50 Mesmerizing Attractions in the Southwest
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16. Tonto Natural Bridge State Park
Tonto Natural Bridge State Park is home to the world’s largest natural travertine bridge. This unique park is located in Payson, Arizona, a small town in the central portion of the state. Asides from the bridge, the park is unique in that the high altitude (about 5000 ft) and abundance of deciduous trees make it a popular place for leaf peepers in the fall.
The cooler summer weather makes the park very popular with Southern Arizona residents fleeing the low desert heat. Many of the trails are shady and the overall landscape differs greatly from the southern portion of Arizona. Natural pools and a seasonal waterfall allow for a rare glimpse of water in the desert. While you are in the vicinity, you should also plan for a leisurely drive along the beautiful Mongollon Rim Rd. This 38 mile scenic drive is known for its’ gorgeous sandstone formations & pine forests.
Location: near Payson, Arizona
More info on Tonto Natural Bridge State Park
17. Sunset-Wupatki Scenic Drive
Flagstaff offers amazing proximity to a number of fantastic natural attractions, landing it the nickname “the city of 7 wonders.” Sunset Crater (the 900 year old remains of a volcano) and Wupatki National Monument (a 12th century Sinagua cliff dwelling with over 100 rooms) are just 2 of these amazing sights. Both easily accessed via a short day trip. These 2 unique national wonders connect via a picturesque 36 mile paved drive. On this incredible drive, very diverse landscapes including ponderosa pine forests, colorful cinder cones, and the sparse desert plains come into view.
The drive is peaceful and far away from any civilization, so really the perfect place to enjoy uninterrupted nature. A magnificent overlook known as Bonito Meadow is the highlight of this drive. Here you will be treated to a gorgeous view of San Francisco Peaks and Sunset Crater, and if you time your visit right, thousands of yellow wildflowers. This drive also happens to be one of the best for stargazing due to the absence of light pollution and the remote nature.
Location: Forest Rd 345 about 35 minutes outside of Flagstaff
18. Slate Mountain trail
The Slate Mountain trail is a moderately difficult trek which leads you to the most amazing overlook of the San Francisco Peaks. With the immense beauty of this trail, it’s crazy how isolated it remains. Perhaps, this is because tourists do not want to make the 35 mile drive outside of Flagstaff. The trail involves a challenging 2+ mile climb to the summit, however, the gradual switchbacks and lack of big boulders to scramble up make it feel a bit easier than it appears at first glance.
It helps to adjust to the altitude for a day or 2 around town before embarking on this trail as the elevation climbs from 7300 feet all the way up to 8200. Of course, the hard climb is well worth it in this case for the best views of Arizona’s highest mountain range. This hike rewards with gigantic views as well as peace and quiet as you will be in absolute solitude. Uninterrupted nature at it’s best – this one is a true gem!
Location: About 30 miles outside of Flagstaff, off of Hwy 180
19. Mt Lemmon Scenic Byway
Mt Lemmon is one of many unique Sky Islands in the state of Arizona. A Sky Island is an isolated high altitude mountain area surrounded by a lower altitude area. The town of Summerhaven at the base of Mt Lemmon sits at an elevation of 7000 ft. At this high up, summer temps are at least 20 degrees cooler than the surrounding desert. The best part about visiting Mt Lemmon is the 30 mile picturesque drive up the Catalina Scenic Byway. This drive begins near the rolling cacti covered hills of Tucson and ends in a forest of ponderosa pines.
Views are very dramatic the entire way up with tons of Saguaro cacti near the start, ancient hoodoos, breathtaking views of the mountains, and eventually gorgeous towering pines. Along the way, you will have access to hikes, picnicking areas, scenic overlooks, and even a small lake. At the end of the drive, you can choose amongst a variety of trails, enjoy shady picnic areas, take a scenic chairlift ride, and enjoy breakfast or lunch amongst the pines and aspens. Fall foliage lines many trails in autumn. And if you are a skier, you will want to check out the country’s southernmost ski resort.
Location: The drive starts right outside of Tucson
More info on the Mt Lemmon area
20. Treasure Falls
Treasure Falls is a gorgeous 105 foot tall 2 tier waterfall in the San Juan National Forest in Pagosa Springs, a quaint Colorado town in the Four Corners region. Few spectacular waterfalls are as easily accessible as Treasure Falls which requires a simple (though quite steep 300 foot climb) trek of just a quarter of a mile. The hike is peaceful and beautiful as tall pine forests comprise the background.
The name Treasure Falls comes from a local legend of a buried chest of gold hidden somewhere within the mountains. Whether or not any hidden gold remains to be found, the hike itself really is the hidden treasure. This area is home to so many gorgeous hikes, is just an hour away from the breathtaking Durango & Silverton Railroad, and is home to the best hot springs resort in the country. Pagosa is a must visit for nature lovers & hikers.
Location: Just a few miles outside of Pagosa Springs, Colorado
