Arizona National Parks and Monuments: All 31 Stunning Sites listed here! | Arizona Journey (2024)

Last Updated on April 18, 2024

INSIDE: There are over 30 Arizona National Parks and Monuments, ranging from magnificent natural wonders to ancient historic sights. Find your favorite here.

A wide array of Arizona National Parks and Monuments greet visitors throughout the state. The parks range from magnificent natural wonders to ancient historic sights. Therefore, there’s something for everyone. For example, there are sites of outstanding natural beauty, indigenous culture, and American history. Here’s our list of over 30 national sites to visit in Arizona.

The Grand Canyon gets most of the attention (and visitors)⏤but you probably know that already! However, take some time to discover the many other wonderful national sites in the state. The result will be worth it! These 30+ sites are scattered throughout the state. Because of this, you’re never far away from a national park or monument during your Arizona vacation.

NOTE: You can use the table of contents below to jump directly to your site of interest. Or scroll through the list to browse the many Arizona National Parks and Monuments throughout the state.

1-Agua Fria National Monument

Agua Fria is a large preserved area of mesa along with the canyon of the Agua Fria River. Additionally, the visitors can explore the stone masonry remains of Pueblo la Plata, a prehistoric site. The 70,000-acre monument spans elevations from roughly 2,100 to 4,600 feet. This means there is a wide variation in wildlife and vegetation, including the famous saguaro cactus at the lower altitudes.

• Location: Central Arizona, about 40 miles north of Phoenix
• Reason to visit: Historic Ruins, Hiking, Mountain Biking, Fishing, Hunting, Camping
• Facilities & Services: None, bring all supplies
• Managed by: Bureau of Land Management (BLM)
• More information: Agua Fria National Monument

2-Arizona National Scenic Trail

The Arizona National Scenic Trail is over 800 miles long and runs from the Mexican border to the Utah state line. The Arizona Trail is divided into 43 passages, you can explore as much or as little of it as you like. (You don’t have to do all 800 miles . . . but you can if you’d like). The trail begins in the south with the Huachuca Mountains. It ends in Northern Arizona at Buckskin Mountain Passage. The trail passes through (or near) many Arizona National Parks and Monuments. Similarly, you’ll also get to explore as well as some National Forest land.

• Location: Passes roughly through the center of the state, running 800 miles from North to South
• Reason to visit: Hiking, Mountain Biking, Horseback Riding
• Facilities & Services: None, bring all supplies
• Managed by: National Forest Service (NFS), in conjunction with agencies who manage the territories that the trail passes through.
• More information: Arizona Trail Association

3-Canyon de Chelly National Monument

Canyon de Chelly is a special place. The monument encompasses a magnificent red rock canyon that has been inhabited continuously for over 5,000 years (yes, five thousand!). This is one of the Arizona National Parks and Monuments that is fully contained within the Navajo Nation reservation. Due to this unusual configuration, 40 families still live within the park’s boundaries even today. Drives with multiple lookout points (many of which are wheelchair accessible) provide a peek into this special place. Hikes into the canyon must be accompanied by either a Park Ranger or Navajo Guide.

• Location: Northeastern Arizona, about 100 miles southwest of Four Corners
• Reason to visit: Scenic drives, hiking (guided), Navajo and ancient Pueblo culture
• Facilities & Services: Visitor Center, Guided tours, Accessible paths
• Managed by: National Park Service & the Navajo Nation
• More information: Canyon de Chelly

4-Casa Grande Ruins National Monument

Casa Grande is a collection of ruins from an ancient farming community of Sonoran Desert Peoples. The ruins date from the mid 1400s. Because little documentation regarding the structures exist, its overall purpose is still a mystery. But the extensive ruins make a fascinating visit.

Due to its location midway between Phoenix and Tucson, its one of the Arizona National Parks and Monuments that makes a nice detour while traveling between those two cities.

• Location: Central Arizona, about 50 miles southeast of Phoenix
• Reason to visit: Tour ancient ruins
• Facilities & Services: Guided tours, gift shop, picnic grounds
• Managed by: National Park Service (NPS)
• More information: Casa Grande Ruins

5-Chiricahua National Monument

If you love rocks, Chiricahua is your kind of place. Nearly 27 million years ago the nearby Turkey creek volcano erupted. As a result, this valley is filled with towering “rock needles.” These giant rock towers look like giants were playing with building blocks 27 million years ago. The nearly 12,000-acre park has 17 miles of hiking trails and an 8-mile paved scenic drive. Because of its location in an avian flyway, Chiricahua is also terrific for birding.

