Arizona’s landscapes are seriously breathtaking! As soon as you arrive, you’re surrounded by amazing natural beauty that’s hard to find anywhere else. Think towering mountains, deep canyons, vibrant deserts, and sunsets that look like incredible paintings.
Planning your trip? An Arizona bucket list is a must! With so many awesome Arizona places to visit, a list helps you focus on the adventures you want most. Arizona’s full of incredible parks, monuments, and forests just waiting to be explored.
Arizona Bucket List Interactive Map
Check out this cool map with all the spots from our Arizona bucket list! It’ll help you plan your trip and see where everything is in Arizona. Most people fly into Phoenix and then rent a car to explore.
Table of Contents
The Top 20 Places to Add to Your Arizona Bucket List
1. The Wave
Arizona is famous for its incredible landscapes, and The Wave is a real standout. Imagine ocean waves frozen in time, with swirls of red and yellow sandstone. It’s like witnessing one of the most incredible views in the Southwest and definitely belongs on any Arizona Bucket List!
Getting there is a 6-mile desert hike, best done in spring or fall when it’s cooler. But here’s the catch: you need a permit because it’s so fragile and popular. Since only 64 people get to see it daily, finding best places to visit in Arizona can lead to unexpected challenges. While waiting to win the permit lottery, you can check out Kanab, Utah, a nearby town with other cool sights.
2. White Pocket
Want to cross something amazing off your Arizona Bucket List? Forget the crowds and head to White Pocket in Vermilion Cliffs! It’s like stepping onto another planet with mind-blowing sandstone formations.
This hidden gem is one of the best places to visit in Arizona if you want a secluded experience. Just a heads up: bring a 4WD vehicle, water, and a map. Your phone probably won’t work there.
3. Horseshoe Bend
Want easy Arizona tourist attractions? Horseshoe Bend near Page is perfect! It’s super popular for photos, and the short walk from the parking lot gives you amazing views of the Colorado River doing a wild twist. It’s definitely one of the best places to visit in Arizona if you’re short on time.
The blue-green river pops against the red rocks. If you’re thinking about what to do in Arizona that’s a bit more adventurous, try rafting or kayaking! Seeing Horseshoe Bend from the river is awesome. Remember $10 for parking, plus sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen because there’s not much shade!
4. Antelope Canyon
Antelope Canyon is a must for your Arizona Bucket List. This slot canyon, sculpted by flash floods, is a stunning display of nature’s artistry. The smooth, flowing sandstone walls seem to move constantly. It truly is one of the best places to see in Arizona.
What makes it magical is the light show. Sunbeams stream through the narrow openings, painting the walls with shifting colors. If you are deciding on places to visit in Arizona, note that tours are required. Choose Upper Antelope Canyon for light beams or Lower Antelope Canyon for a bit more adventure!
5. Lake Powell & Glen Canyon Dam
Lake Powell is one of the best places to see in Arizona, even if it’s a surprise! This huge lake was made in 1972 when the Glen Canyon Dam stopped the Colorado River. Imagine bright blue water against tall red cliffs – stunning! It definitely deserves a spot on anyone’s Arizona bucket list.
With tons of shoreline, there’s always what to do in Arizona at Lake Powell. Rent a boat, go fishing, waterski, or hike to amazing viewpoints. Visiting the Glen Canyon Dam is cool too, and the town of Page is a great spot to explore everything nearby.
6. Monument Valley
Monument Valley is a must for any Arizona Bucket List. Few landscapes scream “American West” more than this mesmerizing desert on the Arizona-Utah border, with its massive sandstone buttes.
The 17-mile Valley Drive gets you to amazing viewpoints, showcasing one of the best places to see in Arizona. However, to really explore, a Navajo guide is the way to go, revealing hidden spots like the Big Hogan. For photo buffs, Hunt’s Mesa is one of the Arizona tourist attractions that’s worth the trek!
7. Canyon de Chelly National Monument
If you’re making an Arizona Bucket List, don’t miss Canyon de Chelly National Monument. It’s definitely one of the best places to visit in Arizona, giving you a peek into ancient cultures.
Imagine towering sandstone walls hiding cliff dwellings, telling stories of past peoples! With overlooks like Spider Rock, it’s easily one of the coolest Arizona tourist attractions without an entrance fee!
8. Havasu Falls
Havasu Falls, tucked away in the Grand Canyon on Havasupai land, feels like a dream. This 100-foot waterfall spills into a bright turquoise pool, making it a real Arizona bucket list spot. The red canyon walls, green plants, and blue-green water create an unreal scene. It’s definitely one of the best places to see in Arizona!
