and bistro. It's brimming with vintage charm, but also has a cool rock-and-roll vibe. Plan to party like it's 1919 before crashing in a renovated room that boasts touches of yesteryear such as iron beds and transistor radios instead of televisions.

At nearby Saguaro National Park , witness the towering saguaro cactus — crowned king of the Sonoran Desert — in its native environment. Then, hike to the pinnacle of Mount Lemmon, the highest point in the Santa Catalina Mountains just north of Tucson.

Grab lunch at Tucson Tamale for an authentic taste of the region. Try the traditional red chili beef tamale or the blue corn and veggie vegan tamale. Then, schedule a tour and tasting at Whiskey Del Bac before dinner with a panoramic desert sunset view and live music at The Grill at Hacienda Del Sol , a historic ranch resort and high-end dinner destination.

Day 2: Drive From Tucson to Scottsdale

Just under two hours from Tucson and a 20-minute drive from Phoenix, Scottsdale is a balmy retreat stationed on the edge of the Valley of the Sun. Here, you'll find high-end shopping, world-renowned spas, and a variety of hiking adventures .

Route 79 is the most scenic way to travel between the two destinations. It passes by Casa Grande Ruins , one of the biggest prehistoric structures on the continent. It's free to visit, and the docents are experts in the storied history of the Sonoran Desert. Additional outdoor attractions in Scottsdale include the Desert Botanical Garden and Camelback Mountain . See an abundance of cacti, succulents, and colorful wildflowers at the gardens before a four-hour climb to the top of the mountain for 360-degree views of Scottsdale and neighboring Phoenix.

There are plenty of great hotels in Scottsdale , though we recommend staying at Bespoke Inn , a 10-room, boutique gem tucked in a secluded corner of downtown Scottsdale. Unique fixtures (like clawfoot or soaking tubs), elevated amenities (there's a saltwater infinity pool), and al fresco dining at the property's award-winning restaurant, Virtu Honest Craft , shape a personalized experience that lives up to the hotel's name.

Other noteworthy restaurants include Roaring Fork , a downtown hot spot with Old West vibes. At happy hour, the restaurant's signature burgers are 13 bucks each. After dinner, grab a few drinks at Handlebar J , where you can also enjoy live country music, nightly two-stepping, and a robust beer selection on tap.

Day 3: Drive From Scottsdale to Sedona

Two hours up the road from Scottsdale is Sedona , a destination for spa enthusiasts, art connoisseurs, and outdoor adventurers alike. This mystical retreat is flanked by red-rock buttes, steep canyons, and pine forests, shaping an otherworldly environment that's equal parts Wild West and understated luxury.

Get there via Highway 179, also known as the Red Rock Scenic Byway. Break for dessert along the way at Rock Springs Cafe . This landmark, famous for its award-winning pies, was established in 1918. Its close proximity to the highway makes it convenient for road-trippers. Indulge in a seasonal treat, like the strawberry rhubarb crumb pie, or try out the best-selling Jack Daniel's pecan pie.

Hang your hat at The Wilde Resort and Spa . A short walk from shops and galleries in Uptown Sedona, this sophisticated haven boasts modern and spacious suites that overlook Thunder Mountain. Follow a hike through the surrounding red rocks with a spa treatment or Jacuzzi soak at the spa.

After a restful night, kick off another day of hiking by digging into a towering stack of pancakes at Casa Sedona Inn , the perfect carb-load before traversing the red-rock buttes on foot. Sit in the outdoor courtyard for top-notch ambience.

Devil's Bridge is one of the most photographed natural wonders in Arizona, so lace up your boots for a 90-minute trek from Dry Creek Vista. Prepare for a rigorous uphill climb to your destination, but know the view is well worth the effort.

Don't leave before stocking up on Sedona's famous healing crystals at Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village . Then end your day with fish tacos, loaded nachos, and a strawberry margarita at the nearby Oaxaca Restaurant , where you can sample the grilled Arizona cactus appetizer and other vegetarian and vegan-friendly dishes on the menu.

