Arizona’s Stunning National Parks

Arizona is famous for some of the most iconic desert scenery in the Americas. The mesmerising Grand Canyon and Monument Valley are known across the world, captured in countless films and top of many people’s bucket lists. However, Arizona has many other natural wonders – the ethereal colours of Antelope Canyon, the blackened volcano of Sunset Crater, the fossilised trees of Petrified Forest National Park and the towering cacti of Saguaro National Park. On holidays to the American West, here are six of the best national parks and tribal parks in Arizona.

Grand Canyon National Park

The Grand Canyon’s majestic expanse has to be seen to be believed. This vast rift in the Colorado Plateau is one of the world’s most recognisable landmarks, stretching 227 miles, up to 18 miles wide and 6,000 feet deep. You cannot help but feel humbled by the sight of it. Stand atop steep cliffs in awe at how the Colorado River has carved a path into rust-coloured sandstone over millennia. Explore the Grand Canyon on foot, mountain bike, 4×4, raft, kayak or helicopter. The canyon is most easily accessed on a 1.5-hour drive from Flagstaff or four hours’ east of Las Vegas.

Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park

From the towering sandstone buttes to the sweeping red sand landscapes, iconic Monument Valley has been immortalised in countless Wild West movies. The heart of the Navajo Nation, Monument Valley is still as raw and unspoilt as it was centuries ago. The valley hosts towering sandstone rock formations, known as the Merrick and Mitten Buttes, that soar up to 1,000 feet above the valley floor. The park is surprisingly little affected by tourism, demonstrating the reverence of Arizona’s tribal communities for the land. Hike the four-mile Wildcat Trail, take a Navajo-guided Jeep tour or ride a horse through the endless expanse. Monument Valley is about four hours’ drive north of Flagstaff and three hours’ south of Moab.

Lake Powell and Antelope Canyon

See some of the most spectacular scenery in the American West by water on otherworldly Lake Powell, then visit the spellbinding Antelope Canyon. This vast, placid blue lake in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area is surrounded by beautiful sandstone walls on 2,000 miles of shoreline, best enjoyed on a cruise or kayaking trip. Just a short drive south-east of Lake Powell is the incredible Antelope Canyon, one of North America’s most mesmerising sights. The most famous slot canyon in the world, its bright oranges and yellows constantly change in a dance of sunlight and shadows along narrow pathways. Lake Powell and Antelope Canyon are about two hours’ drive north of Flagstaff.

Sunset Crater National Park

Half an hour’s drive north-east of Flagstaff, see the astonishing Sunset Crater. Climb a volcano which last erupted 1,000 years ago and see dramatic black lava flows and towering cinder cones on the trails. You cannot climb all the way to the top but there are fantastic views from adjacent Lenox Crater. Nearby, discover the ruins of ancient cliff dwellings of the Pueblo people, built from slabs of red sandstone at Wupatki National Monument.

Petrified Forest National Park

See an amazing array of petrified trees in an area of eastern Arizona that millions of years ago was covered in rainforest. This national park is famous for the abundant fossils and colourful scenery of the Painted Desert. Hike the half-mile Giant Logs Trail and marvel at the colours – yellow citrine, purple amethyst and red-brown jasper. The iconic Route 66 passes through the park so it’s an ideal stop, less than half an hour’s drive from Holbrook.

Saguaro National Park

The towering saguaro cacti are as much a symbol of the American West as canyons and cowboy hats, and this national park in southern Arizona is the best place to see them. Up to 15 metres high, these cacti can live over 250 years and are a protected species. Hike some of the 120 miles of trails through the park, best explored in mornings and evenings outside the heat of the day. Saguaro National Park is about half an hour’s drive from Tucson.

Visit incredible Arizona’s national parks on Journeyscape’s tailormade holidays to the American West. Combine Arizona with Utah on a 15-day tour of two states’ natural wonders, visit iconic canyons and Native American tribal lands on a 15-day Native America tour, or combine Arizona’s ranches and the Grand Canyon with the California coast on the 15-day Relax and Ranch tour.