Article Summary: National Parks in Arizona, Arizona National Parks
Did you know that Arizona is one of the most diverse states in the country? There are 22 national parks in Arizona showcasing the best the state has to offer. And not just one kind of park, but all kinds: from national monuments to national historic sites to national parks. There’s something for everyone in this incredible place.
You can start with one park or go on an ambitious journey through them all. Either way, you won’t be disappointed by the stunning scenery and wildlife waiting for you in the amazing national parks in Arizona.
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Table of Contents
Map of National Parks in Arizona
Complete List of ALL 22 National Parks in Arizona
Here’s a quick checklist of the Arizona national parks. For more details about each, please keep reading.
- Canyon de Chelly National Monument
- Casa Grande Ruins National Monument
- Chiricahua National Monument
- Coronado National Memorial
- Fort Bowie National Historic Site
- Glen Canyon National Recreation Area
- Grand Canyon National Park
- Hohokam Pima National Monument
- Hubbell Trading Post National Historic Site
- Lake Mead National Recreation Area
- Montezuma Castle National Monument
- Navajo National Monument
- Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument
- Petrified Forest National Park
- Pipe Spring National Monument
- Saguaro National Park
- Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument
- Tonto National Monument
- Tumacácori National Historical Park
- Tuzigoot National Monument
- Walnut Canyon National Monument
- Wupatki National Monument
Canyon de Chelly National Monument
Many visitors to Canyon de Chelly (pronounced ‘shea’) are surprised by the beauty of natural rock bridges, cliffs, and canyons. This monument covers Navajo land where ancient ruins still exist today.
It is possible for people to hike into the canyon but caution should be taken due to its fragility. Visitors have the option of exploring viewpoints on top of cliff walls as well. This makes it easier to get a closer look at what lies below without having to traverse deeper inside the canyon.
If you’re interested in learning more about the history of Canyon de Chelly National Monument, check out the ranger-led programs. You can choose from a guided tour or an informative walk around this majestic site.
No matter which option you pick, it’s sure to be interesting! If you have any questions about what activities they offer or if you’d like to sign up for our hike beforehand, feel free to contact park rangers ahead of time.
How to Get There: Click here
Map: Click here
Things to Do: Camping, backpacking, scenic drives, guided tours
Park Entrance Fee: None, but other fees may apply
Where to Stay: Holiday Inn, Best Western, Thunderbird Lodge
Official Website: Click here
Speak to a Park Ranger: (928) 674-5500
Casa Grande Ruins National Monument
The ancient ruins of Casa Grande Ruins National Monument date back five centuries, and visitors can explore the remains in this half-hour drive from Phoenix.
The park’s many hiking trails lead to a variety of different structures located here, including dwellings made with mud bricks that take on an impressive scale when seen up close.
How to Get There: Click here
Map: Click here
Things to Do: Guided tours, picnics, museum, self-guided tours
Park Entrance Fee: None
Where to Stay: Motel 6, Hotel Eloy, Happy Inn
Official Website: Click here
Speak to a Park Ranger: (520) 723-3172
Chiricahua National Monument
My favorite national monument with the most unique landscape is Chiricahua National Monument in southern Arizona. It’s my choice for a future candidate to be designated a National Park one day.
If you’re hiking through this canyon, it feels like no other experience! There is also an 8-mile long scenic drive if that appeals to you. You can also visit Faraway Ranch to learn about past residents in the area.
Hike more than 5 miles through this maze of rock spires and you’ll earn a commemorative pin!
How to Get There: Click here
Map: Click here
Things to Do: Camping, hiking, horseback riding, guided tours
Park Entrance Fee: None
Where to Stay: Comfort Inn, Motel 6, Quality Inn
Official Website: Click here
Speak to a Park Ranger: (520) 824-3560
Coronado National Memorial
Coronado National Monument is a monument along the border of Arizona and Mexico. The site focuses on commemorating the life of Francisco Vasquez de Coronado, who was a Spanish explorer.
In addition to Coronado, the monument also tells the tale of 339 Spanish explorers and hundreds of Aztec allies. The visitor center includes exhibits and movies for visitors to enjoy.
