40 AMAZING ARIZONA LANDMARKS TO CHECK OUT

When it comes to Arizona landmarks, I’ve learned that expecting the unexpected is your first mistake.

Sure, I thought I knew what I was in for – maybe a few cacti doing their best impression of traffic cops, some rocks wearing funny hats, and perhaps a canyon that’s, well, grand.

Boy, was I in for a surprise! From landmarks in Arizona that defy gravity (looking at you, Sedona’s balanced rocks) to historic sites that make the pyramids look like newcomers (okay, slight exaggeration), the Grand Canyon State is basically Mother Nature’s personal art gallery with a splash of human ingenuity thrown in for good measure.

On my first visit to these Arizona natural landmarks, I made the rookie mistake of wearing dark jeans in July.

Let’s just say my legs remembered that particular landmark adventure for weeks.

But that’s the thing about Arizona’s famous landmarks – they have a way of leaving their mark on you, sometimes quite literally.

Whether you’re standing at the edge of the world’s most famous hole in the ground or watching the sunset paint Monument Valley in fifty shades of orange, these desert treasures have a knack for turning even the most stoic visitors into wide-eyed wonderers.

So grab your water bottle (and then three more), slather on that sunscreen, and join me on a journey through Arizona’s most spectacular landmarks – from the internationally famous to the delightfully obscure.

I promise you’ll laugh, you’ll gasp, and you’ll probably sweat, but most importantly, you’ll discover why this corner of the Southwest has been capturing imaginations since before postcards were even a thing.

And who knows? You might just find yourself talking to a saguaro cactus by the end of it all.

Don’t worry – they’re excellent listeners.

FAMOUS ARIZONA LANDMARKS

THE GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK

• Best time to visit: March-May or September-November
• Where to stay: El Tovar Hotel if you’re feeling fancy, or Bright Angel Lodge for that rustic-but-won’t-encounter-bears vibe
• Pro tip: Sunrise at Mather Point. Yes, you’ll hate your alarm clock, but you’ll thank me later.

Spanning 277 miles of the Colorado River, Grand Canyon National Park is one of the most beautiful Arizona landmarks.

As a frequent visitor to one of the magnificent wonders of the world, I cannot get enough of the surreal views no matter what time of year or how many times I visit and is my favorite on the Arizona Bucket List.

It is hard for me to pick a favorite season or the incredible places to take in the best Grand Canyon Views. 

This vast national park is beautiful in the spring and fall, but I love visiting Grand Canyon in the winter as well, thanks to the pleasant weather, powdery snow, and roads that open up for driving(they are closed during the other seasons).

I highly recommend enjoying the beautiful Grand Canyon sunset from the top spots.

If you prefer fewer crowds, start your day by admiring the spectacular sunrise in the Grand Canyon National Park.

If you are wondering what to do in Grand Canyon in winter or if it is even worth visiting, check out my guide to learn more.

ANTELOPE CANYON

Where to stay: El Tovar Hotel if you’re feeling fancy, or Bright Angel Lodge for that rustic-but-won’t-encounter-bears vibe

ANTELOPE CANYON

• Best time to visit: March-October for the famous light beams
• Nearest city: Page
• Where to stay: Lake Powell Resort – because after all that canyon-ing, you’ll need a pool
• Pro tip: Upper Canyon for light beams, Lower Canyon for fewer crowds and more adventure.

By far the most famous slot canyons in Arizona, and one of the iconic landmarks in the world is Antelope Canyon, located in the Navajo Nation east of Page.

It is so large that it is split into two distinct canyons: Upper Antelope and Lower Antelope.

Upper Antelope is the most famous and visited, while Lower Antelope is slightly more challenging to see and receives fewer tourists, and undoubtedly, one of the best Arizona landmarks.

You can only access Antelope Canyons on a guided tour, which remains full throughout the year, thanks to its immense popularity.

It is best to book the tours in months if you want to explore during peak seasons.

While both canyons are relatively short and offer a slightly different experience, both are incredible slot canyons comprising unique and impressive formations on the tall Navajo sandstone walls.

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These striking wonders are millions of years old, formed due to the consistent work of flash floods, carving their famous rugged edges, creating deep and narrow winding fissures through the soft, red sandstone rock.

Upper Antelope Canyon, also known as the place where water runs through rocks, is the most crowded of the slot canyons near Page. 

Upper Antelope Canyon, spanning 200 meters long, has the largest caverns, with the entire canyon at ground level and no climbing, giving it easy access and attracting millions of visitors yearly. 

It is narrow and has more twists and turns than Lower Antelope Canyon. 

Upper Antelope Canyons is also easily accessible from Horseshoe Bend and the Glen Canyon Dam. 

LOWER ANTELOPE

If you only have time to visit one of Page’s famous slot canyons, it should be Lower Antelope Canyon.

Lower Antelope Canyon is known for its spectacular spiral rock arches amidst narrow passages and shallow water on the ground.

If you have more time, I recommend visiting a few fantastic Arizona national monuments nearby, including Canyon de Chelly or relaxing or enjoying a picnic at Lake Powell, one of the best Arizona lakes.

Since the lower canyon is v-shaped, the light shines from above onto the canyon floor instead of through specific openings like the a-shaped upper canyon bringing more light into the canyon and offering splendid photo-capturing options.

On your guided tour, you will pass through a series of fantastic passageways where you can see the floors and the walls illuminated by sunlight pouring in, creating beautiful views.

You’ll have to scale some ladders to access Lower Canyon, but it is worth the extra effort.

As this is one of the most popular canyons, tours for Lower Antelope Canyon can fill up fast, and booking your trip in advance is best.

This tour of Antelope Canyon has incredible reviews, awesome tour guides & transportation to the canyon.

Read excellent reviews and find more details here.

It is best to book the tours in months if you want to explore during peak seasons.

Besides the lower and the upper Antelope Canyon, you can also stop by Secret Antelope Canyon and Canyon X.

Where to stay: Lake Powell Resort

CHECK OUT THE HUGE CACTI AT SAGUARO NATIONAL PARK

If you are a fan of the unique, rugged landscapes, this is one of the top Arizona landmarks you will love. It will sweep you off your feet. Trust me.

One of the popular weekend trips from Phoenix for outdoor lovers and adventure seekers is Saguaro National Park. 

One of the beautiful Arizona National Parks, this park is located 2-hours away from Phoenix. It is also a popular weekend getaway from Tucson, much closer.

Saguaro National Park is home to vast forests of saguaro cacti, including America’s tallest and most iconic cactus species. 

These large, majestic branching cacti reach heights of more than 40 feet, living over 250 years and dominating the landscapes creating stunning and rugged panoramas.

Founded in 1933 by President Herbert Hoover, the Tucson and Rincon mountain ranges run through the park. 

The sweeping valleys dotted with forests of spiny saguaro towering up to 15 meters in height make for a distinctive sight with their prickly pears and blooming buds.

And sunset in Saguaro National Park is one of the most beautiful and distinct as these vegetation form alluring silhouettes.

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Saguaro National Park is divided into two segments, one on either side of Tucson, named the Rincon Mountain District east of Tucson and the Tucson Mountain Unit west of Tucson, covering over 54000 acres.

On the west side, in the Tucson Mountain District, which is smaller and more accessible, you’ll find the densest stands of saguaro and sweeping views from the Valley View Overlook Trail. 

The Rincon Mountain District, on the east side, is more remote and includes a large mountainous region with summits over 8,000 feet.

Rincon Mountain also features the park’s famous Cactus Forest Loop drive and offers stunning sunset and sunrise views.

Hike the Hope Camp and Ridgeview Trails in spring for colourful wildflower displays and beautiful views.

