Natural Beauty

Parks & Monuments

From cactus to canyons, pine forests to sky islands, Arizona's parks and monuments feature a wide array of scenery, history and activities for all ages.

Hit the Road. Count the Parks.

A recreationist's paradise, Arizona has parks galore, from iconic cacti-studded landscapes to sandstone canyon walls, thick pine-tree forests to the Sky Islands of southern Arizona. No matter the landscape you want to explore, there is an adventure awaiting you at one of our parks. Explore now with the Arizona Parks Passport and interactive map.

When you visit and check-in, you're automatically entered to win an amazing prize from the Arizona Office of Tourism. Every check-in counts as an entry, so the more parks you explore the better your opportunity to win the exclusive prize that includes:

  • A $1,000 Cruise America gift card
  • An America the Beautiful National Park Pass
  • A $500 Arizona State Parks gift card
  • And an Arizona-themed box of swag so you can Hit the Road in style

While you're exploring our beautiful parks, be sure to share or upload your photos using #AZParksPassport and we may float a Random Act of Sunshine into your DMs.


Experiencing Arizona's outdoors is a highlight for many travelers to the Grand Canyon State, and for good reason.

Northern Arizona draws guests to its pines and plateaus, while Central Arizona shows off with its red rocks and the lush Verde Valley. Not to be outdone, Southern Arizona greets guests with saguaro-filled landscapes and stunning rock formations above and below ground, and Western Arizona offers some of the best water sports and beaches (yes, beaches) in the state. Rounding out the list, Eastern Arizona sports a little bit of everything, from green forests to petrified wood and petroglyphs.

When viewing the maps below, be sure to check each park's website to confirm fees, hours and available services. Some offer services such as a visitors center and bathrooms, while others are in a more remote backcountry and are best traveled by the well-prepared.

Lastly, take note if you're traveling to parks and areas on tribal lands as you likely will need an additional permit or local guide to enter.

Arizona's State, National and Historic Parks & Monuments

Agua Fria National Monument

Discover prehistoric ruins and artwork carved into rocks 40 miles north of Phoenix.

Alamo Lake State Park

Find one of the state’s top bass fishing destinations in a remote area along Arizona’s West Coast.

Antelope Canyon

Walk through monumental sandstone sculptures in Northern Arizona’s pristine slot canyons.

Arizona State Parks Trails System

In search of adventure? The Arizona State Parks Trails System features over 600 non-motorized trails statewide for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding.

Buckskin Mountain State Park

Make a splash at this riverside state park near Parker, Arizona.

Canyon de Chelly National Monument

Plan ahead to explore one of the longest continually inhabited areas on the Colorado Plateau.

Casa Grande Ruins National Monument

Explore an ancient desert farming community that includes the preserved “Great House.”

Catalina State Park

Visitors lace up their hiking boots to enjoy this magnificent natural area north of Tucson.

Cattail Cove State Park

Enjoy swimming, fishing and boating on a wide expanse of the Colorado River.

Chiricahua National Monument

Visit Arizona’s Wonderland of Rocks in Coronado National Forest

Colorado River State Historic Park

Take a trip back in time at Colorado River State Historic Park, which the U.S. army once used to unload, store, and distribute supplies.

Coronado National Memorial

Walk in the footsteps of Francisco Vásquez de Coronado in this magnificent natural area just north of Mexico.

Dead Horse Ranch State Park

Camping, canoeing, hiking, and fishing. Do all of this and more at Dead Horse Ranch State Park, located in the Coconino National Forest in Cottonwood.

Fort Apache Historic Park

Tour well-preserved ruins and a historic military outpost at this Apache Wars-era settlement.

Fort Verde State Historic Park

Visit this former U.S. Army post in Camp Verde, where frontier history of the late 1800s comes to life.

Four Corners Monument

Scenic road trips lead to the only place in the U.S. where four states intersect at one point.

Glen Canyon & Lake Powell

With nearly 2,000 miles of shoreline, Lake Powell creates a surprising oasis in northern Arizona’s high desert.

Grand Canyon

Vast, magnificent and inarguably beautiful, the Grand Canyon is easily Arizona's most distinguishable landmark — a natural wonder you must see to believe. Stretching 277 miles from end to end, the Grand…

Grand Canyon West

At the western edge of the Grand Canyon—near Las Vegas and Lake Havasu—Grand Canyon West offers incredible experiences on Hualapai Tribal land.

