Arizona’s National Parks: 3 Diverse Parks in the Grand Canyon State

If you are ready to plan your dream trip to the Arizona National Parks (or if you just want to explore the possibilities), you have come to the right place. My name is Ash, and I used to work as a park ranger! I can’t wait to show you around the amazing parks in this state.

Arizona is home to some of the most breathtaking national parks in the United States. These parks offer visitors a chance to experience the unique natural beauty of the Southwest, from towering red rock formations to peaceful forests and sparkling rivers.

Let’s take a journey through the state of Arizona, the Grand Canyon State!

How Many National Parks are in Arizona?

The state of Arizona has three national parks. They are:

1. Grand Canyon

2. Petrified Forest

3. Saguaro

This article contains important information about each of these Arizona National Parks, including how to get there, the best time to go, where to stay, and what to do!

This article may contain sponsored or affiliate links.

Map of Arizona’s National Parks

Planning Your Trip to Arizona’s National Parks

The Best Time to Visit Arizona’s National Parks

Spring and fall are the best time to visit the national parks in Arizona. If you’re visiting the northern section of Arizona (the Grand Canyon and Petrified Forest), you can expect comfortable temperatures in the spring and fall, very hot temperatures in the summer, and snow in the winter.

If you’re visiting the southern part of Arizona (Saguaro), I highly recommend avoiding the summer heat and taking advantage of the milder temperatures in the fall, winter, and spring.

What to Bring to Arizona’s National Parks

I’ve spent countless hours exploring the American Southwest, and there are a few items that I always bring with me when I’m exploring Arizona’s National Parks.

1. Sunscreen — The sun can be relentless in Arizona, so you’ll want good sunscreen for exploring the national parks while you’re here.

3. Insect Repellent — I always bring a good mosquito repellent while I’m out exploring the parks. You never know what you might encounter while you’re exploring, especially in the evenings.

4. Topographic Map — Never hike or explore without a map! I like these topographic maps if you plan on hitting the trail. The last thing you want is to be lost out here.

You’ll also want to check out this post about the 10 essentials for hiking and my favorite gear that I always take with me when I’m out exploring!

How to Road Trip to All 3 of Arizona’s National Parks

Visiting all three of Arizona’s national parks is a fantastic road trip through some of the most stunning desert and mountain scenery in the country! I would visit the parks in this order:

• Fly into Phoenix or Tucson
• Visit Saguaro National Park
• (optional side trip) Tombstone, Arizona
• (optional side trip) Chiricahua National Monument
• Visit Petrified Forest National Park
• (optional side trip) Canyon de Chelly National Monument
• (optional side trip) Walnut Canyon National Monument
• Visit Grand Canyon National Park
• (optional side trip) Sedona, Arizona
• (optional side trip) Montezuma Castle National Monument
• Drive back to the airport and catch your flight home

GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK

The Grand Canyon, located in northern Arizona, is one of the most popular national parks in the world. With its stunning views of the South Rim, North Rim, and Colorado River, it’s no wonder why millions of visitors flock to the park each year.

Getting to the Grand Canyon

The closest airport to Grand Canyon National Park is the Flagstaff Pulliam Airport, which is about an hour from the South Rim. You could also fly into the Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport if you’re hoping to visit multiple Arizona national parks.

This article provides detailed information about the airports and roads that will get you to the Grand Canyon.

Where to Stay at the Grand Canyon

There are plenty of in-park lodges to choose from on the South Rim, one lodge on the North Rim, and one lodge at the bottom of the canyon near the Colorado River. If you’re not able to snatch up something in the national park, I suggest booking a hotel in Tusayan.

If you’d like to camp in the park, there are four campgrounds at the Grand Canyon, plus endless opportunities for spending the night in the backcountry.

The Best Time to Visit the Grand Canyon

The best time to visit the Grand Canyon is during the spring and fall when the weather is mild and the crowds are smaller. Summer can be hot and crowded, while winter can be cold and snowy.

The Best Things to Do at the Grand Canyon

This awe-inspiring natural wonder is over 277 miles long and up to 18 miles wide, with depths reaching over a mile down. You can explore the canyon on foot, by bike, or even on a mule ride. The park also offers a range of activities, including ranger-led hikes, stargazing programs, and even whitewater rafting trips on the Colorado River.

Here is a detailed list of my top suggestions for things to do at Grand Canyon National Park!

PETRIFIED FOREST NATIONAL PARK

Petrified Forest National Park is home to the largest and most colorful concentration of petrified wood in the world, as well as a range of other geological wonders. You can hike among the petrified logs, explore ancient petroglyphs, and marvel at the park’s stunning vistas.

With its otherworldly landscapes and fascinating history, Petrified Forest National Park is a true gem of the Southwest.

Getting to Petrified Forest

Getting to Petrified Forest National Park is easy, as it is located just off Interstate 40 in Northeast Arizona. You can easily drive here from Flagstaff or Gallup.

The best small airport to fly into to visit Petrified Forest is the Flagstaff Pulliam Airport, which is about 1.5 hours away. The closest major airport to Petrified Forest is the Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport.

Where to Stay in Petrified Forest

When it comes to where to stay in Petrified Forest National Park, you’re limited to backcountry camping. If you want to stay in a hotel, I recommend staying in the Route 66 town of Holbrook!

The Best Time to Visit Petrified Forest

The best time to visit Petrified Forest National Park is during the spring and fall when the weather is mild and the crowds are smaller.

The Best Things to Do in Petrified Forest

Petrified Forest is a small national park, but there are a lot of cool things you can do. I recommend hiking, enjoying the park’s scenic drives, and stopping in at the Rainbow Forest Museum, which houses a collection of petrified wood and fossils. Here is a list of 8 can’t-miss activities in Petrified Forest National Park.

