Yes, it’s the Grand Canyon State, and we all know that it’s absolutely incredible (see below for more proof), but there’s so much beauty here it’s staggering. Have a look at some of the most scenic places in Arizona.
Of course, everyone must visit the Grand Canyon at least once in their lives. It's one of the natural wonders of the world after all and considered the best park in Arizona.
Horseshoe Bend is a meander of the Colorado River in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area near Page. It can be reached by access road or a hike which takes you to one of the most scenic overlooks in Arizona.
This park gets its name for its large deposits of petrified wood. It's located in Apache and Navajo counties and is also home to some lovely Painted Desert badlands.
This incredible sandstone formation in the Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness in Coconino County is prized by photographers and hikers alike. However, to access The Wave, you must enter a lottery to win a permit the day you wish to go, but it's no guarantee you'll win. Click here to learn more.
Antelope Canyon is located within the Navajo Nation near Page, AZ. It features two separate sections of very aesthetic slot canyon, Upper Antelope Canyon and Antelope Canyon, also called The Crack and The Corkscrew.
While a small part of the White Mountains, which are near the New Mexico border, is in Apache-Sitgreaves, most of it is within Fort Apache Indian Reservation.
Tucson is one of the most beautiful places in Arizona and is known for its dramatic landcsape and vast number of saguaro cacti throughout the Sonoran Desert.
Montezuma Castle National Monument consists of Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings near Camp Verde. It has five stories and took three centuries to build.
The abundant manganese and iron in this Chinle Formation lend it these beautiful colors. Most of the Painted Desert is within the Navajo Nation.
Do you have any other favorite spots to add to our most scenic places in Arizona list? Please let us know below, and please share any beautiful photos we can use with your name and location on our Facebook page!
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Most Scenic Places In Arizona
Melissa M|April 13, 2021
What are the best parks to visit in Arizona?
Arizona is best known for the Grand Canyon, the desert, and the red rocks of Sedona. It’s a state filled with natural wonders and endless outdoor adventures. Many of the state parks offer more than just scenic beauty. The underrated Alamo Lake State Park near Wenden offers everything from wildlife and hiking to recreational activities galore. Fishing, swimming, and boating are options as well as taking an OHV out on the trails and you can camp here or stay at a cabin. At Alamo Lake, there’s a little something for everyone! For additional parks offering everything from scenery to historic areas, visit our post, These 9 State Parks In Arizona Will Knock Your Socks Off.
Where can I find scenic overlooks in Arizona?
There’s nothing like being treated to epic views from an overlook after a hike in Arizona. The Wave Cave Trail in the Superstition Mountains leads to a canyon and the Wave Cave with otherworldly views of the surrounding landscape. It’s breathtaking! If you are looking for a longer hike, head to the Kelsey-Dorsey Loop in the Sycamore Canyon Wilderness. This adventure will guide you through trees and ultimately end up at an overlook with endless mountain views.
What are the most scenic hikes I can take in Arizona?
Some of the best hiking trails in the world are found in Arizona. From hiking in and around the Grand Canyon to the red rock landscape of Sedona to the desert and mountains, it’s hard not to find a scenic trail for incredible views and escape out in nature.