Arizona

Soldiers Pass Trail, nestled in the stunning red rock landscape of Sedona, Arizona, provides hikers with a captivating journey through unique geological formations, vibrant desert flora, and breathtaking vistas. The trail is renowned for its natural arches and historical sites, offering an enriching experience for both nature enthusiasts and history buffs.

Boynton Canyon Trail, nestled in the red rock country of Sedona, Arizona, provides hikers with a stunning journey through vibrant canyons, lush vegetation, and striking rock formations. The trail is renowned for its breathtaking views and spiritual energy, making it a popular destination for both nature enthusiasts and those seeking tranquility.

Devil's Bridge Trail, nestled in the stunning red rock country of Sedona, Arizona, provides hikers with a breathtaking journey through rugged terrain, leading to the iconic natural sandstone arch. The trail offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, making it a popular destination for both adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts.

Echo Canyon Trailhead, nestled in the scenic Camelback Mountain in Phoenix, Arizona, provides a challenging yet rewarding hike for outdoor enthusiasts. The trail features steep ascents, rocky terrain, and stunning panoramic views of the surrounding desert landscape. It's a popular destination for those seeking adventure and breathtaking vistas.

Siphon Draw Trail, nestled in the Superstition Mountains of Arizona, provides hikers with a challenging yet rewarding experience as they traverse rugged terrain and ascend towards the Flatiron. The trail offers stunning views of the desert landscape and unique rock formations, making it a popular destination for adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts alike.

Tom's Thumb Trail, nestled in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve in Scottsdale, Arizona, provides hikers with a challenging yet rewarding trek through the Sonoran Desert's rugged terrain. The trail features stunning views of the surrounding mountains and unique rock formations, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts seeking adventure and breathtaking scenery.

Piestewa Peak Summit Trail #300, nestled in the Phoenix Mountains Preserve in Phoenix, Arizona, provides hikers with a challenging yet rewarding trek to the summit, offering panoramic views of the city and surrounding desert landscape. The trail is popular for its steep ascent and natural beauty, making it a favorite for both fitness enthusiasts and nature lovers.

Tumacácori preserves Spanish colonial missions in southern Arizona, including the historic Mission San José de Tumacácori from 1691. Located in the Santa Cruz River valley, it reflects the interactions between O’odham, Apache, and Spanish cultures, offering a glimpse into early Arizona history.

Established in 1878 in Ganado, Arizona, Hubbell Trading Post is the oldest continually operating trading post on the Navajo Nation, historically connecting Navajo people and settlers through trade. Today, it offers insights into the cultural exchanges and trading practices of the past.

Near Camp Verde, Arizona, Montezuma Castle is a five-story cliff dwelling built by the Sinagua people around 1100–1300 AD. This preserved site showcases their architectural skill and adaptation to the desert landscape, with trails for visitors to explore the area’s history.

Known as the "White Dove of the Desert," this historic Spanish Catholic mission, founded in 1692 near Tucson, is Arizona's oldest intact European building. Its beautiful Baroque architecture and intricate frescoes attract visitors, and it remains an active place of worship.

Whiskey Row in Prescott, Arizona, is a historic block on Montezuma Street, known for its lively saloons and Wild West atmosphere since 1864. After a fire in 1900, it was rebuilt, preserving its legacy with restored saloons, art galleries, and unique shops that continue to attract visitors.

The Tombstone Historic District, a National Historic Landmark from Arizona’s silver boom, is famed for its Wild West history, including the O.K. Corral gunfight of 1881. Key sites like the Bird Cage Theatre and Schieffelin Hall transport visitors back to the era of lawmen, outlaws, and saloons.

Near Flagstaff, Wupatki National Monument preserves ancient pueblos built by the Sinagua people over 900 years ago. Sites like Wupatki and Citadel Pueblo showcase advanced masonry and adaptation to the high desert, reflecting the early cultural richness of the Colorado Plateau.

Located in Coolidge, Arizona, Casa Grande Ruins preserves an 800-year-old adobe structure called the "Great House," built by the Ancestral Sonoran Desert People. As the U.S.'s first archaeological preserve, it offers insights into early desert agriculture and Native American architectural ingenuity.

Situated within the White Mountain Apache Reservation, Fort Apache Historic Park preserves Native American and U.S. military history. Established in 1870, it features historic buildings, a museum, and the Kinishba Ruins, highlighting its past as a military post and later as the Theodore Roosevelt Indian Boarding School.

