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Last Updated on April 11, 2023
The Grand Canyon is great, but aren’t there some off-the-beaten-path historic sites and parks?
Visiting Arizona National Monuments is a terrific way to see the beauty of the state, often with only a fraction of the visitors at Arizona National Parks. National Monuments in Arizona range from areas with unusual geological formations to sights of historic (and prehistoric!) significance. In total there are 18 Arizona National Monuments, more than any other state. Most of these sites are managed by the National Park Service and have services such as interpretive centers, ranger-guided programs and restrooms. Visiting National Monuments in Arizona provides an opportunity to explore the state’s unique scenery and culture without the crowds that can clog up the more well-known National Parks.
To help you understand the many options available to you while traveling in Arizona, we’ve outlined some of the guidelines that distinguish Arizona National Parks from Arizona National Monuments, as outlined by the National Park Service. We’ve also listed all 18 designated National Monuments in Arizona, with the services available at each. Be sure to include a visit to these magnificent sites on your next trip–you won’t be disappointed!
PRO TIP: A road trip is a great way to see Arizona National Monuments. Check out our 11 favorite Arizona road trips for some ideas and inspiration!
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Fast facts about Arizona National Monuments
What IS a National Monument?
National monuments are areas reserved by the Federal Government because they contain objects of historic, prehistoric, or scientific interest. Among National Monuments in Arizona you’ll find ancient cliff dwellings, archeological ruins and natural areas with unusual landscapes and rock formations.
What is the difference between a National Park and a National Monument?
National parks are areas set apart by Congress for the use of the people of the United States generally, because of some outstanding scenic feature or natural phenomena (hello, Grand Canyon!). National monuments are generally smaller than National Parks, focusing on a single unique feature. Although some Arizona National Monuments are quite large; Organ Pipe Cactus NM is over 500 square miles.
How many National Monuments in Arizona are there?
Arizona has 18 sites designated as National Monuments, more than any other state.
Who manages Arizona National Monuments?
Most National Monuments in Arizona are managed by the National Park Service. A few sites are managed by the Bureau of Land Management. Occasionally sites will be managed by local authorities, either alone or in conjunction with a federal agency.
Complete list of National Monuments in Arizona
PRO TIP: Opening times and certain park services may be limited due to COVID-19 restrictions. Be sure to check with each park priorto visiting.
Agua Fria National Monument
A large area of preserved mesa and canyon along the Agua Fria River. Varying altitudes provide a wide range of desert vegetation, and there are some petroglyphs among the rocky canyon.
- Location: Central Arizona
- Type of Site: Natural Landscape, Ancient Culture
- Services: None-Bring in and take out all supplies
- Special Considerations: 4-wheel drive not necessary, but advised
Canyon De Chelly National Monument
A fantastic place to observe dramatic scenery with over 5,000 years of continuous habitation. Some descendants still live on the site (a rarity among national sites). Scenic drives provide magnificent vistas, up-close views of the cliff dwellings are with local guides.
- Location: Northeastern Arizona
- Type of Site: Ancient Culture with cliff dwellings
- Services: Visitor Center, Guided tours, Accessible paths
- Special Considerations: Located on Navajo Nation lands, which observe Mountain Time Zone schedules
Casa Grande Ruins National Monument
Ruins of a large structure dating back to the 1400s from a Sonoran Desert agricultural society. Its exact purpose is unknown, but the scale of the remains attest to the sophistication of the community.
- Location: Central Arizona (between Phoenix & Tucson)
- Type of Site: Ancient cultural ruins
- Services: Guided tours, gift shop, picnic grounds
- Special Considerations: Accessible pathways
Chiricahua National Monument
Wonky, other-worldly rock formations that go on for miles make great atmosphere for hiking or a scenic drive. Chiricahua is located along a North American flyway and is a good site for birders.
- Location: Southeastern Arizona
- Type of Site: Natural Landscape, geological wonder
- Services: Visitor center with museum, bookstore, restrooms, drinking water
- Special Considerations: camping at Bonito Canyon, Birding
Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument
Parashant is one of the Arizona National Monuments that is vast, wild and absolutely gorgeous. This million-square-mile area on the northern side of the Grand Canyon is completely “off the grid,” with no services. There’s plenty of room to roam, but you MUST have a 4-wheel drive vehicle, preferably with high clearance.
