about Arizona
Arizona, “The Grand Canyon State”, is located in the southwest of the United States. It’s capital is Phoenix which is the fifth largest city in the United States. It is known for its natural beauty and incredible landscapes. It is the perfect state for the outdoor enthusiast. It has three national parks that are absolutely epic. These are Grand Canyon National Park, Petrified Forest National Park and Saguaro National Park. It also has a bunch of national monuments: Canyon de Chelly, Casa Grande Ruins, Chiricahua, Coronado, Grand Canyon Parashant, Hohokam Pima, Montezuma Castle, Organ Pipe Cactus, Pipe Spring, Rainbow Bridge, Sunset Crater Volcano, Tonto, Tumacacori, Tuzigoot, Walnut Canyon, and Wupatki National Monument. The Glen Canyon Recreation Area is a great area in northeastern Arizona that is the home to Lake Powell and Horseshoe Bend. These protected areas are packed with history, abundant wildlife and untouched natural beauty.
how to get to to the National Parks and historic sites
The best way to explore the National Park and Historic Sites is by car. If you rent your own car, you will have the flexibility to add these sites into your own schedule. An alternative, is that many people take guided tours of Grand Canyon and Saguaro National Parks.
Grand Canyon National Park
Grand Canyon National Park is one of the top national parks in the United States and for good reason. This canyon was carved by the Colorado River over millions of years and stretches over 277 miles with depths up to a mile.
Getting here
The drive to the south rim from Flagstaff is about 81 miles. From south rim to the north rim is about 212 miles. Other nearby cities: Phoenix 231 miles and Las Vegas 278 miles to South Rim.
Where to stay
The nearest city to the South Rim is Flagstaff. There are various types of accommodation for any budget.
Within the park, you can stay at one of the campgrounds. There are three main campgrounds in Grand Canyon National Park for the south rim. These include Mather Campground, Trailer Village RV Park and Desert View Campground . There are also several options for camping outside of the national park including Ten-X Campground and Grand Canyon Camper Village.
What to do
Some of the highlights of this park include the visiting the visitor centers: Grand Canyon and Verkamp’s. Also the Kolb studio, Yavapai Geology Museum and the Tusayan Ruins are worth checking out. Check out sunrise at Yaki Point and sunset at Hopi Point. Take a shuttle or bike Hermit Road. Hike some incredible trails including Bright Angel. Check out the full guide HERE.
Petrified Forest National Park
Petrified Forest National Park is located in northeastern Arizona. It preserves one of the world’s largest concentrations of petrified wood.
Getting here
The closest airport is the Flagstaff Pulliam Airport (FLG) which is located about 137 miles southwest of the park. Another alternative is the Albuquerque International Airport (ABQ) which is about 221 miles southeast. There are two entrances to the park as it stretches between Interstate 40 and Highway 180. The drive between the entrances is 28 miles.
Where to stay
Holbrook, Arizona is the closest town with motel and hotel accommodations in the area. Holbrook is around 18 miles drive from the southern entrance and about 25.5 miles from the northern entrance to the park. The only camping in the park is backcountry camping.
What to do
The best way to explore this park is by driving the 28 mile scenic road. Along the way you can stop at several short trails to get up close and personal with the petrified forest. Also check out the Rainbow Forest Museum, Painted Desert Visitor Center and the Painted Desert Inn. Check out the full guide HERE.
Saguaro National Park
Saguaro National Park is located in southern Arizona. It is known for its rugged landscape dominated by the iconic saguaro cacti. There are beautiful scenic drives, hiking and desert wildlife.
Getting here
The closest airport is the Tucson International Airport (TUS). There are two portions of the park. One east and one west of Tucson. The Rincon Mountain District is east of Tucson and about a 32 minute drive while the Tucson Mountain District is about 32 minute drive west of Tucson.
Where to stay
Tucson is right in the middle of the two portions of the park and an ideal place to stay. There is backcountry camping available within the park
What to do
There is a scenic drive in both portions of the park. The Bajada Loop is in the Tucson Mountain District and the Cactus Forest Loop is in the Rincon Mountain District. Both sections have numerous hiking trails and picnic areas. I highly recommend checking out this park at sunset! Check out the full guide HERE.
Organ Pipe Cactus
Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument is located in southern Arizona. It is known for its rugged landscape dominated by the iconic organ pipe cacti.
Getting here
The Tucson Airport is about 143 miles away and about a 2.5 hour drive while the Phoenix Airport is about 148 miles away and also around a 2.5 hour drive away. The closest town is Ajo which is about 33 miles north of the park.
Where to stay
The closest town is Ajo which is about 33 miles north of the park with some hotel accommodations. There are several camping options within the park.
What to do
The Ajo Mountain Drive is the ideal way to explore this park. This 21 mile one-way gravel road brings you through the park. Along the way you can stop along some scenic overlooks, picnic spots and trailheads. This section of the park is teeming with organ pipe cacti. Check out the full guide HERE.
Montezuma Castle National Monument
Montezuma Castle National Monument is located in Arizona near Sedona. This monument protects the living spaces of the Sinagua Indians.
Getting here
This is about 1.5 hour drive (94 miles) from Phoenix and about 35 minutes from Sedona (26 miles). There are two parts to this National Monument the Castle and the Well so make sure to put in the correct directions.
What to do
This is a great small stop while visiting the Flagstaff, Sedona and/or Phoenix area. There is a small trail to the site with a visitor center.
Tuzigoot National Monument
Tuzigoot National Monument is located in Verde Valley Arizona. This pueblo for the Sinagua people consisted of 110 rooms and was built around A.D. 1000.
Getting here
This is about 1 hour 50 minute drive (107 miles) from Phoenix and about 35 minutes from Sedona (24 miles).
What to do
Explore the ruins and climb the small tower for panoramic view. The visitor center also has a little museum.
Glen Canyon National Recreation Area
Glen Canyon National Recreation Area is located in northeastern Arizona and is the home of Lake Powell and Horseshoe Bend
Getting here
The closest city to this area is Page, Arizona. There is the Page Municipal Airport (PGA) and the next nearest airport is Flagstaff Pulliam Airport (FLG) which is about 134 miles from Page. Page to Lake Powell is about a 10 minute drive north and from Page to Horseshoe Bend is about an 11 minute drive south.
Where to stay
Page, Arizona has a variety of accommodation types for any budget.
What to do
Lake Powell is a great place for boating. You can take a boat ride to the Rainbow Bridge National Monument as well. Horseshoe Bend which is located south of Page is an iconic landmark carved by the Colorado River. Check out our one day road trip guide HERE.
National Parks
These National Parks and Monuments are not to be missed when visiting the Arizona. There are so many other monuments and sites we have yet to explore. Arizona is teeming with natural beauty and you will not be disappointed visiting these areas!