Granite Mountain Hotshots Memorial State Park

"I get asked a lot why this park is special. This is sacred ground. This is where the hotshots lost their lives. The ground is honored and protected. It is not only…

Homolovi State Park

Settled by the Hisat'sinom people in the 14th century, the lush flood plains and sandy banks of Homolovi State Park remain a significant site for the Hopi community of today. View the…

Hualapai Mountain Park

Just 15 miles east of Kingman, explore this gateway to outdoor adventure named after the area’s original inhabitants — the People of the Tall Pines.

Jerome State Historic Park

Before touring this historic mining town, get the backstory at Jerome State Historic Park.

Kartchner Caverns State Park

Explore Southern Arizona’s underground spectacle just south of Benson off Highway 90.

Lake Havasu State Park

Arizona’s west coast serves up big surprises, including a state park on the banks of a reservoir formed by the Colorado River.

Lost Dutchman State Park

Head to the western gateway of the Superstition Mountains for epic hiking and camping trips.

Lyman Lake State Park

Explore hiking trails, fishing holes and campsites at this pristine mountain lake.

McFarland State Historic Park

Step back in time at McFarland State Historic Park, a courthouse in Florence, AZ. Named for Ernest McFarland, this is one museum that shouldn’t be missed.

Montezuma Castle National Monument

Spot one of the Southwest’s best-preserved cliff dwellings in Central Arizona.

Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park

Iconic Western landscapes inspire visitors to set off on scenic Arizona road trips.

Navajo National Monument

Explore the ancestral past of modern Southwest tribes at Navajo National Monuments’ three cliff dwellings: Batatakin, Keet Seel, and Inscription House.

Oracle State Park

This tiny state park north of Tucson makes a big impression with its colorful backstory.

Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument

Visit the only place in the U.S. where organ pipe cactus grows in the wild.

Parashant National Monument

Parashant National Monument is a geological and natural paradise. A million plus acres of land stretch across sprawling landscapes, with a significant portion located along the northern edge of the Grand Canyon.

Patagonia Lake State Park

Discover a refreshing oasis tucked away in the rolling hills of Southeastern Arizona.

Petrified Forest National Park

Nature, geology, archaeology, paleontology and even architecture meet at this high-desert park. Stretching for miles on both sides of Interstate 40 and located near the town of Holbrook in Northern Arizona, Petrified…

Picacho Peak State Park

Easy access off I-10 leads to one of the most famous mountain summits in the Sonoran Desert.

Pipe Spring National Monument

Visit this remote site in Northern Arizona dedicated to native culture and Western pioneer history.

Red Rock State Park

Hike, bike, or horseback ride on trails winding through Sedona's iconic red rock formations. Let the spectacular natural beauty inspire you, as it has done for generations of visitors.

Riordan Mansion State Historic Park

Take a tour of Flagstaff history at the former home of an influential pioneer family.

River Island State Park

Throttle down at this state park on the banks of the Colorado River along the Parker Strip.

Roper Lake State Park

Spend the night under the Southern Arizona stars at lakeside cabins or campsites near Safford.

Saguaro National Park

See giant symbols of the Southwest in the only place where saguaros grow in the Sonoran Desert near Tucson.

Slide Rock State Park

Just north of Sedona in Oak Creek Canyon, travelers give into gravity on a natural water slide.

South Mountain Park & Preserve

Step out in one of the largest municipally operated parks in the country just south of downtown Phoenix.

Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument

Explore an otherworldly landscape at Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument, Arizona's most recent volcanic eruption site, which offers unique hikes and sightseeing.

Tombstone Courthouse State Historic Park

See where justice was served at the Tombstone Courthouse State Historic Park. The 1882 courthouse is now a museum filled with Old West artifacts.

Tonto National Monument

Climb to this preserved cliff dwelling overlooking Roosevelt Lake just outside of Phoenix.

Tonto Natural Bridge State Park

Hike under the world’s largest natural travertine bridge near Payson.

Tubac Presidio State Historic Park

Explore Tubac Presidio State Historic Park, Arizona’s oldest European community and the best-preserved Spanish Colonial presidio site in the state.

Tumacácori National Historical Park

Visit a 19th-century Franciscan mission at one of the oldest national park sites in the United States.

