Can’t-Miss National Parks Near Phoenix, Arizona
Want to see gorgeous desert landscapes and ancient forests? Here are 11 bucket list destinations within five hours of Phoenix.
Phoenix is close to several stunning national parks, national recreation areas, national monuments, plus tribal parks and monuments, making the lively city the perfect starting point for a road trip with an RV rental from Blacksford.
Whether you’re into hiking, biking, rafting, climbing, scenic drives, Native American history and culture, stargazing, photography, or horseback riding—you’ll find it on a national parks road trip from Phoenix.
Ready to start planning? Here are the top national parks, monuments, and tribal parks near Phoenix:
Grand Canyon National Park
Less than four hours from Phoenix, the Grand Canyon is one of the most-visited U.S. national parks, with 4.7 million visitors annually. This natural wonder is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, spanning four states: Arizona, Utah, Nevada, and Colorado.
Formed over millions of years by the Colorado River, the 277-mile-long canyon is a paradise for hikers, geology lovers, historians, photographers, stargazers, and pretty much anyone who appreciates natural beauty.
Distance from Phoenix: 3.5 hours (230 miles north of Phoenix, near the Utah border)
Top Attractions and Activities
Stop at the South Rim Visitor Center and learn what to see and do in the national park, including ideas for ranger-led programs, guided hikes, kids’ activities, and more.
Snap photos during sunrise or sunset at Mathers Point, one of the first canyon views you’ll encounter from the visitor center.
Hike the challenging and iconic Bright Angel Trail into the canyon.
Other popular hikes include South Rim, South Kaibab, Havasu Falls, Horseshoe Bend, and Whitmore Canyon Overlook.
Stop at Yavapai Point and Geology Museum for incredible views and fascinating geological exhibits that explain the canyon’s formation.
Take the 25-mile route along Desert View Drive and stop at the many viewpoints, including the Desert View Watchtower.
For a shorter, 7-mile scenic drive, take Hermit Road and stop at Hopi Point, Mohave Point, and Pima Point. Note: From March to November, only shuttle buses are permitted on this route.
View the canyon from the sky with a private helicopter or airplane tour.
Step back in time with a ride on the historic Grand Canyon Railway, traveling from Williams, Arizona, to the South Rim.
Petrified Forest National Park and Painted Desert
Experience two natural wonders in one national park: Petrified Forest and the Painted Desert.
Journey to prehistoric times at Petrified Forest, where you’ll marvel at thousands of petrified trees and logs from more than 200 million years ago during the Late Triassic Period.
The 221,000-acre park is the perfect place to find solitude, with only 645,000 visitors yearly. And the ancient trees are gorgeous, with rich, vibrant colors and crystal structures.
The park also helps preserve the abundant ancient Pueblo ruins and petroglyphs, including Puerco Pueblo, an astounding 100-room ruin.
In the park’s northern region, you’ll find the beautiful Painted Desert, where layers of sedimentary rock feature vibrant reds, pinks, oranges, blues, and purples.
Distance from Phoenix: 3.5 hours (210 miles northeast of Phoenix, near the New Mexico border)
Top Attractions and Activities
Check out the amazing scenic overlooks at Tawa Point, Kachina Point, Pintado Point, and Chinde Point.
Take a hike on one or more of these popular trails: Blue Mesa, Giant Logs, Long Logs, Crystal Forest, Jasper Forest, and Painted Desert Rim Trails.
Learn about the park’s geological and human history at the Rainbow Forest Museum. Then explore the nearby Giant Logs Trail and the Painted Desert Inn National Historic Landmark.
See how ancient Pueblos lived by visiting the Puerco Pueblo, Agate House, and Newspaper Rock (with over 650 petroglyphs).
For more modern history, check out the Route 66 historical site. The famous route once ran through the park and is commemorated with a 1932 Studebaker.
Drive the 28-mile Painted Desert Scenic Drive, which showcases the Painted Desert, Petrified Forest, and paleontological sites.
Saguaro National Park
Named after the iconic cactus the park was created to preserve, Saguaro National Park offers a chance to experience natural beauty in the Sonoran Desert.
The 91,000-acre park is divided into sections: the eastern Rincon Mountain District and the western Tucson Mountain District. Both sections offer great hiking, photography, and scenic drives, while the Western District also offers Hohokam petroglyphs.
Many visitors pair Saguaro National Park with a visit to the vibrant city of Tucson, Arizona’s second-largest city.