• Location: Southern Arizona, about 120 miles southeast of Tucson
• Reason to visit: Ancient rock formations, hiking, camping, birding
• Facilities & Services: Visitor center with museum, bookstore, restrooms and drinking water; camping at Bonito Canyon
• Managed by: National Park Service
• More information: Chiricahua National Monument

6-Coronado National Memorial

Coronado National Memorial offers a glimpse into two things: first, the history of the region. Secondly, Coronado showcases the area’s natural beauty. Many scholars believe that theCoronado Expeditionof 1540-1542 passed through this region alongside the Mexican border. A visitor center explores the lasting impacts on the culture of northwest Mexico and the southwestern United States.

The park is also a nature lover’s paradise. The area incorporates four distinct ecological zones: Sierra Madre, Chihuahua Desert, Rocky Mountain, and Sonoran Desert. The flora and fauna are represented in the park’s diverse landscape. Explore hiking trails through oak woodands, piñon-juniper, grasslands, and riparian corridors. Spelunkers will love the naturallimestone cave, while drivers will appreciate the sweeping vistas fromCoronado Peak.

• Location: Southern Arizona, about 90 miles southeast of Tucson, along the Mexican border.
• Reason to visit: Cultural history, hiking, birding, cave exploring.
• Facilities & Services: Visitor center with museum, bookstore, restrooms and drinking water.
• Managed by: National Park Service
• More information: Coronado National Memorial

7-Fort Bowie National Historic Site

Fort Bowie and Apache Pass was the site of nearly 25 years of conflict between the Chiricahua Apache and the US Army in the late 1800s. Learn about this turbulent history at the visitor center and nearby graveyard and fort ruins.

NOTE: For most visitors, the visitor center and ruins are only accessible via a 1.5 mile hike from the parking area at the trailhead. Consequently, visitors requiring ADA access can drive to the site by prior arrangement with the Park Service. See driving access to Fort Bowie for more information.

• Location: Southern Arizona, about 120 miles east of Tucson.
• Reason to visit: Native American and Old West history.
• Facilities & Services: Interpretive visitor center, restrooms.
• Managed by: National Park Service
• More information: Fort Bowie

8-Glen Canyon National Recreation Area

Glen Canyon is a massive 1.25 million–acre (yes million!) park that straddles the border of Arizona and Utah. The majority of the park is in Utah, however the main entrance is in Arizona, near the town of Page. From here you can visit Glen Canyon Dam. This engineering marvel damming the Colorado River creates Lake Powell to the north, where you can enjoy water sports aplenty.

Those looking for a terrific photo op can visit the now-famous Horseshoe Bend at the southern end of Glen Canyon. But there are other wonderful things to see and do in this vast recreation area, such as visiting the Glen Canyon Dam Overlook (for views similar to Horseshoe Bend with less crowds), and the soothing greenery on the Hanging Gardens Trail.

• Location: Northern Arizona (near the Utah state line), about 275 miles north of Phoenix.
• Reason to visit: Water sports, hiking, stunning scenery, tour Glen Canyon Dam.
• Facilities & Services: Multiple visitor centers, gift shops, restrooms, water, campsites, ADA accessible trails.
• Managed by: National Park Service
• More information: Glen Canyon National Recreation Area

9-Grand Canyon National Park

The Grand Canyon is “the Big Kahuna” of Arizona National Parks and Monuments. And for good reason: it’s one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. [Full disclosure: this is the only place I’ve ever been that actually left me speechless. I couldn’t get over the vast beauty of it. I’m not sure which amazed my husband more, the grandeur of the scenery, or my inablity to talk. 😆]

The park encompasses over 1,900 square miles of land, including its namesake canyon. The Grand Canyon itself averages 1 mile DEEP, following 277 miles of the Colorado River. In some spots it’s almost 18 miles wide. No wonder they call it “Grand”!

The Grand Canyon is one of Arizona’s most popular tourist destinations, welcoming approximately 6 million visitors per year. As a result, there are extensive facilities, including several options for lodging in Grand Canyon National Park. (Be sure to reserve early, as these get booked, especially during the summer.) Consider visiting the Grand Canyon in November, when the weather is still mild and the summer crowds have gone.

