People travel to our state from all over the globe to see its immense natural beauty. This list isn’t anywhere near comprehensive, but it highlights seven of our favorite spots that are absolute must-visits in the Grand Canyon State. The drive takes about 15 hours total, so it’s perfect for a weekend tour de force of Northern Arizona! Without further ado, here is our ultimate Arizona natural wonders road trip:
Google Maps Click here for a customizable map with addresses and directions.
- Barringer Meteor Crater, Winslow
Rob Pettengill/Flickr This incredible piece of history was formed over 50,000 years ago when a giant meteorite crashed into the Arizona desert at unimaginable speeds. It’s a designated National Natural Landmark, and is said to be the best-preserved meteor crater on Earth.
- The Wave, Kanab
Michael Wilson/Flickr With an almost otherworldly appearance, this undulating sandstone rock formation is one of Arizona’s most popular tourist attractions. Only 20 visitor permits are granted each day, so you’ll truly feel like the last person on Earth (or the first on another planet) if you win an entry.
- Horseshoe Bend, Page
Daniel Knieper/Flickr Once a hidden gem, this unique natural wonder resembling its namesake has recently seen a rapid increase in visitor traffic. A lookout area can be accessed via a 1.5-mile round trip hike, so minimal effort is required to experience this breathtaking place. This is one of those stops on this Arizona natural wonders road trip that you will truly never forget.
- Antelope Canyon, Page
Bruce Bullard/Flickr Eons of erosion formed this mystical slot canyon, smoothing the hard rock into flowing pieces of art. As it is located on Navajo land, public access to the canyon has only been allowed since 1997, and accessing it requires accompaniment by a tour guide. (For more information about tours, visit the Antelope Canyon website.)
- Grand Canyon National Park
Anna Fox/Flickr Need we say more? The right words to describe this bucket list destination do not even exist. Not only is the Grand Canyon one of Arizona’s seven wonders, but it also tops lists of must-visit locales encompassing the entire world.
- Havasu Falls, Supai
Cody Wellons/Flickr A high concentration of calcium carbonate creates the striking blue-green water that Havasu Falls is famous for, but it really must be seen to be believed. Photos simply don’t do it justice. There’s a campground located nearby, but you’ll need to reserve a permit ahead of time to visit the falls due to their location within Havasupai tribal lands.
- Hoover Dam
John Hyun/Flickr Straddling the Arizona-Nevada border, Hoover Dam was constructed during the Great Depression by thousands of workers. It impounds Lake Mead, the largest reservoir in the United States, and millions of people bask in its glory each year.
Who are you bringing on this road trip? What other natural wonders would you add? Let us know in the comments, and don’t forget to share photos from your wondrous adventures in our Arizona Nature Lovers Facebook group! We love to see them.
Google Maps
Click here for a customizable map with addresses and directions.
Rob Pettengill/Flickr
This incredible piece of history was formed over 50,000 years ago when a giant meteorite crashed into the Arizona desert at unimaginable speeds. It’s a designated National Natural Landmark, and is said to be the best-preserved meteor crater on Earth.
Michael Wilson/Flickr
With an almost otherworldly appearance, this undulating sandstone rock formation is one of Arizona’s most popular tourist attractions. Only 20 visitor permits are granted each day, so you’ll truly feel like the last person on Earth (or the first on another planet) if you win an entry.
Daniel Knieper/Flickr
Once a hidden gem, this unique natural wonder resembling its namesake has recently seen a rapid increase in visitor traffic. A lookout area can be accessed via a 1.5-mile round trip hike, so minimal effort is required to experience this breathtaking place. This is one of those stops on this Arizona natural wonders road trip that you will truly never forget.
Bruce Bullard/Flickr
Eons of erosion formed this mystical slot canyon, smoothing the hard rock into flowing pieces of art. As it is located on Navajo land, public access to the canyon has only been allowed since 1997, and accessing it requires accompaniment by a tour guide. (For more information about tours, visit the Antelope Canyon website.)
Anna Fox/Flickr
Need we say more? The right words to describe this bucket list destination do not even exist. Not only is the Grand Canyon one of Arizona’s seven wonders, but it also tops lists of must-visit locales encompassing the entire world.
Cody Wellons/Flickr
A high concentration of calcium carbonate creates the striking blue-green water that Havasu Falls is famous for, but it really must be seen to be believed. Photos simply don’t do it justice. There’s a campground located nearby, but you’ll need to reserve a permit ahead of time to visit the falls due to their location within Havasupai tribal lands.
John Hyun/Flickr
Straddling the Arizona-Nevada border, Hoover Dam was constructed during the Great Depression by thousands of workers. It impounds Lake Mead, the largest reservoir in the United States, and millions of people bask in its glory each year.
