7 Little-Known Arizona Parks Where Endless Adventure Awaits
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Katie Lawrence
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All of Arizona’s state and national parks deserve a spot on your bucket list, but some don’t get nearly the amount of attention they deserve. The following are seven of the most underrated nature spots in the Grand Canyon State, each one offering endless adventure.
Split into two sections on either side of Tucson, Saguaro National Park spans over 90,000 acres in total. It's the native habitat of the giant saguaro cactus, which has become symbolic of the American West. Visitors can enjoy myriad hiking trails and scenic drives, all showcasing the incredibly diverse flora and fauna of the landscape.
Address: 3693 South Old Spanish Trail, Tucson, AZ 85730
Address: 3693 South Old Spanish Trail, Tucson, AZ 85730
Straddling the Arizona-Mexico border, Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1985 to protect over 300 species of birds. While its original mission still stands, the 117,000-acre preserve is also home to 58 different mammals and 53 species of reptiles and amphibians. In addition to the diverse wildlife population, visitors can marvel at the 200-year-old volcanic rocks that form a truly remarkable sky island ecosystem.
Address: Arivaca Road Highway 286, Arivaca, AZ
Address: Arivaca Road Highway 286, Arivaca, AZ
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Spanning over 665,000 acres of virtually untouched terrain, Kofa National Wildlife Refuge is a natural wonder you have to see to believe. The refuge was established to protect desert bighorn sheep; however, the primary reason most people visit is to marvel at the unparalleled mountaintop vistas. You'll also see old, abandoned mines and rare geological formations—so cool!
Address: Palm Canyon Road, Yuma, AZ 85365
Address: Palm Canyon Road, Yuma, AZ 85365
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Sharing a border with the Mexican state of Sonora, Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument is the only place where the organ pipe cactus grows wild. Several other types of cacti and desert flora grow in the park, making every visit a unique experience all its own. Whether you drive, hike, camp, or some combination of all three, there's no shortage of opportunities to explore this vast wilderness area.
Address: 10 Organ Pipe Drive, Ajo, AZ 85321
Address: 10 Organ Pipe Drive, Ajo, AZ 85321
Offering much-needed respite from the brutal southern Arizona heat, Patagonia Lake State Park is a hidden gem ideal for water recreation, hiking, and camping. Centered around the 250-acre Patagonia Lake, the park features a sandy beach, picnic area, boat ramps, and marina, making it the perfect spot for a summer vacation. Spend your time waterskiing, fishing, or enjoying a leisurely paddle, then find your land legs and stroll along the creek trails laden with birds and whitetail deer.
Address: 400 Patagonia Lake Road, Patagonia, AZ 85624
Address: 400 Patagonia Lake Road, Patagonia, AZ 85624
Some of the most awe-inspiring rock formations you've ever seen await at Chiricahua National Monument in Willcox. Formed by a massive volcanic eruption 27 million years ago, these iconic hoodoos amaze visitors from all over the country. There's an eight-mile scenic drive, as well as 17 miles of day-use trails, so rest assured you'll be kept busy from dawn 'til dusk.
Address: East Bonita Canyon Road, Willcox, AZ 85643.
Address: East Bonita Canyon Road, Willcox, AZ 85643.
One of the best places to get up-close-and-personal with the rugged southern Arizona landscape, Tucson Mountain Park spans 20,000 acres of opportunity for boundless outdoor adventure. With 62 miles of multi-use trails, you could spend all day exploring and still barely scratch the surface of breathtaking sights. Expect to see wildlife, petroglyphs, historic structures, and jaw-dropping scenic overlooks.
Address: 6000 West Gates Pass Road, Tucson, AZ 85745
Address: 6000 West Gates Pass Road, Tucson, AZ 85745
How many of these underrated parks have you visited? Did we leave off one of your favorite spots? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below, and check out our previous article to learn more about Patagonia Lake.
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Featured Addresses
Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, 10 Organ Pipe Dr, Ajo, AZ 85321, USA
Saguaro National Park, Arizona, USA
Kofa National Wildlife Refuge, Palm Canyon Rd, Yuma, AZ 85365, USA
Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge Admin Building And Visitor Contact Station, 37257 S Sasabe Rd, Sasabe, AZ 85633, USA
Patagonia Lake State Park, Patagonia Lake Road, Nogales, AZ, USA
Tucson, AZ, USA
Chiricahua National Monument, 12856 East Rhyolite Creek Road, Willcox, AZ 85643, USA