How to Get There: Click here
Map: Click here
Things to Do: Caving, hiking, birdwatching, picnicking, scenic drives, guided tours
Park Entrance Fee: None
Where to Stay: Holiday Inn, Magnuson Hotel, Hampton Inn, Windemere Hotel
Official Website: Click here
Speak to a Park Ranger: (520) 366-5515
Fort Bowie National Historic Site
Fort Bowie National Historic Site is a historic fort located in Apache County, Arizona. It was built to protect settlers from raids by the Chiricahua Apache warriors and other tribes.
The site includes exhibits that showcase the history of Fort Bowie and its role in protecting settlers from raiding Apaches who would steal food, livestock, and supplies for their own use.
It also features a short film about life at Fort Bowie during this time period.
Additionally, visitors can explore an old adobe house replica from 1859 complete with furnishings.
How to Get There: click here
Map: click here
Things to Do: Hiking, ranger programs, guided tours
Park Entrance Fee: None
Where to Stay: OYO Hotel Rose’s, Days Inn, Motel 8, Super 8, Arizona Sunset Inn, SureStay Plus Hotel
Official Website: click here
Speak to a Park Ranger: (520) 847-2500
Glen Canyon National Recreation Area
Glen Canyon is a place of incredible beauty. This canyon runs along the border of northern Arizona and southern Utah. It’s also home to Lake Powell, which was created by the Glen Canyon Dam.
This unique site gives visitors an opportunity to engage in a variety of different activities all throughout the year. Whether you’re interested in boating, camping, or hiking through canyons – this place is worth exploring!
How to Get There: Glen Canyon is huge, so click here to see which part of the park you want to visit.
Map: Click here for National Park Service maps.
Things to Do: boating, fishing, hiking, kayaking, swimming, cycling, off-roading, scenic drives, ranger-led programs, tours
Park Entrance Fee: $30 per vehicle or $15 per individual, valid for 7 days
Where to Stay: Bear’s Den B&B, Hampton Inn, Courtyard, Wingate
Official Website: click here
Speak to a Park Ranger: Call (928) 608-6200
Grand Canyon National Park
The Grand Canyon is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Located in northern Arizona, it’s a truly incredible sight to see. It’s likely the most famous of all the national parks in Arizona.
There are a wide variety of activities for visitors during different months of the year. Spring and fall are great times for sightseeing, but winter and summer bring out different activities.
In spring, you can enjoy hiking or simply admire the scenery before the snow melts and more people arrive to enjoy the area.
The snow makes for great skiing and snowboarding opportunities in winter. The Grand Canyon is also a popular destination for rafting trips during this time. While the water levels are high, rafters can enjoy lazy floats down the Colorado River.
In summer, hiking trails offer incredible views from above as you make your way to the canyon floor. You can also take a helicopter ride for an aerial view of the area or visit Plateau Point for a bird’s eye view of the canyon and Colorado River 1,000 feet below!
Grand Canyon National Park is also home to Hermit Road, which offers a unique experience for visitors. Along this road are several trails that lead to overlooks of the canyon which are great for sunset.
It’s possible to take a guided tour on foot or by mule if you prefer more of an adventure during your visit here. The Hermit Trail is the most challenging hike and offers some of the best views in the park.
How to Get There: click here
Map: click here
Things to Do: Hiking, ranger programs, bicycling, backpacking, rafting, paddling, camping
Park Entrance Fee: $35 per vehicle, $30 per motorcycle, or $20 per individual, valid for 7 days
Where to Stay: Grand Canyon Plaza Hotel, The Grand Hotel, Holiday Inn Express, Best Western
Official Website: click here
Speak to a Park Ranger: (928) 638-7888
Grand Canyon National Park Phone Case
Grand Canyon National Park Pennant
Fodor’s Guide to the 63 National Parks
Grand Canyon National Park Puffy Blanket
Women’s National Parks Checklist T-Shirt
Women’s National Parks Checklist T-Shirt
Map of National Parks T-Shirt
Grand Canyon National Park Hat
Grand Canyon National Park Hat
Grand Canyon National Park Sticker
Grand Canyon National Park Pin
Grand Canyon National Park Patch
63 National Parks Water Bottle
Grand Canyon Ornament
Grand Canyon National Park Sticker
Grand Canyon National Park Candle
Grand Canyon Scrapbooking Kit
Grand Canyon Cross Stitch Kit
Grand Canyon National Park Poster Puzzle
Grand Canyon National Park Map
Hohokam Pima National Monument
The Hohokam Pima National Monument is a national park that tells the story of the Hohokam people. The monument includes remains from an ancient civilization that spanned more than 1,000 years and covered what is now much of southern Arizona.
