9 Arizona Natural Wonders You Need To Add To Your Outdoor Bucket List For 2020
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Katie Lawrence
Author
It might seem like 2020 has been going on for ages already, but the year is far from over! We still have many months ahead, so make the most of it at some of Arizona’s most esteemed and bucket list-worthy attractions.
Exploring Arizona is always an adventure, but there’s so much to see beyond our borders! Sign up for our Bucket List Newsletter to see must-visit destinations throughout the nation and inspire your travels, both near and far.
Most of us immediately think about The Wave when we hear the words "Vermillion Cliffs," but this nearly 300,000-acre national monument encompasses many more areas of otherworldly rock formations. Towering stone escarpments have been eroded over many millions of years to expose the brilliant swirled strata iconic to the region. Permits are required to hike in Coyote Buttes North (the Wave), Coyote Buttes South, and for overnight trips within Paria Canyon. More information here.
Located along the lush Oak Creek, this popular state park showcases what we all know and love about Sedona: its unmistakable red rocks that stretch powerfully up toward the clouds. Ten developed trails meander through the striking scenery, offering endless adventure for hikers, cyclists, and equestrians alike. In addition to the incredible geological formations, you'll also encounter a plethora of animal and plant life. More information here.
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Characterized by its vast expanse of hoodoos and balancing rocks, Chiricahua National Monument is the result of an intense volcanic eruption about 27 million years ago. 85% of the park is protected wilderness, a designation that helps preserve the extremely fragile natural features. This is truly an explorer's wonderland! More information here.
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Cavers stumbled upon Kartchner Caverns in 1974, unknowingly discovering what would become one of the country's most popular underground attractions. Delicate formations, including soda straws, helictites, flowstone, and the truly grandiose Kubla Khan that stands six stories tall, have been slowly sculpted over the past 200,000 years. The Kubla Khan formation is the world's largest stalactite! More information here.
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Summertime is brutal in Sedona, so what better way to cool off than with a natural waterslide? Slide Rock State Park, which was established over 100 years ago as an apple farm, features half a mile of Oak Creek open for swimming. This 80-foot-long chute is lined with algae, creating a slippery bed perfect for sliding. The park has ranked among the Travel Channel's top 10 swimming holes in the U.S. time and again, so a visit is long overdue if you haven't been yet. More information here.
Stretching northward into Utah, Glen Canyon National Recreation Area spans over a million acres. It's home to Lake Powell, the second-largest manmade lake in the U.S. and a premier boating destination. Tour the controversial Glen Canyon Dam, marvel at Horseshoe Bend, embark on backcountry hikes, and so much more. More information here.
Arizona is stereotypically desert -- which is understandable since it makes up much of our landscape -- but come fall, the higher elevations paint an entirely different picture. Aspen groves, like this one in Flagstaff, have leaves that transform into the most magical golden hues in mid-October. Aspen Nature Loop is a short and sweet, 1.6-mile trail that leads through a forest of enchanted proportions. More information here.
Though not the tallest peak in Arizona, Mount Lemmon is certainly the most popular. Visited during summer and winter, it features a ski resort that remains open during the warmer months with different attractions. Explore trails in the Coronado National Forest, indulge in homemade fudge, and rent a cozy cabin tucked away in the pines. Plus, the drive up to the summit on Catalina Highway is an unforgettable experience in and of itself. More information here.
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One of the most-visited national monuments in the country, Canyon de Chelly is located on Navajo Nation territory and in the Four Corners region. Its landscape has been continuously inhabited longer than almost anywhere else in America, featuring preserved ruins of various indigenous tribes who lived here throughout the ages. Breathtaking scenic overlooks, geological wonders (like this 800-foot tall Spider Rock spire), and guided tours all showcase this truly one-of-a-kind place. More information here.
Make sure to contact the parks before visiting, as hours may differ from normal.
How many of these natural wonders have you checked off your bucket list? Did we leave off one of your favorite spots? Let us know, and check out our previous article for more must-do outdoor adventures: 11 Staggeringly Beautiful Places In Arizona That Will Always Be Waiting For You.
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Featured Addresses
Vermilion Cliffs National Monument, Marble Canyon, AZ 86036, USA
Chiricahua National Monument, 12856 East Rhyolite Creek Road, Willcox, AZ 85643, USA
Kartchner Caverns State Park, 2980 AZ-90, Benson, AZ 85602, USA
Flagstaff, AZ, USA
Mount Lemmon, Mt Lemmon, Arizona 85619, USA
Red Rock State Park, 4050 Red Rock Loop Rd, Sedona, AZ 86336, USA
Slide Rock Rd, Sedona, AZ 86351, USA
Glen Canyon National Recreation Area National Park Service Headquarters, 691 Scenic View Rd Dr, Page, AZ 86040, USA
Canyon de Chelly National Monument, Chinle, AZ, USA