Tuzigoot National Monument

Explore an ancient 110-room hilltop pueblo and a collection of artifacts at the museum. Also see gorgeous views of varying desert landscapes.

V‑Bar‑V Heritage Site

Discover the largest known and best-preserved collection of petroglyphs in the Verde Valley.

Wupatki National Monument

Visit the largest free-standing pueblo in Northern Arizona, less than an hour north of Flagstaff.

Walnut Canyon National Monument

Located in Flagstaff, Walnut Canyon National Monument is a natural gem in central Arizona that offers opportunities to enjoy the outdoors and learn about the past. Among the remarkable geological formations of…

Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park

One of Arizona’s earliest prisons tells a colorful story of Westward expansion and life in the Wild West.

A Day at the Park, or Lake, or...

Things to Do

Outdoor Adventure

Arizona State Parks for Every Interest

Arizona's 34 state parks have something for everyone—from contemplative nature walks to stargazing to camping. Here's our abbreviated look at...

Heritage & Culture

9 Little-Known Parks in Arizona

Hoodoos, cacti and castles: Choose from a wide range of fascinating adventures in and around Arizona state and U.S. national lands.

Outdoor Adventures

7 Amazing Arizona Hidden-Gem Parks

Arizona may be the Grand Canyon State, but there are a wealth of equally impressive landscapes far beyond the world-famous national park. If...

Must Do

A Guide to Visiting Antelope Canyon the 'Right Way'

Antelope Canyon's otherworldly beauty makes it one of the most highly sought after destinations in the world, and access to this natural marvel...

Must Do

A Guide to Visiting Horseshoe Bend 'the Right Way'

Horseshoe Bend attracts 2 million visitors every year and is one of the most photographed sites in northern Arizona. Here, we walk you through...

ACCESSIBILITY

10 Accessible Adventures in Arizona

The Grand Canyon State welcomes all visitors, including those with different mobility, visual, and hearing abilities. From high in the sky to...

Outdoor Adventures

The Best Campsites in Southern Arizona

Southern Arizona is home to stunning landscapes, and its sunshine and dry heat make for ideal car camping weather.

Family Activities

Arizona Campgrounds Kids Will Love

One of the best ways to experience Arizona's natural beauty? By sleeping under the stars at one of the state's many family-friendly campgrounds.

Appreciate AZ

Get Involved

Enjoying the outdoors? Learn how you can help protect Arizona's iconic natural features for yourself and others.

Learn More

Need More Outdoor Options?

Lakes, Trails & Other Natural Areas

Find Your Oasis

Arizona’s Rivers & Lakes

Blessed with 128 lakes and 5 major rivers, Arizona beckons outdoor enthusiasts to hike, raft, ski and fish year-round.

Kaibab National Forest

A vast greenway attracts outdoor adventurers to Northern Arizona and the Grand Canyon.

Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness

This protected 19,410 acres of Eden is perfect for primitive, adventure-based recreation like horseback riding, hiking, camping and hunting.

Madera Canyon

Just south of Tucson near Green Valley, the Santa Rita Mountains offer spectacular outdoor excursions.

Mogollon Rim

Arizona’s ultimate outdoor playground features dense pine forests and cool mountain lakes.

Mount Lemmon

Explore Southern Arizona’s sky islands in Coronado National Forest.

Sabino Canyon

On the northeast edge of Tucson, Sabino Canyon is a popular gateway to outdoor adventures in the Santa Catalina Mountains.

Watson Lake and the Granite Dells

Explore a jumble of boulders surrounding a cool lake just four miles northeast of Prescott.

West Fork of Oak Creek

West Fork of Oak Creek, near Sedona, AZ is within the Coconino National Forest. Beautiful hiking and scenery all year long make this a popular...

Parks & Monuments

White Mountain Trail System

Near the eastern border of Arizona, the White Mountains surprise visitors with dense pine forests and year-round recreation.

Digital Passports

Explore and Earn Rewards

Explore the Grand Canyon State your way with our Visit Arizona Experience Passes. Rock the Mother Road, discover over 50 Arizona Park locations...

Discover

Cities & Regions

From the abundance of Saguaro cactuses and unique wildlife in the Sonoran Desert to the high country and forests of the White Mountains to the breathtaking Grand Canyon, Arizona’s regions are full of experiences that don’t disappoint.