When you think of Arizona, you think of the majestic Grand Canyon, the idyllic Horseshoe Bend, the red rocks of Sedona, the bustling cities of Tucson and Phoenix, or the endless picturesque desert landscapes. These famous stops are certainly highly rated, but Arizona is also a vast place, with many other memorable discoveries off the beaten path. Here are some lesser-known gems worth exploring in the Grand Canyon State.
Originating in the northeast corner of Arizona, observing the otherworldly, wind-carved buttes that jut conspicuously out of the flat terrain may give you a strange sense of déjà vu. These bizarre mesas make up Monument Valley and are known as one of the best desert landscapes for the film industry. Admire these dramatic, alien-like rock formations that you’ve seen in iconic movies such as: 2001: A Space Odyssey, holiday, Forrest Gumpor one of several classic John Wayne westerns filmed here.
Continue west to the stunning Marble Canyon. Its name is often derived from the look of its soaring scenic flaming walls, which are often sophisticated, offering a more laid-back vibe than its grand cousin the state is famous for. Experience the psychedelic side of Arizona in the dramatic scenery of nearby Vermilion Cliffs National Monument. Tucked away in a highly isolated part of the state, it boasts some of the most unforgettable desert scenery in the United States. See if he can be one of the lucky few who can win one of The Wave’s daily lottery. The curved pattern that runs along the dry brown wall resembles a hypnotic sea pattern.
Beyond the bright warmth of the Painted Desert to the southeast lies the mysterious crystalline remnants of Petrified Forest National Park. The eponymous forest, the remains of a Pangea forest more than 200 million years old, also contains a well-preserved collection of ancient glyphs carved thousands of years ago by the region’s indigenous peoples. Marvel at the cool colors of the Blue Mesa, the vivid Badlands vistas from Tawa Point, or spend countless years imagining the former glory of the giant trees that dot the Crystal Forest .
Jump onto Interstate 40 in Holbrook and head due west to the adorable Flagstaff entrance off famous old Route 66. Historically known as one of his gateways to the Grand Canyon, Flagstaff has a lot to offer in the form of vintage shops. , with cute cafes and green parks, and because of its high altitude, it exists as a kind of oasis from the hot desert surrounding it. Humphreys Peak, often capped with snow, is Arizona’s highest peak and overlooks the town from just 18 kilometers away. Sub-zero temperatures in winter bring seasonal diversity and puzzling juxtaposition to the state’s quintessentially scorching reputation.
Southwest toward Prescott, at the top of a winding mountain road, and tucked away above the cliffs is Jerome’s unique arts community. Formerly the largest copper mine in Arizona, at one point he was the fourth largest city in the state. The raucous population of miners, traffickers, and prostitutes who once called Jerome home has led the town to adopt the moniker “Wickedest Town in the West.” Today, Jerome is home to one of the country’s largest ghostly towns, with his enchanting art galleries, charming cafes, and high cliffside streets lined with spectacular views of the Verde Valley. Head to proper Prescott and stay at the mountaintop Prescott Resort to enjoy breathtaking sunsets from your room. Then head into town for some wild bars and bands in the historic Whiskey Row district.
Head south on I-17 and stop at the experimental community of Arcosanti. A practice of ‘arcology’ (a portmanteau of architecture and ecology), the town’s origins began in 1970 as a low-impact sustainable community. Its name comes from the Italian words “anti” and “cosa”. Consider staying in a guest suite and explore curvaceous, light-filled, futuristic-looking earthen structures that often blur the line between natural and man-made. Make friends with residents from different backgrounds to participate in the unique lifestyle experiments offered here, and attend one of our frequent workshops covering dance, music, pottery and sustainability. learn something new.
Head south and east around Phoenix to discover flavors of old and new in the bustling streets of Old Town Scottsdale. Hear live music at frequent outdoor concerts, browse quaint antique shops, and visit one of his many museums, now his 10th largest metro area in the country. Learn about the history of the American Wild West. From herds of fiberglass stallions to dazzling light projections to the colorful works of the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art, enjoy a wealth of art galleries and exhibitions here throughout the year that change month to month. please give me. .