Getting there takes work. Permits are tough to snag, selling out fast. Then, there’s a 10-mile hike in and out – no driving allowed! But Havasu Falls is one of those Arizona places to visit that’s worth the effort. Plus, there are four other awesome waterfalls nearby, like Mooney and Beaver Falls, making the hike even better!
9. Grand Canyon National Park
Okay, so you’re planning an Arizona adventure and wondering where to start? Well, no Arizona bucket list is complete without a trip to the Grand Canyon! It’s definitely one of the most awesome Arizona tourist attractions you’ll ever see. This giant crack in the earth, carved out by the Colorado River, like, a really, really long time ago, is seriously huge. We’re talking 277 miles long, almost 20 miles wide in some spots, and over a mile deep!
The South Rim is open all year, making it one of the easiest places to visit in Arizona. You can see some amazing stuff from there. It’s also where you’ll find some cool trails, like the South Kaibab Trail and the Bright Angel Trail. Each trail gives you a different look at the Canyon.
10. Cathedral Rock
Sedona, with its legendary Cathedral Rock, definitely earns its spot on any Arizona Bucket List. The iconic sandstone formation draws in photographers and spiritual seekers alike, making it one of the best places to visit in Arizona.
The hike up Cathedral Rock is tough, but those panoramic views from the top show why it’s one of the Arizona tourist attractions worth the effort. Just remember your Red Rock Pass to park and try to catch the sunrise or sunset for amazing photos!
11. Devil’s Bridge Trail
If you’re looking for Arizona places to visit that will blow up your Instagram, Devil’s Bridge Trail in Sedona is a must-see! This 3.9-mile hike leads to a giant sandstone arch you can actually walk across, making it feel like you’re floating above the red rock canyons. It’s definitely one of the best places to see in Arizona for awesome photos.
The trail starts easy, winding through trees, but gets a bit tougher near the top. There’s some rock scrambling, but it’s totally doable for most people. Just remember, Devil’s Bridge is super popular, so it can get packed. Go early (before 8 am) to beat the crowds and maybe even get that perfect, peaceful shot! Also, watch out for jeeps, since they use part of the trail too.
12. West Fork Trail
If you’re putting together your Arizona Bucket List, don’t miss the West Fork Trail in Sedona! It’s a peaceful escape from the usual crowded trails. This pretty hike follows Oak Creek through a canyon, giving you a refreshing green change from the red rocks everywhere else.
You’ll hike about 6 miles total, crossing the creek a few times, which is part of the fun. It’s mostly flat and shady, perfect for when the other hikes get too hot to handle. Considering places to visit in Arizona? In the fall, this trail transforms into a vibrant display of autumn colors with trees turning red and gold! Just remember to grab a Red Rock Pass ($5) for parking at the trailhead.
13. Watson Lake
If you’re wondering what to do in Arizona, a quick trip to Watson Lake is a must. Just a short drive from Prescott, this landscape is so cool it feels like another planet! The lake is surrounded by the Granite Dells, super old granite boulders smoothed by billions of years of weather. It’s a photographer’s dream with the bright blue water against these prehistoric rocks.
While you can’t swim, there’s still plenty to do! Kayaking and canoeing through the granite maze are awesome. Fishing is also popular with bass, crappie, and sunfish ready to bite. Hike or bike the trails, like the easy Peavine Trail, and soak up the amazing views. At only $3 a car, Watson Lake is definitely one of the best places to visit in Arizona for an affordable day of fun!
14. Tonto National Forest
Tonto National Forest is huge, covering 3 million acres! It’s got everything from deserts full of cactus to mountains covered in pine trees. Figuring out what to do in Arizona can be tough, but this forest should be on your list.
Inside, you’ll find places like Lost Dutchman State Park, great for hiking and camping. Then there’s Tonto Natural Bridge State Park, with a massive natural bridge, one of the best places to see in Arizona. If you like water, Saguaro Lake is perfect for boating and fishing. History lovers should check out Goldfield Ghost Town, and if you’re feeling adventurous, try a Jeep tour in the Sonoran Desert!
15. Sabino Canyon Recreation Area
Sabino Canyon is definitely one of the best places to visit in Arizona if you’re near Tucson! It’s like a natural playground at the bottom of the Santa Catalina Mountains. You’ll see tall mountains, deep canyons, and a stream that flows all year, which helps a lot of plants and animals live there.
