You Can't Afford To Miss These 9 Free Outdoor Activities In Arizona
By Monica Spencer|Published March 21, 2018
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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.
We don’t have to tell you that Arizonans are a lucky bunch to be living among some of the loveliest landscapes in the country. Mountains, canyons, forests, deserts, and many other beautiful environments surround us. So, to celebrate that, we’re taking a look at 9 fun outdoor activities you can enjoy without having to pay a single dollar! Let’s explore the beauty nature has to offer.
1. Walk through the chilly confines of Lava River Cave near Flagstaff.
This lava tube is just 0.75 miles long, so it's a pretty short adventure that will show you what Arizona looks like underground. Just remember to bring a jacket to stay warm (the cave's temperatures stay around 42-degrees), bring a couple of light sources, and be wary of slippery rocks as ice sometimes forms down here!
This is one activity you can do that won't require you to travel too far. Check the time for the day's sunset, choose your favorite trail, and get ready to see one fantastic view!
If you're up for a challenging hike before your day begins, then you definitely won't want to miss out on watching the sunrise while hiking on Camelback Mountain. These trails are fairly difficult, so make sure you're prepared for a steep climb and bring plenty of water.
The only amount you'll spend is gas money, but if you're driving between Clifton and Alpine, you might as well enjoy this drive! The road has more than 460 curves and plenty of beautiful views.
The jury is still out if an energy vortex really exists here but if you're a believer, then you'll want to check it out for yourself. The entire hike can take up to 2.5 hours, so be sure to bring plenty of water to keep yourself hydrated.
If spending a day birding sounds like your cup of tea, then head out to the Paton Center for Hummingbirds, where 213 different birds have been spotted! Be sure to bring your camera or drawing materials so that you can capture the beauty seen here.
There are plenty of incredible trails in the Flagstaff area but we like this easy one because you can enjoy the views with just about everyone in your family. The hike is just 2.5 miles and you'll be treated to some amazing views of the landscape throughout the year!
Not all Arizona canyons are massive! This one near Williams is on the small side but has all the beautiful attractions you hope to find in one of our canyons: a seasonal waterfall, petroglyphs, and plenty of wildlife wandering nearby.
Located in western Arizona near Hoover Dam, this hot spring is a great hidden spot to enjoy a hot soak on a cool spring day. The hike is approximately 6 miles and will take you through plenty of desert terrain, so be sure to plan this trip before summer arrives.