HORSESHOE BEND

• Best time to visit: Sunrise or sunset Nearest city: Page
• Where to stay: Same as Antelope Canyon – make Page your base
• Pro tip: Bring a wide-angle lens, or you’ll end up with 47 partial photos trying to capture the whole bend.

Ever seen a river pull off a perfect U-turn in style? Welcome to Horseshoe Bend, where the Colorado River decided to get creative with its navigation.

Located just 5 miles from downtown Page, this Instagram superstar isn’t just another pretty face in Arizona’s geological portfolio – it’s a 1,000-foot-deep canyon that proves even rivers can be drama queens.

But it is definitely one of the stunning Arizona landmarks.

The numbers game: You’re looking at a 270-degree bend in the Colorado River, with a 4,200-foot rim above sea level and about a 1,000-foot drop from the viewpoint (pro tip: if you’re afraid of heights, maybe scoot back a few feet).

The 1.5-mile round-trip hike sounds deceptively easy, but don’t let that fool you – it’s basically a desert version of a StairMaster.

And yes, those safety railings might mess with your shot, but they’re better than the alternative!

THE MONUMENT VALLEY

One of my favourite Arizona landmarks is the Monument Valley.

When you think of America’s Wild West, no landscape ever comes to perfectly symbolizing it than the Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, which is one of the most famous filming locations in the US.

Located within the Navajo Nation Reservation, straddling the Arizona-Utah state borders, its dramatic desert landscapes are instantly recognizable. 

Although its cinematic fame may be why it is so popular, it is one of the least visited Arizona national monuments.

This fantastic landscape, known for dozens of spectacular free-standing sandstone buttes and monoliths towering above the sweeping sagebrush panoramas, is also home to ancient cliff dwellings.

Known to the Navajo as the ‘Valley Between the Rocks,’ it is one of the best places in Arizona for watching stunning sunsets and spectacular sunrises, and no wonder it draws thousands of photographers.

You’ll need to hire or book a jeep or high-clearance four-wheel-drive vehicle trip and pay an access fee to drive through the tribal park on a 17-mile dirt loop to experience everything in the park.

You can take one of the guided tours(check this fantastic one here)with a Navajo or Hopi person to Mystery Valley and Hunts Mesa to learn about the Puebloan history and culture. 

For hikers, the 3.2-mile Wildcat trail around the West Mitten butte is one of the best to explore without a guide.

There is no camping within the park itself.

HAVASU FALLS

• Location – Havasupai Reservation, near the Grand Canyon
• Distance – 10 miles to reach the Havasupai campground, and another mile to the Falls
• Permit – Yes, a backcountry permit
• Parking – Hualapai Hilltop parking 

Among the top natural Arizona landmarks is Havasu Falls, the most popular Arizona Waterfall.

Havasu Falls is located in Havasupai Reservation, a remote area of the Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona. 

It is known for its spectacular thunder and roar as it plunges amidst rocky canyons forming splendid blue-green pools below.

It is no wonder that Havasu Falls is one of the top destinations on the Arizona Bucket List for millions of people worldwide. 

The challenge in getting here and the fantastic beauty of the falls make this a once-in-a-lifetime hike.

The magnificent colours of the falls are due to the dissolved calcium carbonate and magnesium, resulting in stunning turquoise blue water at Havasu Falls.

Due to its immense popularity, getting a permit to do this hike is more challenging than the trail itself, so you need to plan for this epic waterfall hike in Arizona.

PETRIFIED FOREST NATIONAL PARK

Among beautiful Arizona National Parks that draw visitors due to its magical landscapes is Petrified National Forest.

Located less than 4 hours northeast of Phoenix in eastern Arizona, near the New Mexico border, this is one of America’s most underrated national parks, and worth adding to your Arizona landmarks List.

This beautiful national park has been protected since 1906 and is heaven for exploring one of the most ancient landscapes in the world.

Petrified Forest National Park is known for its fossils and is a paradise for paleontologists, historians and archaeologists, for it is home to vast acres of landscapes encompassing 225-million-years old fossilized trees from the Late Triassic period, which was the dawn of the dinosaurs. 

You can hike on the lands where dinosaurs roamed and stand where ancient forests fell.

These ancient tree trunks are spectacular and have survived thanks to the minerals they absorbed after submerging in a riverbed nearly 200 million years ago. 

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Many of these wooden logs have transformed into solid, sparkling quartz, including citrine, amethyst, and jasper.

This mineral-tinted landscape basks in colours in the sunlight, offering fantastic panoramic views.

Petrified National Forest is home to painted deserts, striated canyons, fossils of ancient creatures, and even dinosaurs. 

Check out the Crystal Forest and Long Logs Trails if you love hiking trails.

The red-coloured badlands, the blue-banded rock formations, Blue Mesa, and Puerco Pueblo are iconic landmarks in the forest explored on hikes and mountain biking.

Historic Route 66 and Native American sites are other attractions comprising Petrified Forest National Park.

Jasper Forest Trail is among the popular longer hiking trails known for its gorgeous views.

Check out the Painted Desert Visitor Center and Rainbow Forest Museum, where you can learn about the area’s impressive history, geology, and nature.

If you are alone, I highly recommend this self-guided tour that will allow you to experience the best.

Petrified National Forest is an amazing day trip from Sedona. Check this all inclusive guided day trip if you are planning to head here from Sedona.

CANYON DE CHELLY NATIONAL MONUMENT

• The nearest city – Holbrook
• Famous for – Navajo and ancient Pueblo culture
• Best time to visit – Fall and spring 
• Entry – Free entry

If you drive north of Interstate 40 towards Canyon de Chelly and continue passing through the lonely lands up South Rim Drive, you will arrive at Canyon de Chelly National Monument, one of the spectacular Arizona National Monuments that should be on your bucket list.

Located in northeast Arizona and part of the Navajo Nation, Canyon de Chelly National Monument encompasses magnificent red sandstone canyons created by Chinle Creek and its tributaries and ancient cliff dwellings high up in the walls along the ledges of the cliffs.

Canyon de Chelly National Monument in northern Arizona near the New Mexico border was established in the 1930s to conserve vulnerable archaeological sites and artefacts.

Although administered by the National Park Service (NPS), it is located entirely within the Navajo tribal homeland. 

Carved into the sandstone bedrock of north-eastern Arizona, near Chinle, the three spectacular canyons, De Chelly, Del Muerto, and Monument, lie at the centre of the Navajo Nation and the heart of many native legends.. 

These canyons have been occupied by Indigenous peoples for 5,000 years uninterrupted, more continuously than anywhere in North America; 

Before them, the sites were home to the Ancestral Puebloans, Anasazi, Hopi and Navajo around 2,500 BCE, as indicated by the remains of prehistoric petroglyphs and age-old edifices.

Forty families still live within the park’s boundaries even today.

Since the Navajo still call Canyon De Chelly their home and a sacred site, you can only explore the monument on a guided Navajo tour with a native or National Park Service rangers.

Two panoramic drives run along the north and south rims of the canyon and have many overlooks.

You can opt for guided driving tours like this one and stop at lookouts to cover many of the site’s attractions, including Mummy Cave, carved into the sheer cliff, and Antelope House, standing at the base of the canyon walls. 

Don’t miss the fabulous, towering tall spire Spider Rock, an iconic sandstone spire that towers 230m above the canyon floor and, in Navajo legend, is the home of Spider Woman.

To see more, you’ll need to book a native guide to escort you on either foot, 4×4 or horseback.

Half-day tours traverse the rough river bottom and are best to experience ancient ruins, caves, and petroglyphs up close. 

