![]() Yuma is the 11th largest city in Arizona and it sits near the borders of California and Mexico. You could spend weeks exploring everything this forest has to offer, but in a day trip you might hike the famous and iconic Superstition Mountains, or kayak Saguaro Lake, or take a scenic drive on the Apache Trail. The Four Peaks Wilderness area is one of my favorite places to visit. Tonto National Forest’s more than 2 million acres are packed full of hiking trails, campgrounds, and blue lakes. Cacti are abundant – both the giant saguaro and also smaller chollas and barrel cacti. Explore deserts, mountains, lakes and flat plains. The Tonto National Forest is home to some of the most rugged and scenic landscapes in the state. The Superstition Mountains are a sight to see! 7. The Grand Canyon is one of the best national parks in the southwest and is a must-see for everyone at least once! Learn more here. Even just spending time at the viewpoints alone will make your drive worth it.īesides the viewpoints, visitors can go hiking, kayaking, and can visit the Geological Museum, among other activities. I remember the first time I saw the Grand Canyon – and it almost looked like the fake backdrop of a movie, it extended so far in the distance. This natural rock formation displays layers upon layers of red, tan and orange rocks after millions of years. Grand Canyon National ParkĪs in, ten miles wide, one mile deep, and 277 miles long. Learn more about Arcosanti and plan your visit here. Today, students come from around the world to help continue and build Soleri’s dream, still not having reaching completion 50 years after it began. The construction of Arcosanti has a very sci-fi feel. This site was originally intended to house thousands people, but the project never really got up and running due to funding issues. Soleri was slightly before-his-time, attempting to build eco-friendly dwellings that exist in harmony with nature. This experimental community was built in 1970 by Italian architect Paolo Soleri. ![]() You can learn the history of the people and all about the dwellings themselves on site. The Sinagua people, a pre-Columbian culture indigenous to the American Southwest, built these well-preserved dwellings directly into the cliffside, and they still stand today. Montezuma Castle National Monument dates all the way back to approximately 1100 – 1425 AD. I recently returned back here and let me tell you – it is just as impressive as my first visit. The first time I explored Montezuma’s Castle, I had only recently moved to Arizona and was taking one of my first road trips around the state. After driving both ways, you’ll want to get out and stretch your legs!Ĭheck out my Complete Guide to Saguaro National Park if you are thinking of making the trip! Don’t miss the fiery sunsets! 4. You can drive the scenic loop and don’t skip the hiking trails. The park is actually bisected by the city of Tucson, so leave as early as possible to allow time for exploring each half. Though part of Tucson, Saguaro National Park deserves it’s own listing as a day trip destination from Phoenix. This park has some of the best spelunking in the USA.Īlso within Tucson is Saguaro National Park, which is a worthy destination in and of itself. ![]() Or, alternately, go underground at Kartchner Caverns State Park. There are so many unique things to do in Tucson!Ĭheck out the summit of Mount Lemmon, which has an observatory and small mountain town – both of which are significantly cooler than the city due to their elevation. Tucson is such a fun city, full of art, award-winning food, history, and giant saguaro cacti. You May Also Like: A Phoenix to Sedona Drive: What to See on the Way 2. There are so many fun things to do in Sedona. Sedona offers loads of easy hiking trails with epic views artistic centers for shopping and exploring and a deep spiritual community as well. And the rock formations themselves are so unique. Everywhere you look, from the buildings to the landscapes, everything is bathed in terra cotta. The relaxed artsy vibe, the mountainous backdrop, and the slightly cooler weather are all nice changes. Sedona is one of the most popular day trips from Phoenix, and it is easy to understand why. Need more Arizona content to inspire your trip? Check out these posts!. ![]()
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