• Location: Northern Arizona, about 225 miles north of Phoenix.
• Reason to visit: Stunning scenery, hiking, cycling, rafting, scenic drives, camping.
• Facilities & Services: Multiple visitor centers, gift shops, restrooms, water, hotels/lodges, campsites, ADA accessible trails.
• Managed by: National Park Service
• More information: Grand Canyon National Park

10-Hohokam Pima National Monument

Hohokam Pima National Monument is unique among Arizona National Parks and Monuments. It is located within the boundaries of the Gila River Indian Reservation. One of the largest known ancient Hohokam villages, Snaketown, is located there. Excavations have revealed that the area was inhabited from about 300 B.C. to 1,200 A.D, and include the largest scientifically excavated collection of whole artifacts from the Hohokam Culture are.

In order to protect the fragile site, the Gila River Indian Community has closed the Snaketown site to visitors. However, many of the magnificent artifacts are on display at the nearby Huhugam Heritage Center. Visit to see elaborately decorated whole pots, stone bowls, and bone artifacts, and to learn more about the Hohokam culture.

• Location: Central Arizona, about 20 miles south of Phoenix.
• Reason to visit: Large display of ancient Hohokam artifacts, learn about ancient culture.
• Facilities & Services: Visitor center/museum, restrooms.
• Managed by: Gila River Indian Community
• More information: Hohokam Pima National Monument and Huhugam Heritage Center

11-Hubbell Trading Post National Historic Site

Hubbell Trading Post is unique among national historic sites: it is still active! The post was founded in 1878 by John Lorenzo Hubbell as a place where local Navajo peoples could trade their wares for household goods. Hubbell operated several posts throughout the region, however this was his home.

Today Hubbell Trading Post is the oldest continuously operating trading post in the southwest. Visitors can shop for Native American arts and crafts, and even watch some Navajo weavers creating their masterpiece rugs. Tours of the historic family home and farm are available, and there are picnic grounds on site. *NOTE: Hubbell Trading Post is located on Navajo Nation lands, which observes Daylight Savings Time (unlike the state of Arizona).

• Location: Northeastern Arizona, about 150 miles northeast of Flagstaff.
• Reason to visit: Historic “shopping” experience, Native American arts and crafts, historic homestead.
• Facilities & Services: Visitor Center, Active trading post with crafts, gifts, snacks, picnic area, restrooms.
• Managed by: Western National Parks Association
• More information: Hubbell Trading Post National Historic Site

12-Ironwood Forest National Monument

Ironwood is for those who like their parks and scenery “raw and uncut.” This massive (129,000 acres) site contains no facilities or services. As a result, be prepared to bring whatever you need.

Most importantly, humans have inhabited the area for more than 5,000 years. For those who like a little ancient culture mixed in with their wildlife, Ironwood Forest National Monument has three areas of archaeological interest. The Los Robles Archeological District, the Mission of Santa Ana del Chiquiburitac and the Cocoraque Butte Archaeological District are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

• Location: South central Arizona, about 25 miles northwest of Tucson.
• Reason to visit: Wildlife, native plants, petroglyphs, archaeological sites, hunting, camping.
• Facilities & Services: None. Bring all supplies.
• Managed by: Bureau of Land Management (BLM)
• More information: Ironwood Forest National Monument

13-Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail

In 1776, Spanish Lt. Colonel Juan Bautista de Anza led more than 240 men, women, and children from New Spain (now Mexico) through Arizona to establish a settlement in California. The 1,200-mile Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail follows the route of the first colonists to travel overland through the southwest to establish San Francisco.

Beginning in Nogales, Arizona, the trail travels approximately 350 miles through southwestern Arizona. After that, it turns north in California. The trail passes through several important historical sites along the way, including Casa Grande and Tumacacori (see below). Following this trail is an excellent way to see several historic sites in context; as a result, you can connect events of the past.

• Location: Southwestern Arizona, from Nogales, north through Tucson to Phoenix, then west to Yuma.
• Reason to visit: Follow the trail of an historic expedition, see multiple historic sites.
• Facilities & Services: Marked autoroute; detailed maps of each county the trail passes through
• Managed by: National Park Service, in conjunction with local agencies and organizations at sites along the way.
• More information: Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail

14-Lake Mead National Recreation Area

Lake Mead National Recreation Area straddles the Arizona and Nevada borders along the Colorado River. It was the first National Recreation Area created by the National Park Service, and it is HUUUUGE! The area encompasses 1.5 million (yep, MILLION) acres of both land and water. It is also the site of the famous Hoover Dam.