If you don’t have time for a tour and are up for a relatively challenging hike, do the only self-guided walk, the 3-mile White House Trail, going 600 feet down into the canyon to arrive at the spectacular White House ruins.

The trail begins six miles east of the visitor centre along the South Rim drive. 

In the 1800s, this canyon was the site of many massacres of Native Americans by the Spanish and US Armies.

Head to the Cottonwood campsite for tent and RV camping.

VERMILION CLIFFS NATIONAL MONUMENT

• The nearest city – Flagstaff
• Best time to visit – Fall
• Facilities – None. Carry water and food
• Entry – $10 per person

If you’re visiting the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, stop at this beautiful national monument near Page to admire the spectacular cliffs plunging from the Paria plateau on the Utah border.

Vermillion Cliffs National Monument is a massive 280,000-acre park in northern Arizona and one of the most remote and rugged possible to explore only on a high-clearance four-wheel as there are no paved roads.

One of the adventurous Arizona landmarks, Vermilion Cliffs, established in 2000, is known for its enormous, distinct and colourful sandstone rock formations, beautiful buttes and stunning slot canyons at the edge of remote, sandy plateau and cliffs rising from 3100 to 7100ft.

The area across Marble Canyon also has a rich history.

It has been inhabited for more than 12,000 years, as suggested by the remains of some ancient Native American pueblos and fascinating prehistoric petroglyphs found throughout the plateau. 

It is one of the most photographed destinations in the US, and if you seek solitude amidst a vast expanse of primarily unexplored wilderness, a visit to Vermilion Cliffs will take off-the-beaten travel to a new level.

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The gorgeous cliffs with stunning stripes of white and orange and peaks offer some splendid views during sunset and sunrise.

There are three main attractions to explore in Vermilion – the Buckskin Gulch slot canyon, the rock formations of Coyote Buttes, including the Wave, and Lees Ferry, a small settlement along the Colorado River-Paria River confluence. 

Coyote Buttes North, home of the Wave, is a must-stop, loved by photographers and nature lovers.

The Wave is a fascinating swirled sandstone formation that you can access via a 6-mile round-trip hike.

Unlike other Arizona national monuments that can be explored spontaneously, you’ll need to plan to visit Vermilion, as many areas require permits for camping and hiking. 

Note that only 20 permits a day are given to visit The Wave.

Half are available through an online lottery, and you can obtain the other half from the visitor centre at Grand Staircase-Escalante national monument in Kanab, Utah.

To avoid the hassle, I recommend booking this excellent guided tour that starts from Page.

Also, check out the Vermilion Cliffs Condor Release Viewing Site to watch endangered California condors cruising overhead or on the cliff side.

METEOR CRATER

• Best time to visit: Early morning or late afternoon (midday sun is brutal)
• Nearest city: Winslow
• Where to stay: La Posada Hotel – because if you’re looking at space holes, you might as well sleep in a historic hotel
• Pro tip: Bring binoculars. Trust me, the gift shop ones are overpriced.

Imagine a nickel-iron meteor having such a bad day that it crashed into Earth at 26,000 miles per hour, creating Arizona’s most impressive cosmic souvenir.

Welcome to Meteor Crater, where 50,000 years ago, while woolly mammoths were minding their own business, space decided to leave its mark – and what a mark it is!

Nearly a mile wide and diving 500 feet deep, it’s Earth’s best-preserved meteorite impact site and nature’s way of saying “Look what I found!”

The meteor itself? The part went up in smoke, partly turned to liquid, and the rest played mix-and-match with the local rocks, creating this stunning crater in mere seconds.

Today, it’s where scientists come to study similar structures across the solar system (because apparently, Earth isn’t the only planet that collects space souvenirs).

Located 18 miles west of Winslow, this cosmic punch bowl is more than just a really impressive hole in the ground – it’s a glimpse into the day Arizona quite literally rocked and one of the magnificent Arizona landmarks.

And with the Meteor Crater Barringer Space Museum on-site, you can get your space fix while keeping your feet firmly on Earth.

Just remember to visit early morning or late afternoon, unless you enjoy feeling like you’re on the surface of Mercury!

CHIRICAHUA NATIONAL MONUMENT

• Best time to visit: Spring or Fall
• Nearest city: Willcox
• Where to stay: Sunglow Ranch – because glamping in the wilderness is totally valid
• Pro tip: Heart of Rocks Loop trail. Your legs will hate you, but your Instagram will thank you.

One of the most popular Arizona landmarks, the Chiricahua National Monument is one of the best Arizona National Monuments known for its unique geological natural wonders, abundant wildlife and rugged landscapes.

Located in the Chiricahua Mountains of southeastern Arizona, the monument was established in 1924 and is home to stunning volcanic rocks that form pinnacles, hoodoos and narrow canyons, unusual plant species, unique wildlife, beautiful drives and paved hiking trails.

If you love rocks, Chiricahua is your kind of place.

The large park spread over 12,025 acres of wilderness, with its two unofficial names, the Wonderland of Rocks and the Land of Standing Up Rocks, tell you why it’s one of Arizona’s most popular hiking destinations. 

Twenty-seven million years ago, ash from the volcanic eruption nearby Turkey creek compacted into rock, creating a thick layer of rhyolite.

They got eroded and fissured, shaped and sculpted over the millennia by the wind and rain, forming fascinating rock formations into towering rock needles, with their stunning hoodoos making for spectacular sights.

These precariously balanced rock towers have colourful names today, like Grottoes, Wall Street, and Big Balanced Rock, accessed via many hiking trails and drives.

You can also find many excellent pinnacles and natural bridges beside balancing boulders and rugged volcanic rocks.

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Once a haven for the Chiricahua Apaches, the monument is a paradise today for hikers, outdoor lovers, adventure seekers and photographers. 

Its location and limited access mean that only a few people visit, so if you want to camp under the stars with fewer or no crowds, you will love your trip to Chiricahua.

The park, home to many wildlife and plant species only found in this monument, has 17 miles of hiking trails and an 8-mile paved scenic drive.

through the national monument at a 6,500-ft high Massai Point, overlooking the gorgeous pinnacles, wildlife, plant species and rare cacti.

Popular hiking trails include Echo Canyon, the Upper and Lower Rhyolite canyons, and the Heart of Rocks Loop.

The 3.3-mile Echo Canyon Loop trail is more straightforward and can be done in a few hours, taking you to the heart of the rock formations, including Wallstreet, the Grottoes, and Echo Park. 

If you are game for an adventurous and challenging hike, the 9.5-mile Big Loop covers all the main attractions, including the Echo Canyon, Upper Rhyolite Canyon, Sarah Deming, Heart of Rocks, Big Balanced Rock, Inspiration Point, and Ed Riggs trails.

If bird watching or wildlife viewing interests you, get on the Bonita Creek Trail to spot deer, coatimundis, and migrating birds.

If you’d like to spend more time here, camping is one of the best options to explore more of Chiricahua National Monument and enjoy stunning stargazing in Arizona. There is a campground with 25 sites and a group site surrounded by beautiful landscapes.

Visit Faraway Ranch Historic District on the east side of the park to join their weekend tours to learn about the pioneer life in this brutal landscape. 

The park is open year-round, and summer is bearable, although not the best time to be here. There is occasional snow in the winter. 

SKY ISLANDS

Ever wonder what happens when Mother Nature decides to play Minecraft in real life?

Welcome to Arizona’s Sky Islands, where mountains suddenly pop out of the desert like nature’s version of a jump scare.

Picture this: you’re cruising through southeastern Arizona, minding your own business among the saguaros, when BAM! – mountains appear, shooting up to 10,000 feet like they’re trying to high-five the clouds.