Day 4: Drive From Sedona to the Grand Canyon

Lauren Breedlove/Travel + Leisure

A beautiful two-hour drive from Sedona, the magic of the Grand Canyon awaits. One of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, the Grand Canyon is the cherry on top of an Arizona road trip experience. Take 89A out of Sedona. Break at Midgley Bridge on the outskirts of Sedona for a quick hike down Oak Creek Canyon . Then, stop in Flagstaff to refuel at Macy's European Coffee House , where bespoke coffee concoctions and healthy breakfast fare are served all day. Flagstaff is also home to Arizona's tallest mountain, Humphreys Peak, as well as a variety of Native American heritage sites, so stick around and scout it out for a few hours.

At the Grand Canyon, check into the El Tovar Hotel , a historic property that opened its doors in 1905 and has entertained celebrities and presidents for the past 100-plus years. Mere steps from the edge of the "big ditch," El Tovar is both elegant and rustic with breathtaking views from every window. The resort's Dining Room is as close to the canyon as you can get, and the authentic cuisine is almost as memorable as the views from the window-side tables.

The South Rim of the Grand Canyon, right outside El Tovar's doors, is accessible year-round. Look forward to hikes of varying lengths that cater to explorers of every skill level. Plan a hike at sunrise and bring along a breakfast picnic.

Day 5: Drive From the Grand Canyon to Page

Page, a water sports lover's paradise, is another three-hour drive north. Continue along 89A toward Nevada and reserve several hours for a tour of Antelope Canyon . Weave through the winding walls of this sandstone formation with a camera in hand; the wave-like structures and light that breaks through the canyon's slots are straight out of a photographer's fantasy. The Wave is another iconic hike, but requires securing a permit in advance.

In Page, check into the Lake Powell Resort . This serene and peaceful property nestled in the heart of the desert boasts old-fashioned allure and modern comforts. Warm up in the morning at the all-day coffee bar and look forward to nights by the resort's fire pit.

Nearby, BirdHouse serves up some of the best comfort food in Arizona (think: mac and cheese, waffles, mashed potatoes, and crinkle-cut fries). But fried chicken is the star of the show at this roadside establishment. Pair it with a homemade sauce, like honey butter or buttermilk ranch, and an ice-cold beer — BirdHouse has a stout selection from local breweries.

The magic of Horseshoe Bend is a mere stone's throw south of Page. One of the most iconic venues in Arizona, this unusually shaped bend in the Colorado River is best enjoyed from an overlook that towers 4,000-plus feet above sea level. The easy hike from the parking lot to the overlook is less than a mile.

The drive from Page back to Tucson is six hours, but if you want to continue your voyage westward, Las Vegas — via Kanab, home of a famous hike known as The Wave — is four and a half hours. From Las Vegas, you can hop onto Nevada's 365-mile Death Drive , one of the region's most memorable road trips.

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This Picturesque Mountain Town In Arizona Is The Perfect Day Trip For Families

By: Author Emma Davis

Posted on August 30, 2024

As you sip your morning coffee, have you ever thought about taking a day trip to a place that feels like a little escape, yet isn’t too far from home?

Tubac, Arizona , is just that spot, offering a perfect blend of charm, history, and fun for the entire family.

With its stunning mountain backdrop, quaint streets, and rich cultural heritage, Tubac is more than just a dot on the map.

Ready to discover why this picturesque mountain town is the ideal family getaway?

Every adventure in Tubac begins with its vibrant arts scene.

Known as an artist’s haven, Tubac is home to a myriad of galleries that showcase everything from contemporary pieces to traditional crafts.

Wander through the streets and find yourself captivated by colorful murals, unique sculptures, and handmade jewelry that tell the story of the town’s creative spirit.

The Tubac Center of the Arts stands as a beacon, offering rotating exhibits and workshops that cater to budding artists of all ages.

After a morning of art appreciation, hunger is bound to strike, and Tubac’s culinary scene is ready to impress.

Family-friendly eateries abound, each offering a taste of local flavor with a twist.

At Shelby’s Bistro, you can enjoy a delicious meal on their charming patio, surrounded by the town’s historic architecture.

The kids can munch on favorites like wood-fired pizza while adults savor dishes prepared with fresh, local ingredients.

Don’t forget to try their homemade desserts—the decadent chocolate cake is a crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone smiling.

In Tubac, history is more than just a subject in school but an experience.

The Tubac Presidio State Historic Park offers a fascinating glimpse into the past.

As Arizona’s first state park, it preserves the heritage of the Pima, Spanish, Mexican, and American settlers who once called this area home.

