Shhh… These 10 Hidden Places Are Arizona’s Best Kept Secrets
By Monica Spencer|Published June 20, 2017
×
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.
Arizona does plenty of things well: landscapes, culture, food, and hiking opportunities are just a few items that immediately come to mind. We would also add remote and hidden places to that list! Since our state is so large and a vast portion of it is rural, there are plenty of new places we discover all the time. Here’s a look at some of our favorites!
1. Spend a sunny day on the shores of Cattail Cove near Parker.
Hidden away in the mountains along the Colorado River, this little beach is one of several secluded ones on Arizona’s "West Coast." It’s the perfect location in the spring and fall months for boating, swimming, and fishing in the river.
This secluded little town that sits north of Kingman is home to some cool sights and the mural is just one of them. It is located in the foothills of the Cerbat Mountains, just a mile beyond town and have survived 51 years under the Arizona sun.
Looking for a cool retreat? This century-old saloon is a fantastic find that requires quite a bit of driving on rough dirt roads but the drive is worth the effort. Enjoy some delicious food, a few drinks, live music, and even a chance to sleep in the former brothel upstairs.
If your idea of a weekend stay involves a Western ranch in beautiful Spanish colonial setting, then you will love this guest ranch. It’s the perfect chance to relax and enjoy the natural surroundings.
A rough drive or a long hike through the Hualapai Mountains southeast of Kingman will take you to the abandoned "mansion." Originally meant to be a modern housing unit for miners, the building later turned into a wine-and-dine retreat for the owners and stockholders. What’s left, however, is fascinating.
If you’re driving along Route 66, you will love this animal sanctuary. Housing a wide range of exotic animals once neglected, abused, or illegally owned, the nature park provides rehabilitation and lifelong care for these animals.
This fairly short hike will take you to a portion of East Clear Creek on the Mogollon Rim and often sees few visitors. It’s perfect for an afternoon hike and picnic!
Thinking of spending some time at an Arizona resort? They have plenty of unique accommodations and Arizona Grand Resort has the fortune of an amazing water park! You’ll find an epic-8-story slide, lazy river, and wave pool for a cool retreat.
Open annually from October to May, this garden is a lovely find in the middle of our largest city! Enjoy strolling the gardens, participating in a tea ceremony, or watching various cultural events.
If you really want to escape for awhile, you will love this bed and breakfast inn on the Navajo Nation. You’ll be away from all the traffic, busy schedules,buzzing cell phones, and even electricity.