These aren’t your average mountains. Think of them as nature’s ultimate resort towers – cool, forested havens where black bears and mountain lions escape the desert heat like wealthy snowbirds fleeing Minnesota winters.

Here, more than half of North America’s bird species throw the ultimate high-altitude party, with rare VIPs like the thick-billed parrot and 18 different species of hummingbirds making guest appearances.

Want the grand tour? Hop on the Arizona Trail, stretching from Mexico to Utah, where motors are banned and peace is mandatory.

It’s just you, the trail, and possibly a very confused bear wondering why you’re in his living room.

Since the Ice Age, these vertical oases have been nature’s perfect experiment in climate zones – like a high-rise building where each floor hosts its own ecosystem, from desert scrub to alpine forest.

Pro tip: Bring layers! The temperature changes faster than a teenager’s mood as you climb.

One minute, you’re sweating next to a saguaro; the next, you’re hunting for your jacket in a pine forest.

But trust me, the views are worth every sweater in your backpack. And this is what it makes one of the best Arizona landmarks to explore.

GRAND FALLS

• Location – Flagstaff
• Distance – 5 miles one way
• Dog-Friendly – Yes
• Kid-Friendly – Yes

Also known as the chocolate waterfalls, Grand Falls located near Flagstaff is one of the best easy waterfall hikes in Arizona and definitely one of the best natural Arizona landmarks to visit. 

As the name indicates, Grand Falls, a part of the Navajo Nation, are grand indeed, plunging from 185 feet(higher than Niagara Falls) and forming many cascades as they widen to flow into the Colorado River. 

Grand Falls is a volcanic waterfall formed by a vital flood area formed when lava from nearby Merriam Crater created a lava dam in the river’s original path, creating the waterfall. 

You will need to get a permit from the Navajo Nation before you visit. 

While the hike is short, the drive from Flagstaff will take about 1.5 hours one way since most of the drive will be on a dirt road, including a Little Colorado river crossing, with the best way to go being on a high-clearance vehicle.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

Unlike some Arizona waterfall hikes you can spontaneously plan, the flowing water is primarily dependent on snow melt or monsoon rain.

March and April are the best months to visit Grand Falls as they flow in full vigor due to snow melt from earlier in the year.

SUNSET CRATER VOLCANO NATIONAL MONUMENT

• The nearest city – Flagstaff
• Best time to visit – Spring
• Entry – $25 fee per person covers access to Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument and Wupatki National Monument and is valid for seven days.

Just a short distance from Flagstaff in north-central Arizona is a fantastic world of volcanoes, lava tubes, and cinder cones.

One of the offbeat Arizona landmarks, Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument, is home to the Sunset Crater, the youngest of over 600 volcanoes that make up the San Francisco Peaks. 

In this national monument rising above the foothills and lava fields surrounding it, you can view the dramatic jet-black lava flows and towering cinder cones of Sunset Crater, an extinct volcano with shades of red, orange and yellow that erupted about 1,000 years ago. 

It last erupted in 1085 that transformed the landscapes completely. 

To see the full spectrum of volcanic activity at the monument, hike the Lava’s Edge Trail through the jagged coal-coloured basalt of the Bonito lava flow, then continue to the Lava Flow Trail, which takes you along fascinating landscapes at the base of the volcano below cinder fields.

It’s impossible to climb to the top of Sunset Crater as it’s been closed since 1973 to protect it from erosion.

But you can also make it to the top on a one-mile trail up 7,250-foot Lenox Crater, the park’s more miniature volcano offering spectacular views of Sunset Crater and the surrounding Bonito lava flow.

You can also camp, and check out roadside viewpoints.

CATHEDRAL ROCK

• Distance – 2.5 miles round trip
• Type – Out and back
• Duration – 2 to 3 hours
• Best Time – Morning to afternoon

Cathedral Rock is located about four miles north of Sedona and takes 10 minutes to reach, and is one of the easily accessible waterfalls in Sedona AZ.

Although not a typical waterfall, you’ll have a large river flowing at many points, ideal for a swim or picnics, making it one of the beautiful Arizona landmarks to enjoy with your kids.

After you leave Sedona, take Highway 179 past Oak Creek Village for about 3.5 miles, where you will reach the Back O’ Beyond Road.

Take a left here and keep heading for about a mile. You will reach the trailhead and it will be on your left.

There is overflow parking further down on Back O Beyond Road.

There are many intertwined trails, which lead to Cathedral Rock Sedona, so there is more than one way to access the trail that will lead to the summit.

All the trails listed above lead to a crossroads marking the beginning of the climb to the summit of Cathedral Rock.

You can access these trails from various parts of Sedona.

Also, the trailheads, which can be reached via different paths from Sedona, are located about 20 to 30 minutes from each other, and you need to take that journey time and work out the parking before you start the hike.

Depending on the season, your difficulty preference and the time of day, whether you plan to make it for the sunset or sunrise, below are the trails.

Read the complete guide to hiking Cathedral Rock, including alternate routes, here.

KARTCHNER CAVERNS

• Best time to visit: Year-round (it’s always 70°F inside)
• Nearest city: Benson
• Where to stay: Kartchner Caverns State Park campground
• Pro tip: Book the Throne Room tour. The “Kubla Khan” formation is basically nature showing off.

One of the adventurous Arizona landmarks is Kartchner Caverns.

If you love exploring outdoors on your trip to Arizona in winter, just an hour east of Tucson lies Kartchner Caverns State Park.

The caverns, north of San Pedro River, are home to some of the world’s most fascinating and unique limestone formations, including stalactites and stalagmites spanning 2.4 miles of passages.

Take a guided tour through these caves to explore the distinct landscapes, including various wildlife, such as bats, owls, and ringtails. 

Bird watching is also a popular activity, and if you are up for it, I highly recommend checking out the caves at night and camping under the starry skies here!

Where to stay: Comfort Inn Benson near Kartchner Caverns

BEST HISTORICAL ARIZONA LANDMARKS

TONTO NATIONAL MONUMENT

• The nearest city – Flagstaff
• Famous for – Ancient cliff dwellings
• Best time to visit – Summer and Spring
• Entry – $10 fee for visitors 16 years and older

Tonto National Monument is an excellent destination if you are looking for Arizona landmarks rich in ancient history.

You can easily plan a day trip from Phoenix, as Tonto National Monument is located in central Arizona, approximately 45 miles northeast of Phoenix and is open year-round.

Tonto National Monument is known for the Salado community that inhabited this region about 700 years ago, blending with many Native American cultures. 

They are known to have constructed sophisticated cliff dwellings, two of which constitute the main attractions of Tonto National Monument.

The buildings, dating from around 1300 AD, are located in a rocky, cactus-covered area on the west side of state route 188, atop a hill overlooking Theodore Roosevelt Lake on the Salt River, and are divided into sites.

Unlike the other cliff dwellings in Arizona that can only be seen from afar, you can get into these incredible structures at Tonto, allowing you to explore and appreciate them up close.

The primary way to explore Tonto National Monument is by hiking to the Lower Cliff Dwelling via a half-mile hike on a paved path beginning at the visitor centre.

You will go up the side of the hill overlooking beautiful views of the lake and basin below.

The Upper Cliff Dwelling is only accessible during the winter on guided tours by park rangers for a 3-mile round-trip hike

CASA GRANDE RUINS NATIONAL MONUMENT

• Best time to visit: November-March (the shade structure over the main building is your BFF)
• Nearest city: Phoenix, Tucson
• Where to stay: Casa Grande Valley Historical Society Inn
• Pro tip: The morning ranger talks are surprisingly hilarious. Who knew ancient irrigation systems could be so entertaining?

