From mind-blowing canyons to breathtaking waterfalls and Native American cliff dwellings, Arizona is home to some of the country’s most awe-inspiring landscapes and man-made marvels, offering endless delight to any outdoor enthusiast. When you’re ready to venture out from Phoenix and the other larger cities in Arizona, look no further as we have compiled here our list of the top ten places to visit in Arizona.
Starting off out list at number ten is Antelope Canyon, a slot canyon offering an otherworldly experience. The site lies within the Navajo Nation Reserve just outside of Page, where you can join a guided tour. Walk through the natural pathways of the towering sandstone canyon walls that appear twisted and sculpted in an array of colors and shapes, while light shafts burst through in stunning displays.
One of the few and best places to experience an American pre-Columbian civilization is at Montezuma Castle. Looking akin to a prehistoric high-rise apartment building, this five-story cliff dwelling is among the nation’s best preserved. Dating back to the 12th century, this site is believed to have been built by the women of the Sinagua tribe. You will find an on-site museum here that displays ancient relics such as bone needles, grinding millstones, shell ornaments and stone tools.
The Petrified Forest National Park must be included on this list because where else can you see large wood deposits and rock fossils dating back millions of years ago? Take a scenic drive through this geological wonder in northeastern Arizona to marvel at how the shades and colors of the Painted Desert change with the shifting sun. Check out museums, Pueblo village ruins and petroglyphs. Spot wildlife such as pronghorn antelope, coyotes, bobcats and various birds.
This national monument is on the list because it is guaranteed to blow your mind with its awe-inspiring beauty. Inhabited by the Navajo Nation for thousands of years, this vast park features a deep, verdant valley, dominated by towering sandstone cliffs and interspersed with soaring spires and distinctive rock formations like Spider Rock. Must-see attractions include prehistoric rock art and the ancient remains of a cliff-dwelling Pueblo village.
The Saguaro National Park makes this list because it offers you the opportunity to see the iconic symbol of the American West, the giant saguaro cactus. Covering more than 91,000 acres of the Sonoran Desert just outside of Tucson, this national park protects more than just cacti, including prehistoric petroglyphs, wildlife and historic sites. With plenty of roads and trails, you can explore the area by scenic drives, hiking and biking.
Nearby the Hoover Dam, Lake Mead Recreation Area comes in at fifth place on the list because it offers a wide array of activities. Home to one of America’s largest man-made lakes, the area is an outdoor playground where visitors can enjoy fishing, kayaking, canoeing, rafting, water skiing and wildlife viewing. Marinas and beaches offer swimming, boat rentals, restaurants and dinner cruises. Various hiking trails wander along mountains, ancient sand dunes, wetlands, interesting rock formations and tunnels of the Historic Railroad Trail.
Straddling the Colorado River between Arizona and Nevada, the Hoover Dam is an engineering marvel not to be missed. Built during the 1930s, this mammoth construction soars as high as a 60-foot building and boasts one of the longest concrete arch bridges in the Western Hemisphere. This impressive site offers breathtaking vistas, amazing photo opportunities and inside tours to explore the power plant and generators.
Monument Valley places third on this list because you will never see another place like it. Used as the setting in numerous films, this Navajo Tribal Park sits on the Arizona/Utah border, preserving a natural collection of dramatic sandstone towers and buttes unique to anywhere else in the world. Whether you take a self-guided drive or opt for a Navajo-guided tour, a trip here is a must-do to see magnificent landmarks and extraordinary sunsets.
You may have seen the Havasu Falls featured in travel television shows or set as photos in magazines, but nothing compares to seeing this remarkable site in person. Located at the bottom of the Grand Canyon and owned by the Havasupai Tribe, this natural attraction features a stunning cascade that plunges 120 feet into a pool of milky blue-green water that contrasts strikingly against surrounding red canyon walls.
It’s no surprise that the Grand Canyon tops the list of best places to see in Arizona. One of the most spectacular natural wonders of the world, this massive canyon reveals incredible landscapes sculpted by the Colorado River. In addition to scenic drives, you can enjoy mountain biking, horseback riding, hiking, fishing, rafting and helicopter tours here. A walk out on the glass-bottomed Skywalk offers amazing views and an unforgettable experience.
Have one of your favorite places to visit in Arizona that didn’t make our top ten list? Let us know in the comments section below.
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