- Location: Northern Arizona, along the border with Utah and Nevada
- Reason to visit: Stunning scenery
- Facilities & Services: No services within the monument boundaries; there is an information center in St. George, Utah
- Special Considerations: 4-wheel drive required; although located in Arizona, entrances are from either Nevada or Utah.
Hohokam Pima National Monument
Hohokam Pima National Monument celebrates an ancient people that thrived during the first millennium. Excavations of an ancient site are ongoing and closed to the public, however there is much to learn about the community at the Huhugam Heritage Center, which showcases precious ancient artifacts discovered at the archaeological site.
- Location: Central Arizona, about 20 miles south of Phoenix.
- Type of Site: Ancient culture, museum & heritage center
- Facilities & Services: Visitor center/museum, restrooms.
- Special Considerations: Managed by Gila River Indian Community; hours may be different to other national sites
Ironwood Forest National Monument
A large (129,000 acres) site that offers plenty of wide-open desert spaces for solitude and exploration. There are 3 designated National Historic archaeological sites within the boundaries for the truly intrepid.
- Location: Central Arizona
- Type of Site: Natural Landscape, Ancient Culture
- Services: None-Bring in and take out all supplies
- Special Considerations: Camping and hunting allowed
Montezuma Castle National Monument
Stunning 600-year-old cliff dwelling that is remarkably intact. The 40-50 room structure is only viewable from a distance to preserve it. There is a smaller dwelling about 10 miles away, known as Montezuma Well, that is also part of the Monument. Although not as grand, it allows for a more up-close view of the structure.
- Location: Central Arizona
- Type of Site: Ancient culture; cliff dwellings
- Services: Montezuma Castle has a Visitor Center, with museum, bookstore and restrooms, along with picnic grounds. Montezuma Well has picnic grounds and pit toilets.
- Special Considerations: Two sites, about 10 miles apart, comprise the Monument
- NOTE: See our separate (and more detailed) posts about Montezuma Castle & Montezuma Well
Navajo National Monument
Spectacular cliff dwellings from the 1300s set in a massive red rock cave. Long-distance views by walkway with limited wheelchair accessibility. Close-up views of the cliff dwellings by guided tour only, rugged terrain.
- Location: North Central Arizona
- Type of Site: Ancient culture, cliff dwellings
- Services: Visitor Center, with museum, bookstore and restrooms, ranger-guided tours of the cliff dwellings, camping
- Special Considerations: Located on Navajo Nation lands, which observe Mountain Time Zone schedules
Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument
The unique desert landscape at Organ Pipe has been designated an International Biosphere Reserve by the United Nations. This Arizona National Monument is large and uncrowded: at over 500 square miles it’s over 3 times bigger than Saguaro National Park, yet it receives only 1/4 of the visitors. There are plenty of hikes and scenic drives; Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument is well worth a trip to southwestern Arizona.
- Location: Southwestern Arizona
- Type of Site: Natural Landscape
- Services: Visitor center with displays, bookstore, restrooms; scenic drives, hiking trails, RV and tent campsites, backcountry camping
- Special Considerations: hike to an abandoned mine on monument grounds, or take the Ajo Mountain Drive for terrific views of the namesake cacti.
Pipe Spring National Monument
The homestead at Pipe Spring offers a glimpse into the rugged life of Mormon homesteaders in the late 1800s. The fresh water from the Pipe Spring has attracted settlers for centuries; there is an interesting perspective on both Native American and White inhabitants of the area. Not many Arizona National Monuments grow fresh fruits and vegetables–the National Park Service still maintains the gardens (and livestock!) at Pipe Spring.
