If you’re looking to have some fun without opening your wallet, keep reading – the following seven natural wonders in Arizona are completely free to visit, and each one belongs on your bucket list.
- Arizona (Ringbolt) Hot Springs
AllTrails/Judie Wang Just across the river from Nevada, Ringbolt Hot Springs are a series of shallow wading pools that get warmer from one to the next. You’ll have to hike about three miles each way, but it’s so worth it to soak in the rejuvenating waters.
- Betatakin Cliff Dwelling
Google/Charlie Myles Among the best-preserved cliff dwellings in Arizona, Betatakin is accessible via a five-mile guided hike. Although strenuous, the trek is an unforgettable experience, as it gets you up close and personal with the living quarters of Arizona’s earliest inhabitants.
- C. C. Cragin (Blue Ridge) Reservoir
Google/Chris Bauer An oasis in the Arizona desert, Blue Ridge Reservoir is a heavily forested, fairytale escape nestled up in Rim Country. It’s an ideal spot for camping, kayaking, and fishing - even during the summer months, as it’s comfortably cool at higher elevations.
- Canyon de Chelly National Monument
Google/Lorenzo Piazzi Still inhabited by indigenous peoples, Canyon de Chelly National Monument is such an enchanting place to visit. It features a variety of hiking trails and scenic overlooks, the most noteworthy of all showcasing the famous “Spider Rock” formation pictured here.
- Chiricahua National Monument
TripAdvisor/Susie1028 Characterized by its iconic hoodoos, Chiricahua National Monument is often called a “Wonderland of Rocks.” There are tons of hiking trails to explore, plus a free shuttle that takes you to and from your vehicle.
- Joshua Forest Scenic Parkway
Google/Rigo Vega Highway 93 between Wickenburg and Kingman leads straight through a lush Joshua Tree forest that’s absolutely magical to behold. Pro-tip: take the drive at sunrise or sunset for the best views.
- Keet Seel
AllTrails/Bob Foster Also located in Navajo National Monument, Keet Seel is another ancient cliff dwelling tucked away in a large canyon outcropping. It’s quite a difficult, 15-mile out-and-back hike, but nobody has ever regretted embarking on it.
Please note: while all the above places are free to visit, some do require you to obtain a permit in advance.
AllTrails/Judie Wang
Just across the river from Nevada, Ringbolt Hot Springs are a series of shallow wading pools that get warmer from one to the next. You’ll have to hike about three miles each way, but it’s so worth it to soak in the rejuvenating waters.
Google/Charlie Myles
Among the best-preserved cliff dwellings in Arizona, Betatakin is accessible via a five-mile guided hike. Although strenuous, the trek is an unforgettable experience, as it gets you up close and personal with the living quarters of Arizona’s earliest inhabitants.
Google/Chris Bauer
An oasis in the Arizona desert, Blue Ridge Reservoir is a heavily forested, fairytale escape nestled up in Rim Country. It’s an ideal spot for camping, kayaking, and fishing - even during the summer months, as it’s comfortably cool at higher elevations.
Google/Lorenzo Piazzi
Still inhabited by indigenous peoples, Canyon de Chelly National Monument is such an enchanting place to visit. It features a variety of hiking trails and scenic overlooks, the most noteworthy of all showcasing the famous “Spider Rock” formation pictured here.
TripAdvisor/Susie1028
Characterized by its iconic hoodoos, Chiricahua National Monument is often called a “Wonderland of Rocks.” There are tons of hiking trails to explore, plus a free shuttle that takes you to and from your vehicle.
Google/Rigo Vega
Highway 93 between Wickenburg and Kingman leads straight through a lush Joshua Tree forest that’s absolutely magical to behold. Pro-tip: take the drive at sunrise or sunset for the best views.
AllTrails/Bob Foster
Also located in Navajo National Monument, Keet Seel is another ancient cliff dwelling tucked away in a large canyon outcropping. It’s quite a difficult, 15-mile out-and-back hike, but nobody has ever regretted embarking on it.
How many of these free natural wonders have you visited? Did we leave out one of your favorites? Tell us your thoughts in the comments, and check out our previous article to learn more about Chiricahua National Monument.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Address: Navajo National Monument, Arizona 86033, USAAddress: Canyon de Chelly, Canyon De Chelly, Arizona 86503, USAAddress: Ringbolt Hot Spring, Arizona 86445, USAAddress: C.C. Cragin Reservoir, Arizona 86024, USAAddress: Chiricahua National Monument, 12856 East Rhyolite Creek Road, Willcox, AZ 85643, USAAddress: Wickenburg, AZ 85390, USAAddress: Kingman, AZ, USA