Of all the Arizona national parks and monuments, this is the one that probably has the most water. The area includes mountains, valleys, canyons, wilderness areas, and two large lakes (Lake Mead and Lake Mojave). Because of the lakes, this recreation area is terrific for boating and fishing, as well as camping and hiking and exploring. It also makes a great base for exploring much of northern Arizona, including the Grand Canyon.

• Location: Northwestern Arizona (the corner bordering Nevada)
• Reason to visit: Boating, fishing, swimming, camping, hiking, hunting
• Facilities & Services: Visitor Center, multiple campgrounds (both tent and camper), boat ramps, marinas, food and fuel services, shops (both gifts and provisions)
• Managed by: National Park Service
• More information: Lake Mead National Recreation Area

15-Montezuma Castle National Monument

Montezuma Castle is one of the largest ancient cliff dwellings in the country. The structure was built by the Sinagua people over 600 years ago. It’s a massive 40-50 room “apartment complex” carved out of a rock face. The structure is fragile, consequently, in order to preserve the structure, visitors cannot climb into the dwelling. However, it’s still astounding to view it from the valley floor.

You can visit an additional cliff dwelling site is located about 11 miles north of the “castle.” Known as Montezuma Well, this structure is not as large as Montezuma Castle. However, the smaller size allows you to view the structure from a closer vantage point. Take this shady hike; it makes a nice change from much of Arizona’s desert landscape.

• Location: North central Arizona, about 90 miles north of Phoenix
• Reason to visit: Explore ancient culture and architecture.
• Facilities & Services: Montezuma Castle has a Visitor Center, with museum, bookstore and restrooms, along with picnic grounds. Montezuma Well has picnic grounds and pit toilets.
• Managed by: National Park Service
• More information: Montezuma Castle National Monument

16-Navajo National Monument

Navajo National Monument offers visitors the opportunity to see ancient cliff dwellings amidst spectacular desert sandstone scenery. Three distinct cliff dwelling sites that date to the 1300s are housed within the monument grounds. Two sites (Betatakin and Keet Seel) are available to visit. This is one of the Arizona national Parks and monuments contained within the boundaries of the Navajo Nation, offering an excellent opportunity to seek out some Native American Frybread for a meal or snack.

Self-guided trails provide a tour of the canyon and an overlook of the Betatakin cliff dwellings. Those interested in seeing cliff dwelling sites up-close must sign up for a ranger-guided tour. Tours to Betatakin involve 3-5 hours hiking over steep terrain. Keet Seel is more remote: tours are by reservation only, and involve a 17-mile round trip hike. Camping is available near the trailhead. More information is available at ranger-guided tours at Navajo National Monument.

• Location: Northeastern Arizona, about 140 miles northeast of Flagstaff
• Reason to visit: Explore ancient culture and architecture.
• Facilities & Services: Visitor Center, with museum, bookstore and restrooms, ranger-guided tours of the cliff dwellings, camping.
• Managed by: National Park Service
• More information: Navajo National Monument

17-Old Spanish Trail National Historic Trail

The Old Spanish Trail commemorates the trading route that connected goods and people between Mexico and the fledgling United States. The trail begins in Santa Fe, New Mexico and splits into a few branches through Arizona, Colorado, Utah and Nevada before rejoining near Los Angeles, California. Due to its connection with other states, the branch of the trail in Arizona ambles very near the state’s northern border with Utah.

Following the Trail is an excellent way to string together several Arizona National Parks and Monuments in the southwest since it connects multiple sites. Use this interactive map of Arizona sights on the Old Spanish Trail to help plan your route through this historic and scenic countryside.

• Location: Northern Arizona, along the border with Utah
• Reason to visit: Follow historic trade route, connect multiple Arizona National Parks and Monuments and parks
• Facilities & Services: Distinctive National Trail Signage; see related listings for facilities at sites along the Trail
• Managed by: National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management
• More information: Old Spanish National Historic Trail

18-Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument

The magnificent cacti of the Sonoran Desert are on spectacular display at Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument. There are 516 square miles of territory to explore the flora and fauna of this unique landscape, which has been designated and International Biosphere Reserve by the United Nations. Because of this Biosphere designation, it’s a popular spot for birding as well as spotting other types of wildlife and desert plants, including a gorgeous display of Arizona wildflowers in Spring. There are also some remains of abandoned mines and ancient cultures that are accessible via hiking trails.

