Here in Arizona, the heart and soul of our state can be found not in the largest cities, but in the very tiniest of towns. This three-hour road trip leads to some of the best rural areas in Arizona, from quirky Route 66 ghost towns to a remote wildlife refuge where you can take an exhilarating safari tour. Hop in the car and let’s go!

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1. Oatman

Oatman, AZ 86433, USA
Flickr/parudox
The heyday of Arizona's mining boom still lives on in this quirky ghost town. Located along the famous Route 66, Oatman is best known for the wild burros that roam the streets (they're very friendly, so don't be shy!) Make sure to stop by the Oatman Hotel while you're in town. The circa-1902 building is now a restaurant and saloon rather than a hotel, and it's brimming with historic charm (and ghost stories).

2. Kingman

Kingman, AZ, USA
Google/Kingman Visitor Center
Our next stop is Kingman, another Route 66 town.
The main attraction here is the Kingman Visitor Center, which also serves as a Route 66 museum.
Arizona Route 66 Museum, Powerhouse Visitor Center, 120 W Andy Devine Ave, Kingman, AZ 86401, USA
TripAdvisor/Chucknteojamul
Here, you'll see various exhibits that detail the important role the Mother Road played in American history. At nearby Locomotive Park, you can also marvel at a vintage steam engine that serves as proof of Kingman's former status as a railroad hub.

3. Keepers of the Wild Nature Park (Valentine)

TripAdvisor/Chucknteojamul
Follow Route 66 to the tiny town of Valentine, where you'll find Keepers of the Wild Nature Park.

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Nestled on 175 sprawling acres, this sanctuary is home to more than 150 exotic rescue animals.
Keepers of the Wild Nature Park, 13441 AZ-66, Valentine, AZ 86437, USA
TripAdvisor/Elizabeth S
Either take a guided safari or walk around at your own pace - either way, you can expect to see such majestic creatures as tigers, colorful birds, bears, primates, and reptiles.

4. Grand Canyon Caverns (Peach Springs)

TripAdvisor/L.A.W.
Now, it's time to head underground at Grand Canyon Caverns.
Located in Peach Springs, this 65-million-year-old wonder takes you 200 feet below the earth's surface for an exhilarating adventure.
Grand Canyon Caverns, AZ-66, Peach Springs, AZ 86434, USA
TripAdvisor/Julie R
The 45-minute excursion features ancient waterfalls, fossils, unique mineral formations, and so many other mesmerizing sights. You can even enjoy a meal or spend the night in the caverns!

5. Seligman

Wikimedia Commons/Vidor
Still on Route 66, our journey now takes us to Seligman, the alleged birthplace of the historic highway.
The entire town is good old-fashioned Americana at its finest, with classic cars parked outside of nearly every building and kitschy motels, diners, and souvenir shops galore.
Seligman, AZ 86337, USA
Wikimedia Commons/Alexander Blecher
Definitely take some time to stroll through the town square, also known as the Seligman Commercial Historic District. Many of its businesses are listed on the National Register of Historic Places! Keep an eye out for nods to the Disney film "Cars," whose fictional town of Radiator Springs was actually inspired by Arizona's very own Peach Springs. On your way out of town, stop by Delgadillo's Snow Cap Drive-In for classic, 50s-style greasy spoon fare like burgers, fries, and handspun milkshakes!

Would you take this road trip to the best rural places to visit in Arizona? Tell us your thoughts in the comments! Wondering what to pack for such an epic road trip? Check out our ultimate road trip packing list!

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More to Explore

Rural Areas In Arizona

Tori Jane | December 06, 2023

What are some of the nicest rural areas in Arizona?  

Arizona is one of those states that doesn’t get enough credit for its rural places. While everyone flocks to major cities like Phoenix, Flagstaff and Tucson, other areas get ignored. Some of the best, most beautiful rural areas in Arizona include:  

  • Sonoita – This tiny town is jaw-droppingly beautiful and located in the heart of Arizona’s wine country, which, yes, is a thing.  
  • Verrado – This adorable offshoot of Buckeye is west of Phoenix and has all the charm of a small town that feels like it’s from somewhere else.  
  • Oracle – This town is a living ghost town with stunning views of mountain ranges contrasted with desert landscapes. It’s beautiful.  

Learn more about the best rural destinations in Arizona.   

Which rural hidden gems in Arizona are worth checking out?  

That being said, there are so many hidden gems in Arizona that are totally worth checking out – rural towns or not – and worth mentioning. Some of our favorite rural hidden gems in Arizona are:  

  • The Gila Box Riparian National Conservation Area – This refuge is absolutely beautiful year-round, though in the fall, it comes alive with intense color. You’ll find it south of the Blue Range Wilderness.  
  • Cabeza Prieta Wilderness – Did you know that there are sand dunes in Arizona? Yep. And sand dunes are far from the only unique landscape you’ll find on this expanse of land.  
  • Blue Range Wilderness – You might as well double this one with Gila Box! If you’ve never explored this stunning forested, mountainous area we share with New Mexico, you need to.  

Learn more about some of the best rural hidden gems in Arizona.  

What are some of the other best hidden gems in Arizona?  

Okay, so what if you’d like to avoid being in the middle of nowhere but would still like to explore? No worries! Some of the other must-see hidden gems in Arizona are places like:  

  • Mt. Lemmon – This one’s popular among those who know it’s there. Those who don’t ought to! This amazing mountain leads drivers through several vastly different types of landscape/biome before they reach the town at the top known as Summerhaven.  
  • Grand Falls – You'll find this epic waterfall about 30 miles east of Flag. It looks coolest during spring, when snow to the north is melting and feeding the falls.  
  • Emerald Cove – Kayakers will love this stunning slice of paradise they can paddle to where the water is a remarkable emerald color.  

Learn more about more of the best hidden gems in Arizona.  

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