This is the only national park site in America that is closed to the public. This is at the request of the local tribal members. To learn more about the area and culture, visitors are encouraged to visit the Arizona State Museum.
Learn more about the Hohokam people: click here
Hubbell Trading Post National Monument
Hubbell Trading Post National Monument is a unique historic site that features the only trading post of its kind in the United States.
The trading post was originally built by John Lorenzo Hubbell, who opened it in 1878 on Navajo land near Kayenta, Arizona. He also served as an agent for the U.S. government and had permission to trade with Native Americans at his store.
This national monument includes exhibits about this fascinating period of history which shed light on treaties between tribes and how they were broken over time. There’s also a traditional Navajo hogan which you can explore while learning more about this interesting culture!
Additionally, visitors can enjoy watching demonstrations of weaving or even try their hand at running a loom themselves! There are also guided tours of the trading post so you can get a more in-depth look at this important site.
How to Get There: click here
Map: click here
Things to Do: Visitor center, ranger programs, guided tours
Park Entrance Fee: None
Where to Stay: Holiday Inn, Best Western, Thunderbird Lodge
Official Website: click here
Speak to a Park Ranger: (928) 755-3475
Lake Mead National Recreation Area
Lake Mead National Recreation Area is one of the most popular national parks in Arizona. It’s also the oldest national recreation area in the country.
Spanning over 1.5 million acres and surrounding two lakes, the park also includes nine wilderness areas near Las Vegas that are all accessible by car. It offers some incredible recreation opportunities for people who love water activities, including fishing, boating, and swimming.
There are several marinas around the lake where you can rent boats or even stay for the night. If you love to hike, there are also some trails that lead to amazing views of the lake.
How to Get There: Use the address 10 Lakeshore Rd, Boulder City, NV 89005
Map: Click here for directions and here for National Park Service maps.
Things to Do: Backpacking, boating, bicycling, hunting, swimming, guided tours, paddling, photography, diving, hiking
Park Entrance Fee: $25 per vehicle or $15 per person, valid for 7 days
Where to Stay: Hoover Dam Lodge, Milos Inn, Boulder Dam Hotel
Official Website: Click here
Speak to a Park Ranger: (702) 293-8990
Montezuma Castle National Monument
Montezuma Castle National Monument is an archeological site that includes an ancient building known as Montezuma Castle. The castle was built by the Sinagua people who lived in what is now Arizona, Colorado, and New Mexico.
This interesting site offers visitors plenty to enjoy even if they’re not interested in its history, which you can learn more about on guided tours of the area. It’s one of the oldest national monuments in the country with a small trail leading to the famous cliff dwellings.
How to Get There: click here
Map: click here
Things to Do: Hike, guided tours, junior ranger program
Park Entrance Fee: None
Where to Stay: Copper Canyon Inn, Days Inn, Comfort Inn, Cliff Castle Casino, Fort Verde Suites
Official Website: click here
Speak to a Park Ranger: (928) 567-3322
Navajo National Monument
Navajo National Monument is an area of the Navajo Nation that encompasses 1.8 million acres. It’s located near the Four Corners area of Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, and Utah.
The site features some incredible scenery including canyons, buttes, mesas, and cliffs. Visitors can enjoy diverse landscapes as they explore this national monument which also includes archaeological sites.
There are also guided tours available so you can learn more about the land’s history as well as the Navajo people who have inhabited it for centuries.