It’s easy to get around Sabino Canyon too. You can walk on trails that are simple or hard or hop on a tram that goes almost four miles up the canyon and stops in nine places. It’s perfect for customizing your Arizona Bucket List, and during the summer, the pools formed by Sabino Creek are a great way to cool off! Just be sure to look out for the wildlife that roams the area like deer and bobcats.
16. Saguaro National Park
Saguaro National Park is the perfect place to admire the iconic saguaro cactus. Split into two districts near Tucson, this park preserves vast forests of these giants, which can live for centuries! If you’re wondering what to do in Arizona for a truly unique experience, this is it.
The saguaro cactus only grows naturally in the Sonoran Desert, making the park a biological treasure. To see the desert bloom, visit in late February or March! With scenic drives and hiking trails, from easy paved paths to challenging routes, it’s one of the best places to see in Arizona, just keep an eye out for desert wildlife like Gila monsters!
17. Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument
In the extreme southern reaches of Arizona, bordering Mexico, lies a unique desert ecosystem that showcases plants found nowhere else in the United States. Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument preserves the rare organ pipe cactus and exceptional Sonoran Desert life, making it one of the Arizona tourist attractions worth exploring.
This remote park, an International Biosphere Reserve, offers a wilderness experience far from crowded spots. If you’re building an Arizona Bucket List, consider it! Hike trails like the Desert View Nature Trail or enjoy the scenic Ajo Mountain Drive. Remember, winter and early spring are the best places to visit in Arizona here because the summers get hot. Entrance is $25 per vehicle, or use your America the Beautiful Pass.
18. Montezuma Castle National Monument
Montezuma Castle is a must-see! As one of the best places to visit in Arizona, this amazing cliff dwelling shows how clever the Sinagua people were about 700 years ago. They built this five-story “apartment” with 20 rooms high up in a limestone cliff.
Even though it’s called Montezuma Castle, it has nothing to do with the Aztec emperor! Early settlers were mistaken. Now, it’s near Camp Verde and perfect for adding to your Arizona Bucket List. While you can’t go inside anymore, you can still explore the area and learn all about it!
19. Petrified Forest National Park
In eastern Arizona, Petrified Forest National Park stands as a testament to time and nature’s power. It protects a huge amount of petrified wood – ancient trees turned into colorful stone. If you’re wondering what to do in Arizona, this should definitely be on your list!
Beyond the trees, you’ll find an old village, rock carvings, and prehistoric fossils. The Painted Desert offers amazing views. Several short trails help you explore, like the Blue Mesa Loop Trail and the Painted Desert Rim Trail. Birdwatchers will love the diverse birds. For a memorable Arizona Bucket List adventure, this park is a must-see.
20. The Painted Desert
Exploring the Painted Desert is a must if you’re wondering what to do in Arizona. Stretching across northeastern Arizona, this amazing place has colorful badlands that look different depending on the sunlight! Part of it’s in Petrified Forest National Park, but there’s more to discover.
The Painted Desert gets its colors from minerals like iron, creating beautiful shades. Highway 89 has viewpoints perfect for everyone, offering easy access to stunning vistas.
If you’re looking for best places to visit in Arizona and like to hike, the Painted Desert Trail is a great option.
Save Your Arizona Bucket List
Ready to start planning your Arizona adventure? Pin this post to your travel board so you’ll have this comprehensive bucket list ready when it’s time to plan your trip. Arizona’s natural wonders await, promising unforgettable experiences whether you’re seeking adventure, natural beauty, or cultural insights.
Conclusion
Arizona is a land of amazing landscapes! Think the Grand Canyon, Antelope Canyon, and sunsets turning the Painted Desert unbelievable colors. These are definitely memories you’ll keep forever.
That Arizona bucket list is just a start! With so many places to visit in Arizona, you can really make your trip your own. Whether you love hiking or just want a good view, Arizona has something for everyone. Start planning your adventure and see why everyone loves it!
FAQ:
What’s the prettiest part of Arizona?
That’s tough – Arizona is full of beauty! But the Grand Canyon is hard to beat. The colors and size are just incredible!
What is Arizona famous for?
Mostly, it’s known for the Grand Canyon. But also for its desert landscapes, sunny weather, and Native American history.
Is Arizona expensive to visit?
It can be! It depends on where you go and when. Big cities and tourist spots like Sedona can be pricey, but there are ways to save money, like camping or visiting during the off-season.
What’s the biggest must-see attraction in Arizona?
The Grand Canyon! It’s a natural wonder of the world and definitely worth seeing at least once in your life.
