10 Western National Parks to Add to your Bucket List
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5. The Petrified National Forest
In Northeastern Arizona lies one of the country’s largest collections of ancient petrified wood. The truly unique Petrified National Forest is underrated and unfortunately under visited, as the magnificent Grand Canyon tends to get all the tourist attention in Arizona. While the Grand Canyon is more spectacular, this place really is strange and enchanting. If you are setting up base in Flagstaff, it’s just a quick hour and a half day trip away.
At this fascinating natural wonder, you will get to take an up close look at petrified wood which is millions of years old. Trees from the Triassic Period have been turned to stone through the process of periminizeration. The petrified wood takes on a colorful crystal-like appearance as the hands of nature have transformed the organic materials into minerals like quartz. The result is a piece of wood resembling a gem. Minerals combining with the quartz shine in a range of brilliant colors. It is illegal to take any of the petrified wood. However, you can buy souvenir pieces to take home with you in a range of sizes and colors.
Definitely check this place out if you are a history buff or simply someone who enjoys exploring off-the-beaten path places. Numerous means of exploring the wood including an interpretive center, a scenic drive, and a number of hiking. There is enough to do here to keep you busy for at least a few hours, thereby justifying the drive over.
Things to know
Directions to the Petrified National Forest
Admission: A 7 day vehicle pass is $25, Pedestrian/bike pass is $15.
*Temps can soar well above 100 during the summer months and there is absolutely no shade. Plan your visit during the cooler months, if possible. Winter is great temperature-wise – plus the park is really uncrowded!
*There really are no food options nearby. I recommend stopping at the wonderful Turquoise Room in Winslow if you happen to be traveling from Flagstaff – it’s right on the route.
*Fill up your tank all the way up before leaving as the scenic park drive is quite lengthy.
*Skip Meteor Crater which is a popular tourist attraction you will pass by on your way over. It’s really not worth the cost and there are plenty of more worthwhile attractions in the area such as those listed below.
Nearby attractions: Walnut Canyon, Sunset Crater, Arizona Snowbowl Trails, Red Mountain. Check out my N. Arizona tourist guide for full details on these attractions and many others.
6. Walnut Canyon
Walnut Canyon is another natural wonder that you should add to your N. Arizona bucket list. Over 300 cliff dwellings, once occupied by the Sinagua tribes, are located within this beautiful canyon. The best thing to do here is hike the short, yet steep Island Trail which provides magnificent views of the 20 foot long, 1/4 mile wide, 400 foot deep canyon. You will also come across 20 of the cliff dwellings along the route. Be prepared to climb up and down about 250 steep steps! Don’t worry -it is well worth the effort for the fantastic views and historical sights along the way!
What a view!
During our visit, we learned that the early Sinagua settlers named the mountains around Flagstaff “Sierra Singua” which translates into “mountains without water.” Walnut Creek was once cherished as a seasonal water source in an area lacking natural water. An interesting mix of plant and animal life can survive here thanks to several different ecosystems overlapping. Coyotes, mule deer, and turkey vulture are often spotted here and black bears and mountain lions are occasionally seen so keep your eyes peeled!
Things to know
Admission: Pricing is $25 per vehicle for a 7 day pass.
*Bring a picnic or fill up with a hearty breakfast in Flagstaff before you leave. There are no dining options at the monument. This city has an amazing food scene. Here are a few of my favorites to consider.
*Check the event calendar for special ranger programs. During the summer months, they offer fantastic guided stargazing walks.
*Be prepared for hot temps in the summer and keep in mind that there is little shade. Arrive early to beat the crowds and the heat.
*Bring a full liter of water. Always drink more than normally would when hiking in a dry desert climate.
Nearby attractions: Slate Mountain trail (amazing views of the state’s highest mountain range), Lowell Observatory (incredible stargazing), Scenic chairlift rides at Snowbowl
7. Grand Canyon National Park
Of course, no bucket list is complete without checking off the once-in-a-lifetime experience of visiting one of the earth’s greatest natural wonders, the Grand Canyon. No picture does justice – it’s just one of those places you need to visit yourself to truly appreciate the immense beauty. Fortunately, we lived in Flagstaff for several years and had the opportunity to visit many times. We even got to hike the canyon which I never knew was possible.
Although there are numerous scenic overlooks, museums, and interpretative trails, nothing really compares to a hike into the heart of the canyon. While hiking, you get to enjoy the views to yourself, especially the further in you go. The South Kaibab trail is unlike any other I’ve hiked. While the guided mule rides take the same course, it’s so much more rewarding to complete the journey yourself!
Whether you hike just the first portion, challenge yourself to an exhausting trek to Skeleton Point (we went all the way which was a rough, hilly trek) for your 1st glimpse of the river, or make it a multi day adventure by going all the way down to the river, it’s one of the most rewarding experiences.
I’ve also heard from a few friends that white water rafting trips are worth it. These trips are available in 3-18 day trips. These are very popular and thus must be booked way in advance. I’d love to do this one of these days but the timing just never worked out. Or opt for a shorter and less challenging smooth water trip, which is more affordably priced and does not require as much advance notice or planning.
Staying at a hotel right near the canyon would be an amazing experience as you can get up early and watch the sunrise and feel as if you are part of the action all day long. We dined at El Tovar, a beautiful historic hotel located right on the rim and features great views and convenient access to Grand Canyon Village. Unfortunately, rooms book up several months in advance. Consider staying in a nearby town like Williams or Flagstaff, both of which offer numerous attractions & amenities of their own.
Things to know
Directions to the Grand Canyon
Admission: $35 per vehicle for a 7 day pass to both the South and North Rim, $20 per person/bike/shuttle entry.
The North Rim is much further than the South Rim (about 3 and a half hrs from Flagstaff compared to 1.5 for the South Rim), yet still worth visiting for the isolated nature and gorgeous rustic scenery. If time permits, I recommend planning a full daytrip or staying overnight at the Jacob Lake Lodge.
What to do nearby: Explore all the wonderful attractions and hikes in Sedona and Flagstaff. I hiked in both areas regularly during my 2 years residing in Kachina Village. You can explore my red rock trail guide and Flagstaff trail guide for a few of the most scenic options.
