20 Most Spectacular Places in Arizona
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.
6. Saguaro Lake
- Location: About 40 miles northeast of the Phoenix area
- Address: 14011 N Bush Hwy, Mesa, AZ 85215
- Highlight: The best lake near Phoenix
- More info on Saguaro Lake
Many people are unaware that lakes even exist in Arizona. Yet, the Phoenix region alone is home to 6 gorgeous lakes, Saguaro being the most stunning of the bunch. A gorgeous cruise via Desert Belle is the best way to take in the majestic scenery. Thousands of enchanting Saguaro cacti dot the lakeshore, with stunning mountain vistas comprising the background. The lake is also a wildlife watching hotspot. Jaguars were thought to be extinct until several sightings (including one at this lake) a few years back.
It’s amazing to think that one of the most gorgeous lakes is located in Phoenix of all places. The fact that water is so rare in the Southwest makes the scenery even more exhilarating. Outside of cruises, you can enjoy all sorts of waterfront activities like water skiing, paddleboarding, and wakeboarding. If you are going to cool off via some fun-in-the-sun, Saguaro Lake sure is the most picturesque spot to do! Just be aware that everyone else is flocking here too, especially during the hot summer season! Arrive early as the lake is often at capacity before 10am.
Just a few of the wonderful views via the Desert Belle cruise!
7. Chiricahua National Monument
- Location: Wilcox (about 1.5 hours east of Tucson)
- Address: E Bonita Canyon Rd, Willcox, AZ 85643
Highlight: Exotic hoodoos and rock formations - More info on Chiricahua National Monument
Chiricahua has been nicknamed “The Wonderland of Rocks.” After visiting the park and seeing all these ancient unique rock formations, you will surely agree that this place is a hidden wonderland. Despite the immense beauty, Chiricahua does not see nearly as many tourists as the more popular natural wonders. You never really hear anything about it in a state where the Grand Canyon overshadows everything. However, this is one of Arizona’s true treasures. This lack of crowding really make the scenery even more surreal and exotic.
Besides the wonderful scenic drive, you will find a range of hiking options. A great in between option is the Echo Canyon trail where you will get to see beautiful hoodoos and rock formations without going all out. Trails are barely ever crowded. The desolateness provides a much needed natural escape from all our modern congestion.
A few of the exotic rock formations you will come across on the trails!
8. Picacho Peak
- Location: Picacho (About halfway between Tucson & Phoenix)
- Address: 15520 Picacho Peak Rd, Picacho, AZ 85141
- Highlight: Desolate & enchanting desert surroundings
- More info on Picacho Peak
Picacho Peak State Park is another underrated treasure which doesn’t get much love due to its’ undesirable location. Located halfway between Southern Arizona’s biggest cities, the 3370 foot summit of Picacho rises up dramatically in comparison to the nearby barren desert lands. On this boring drive between Tucson & Phoenix, Picacho really makes a bold statement. Unfortunately most keep right on driving on to bigger and better destinations in the big cities. As the majority are not going to go out of their way to stop here enroute to Phoenix or Tucson, it remains uncrowded the majority of the year.
Avid hikers enjoy challenging themselves to the hard climb up the Hunter trail. For everyone else, the Calloway trail offers a nice opportunity to enjoy isolated vistas of the desert via minimal effort. While you get to see plenty of cacti just about everywhere in Arizona, the remoteness of Picacho sets it apart from the rest.
A few gorgeous vistas from the Calloway trail
9. Catalina State Park
- Location: Oro Valley
- Address: 11570 N Oracle Rd, Tucson, AZ 85737
- Highlight: Best views of the Santa Catalinas
- More info on Catalina State Park
Hiking at gorgeous Catalina State Park is the must-do while visiting Tucson. The Santa Catalinas are the most stunning mountain range in Southern Arizona, dominating the charming suburban community of Oro Valley. This beautiful area is located about 20 minutes north of Tucson, and is well worth the drive for hikers, photographers, desert lovers, and bird watchers alike.
Catalina State Park offers a variety of hiking trails, from an easy interpretive nature trail to an arduous hike to a secret swimming pool. The unending mountain views, secluded nature, and diversity of desert plant life make this an easy contender for the best of Tucson. This park best incorporates both stunning mountain scenery and the opportunity to see exotic desert flora & fauna into relatively easy hiking trails.
A few pics from the Canyon Loop trail, a moderate 2 mile trail featuring gorgeous scenery throughout!
10. Sugarloaf Summit
- Location: Sedona
- Address: 190 Meander Way, Sedona, AZ 86336
- Highlight: An incredible 360 degree panorama of the red rocks
- More info on the Sugarloaf Summit
The Teacup/Sugarloaf Summit trail is one of the hidden gems of Sedona. In an area loaded with over-the-top-scenery, the Sugarloaf Summit trail still easily stands out as one of the best-of-the-best. The hike is relatively easy, close to town, uncrowded, and most of all, loaded with the most jaw dropping red rock views in all of Sedona.
The Teacup trail is relatively easy & short with very little elevation gain, and thus, suitable for most everyone. The 1/2 mile trek up to the 4912 foot Sugarloaf summit involves a minor 400 foot elevation gain – basically nothing in comparison to the 360 degree panoramic reward at the top. Many Sedona trails require much more effort to see much less. This trail is peaceful and beautiful and simply a wonderful way to escape it all and enjoy the most exotic scenery you will ever lie eyes upon.
Take a look at this beauty!