Near Mayer, Arizona, Arcosanti is an experimental town founded by architect Paolo Soleri in 1970, blending architecture and ecology. This urban laboratory demonstrates sustainable design, passive climate control, and compact living, drawing eco-conscious travelers and architecture enthusiasts.

Located along Route 66 east of Flagstaff, Twin Arrows Trading Post was a popular mid-20th-century stop with a gas station, gift shop, and diner. Known for its two 25-foot arrows that gave it its name, this spot drew in road-travelers with its unique roadside appeal.

Part of Tumacácori National Historical Park in southern Arizona, this mission, founded by Father Eusebio Kino in 1691, preserves one of the oldest Spanish missions in the region. Managed by the National Park Service, it offers a look into Spanish colonial history and early interactions with Indigenous communities.

Near Roosevelt Lake, Tonto National Monument protects cliff dwellings built by the Salado people between 1250 and 1450 AD. These structures showcase Salado masonry skills and adaptation to desert life, offering insights into early desert culture and archaeology.

Opened in 1881 in Tombstone, Arizona, the Bird Cage Theatre was famous for its bawdy shows, gambling, and iconic patrons like Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday. Preserved with original furnishings and bullet holes, it offers visitors an authentic glimpse into the lively history of the American frontier.

Taliesin West in Scottsdale, Arizona, was Frank Lloyd Wright’s winter home and architectural school, built in 1937 using local desert materials. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it exemplifies Wright's "organic architecture" and continues to function as a center for architectural education.

Old Town Scottsdale is a historic downtown district blending Old West charm with modern shops, galleries, and nightlife across nine unique districts. This lively, walkable area offers a mix of Western heritage, boutique shopping, and dining, making it a popular Arizona destination.

Overlooking the Verde Valley in Clarkdale, Arizona, Tuzigoot National Monument preserves a Sinagua pueblo from around 1100 CE, housing roughly 250 people. This site offers insights into Sinagua culture, including agricultural practices and desert architecture.

Set within Sedona’s red rocks, the Chapel of the Holy Cross, built in 1956, is a serene architectural marvel inspired by its natural surroundings. This spiritual landmark attracts global visitors for its reflective atmosphere and breathtaking desert views.

Lake Havasu City’s London Bridge, originally built over the Thames in the 1830s, was purchased, dismantled, and rebuilt in Arizona in 1971 by entrepreneur Robert McCulloch. Now a major attraction, it blends Old World history with Arizona’s unique desert landscape.

Located in Sahuarita, Arizona, the Titan Missile Museum preserves the last Titan II missile complex from the Cold War. Visitors can explore the original launch silo, control room, and infrastructure of this 1960s–1980s intercontinental ballistic missile site, gaining insights into Cold War technology and history.

Near Oracle, Arizona, Biosphere 2 is a 3.14-acre glass-enclosed Earth science facility, simulating ecosystems like a rainforest, ocean, and desert. Operated by the University of Arizona, it serves as a research lab and educational center for sustainability, offering a unique glimpse into ecological engineering.

Near Winslow, Arizona, Meteor Crater, also known as Barringer Crater, is one of the world’s best-preserved meteorite impact sites, formed 50,000 years ago. This mile-wide, 560-foot-deep crater offers an interactive museum, lookout points, and guided tours, making it a must-visit for geology and space enthusiasts.

Just west of Tucson, the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum spans 98 acres and combines a zoo, botanical garden, art gallery, and natural history exhibits focused on the Sonoran Desert. With trails showcasing over 300 animal species and 1,200 plant species, it provides an immersive look at Arizona’s desert ecosystem.

Known as "Chocolate Falls" for its cocoa-colored flow, Grand Falls on the Navajo Nation near Flagstaff stands 181 feet tall, surpassing Niagara Falls. Fed by the Little Colorado River, it flows seasonally, with the best viewing during spring snowmelt or late summer rains.

Just outside Tuba City, Arizona, the Navajo Moenave Dinosaur Tracks showcase well-preserved Jurassic dinosaur footprints, likely from theropods, etched into desert rock. Set against Arizona’s red sandstone, this site offers a look into prehistoric life, enhanced by Navajo guides who share insights on both the tracks and their cultural heritage.