Walk through the museum and explore the underground exhibit featuring the ruins of the original Presidio, dating back to 1752.

The park’s educational programs and living history demonstrations are perfect for curious minds, making history come alive in a way books simply can’t.

After soaking up history, nature beckons with the promise of adventure.

The Anza Trail, a historic route that follows the path taken by Spanish explorer Juan Bautista de Anza, offers a scenic hike that’s perfect for families.

Along the trail, the Santa Cruz River provides a lush contrast to the arid landscape, creating opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife spotting.

Kids will love the chance to stretch their legs and perhaps even spot a deer or a javelina.

Remember to pack a picnic and enjoy a meal surrounded by the beauty of the Arizona countryside.

Shopping in Tubac is an experience that blends the old with the new.

The town’s unique shops offer everything from handcrafted pottery and textiles to antique treasures and contemporary fashion.

For those with a sweet tooth, a stop at Tumacookery is a must.

This locally-owned kitchen shop offers gourmet treats and cooking gadgets that will delight chefs of all ages.

Related: Visit this Small Town in Arizona Known for its World-Famous Pie

Related: This Charming Small Town in Arizona Can be Fully Explored over a Memorable Family Weekend

Related: This Tiny Arizona Town, Once a Celebrity Magnet, Invites Families to Experience its Healing Mineral Waters

No visit to Tubac is complete without experiencing its festive spirit.

The town hosts a variety of events throughout the year, each one offering a unique glimpse into local culture.

The Tubac Festival of the Arts, held every February, transforms the streets into a bustling marketplace filled with artists, musicians, and performers.

Families can enjoy live entertainment, sample delicious food from various vendors, and take part in interactive activities.

It’s a celebration that brings the community together and offers visitors a chance to become part of the Tubac story.

If you’re looking for a quieter escape, Tubac Golf Resort & Spa provides a luxurious retreat.

The resort, set against the backdrop of the Santa Rita Mountains, offers a range of family-friendly activities.

Spend the day playing a round of golf, relax by the pool, or indulge in a soothing spa treatment.

The resort’s historic charm and modern amenities make it a perfect spot for a little family pampering.

Exploring Tubac on foot or by bike is a delightful way to take in the town’s charm.

Pedal through the streets and discover hidden gems, like quaint courtyards and historic landmarks.

The town’s walkability makes it easy to navigate, allowing families to explore at their own pace and make the most of their day trip.

The community of Tubac is known for its warm hospitality and welcoming atmosphere.

Locals are always ready to share a story or recommend a favorite spot, making visitors feel right at home.

This sense of community adds to the town’s appeal, creating a memorable experience for all who visit.

For families with young children, Tubac offers a variety of kid-friendly activities.

The Tubac Presidio State Historic Park has numerous that engage children with interactive learning opportunities.

Tubac’s natural beauty is complemented by its commitment to preservation and sustainability.

The town’s efforts to protect its environment and heritage ensure that future generations can continue to enjoy its wonders.

This dedication to sustainability is evident in the well-maintained parks and trails, as well as the eco-friendly practices of local businesses.

The town’s proximity to the Santa Cruz River adds another layer of appeal.

The river’s lush banks offer a serene setting for relaxation and recreation.

Whether you’re picnicking by the water or simply enjoying the view, the river provides a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle.

Tubac’s blend of history, art, and natural beauty makes it a destination that appeals to all ages.

The town’s charm lies in its ability to offer something for everyone, from curious kids to seasoned travelers.

Each visit brings new discoveries and lasting memories.

To plan your visit, check out Tubac’s website or Facebook page for the latest information on events and attractions.

Use this map to navigate your way to this picturesque mountain town.

Where : Tubac, AZ 85646

So, what are you waiting for?

Ready to pack up the family and head to Tubac for a day of fun and adventure?

Watch CBS News

Trump visits border wall in Arizona, trades accusations with Democrats on immigration policy

Updated on: August 22, 2024 / 7:58 PM EDT / CBS/AP

On a dirt road below the shrub-dotted hills of Arizona, Donald Trump used a stretch of wall and a pile of steel beams to draw a visual contrast between his approach to securing the border and that of his Democratic opponent, Vice President Kamala Harris .

