A Guide to the Best National Parks in Arizona

Arizona is a state rich in natural beauty and diversity, with a range of National Parks that offer breathtaking landscapes and unique geological features. From the iconic Grand Canyon to the fossilized trees of Petrified Forest, here is a guide to the best National Parks in Arizona.

Grand Canyon National Park is one of the most iconic natural wonders in the world and is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Arizona. With its breathtaking views, unique rock formations, and rich history, the Grand Canyon offers an experience unlike any other. If you plan to be one of the over five million visitors a year, check out this guide to everything you need to know about Grand Canyon National Park.

Geology: The Grand Canyon is a vast chasm in the Earth’s surface, carved over millions of years by the flow of the Colorado River. The Canyon is home to some of the world’s most unique rock formations, including the colorful layered rock known as the Grand Canyon Supergroup. Visitors can learn about the geology of the Canyon through guided tours, educational programs, and ranger-led walks.

Recreation: The Grand Canyon offers a wide range of recreational opportunities for visitors, including hiking, camping, rafting, and scenic drives. Hiking trails range from easy rim walks to strenuous backcountry adventures, and the Canyon’s backcountry is home to a variety of wildlife, including bighorn sheep, mule deer, and coyotes.

Scenic Drives: The Grand Canyon offers several scenic drives that offer breathtaking views of the Canyon and its surrounding landscape. Visitors can drive along the rim on the scenic Desert View Drive or take the historic Hermit Road, which offers views of the Canyon’s remote areas.

Visitor Centers: The Grand Canyon is home to several visitor centers, including the Grand Canyon Village Visitor Center, Desert View Visitor Center, and the North Rim Visitor Center. Visitors can learn about the history and geology of the Canyon at these centers, as well as purchase souvenirs, maps, and other park-related items.

Accommodations: The Grand Canyon offers a range of accommodation options, including campgrounds, lodges, and backcountry permits. Visitors can stay in one of the park’s historic lodges, such as the El Tovar Hotel or the Bright Angel Lodge, or camp in one of the park’s designated campgrounds.

Just a 4.5 hour drive from metro Phoenix, the Grand Canyon National Park is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Arizona or the Southwest. With its unique geological rock formations, breathtaking views, and rich history, the Grand Canyon offers a unique experience. Whether you’re a hiker, photographer, a scenic drive enthusiast, or a history buff, there is something for everyone at Grand Canyon National Park.

The Petrified Forest National Park is a unique and fascinating destination located in northeastern Arizona. This park is home to one of the largest and most diverse collections of petrified wood in the world, as well as a rich cultural history and diverse landscape. Here is everything you need to know about the Petrified Forest National Park.

Petrified Wood: The Petrified Forest is home to one of the largest collections of petrified wood in the world. This wood, which dates back over 200 million years, has been transformed into stone through a process of mineralization, preserving the wood’s structure and color. Visitors can see petrified logs, stumps, and branches scattered throughout the park, as well as in designated areas such as the Rainbow Forest and Crystal Forest.

Cultural History: The Petrified Forest is also rich in cultural history, with evidence of human habitation dating back over 13,000 years. Visitors can see ancient petroglyphs, pueblo ruins, and other cultural artifacts throughout the park, as well as learn about the history of the area at the park’s Painted Desert Visitor Center.

Scenic Drives: The Petrified Forest is a great destination for scenic drives, with several roads that offer breathtaking views of the park’s unique landscape. Visitors can drive along the historic Route 66 or take a scenic drive through the Painted Desert, which offers stunning views of the park’s colorful rock formations.

Hiking: The Petrified Forest is also a great destination for hiking, with several trails that range from easy to strenuous. Visitors can explore the park’s backcountry on foot, visiting ancient ruins and seeing the park’s diverse landscape up close.

Accommodations: The Petrified Forest does not have any lodges or campgrounds within the park, but there are several options for accommodations nearby. Visitors can stay in a hotel or motel in nearby Holbrook which is the town closest to Petrified Forest Forest National Park. Holbrook is located just 19 miles from the Arizona park’s nearest entrance station. or stay in a campground or RV park in the area.

Petrified Forest National Park is a unique and fascinating destination that offers visitors a chance to see one of the largest collections of petrified wood in the world, as well as a rich cultural history and diverse landscape.

Located near Tucson, Saguaro National Park is home to the largest cactus species in the United States, the saguaro cactus. The park is divided into two districts, the Rincon Mountain District and the Tucson Mountain District, and offers a range of hiking trails, scenic drives, and picnic areas.

Saguaro Cactus: The saguaro cactus is the centerpiece of the Saguaro National Park and is one of the most recognizable symbols of the American Southwest. These towering cacti can grow up to 70 feet tall and live for over 200 years, and are found nowhere else in the world except for the Sonoran Desert. Visitors can see these majestic cacti throughout the park, as well as learn about their biology and importance to the desert ecosystem.

Landscape: The Saguaro National Park is home to a diverse landscape of deserts, mountains, and canyons, and offers a range of recreational opportunities for visitors. Hiking trails range from easy rim walks to strenuous backcountry adventures, and visitors can also enjoy scenic drives, wildlife watching, and stargazing.

Visitor Centers: The Saguaro National Park is home to several visitor centers, including the Rincon Mountain Visitor Center and the Red Hills Visitor Center. Visitors can learn about the park’s history, geology, and wildlife at these centers, as well as purchase souvenirs, maps, and other park-related items.

