23 of the Most Surreal and Stunning Places in Arizona

Arizona is so much more than just the Grand Canyon. Hidden among the desert rock swirls and cacti forests are some of the most breathtaking places in the United States and beyond. After spending two years living in a van and visiting over 65 countries, Northern Arizona tops the list as one of my favorite places in the world.

This place is a paradise for anyone who loves the great outdoors and walking among surreal rock formations in strange deserts. If you’re planning a trip or lucky enough to call this state home, here are 23 insanely beautiful places in Arizona you need to add to your bucket list.

1. Grand Falls, Leupp

Have you ever seen chocolate waterfalls? Grand Falls looks like that when it’s in full flow. At 185 feet, it’s taller than Niagara Falls, and it’s hidden away in the Navajo Nation. When it rains or snow melts, the falls gush with muddy water, making them look like giant chocolate fountains.

You can hike to the base, but be prepared for a rocky adventure. The best time to visit is in spring during snowmelt or after a heavy rain. At other times of the year, there may be nothing flowing at all.

2. Havasu Falls, Supai

In the heart of the Havasupai Reservation, this gorgeous waterfall has turquoise waters that are almost too beautiful to be real. The cataract drops 100 feet into a pool of cool, clear water with red rocks around it.

But getting there is part of the adventure: a 10-mile hike from Hualapai Hilltop will take you to this oasis only after you win one of the most difficult nature permits in the country.

3. Prescott, Prescott

Prescott might just be Arizona’s best-kept secret. This town is known for its iconic Whiskey Row, a street filled with historic saloons dating back to the Wild West days. The town also hosts the world’s oldest rodeo, a must-see if you’re in town during the Fourth of July.

The place I wanted to highlight is Watson Lake’s granite dells where you can kayak and rock climb in the same day. There are also 450 miles of trails, including the popular Thumb Butte Trail.

4. Monument Valley, Kayenta

Iconic doesn’t even begin to describe Monument Valley. Those towering red sandstone buttes and mesas are probably more famous than most celebrities, thanks to countless movies and TV shows filmed here.

Located on the Arizona-Utah border, you can drive the 17-mile scenic loop or, better yet, take a guided tour to learn about the Navajo way of life. Don’t miss sunrise or sunset; the colors are simply breathtaking.

5. Grand Canyon National Park

You knew this one was coming. The Grand Canyon is the apple of the eye in the US national park system. Stretching 277 miles long and over a mile deep, it’s known as one of the world’s seven natural wonders.

The Grand Canyon is split into three district areas: South Rim, North Rim, and West Rim. The South Rim is open year-round and offers the best viewpoints, while the North Rim is less crowded but only open from May to October. Don’t miss the Grand Canyon Skywalk if you’re brave enough to walk on glass thousands of feet above the canyon floor.

6. White Pocket, Kanab

Tucked away in the Vermilion Cliffs National Monument, White Pocket’s swirling, colorful rock formations look like they were painted by Salvador Dalí. The area is remote and requires a 4×4 vehicle to access.

The rock formations are made of Navajo sandstone and have been eroded over millions of years to create this dreamlike landscape. Photographers love it here, as the light and shadows play off the rocks.

There are no official trails, so wander; just don’t get lost.

7. Antelope Canyon, Page

Antelope Canyon had been on my bucket list for years, and seeing it in person didn’t disappoint. This slot canyon near Page is famous for its wavy walls and light beams that filter down from above.

Technically divided into six sections, the Upper and Lower Antelope Canyons are the most famous. Guided tours are mandatory as they are on Nevajo Nation land, and tours often sell out way ahead of time.

8. Canyon de Chelly National Monument, Chinle

Located in northeastern Arizona, Canyon de Chelly is one of North America’s longest continuously inhabited landscapes. The Navajo people still live and farm in the canyon.

The canyon walls rise up to 1,000 feet, with ancient cliff dwellings and petroglyphs dotting the landscape. You can drive the rim to the overlooks or take a guided tour into the canyon to see ruins like the White House and Spider Rock up close.

If you’re into hiking, try the White House Ruin Trail, the only self-guided hike in the park.

9. Saguaro Lake, Mesa

Just outside Mesa, Saguaro Lake is a man-made reservoir framed by the towering Superstition Mountains and dotted with iconic saguaro cacti. Boating is the main attraction here, and you can rent anything from kayaks to pontoon boats. Anglers will love fishing for bass and catfish, while the more adventurous can try wakeboarding or jet skiing.

10. Lost Dutchman State Park, Apache Junction

Legend has it that somewhere in the Superstition Mountains, there’s a hidden gold mine worth a fortune. While you may not strike it rich, visiting Lost Dutchman State Park is worth it for its beauty.  

This hiker’s paradise has trails like the Siphon Draw Trail, which takes you up to the Flatiron for one of the best views in the state.

11. Vermilion Cliffs National Monument, Marble Canyon

In the northern part of the state, the Vermilion Cliffs is an expansive area, home to some of the most striking landscapes you’ll ever see. The Wave is the most well-known, with a smooth wave-like sandstone structure that can only be visited with very difficult-to-acquire permits.

But there’s so much more to explore. I’ve already mentioned White Pocket, or you can also go backpacking through the narrow canyons of Paria Canyon or Coyote Buttes South area.