This is an excellent park to visit if you’d like a fair amount of land to yourself. Organ Pipe has a similar landscape to Saguaro National Park near Tucson, yet gets only 1/4 the number of visitors annually. No matter what level of “outdoorsy” you are, Organ Pipe National Monument has you covered. Since this is such a vast park, there are scenic drives, hiking trails and spots for both RV and tent camping.

• Location: Southwestern Arizona, about 125 miles west of Tucson
• Reason to visit: Explore a the unique ecosystem of the Sonoran Desert, hiking, camping, horseback riding
• Facilities & Services: Visitor center with displays, bookstore, restrooms; scenic drives, hiking trails, RV and tent campsites, backcountry camping
• Managed by: National Park Service
• More information: Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument

19-Parashant National Monument (Grand Canyon)

Parashant National Monument is one of several Arizona National Parks and Monuments located in the vicinity of the Grand Canyon. This is a terrific destination for those who love the rough and rugged outdoors amid stunning scenery. The million square miles that make up Parashant border the northern boundary of the Grand Canyon in the extreme northwest corner of Arizona. Although the monument is in Arizona, there are entrances from Nevada and Utah. Due to its location north of the Grand Canyon, the information center located in St. George, Utah.

NOTE: There are no paved roads in Parashant. Most roads that do exist require a high-clearance 4-wheel drive vehicle. Check here for a list of scenic drives at Parashant National Monument, which includes descriptions of vehicle requirments.

• Location: Northern Arizona, along the border with Utah and Nevada
• Reason to visit: Stunning scenery, very few people, off-roading, backcountry camping
• Facilities & Services: No services within the monument boundaries. There is an information center in St. George, Utah
• Managed by: National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management
• More information: Parashant National Monument

20-Petrified Forest National Park

Anyone taking a road trip through Arizona along historic Route 66 should plan to explore a few Arizona National Parks and Monuments. Petrified Forest National Park is probably the the most convenient. The park is super-easy to access: it straddles Interstate 40, and there’s an exit right into the park! Route 66 and I-40 are combined along this stretch, so if you’re road-tripping Route 66, you will literally pass through the park on our drive.

Sure, you can come here to see the petrified logs that made the park famous. But there’s also a lot more to see here. Petrified Forest National Park is full of badlands, buttes and mesas that contain ancient petroglyphs, fossils, wildlife and wildflowers. If you only have an hour or so, you can see some spectacular view from your car, with a few stops at overlooks. Stretch your road-trip legs by walking one of the short maintained trails. Or hike into the backcountry along for some desert solitude one of the “Off the Beaten Path” routes.

PRO TIP: Petrified Forest National Park is pet-friendly, and gives your fur babies a chance to get some exercise too!

• Location: Eastern Arizona, along Interstate 40, about 125 miles east of Flagstaff
• Reason to visit: Startling “other-worldly” landscape, hiking, biking, camping
• Facilities & Services: Visitor Center (2), with museum, gift shop, snacks, restrooms; hiking trails, pet-friendly
• Managed by: National Park Service
• More information: Petrified Forest National Park

21-Pipe Spring National Monument

Life was tough for travelers passing through the high desert in the 1800s. Temperatures were extreme and water was scarce. Therefore, when Mormon settlers discovered the fresh water oasis at Pipe Spring, they knew it was something special. Native Americans (the Kaibab Paiute) had been using the oasis for hundreds of years already. As you can imagine, the arrival of the newcomers caused some conflict.

Today, you can get a glimpse into oasis life at Pipe Spring National Monument. This is one of the Arizona National Parks and Monuments that offers live demonstrations. Tour the historic Mormon homestead and (still working!) farm. You can purchase heirloom fruits and vegetables in season, which also includes Native American corn, beans and melons.

• Location: Northwestern Arizona, near the Utah border
• Reason to visit: Visit historic spring and ranch site; learn about Native American and Mormon cultures
• Facilities & Services: Visitor Center with museum, bookstore, restrooms; historic ranch with animals, fresh heirloom fruits and vegetables (in season)
• Managed by: National Park Service
• More information: Pipe Spring National Monument

22-Saguaro National Park

There is probably no plant more associated with the American Southwest than the giant Saguaro cactus. You can find these magnificent spiny structures growing at specific altitudes throughout southern Arizona. See these beauties, along with cholla, ocatillo, prickly pear, and other desert wildlife at Saguaro National Park.

