12 Exciting Arizona Day Trips, One For Each Month Of The Year
By Katie Lawrence|Updated on December 16, 2022(Originally published December 15, 2022)
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Katie Lawrence
Author
Katie Lawrence is a Southeast Texas native who graduated 18th in her high school class with a GPA of 4.25. She attended college in the Houston area and began writing for OnlyInYourState in 2015.
Today, Katie writes, edits, and performs several other tasks for OnlyInYourState and has never been more passionate about a job before. Outside of work, you can likely find her curled up on with a hot cup of coffee, practicing yoga, baking, or exploring the beautiful Lone Star State (in particular, the vast and mystical West Texas desert).
12 day trips, 12 months. Are you up for the challenge? Arizona is full of places to visit, so we’ve narrowed the list of the best day trips in Arizona to make your year the most exciting one yet.
Flagstaff is by far the snowiest town in Arizona, receiving a whopping 100+ inches every year. Almost all of the trails at the Snowbowl are open for business, so don't waste any time!
No matter how skeptical you are of the New Age movement, it's hard to discount all the compelling testimonies from those who have climbed Bell Rock. One of the most heavily photographed landmarks in Arizona, this majestic red rock formation is rumored to harbor powerful energy vortexes on its summit. The trail is 3.5 miles round trip, and we recommend visiting during winter to avoid the sweltering Sedona summertime heat. You don't have to climb all the way up to experience the healing energy, either, which is good because it requires deviation from the main path.
Located on Navajo land near Page, Antelope Canyon is one of the most photographed spots in Arizona. These sandstone walls were formed by centuries of water erosion, each curl serving as eternal documentation of how the waves carved their path. Due to the sacred nature of the land, access is restricted to guided tours only.
Though it shouldn't even have to be stated, this list simply wouldn't be complete without the Grand Canyon. There's just so much to do: hiking, horseback riding, camping, rafting, and even standing on a glass bridge more than 4,000 feet above the ground.
5. May — Goldfield Ghost Town (Apache Junction)
Goldfield Ghost Town and Mine Tours Inc., 4650 N Mammoth Mine Rd, Apache Junction, AZ 85119, USA
Though it's now just a replica, Goldfield was very much a real ghost town back in the day. High-grade gold ore kept the community booming until the late 1800s, when product ran out and miners relocated in search of work elsewhere. After being left to decay for nearly 100 years, the town was revived and turned into a reimagined version of its heyday. With a jail, bank, apothecary, working saloon, and plenty of other authentic buildings, you'll swear you've been transported back to the days of gunslingers and duels at high noon.
One of the most iconic natural wonders in Arizona, The Wave is located right near the Northern border with Utah. Almost resembling sand dunes, this unmistakable textured sandstone was formed long ago via wind erosion. Visitation requires a permit in order to keep numbers low and protect the delicate landscape. If you're lucky enough to be granted access, enjoy the viewing experience of a lifetime.
Visit Tombstone and enter an old Western movie, complete with gunfights mimicking the original O.K. Corral showdown from 1881. It was initially a silver mining town and has since been converted into a much quieter, but no less authentic, tourist attraction. Drink a few sarsaparillas, stop by Boothill Cemetery to see where the town's first settlers are buried, and shop for handmade goods.
8. August — Montezuma Castle National Monument (Camp Verde)
Montezuma Castle National Monument, Montezuma Castle Rd, Camp Verde, AZ, USA
Many native tribes built shelters in Arizona, but few are as well preserved as Montezuma Castle National Monument. This five-story, 20-room cliff dwelling dates back to nearly 1,000 years ago, when it was constructed high up in a limestone outcropping by the Sinagua people. A self-guided, 1.3-mile loop trail leads straight past the ruin, winding through a breathtaking sycamore grove and pristine spring-fed creek.
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9. September — Meteor Crater (Winslow)
Meteor Crater Road, Meteor Crater Rd, Arizona 86047, USA
Just 30 minutes outside of Winslow sits one of the world's largest, and the single best-preserved meteor crater. It's about 50,000 years old, having been formed during a time when wooly mammoths roamed the earth! The meteorite measured about 150 feet across, and its largest fragment is currently preserved onsite. The best part? You'll feel like a superhero with the strong winds whipping your hair around.
10. October — Airplane Boneyard (Tucson)
Airplane Boneyard, 2720 S Craycroft Rd, Tucson, AZ 85707, USA
Since Halloween is in October, it's only fitting to visit a graveyard. This cemetery is unconventional, however, as it's full of airplanes rather than people! Over 4,000 decommissioned military and NASA aircraft reside at the Airplane Boneyard in the middle of the Sonoran desert, making it the largest collection of its kind on earth. Equally cool and creepy huh?
11. November — Verde Canyon Railroad (Clarkdale)
Verde Canyon Railroad, 300 N Broadway, Clarkdale, AZ 86324, USA
This four-hour, 20-mile train ride whisks passengers away on an exhilarating journey through the rugged canyon wilderness along the Verde Canyon Railroad. Fall is by far the best time to visit, with leaves showing off their most brilliant golden, maroon, and brown hues. Choose between first class, coach, and open-air seating to fit your group's specific needs. Seasonal events such as beer and wildlife trains are offered throughout the year.
With the motto, "Everybody's Hometown," this mid-sized town is charming all year long. Its magic only grows stronger during the holiday season - in fact, Prescott has been deemed the official "Christmas City" of Arizona! Millions of lights illuminate the entire town square, including the Yavapai County Courthouse, and live entertainment, festive craft fairs, and parades get your whole family into the holiday spirit.
How many of the best places in Arizona have you been to? Which of these Arizona day trips are still on your bucket list? And are there any other day trips we should cover? Let us know and be sure to check out our Arizona bucket list for more of the best day trips in Arizona.
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Best Day Trips In Arizona
Leah|July 31, 2020
What places in Arizona should I see before I die?
There are many places to visit in Arizona that should be on your bucket list, such as:
If you plan on traveling around the Copper State or extending your day trips into overnight trips, you'll need some unique places to stay in Arizona. You could just stay in a typical hotel, or you can experience some of the most unique places to spend the night in the state. There is a bit of Route 66 history you can spend the night in by visiting the Wigwam Village Motel. Each room is an individual teepee-shaped building that has kept its retro charm. If you're feeling brave and want to experience a stay in a haunted hotel, spend the night at the Jerome Grand Hotel. The historic former hospital is known for its paranormal reputation, and they fully embrace it, too.