12. Salt River, East Valley

Flowing through the East Valley, Salt River is a mix of a lazy river and other water activities. Tubing down the river is a summer tradition. If you prefer something a bit more active, go kayaking or paddleboarding.

Wild horses aren’t a common sight anymore, but they often come to the river to drink and graze here.

13. Chiricahua National Monument, Willcox

Known as the “Wonderland of Rocks,” Chiricahua National Monument is filled with towering rock spires that seem to defy gravity. These formations were created by volcanic eruptions millions of years ago and have eroded into surreal shapes.

The Echo Canyon Loop Trail is a favorite for hiking, as you have to squeeze through narrow rock passages. You can also visit the Faraway Ranch historic site or go camping at Bonita Canyon Campground.

14. Everything Around Sedona, Sedona

Except for the prices, I couldn’t imagine waking up to the red rocks of Sedona everyday. There’s so much to hike and climb, you just have to come back time and time again. Famous for its vortexes, the more spiritual of us can also heal your energy centers here.

Despite the crowds, the hikes you shouldn’t miss are Devil’s Bridge, Cathedral Rock, and Bell Rock Trails. Some lesser-known ones include the Birthing Cave and the subway-looking Boynton Canyon. If you only have one sunset here, go to the top of Airport Mesa.

15. Lake Powell, Page

Lake Powell is a massive reservoir on the Colorado River with over 2,000 miles of shoreline. The lake straddles the Arizona-Utah border, so you get a mix of desert landscapes and water fun.

Rent a boat for the ultimate lake experience, complete with water toys to wakeboard and cliff jump all day. I took my kayak to see the free section of Antelope Canyon, and plan on returning for Labyrinthe Canyon.

The Rainbow Bridge National Monument, one of the world’s largest natural bridges, is a must-see and accessible by boat. Otherwise, take a long off-road trail to Alstrom Point, one of my favorite landscapes in the country.

16. Horseshoe Bend, Page

Many people know of Horseshoe Bend. This iconic bend in the Colorado River creates a near-perfect horseshoe shape.

Just a short drive and hike from Page, it’s one of the most photographed spots in the Southwest. The hike to the viewpoint is easy and family-friendly, taking about 20 minutes each way. I actually argue that you want to come closer to noon, so not everything is in shadow.

You can also hire a backhaul service to kayak and see the bend from below.

17. Petrified Forest National Park

Petrified Forest National Park is most famous for its ancient, fossilized trees that have become stone over millions of years. However, other places are arguably more beautiful, like the Blue Mesa Trail through the gray badlands or the red hills of Painted Desert. The park also features petroglyphs and ancient ruins to add to your visit.

18. Saguaro National Park, Tucson

Split into two districts flanking Tucson, Saguaro National Park is home to the iconic saguaro cactus, which can grow over 40 feet tall and live for more than 150 years.

The Cactus Forest Drive in the east district is the best scenic loop, with plenty of pullouts for photos. Hike the Valley View Overlook Trail in the west district for great panorama shots.

If you’re a photographer, come for the sunrise to see the light rays backlighting the cacti silhouettes.

19. Piestewa Peak Summit, Phoenix

I couldn’t imagine a better view of Phoenix than from Piestewa Peak. It’s a difficult hike, but it has one of the best views of the city and the surrounding desert. The Summit Trail is short but steep, gaining over 1,200 feet in just over a mile.

I went at night, which avoided the brutal desert heat, and you could see the city twinkling below a sky of stars.

20. Coal Mine Canyon, Tuba City

Few know about Arizona’s Coal Mine Canyon. Between Tuba City and Cameron, it’s an off-the-beaten-path canyon that is made of colorful layers of red, white, and yellow rock.

There are no marked trails, and the lack of crowds means you’ll likely have the canyon to yourself. You can hike along the rim or venture down into the canyon to see the rock formations in more detail.

21. Sabino Canyon, Tucson

In the Santa Catalina Mountains, Sabino Canyon is a desert oasis with wetland areas that are rare in the Sonoran Desert. The tram ride up the canyon leads to numerous hiking trails that branch off from the tram stops.

The Seven Falls Trail is a favorite, leading to a series of waterfalls and pools where you can take a swim,

22. Tonto Natural Bridge, Payson

Tonto Natural Bridge is a natural travertine bridge that is considered the largest in the world. It stands 183 feet high and spans 150 feet across. The park offers several hiking trails that lead to viewpoints both above and below the bridge.

The Pine Creek Trail takes you down to the base, where you can walk under the massive arch and even cool off in the small pools formed by the creek. The views from Gowan Trail offer a great perspective from above.

23. Mount Lemmon, Tucson

Rising over 9,000 feet, Mount Lemmon is a favorite escape from the desert heat. Take the scenic drive up the Catalina Highway, known as the Sky Island Scenic Byway, through cooler temperatures and “alpine” forests.

Chill out at Summerhaven, a little village near the top, after a day of hiking and biking on trails like the popular Marshall Gulch Trail. In the winter, Mount Lemmon turns into the southernmost ski resort in the United States, Ski Valley.

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✈️ Find amazing guided tours and experiences with Viator to maximize your time! 🏘️ Plan ahead and secure your accommodation with Booking.com in advance. 🧾 Rent a car with Discovercars in advance and get the best prices for your day trip adventures.