Located on Route 66 in Seligman, Arizona, Delgadillo's Snow Cap Drive-In is a quirky 1953 diner known for its playful decor and joke-filled menu. With vintage cars, nostalgic decor, and a lighthearted atmosphere, it’s a beloved stop for Route 66 travelers and a landmark in Seligman’s history.

At the Phoenix Art Museum, Yayoi Kusama’s Fireflies Infinity Mirror Room immerses visitors in a dark space lit by hundreds of LED lights, creating a mesmerizing firefly-like effect. This installation invites reflection on infinity and self-transcendence, making it a must-see for art enthusiasts.

Departing from Williams, Arizona, the Grand Canyon Railway has offered a scenic route to the South Rim since 1901. Traveling through high desert and pine forests, this nostalgic train ride combines Old West entertainment with modern comfort, with various seating classes available.

Known as Arizona State Route 88, the Apache Trail Scenic Drive is a 42-mile route through the Superstition Mountains and Tonto National Forest. Starting in Apache Junction, it offers stunning desert views, canyon landscapes, and lakes, making it a beloved, adventurous drive.

This 26-mile scenic route along U.S. Highway 163 leads from Kayenta to Monument Valley, showcasing iconic sandstone buttes and mesas in the Navajo's "Valley of the Rocks." The drive ends in Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, where visitors can explore these famous formations up close.

Between Flagstaff and Sedona, the 14-mile Oak Creek Canyon Scenic Drive on Arizona State Route 89A features stunning red rocks, forests, and scenic viewpoints. Known for its Grand Canyon-like beauty, it offers dramatic views, autumn foliage, and cool swimming spots.

Arizona’s section of Historic Route 66 is one of the longest, filled with nostalgic stops, vintage diners, and quirky attractions. Known as the "Main Street of America," it offers travelers a unique blend of history, Americana, and adventure across classic Arizona towns.

State Route 179, also called the Red Rock Scenic Byway, is a 7.5-mile drive into Sedona’s striking Red Rock Country. Beginning at I-17, it winds through red rock formations, desert vistas, and forested areas, ending in Sedona with scenic spots, cultural sites, and recreation areas along the way.

U.S. Route 191, known as the Coronado Trail Scenic Byway, spans 120 miles from Clifton to Springerville through remote landscapes. Named after explorer Coronado, this route features winding curves, elevation changes, and a mix of high mountain forests and desert views, ideal for adventurous drivers.

Along U.S. Route 93 between Wickenburg and Wikieup, the Joshua Tree Forest Parkway showcases dense Joshua trees against rugged Arizona terrain. This scenic route offers an immersive desert experience for travelers between Phoenix and Las Vegas.

State Route 366, or Swift Trail Parkway, is a 33-mile drive from Safford up Mount Graham, ascending 7,500 feet from desert scrub to alpine forests. Ending at Riggs Flat Lake, this "sky island" route offers diverse landscapes and summer trout fishing in a serene, pine-filled setting.

The 82-mile Vermilion Cliffs Scenic Highway from Fredonia to Bitter Springs showcases striking, colorful cliffs and rugged landscapes within Vermilion Cliffs National Monument. This remote route connects travelers with some of the Southwest’s most iconic and geologically rich scenery.

Desert View Drive, a 23-mile stretch along Arizona Highway 64 on the Grand Canyon’s South Rim, offers sweeping canyon and Colorado River views. Starting at Grand Canyon Village, it leads to Desert View, featuring scenic overlooks, picnic spots, and historic sites for a more relaxed Grand Canyon experience.

Route 89A offers a 27-mile scenic drive from Flagstaff to Sedona through Oak Creek Canyon, descending 4,500 feet. With dramatic switchbacks, creek views, and red rock formations, it’s one of Arizona’s most picturesque routes.

Also called the Mount Lemmon Scenic Byway, this 27-mile drive climbs from Tucson to Mount Lemmon’s summit, gaining over 6,000 feet in elevation. Travelers experience diverse ecosystems, from desert scrub to alpine forests, with scenic pullouts and unique rock formations.

The Apache-Sitgreaves Scenic Drive traverses the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests along the Mogollon Rim, showcasing pine forests, meadows, lakes, and canyons. This route captures Arizona’s high country beauty, appealing to nature enthusiasts.

