The national parks and monuments in Arizona, spreading over millions of acres, reflect the diverse culture and ancient history of the state. They are great options to learn about the rich history of the place and enjoy a wide array of adventures. Here are the top 12 picks of the national parks in Arizona to add to your bucket list.
Top National Parks and Monuments in Arizona
1. Grand Canyon National Park
You are assured of a lifetime adventure at Grand Canyon National Park. It is an unrivaled destination for hiking, biking, whitewater rafting, and taking part in ranger programs. Put on your hiking boots and start exploring the beautiful nature. There is a huge variety of hikes to choose from including the Rim Trail, South Kaibab Trail, Hermit Trail, Bright Angel Drive, Grandview Trail, etc. Rafting and boating in the Colorado River is an incredible experience. Take a scenic drive along the Desert View Drive for more than 20 miles, and visit six amazing viewpoints, and enjoy cultural demonstrations in the Kiva Room.
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2. Saguaro National Park
It is so colorful and beautiful, and there is so much to see and do. The park got its name from the Saguaro Cactus, which is found in abundance. You will love the unique experience of walking and driving through the towering cacti. The eastern section with the Rincon Mountains in the backdrop is a stunning place for photography. The western section has a dense population of cacti and has more hiking trails. Both sections are great for exploring. Take the short walk to the Signal Hill on the Bajada Loop Drive to see the petroglyphs, the rock art drawings made by the native Americans 800 years ago.
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3. Petrified National Park
Redwood trees petrified by volcanic ash are preserved here in this National Park. The park has several wonders waiting for you, including trees that have turned into stone, remnants of the Native American settlement, and fossils of animals and plants. The park is divided into the Painted Desert and the Rainbow Forest. It is called the Painted Desert because of the large red patch of land that looks like a lovely work of art. The Rainbow Desert has got its colors from the iron content in the sediments. It is a spectacular sight. It is not a very popular or one of the most-visited parks in the country, but you will have a nice time here.
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4. Chiricahua National Monument
It is called the Wonderland of Rocks because of its unique rock formations and stunning balancing rocks. It is one of the best hiking destinations in Arizona. The Chiricahua National Monument has many trails to explore. One of the most popular is Echo Trail, which takes you around the enchanted Rhyolite Rocks, past the hoodoos, grottos, and expansive vista. Climb to the top of the rock. The sunshine turns it into a palette of colors and brings life to the green moss on the rocks. If you are interested in seeing all the impressive rock formations, plan a two-day visit.
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5. Casa Grand Ruins National Monument
The main structure of the monument dates back to the 13th century, but historians believe that the ancestral community lived here 1,000 years before that. It is an unsolved history of why the inhabitants abandoned the area. Casa Grande Ruins are interesting to explore. You can learn about the history of the place and its residents from the exhibits in the visitor’s center. If you want to learn more, watch the Casa Grande movie in the park movie theater. Take a self-guided tour to explore the site. The picnic area with tables under shady trees welcomes the visitors to relax and refresh.
6. Sunset Crater National Monument
This is named after the volcano Sun Crater that erupted 900 years ago. The lava, the cinders, and the rocks from the volcano transformed the whole area. Hike the Lava Flow Trail and climb up the Cinder Hills Overlook to admire the beauty of the park. The walking experience around the lava rocks and cinders is incredible and incomparable. You can camp at the Bonito Campground to gaze at the stars and other celestial bodies.
7. Navajo National Monument
The highlight of the Navajo National Monument is the remains of pueblos, the dwellings of the ancestral Puebloan people. The monument preserves three large pueblos. You can take a self-guided tour to view the ruins from a viewpoint. Are you interested in getting a close-up look? Join a tour led by park rangers. The hike can be challenging and strenuous, but it is worth it. The campsites are clean with modern facilities. You can get lots of interesting information from the visitor’s center.
8. Montezuma Castle National Monument
This national monument, established in 1906, is dedicated to preserving Native American culture. The Sinagua people built Montezuma Castle about 400 years ago in this area. You can’t enter the castle because of safety issues. You can explore the collection of exhibits and artifacts in the museum. Take the loop trail that will take you past the ancient dwellings. For a deeper exploration, join the ranger program. It is also a great site for bird-watching.
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9. Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument
With vibrant wildflowers blooming in the spring and plentiful cacti blooming in the summer, the place is always colorful. You have lots of things to do, including wildlife photography, bird watching, stargazing, hiking, biking, scenic drives, horseback riding, junior ranger program, etc. There are many trails to hike such as The Desert View Trail, The Victoria Mine Trail, and the Bull Pasture Trail. The easiest hike is the Desert View Trail and the toughest is the Bull Pasture loop that takes you through the wilderness. A scenic drive around the mountains is a feast for your eyes. The campground with more than 200 campsites is great for camping and gazing at the stars at night.
10. Vermilion Cliffs National Monument
This hidden gem located in a remote area offers a wide array of outdoor activities like hiking, rock climbing, rafting, kayaking, base jumping, angling, photographing, trout fishing, and stargazing. Drive to the Marble Canyon to visit the Navajo Bridge, a historic bridge with amazing views. Take a guided hike to the Coyotees Buttes to see The Wave, known for its wave-like rock formation and colorful sandstones. Kayak the Colorado River, and cast your rods in the river. There are plenty of hiking opportunities, including easy and challenging trails.
11. Tonto National Monument
Immerse yourself in the rich history of the late 1800s at the Tonto National Monument. Take a tour of Goldfield Ghost Town and experience the well-preserved historic buildings. Other fun things to do in Goldfield Ghost Town include a train ride, ziplining, a mine tour, a shooting gallery, and more. Visit Canyon Lake and enjoy a variety of activities, such as kayaking, jet-skiing, scuba diving, wakeboarding, boat rides, camping, hiking, swimming, and fishing. Camp with your family and create cherishable memories.
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12. Walnut Canyon National Monument
This 3600-acre National monument was established in 1915 to protect the ancient dwellings. There are two hiking trails, the Rim Trail and the Island Trail. Rim trail is an easy trail, and Island Trail is strenuous. Hike one of them to view the historic cliff dwellings of the Sinagua People. The night sky is spectacular with clear skies twinkling with stars. Visit the Lowell Observatory and peer through world-class telescopes.
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Conclusion
Visit Arizona’s national parks and monuments to experience the state’s diverse culture and history. Plan your next trip to Arizona to enjoy outdoor activities and natural beauty.