Trump brought along grieving mothers, the sheriff of Cochise County and the head of the Border Patrol union to echo his tough-on-border security message at Thursday's visit, which was themed "Make America Safe Again."

"To my right is what we call Trump wall. This was wall that was built under President Trump," said Paul Perez, the president of the Border Patrol union. "To my left, we have what we call Kamala wall. It's just sitting there doing nothing, lying down."

The Biden administration did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the wall construction.

The visit was the fourth in a series of events held in battleground states this week to try to draw the focus away from Democrats' celebration of Harris' presidential nomination in Chicago. Speakers at the convention on Wednesday night accused Trump of using the border to stir up his base by demonizing immigrants.

Joining Thursday's border visit were the mothers of children who were killed during the Biden administration in cases where the suspects are immigrants in the country illegally. Trump frequently highlights attacks involving immigrants to fuel concerns about the Biden administration policies, though some studies have found that people living in the U.S. illegally are less likely than native-born Americans to have been arrested for violent, drug and property crimes.

"I just really, really, really want everybody to please take into consideration how important border control is because we're losing very innocent people to heinous crimes," said Alexis Nungaray, the mother of 12-year-old Jocelyn Nungaray , who was strangled to death in Houston in June.

At the Arizona event, snipers stood nearby at an elevated position, their eyes and weapons pointed toward Mexico, a day after Trump held his first outdoor rally since an assassination attempt last month. Security forces were also visible on the Mexican side of the border, including several men with rifles and tactical gear. Others wore uniforms identifying them as members of the Mexican state police.

"What Biden and Kamala have done to the families here with me and so many others, thousands and thousands of others, not only killed, but also really badly hurt, badly hurt to a point where they'll never lead a normal life again. It's shameful, and it's evil," Trump said.

In his tour of battleground states this week, Trump has traveled to Pennsylvania, Michigan and North Carolina and will hold events in Las Vegas and the Phoenix suburb of Glendale on Friday. His running mate, Sen. JD Vance of Ohio, spoke at the same location near the border a few weeks ago.

In the first four months of 2024, Border Patrol recorded more than 250,000 migrant apprehensions in the Tucson sector, which includes Cochise County. That was the most of any region patrolled by the agency, according to government statistics. 

But in recent months , the number of illegal crossings along the U.S.-Mexico border have fallen to the lowest level in years , according to Customs and Border Protection data obtained by CBS News, following President Biden's  order curtailing asylum  and action by Mexico to stop migrants heading north.

Elected Democratic officials argued Wednesday night  at the convention in Chicago that their party is the one offering real leadership on border issues.

Rep. Pete Aguilar of California, the chair of the Democratic Caucus, said Americans don't have to make a choice between "a secure border and building an America for all." 

"Under Harris, we can and will do both," he said.

"When it comes to the border, hear me when I say, 'You know nothing, Donald Trump,'" said Rep. Veronica Escobar, who represents the border city of El Paso, Texas. "He and his Republican imitators see the border and immigration as a political opportunity to exploit instead of an issue to address."

Sen. Chris Murphy, a Connecticut Democrat, spoke after a video played showing Republican opposition to a bipartisan border deal earlier this year. Murphy was the top Democrat negotiating the proposal with conservative senators and said the bill would have had unanimous support if it weren't for Trump.

Trump was asked about the deal, and he called it "weak" and "ineffective," adding a bill was not needed for President Biden to take action.

"He didn't need a bill. He knows that," he said. "You know I didn't have a bill. I said 'close the border.'"

Camilo Montoya-Galvez and Jacob Rosen contributed to this report.

• Immigration
• Donald Trump

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Visit a new state of mind in AZ

Here you are.

Travel is about more than sticking a pin in a map. It's about making connections — to places, people and a purpose.

Take a defining journey and visit a new state of mind

Travel is about more than sticking a pin in a map. It's about making connections — to places, people and a purpose. In Arizona, you won't merely experience jaw-dropping beauty and seat-of-your-pants adventure. You'll connect with what matters most, all while losing yourself… in the best possible way. Out here, being present has never felt so good.

Some lesser-known facts about Arizona, the 48th state.