The park is unique among Arizona National Parks and Monuments in that it is divided into an East and West section, with the city of Tucson in between. It makes a great day trip if you’re visiting Tucson. You can take a slow drive through each section. But the cacti are so beautiful. Therefore, we recommend one of the many hikes to really see the cacti up close. 🌵

• Location: South central Arizona, immediately east and west of Tucson (2 separate branches of the park)
• Reason to visit: Explore the Sonoran Desert, hiking, drives, camping
• Facilities & Services: Visitor Center (2) with exhibits, bookstore, restrooms, drinking water; hiking trails, scenic drives, camping
• Managed by: National Park Service
• More information: Saguaro National Park

23-Santa Cruz Valley National Heritage Area

The watershed of the Santa Cruz Valley has been home to settlers for thousands of years, making it an area rich in history and culture. In 2019 the National Park Service connected three national sites along the Santa Cruz river and created the Santa Cruz Valley National Heritage Area. This newly-formed area helps put the vast and varied history of the area into context.

The National Heritage Area includes JUAN BAUTISTA DE ANZA NATIONAL HISTORIC TRAIL,SAGUARO NATIONAL PARK,TUMACÁCORI NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK (all listed here in this post). Information about how the sites relate to one another is available at each of them. Since this is a relatively new (and creative!) entity among Arizona National Parks and Monuments, look for many new and exciting programs in the coming years.

• Location: Southern Arizona, between Tucson and the Mexican border
• Reason to visit: Explore historic Spanish and Native American Sights and desert landscapes
• Facilities & Services: See individual sights for more information
• Managed by: National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management
• More information: Santa Cruz Valley National Heritage Area

24-Sonoran Desert National Monument

If you love saguaro cactus and a desert landscape, but want something a bit more rough and rustic than Saguaro National Park, try Sonoran Desert National Monument. The nearly half-million acre area has limited facilities, but lots of desert beauty.

You can hike or ride horses on trails in one of three designated wilderness areas. Hunters will enjoy the vast acreage dedicated to that sport. And a side note to history lovers: the Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail (listed above) passes through this park.

• Location: South central Arizona, about 65 miles southwest of Phoenix
• Reason to visit: Explore desert landscape; hiking, horseback riding, camping, hunting
• Facilities & Services: Limited restroom facilities
• Managed by: Bureau of Land Management
• More information: Sonoran Desert National Monument

25-Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument

There’s a whole lotta geology going on throughout Arizona. Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument gives you a chance to glimpse some of that up close and personal. You can view the cinder cone of Sunset Crater, an extinct volcano that erupted about 1,000 years ago. (That’s practically “last month” in geology terms!)

Hike the Lava Flow Trail, which takes you along some other-worldly landscapes that make you feel like you’re in a Star Wars episode. Then plant yourself in the cinder-coated center of nearby Lenox Crater, the park’s smaller volcano and stare off toward Sunset Crater in the distance. Because of this juxtaposition, you can imagine what it must have been like with the lava rumbling and ready to explode.

• Location: North central Arizona, about 20 miles north of Flagstaff
• Reason to visit: Explore remains of ancient volcano, hiking, scenic drives, camping
• Facilities & Services: Visitor Center, restrooms, picnic grounds, campgrounds
• Managed by: National Park Service
• More information: Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument

26-Tonto National Monument

Tonto National Monument is an excellent place to learn about the Salado and their culture. The Salado were a society who lived approximately 700 years ago. They blended multiple Native American cultures and developed sophisticated cliff dwellings. Tonto preserves two of these remarkable building complexes. Many cliff dwellings elsewhere are only visible from a distance, however at Tonto you can get right in or near the structures.

There are two sets of dwellings at Tonto. Because they are perched in cliffs, you must walk a fairly steep path to reach them. You reach the (smaller) Lower Dwelling via a half-mile hike. To reach the (larger) Upper Dwelling, you must book a tour with a park ranger for a guided 3-mile (round trip) hike.

• Location: Central Arizona, about 115 miles east of Phoenix
• Reason to visit: See ancient cliff dwellings
• Facilities & Services: Visitor Center, museum, restrooms, picnic grounds, guided tours
• Managed by: National Park Service
• More information: Tonto National Monument

27-Tumacacori National Historical Park

Tumacacori is located on the Santa Cruz River. Because of this irrigated location, it has been a site of settlement for multiple cultures for centuries. Of all the Arizona National Parks and Monuments, it is probably the one that provides the most insight into how civilization developed in the region. Today the historic Mission and surrounding community are preserved at Tumacacori National Historical Park.

