20 Spectacular & Free Tourist Attractions in the Southwest
Disclaimer: We are not paid to promote any restaurant, hotel, activity, product, or attraction. All opinions are subjective and based on our personal experience. Your experience may be different.
The Southwestern US is home to some of the most amazing natural wonders in the country. From beautiful underrated national parks, to the Saguaro studded Sonoran desert, to ancient million year old red rock formations, to beautiful high altitude pine and aspen forests, there is a gorgeous place to hike, bike, photograph, camp, drive through, and/or simply explore no matter where your adventures may take you. I was lucky enough to live in Arizona for many years and enjoyed easy access to so many free natural wonders. I have compiled a list of my fantastic free (minor parking charges may apply) otherworldly tourist attractions in the Southwest to get you started.
Note that there are many wonderful attractions with admission fees not included on this list i.e. Zion National Park, the Grand Canyon, White Sands, and Saguaro National Park. For this list, I have focused on bucket list worthy free wonders!
1. Horseshoe Bend
Location: Arizona/Utah border
This unique natural wonder is located within the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. Not surprisingly, it is one of the most photographed places in the Southwest. The unique curve that the sandstone follows around the Colorado River truly is photo worthy. The hike is short at 0.6 miles, but very steep and sandy – wear hiking shoes for extra traction. While you may have seen Horseshoe in pictures, to see it in person truly is an enchanting experience. Looking 1000 foot down at the vivid bluish-green Colorado river truly is a mesmerizing experience. Note that there are many accidents each year so do not venture too close to the edge.
2. Scottsdale McDowell Preserve
Location: Scottsdale, Arizona
One of the most beautiful places to hike in the Phoenix metro area is Scottsdale McDowell preserve. At 30,500 acres, it is the largest nature reserve in the US. With 200 miles of trails to explore, there are more than enough opportunities to get up close and personal with the unique flora and fauna of the desert. For beginners, the 2 mile Saguaro Loop nature trail is a fantastic choice. For advanced hikers, the hard but rewarding climb up Tom’s Thumb (1200 ft elevation gain) is a must-do. Besides seeing gorgeous exotic cacti and soaking in beautiful mountain scenery, you may run into small mammals such as bobcats, gila monsters, and tortoises. Keep in mind rattlesnakes inhabit the preserve. Keep away from cactus needles (they hurt!) and also avoid hiking during the 100+ degree months.
Gateway loop at Scottsdale McDowell preserve
3. Mt. Lemmon Scenic Byway
Location: Just outside of Tucson, Arizona
One of the most spectacular drives in the Southwest is 27 mile long Mt. Lemmon Scenic Byway. What sets this drive apart from others is the diversity of scenery, which ranges from Saguaro cacti, to hoodoos, to pine forests. As the elevation varies from ~2000 near Tucson to ~9000 at the base, the difference in plant life and temperatures truly is astonishing. With a 20-30 degree temperature drop, Mt. Lemmon is a popular summertime cool down destination for desert dwellers. Along the scenic route, there are many hikes, picnicking areas, and overlooks to enjoy. When you reach the base, there are endless hiking trails to take in the beauty of the high altitude pine and aspen forests. It’s a great leaf peeping destination in fall and also a snowy winter wonderland (home to the southernmost ski resort in the US!).
4. San Juan National Forest
Location: Southwestern Colorado
This 1.8 million acre forest is the gem of Southwestern Colorado. Accessing the hundreds of miles of trail is easy from several great tourist destinations including Pagosa Springs and Durango. The high desert scenery ranges from alpine meadows, to spruce/aspen/ponderosa forests, to canyons. Diverse opportunities for recreation include hiking, mountain biking, nordic skiing, fishing, horseback riding, and camping. Most notably, the forest is a mesmerizing place to leaf peep – the aspens come alive with a medley of golden hues each September/October. Best of all, there are many waterfalls to discover including the most beautiful: 105 foot Treasure Falls which is easily accessed via a scenic half mile trail. Note: for those unable to hike, it is partially viewable roadside!
5. Coconino National Forest
Location: Northern Arizona
Northern Arizona is one of the most beautiful vacation destinations in the country. Flagstaff, home to the San Francisco Peaks, is a wonderful base for exploring the Grand Canyon, as well as many other natural wonders. The massive 1.8 million acre Coconino National Forest is a year-round destination for hiking, biking, snowshoeing, cross country skiing, and leaf peeping. Most notably, it is home to the largest ponderosa pine forest in the country. From the high altitude pine/aspen forests of Flagstaff, to the enchanting red rocks of Sedona, you will never tire exploring beautiful uninterrupted nature at its’ best. Adventure seekers come from all over the world to climb to the top of Humphreys Peak (the highest in the state at 12,637 ft).
Check out my favorite Coconino hikes in Flagstaff and my Sedona top hikes guide for starters
