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Adventure Is Out There! Explore These 23 National Parks Near Phoenix

Adventure Is Out There! Explore These 23 National Parks Near Phoenix

| Last Updated: June 2024

Did you know the United States boasts a staggering 63 National Parks, each offering unique landscapes? But the best part is that Phoenix, Arizona, sits in a prime location, surrounded by a treasure trove of these natural wonders.

In this guide, we’ll show you the must-see National Parks near Phoenix, catering to all interests, from desert enthusiasts to adventurers seeking epic landscapes. So, get ready to dive deeper and discover the perfect park to fuel your wanderlust!

1. Casa Grande Ruins National Monument

Website: https://www.nps.gov/cagr/planyourvisit/basicinfo.htm

Address: 1100 W Ruins Dr, Coolidge, AZ 85128, United States

Contact details: +15207233172

Operating hours: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Casa Grande Ruins National Monument is the first archeological preserve in the US in 1892. This park protects the remnants of a Hohokam community that thrived here for over a thousand years. 

Casa Grande Ruins National Monument boasts the iconic four-story “Casa Grande” structure and an impressive irrigation system. It showcases the ingenuity of the Hohokam people, who farmed the harsh Sonoran Desert.

Pro tip:
Since Casa Grande Ruins receives minimal rainfall, plan your visit for the cooler months, ideally between late fall and early spring. A must-do is to take a ranger-guided tour to learn about the Hohokam people and their way of life.

2. Coronado National Memorial

Website: http://www.nps.gov/coro/index.htm

Address: 4101 W Montezuma Canyon Rd, Hereford, AZ 85615, United States

Contact details: +15203665515

Operating hours: 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Established to honor Francisco Vásquez de Coronado’s 1540 expedition, the first organized exploration into the American Southwest, Coronado National Memorial is steeped in history. 

Coronado National Memorial sits at the foot of the Huachuca Mountains, where Coronado’s band ventured into what is now Arizona. The park commemorates this cultural exchange and serves as a bridge between the United States and Mexico.

Pro tip:
Hike up to the overlook at Montezuma Pass. From this vantage point, you’ll soak in the panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and retrace the steps of Coronado’s historic expedition.

3. Fort Bowie National Historic Site

Website: http://www.nps.gov/fobo

Address: 3500 Apache Pass Rd, Bowie, AZ 85605, United States

Contact details: +15208472500

Operating hours: 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM

Established in 1972, Fort Bowie National Historic Site protects the ruins of a 19th-century U.S. Army fort that played a central role in the conflict between the Chiricahua Apache and the American military.

Exhibits at the visitor center tell the story of the fort, the Apache people, and the struggles on both sides. The park also encompasses Apache Pass, a strategic location that witnessed numerous battles.

Pro tip:
Park rangers often lead talks and programs that bring history to life, so check the park schedule before your visit. Fort Bowie offers a unique opportunity to learn about a significant chapter in the settlement of the American West.

4. Glen Canyon National Recreation Area

Website: https://www.nps.gov/glca/planyourvisit/basicinfo.htm

Address: 691 Scenic View Rd Dr, Page, AZ 86040, United States

Contact details: +19286086200

Operating hours: 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM

Glen Canyon National Recreation Area surrounds breathtaking Lake Powell, the second-largest human-made lake in the United States. This reservoir on the Colorado River is a haven for water enthusiasts. 

This horseshoe-shaped bend in the Colorado River is a must-see for any visitor to Glen Canyon. The steep canyon walls rise hundreds of feet above the river, creating a dramatic and awe-inspiring sight.

Pro tip:
 A boat tour is the best way to experience the beauty of Lake Powell and get up close to the canyon walls. Many tours are available, from short sightseeing cruises to extended houseboating adventures.

5. Grand Canyon National Park

Website: https://www.nps.gov/grca/index.htm

Address: AZ-67, North Rim, AZ 86023, United States

Contact details: +19286387888

Operating hours: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Grand Canyon National Park is most famous for the Grand Canyon, a steep-sided gorge carved by the Colorado River over millions of years. The canyon’s colorful layered rock bands reveal millions of geologic history.  

The canyon is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is considered one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. The park encompasses over 1,200 square miles and features diverse wildlife, numerous overlooks, and plenty of hiking trails.

Pro tip:
The South Rim, the most popular and accessible part of the park, is at a high elevation (over 7,000 feet), and the weather can change quickly. Be sure to bring layers of clothing, sunscreen, and a hat, no matter what time of year you visit.

6. Lake Mead National Recreation Area

Website: http://www.nps.gov/lake

Address: 10 Lakeshore Rd, Boulder City, NV 89005, United States

Contact details: +17022938990

Operating hours: 24/7

Lake Mead National Recreation Area is a sprawling national recreation area encompassing 1.5 million acres of land. It’s the first and largest recreation area established in the United States.