The heart of the Mission is the beautifully preserved 16th century church, surrounded by many outbuildings. As a result, there are many buildings to visit. Be sure to explore the historic convento. Despite its religious-sounding name, the convento was a sort of 16th-century shopping arcade.

• Location: South central Arizona, about 45 miles south of Tucson
• Reason to visit: Explore historic church and mission grounds; learn about two unique cultures: Spanish and Native American.
• Facilities & Services: Museum, Visitor Center, gift shop, restrooms, cultural events and demonstrations
• Managed by: National Park Service
• More information: Tumacacori National Historical Park

28-Tuzigoot National Monument

Tuzigoot gives us insight to the Sinagua peoples that inhabited the Verde Valley nearly 1,000 years ago. Remains of a stone pueblo are perched on a ridge overlooking the Verde River. At one time this large pueblo contained between 80 and 160 rooms! As a result, you can still see the outline of many of the pueblo rooms today. Be sure to look for the “tower room,” which is perched atop the center of the pueblo structure.

Tuzigoot is one of the Arizona National Parks and Monuments that makes a nice day excursion when touring the Sedona area.

• Location: North central Arizona, about 110 miles north of Phoenix
• Nearest town: Cottonwood
• Reason to visit: Explore ancient Sinagua pueblo
• Facilities & Services: Visitor Center, museum, bookstore, restrooms, picnic grounds
• Managed by: National Park Service, Western National Parks Association
• More information: Tuzigoot National Monument

29-Vermillion Cliffs National Monument

Want to go off-roading amidst some eye-bending scenery? Vermillion Cliffs National Monument is for you. This 280,000-acre chunk of northern Arizona is chock-full of weird and wonderful rock formations. Think “Dr. Seuss in the American Southwest.” You’ll see cliffs with squiggly stripes of white and orange and peaks that look like giant melting sand castles. It’s the sort of place you’ll use up an entire film card taking photos!

Be advised that among Arizona National Parks and Monuments, this is one of the most rugged: you MUST have high-clearance four-wheel drive in Vermillion Cliffs. There are no paved roads, and lots of potential places to get stuck. Check the website for info on permits and recommended driving routes. And bring LOTS of water!

• Location: Northern Arizona, along the border with Utah, about 125 miles north of Flagstaff
• Reason to visit: Explore stunning rock formations, hiking, camping
• Facilities & Services: None; nearest services are 40-50 miles away in Kanab, UT and Page, AZ
• Managed by: Bureau of Land Management
• More information: Vermillion Cliffs National Monument

30-Walnut Canyon National Monument

Imagine taking a hike in the forest and coming upon an ancient dwelling tucked into the rock face along the trail. That’s what it’s like at Walnut Canyon National Monument. You feel like an explorer who’s just made a historic discovery!

Small ancient cliff dwellings are tucked into a forested canyon. You hike along the 1-mile Rim Trail, admire nature, and BAM! There it is, a row of rooms tucked under a rock ledge. You can even enter some of the dwellings. It’s awesome.

• Location: North central Arizona, about 12 miles east of Flagstaff
• Reason to visit: Explore historic cliff dwellings
• Facilities & Services: Visitor Center, museum, bookstore, restrooms
• Managed by: National Park Service
• More information: Walnut Canyon National Monument

31-Wupatki National Monument

Waupatki National Monument showcases a collection of red stone pueblo remains. The Waupatki pueblos are out on the open plain. As a result, these pueblos are very different from the cliff dwellings at Walnut Canyon.

You can take a series of short ( 1/4-1/2 mile) hikes to explore six different pueblos. Join a Ranger-guided hikes to explore more distant sites. Ranger hikes are 2-3 miles and 2-3 hours long. The truly intrepid can sign up for an 18-20 mile overnight hike. Submit your name to a lottery for these limited capacity hikes, held in the spring and fall.

• Location: North central Arizona, about 30 miles north of Flagstaff
• Reason to visit: Explore ancient pueblo ruins
• Facilities & Services: Visitor Center, museum, restrooms
• Managed by: National Park Service
• More information: Waupatki National Monument

No matter where you go in the state, Arizona National Parks and Monuments are not far away. Be sure to seek them out and see some of the truly stunning natural and historic sites preserved in the landscape!

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