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.
11. Arizona Snowbowl
- Location: Flagstaff
- Location: 9300 N Snow Bowl Rd, Flagstaff, AZ 86001
- Highlight: Amazing fall foliage & incredible winter scenery
- More info on Arizona Snowbowl
Arizona’s largest ski resort is located on the state’s largest mountain, the beautiful San Francisco peaks, which sit at an elevation of 12,633 feet. Many are unaware that it snows in the Northern portion of state. In fact, as one of the snowiest cities in the country, Flagstaff sees over 200 inches per year!
However, there is much more than simply winter recreation to be found at Snowbowl. First off, there are 3 incredible trails on the mountain. The Aspen Nature Loop and Kachina Trail both offer incredible views of the Northern Arizona mountains and the country’s largest ponderosa pine forst. Even better, both are alive with gorgeous golden aspens each fall.
Humphrey’s is an extremely challenging uphill trek to the peak, and thus draws experienced hikers from all over the country. The other 2 are more suitable for casual hikers, not to mention you can turn around at any point if you tire. Non hikers can opt for a relaxing chairlift ride, available summer through fall. If visiting in winter, be sure to rent some snowshoes and enjoy a winter wonderland experience reminiscent of Narnia.
A look at Snowbowl through the seasons…
12. The Painted Desert
- Location: Holbrook (about 2 hours east of Flagstaff)
- Address: Latitude: 35.06543746738773, Longitude: -109.78153824806213
- Highlight: Colorful ancient rock formations
- More info on the Petrified Forest
The Painted Desert is a name given to a colorful region of rolling badlands which encompasses more than 60,000 acres in the northern portion of the state. Once you see the vibrant medley of colors, you will see why it was named as so. Although it covers a wide range, the colorful hills are most accessible via the Petrified National Forest, an incredible place loaded with one of the highest concentrations of 200+ million year old petrified wood.
There are a number of scenic overlooks of the Painted Desert throughout the Petrified Forest. A scenic drive around the park will take you past a few mesmerizing viewpoints. If you are up for something a bit more off-the-beaten path, consider embarking upon a backcountry hike. This enables you to explore the other worldly scenery in a more desolate uninterrupted setting unlike anything you’ve seen before. If you prefer sticking to a maintained trail, check out the Painted Desert Rim trail or the Blue Mesa trail.
The stunning Painted Desert – there is nothing else like it!
13. Tucson Mountain Park
- Location: Tucson
- Address: 3800 W Starr Pass Blvd, Tucson, AZ 85745
- Highlight: Secluded & scenic
- More info on Tucson Mountain Park
Although not nearly as hyped as Saguaro National Park, Tucson Mountain Park offers an attractive desert ruggedness which makes you feel like you have truly stepped back in time to the days of the Wild West. The area is so remote and rustic that you really can get lost in the desert (and be sure to bring plenty of water, in case you do!). Trails in the area vary from easy to hard, all offering you the unique opportunity to observe diverse desert flora and fauna. If you are not up for a hike, simply hop in the car and enjoy the scenic rolling drive where you will see more cacti than you could possibly dream of.
The best trail by far in the area is the Hidden Canyon trail which starts near the JW Marriott at Starr Pass Resort. This trail is just 2 miles roundtrip, yet features the most stunning views of the Tucson Mountain range. It’s so remote and scenic, and fortunately, short enough that you can do it just about anytime of year without overheating or totally wearing yourself out. Keep your eyes peeled as bobcats and javelina are frequently out and about during early mornings hours.
Desert safety tips: Stay away from all wildlife, bring water, avoid snakes, and limit hiking during the hot summer season.
A cacti wonderland for desert lovers!
14. Scottsdale McDowell Preserve
- Location: Scottsdale
- Address: 18333 N Thompson Peak Pkwy, Scottsdale, AZ 85255
- Highlight: Diversity of cacti studded trails
- More info on the Scottsdale McDowell Preserve
The best place to hike in the Phoenix area, amongst the multitude of options, is the Scottsdale McDowell Preserve. First off, there are seemingly unending trails (225+ miles!) to explore here. Second, it’s a bit off-the-beaten path and thus stays much more quiet than hotspots like South Mountain and Piestewa Peak. And most importantly, the views here are shear desert wonderland. You could literally spend the rest of your life exploring the country’s largest urban preserve and never get bored!
If you are a hiker looking for a wonderful trail system in the Phoenix metro, head right over to the Scottsdale McDowell preserve. The diversity of options is sure to please everyone, from the beginner hiker, to the avid hiker seeking a more intense adventure.
A few spectacular vistas from the Gateway trail system
15. Oak Creek Canyon
- Location: Starts 6 miles outside of Flagstaff
- Address: Take Hwy 89A near Kachina Village
- Highlight: Magnificent scenery for 14 straight miles
- More info on Oak Creek Canyon
Oak Creek Canyon is a standout scenic drive, being that it features some of the most amazing scenery you will ever come across. Located in between Flagstaff and Sedona in Northern Arizona, the 14 mile drive features a diversity of scenery changes from ponderosa pines, to deciduous trees, to towering red rock formations. It’s one of the most gorgeous drives out West no doubt. Whether enjoying leafy green trees cascading over the road in the summer, golden leaves in the fall, or the rare sight of red rocks dusted with snow, the drive is fabulous anytime of the year.
Oak Creek is a heavily visited year-round playground, second only to the Grand Canyon in tourism numbers. Not only is the scenery outstanding, but there’s much more to do including hikes along the creek (West Fork trail), Native American markets, scenic overlooks, and the best breakfast restaurant in the state (Indian Gardens).
As the drive brings forth new and interesting scenery with each twist and turn, it’s simply something you have to see for yourself. No pictures will do justify for this incredible area. If you only have time for one Arizona daytrip, let Oak Creek Canyon/Sedona be it.
Oak Creek is a 4 season recreational oasis…stunning anytime of year!