One of the popular day trips from Phoenix and Tucson is a visit to Casa Grande Ruins National Monument northeast of the city of Casa Grande, which preserves a group of Hohokam structures dating to the Classic Period.

This collection of ruins dating to the 14th century from an ancient farming community of Sonoran Desert Peoples, one of the most sophisticated communities known for their wide-scale irrigation farming and extensive trade connections, is one of the top Arizona landmarks to learn about the settlers in Arizona many hundred years ago.

Archaeologists have classified the ruins as either a meeting place or a waypoint in a system of complex irrigation systems.

But since little documentation has been discovered so far, the complete history of the ruins remains a mystery.

Other highlights are an informative visitor centre, where you can learn about the Hohokam culture, a collection of Sonoran Desert plants and a shady picnic area.

Where to stay: Casa Grande Valley Historical Society Inn

VISIT THE CHAPEL OF THE HOLY CROSS

Imagine if modern architecture and Mother Nature decided to have a spiritual coffee date – that’s basically what happened when Marguerite Brunswig Staude decided to build the Chapel of the Holy Cross in 1956.

Perched 200 feet high between two massive red rock formations, this architectural showoff looks like it’s literally growing out of the buttes, as if Sedona’s famous vortex energy decided to take physical form.

One of the top attractions worth visiting in Sedona in December is the Chapel of the Holy Cross.

The 90-foot cross seems to float between the rocks, creating what might be the Southwest’s most dramatic selfie backdrop (sorry, Grand Canyon).

While tourists come for the jaw-dropping views and architectural eye candy, they often leave with something deeper – unless they tried parking on a busy afternoon, then they just leave with elevated blood pressure.

Pro tip: Visit at sunrise when the light hits the rocks just right and the tour buses are still hitting snooze, or come for sunset when the whole structure glows like nature’s own stained glass window.

And yes, it’s an actual functioning chapel – though good luck focusing on prayer when those panoramic views are basically shouting “Look at me!” through the massive windows.

MONTEZUMA CASTLE NATIONAL MONUMENT

• Best time to visit: Winter months (finally, a different season!)
• Nearest city: Camp Verde
• Where to stay: Cliff Castle Casino Hotel – not ancient, but comfortable
• Pro tip: The nearby Montezuma Well is less visited but equally fascinating. Plus, it’s one of the few places where you can legitimately say “well, well, well…”

One of the popular day trips from Sedona, Montezuma Castle National Monument is among the most beautiful cliff dwellings in Arizona, located on the Colorado Plateau.

It is one of the best Arizona landmarks if you are on a quest to explore the state’s best cliff dwellings or want to know the rich and ancient history of the Native Americans inhabiting the vast expanse of landscapes in the Grand Canyon state.

Castle National Monument is home to one of the most impressive and important archaeological sites in the States. 

It is considered one of the largest and the best-preserved cliff dwellings in North America, the remains of an ancient settlement over 900 years old.

Located in Camp Verde town in the Verde Valley 25 miles south of Sedona, it was established in 1906 to preserve Indigenous American culture. 

Although not related to the famous Aztec emperor, this compact structure is the most spectacular among all the national monuments in Arizona.

It comprises a 5-floor structure carved into a cliff 1,500 feet high above the ground in an alcove in the limestone cliffs bordering Beaver Creek, a tributary of the Verde River. 

The inhabitants were the Sinagua people that existed here between 650 and 1425AD.

This cliffside complex was built around AD700 by the Sinagua people and abandoned in 1485 after a long drought. 

A short pathway lined with sycamores and catclaw mimosa trees leads to the limestone cliff, which is a stunning and sophisticated example of Sinaguan architecture comprising 20 rooms in multiple stories reached by ladders, and also includes Montezuma Well, a flooded limestone sinkhole a few miles east.

RECOMMENDED – TOP 10 STUNNING CAVES IN SEDONA FOR OUTDOOR LOVERS

Made out of stone-and-mortar masonry, it is an example of exquisite engineering skills and ingenuity, whether it is the placement of rooms to take shelter from the scorching sun or its elevated location that provided protection from Beaver Creek’s annual flooding and to keep an eye on approaching visitors.

While you can’t enter the building during a visit to protect its delicate features, today, you can access Montezuma Castle by a paved third-of-a-mile trail leading to a viewing point below the ruins.

The route has shade, thanks to large trees and passes beneath the cliff dwellings and then loops back to the visitor centre.

You can learn about the pre-Columbian site at its museum to imagine life in this unforgiving desert landscape.

Along the way to the viewing point, there are informative exhibits about the region and its inhabitants. 

After touring this stunning castle, drive 11 miles north to see the Montezuma Well, also part of the national monument. 

An unusual spring-fed travertine pool in the middle of the arid desert, it is a unique geological feature that once provided water for Sinaguan communities. 

I highly recommend booking one of these epic guided tours for a fabulous experience.

Where to stay: Cliff Castle Casino Hotel

LONDON BRIDGE

• Best time to visit: Winter months (unless you enjoy turning into human soup)
• Nearest city: Lake Havasu City
• Where to stay: London Bridge Resort – on-theme accommodations at their finest
• Pro tip: The night tours are surprisingly entertaining, and you get to hear all the bridge’s gossip.

Built-in the 1830s but moved here in 1968, London Bridge is open for pedestrian and car traffic and is among can’t-miss Arizona landmarks.

Ever heard of the ultimate “honey, I bought something crazy online” story? Meet Lake Havasu’s London Bridge – yes, THE London Bridge.

When London realized their 1830s bridge was having a bit of a sinking feeling in the Thames, they did what any sensible city would do: put it up for sale.

Enter Arizona entrepreneur Robert P. McCulloch, who looked at a bridge in London and thought, “You know what the desert needs?”

After dropping $2.5 million on the world’s most ambitious impulse buy, McCulloch faced the small task of moving a 932-foot bridge across an ocean.

Each stone was numbered (talk about a jigsaw puzzle), shipped through the Panama Canal, and reassembled in Arizona like the world’s heaviest LEGO set.

Four years and another $7 million later (because who doesn’t go over budget on home improvements?), Lake Havasu had its very own piece of British history.

Today, this fish-out-of-water landmark stands proud in the desert sun, complete with lampposts made from Napoleon’s captured cannons (because regular lampposts just wouldn’t do).

There’s even a proper English village nearby, where you can grab a pint – though it feels less London fog and more London fry.

Pro tip: Kayak under the bridge at sunset. It’s probably the only place in the world where you can wear flip-flops while paddling under genuine British architecture. Take that, Thames River!

Where to stay: London Bridge Resort

LAKE POWELL

• Location – Winslow
• Activities – Fishing, Canoeing, SUP, Picnics, Kayaking, Hiking, Swimming, and Boating

One of the most popular lakes in Arizona is Lake Powell, one of the iconic natural Arizona landmarks and among the top-visited attractions, with over 2 million people visiting the lake every year.

Lake Powell is the second-largest artificial lake in America, spanning 186 miles long, offering 2000 miles of shoreline with over 90 side canyons, many of which are over 25 miles deep. 

Lake Powell is an artificial reservoir formed by the creation of the Glen Canyon Dam.

Since it is so huge, it is better to plan a weekend getaway, as there are so many fantastic things to do in Lake Powell.

The northern part of the lake lies in Utah. At the same time, the bottom and the Glen Canyon Dam are part of northern Arizona.

Surrounding the lake is splendid landscapes of the Navajo Indian Reservation gleaming against deep blue crystal waters. 

It is one of the most beautiful lakes in Arizona, offering splendid views of the canyons amidst which kayaking and canoeing are very popular.