Distance from Phoenix: 2 hours (110 miles southeast of Phoenix, near Tucson, Arizona)
Top Attractions and Activities
Take the Eastern District’s 8-mile Cactus Forest Drive see gorgeous cacti that can grow up to 40 feet tall and live up to 150 years.
Hike in the desert and mountains on the Mica View Loop Trail, Hugh Norris Trail, and the family-friendly Desert Discovery Nature Trail.
Visit ancient Hohokam petroglyphs reachable by a short, easy hike.
Mark your calendars to see the wildflowers—lupine, poppies, and marigolds—which bloom from February to April.
Lake Mead National Recreation Area and the Hoover Dam
The Hoover Dam created two scenic lakes for boaters and anglers to enjoy: Lake Mead and Lake Mojave. Exploring the rich history and legacy of the dam is one of the area’s highlights.
Want some extra fun? Pop over to Las Vegas (only 45 minutes away)!
Distance from Phoenix: 4–4.5 hours (270 miles northwest of Phoenix on the Arizona-Nevada border)
Top Attractions and Activities
Take a guided tour of Hoover Dam to learn about the construction, engineering, history, and impact on the Colorado River. Stop at the informative and fun visitor center and museum at the top.
Rent a boat, jet ski, or kayak for a scenic tour, water sports, or fishing.
Hike or bike along the shores of Lake Mead on one of the trails. The Historic Railroad Trail has stunning scenery and historic tunnels while the River Mountain Loop Trail’s 34 miles offer breathtaking lake and desert views.
Tour the lake on Northshore Road or Lakeshore Drive for gorgeous vistas and great photo ops.
Venture on off-road vehicles throughout the recreation area’s many designated trails. Local companies rent ATVs, UTVs, 4x4s, and dirt bikes or offer guided tours.
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Glen Canyon National Recreation Area and Lake Powell
Glen Canyon National Recreation Area is home to Lake Powell, a man-made lake known for boating and fishing.
This 1.25-million-acre recreation area is also home to its namesake Glen Canyon, with dramatic red rock formations, deep canyons, and towering cliffs. Explore the winding waterways by boat, see ancient ruins, explore the trails, or bask in the desert beauty.
Distance from Phoenix: 4.5–5 hours (280 miles north of Phoenix on the Arizona-Utah border)
Top Attractions and Activities
Lake Powell is the “crown jewel” of Glen Canyon and offers great boating, kayaking, and fishing opportunities.
Montezuma Castle National Monument
The impressive Montezuma National Monument and its inspiring five-story cliff dwellings are a short drive from Phoenix. More than 600 years ago the ingenious Sinagua people built and lived in the five-story, 20-room dwelling built into the limestone cliffs.
The dwellings are captivating and well-preserved, offering incredible views of the Verde Valley. This ancient site is known to be one of the best-preserved cliff dwellings in North America.
Distance from Phoenix: 1.5-2 hours (93 miles north of Phoenix)
Top Attractions and Activities
Explore Montezuma Castle and imagine life for the Ingenious people over 600 years ago.
Spend time at the visitor center to learn more about the Sinagua culture, archaeology, and building methods through immersive educational exhibits.
Havasu Falls
The magnificent Havasu Falls is in the Grand Canyon, within the Havasupai Indian Reservation. Havasu Falls is a stunning, 100-foot-high natural wonder that mesmerizes visitors with its turquoise waters cascading over red rocks.
Getting to the falls is 10 miles one way, and you can choose to hike, pack in with a mule, or take a horse. The contrast between the waterfall and the surrounding desert landscape adds to the mystique of this remote oasis.
All visitors must have a permit and campground or lodge reservation to visit the falls.
Distance from Phoenix: 4.5 hours (260 miles northwest of Phoenix)
Top Attractions and Activities
Ride a horse or pack a mule on the 10-mile trail to the falls. Reservations are required and fill up quickly.
Cool off with a swim under the falls.
Venture past Havasu Falls to Mooney and Beaver Falls, two beautiful waterfalls.
Camp at Havasu Campground and take in the gorgeous canyon views.
Visit the Village of Supai to learn about the Havasupai people’s history and culture.
Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park
Located on the border of Arizona and Utah, the Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park mesmerizes visitors with its dramatic sandstone buttes, mesas, and spires. It’s no wonder many classic Western movies were filmed here.
Certain activities require permits, and hiring a tribal guide will enhance your experience, offering local insights into the area’s history, culture, and geology.
Distance from Phoenix: 5.5 hours (330 miles northeast of Phoenix)
Top Attractions and Activities
Take the 17-mile Valley Scenic Drive Loop and enjoy breathtaking views of rock formations like the Mittens, Totem Pole, and Three Sisters. High-clearance vehicles are strongly recommended to travel on unpaved roads.
