Modern life is a hectic one with people in a rush to travel from one place to another, the constant presence of technology, and always hearing some mechanical noise in the background. It can feel chaotic and messy.
If you’re looking for a chance to seek seclusion, unwind from everyday living, and abandon your various gadgets, you’ll love checking out some of Arizona’s best remote areas. Each of these places offers a bit of solace from modern life and a chance to get back in touch with nature.
- Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness
Alan English CPA/Flickr This southern Arizona treasure sees remarkably few people walk through its land every day. The Bureau of Land Management limits access to 50 visitors per day, so you will definitely feel like you’re practically alone in this vast wilderness.
- Blue Canyon
CEBImagery/Flickr This hidden gem can be found on the Hopi Reservation in northern Arizona, a place where you might find it difficult to get cell phone access. Here, you will find an incredible canyon with hoodoos, spires, arches, and so many other landforms in shades of red and white.
- Blue Ridge Reservoir
Coconino National Forest/Flickr This lake can be found on the Mogollon Rim within the beautifully green Coconino National Forest. You will love floating on a boat in the picturesque landscape miles away from any major city.
- Gila Box Riparian National Conservation Area
Bureau of Land Management/Flickr Sitting halfway between the towns of Thatcher and Morenci in southeastern Arizona, this nature preserve is a beautiful find with places for boating, birdwatching, and hiking. It can get hot in the summer, so arrange a visit in the fall or spring months when the temperatures are cool and the birds are migrating.
- Grand Canyon National Park
Airwolfhound/Flickr What list about remote areas would be complete without mentioning the Grand Canyon? This vast area has plenty of places left unexplored by humans (only a dozen people have hiked the canyon from end to end). Plus, when you venture into the canyon’s depths, you’ll come across fewer and fewer people.
- Madera Canyon
Dave Hensley/Flickr This canyon is one example that an oasis in the desert doesn’t always look like a palm tree sitting by a spring. Sitting in the foothills of the Santa Rita Mountains near the tiny town of Amado, this canyon is a gorgeous blend of desert and a beautiful pine forest.
- Navajo National Monument
Alan English CPA/Flickr Located deep in the Navajo Nation between Kayenta and Tuba City, this national monument is home to three ancient cliff dwellings. You can hike a couple of trails that will take you to two of the dwellings, including of the best preserved in the Southwest.
- Rose Canyon Lake
Lisa’s Point of View/Flickr This lake is located in the Santa Catalina Mountains a couple miles from Mount Lemmon. This secluded lake is perfect for fishing, camping, or just getting away from a bustling city for a few hours.
- Saguaro Lake Guest Ranch, Mesa
Saguaro Lake Guest Ranch/Facebook Okay, this area may not technically be off-the-grid but you will still enjoy a stay that feels secluded but is just a few miles from Mesa. The guest ranch is just off the Salt River and you will be able to enjoy rugged desert scenery that appears almost untouched. A stay here includes limited access to wi-fi and no TV, clock, or radio to distract you from the landscape.
- Vermilion Cliffs National Monument
John Fowler/Flickr Hidden away in one of the most secluded areas of the state, Vermilion Cliffs National Monument is a treasure sitting at the edge of the Arizona-Utah border. One visit here and you will be impressed by the unique beauty and surreal nature of the landscapes.
- Willow Springs Lake
Alan Levine/Flickr One of many Rim Country lakes, this one is good for people who want to get away but don’t want to travel too far from town in case of an emergency. Willow Springs Lake is located just off State Route 260 between Heber-Overgaard and Payson.
Don’t forget to let us know which of these places you look forward to visiting most!
Alan English CPA/Flickr
This southern Arizona treasure sees remarkably few people walk through its land every day. The Bureau of Land Management limits access to 50 visitors per day, so you will definitely feel like you’re practically alone in this vast wilderness.
CEBImagery/Flickr
This hidden gem can be found on the Hopi Reservation in northern Arizona, a place where you might find it difficult to get cell phone access. Here, you will find an incredible canyon with hoodoos, spires, arches, and so many other landforms in shades of red and white.
Coconino National Forest/Flickr
This lake can be found on the Mogollon Rim within the beautifully green Coconino National Forest. You will love floating on a boat in the picturesque landscape miles away from any major city.
Bureau of Land Management/Flickr
Sitting halfway between the towns of Thatcher and Morenci in southeastern Arizona, this nature preserve is a beautiful find with places for boating, birdwatching, and hiking. It can get hot in the summer, so arrange a visit in the fall or spring months when the temperatures are cool and the birds are migrating.
Airwolfhound/Flickr
What list about remote areas would be complete without mentioning the Grand Canyon? This vast area has plenty of places left unexplored by humans (only a dozen people have hiked the canyon from end to end). Plus, when you venture into the canyon’s depths, you’ll come across fewer and fewer people.
Dave Hensley/Flickr
This canyon is one example that an oasis in the desert doesn’t always look like a palm tree sitting by a spring. Sitting in the foothills of the Santa Rita Mountains near the tiny town of Amado, this canyon is a gorgeous blend of desert and a beautiful pine forest.
Located deep in the Navajo Nation between Kayenta and Tuba City, this national monument is home to three ancient cliff dwellings. You can hike a couple of trails that will take you to two of the dwellings, including of the best preserved in the Southwest.
Lisa’s Point of View/Flickr
This lake is located in the Santa Catalina Mountains a couple miles from Mount Lemmon. This secluded lake is perfect for fishing, camping, or just getting away from a bustling city for a few hours.
Saguaro Lake Guest Ranch/Facebook
Okay, this area may not technically be off-the-grid but you will still enjoy a stay that feels secluded but is just a few miles from Mesa. The guest ranch is just off the Salt River and you will be able to enjoy rugged desert scenery that appears almost untouched. A stay here includes limited access to wi-fi and no TV, clock, or radio to distract you from the landscape.
John Fowler/Flickr
Hidden away in one of the most secluded areas of the state, Vermilion Cliffs National Monument is a treasure sitting at the edge of the Arizona-Utah border. One visit here and you will be impressed by the unique beauty and surreal nature of the landscapes.
Alan Levine/Flickr
One of many Rim Country lakes, this one is good for people who want to get away but don’t want to travel too far from town in case of an emergency. Willow Springs Lake is located just off State Route 260 between Heber-Overgaard and Payson.
Want to find more remote places around Arizona? Read 11 Places In Arizona Way Out In The Boonies But So Worth The Drive for some suggestions.
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