Arizona’s National Parks & Monuments
Arizona Travel Guide brings you a list of Arizona’s 3 National Parks and 13 National Monuments, with descriptions and contact details to help you plan a visit.
Arizona is home to some of the most stunning and diverse national parks in the United States. From the mind-blowing Grand Canyon to the lesser-known but equally interesting parks, Arizona’s natural landscapes offer breathtaking vistas, unique geological formations, and rich cultural history. Below is a short overview of each of Arizona’s national parks, along with their official websites for further exploration.
1. Grand Canyon National Park
The Grand Canyon is one of the most famous natural wonders in the world, attracting 5-6 million visitors each year. Carved by the Colorado River over millions of years, the canyon stretches 277 miles long, up to 18 miles wide, and over a mile deep. Its layered bands of red rock reveal millions of years of geological history.
Visitors can enjoy hiking, rafting, and scenic viewpoints like Mather Point and Yavapai Observation Station. The South Rim is the most accessible and popular area, while the North Rim offers a more remote experience.
Website: nps.gov/grca
2. Petrified Forest National Park
Photo (c) Mike Gerrard
Located in northeastern Arizona, a 20-minute drive from Holbrook, Petrified Forest National Park is renowned for its vast deposits of petrified wood, which date back over 200 million years. The park also features colorful badlands, ancient petroglyphs, and the remnants of a prehistoric forest. The Painted Desert, with its vibrant hues of red, orange, and purple, is a highlight of the park.
Visitors can explore trails like the Blue Mesa Trail or drive along the 28-mile scenic road to take in the park’s unique landscapes.
Website: nps.gov/pefo
3. Saguaro National Park
Saguaro National Park, located near Tucson, is divided into two districts—the Tucson Mountain District (west) and the Rincon Mountain District (east). The park is named after the giant saguaro cactus, an iconic symbol of the American Southwest. These towering cacti can live for over 150 years and grow up to 60 feet tall.
The park offers hiking trails, scenic drives, and opportunities to spot wildlife such as roadrunners, Gila monsters, and desert tortoises. The park is especially beautiful during the spring wildflower bloom.
Website: nps.gov/sagu
4. Canyon de Chelly National Monument
While technically a national monument, Canyon de Chelly is managed by the National Park Service and is a must-visit destination in northeastern Arizona. It’s a 3-hour drive northeast of Flagstaff, heading for the Four Corners.
The park is unique in that it is entirely located on Navajo tribal land and is home to a thriving Navajo community. The canyon features towering sandstone cliffs, ancient Ancestral Puebloan ruins, and stunning rock formations like Spider Rock. Visitors can explore the canyon on guided tours led by Navajo guides or drive along the rim for panoramic views.
Website: nps.gov/cach
5. Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument
Located along the U.S.-Mexico border, 130 miles east of Tucson, Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve known for its namesake organ pipe cacti, which are rare in the United States. The park’s rugged desert landscape includes volcanic hills, expansive valleys, and diverse plant and animal life.
Popular activities include scenic drives like the Ajo Mountain Drive, hiking, and stargazing. The park is also rich in cultural history, with evidence of human habitation dating back thousands of years.
Website: nps.gov/orpi
6. Montezuma Castle National Monument
Montezuma Castle, located near Camp Verde and fifty miles south of Flagstaff, is one of the best-preserved cliff dwellings in North America. Built by the Sinagua people over 600 years ago, the five-story structure is nestled into a limestone cliff and offers a glimpse into the lives of the ancient inhabitants.
The nearby Montezuma Well, a natural limestone sinkhole, is also part of the monument and features additional ruins and a unique ecosystem. The site is easily accessible and includes a short trail with interpretive signs.
Website: nps.gov/moca
7. Tuzigoot National Monument
Tuzigoot National Monument, located near Clarkdale and twenty miles southwest of Sedona, preserves the ruins of a Sinagua pueblo that was inhabited between 1125 and 1400 CE. The pueblo, which sits atop a hill, offers stunning views of the Verde Valley and the surrounding mountains.
Visitors can explore the reconstructed rooms and learn about the Sinagua culture through exhibits at the visitor center. The site also features a short trail that winds through the ruins and the surrounding desert landscape.
Website: nps.gov/tuzi
8. Walnut Canyon National Monument
Photo (c) Mike Gerrard
Walnut Canyon, located nine miles east of Flagstaff, is home to the ruins of Sinagua cliff dwellings built into the canyon walls. The park’s Island Trail takes visitors down into the canyon, where they can explore the ancient dwellings up close. The Rim Trail offers panoramic views of the canyon and the surrounding forest. The park’s unique geology and lush vegetation make it a haven for wildlife and a beautiful place to hike and learn about the region’s history.