Accommodations: The Saguaro National Park does not have any lodges or campgrounds within the park, but there are several options for accommodations nearby. Visitors can stay in a hotel or motel in nearby Tucson or stay in a campground or RV park in the area.

Saguaro National Park is a unique and beautiful destination that offers visitors a chance to see the iconic saguaro cactus, as well as a diverse landscape of deserts, mountains, and canyons.

This park is located in northeastern Arizona and offers visitors a chance to experience the history and culture of the Navajo people. The park features several scenic drives and hiking trails, as well as guided tours that allow visitors to explore the park’s ancient ruins and learn about Navajo culture.

Canyon de Chelly National Monument is a unique and fascinating destination located in northeastern Arizona. This park is home to stunning canyons and a rich cultural history, as well as a diverse landscape of deserts and mesas. Here is a guide to everything you need to know about Canyon de Chelly National Monument.

Canyons: Canyon de Chelly is home to a series of stunning canyons that offer visitors breathtaking views and a glimpse into the ancient past. Visitors can see towering cliffs, lush vegetation, and an array of wildlife, as well as ancient cliff dwellings and petroglyphs that offer a glimpse into the area’s rich cultural history.

Cultural History: Canyon de Chelly is rich in cultural history, with evidence of human habitation dating back over 5,000 years. Visitors can see ancient cliff dwellings and petroglyphs throughout the park, as well as learn about the history of the area at the park’s visitor center. The park is also home to the Navajo Nation, and visitors can learn about Navajo culture and history at the park’s cultural centers.

Hiking: Canyon de Chelly is a great destination for hiking, with several trails that range from easy to strenuous. Visitors can explore the park’s backcountry on foot, visiting ancient ruins and seeing the park’s diverse landscape up close.

Scenic Drives: Canyon de Chelly is a great destination for scenic drives, with several roads that offer breathtaking views of the park’s unique landscape. Visitors can drive along the park’s scenic drives, which offer stunning views of the canyons, deserts, and mesas.

Accommodations: Canyon de Chelly does not have any lodges or campgrounds within the park, but there are several options for accommodations nearby. Visitors can stay in a hotel or motel in nearby Chinle or stay in a campground or RV park in the area.

Canyon de Chelly National Monument is a unique and fascinating destination that offers visitors to Arizona a chance to see stunning canyons and a rich cultural history, as well as a diverse landscape of deserts and mesas.

This park is located in northern Arizona and is home to the remains of an ancient volcano that erupted over 900 years ago. Visitors can hike to the summit of the crater and explore the surrounding landscape, which is dotted with cinder cones and lava fields.

Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument is a unique and fascinating destination located in northern Arizona. This park is home to a stunning volcanic landscape and a rich cultural history, and offers a range of recreational opportunities for visitors. Here is a guide to everything you need to know about Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument.

Volcanic Landscape: Sunset Crater Volcano is a unique and stunning destination that offers visitors a chance to see a volcanic landscape unlike any other. The park is home to a well-preserved cinder cone, as well as an array of volcanic features, including lava flows and fissures. Visitors can hike the park’s trails to see these features up close and experience the park’s unique landscape.

Cultural History: Sunset Crater Volcano is also rich in cultural history, with evidence of human habitation in the area dating back over 1,000 years. Visitors can see ancient ruins and petroglyphs throughout the park, as well as learn about the history of the area at the park’s visitor center.

Hiking: Sunset Crater Volcano is a great destination for hiking, with several trails that range from easy to strenuous. Visitors can explore the park’s backcountry on foot, visiting volcanic features and seeing the park’s diverse landscape up close.

Scenic Drives: Sunset Crater Volcano is also a great destination for scenic drives, with several roads that offer breathtaking views of the park’s unique landscape. Visitors can drive along the park’s scenic drives, which offer stunning views of the volcanic landscape and the surrounding forests.

Accommodations: Sunset Crater Volcano does not have any lodges or campgrounds within the park, but there are several options for accommodations nearby. Visitors can stay in a hotel or motel in nearby Flagstaff or stay in a campground or RV park in the area.

Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument, near Flagstaff, Arizona is a unique and fascinating destination that offers visitors a chance to see a volcanic landscape and a rich cultural history.

Chiricahua National Monument is a unique and stunning destination located in southeastern Arizona. This park is home to a range of geological formations, including towering rock spires and hoodoos, as well as a rich cultural history.

Geological Formations: Chiricahua National Monument is home to a range of unique and stunning geological formations, including towering rock spires and hoodoos. Visitors can see these formations up close on the park’s trails, and experience the park’s unique landscape.

Cultural History: Chiricahua National Monument is also rich in cultural history, with evidence of human habitation in the area dating back over 1,000 years. Visitors can see ancient ruins and petroglyphs throughout the park, as well as learn about the history of the area at the park’s visitor center.

Hiking: Chiricahua National Monument is a great destination for hiking, with several trails that range from easy to strenuous. Visitors can explore the park’s backcountry on foot, visiting geological formations and seeing the park’s diverse landscape up close.

Scenic Drives: Chiricahua National Monument is also a great destination for scenic drives, with several roads that offer breathtaking views of the park’s unique landscape. Visitors can drive along the park’s scenic drives, which offer stunning views of the rock formations and the surrounding forests.

Accommodations: Chiricahua National Monument does not have any lodges or campgrounds within the park, but there are several options for accommodations nearby. Visitors can stay in a hotel or motel in nearby Willcox or stay in a campground or RV park in the area.

Chiricahua National Monument is a unique and stunning destination that offers visitors a chance to see a range of geological formations and a rich cultural history.