How to Get There: click here
Map: click here
Things to Do: Hiking, guided tours
Park Entrance Fee: None
Where to Stay: Kayenta Monument Valley Inn, Wetherill Inn
Official Website: click here
Speak to a Park Ranger: (928) 672-2700
Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument
Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument is located in southern Arizona on the border with Mexico.
The desert landscape of this national monument offers visitors amazing opportunities to explore. You can hike, camp, or even just take in the scenery from the visitor center.
This area is known for its diversity of plant and animal life. If you love seeing amazing wildlife up close, there are also several tours available.
How to Get There: click here
Map: click here
Things to Do: Horseback riding, hiking, ranger programs, camping, scenic drives, bicycling (read our article for more things to do in Organ Pipe Cactus)
Park Entrance Fee: None
Where to Stay: Best Western Space Age Lodge, Palms Inn, Americas Choice Inn Suites, Gila Bend Lodge
Official Website: click here
Speak to a Park Ranger: (520) 387-6849
Petrified Forest National Park
Petrified Forest National Park is truly one of the most unique national parks in Arizona all of America.
Once home to giant sequoias, this area now features petrified wood that has been naturally preserved over time. You can even go on a fossil hunt in this desert!
The petrified wood is the main attraction at this national park, but there are also some incredible landscapes to take in as well. Blue Mesa is one of my favorite places to explore.
When you visit, you’ll feel like you’re exploring an area that time forgot.
How to Get There: click here
Map: click here
Things to Do: Hiking, backpacking, horseback riding, geocaching, guided tours
Park Entrance Fee: None
Where to Stay: Days Inn, Travelodge, Best Western, Baymont Inn & Suites, Howard Johnson
Official Website: click here
Speak to a Park Ranger: (928) 524-6228
Fodor’s Guide to the 63 National Parks
Women’s National Parks Checklist T-Shirt
Women’s National Parks Checklist T-Shirt
Map of National Parks T-Shirt
Petrified Forest National Park Sticker
Pipe Spring National Monument
Pipe Spring National Monument is an area of land that was granted to the Latter-Day Saints church by President Buchanan. Not only did the church build a school on the site, but they also used it to grow crops.
The area includes one of two working springs in all of Arizona. Visitors enjoy picnicking, hiking, and exploring the various other trails in this national monument which are surrounded by desert plants!
How to Get There: click here
Map: click here
Things to Do: Visitor center, museum, guided tours, ranger programs
Park Entrance Fee: None
Where to Stay: Grand Canyon Cabins
Official Website: click here
Speak to a Park Ranger: (928) 643-7105
Saguaro National Park
Saguaro National Park is appropriately named after the iconic cactus that can be found all over the park. The park is located just outside of Tucson and includes more than 1.4 million acres of land.
This national park is home to several beautiful landscapes including grasslands, mountains, dense forests, and even desert areas. Visitors love exploring this amazing national park with its diverse scenery. You’ll also find plenty of Saguaro trails to explore as well!
How to Get There: click here
Map: click here
Things to Do: Hiking, camping, ranger programs
Park Entrance Fee: $25 for vehicles, $20 for motorcycles, and $15 for individuals (valid for 7 days)
Where to Stay: Ventana del Sol, Hampton Inn, Holiday Inn Express, Comfort Inn
Official Website: click here
Speak to a Park Ranger: (520) 733-5153
Saguaro National Park Map
Saguaro National Park Pennant
Fodor’s Guide to the 63 National Parks
Women’s National Parks Checklist T-Shirt
Women’s National Parks Checklist T-Shirt
Map of National Parks T-Shirt
Saguaro National Park Sticker
Saguaro National Park Patch
Saguaro National Park Earrings
63 National Parks Water Bottle
Saguaro Ornament
Saguaro National Park Sticker
Saguaro National Park Cross Stitch Kit
Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument
Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument is located near Flagstaff, Arizona. It includes an area of land that was once home to a cinder cone volcano that erupted approximately 900 years ago.
There are many fascinating features of this national monument including lava flows and cinder cones. Visitors can enjoy various tours so they can learn more about the volcano as well as other interesting aspects of this Arizona national park.