This vast area boasts two massive lakes – Lake Mead, America’s largest reservoir, and Lake Mohave. One of the most iconic landmarks within the recreation area is the Hoover Dam, a marvel of engineering that created Lake Mead. 

Pro tip:
Take a boat tour to fully understand the immense Lake Mead and the surrounding desert landscape. You might even spot some bighorn sheep or bald eagles.

7. Montezuma Castle National Monument

Website: https://www.nps.gov/moca/index.htm

Address: Montezuma Castle Rd, Camp Verde, AZ, United States

Contact details: +19285673322

Operating hours: 8:00 AM to 4:45 PM

Montezuma Castle National Monument is a well-preserved cliff dwelling built by the Sinagua people between 1100 and 1425 AD. Its ideal location within a natural alcove contributed to its survival.

The monument’s dwelling is nicknamed a “high-rise apartment” due to its clever use of vertical space. It also offers a scenic sycamore grove, a haven for diverse plant and animal life. 

Pro tip:
Arrive early to avoid crowds and capture the best light for photographs. Combine your visit with exploring the Beaver Creek area trails for a well-rounded experience of the Sonoran Desert’s natural beauty and rich history.

8. Petrified Forest National Park

Website: http://petrifiedforest.org/

Address: 4100 Petrified Forest Rd, Calistoga, CA 94515, United States

Contact details: +17079426667

Operating hours: Thursday to Monday – 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Established in 1962, Petrified Forest National Park encompasses over 346 square miles of vibrant badlands, semi-desert shrub steppe, and the iconic Painted Desert. The park’s namesake, the petrified trees, is a sight. 

Millions of years ago, these trees were buried by sediment layers, slowly replaced by minerals like quartz and crystals. This remarkable process transformed them into the colorful, petrified logs seen today.

Pro tip:
The Rainbow Forest features numerous trails that take you right up close to the petrified logs. The Blue Mesa Trail offers stunning views of the Painted Desert, while the Long Log Trail allows you to walk among some of the longest fallen trees.

9. Saguaro National Park

Website: https://www.nps.gov/sagu/index.htm

Address: 2700 North Kinney Road, Tucson, AZ 85743

Contact details: +15207335153

Operating hours: 24/7

Saguaro National Park protects the Sonoran Desert’s iconic saguaro cactus. The park encompasses over 92,000 acres and is divided into two separate districts: the Tucson Mountain District to the west and the Rincon Mountain District to the east. 

It protects the giant saguaro cactus, which can live for hundreds of years and grow up to 50 feet tall. The park also provides habitat for other desert plants and animals, including coyotes, javelinas, and desert bighorn sheep. 

Pro tip:
The summers in Tucson can be sweltering, so planning your trip for the spring or fall is essential. If you visit in the summer, drink plenty of water and avoid strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day.

10. Canyonlands National Park

Website: https://www.nps.gov/cany/index.htm

Address: 2282 Resource Blvd. Moab, UT 84532

Contact details: +14357192313

Operating hours: 24/7

Canyonlands National Park is a desert landscape featuring four districts: Island in the Sky, The Needles, The Maze, and the combined Green and Colorado Rivers. The Colorado River carved two large canyons into the Colorado Plateau.

Island in the Sky is the most accessible and famous district, offering stunning overlooks and scenic drives. The Needles district is known for its colorful rock pinnacles, while The Maze is a remote and rugged region with deep canyons and challenging hikes. 

Pro tip:
Hike the Mesa Arch Trail. This relatively easy hike offers incredible views of the Colorado River and surrounding canyons. 

11. Joshua Tree National Park

Website: https://www.nps.gov/jotr/index.htm

Address: 6554 Park Boulevard, Joshua Tree, CA 92252

Contact details: +17603675500

Operating hours: 24/7

Joshua Tree National Park is named after the Joshua trees, which are yuccas with a distinctive, spiky appearance. The park encompasses nearly 800,000 acres of rugged desert landscapes, including rocky mountains, stark plains, and hidden canyons. 

One of the things that makes Joshua Tree National Park special is its night skies. The park is a haven for stargazers because of its remote location and lack of light pollution. 

Pro tip:
Avoid visiting Joshua Tree National Park during summer, when temperatures can soar above 100 degrees Fahrenheit. The best times to visit are spring and fall when the weather is mild and comfortable.

12. Cholla Gardens

Website: https://www.nps.gov/jotr/learn/nature/cholla-cactus-garden.htm

Address: 74485 National Park Dr, Twentynine Palms, California

Contact details: 760-367-5500

Operating hours: 24/7

The Cholla Cactus Garden is a unique spot with a dense concentration of teddy bear cholla cacti. These cacti are known for their barbed spines that can snag onto clothes and fur.