This 80-mile section of U.S. Route 60 between Globe and Show Low, Arizona, features striking views of the Salt River Canyon, often called Arizona’s "mini Grand Canyon." With steep descents and scenic pullouts, it’s a popular route for those seeking a challenging, picturesque drive.

Perched on Cleopatra Hill in the Verde Valley, Jerome is a historic mining town known as the "Wickedest Town in the West." Once a copper mining hub, it has become a vibrant artist community and tourist spot, attracting visitors with scenic views, wineries, and ghostly legends.

Near Wickenburg, Vulture City is a historic ghost town that once housed Arizona's most productive gold mine. Founded in 1863, this partially restored site offers insight into Arizona’s mining history, with preserved buildings, equipment, and stories of Old West justice.

Located in the Mule Mountains of southeastern Arizona, Bisbee is a historic mining town turned vibrant arts community. Known for its unique attractions, historic architecture, art galleries, and ghost tours, this picturesque hillside town offers a colorful blend of history and culture.

Near Yuma in Arizona’s Castle Dome Mountains, Castle Dome Landing is a preserved ghost town with a mining history dating back to the 19th century. Now operating as Castle Dome Mine Museum, it showcases reconstructed buildings and artifacts, offering visitors a glimpse into its silver and lead mining heyday.

Established in 1862, Chloride is Arizona’s oldest continuously inhabited mining town, located in the Cerbat Mountains. Known for its Wild West charm, art installations, and mining relics, Chloride offers a blend of historic appeal and a ghost town ambiance.

Situated along Route 66 near Winslow, Two Guns is a ghost town with a storied past, once a popular 1920s tourist stop featuring a zoo and trading post. Abandoned after a series of violent events and natural disasters, its eerie ruins reflect its Wild West history and paranormal tales.

In western Arizona’s remote desert, Swansea is a well-preserved ghost town founded in the early 1900s as a copper mining community. Once a lively hub with theaters and electric lighting, it was abandoned in the 1930s. Now managed by the BLM, its ruins offer a glimpse into Arizona’s mining past.

Located in Maricopa County, Agua Caliente was a popular resort town in the 1800s, known for its geothermal springs and adobe hotel built in 1897. Over time, irrigation caused the springs to dry up, leading to the town’s eventual abandonment.

Hackberry, Arizona, began as a silver mining town and later became a Route 66 hotspot. Today, visitors are drawn to the nostalgic Hackberry General Store, capturing the classic Americana feel of the famous highway.

Situated at the base of Rich Hill in Yavapai County, Stanton, once called Antelope Station, gained a wild reputation under Charles P. Stanton in the 1870s. Now preserved by the Lost Dutchman’s Mining Association as an RV park and prospecting site, it draws visitors with its storied past of outlaws and gold mining.

Located along Cochise County’s Ghost Town Trail near Tombstone, Gleeson began as "Turquoise" and later grew with copper mining in the early 1900s. Known for its preserved ruins and rich mining history, it offers a glimpse into Arizona's mining heritage.

Located along the San Pedro River within the San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area, Fairbank was a key railroad and stagecoach stop from 1881, serving travelers to Tombstone. Managed by the BLM, this preserved ghost town offers a glimpse into Arizona’s Wild West history.

Near Apache Junction along the Apache Trail, Goldfield Ghost Town is a reconstructed 1890s mining town offering an Old West experience with views of the Superstition Mountains. Revived as a tourist spot in the 1980s, it combines history and entertainment in a family-friendly setting.

Founded in the 1880s near Wickenburg, Congress was a thriving gold mining town, once visited by President McKinley. After its mine closed in the 1930s, the town became a ghost town, leaving preserved buildings and relics that reflect its mining past.

Located on the University of Arizona campus in Tucson, ASM is the Southwest's oldest and largest anthropology museum, established in 1893. With an extensive collection of Native American artifacts, including one of the world’s largest collections of Southwestern pottery and basketry, it serves as a key cultural and educational resource.

Situated in downtown Phoenix, the Arizona Science Center offers interactive science exploration across four levels with over 350 hands-on exhibits on topics like physics, biology, and technology. It also features the Dorrance Planetarium and Irene P. Flinn Theater, enhancing the family-friendly learning experience.

Founded in 1929 in Phoenix, the Heard Museum is dedicated to Native American art and culture, especially from the Southwest. Known for its traditional and contemporary Indigenous art collections, it offers immersive exhibits and educational programs celebrating Native heritage.

