With the weather cooling off, it’s the perfect time to get out of the house and explore the great outdoors. But there are so many great places to check out in Arizona, which means it can be hard to choose what to do. If you’re looking to explore some of the amazing things to offer throughout the state, then check out some of the national monuments. There are plenty to choose from and are the perfect way to spend the weekend. We’ve made a shortlist of some of our favorites that you don’t want to miss out on visiting.
As always, be sure to check out the weather forecast and the local mandates before heading out.
1) Wupatki National Monument
This stunning landscape nestled between the Painted Desert and ponderosa highlands is a stop you won’t want to miss out on. Here, where food and water seem scarce, people built a thriving community and you can still see some of the ancient pueblos.
- Address:
- 25137 N. Sunset Crater-Wupatki Loop Rd., Flagstaff, AZ 86004
- When to go:
- Year round
- Hours:
- Wupatki Visitor Center: 9 am to 4.30 pm
- How much does it cost:
- Private vehicle: $25
- Bicyclist/Pedestrian: $15
- Motorcycle: $20
- Website:
2) Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument
The International Biosphere Reserve of Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument is a thriving community of plants and animals. Whether you’re looking for a day of hiking or choose to stay overnight, you won’t be disappointed by the spectacular beauty of the desert.
- Address:
- 10 Organ Pipe Drive, Ajo, AZ 85321
- When to go:
- Year round
- Hours:
- Park: Open 24 hours a day
- Kris Eggle Visitor Center: daily from 9 am to 5 pm
- How much does it cost:
- Vehicles: $25
- Motorcycle: $20
- Individuals: $15
- Website:
3) Casa Grande Ruins National Monument
Come explore a complex and extended network of communities at Casa Grande Ruins. This one square mile park is where you’ll find the preserved Ancestral Sonoran Desert People’s farming community. When you visit, be sure to check out the visitor center museum and bookstore before you head out to explore the beauty the park has to offer.
- Address:
- 1100 W. Ruins Drive, Coolidge, AZ 85128
- When to go:
- Year round
- Hours:
- Visitor Center: Tuesday through Saturday 9 am to 4 pm
- How much does it cost:
- Free
- Website:
4) Navajo National Monument
Located within the Navajo Nation, you’ll find the Navajo National Monument in Northeastern Arizona. With the springs on the canyon floor for the farming land and the homes built in the sandstone alcoves, these canyons have been home to people for centuries. Be sure to check out all three self-guided trails to the overlooks of the different cliff dwellings.
- Address:
- End of AZ Highway 564, Shonto, AZ 86054
- When to go:
- Year round
- Hours:
- Navajo National Monument Visitor Center: 8 am to 5.30 pm
- How much does it cost:
- Free
- Website:
5) Walnut Canyon National Monument
If you’re looking to see some extraordinary geological formations, then this is the place to visit. But not only will you find amazing curved canyon walls, there are also former homes of those living here in the past. Take a stroll along the trails to see what life within Walnut Canyon might have been like.
- Address:
- 3 Walnut Canyon Road, Flagstaff, AZ 86004
- When to go:
- Year round
- Hours:
- Walnut Canyon Visitor Center: 9 am to 4.30 pm
- How much does it cost:
- Individuals: $15
- Under age 15: Free
- Website:
6) Canyon de Chelly National Monument
The Canyon de Chelly is a stunning place to visit, where you can see the stories of those who’ve lived here before. Be sure to check out the scenic drives that take you to the overlooks and provide amazing views of the canyon below.
- Address:
- Indn Rte 7, Chinle, AZ 86503
- When to go:
- Year round
- Hours:
- Welcome Center: 8.30 am to 4.30 pm
- How much does it cost:
- Free
- Website:
While there are several more national monuments and parks that you could check out, these are some of our favorites. Let us know in the comments if we mentioned your favorites. And if not, tell us where you like to visit the most.
If you’re considering a move to the amazing state of Arizona, head on over to our site to find your next home. And if you’re looking for some inspiration on how to decorate your next Arizona apartment, be sure to check out our post on tips to do just that.