What Are The Best National Parks And Monuments In Arizona: An Overview

Feb 13, 2024 By Juliana Daniel

If you are fond of traveling and exploring new places, you must know that Arizona is everyone's dream destination to spend a relaxing vacation there. Arizona is known for its National Parks and monuments, which offer beautiful natural scenery and numerous archeological sites.

Don't worry if you are still confused about what places to visit in Arizona because we have created a travel guide for you here. Vermilion Cliff National Monument, The Saguaro National Park, and Canyon National Park are some of the most beautiful places in Arizona.

Get To Know About The Best National Parks and Monuments in Arizona

National Parks and Monuments are always a great treat to visit when you are on vacation, and when it comes to Arizona has to offer you the best and most beautiful parks and monuments that take away all your stress and worries and take you elsewhere.

While planning a trip, the most difficult decision is which places to visit in that country or city you are going to. Still, we have planned everything for you and shortlisted some of Arizona's most famous, well-known, and delightful places.

So, take a coffee sip and get to know about your travel destination in advance with us:

Vermilion Cliffs National Monument

In the south of the Utah state line is the Vermilion Cliffs National Monument which offers tourists beautiful natural scenery for natural love. The monument was established by Bill Clinton back in 2000.

It is so called because of its beautiful and colorful cliffs. Not only this, but this national monument comprises various prehistoric petroglyphs to grab your attention. The fossils of old Native American pueblos add to the monument's importance.

The Saguaro National Park

Saguaro Park is one of Arizona's most famous parks, presenting the true picture of Southwest America to tourists. It was established by Herbert Hoover in 1933 and is divided into two parts, one on each side of Tucson.

When we talk about the west side of Tucson, there lie the thickest and heaviest stands of Saguaro, while on the east side, there lies the famous Cactus Forest Loop and mountain figures.

If you are wondering when you should visit the Saguaro National Park, late spring to early summer is the best time to visit this place when it is filled with beautiful white waxy flowers and gives you an enchanting view.

Canyon de Chelly National Park

If you want to visit one of the world's most sacred places during your visit to Arizona, Canyon de Chelly National Park must be on your list. The park was established by Puebloans near 2500 B.C.E, and it is so-called because it is a complex of three canyons.

The Canyon del Meurto, Canyon de Chelly, and Monument Canyon comprise 800 plus ancient and historical sites and are considered very sacred by various tribes like the Navajo. You can see it from the rim roads too, but for a greater and deeper view and understanding, you should ride a jeep or do a horseback visit with the guide.

Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park

The Navajo Tribal Park must be on your list because if you are a movie person, you have seen it in many movies, and of course, it is way better in real life. The cinematic view of this park is enough to grab the attention of its tourists.

There still reside the families living for centuries there, but the control is in the hands of the Navajo Nation. To better experience Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, you should consider hiring a jeep or a four-wheeled vehicle and try to experience both the sunset and sunrise at this place that you will never forget in your entire life.

Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument

If you want to experience a climbing volcano, Sunset Crater Volcano Monument would be the best for you. The substantial jet-black lava that flows there is all you need to add to your excitement and joy.

If you want a greater experience of the volcano there, you should start hiking from the Lava Edge Trail and then to the Lava Flow Trail, which joins the volcano base below the fields. Sadly you cannot climb to the Sunset Crater because it was closed back in 1973 for protection purposes.

Wupatki National Monument

Just an hour's drive north of Sedona, Wupatki National Monument is another best place to visit in Arizona. You can see the 900-year-old Wupatki Pueblo and the beautiful construction that is the best of its kind.

If you plan to visit the Wupatki National Monument, don't forget the hiking to Citadel Pueblo to experience the breathtaking view of lava-studded deserts and other ancient ruins. Flagstaff is the nearest city to this monument, so you can visit both places in lesser time.

Chiricahua National Monument

Another tourist spot in Arizona is Chiricahua National Monument which offers tourists beautiful and captivating landscapes. It was once known as The Land of Standing Up Rocks because of the attractive stone spires and balanced rocks.

The prominent features of this monument include pinnacles, natural bridges, and remarkable hoodoos shaped naturally by the wind and rain million years ago. The Chiricahua Monument attracted many photographers and hikers for its ultimate experience.

Conclusion

If you want to spend some days far from home, near nature, to relax your mind and hear, Arizona is the best place for your vacation as it is fully packed with attractive tourist sites like its famous National Monuments and Parks.

The spectacular and remarkable sites are the places you will never feel sorry visiting, and you will cherish the experience forever. Wupatki, Chiricahua, Canyon, and Saguaro are some of Arizona's best national parks and Monuments.

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