Soak in the blissful views of Spires, buttes, mesas, and canyon walls above the Colorado River, forming lakeside cliffs enjoying all types of water adventure sports, hiking, biking and camping at Lake Powell over a weekend.

It is one of the best lakes in Arizona for kayaking, tubing, waterskiing, parasailing, speed boating, sailing, jet skiing and more.

One of the romantic things to do in Lake Powell, especially around sunset, is going on a cruise tour, which lasts for about 3 to 4 hours, depending on the tour, and takes you through stunning formations of canyons.

Houseboats are very popular on Lake Powell, and you can rent them and enjoy a cruise, fishing, and admire the views of the magnificent Lake Powell.

TUZIGOOT NATIONAL MONUMENT

• The nearest city – Flagstaff
• Famous for – 1000-years old Sinagua pueblo
• Best time to visit – 
• Facilities – Visitor Center, museum, picnic grounds, restrooms
• Managed by – National Park Service
• Entry – $10 fee for 16 years and older

Tuzigoot National Monument is one of Arizona landmarks that does not get the attention it should.

Located in north-central Arizona 40 miles southwest of Flagstaff, most people miss going from Flagstaff to Tuzigoot National Monument.

Stop at this beautiful monument if you plan to travel to Clarkdale and Cottonwood towns.

The park is open year-round and is known for the thousand-year-old ruins of a pueblo built by the Sinagua people, which housed over five hundred people across its 110 rooms.

Archaeologists believe the structure was built about 1000 AD and gives glimpses of the Sinagua peoples, including their culture that flourished in the Verde Valley nearly 1,000 years ago. 

Unlike the other national monuments in Arizona, primarily cliff-dwelling sites belonging to the other Indigenous tribes, Tuzigoot National Monument is a hilltop dwelling site.

This rustic stone pueblo remains perched on a ridge overlooking the Verde River. 

WATCH THE GUNFIGHT AT O.K.CORRAL

The OK Corral, one of the top things to do in Tombstone AZ is infamous for the tragic shoot-out in 1881 between the leading Earp and Clanton gangs, a legendary event in the Old West. 

Head to The O.K. Corral located next to the small Tombstone City Park, which is one of the top historical Arizona landmarks.

Watch a reenactment of this famous gunfight performed by actors in period costumes and with period weapons, recreating the events of that day as accurately as possible, where you can hear the sounds of pistols firing and gun smoke in the air.

Apart from watching the reenactment, there are many activities here. You can buy your tickets online here.

Check out the life-size replicas of the nine gunfighters in the same way as the setting was in 1881 at the exact location of the original O.K. Corral gunfight.

With the tickets to OK Corral, you can also check out the Historama theatre, collect a free newspaper souvenir at the Tombstone Epitaph, and tour the stables and C.S. Fly’s Photo Gallery.

Check out the museum home to artefacts from the lives of Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday, antique cowboy saddles, and gear from the Old West including gear related to gun smithing, leather working, and blacksmithing.

Visit the Cowboy Bunkhouse, see the original Corral office to learn about daily life in the Corral, pan for gemstones, and sit in a buggy.

Timings – The gunfight re-enactments are held daily at 11 AM, 12 PM, 1 PM, 2 PM, and 3:30 pm. Since the timings are seasonal, check on the website for the updated hours before you go. 

Prices – Each show lasts about 30 minutes and tickets cost $10 per person that you can buy at the gift shop on the day of the performance.

Jerome Grand Hotel

• Best time to visit: October (for peak spookiness)
• Nearest city: Prescott
• Where to stay: Jerome Grand Hotel – former hospital, current hotel. What could go wrong?
• Pro tip: The kaleidoscope shop. Yes, really. It’s trippy in the best way

Opened in 1927 as United Verde Hospital, Jerome Grand Hotel is the largest hotel in town and one of the prominent landmarks.

A highly-functioning hospital until it closed in 1950, the building stood empty for over four decades.

It reopened as the Jerome Grand Hotel in 1996. 

The 30,000-square-foot, five-story, 1926 Spanish Mission-style building atop Cleopatra Hill in the Verde Valley is one of the most haunted places in the town as well with many apparition sightings luring ghost hunters to this hotel.

Admire the sweeping views of Jerome from this hotel and check out the antique furnishings and the original 1926 Otis elevator. 

The hotel also houses the famous Asylum Restaurant, one of the best fine-dining places in the town.

Whether you will witness sightings or not, I highly recommend this stay for families, as Jerome Grand Hotel boasts all sorts of room configurations, including 1- and 2-bedroom suites and connecting rooms.

KITT PEAK NATIONAL OBSERVATORY

If you are in Tucson and looking for a top Arizona stargazing spot, head to Kitt Peak National Observatory.

Located about 50 miles southwest of Tucson on the Tohono O’odham Nation, Kitt Peak is home to a diverse collection of astronomical instruments in North America.

Do you know? Kitt Peak National Observatory is the country’s first national observatory, and one of the top historical Arizona landmarks.

It has 22 optical and two radio telescopes, including the coveted McMath-Pierce, the world’s largest solar telescope.

Surrounded by stunning mountain views, the Kitt Peak Visitor Center offers daytime tours, nighttime stargazing and telescope viewing programs open to the public every day.

I always pick an item or two when I am here, thanks to the cutest gift shop, home to excellent native crafts of the Tohono O’odham people, the second largest American Indian tribe in the state.

You can opt for guided and self-guided tours of the grounds during the day

Dinner and stargazing sessions after dark between September to May.

The best experience at Kitt Peak is the night tour which includes an overnight stay.

The first time I took this tour, it was one of my favorite moments in Arizona.

It was a dreamy night admiring the spectacle of skies that I enjoyed until dawn!

Check out their website here before visiting for their latest opening hours.

CHECK OUT LAVENDER PIT

The Lavender Pit was a part of the massive Copper Queen Mine, run by the Phelps Dodge Corporation from 1879 to 1975, and one of the prominent Arizona landmarks.

This massive open-pit copper mine just outside of Bisbee was constructed to compensate for revenues as the ore was reduced in the Copper Queen Mine.

The Lavender Pit was exploited in 50-foot-long shelves or benches blasted to a 60-foot depth.

The pit covers an area of 300 acres and is 900 feet deep, large enough to consume most of the adjacent town of Lowell. 

Unfortunately, the pit closed in 1975 as copper prices dropped, and there was no demand.

Today, it is one of the popular things to do in Bisbee Az.

A large pull-off and parking area leads to the Lavender Pit Mining Overlook.

You can observe the giant 300-acre hole in the ground from a series of platforms built along the pit’s rim. They have fences up, for your safety. Head to the cutout areas of the fence and take some photos or videos. 

LOWELL OBSERVATORY

One of the oldest and the most popular observatories in Arizona is Lowell Observatory, located in Flagstaff.

If you are looking for one of the best places for epic stargazing in Sedona in winter, Lowell Observatory is one of the top picks.

Founded in 1894, the Observatory is known for its dozens of stellar discoveries, including the introduction of Pluto in 1930, making it one of the top Arizona landmarks.

Lowell Observatory visitor centre offers interactive, hands-on exhibits, and many daytime and nighttime activities for visitors.

The Giovale Open Deck Observatory at Lowell Observatory boasts of the finest collections of telescopes available for public observation.

Enjoy spectacular stargazing using the 24-inch Clark Telescope, built in 1896, one of the six advanced telescopes.

The clear dark skies of Flagstaff, abundant in celestial objects ranging from star fields to nebulae and galaxies, make for a magical night.

If you are here during the day time, check out the rare exhibits at the Giovale Open Deck.

Among the famous exhibits is the original 13-inch Pluto Discovery Telescope.