Head east of Scottsdale on AZ-101 to US 60, approaching the towering peaks of the Superstition Mountains, which loom large over the horizon. The name comes from a well-known local legend of the enigmatic Lost Dutchman’s Gold Mine. This story lives on in the eponymous Lost Dutchman State Park. Enchanting desert trails overgrown with enchanting saguaro cacti are a spectacular sight if you try your luck to find the legendary treasure for yourself.
Saguaro cacti are rarely found outside of Arizona. Fans of funky plants will find plenty to do in Saguaro National Park just outside Tucson. Established to create a protected habitat for thorny species, the park’s small size makes it perfect for short road trips. See if you can spot specimens of the beautiful Saguaro flower, the state flower of Arizona, as you drive through hills and mountains densely packed with pointy plants.
Finally, follow Interstate 10 East toward the southeastern corner of Arizona to find the incredibly underrated Cochise County. With a population of only about 125,000, the unpretentious county contains an impressive density of remarkable and often overlooked attractions. Explore the mysterious, damp and disorienting corridors of Kartchner Caverns State Park. Its winding, otherworldly stalagmites, stalactites, and alien-looking waterfall-like rock patterns and columns resemble the work of HR Giger. The cave has a fascinating origin story, having been discovered by two of his local explorers in the early 1970s, and half-century-old footprints can still be seen inside. The site was kept secret for over a decade to protect the delicate ecosystem (if you visit, please do not touch or leave any traces inside the cave. damage). Owners of the land, his Kartchner family eventually worked with the state to transform it into the fascinating landmark it is today. Free from light pollution and designated as an International Dark Sky Park, visitors can also expect views of the glittering sea of ​​stars and the Milky Way under a gorgeous desert night sky.
Old West enthusiasts have a lot to enjoy in Tombstone, known as ‘Tough to Die’ town. The town serves as a living open-air museum of Old West lore, with stagecoaches, staged gunfights, old-fashioned architecture, and period-accurate local costumes, making it both charming and dusty. I often see it on Poi Street. Take a ghost tour and terrorize 10 of the most haunted places in town, or go underground to explore the hilariously named Good Enough Mine, once silver-rich and dog-friendly. Or check out the infamous location of the legendary shootout at the OK Ranch. An informative exhibit with a collection of statues of Wyatt Earp, Doc Holliday, and other participants recreating the fatal controversy.
Head south of Tombstone towards the Sierra Vista and into one of the most remote and underrated Ramsey Canyons in the United States. The bewilderingly lush landscape contrasts with Arizona’s typically arid landscape, located at the intersection of mountain and desert terrain. As a result, the canyon is home to one of Arizona’s most impressive collections of bird, mammal, and plant species. The rustic Ramsey Canyon Inn is tucked away amid colorful woodlands in the fall, offering cozy and intimate accommodations for trips to this remote part of the state, and surrounded by numerous lush greenery filled with the song of birds. Walking distance from the alley.
Finally, on the southernmost tip of Arizona, just 11 miles (18 kilometers) from Mexico, is the quirky oasis of Bisbee. One of Arizona’s former booming mining towns, modern-day Bisbee has become a thriving desert haven of counterculture ethos in recent years. Stay at The Copper City Inn to indulge in Western charm with Mission, Art Deco and French themes, and get up close to all the weirdness Bisbee has to experience. Eat his vegan chimichanga at Poco Market and don’t miss The Louvre, a quirky miniature art museum in the restaurant’s bathroom. The town likes to enjoy its wild side with unique festivals, spectacular arts, and eccentric events like Desert Pirates’ High Pirates Weekend each August. Get the best buccaneering costume, sip local rum, and seek out Great His Bisbee leisure with new friends.
John Sizemore is a travel writer, photographer, yoga teacher, and visual entertainment developer based in Austin, Texas. follow him on instagram @sizemovesIn my spare time, I like learning foreign languages, exploring the world, and immersing myself in the world, especially music, movies, games, and books.
