Arizona is, in my opinion, one of the most beautiful states in the U.S. with numerous national parks and otherworldly viewpoints.
I know this is a bold claim, and that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but few would be able to lay eyes on the suggestions on this list and not be amazed. The biggest bonus? Many of them don’t require much walking and you can drive right up to the overlooks! Keep in mind that Arizona can get incredibly hot in the summertime, so time your walks for the early morning or opt solely for overlooks if traveling during the months of May through September.
The following are 10 of Arizona’s most beautiful places:
1. Phoenix
Chances are that your Arizona adventure will begin at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, where you can drive for about 20 minutes to check out the Camelback Mountain hike, which gives you a scenic view over the city.
There are two options to reach the summit: The Echo Canyon Trail and the Cholla Trail. Both are only a mile and a half out to the trailhead and back on foot, though the Echo Canyon Trail is a bit steeper. However, the reward is a 360-degree view of the city. Both hikes are difficult, so if that’s not your speed, check out the following options:
- Papago Park: Just minutes from downtown and the airport, check out the red butte formations in Popago Park. The pathway is paved and accessible.
- Scottsdale: The Gateway Loop Trail is a 4.5-mile loop that only gains 655 feet in elevation, making it a nice, leisurely walk through the lovely desert landscape.