Welcome to the Grand Canyon State, the land of adventures and challenges! Are you a fan of massive natural wonders? Do you call yourself a daring outdoor enthusiast? Has the scorching desert always fascinated you? Do you wish to encounter the colorful wildlife and the mesmerizing night skies up close and personal? Then, you must visit Arizona, “The Valentine State!” You already know that Arizona offers varied activities and mind-blowing attractions. But were you aware it excels in exhibiting outstanding cultural and historical sites (perfectly capturing the Old West)? 

Beware of Arizona’s raw magnetism!

Undeniably, visitors will seek out the most family-friendly spots in the state. However, why wouldn’t you journey off the beaten track and explore Arizona’s incredible hidden gems? We must warn you, though! The state has an irresistible charm that sneaks up on you and will never let you go.

You might even find yourself considering moving to “The Copper State.” In this case, the best course of action is to contact experienced local real estate agents in Arizona. By all means, they will bring you up to speed with the most affordable housing options in the market, even in the most overlooked yet enchanting Arizona destinations!

Get spooked in Arizona’s hidden ghost towns!

Yes, you heard it right: Arizona hosts several ghost towns. You can visit abandoned or semi-abandoned places that were once thriving communities (established during the late 19th or early 20th centuries.) Unfortunately, they were forsaken for various reasons, such as changes in economic activity, drops in natural resources, or shifts in transportation routes.

You may have been familiar with Arizona’s most renowned ghost town, Tombstone (where the legendary O.K. Corral gunfight took place between lawman Virgil Earp and a group of outlaws called The Cowboys.)

While everyone’s first destination would be Tombstone, let us remind you about countless other ghost towns in Arizona under the radar, for instance, Ruby, Oatman, Vulture City, etc., worth visiting!

Discover Jerome, Arizona, the former copper town that turned into a trendy destination!

Do you wish to see where Billy the Kid and Wyatt Earp came to blows in real life? Then, head to Jerome, our most beloved ghost town in Arizona! Find Jerome, AZ (population of about 475 in 2023) in the Black Hills, overlooking the stunning Verde Valley! The place started as a thriving copper mining town in the early 20th century.

After Jerome went through periods of boom and bust, it has become a favored tourist destination (not to the degree it deserves, though! The delightful town is known for its art galleries (you won’t see anything like Nellie Bly Kaleidoscopes’ glass art anywhere else!), museums (for instance, Jerome Bible Art Museum), and scenic views. To get the full picture, we recommend you take the Wild Wild West Tour of Jerome, where they showcase the town’s rich history and most intriguing spots!

Explore cave mountains in Arizona!

Arizona is home to some stunning cave systems within its mountainous terrain. While it’s challenging to definitively say which are the “best” or “trendiest” cave mountains in Arizona, we can inform you that Kartchner Caverns State Park, Grand Canyon Caverns, and Colossal Cave Mountain Park are the most well-known ones.

Before visiting these cave systems, you must check their availability, tour schedules, and restrictions because they may vary throughout the year. Additionally, safety precautions are crucial regarding wearing appropriate gear and equipment for cave exploration.

Hang on tight at Peppersauce Cave! 

The electrifying city of Tucson, AZ, has many wonders up on its sleeve. Located in the Santa Catalina Mountains (in the Coronado National Forest) north of Tucson and ten miles from Oracle, AZ, Peppersauce Cave is a trendy destination for spelunkers and outdoor thrill-seekers. Still, the limestone cave hasn’t received the national recognition it deserves.

We’re looking at a wild (and therefore challenging for beginners) cave system. In other words, you won’t find developed pathways or lighting! Thus, visitors must be well-prepared and maintain cave safety under any conditions!

The cave hosts around 23,000 visitors annually and features one-mile mapped passages. Only by hiking can you access it, which is an adventure in itself. Once in the cave, make sure you get to the underground lake, the primary appeal for tourists! Yet, swimming is forbidden because swimmers risk contracting various diseases. Discovering Peppersauce Cave from top to bottom is the ultimate stunt adrenaline addicts can dream of!

Unique national parks in Arizona!

The best places to visit in Arizona feature national parks and monuments of unparalleled natural beauty and cultural history. Enthusiasts of the American Southwest will find plenty to sink their teeth into. For starters, we advise you to check the park’s official websites for the most up-to-date information on visiting hours, parking, and any seasonal closures!

Everybody knows Arizona’s most illustrious national parks. Grand Canyon National Park, Coconino National Forest, Saguaro National Park, and Petrified Forest National Park need no introduction. So, instead, why don’t we focus on the state’s hidden treasure worthy to be included in this pantheon?

Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument

Do you wish to see a genuine natural rarity and beauty in the States? Then why don’t you head to southern Arizona, bordering Mexico? Only in this breathtaking national monument can you see senita and organ pipe cacti in the wild! By all means, nature lovers will be thrilled to study a rich desert flora and fauna “in miniature” native to the legendary Sonoran Desert!

The best way to fully unearth all the hidden beauties of the Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument is by hiking and biking! The International Biosphere Reserve is also the ideal venue for birdwatching! Spend as much time here as possible because full-scale recreational activities are abundant! Why don’t you camp under the stars and recharge your batteries at the same time? You can give into the pleasures of scenic driving and biking or wildlife and landscape photography!

Don’t miss the following hidden gems of national parks!

• Tonto National Monument (featuring the rock dwellings built by ancient Salado people) is located in the Superstition Mountains in Gila County, central Arizona.

• Find the Wupatki National Monument (showcasing the Wupatki Pueblo ruins, inhabited over 800 years ago) between the Ponderosa Highlands and the Painted Desert in northern Arizona! 

• Chiricahua National Monument or Wonderland of Rocks (known for its notable stone formations) can be found in southeastern Arizona in the Chiricahua Mountains.

Final thoughts

Few states can pick up the glove against this marvelous desert state regarding jaw-dropping natural attractions. Arizona enjoys the advantage of hosting unique landscapes you can find nowhere else in the world! We don’t only refer to the majestic Grand Canyon or Antelope Canyon, the endless Sonoran Desert, the breathtaking Havasu Falls, and Monument Valley!

Ghost towns are a thing here, featuring the remains of the gold old days from the Western era. Then, outstanding cave mountains, such as Peppersauce Cave, can test your endurance and stamina!

Lastly, Arizona is home to the most beautiful national parks in America. It’s a shame that few of them gained a reputation since even the smallest ones, such as Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument or Chiricahua National Monument, are on par with the greatest of our nation. Don’t miss your chance to explore them in person!