Book lovers should also check out the historic Rotunda Library Museum, which also houses some of the precious artifacts from Lowell Observatory’s history.

Another stop is the Putnam Collection Center Open House, which is open from 1 PM to 2 PM from Monday through Saturday.

This exhibit features Percival Lowell’s 1911 Steven-Duryea automobile and other historic artifacts.

Kids will surely enjoy evening screening of films, science demonstrations, the constellation tour and evening telescope viewing.

Opening hours – Wednesday – Sunday, 12 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Check their latest programs and opening hours on their website here.

YUMA TERRITORIAL PRISON STATE

Among the top things to do in Yuma AZ is the Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park. 

Located along the Colorado River, the huge detention facility, which opened in 1876 before Arizona was a state, housed more than 3,000 convicts in a maze of stone corridors.

Yuma Territorial Prison Park was Arizona Territory’s first prison, so it is definetly among the best Arizona landmarks to get to know a bit of history.

Many notorious criminals of all levels were sentenced to various degrees of punishment here until 1909.

After closing in 1909, it became a high school for four years and a homeless shelter.

Later on, it became a state historic park and an open-air museum. Today it’s the most popular tourist attraction in Yuma.

You can discover the lives of inmates in an Old Southwest prison. 

Explore cell blocks, dark cells, the entrance gate, a library, and prison yards on a self-guided walking tour of Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park. 

Learn about the tales of prisoners and the history of the prison through the artifacts.

Climb the reconstructed guard tower for spectacular panoramic views of Yuma City and the Colorado River.

Walk in the eerie prison cemetery.

Check out the park’s schedule of events before planning your visit, as they sometimes host fun haunted night tours of the prison, especially around Halloween.

Get a mugshot of yourself in the original mirror used for prisoner’s mugshots, one of the fun things to do here.

Opening hours – 9:30 AM to 5 PM every day between November and June; Closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays in summer.

Entry Fees – $8 per adult. Parking is free.

EXPLORE COLORADO RIVER STATE HISTORIC PARK

Colorado River State Historic Park, is a part of the Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area, which also includes the Yuma Territorial Prison State Park, East and West Wetlands Parks and the Historic Downtown District.

It is one of the best Arizona landmarks to experience the rich history of the town.

I highly recommend spending a few hours at Colorado River State Historic Park, as it is one of the top things to do in Yuma AZ, home to the old U.S. Army Quartermaster Depot.

Colorado River State Historic Park, formerly the Yuma Quartermaster Depot State Historic Park, was established in the 1960s. 

It was an Army supply and distribution warehouse and played a vital role in the expansion and development of Yuma and the larger Southwest.

After being abandoned for decades, it became Colorado River State Historic Park, and today is one of the most-visited attractions in Yuma. 

Visit the Colorado River State Historic Park to learn about the rich Colorado River’s past, when it was the only route connecting cities and towns all across the southwest, and a primary trade route.

Do you know? Colorado River State Historic Park comprises some of Arizona’s oldest buildings, most of them restored and well-maintained.

Also, check out the many cars and old wagons, which were the important transport modes.

Recommended – 9 Pretty Yuma Lakes For Swimming, Fishing and Picnics

TONTO NATURAL BRIDGE STATE PARK

Home to the world’s largest travertine bridge, a 183-foot tall bridge, Rancho Tonto Natural Bridge State Park is one of the best things to do in Payson Az, and among the important Arizona landmarks.

The natural bridge was initially discovered in 1877 by pioneer David Gowan, who constructed Goodfellow Lodge, which housed members of his family until 1948 and is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Tonto Natural Bridge State Park was formed millions of years ago due to volcanic lava, seawater, and precipitation. 

You can enjoy the splendid views from four observation points to see the beautiful travertine rocks in the 400-foot tunnel running through the bridge’s centre.

Located only 20 minutes from town, Tonto Natural Bridge State Park is home to several hiking trails that descend into Pine Canyon and picnic trails scattered throughout the property around the natural bridge.

NAVAJO NATIONAL MONUMENT

• The nearest city – Flagstaff
• Famous for – Ancient cliff dwellings
• Best time to visit – Fall and Spring
• Entry – Free admission

Not to be confused with the iconic Monument Valley, Navajo National Monument is one of the best Arizona landmarks for offbeat outdoor travel in the state.

The monument was established to preserve three well-preserved cliff dwellings dating to the early 14th century of the Ancestral Puebloan people: Keet Seel, Betatakin, and Inscription House, the inhabitants of the Navajo Nation region, also known by other names.

Navajo National Monument offers you to see ancient cliff dwellings up close surrounded by spectacular desert sandstone landscapes on guided hiking tours by the National park service rangers.

You need to book your spot for the tour in advance.

Note that hiking is moderately strenuous and even challenging, apart from being longer.

The trail to Betatakin takes 3 to 5 hours of hiking over steep terrain. 

The trail to remotely located Keet Seel is 17-miles long round trip. Camping is also available near the trailhead.

OFF THE BEATEN ARIZONA LANDMARKS

SUNRISE PARK RESORT

Located in the White Mountains about 200 miles northeast of Phoenix, Sunrise Ski Area is another among the premier resorts for skiing in Arizona.

Sunrise is a few miles east of Show Low and Pinetop Lakeside, perfect for a day trip or a weekend getaway from both places.

Do you know? Sunrise Park is also the only resort in the state that offers night skiing

Offering 69 runs and 1,200 skiable acres, it is Arizona’s largest ski resort and I highly recommend spending a few days in this prominent Arizona landmark.

This alpine ski resort, in Greer, AZ, near the New Mexico border, includes 69 skiing areas spanning three mountains – Sunrise Peak, Cyclone Circle, and Apache Peak. 

Up high in Arizona’s White Mountains, Sunrise Park is a full-service winter resort, with a base elevation of 9,200 feet, and the top of the lift-serviced area is 11,000 feet. 

Sunrise is the best place in Arizona for long, groomed runs and is ideal for beginners and experts.

Enjoy downhill skiing on the Sunrise Express High-Speed Quadlift. 

Challenging trails are at Cyclone Circle, ideal for experienced skiers.

Head to TerrainPark for snowboarding in the implanted rails.

If you want something different, go on an exciting sleigh ride through the woods.

Or enjoy the Resort’s indoor swimming pool and spa.

Drink your hot chocolate lounging by the fireplace.

You can have a comfortable stay at this vast resort, with weekday rates approximately ranging from $70 to $200 per night, with higher range room prices also including VIP Lift tickets. 

Opening months – Sunrise Ski Area is open seven days a week during the ski season.

CHECK HERE FOR EARLY BIRD DEALS TO BOOK YOUR STAY.

HOW TO REACH?

Sunrise Park Ski Resort is located about 4 hours drive from Phoenix.

The closest town is Greer, the beautiful mountain town.

OATMAN

Located in the Black Mountains of Mohave County, one of the least-populated small towns in Arizona is Oatman, surrounded by spectacular views and many attractions.

Oatman is one of the few towns in the Wild West that joined the extensive list of mining towns in 1915, much later than the other towns, when more than ten million of gold was discovered.

And this makes it one of the rare Arizona landmarks worth visiting.

This boom and the subsequent expansion of Oatman continued for the next fifty years, with hundreds of prospectors and mining families calling the town their home.

Situated along the old Route 66, Oatman is now a living ghost town with many residents and one of the most-visited Arizona ghost towns, with nearly half a million visitors visiting to relive the golden days yearly.

Oatman is known for exuding the Wild West vibes on its dusty streets and wooden sidewalks laden with historical buildings, antique shops, museums, and more.

Another notable feature of Oatman is the friendly wild burros wandering the streets.