• Sixth largest state in the U.S.
• Largest cities by size: Greater Phoenix, Tucson and Flagstaff.
• One-third of the state is desert-Central and areas of the Southern regions.
• 320 days of sunshine.
• 4 and 5-star resorts in Greater Phoenix and Tucson.
• UNESCO City of Gastronomy (Tucson), two UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
• 370 golf courses (kept green by greywater).
• Three American Viticultural Area (AVA) wine-growing regions.
• Elevation ranges from 70 ft. to 12,635 ft. above sea level.
• Snow falls in the northern, eastern and parts of the southern regions.
• 22 tribal nations, 22 national parks and monuments and 34 state parks.
• 210 mountain ranges, 800 -mile scenic trail, 128 lakes and five major rivers.
• Home to all 277 miles of the Grand Canyon.

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News Release

Fatality on the colorado river at fossil rapid.

NPS Photo/M. Graden

Contact: Joelle Baird , 928-606-3154

On Sunday, August 25, at approximately 3:40 p.m., Grand Canyon National Park was alerted to an emergency via a satellite phone call from a commercial river trip near Fossil Rapid (river mile 126) on the Colorado River.

The Grand Canyon Regional Communications Center received a report that CPR was in progress on an 80-year-old male who had entered the river after his boat flipped at Fossil Rapid. Despite the efforts of the group and park rangers flown in by helicopter, all resuscitation attempts were unsuccessful.

The National Park Service and Coconino County Medical Examiner are investigating the incident. No further information is available at this time.

Last updated: August 27, 2024

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PO Box 129 Grand Canyon, AZ 86023

928-638-7888

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Man Dies on River Trip at Grand Canyon; 5th Fatality in Less Than a Month

Authorities say an 80-year-old man has died after falling from a boat on the Colorado River inside Grand Canyon National Park

GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK, Ariz. (AP) — An 80-year-old man has died after falling from a boat on the Colorado River inside Grand Canyon National Park, authorities said Tuesday.

It's believed to be the fifth reported fatality at the canyon in less than a month and the 13th this year.

In a news release, a Grand Canyon National Park spokesperson said the incident occurred Sunday afternoon near Fossil Rapid. The man was on a commercial river trip when his boat flipped.

All resuscitation attempts were unsuccessful and the man was pronounced dead at the scene, according to authorities.

The man's name was not immediately released.

The Park Service and Coconino County Medical Examiner’s Office will be investigating the latest death at the Grand Canyon.

On July 31, a 20-year-old North Carolina man on a mission trip with his church slipped and fell about 400 feet (120 meters) to his death off the edge of the South Rim.

The following day, a 43-year-old Missouri man died while attempting to BASE jump from Yavapai Point, falling an estimated 500 feet (150 meters).

Grand Canyon officials said BASE jumping — a high-risk parachute jump — is prohibited in the park.

On Aug. 8, the body of a 20-year-old New Mexico woman was found about 150 feet (45 meters) below Twin Overlooks.

Last Thursday, a 33-year-old woman from the Phoenix suburb of Gilbert was swept away in a flash flood while on a hiking trip in the canyon. Her body was recovered Sunday.

A park officials said that on average, there are about 10 to 15 deaths every year at the iconic park and there were 11 fatalities in 2023.

Copyright 2024 The  Associated Press . All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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Hiker found dead after solo backpacking trip at Grand Canyon

6th death reported at national park in 1 month.

GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK, AZ (AZFamily) — The National Park Service (NPS) says a hiker was found dead at the Grand Canyon earlier this week, marking the sixth death at the park in one month.

Around 4 p.m. on Tuesday, a concerned family called 911 to report that a man failed to check in while attempting a solo, multi-day backpacking trip from Thunder River to Deer Creek . Crews then began searching for the missing hiker.

Shortly before 10 a.m. the next day, an NPS search and rescue team in a helicopter spotted the man along a route that connects Lower Tapeats Camp and Deer Creek Camp. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

His name has not been released, but officials say he was a 60-year-old man from North Carolina. His death is under investigation by the NPS and Coconino County Medical Examiner.

This month alone, five others have also died at the Grand Canyon, beginning with a 20-year-old college student from North Carolina who fell 400 feet .

Another man died the following day after falling 500 feet during an illegal BASE jump.

On Aug. 6, park rangers located the body of a 20-year-old New Mexico woman after a multi-day search .

A Gilbert woman was swept away during flash-flooding last week, and her body was recovered a few days later.

Then on Sunday, an 80-year-old man died after falling from a boat in the Colorado River.

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