Located in Mesa, the Arizona Museum of Natural History offers an immersive look into the region's prehistoric and cultural history. Known for life-sized dinosaur models and interactive exhibits, it covers archaeology, paleontology, and Arizona's indigenous cultures, making it a popular educational destination for all ages.

In Phoenix, MIM features over 8,000 instruments from around the world, providing an interactive, immersive journey through global music history. Visitors can see, hear, and play instruments, highlighting music's power to bridge cultures and time.

Located in Chandler, this outdoor museum celebrates Southwestern railroad history with restored train cars, engines, and memorabilia. Highlights include the historic Southern Pacific Railroad Locomotive No. SP 2562, with information placards detailing each piece's significance, making it a must-visit for train enthusiasts.

Located in Tucson, the Pima Air & Space Museum spans over 80 acres and showcases 400+ aircraft, including rare World War II, Cold War, and high-speed planes like the SR-71 Blackbird. With six exhibit hangars and an outdoor display, this museum offers a comprehensive look at aviation history.

Situated in Tempe, this museum highlights central Arizona’s history, from indigenous cultures to modern technology. Managed by the Arizona Historical Society, exhibits cover Arizona’s development, including a WWII collection and a section on the tech boom.

Located in Prescott, the Sharlot Hall Museum, founded in 1928, preserves Central Arizona’s history on a four-acre campus with eleven exhibit buildings, including six historic structures. Named after Arizona’s first female Territorial Historian, it showcases artifacts, gardens, and period buildings.

On Mars Hill in Flagstaff, Lowell Observatory, founded in 1894, is renowned for its discovery of Pluto in 1930. One of the oldest U.S. observatories, it offers telescope viewings and interactive science talks under Flagstaff’s dark skies.

Situated in Prescott, the Museum of Indigenous People (Smoki Museum) celebrates the cultural heritage of Southwest Native American tribes, particularly the Hopi, Apache, and Yavapai. Established in 1935 with pueblo-style architecture, it showcases artifacts and traditions with a commitment to authenticity and respect.

Located at the base of the San Francisco Peaks in Flagstaff, MNA, founded in 1928, preserves the art, history, and natural science of the Colorado Plateau. Its exhibits range from Native American artifacts to natural history and fine art, celebrating the region’s landscapes and cultures.

In Topawa, Arizona, Himdag Ki: preserves the culture and history of the Tohono O’odham people. Opened in 2007, the center showcases artifacts, historic and modern pieces, and an archive honoring the O’odham heritage and values rooted in respect for elders, land, and community.

Havasu Falls, located within the Havasupai Reservation in the Grand Canyon, is a stunning oasis with turquoise pools set against vivid red canyon walls. Famous for its mineral-rich blue-green waters, this exclusive waterfall requires reservations, making it a sought-after destination for lucky visitors.

Grand Canyon National Park, carved by the Colorado River, spans 277 miles and reaches depths of about a mile, revealing layers of Earth's geological history. Its striking landscapes, vibrant hues, and vast scale make it a captivating experience, whether viewed from the South Rim or explored through its trails.

Horseshoe Bend, near Page, Arizona, showcases a dramatic 1,000-foot-deep horseshoe-shaped curve of the Colorado River carved into red sandstone. Its breathtaking views, especially at sunrise and sunset, attract many visitors, and the overlook is easily accessible by a short hike, making it a favorite for photographers and nature enthusiasts.

Petrified Forest National Park, located in northeastern Arizona, features one of the world’s largest collections of vibrant petrified wood across 346 square miles. This ancient landscape preserves fossils, painted desert views, and remnants of prehistoric life, as well as Native American archaeological sites.

Elephant Arch, near St. George in the Arizona Strip, is a sandstone formation resembling an elephant's head and trunk within the Red Cliffs Desert Reserve. Accessible via a moderate trail, it’s a popular spot for hikers and photographers, combining unique desert scenery with mild rock scrambles for a bit of adventure.

Lake Powell, in the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area along the Arizona-Utah border, stretches 186 miles with striking blue waters framed by red rock formations. Created by the Glen Canyon Dam, this scenic reservoir is a haven for water activities and a favorite spot for outdoor enthusiasts and photographers.

Saguaro National Park, near Tucson, Arizona, is renowned for its iconic saguaro cacti. It has two districts—Tucson Mountain (West) and Rincon Mountain (East)—each with unique desert landscapes and flora.