Traveling from Las Vegas? Then I highly recommend this Oatman Mining Village/Museums & Scenic RT66 Experience(5/5 50+ reviews🤩), a day trip covering the best of Route 66. Check out more here.

Among the top attractions you should visit is the Oatman Hotel, a two-storey adobe hotel which survived the fire of 1921 and is also believed to be haunted.

There is a restaurant, saloon, and gift shop on the premises.

BOYCE THOMPSON ARBORETUM

If you want to experience beautiful fall foliage in Arizona east of Phoenix, the Boyce Thompson Arboretum is the place to be.

Home to hundreds of cactus varieties, the rugged desert landscapes come alive with brilliant hues of fall foliage every autumn.

Boyce Thompson is the state’s oldest and largest botanical garden, so fall is the best time to hike here to witness beautiful fall colors amidst pleasant temperatures, making it one of the best Arizona landmarks to visit in autumn.

Since it is at a lower elevation relatively, head to Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Park in November to spot 

the glorious reds, oranges, and yellows.

Opening hours – 8 AM to 5 PM

WOODS CANYON LAKE

• Nearest city – Payson
• Driving Duration – 40 minutes
• Activities – Fishing, Boating, Kayaking, Canoeing, Swimming, SUP, Hiking and Camping

Woods Canyon Lake is one of the most popular recreation areas and one of the best Arizona landmarks for water sports.

One of the best lakes in Payson, Woods Canyon Lake is one of the Rim Lakes on the Mogollon Rim, easily accessible within an hour from the town.

Woods Canyon Lake is very popular among families visiting in large numbers during summer thanks to the fun activities you can enjoy, from kayaking to boating and everything in between.

Woods Canyon Lake is seasonal and only open to visitors between April and October, with the winter months freezing the waters.

There are options for launching ramps, boat rentals, five campgrounds, and plenty of short and long trails near the lake. 

The lake is stocked with rainbow, brown, Skamania, and tiger trout from April through September.

Enjoy boating, rent kayaks, SUP, or canoes, or simply swim in the waters to cool off.

HOW TO REACH?

From Payson, head east on SR 260 towards Mogollon Rim. At the top of the Mogollon Rim, turn left on FR 300 and continue for four miles, to take a right to get on FR 105 for a mile to arrive at the lake.

TALIESIN WEST

Ever wondered what happens when architectural genius meets desert whimsy?

Welcome to Taliesin West, Frank Lloyd Wright’s winter home-turned-architectural playground in Scottsdale.

Picture this: it’s the late 1930s, and Wright looks at the McDowell Range and thinks, “You know what this desert needs? A 500-acre architectural love letter to the Southwest.”

This isn’t your average historic landmark – it’s what happens when a revolutionary architect decides to play desert Tetris with rocks, wood, and a dash of genius, one among off the beaten Arizona landmarks you should add to your itinerary.

Wright and his students literally scavenged the desert for materials, picking up sun-bleached rocks (some with ancient petroglyphs, because why settle for plain rocks when you can have rocks with stories?) to create buildings that blend into the landscape like a chameleon at a desert party.

The real magic? This UNESCO World Heritage site isn’t just a pretty face – it’s where some of America’s most iconic buildings were born.

Where to stay: Hotel Valley Ho

LOST DUTCHMAN STATE PARK

• Best time to visit: March for wildflowers (and comfortable temperatures)
• Nearest city: Apache Junction
• Where to stay: Lost Dutchman State Park camping (for AZ stargazing) or Holiday Inn Express Apache Junction (for air conditioning)
• Pro tip: Start the Treasure Loop Trail early morning – the name is literal, and the shade is not

Among Arizona landmarks, Lost Dutchman State Park is where folklore meets hiking boots.

Named after a gold mine that’s harder to find than your car keys in a black hole, this Arizona landmark sits in the shadow of the Superstition Mountains – which, let’s be honest, look like they were designed by the special effects team from a fantasy movie.

The park serves up some of the most dramatic views in the state, with hiking trails that range from “pleasant morning stroll” to “what was I thinking?”

During spring, the desert bursts into a technicolour flower show that makes you forget you’re in one of the driest Arizona landmarks.

And yes, you can still hunt for the legendary lost gold mine, though most visitors these days strike it rich with sunset photos instead.

ARCOSANTI

• Best time to visit: Spring/Fall workshop seasons
• Nearest city: Mayer
• Where to stay: On-site in their retro-futuristic rooms
• Pro tip: Those famous Soleri wind bells aren’t just souvenirs – they’re your ticket to having the most unique wind chime on your block

An experimental town that looks like Star Wars met the Renaissance in the desert. It’s either the past’s vision of the future or the future’s vision of the past – I’m still not sure.

Among Arizona landmarks, Arcosanti is what happens when architecture has an existential crisis.

This experimental town, dreamed up by Paolo Soleri, looks like someone took the 1970s vision of the future and made it real.

It’s one of those Arizona landmarks where you’re never quite sure if you’re looking at tomorrow’s solution or yesterday’s dream.

It’s part urban laboratory, part artistic commune, and completely fascinating.

The best part? You can actually stay here, making it the only Arizona landmark where you can literally sleep in the future (or the past, we’re still not sure).

ARIZONA MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY

• Best time to visit: Weekday mornings (before the school buses arrive)
• Nearest city:  Mesa (right in downtown)
• Where to stay: Delta Hotels by Marriott Phoenix Mesa
• Pro tip: Hit the “flash flood” on the hour, every hour. It’s like nature’s performance art, minus the actual danger

Looking for a place where dinosaurs roam free and volcanoes erupt on demand?

Among Arizona landmarks, the Arizona Museum of Natural History in Mesa is basically Jurassic Park meets Night at the Museum, minus the whole “exhibits coming alive at midnight” situation (we think).

This isn’t your average stuffy museum – it’s where you can watch a flash flood cascade down a three-story mountain without getting wet, and where T-Rex doesn’t just bare its teeth, it practically asks for a selfie

The real showstopper? Dinosaur Mountain, where prehistoric beasts look like they’re having the world’s most epic house party.

The Arizona landmark features life-sized dinos that make your neighbor’s garden gnomes look seriously underwhelming.

And just when you think you’ve seen it all, you stumble into the Lost Dutchman’s Mine exhibit, where you can pan for gold without the whole “risking your life in the desert” part.

Want to time travel? Skip between Native American villages, Spanish colonial drama, and Wild West shenanigans faster than you can say, “Where did I park my DeLorean?”

The best part? Unlike some Arizona landmarks, this one’s actually air-conditioned!

Where to stay: Delta Hotels by Marriott Phoenix Mesa

BIOSPHERE 2

• Best time to visit: Weekday mornings
• Nearest city: Oracle
• Where to stay: Triangle L Ranch B&B
• Pro tip: The under-structure tour is like visiting the backstage of planet Earth.

Among Arizona landmarks, Biosphere 2 stands out as the time scientists basically said, “Hold my beaker” and built Earth’s understudy in the desert.

This massive greenhouse-meets-space station is what happens when brilliant minds decide to play SimEarth in real life.

Eight people actually lived here for two years in the early ’90s, proving that reality TV wasn’t the craziest thing that decade produced.

Today, this Arizona landmark serves as a living laboratory where researchers study everything from climate change to how plants might grow on Mars (you know, for when we need a Plan B).

With five different biomes under one roof, it’s like taking a world tour without dealing with TSA – rainforest, ocean, mangrove wetlands, savanna grassland, and fog desert all coexisting like the world’s most ambitious roommate situation.

Where to stay: Triangle L Ranch B&B

MAP OF ARIZONA LANDMARKS