How to Get There: click here
Map: click here
Things to Do: Hiking, ranger programs, stargazing
Park Entrance Fee: $25 for vehicles, $20 for motorcycles, and $15 for individuals (valid for 7 days)
Where to Stay: The Mountain Star, Ramada, Comfort Inn, The L Motel, GreenTree Inn, Embassy Suites
Official Website: click here
Speak to a Park Ranger: (928) 526-0502 x0
Tonto National Monument
Tonto National Monument is an area of land that offers visitors fantastic opportunities to explore the Sonoran Desert. The monument includes more than 1 million acres of land and grants visitors access to some stunning landscapes including saguaro cacti, native plants, and beautiful wilderness areas.
The monument also features archaeological sites which you can learn about on guided tours. Visitors can enjoy camping, bird watching, or just exploring various other trails in this national monument.
How to Get There: click here
Map: click here
Things to Do: Museum, cliff dwellings, hiking
Park Entrance Fee: $10 per person (valid for 7 days)
Where to Stay: Roosevelt Resort Park
Official Website: click here
Speak to a Park Ranger: (928) 467-2241
Tumacácori National Historical Park
Tumacácori National Historical Park is located in southern Arizona and was originally established to protect the historic mission church that still stands today.
The Catholic church built the mission in 1691 and it is now a religious, cultural, and educational landmark. Visitors enjoy exploring the grounds and learning more about this incredible place which is home to several blends of cultures!
How to Get There: click here
Map: click here
Things to Do: Self-guided tours, hiking, guided tours, museum, visitor center, special events
Park Entrance Fee: $10 per person (valid for 7 days)
Where to Stay: Vagabond Inn, Comfort Inn, Canoa Ranch Resort, Best Western
Official Website: click here
Speak to a Park Ranger: (520) 377-5060
Tuzigoot National Monument
Tuzigoot National Monument is an area of land that was originally home to a Hohokam settlement that dates back to the 1400s. Visitors to this national monument can explore ruins, take guided tours, and learn about the culture of these ancient people.
How to Get There: click here
Map: click here
Things to Do: Museum, hiking
Park Entrance Fee: None
Where to Stay: Copper Canyon Inn, Days Inn, Comfort Inn, Cliff Castle Casino, Fort Verde Suites
Official Website: click here
Speak to a Park Ranger: (928) 634-5564
Walnut Canyon National Monument
Walnut Canyon National Monument is a fantastic location for anyone who enjoys hiking, exploring nature, and learning some history.
This national monument offers visitors a pretty good idea of what the area was like when it was home to the Sinagua people.
When you visit this national monument, you’ll be able to explore petroglyphs and ruins which date back to around 1,100 years ago.
How to Get There: click here
Map: click here
Things to Do: Hiking, ranger programs, special events
Park Entrance Fee: $15 per person (valid for 7 days)
Where to Stay: The Mountain Star, Ramada, Comfort Inn, The L Motel, GreenTree Inn, Embassy Suites to Stay:
Official Website: click here
Speak to a Park Ranger: (928) 526-3367
Wupatki National Monument
Wupatki National Monument is the site of an ancient Pueblo village that includes more than 600 structures. This national monument is located in northeastern Arizona and includes more than 18,000 acres of land.
Visitors love exploring this national monument with its fascinating blend of early cultures living in harmony as well as its diverse landscapes including mountains and rivers.
How to Get There: click here
Map: click here
Things to Do: Hikes, guided tours, ranger programs, special events
Park Entrance Fee: $25 for vehicles, $20 for motorcycles, and $15 for individuals (valid for 7 days)
Where to Stay: The Mountain Star, Ramada, Comfort Inn, The L Motel, GreenTree Inn, Embassy Suites to Stay:
Official Website: click here
Speak to a Park Ranger: (928) 679-2365 or (928) 856-1705
Pin the National Parks in Arizona
I hope this post has given you some insight into the national parks in Arizona. Leave a comment below if you have any questions about these parks or want to share your favorite places to go.
