It’s no secret that Arizona is filled with incredible beauty. We’re pretty lucky that every turn reveals an incredible place that beckons exploration and awe through a diverse landscape. If you’re looking for a bit of adventure that will pique your sense of wonder, you’ll want to check out these 10 places around Arizona for the variety of sights, activities, and beauty that can be found. In fact, a visit to any of these places just might increase your love of the Grand Canyon state just a little bit more.
- Coal Mine Canyon
John Fowler/Flickr The best part about hidden gems is knowing how easy it would have been to pass right on by an attraction, never knowing about its existence. In fact, you might have previously passed it multiple times! That’s the case with Coal Mine Canyon, a stunning display of colorful hoodoos, spires, and cliffs that create a dramatic, jagged appearance. Click to read more information.
- Elves Chasm
Alan English CPA/Flickr
Looking for a true oasis in the desert? We know of at least one place that’s hidden away and requires a bit of exploration to find but all that work is worth the effort and experience! Elves Chasm lies within the Grand Canyon and is a ridiculously enchanting spot that will have you wondering what other incredible spots are hidden away in the canyon.
Click to read more information.
- Fossil Creek
Deborah Lee Soltesz/Flickr If there’s any place in Arizona that would be a serious contender for paradise, Fossil Creek would probably be it. Here, you’ll find a winning combination: crystal clear creek waters, waterfalls, lush vegetation, hiking trails, and diverse wildlife all make this place an incredible oasis. Click to read more information.
- Havasu Falls
shilo2006/Flickr Want to see a picture perfect example of beauty in an arid Arizona landscape? Havasu Falls deep within the Grand Canyon is one of the most stunning examples. A towering waterfall plunges into milky blue waters, creating a natural pool that is perfect for an afternoon swim when hiking. Click to read more information.
- Kartchner Caverns
Wikimedia Commons Arizona only has a few caves open to the public and this is one of the newest and most stunning examples. Housing some formations you won’t find elsewhere and home to a thriving bat population, this cave is one beautiful spot you need to explore at least once. Click to read more information.
- Lava River Tube
RightBrainPhotography/Flickr Speaking of places underground, the Lava River Tube in the Flagstaff area is another great little spot that’s perfect for a day trip. The unique cave extends nearly one mile deep and the temperatures drop low enough that you sometimes need to watch out for ice! Click to read more information.
- Oak Creek Canyon
Trevor Huxham/Flickr One of the top hiking recommendations anyone in the state could give is the West Fork of Oak Creek Trail #108, which shows off some of the most stunning sights you can find in Arizona. The canyon walls, pines, and cottonwood trees tower overhead while the creek flows below, slowly etching itself deeper into the earth. This place is simply magical. Click to read more information.
- Petrified Forest National Park
screaming_monkey/Flickr Want to see one way Arizona’s landscape is beautifully diverse? You need to check out Petrified Forest, a classic Route 66 stop that introduces you to the area’s landscapes, animals, and history. Click to read more information.
- Sycamore Falls
Wikimedia Commons Located at the north end of Sycamore Canyon, a short drive from Williams, Sycamore Falls is also known as Paradise Forks and what a sight it is! Basalt cliffs combined with delicate plant life and fresh water makes this place a nice retreat from everyday living. However, it’s the seasonal waterfalls that really make this place shine! Click to read more information.
- Tonto Natural Bridge State Park
Randy Jenkins/Flickr Arizona is home to the world’s largest natural travertine bridge and what a sight it is! A short hike around and down will take you to this spot, where you can view the bridge and its seasonal waterfall, giving you a chance to stand in awe at just how amazing nature can be! Click to read more information.
Want to check out more incredible places in Arizona? Check out ten suggestions for hidden gems around the state by reading 10 Hidden Places In Arizona Only Locals Know About.
John Fowler/Flickr
The best part about hidden gems is knowing how easy it would have been to pass right on by an attraction, never knowing about its existence. In fact, you might have previously passed it multiple times! That’s the case with Coal Mine Canyon, a stunning display of colorful hoodoos, spires, and cliffs that create a dramatic, jagged appearance. Click to read more information.
Alan English CPA/Flickr
Looking for a true oasis in the desert? We know of at least one place that’s hidden away and requires a bit of exploration to find but all that work is worth the effort and experience! Elves Chasm lies within the Grand Canyon and is a ridiculously enchanting spot that will have you wondering what other incredible spots are hidden away in the canyon.
Click to read more information.
Deborah Lee Soltesz/Flickr
If there’s any place in Arizona that would be a serious contender for paradise, Fossil Creek would probably be it. Here, you’ll find a winning combination: crystal clear creek waters, waterfalls, lush vegetation, hiking trails, and diverse wildlife all make this place an incredible oasis. Click to read more information.
shilo2006/Flickr
Want to see a picture perfect example of beauty in an arid Arizona landscape? Havasu Falls deep within the Grand Canyon is one of the most stunning examples. A towering waterfall plunges into milky blue waters, creating a natural pool that is perfect for an afternoon swim when hiking. Click to read more information.
Wikimedia Commons
Arizona only has a few caves open to the public and this is one of the newest and most stunning examples. Housing some formations you won’t find elsewhere and home to a thriving bat population, this cave is one beautiful spot you need to explore at least once. Click to read more information.
RightBrainPhotography/Flickr
Speaking of places underground, the Lava River Tube in the Flagstaff area is another great little spot that’s perfect for a day trip. The unique cave extends nearly one mile deep and the temperatures drop low enough that you sometimes need to watch out for ice! Click to read more information.
Trevor Huxham/Flickr
One of the top hiking recommendations anyone in the state could give is the West Fork of Oak Creek Trail #108, which shows off some of the most stunning sights you can find in Arizona. The canyon walls, pines, and cottonwood trees tower overhead while the creek flows below, slowly etching itself deeper into the earth. This place is simply magical. Click to read more information.
screaming_monkey/Flickr
Want to see one way Arizona’s landscape is beautifully diverse? You need to check out Petrified Forest, a classic Route 66 stop that introduces you to the area’s landscapes, animals, and history. Click to read more information.
Located at the north end of Sycamore Canyon, a short drive from Williams, Sycamore Falls is also known as Paradise Forks and what a sight it is! Basalt cliffs combined with delicate plant life and fresh water makes this place a nice retreat from everyday living. However, it’s the seasonal waterfalls that really make this place shine! Click to read more information.
Randy Jenkins/Flickr
Arizona is home to the world’s largest natural travertine bridge and what a sight it is! A short hike around and down will take you to this spot, where you can view the bridge and its seasonal waterfall, giving you a chance to stand in awe at just how amazing nature can be! Click to read more information.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