SAGUARO NATIONAL PARK

Saguaro National Park is a stunning desert landscape that is home to the iconic saguaro cactus. This cactus is a symbol of the American West, but that’s not all you’ll find here. Many unique plants and animals thrive in this beautiful national park!

Getting to Saguaro

To get to Saguaro National Park, you can fly into Tucson International Airport, which is approximately 20 miles from the park. If you are driving, Saguaro National Park is located off of I-10 and can be easily accessed from Tucson or Phoenix.

Where to Stay in Saguaro

There are no hotels or frontcountry camping options within Saguaro National Park, but there are many options nearby. In Tucson, you can find a variety of hotels, motels, and vacation rentals. If you are hoping to camp, I love the Gilbert Ray Campground on the park’s west side.

Backcountry camping is available within the park if you’re willing to hike!

The Best Time to Visit Saguaro

The best time to visit Saguaro National Park is in the winter months, from November to April when the temperatures are cooler, and the weather is mild.

The summer months can be extremely hot, with temperatures reaching over 100 degrees Fahrenheit. However, if you do visit in the summer, be sure to bring plenty of water and sunscreen.

The Best Things to Do in Saguaro

There are many things to do at Saguaro National Park, including hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing. The park has over 165 miles of hiking trails, ranging from easy nature walks to strenuous hikes. You can also take a scenic drive through the park to see the stunning desert landscape.

Here is a list of the things you shouldn’t miss on your first visit to Saguaro.

List of Arizona National Parks by Size

Did you know that Grand Canyon National Park, covering a vast 1.2 million acres, stands as one of the largest national parks in the world? It is also Arizona’s largest national park, by far!

With diverse landscapes and unique geological formations, Arizona’s national parks are perfect for showing off the diversity of the state’s beauty.

Here is a list of the Arizona National Parks by size (biggest to smallest):

1. Grand Canyon: 1,201,647 acres

2. Petrified Forest: 221,390.2 acres

3. Saguaro: 92,876.8 acres

List of Arizona National Parks by Date Established

The first national park established in the state of Arizona was Grand Canyon National Park. It is America’s 14th national park!

The establishment of Arizona’s national parks is a testament to the state’s commitment to preserving its extraordinary natural landscapes.

Here is a list of the Arizona National Parks by date established:

1. Grand Canyon: February 26, 1919

2. Petrified Forest: December 9, 1962

3. Saguaro: October 14, 1994

What is the Most Visited National Park in Arizona?

Grand Canyon National Park is the most visited national park in Arizona. With almost 5 million visitors each year, this park is consistently one of the top 3 busiest national parks in America!

Arizona’s National Monuments

Arizona’s rich cultural and geological tapestry extends beyond its national parks to include a remarkable collection of national monuments. Each site tells a unique story, whether through ancient ruins, dramatic landscapes, or the preservation of historical and natural treasures.

If you’re looking for some other awesome places to visit while you’re traveling through Arizona, check out one of the state’s 13 national monuments!

Here is a list of Arizona’s national monuments:

Canyon de Chelly
Nestled in the heart of the Navajo Nation, Canyon de Chelly National Monument boasts ancient rock formations and well-preserved Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings, providing a captivating journey through Native American history.

Casa Grande Ruins
Casa Grande Ruins National Monument showcases the remnants of an ancient Hohokam farming community, featuring the impressive Casa Grande Great House, a four-story architectural marvel dating back to the 14th century.

Chiricahua
Chiricahua National Monument unveils a surreal landscape of towering rock spires, balanced rocks, and lush woodlands, offering visitors a unique opportunity to explore the “Wonderland of Rocks.”

Grand Canyon-Parashant
Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument, situated on the northern edge of the Grand Canyon, presents a remote and pristine wilderness, with rugged canyons and expansive plateaus offering breathtaking views.

Montezuma Castle
Montezuma Castle National Monument preserves an ancient cliff dwelling built into a limestone cliff, showcasing the architectural ingenuity of the Sinagua people who inhabited the area over 600 years ago.

Navajo
Navajo National Monument features well-preserved ancestral Puebloan villages, including Betatakin and Keet Seel, allowing visitors to step back in time and explore the rich cultural heritage of the region.

Organ Pipe Cactus
Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, sharing a border with Mexico, protects a diverse Sonoran Desert landscape and is home to the rare organ pipe cactus, a symbol of the American Southwest.

Pipe Spring
Pipe Spring National Monument, with its historic fort and natural spring, provides a glimpse into the Old West, offering a haven for pioneers and a crucial water source in the arid landscape.

Sunset Crater Volcano
Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument showcases the results of volcanic activity with its vibrant red and black cinder cones, providing a striking contrast to the surrounding ponderosa pine forests.

Tonto
Tonto National Monument preserves well-preserved cliff dwellings of the Salado people, allowing visitors to explore the remnants of a thriving ancient community against the backdrop of the Tonto Basin.

Tuzigoot
Tuzigoot National Monument stands atop a ridge, featuring the remains of a pueblo built by the Sinagua people, offering panoramic views of the Verde Valley.

Walnut Canyon
Walnut Canyon National Monument is renowned for its cliff dwellings nestled within the canyon walls, providing insights into the daily lives of the ancient inhabitants.

Wupatki
Wupatki National Monument showcases ancient pueblo ruins against a backdrop of red rocks, offering a glimpse into the cultural and architectural achievements of the Sinagua people.

To see the entire list of National Park Service units in Arizona, click here. I hope that you have an amazing time visiting Arizona’s national parks!

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