8 Peaceful And Secluded Places In Arizona When You Want To Get Away From It All
By Monica Spencer|Published August 01, 2016
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Monica Spencer
Author
Monica is a Diné (Navajo) freelance writer and photographer based in the Southwest. Born in Gallup and raised in Phoenix, she is Tódich'ii'nii (Bitter Water People) and Tsi'naajinii (Black Streak Wood People). Monica is a staff writer for Only In Your State, photo editor for The Mesa Legend, and previously a staff writer for The Navajo Post. You can reach her at monica.d.spencer@gmail.com.
One of the best ways to handle stress is to take a time-out. Not the kind you send misbehaving little kids to, but a retreat for the mind, body and soul. Sometimes that retreat can be as simple as a visit to a local park and other times it can include a full-blown trip out of town. Today, we’re going to take a look at a few places where you can unwind in quietness and solitude whether for an hour or a few days.
This is a great spot to visit during the spring and fall seasons when the weather is a little more accommodating to daytime hiking. The best part of visiting? The Bureau of Land Management only allows 50 people at a time into the canyon in order to preserve the pristine wilderness, so coming across more than a few people at a time is pretty unlikely when visiting.
The Black River is located in the White Mountains and flows into the Fort Apache Reservation, so you’ll need to obtain a permit before visiting. It’s worth the effort though! This spot is wonderfully secluded and just the place to find a little peace of mind.
If you really want to get out into the boonies for some camping and hiking, this is a definite place to do it. You’ll find this eastern Arizona area (all 173,000 acres) pretty void of human life.
Located on the Navajo Nation in northeastern Arizona, just a couple miles away from the tiny town of Leupp, Grand Falls is a nice spot tucked away. Powered by the Little Colorado River, Grand Falls’ chocolate-colored waters is most dramatic after the snowmelt and after rainstorms. Even though it is located on reservation land, it is one of the few places that does not require a permit for hiking.
Mount Graham in the Pinaleño Mountains are unforgivingly undervisited. Located in southeastern Arizona a few hour drive east from Tucson, Mount Graham is one of the tallest peaks in the state and one where you definitely won’t come across too many people.
This lake also happens to be located in the same mountain range as our previously noted spot. The reservoir is located near the northwestern side of the mountain range and is a beautifully scenic—and quiet—spot.
Another southeastern Arizona spot, this riparian area is well-known among birders and other wildlife watchers. If you want to avoid the silent people looking at animals, try visiting in winter when there are fewer bird species flocking through the area.
There’s something about stacks of books that calls for a quieter environment. Chances are your local library or bookstore may be just the place to find a little bit of solitude if you can’t venture far. My personal favorite spots are the second floor of ASU’s Hayden Library, the top floor of the Burton Barr Central Library in Phoenix, and Lawn Gnome Publishing, also in central Phoenix.
Just looking at those spots brings down my heart rate. If you want to make your weekend a quiet one, you might want to consider booking a room at a bed and breakfast inn! Check out some recommendations featured in a recent article, 9 Little Known Inns In Arizona That Offer An Unforgettable Overnight Stay.
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