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Address: Meteor Crater Natural Landmark, Interstate 40, Exit, 233, Winslow, AZ 86047, USAAddress: The Wave Trail, Kanab, AZ 84741, USAAddress: Horseshoe Bend, Arizona 86040, USAAddress: Antelope Canyon, Arizona 86040, USAAddress: Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona, USAAddress: Havasu Falls, Arizona 86435, USAAddress: Hoover Dam, Boulder City, NV 89005, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Arizona Natural Wonders Road Trip March 29, 2021 Tori Jane What are some of the most scenic places in Arizona? Arizona is a state that’s chock-full of ridiculously scenic landscapes and views. It’s hard to narrow it down to just a few scenic places, but some of our favorites include the incredible Oak Creek Canyon, between Flagstaff and Sedona, which includes the amazing Slide Rock State Park, and all the incredible red-rock views you could ever ask for. Also tucked into Oak Creek Canyon is West Fork Trail, which has been named one of the most beautiful hikes in the country. Of course, the Grand Canyon is no slouch, either, and it’s easily one of the most scenic places in the world. If you’d like some more ideas, check this article out for inspiration. What natural wonders in Arizona should I add to my bucket list? Well, the Grand Canyon is the single most obvious one (seriously, though, you really need to visit it at least once or twice), but you have several other incredible natural wonders throughout the Copper State to choose from. Take a day trip to The Wave, up in the Vermillion Cliffs Wilderness, quite close to the Arizona/Utah border. Another natural wonder well worth your time is Horseshoe Bend, a famed photography spot also in Northern Arizona, up near Page. In the southern part of the state, there’s always Saguaro National Park, an incredible forest of Saguaro cacti, which only grows in the southwest (being parts of southern California, Arizona, and Mexico). What are some fun Arizona road trips? If you’re looking to hit the road either by yourself or with friends, you really can’t go wrong with cruising the Arizona 89-A, either from north to south, or vice versa. It takes you through Prescott, Arizona, and up to the legendary Jerome ghost town. From there, you’ll travel through Cottonwood and Sedona, and the view is amazing. Winding through Sedona, you’ll see their adorable downtown area, and from there, you’ll follow the highway through some of the most scenic landscape in the entire state until you reach Flagstaff. Flagstaff is amazing all on its own, but you can continue on the 89 from there, as well. You could also drive the historic Route 66 segment that runs through the state, too.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Arizona Natural Wonders Road Trip
March 29, 2021
Tori Jane
What are some of the most scenic places in Arizona? Arizona is a state that’s chock-full of ridiculously scenic landscapes and views. It’s hard to narrow it down to just a few scenic places, but some of our favorites include the incredible Oak Creek Canyon, between Flagstaff and Sedona, which includes the amazing Slide Rock State Park, and all the incredible red-rock views you could ever ask for. Also tucked into Oak Creek Canyon is West Fork Trail, which has been named one of the most beautiful hikes in the country. Of course, the Grand Canyon is no slouch, either, and it’s easily one of the most scenic places in the world. If you’d like some more ideas, check this article out for inspiration. What natural wonders in Arizona should I add to my bucket list? Well, the Grand Canyon is the single most obvious one (seriously, though, you really need to visit it at least once or twice), but you have several other incredible natural wonders throughout the Copper State to choose from. Take a day trip to The Wave, up in the Vermillion Cliffs Wilderness, quite close to the Arizona/Utah border. Another natural wonder well worth your time is Horseshoe Bend, a famed photography spot also in Northern Arizona, up near Page. In the southern part of the state, there’s always Saguaro National Park, an incredible forest of Saguaro cacti, which only grows in the southwest (being parts of southern California, Arizona, and Mexico). What are some fun Arizona road trips? If you’re looking to hit the road either by yourself or with friends, you really can’t go wrong with cruising the Arizona 89-A, either from north to south, or vice versa. It takes you through Prescott, Arizona, and up to the legendary Jerome ghost town. From there, you’ll travel through Cottonwood and Sedona, and the view is amazing. Winding through Sedona, you’ll see their adorable downtown area, and from there, you’ll follow the highway through some of the most scenic landscape in the entire state until you reach Flagstaff. Flagstaff is amazing all on its own, but you can continue on the 89 from there, as well. You could also drive the historic Route 66 segment that runs through the state, too.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Arizona is a state that’s chock-full of ridiculously scenic landscapes and views. It’s hard to narrow it down to just a few scenic places, but some of our favorites include the incredible Oak Creek Canyon, between Flagstaff and Sedona, which includes the amazing Slide Rock State Park, and all the incredible red-rock views you could ever ask for. Also tucked into Oak Creek Canyon is West Fork Trail, which has been named one of the most beautiful hikes in the country. Of course, the Grand Canyon is no slouch, either, and it’s easily one of the most scenic places in the world. If you’d like some more ideas, check this article out for inspiration.
What natural wonders in Arizona should I add to my bucket list?
Well, the Grand Canyon is the single most obvious one (seriously, though, you really need to visit it at least once or twice), but you have several other incredible natural wonders throughout the Copper State to choose from. Take a day trip to The Wave, up in the Vermillion Cliffs Wilderness, quite close to the Arizona/Utah border. Another natural wonder well worth your time is Horseshoe Bend, a famed photography spot also in Northern Arizona, up near Page. In the southern part of the state, there’s always Saguaro National Park, an incredible forest of Saguaro cacti, which only grows in the southwest (being parts of southern California, Arizona, and Mexico).
What are some fun Arizona road trips?
If you’re looking to hit the road either by yourself or with friends, you really can’t go wrong with cruising the Arizona 89-A, either from north to south, or vice versa. It takes you through Prescott, Arizona, and up to the legendary Jerome ghost town. From there, you’ll travel through Cottonwood and Sedona, and the view is amazing. Winding through Sedona, you’ll see their adorable downtown area, and from there, you’ll follow the highway through some of the most scenic landscape in the entire state until you reach Flagstaff. Flagstaff is amazing all on its own, but you can continue on the 89 from there, as well. You could also drive the historic Route 66 segment that runs through the state, too.