Website: nps.gov/waca
9. Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument
Photo (c) Mike Gerrard
Sunset Crater Volcano, a half-hour drive north of Flagstaff, is the result of a volcanic eruption that occurred around 1085 CE. The monument features a cinder cone volcano, lava flows, and a rugged landscape of volcanic rock.
Visitors can hike the Lava Flow Trail, which offers close-up views of the lava fields and the volcano. The park also provides opportunities for birdwatching and exploring the unique flora that has adapted to the volcanic environment.
Website: nps.gov/sucr
10. Wupatki National Monument
Photo (c) Mike Gerrard
Wupatki National Monument, located thirty miles north of Flagstaff, preserves the ruins of several ancient Puebloan villages. The largest and most well-known is the Wupatki Pueblo, which was once a thriving community with over 100 rooms. The monument also features a ballcourt and a natural blowhole, which is a unique geological feature. Visitors can explore the ruins and learn about the lives of the people who lived here over 800 years ago.
Website: nps.gov/wupa
11. Casa Grande Ruins National Monument
Casa Grande Ruins, located in Coolidge and roughly midway between Phoenix and Tucson, is home to the remains of a massive ancient structure built by the Hohokam people around 1350 CE. The four-story building, known as the “Great House,” is one of the largest prehistoric structures in North America.
The monument also includes the remains of a walled compound and other structures. Visitors can explore the ruins and learn about the Hohokam culture through exhibits at the visitor center.
Website: nps.gov/cagr
12. Chiricahua National Monument
Chiricahua National Monument, located in southeastern Arizona about an hour’s drive north of Douglas, is known for its unique rock formations, including balanced rocks, spires, and pinnacles. The park’s landscape was shaped by volcanic activity millions of years ago.
Popular activities include hiking the Echo Canyon Trail, driving the scenic Bonita Canyon Drive, and birdwatching. The park is also home to a diverse array of plant and animal life, including rare species like the Chiricahua leopard frog.
Website: nps.gov/chir
13. Navajo National Monument
Photo (c) Mike Gerrard
Navajo National Monument, located in northern Arizona about 140 miles northeast of Flagstaff, conserves three well-preserved Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings: Betatakin, Keet Seel, and Inscription House. The monument is located on the Navajo Nation and offers stunning views of the surrounding canyons and mesas.
Visitors can take guided tours to Betatakin and Keet Seel, or explore the Sandal Trail, which offers views of Betatakin from a distance. The park also features a visitor center with exhibits on the Ancestral Puebloan culture.
Website: nps.gov/nava
14. Pipe Spring National Monument
Pipe Spring National Monument, located in northern Arizona near the Utah border 200 miles northwest of Flagstaff, is a historic site that tells the story of the Kaibab Paiute people, Mormon settlers, and the American West. The monument features a historic fort, a spring-fed pond, and a museum with exhibits on the region’s history. Visitors can take guided tours of the fort and explore the surrounding desert landscape.
Website: nps.gov/pisp
15. Tonto National Monument
Tonto National Monument, located in the Tonto Basin of central Arizona and a two-hour drive east from Phoenix, conserves two well-preserved cliff dwellings built by the Salado people around 700 years ago. The Lower Cliff Dwelling is easily accessible via a short trail, while the Upper Cliff Dwelling requires a more strenuous hike.
The dwellings offer a fascinating glimpse into the lives of the Salado, who thrived in the region by farming and trading. The monument also features a visitor center with exhibits on Salado culture and the surrounding Sonoran Desert ecosystem.
Website: nps.gov/tont
16. Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument
Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument is located in northwestern Arizona in a remote and rugged landscape that encompasses the northern rim of the Grand Canyon. It’s a five-hour drive east of Las Vegas and eight hours west from Grand Canyon Village. The monument is co-managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the National Park Service.
It features dramatic canyons, volcanic cinder cones, and expansive desert vistas. Due to its remote location, the monument is largely undeveloped, offering opportunities for solitude and adventure. Activities include hiking, camping, and stargazing. The monument is accessible only by high-clearance or four-wheel-drive vehicles, making it a destination for experienced outdoor enthusiasts.
Website: nps.gov/para
And there you have it. Arizona has three national parks and thirteen national monuments. Together they offer a wealth of natural beauty, cultural history, and outdoor adventure. Whether you’re marveling at the grandeur of the Grand Canyon, exploring ancient ruins, or hiking through unique desert landscapes, these parks provide unforgettable experiences for visitors of all ages. \
Be sure to check the official websites for the latest information on park hours, fees, and activities. Some of the parks and monuments may well be closed during winter – yes, some parts of Arizona do have harsh winters, especially at higher elevations.
All photos courtesy of the National Park Service, unless otherwise indicated.
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