Reserve a guided tour to gain insight into the area’s culture, history, and geology. Tour options include horseback rides, jeep rides, and photography tours.
Hike Wildcat Trail around West Mitten Butte to get closer to the unique geology.
For an iconic viewpoint, stop at John Ford’s Point, named after a legendary American film director. It’s one of the most iconic photo spots with spectacular views of Monument Valley.
Learn about Navajo culture by visiting traditional Navajo dwellings and participating in one of the many cultural demonstrations and storytelling events.
Antelope Canyon
The narrow and colorful slot canyons in Antelope Canyon near Page, AZ are some of the the most photographed in the country.
The park has two sections: Upper Antelope Canyon (The Crack) and Lower Antelope Canyon (The Corkscrew). Upper Antelope Canyon is easy for all ages to access while Lower Antelope Canyon requires some skill and fitness.
To tour Antelope Canyon, you must be accompanied by a Navajo guide. Book a tour and prepare to be enchanted (and don’t forget a camera)!
Distance from Phoenix: 4 hours (275 miles north of Phoenix)
Top Attractions and Activities
Stop in Page, Arizona for tour operators, brochures, and other services to plan your canyon visit. Several Navajo guide companies operate here and offer a variety of tour packages.
Tour Upper Antelope Canyon. It’s easily accessed and, mainly in the summertime, provides dramatic light beams that filter through the slot canyons.
Tour Lower Antelope Canyon. It’s a little more challenging due to its narrow staircases and tight squeezes. Early afternoon and late morning offer optimal light to capture the vibrant rock formations.
For photography buffs, take a special photography tour to capture the best light conditions.
Hop on a boat tour and see the entrance to Upper Antelope Canyon from nearby Lake Powell.
Add a self-guided stop at nearby Horseshoe Bend where the Colorado River forms a dramatic u-shaped ben. A short walk from the parking lot is rewarded with breathtaking views.
Navajo National Monument
Navajo Nation
Prepare to be awed by the immaculate ancient Puebloan cliff dwellings in Navajo National Monument, a true hidden gem in northern Arizona.
Three of the most popular cliff dwellings—Betatakin, Keep Seel, and Inscription House—date back to the 13th century. The beautiful high desert landscape makes for an unforgettable experience.
Enjoy guided tours, scenic hikes, and educational exhibits.
Distance from Phoenix: 4 hours (285 miles northeast of Phoenix)
Top Attractions and Activities
Start at the visitor center and museum to see exhibits, artifacts, and an informative, short film about the historical significance and context of the area, inhabitants, and cliff dwellings.
Take a ranger-led tour of the Betatakin Cliff Dwellings on a 5-mile roundtrip hike. Or consider a ranger-led 17-mile hike to Keet Seel, one of the largest and most impressive cliff dwellings. Both activities require permits (free), and reservations are strongly advised during busy seasons.
For a fabulous scenic overlook, hike the Sandal Trail for views of Betatakin Canyon.
Gaze at the stars at this dark sky-designated park with ranger-led programs.
Kids can earn a badge from one of the educational and fun Junior Ranger programs.
Canyon de Chelly National Monument
Natural beauty blends with history, culture, traditions, and present-day Navajo tribal life in Canyon de Chelly National Monument. This 84,000-acre site has been continuously inhabited for almost 5,000 years, making it one of the longest continuously inhabited areas in North America.
The canyon is a sacred site for the Navajo people with deep cultural and historical significance.
While permits and guides are not required to enter the monument, you must have a Navajo guide to journey past the White House Ruin on the canyon floor.
Distance from Phoenix: 5 hours (315 miles northeast of Phoenix)
Top Attractions and Activities
Stop by the visitor center to learn about the canyon’s history, culture, geology, flora, and fauna. Find maps, brochures, an orientation film, and geological displays about the formation of the canyon. Get information on guided tours and permit requirements.
View the iconic, 800-foot sandstone spire, Spider Rock, which holds cultural significance for the Navajo people.
Descend 600 feet into the canyon on a self-guided hike to explore the White House Ruin, an ancient Puebloan cliff dwelling.
Prepare to be awed by the North and South Rim Scenic Drives with plenty of stops to view Antelope House Overlook, Mummy Cave Overlook, and Massacre Cave Overlook.
Explore the canyon floor on foot, by Jeep, or on horseback with a Navajo-guided tour and gain insight into the history of this area. Guides can be arranged through the visitor center or local Navajo tour operators.
Check out numerous ancient petroglyphs and pictographs sites.
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