- Location: Northwestern Arizona
- Type of Site: Historic homestead
- Services: Visitor Center with museum, bookstore, restrooms; historic ranch with animals, fresh heirloom fruits and vegetables (in season)
- Special Considerations: Accessible pathways
Sonoran Desert National Monument
A great National Monument in Arizona if you want to spend time exploring the Sonoran Desert landscape on your own, at your own pace. Camp out under the stars . . . and even bring your horse if you’d like to ride! This is one of the few national monuments that allows hunting on the grounds.
- Location: South Central Arizona
- Type of Site: Natural Landscape
- Services: Limited restroom facilities
- Special Considerations: In addition to camping, hunting and horseback riding are allowed
Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument
Visit the cinder cone of an extinct volcano at Sunset Crater. Even a thousand years (!) after it last erupted, the terrain is still barren near the top. You can also hike the area of the former lava floes–an other-worldly experience if there ever was one. Those with mobility issues can view the terrain via scenic drives.
- Location: North central Arizona
- Type of Site: Geological wonder
- Services: Visitor Center, restrooms, picnic grounds, campgrounds
- Special Considerations: Admission fee also covers access to Wupatki National Monument, 20 miles away.
PRO TIP: Plan to visit Sunset Crater and Wupatki National Monuments on the same day. They are only 20 miles apart and the admission fee gets you into both sites!
Tonto National Monument
There are a LOT of cliff dwellings in Arizona; Tonto is special among Arizona National Monuments in that you can walk right up and into the dwellings themselves. There are two sites: the lower dwelling is accessed via a paved path; see the upper dwelling via a ranger-guided tour over rugged terrain. The central Arizona location makes it a nice day trip from Phoenix.
- Location: Central Arizona
- Type of Site: Ancient cliff dwellings
- Services: Visitor Center, museum, restrooms, picnic grounds, guided tours
- Special Considerations: trail to the lower cliff dwelling is paved, but is steep, with some steps, so might not be suitable for those with accessibility concerns
Tuzigoot National Monument
Tuzigoot is the remains of a 1,000-year-old Sinagua pueblo perched on a ridge overlooking the Verde River. The complex of 100+ rooms illustrates the sophistication of this society–modern-day condos could borrow a few tips from the construction here! This is one of the Arizona National Monuments that is nearby Sedona, making a nice excursion if you’re in the area.
- Location: Central Arizona
- Type of Site: Ancient Culture
- Services: Visitor Center, museum, bookstore, restrooms, picnic grounds
- Special Considerations: There are paved trails to the base of the pueblo and along the marsh; access inside the upper rooms requires stairs.
Vermilion Cliffs National Monument
Vermilion Cliffs is a great place to go if you like eerie rock formations. This National Monument has no services, so be prepared to rough it. But you’ll be rewarded with solitude and stunning scenery.
- Location: Northern Arizona
- Type of Site: Geological Wonders
- Services: None-bring in and take out everything
- Special Considerations: 4-wheel drive required
Walnut Canyon National Monument
Walnut Canyon’s cliff dwellings more hidden than those at the other Arizona National Monuments. They are tucked away along a ridge in the forest, largely hidden from view until you are right on top of them. But that’s part of their charm: you can walk right up–and into–them, giving you an ancient’s-eye-view of life in what would become Arizona in about 500 years.
- Location: North central Arizona
- Type of Site: Ancient cliff dwellings
- Services: Visitor Center, museum, bookstore, restrooms
- Special Considerations: Path to the cliff dwellings involves climbing up and down stairs
Wupatki National Monument
If you like ancient pueblo construction, you get a lot of bang for your buck at Wupatki. The area encompasses six distinct pueblo structures out on an open plain over an area of about 15 miles. Drive from pueblo to pueblo via a loop road, then take short paths to the structures themselves. Among Arizona National Monuments, this is an excellent option for those with mobility issues. Paths to 4 of the 6 pueblos meet accessibility standards, the accessible path to the remaining pueblos is currently under construction.
- Location: Central Arizona
- Type of Site: Natural Landscape, Ancient Culture
- Services: Visitor Center, museum, restrooms
- Special Considerations: Admission fee also covers access to Sunset Crater National Monument, 20 miles away.
Now that you’ve seen the stunning array of choices to visit at Arizona National Monuments, which one will you visit first?
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