Kartchner Caverns State Park, near Benson, Arizona, features stunning limestone caves with stalactites, stalagmites, and the 21-foot “Kubla Khan” column. Once kept secret to protect them, these caverns now offer guided tours showcasing their geological beauty.

The Wave, in the Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness near the Arizona-Utah border, is a stunning sandstone formation with swirling waves and vibrant colors. This bucket-list spot for photographers and hikers has restricted access to protect its fragile environment.

The Lava River Cave, in the Coconino National Forest near Flagstaff, Arizona, is a mile-long lava tube formed around 700,000 years ago. With a steady temperature of 35–40°F year-round, it offers a cool summer escape and showcases unique lava formations like frozen ripples and stone icicles.

Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, on the Arizona-Mexico border, is a Sonoran Desert preserve and UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, known for the unique organ pipe cactus. Visitors can explore its diverse desert ecosystem via scenic drives, hiking trails, and ranger-led programs, immersing in the beauty of the southwestern desert.

Chiricahua National Monument, or the "Wonderland of Rocks," in southeastern Arizona, showcases towering rhyolite pinnacles, hoodoos, and balanced rocks from volcanic activity 27 million years ago. This striking landscape also holds cultural importance as the ancestral land of the Chiricahua Apache.

Established in 1964, this 18,444-acre refuge along the Colorado River floodplain spans Arizona and California, restoring backwaters and marshes as a winter haven for migratory birds and wildlife. It’s ideal for nature lovers seeking to observe diverse species in a peaceful desert setting.

Just east of Flagstaff, Walnut Canyon features ancient cliff dwellings built by the Sinagua people over 800 years ago, showcasing their adaptation to rugged terrain. This site offers hiking trails, scenic canyon views, and a glimpse into early inhabitants' lives.

Near Flagstaff, this monument preserves the remnants of a cinder cone volcano that erupted in 1085 AD, transforming the landscape with vivid red and orange hues. Visitors can explore trails, lava flows, and cinder fields to experience Arizona’s volcanic history.

Covering over 1.25 million acres across northern Arizona and southern Utah, Glen Canyon National Recreation Area is a stunning mix of red cliffs, diverse ecosystems, and Lake Powell’s blue waters. It offers activities like water sports, hiking, and backcountry exploration.

Arizona’s largest national forest, Tonto spans nearly 3 million acres of landscapes from desert to pine forests. It’s a prime destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering lakes, rivers, and trails across varied terrains for endless recreation.

Near Page, Arizona, within the Navajo Nation, Antelope Canyon is a stunning slot canyon known for its narrow passages and captivating light beams. Divided into Upper and Lower sections, Upper is famed for its light beams, while Lower showcases twisting, corkscrew formations.

South of Sedona on Highway 179, Bell Rock is a famous bell-shaped sandstone formation attracting hikers, spiritual visitors, and sightseers. With accessible trails offering varied difficulty and scenic views, it’s ideal for both easy walks and more challenging climbs.

One of Sedona’s most iconic landmarks, Cathedral Rock features towering red rock spires and is known for its spiritual vortex energy. This 1.2-mile round-trip trail offers sweeping views and a challenging climb, drawing visitors for its natural beauty and sacred significance.

In Chiricahua National Monument, the 7.3-mile Heart of Rocks Loop showcases unique rock formations, or "hoodoos," like Big Balanced Rock and Duck on a Rock. This scenic trail’s rugged terrain and unusual geology make it a must-visit in Arizona’s "Wonderland of Rocks."

Situated on the Arizona-Utah border within the Navajo Nation, Monument Valley is famous for its towering sandstone buttes and expansive desert views. Known for the Mitten Buttes and Merrick Butte, this iconic landscape is synonymous with the American West.

Spanning 280,000 acres along the Arizona-Utah border, Vermilion Cliffs National Monument is a remote landscape with vivid rock formations like The Wave, Paria Canyon, and Coyote Buttes. Managed by the BLM, it features dramatic cliffs, slot canyons, and diverse desert wildlife, including reintroduced California condors.

Part of Petrified Forest National Park, the Painted Desert covers 93,500 acres of colorful badlands in northern Arizona. Known for red, orange, pink, and purple hues created by mineral deposits, this area’s striking mesas, buttes, and fossils offer captivating views, especially at sunrise and sunset.