 The cholla is segmented and covered in spines, which can detach and stick to passing animals or hikers. This is why staying on the designated trail and wearing long pants and closed-toe shoes is essential when visiting the Cholla Cactus Garden.

Pro tip:
Hike the easy 1/2 mile loop trail that winds through the heart of the cactus garden. The trail is flat and suitable for all ages, making it an excellent option for families with young children.  

13. Bryce Canyon National Park

Website: https://www.nps.gov/brca/index.htm

Address: Highway 63. Bryce Canyon National Park Bryce, UT 84764

Contact details: +14358345322

Operating hours: 24/7

Bryce Canyon National Park is a collection of giant natural amphitheaters along the eastern side of the Paunsaugunt Plateau. The hoodoos are the main attraction with their spire-shaped rock formations created by frost weathering and stream erosion over time.

Bryce Canyon boasts some of the darkest skies in the lower 48 states, making it a stargazer’s paradise. On a clear night, you can see the Milky Way stretching across the sky and millions of stars twinkling brightly.

Pro tip:
Hike the Rim Trail. This easy-to-moderate path winds along the rim of the amphitheater, offering incredible views of the hoodoos from multiple viewpoints, including Sunrise Point, Sunset Point, Inspiration Point, and Bryce Point.

14. Zion National Park

Website: https://www.nps.gov/brca/index.htm

Address: 1 Zion Park Blvd. Springdale, UT 84767

Contact details: +14358345322

Operating hours: 24/7

Zion National Park has red-rock cliffs, towering mesas, deep canyons, and emerald pools. The Virgin River carves its scenic path through the park, where diverse plants and animals thrive in this unique environment.

Here, you can hike the Canyon Overlook Trail for stunning views of Zion Canyon or dip in the Emerald Pools, cascading waterfalls. Or, for the more adventurous, explore the Narrows, a slot canyon carved by the Virgin River.

Pro tip:
Because of its growing popularity, Zion National Park has implemented a seasonal shuttle system to reduce traffic congestion and parking issues. During peak season, consider purchasing a Zion National Park Pass, which includes shuttle use.

15. Mesa Verde National Park

Website: https://www.nps.gov/meve/index.htm

Address: 7 Headquarters Loop Road Mesa Verde National Park, CO 81330

Contact details: +19705294465

Operating hours: 24/7

Mesa Verde is an archaeological wonderland and one of the most significant archaeological preserves in the United States. It protects over 5,000 archeological sites, including 600 cliff dwellings built by the Ancestral Puebloan people between 750 and 1300 AD.

The largest cliff dwelling in Mesa Verde is Cliff Palace, which has over 150 rooms and could house hundreds of people. Other notable cliff dwellings include Balcony House and Spruce Tree House.

Pro tip:
When visiting Mesa Verde National Park, check the difficulty level of the tours, as some require climbing ladders or tight spaces. Since the park is at a high elevation, drink plenty of water and pace yourself if you need to get used to the altitude.

16. Death Valley National Park

Website: https://www.nps.gov/deva/index.htm

Address: Death Valley, CA 92328

Contact details: +17607863200

Operating hours: 24/7

Death Valley National Park is North America’s hottest, driest, and lowest national park. Badwater Basin is the continent’s lowest point at 282 feet below sea level. 

Death Valley is a land of extremes, with soaring temperatures, vast salt flats, and rugged mountain ranges. After rare rainfall in the winter and spring, the desert floor explodes with vibrant wildflowers.

Pro tip:
 A must-do while visiting Death Valley is to hike Badwater Basin. The surreal landscape of salt flats stretching below sea level is a sight you won’t forget.

17. White Sands National Park

Website: https://www.nps.gov/whsa/index.htm

Address: White Sands National Park, 19955 Highway 70 West, Alamogordo, NM 88310

Contact details: +15754796124

Operating hours: 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM

Designated a national park in December 2019, White Sands National Park protects many of the world’s largest gypsum dune fields. The otherworldly dunes, composed of sparkling white gypsum sand, rise and fall as far as the eye can see.  

The gypsum is one of the most memorable things about White Sands National Park. The unique climate of the Tularosa Basin allows the gypsum to accumulate over millions of years, forming these incredible dunes.  

Pro tip:
A must-do while visiting is to go sledding down the dunes. You can rent wax-bottomed sleds at the park’s visitor center or bring your plastic saucer.  

18. Capitol Reef National Park

Website: https://www.nps.gov/care/index.htm

Address: 52 Scenic Drive Torry, UT 84775

Contact details: +14354253791

Operating hours: 24/7

Capitol Reef National Park boasts a dramatic landscape sculpted by time and geologic forces. The centerpiece is the Waterpocket Fold, a colossal Earth’s crust wrinkle stretching nearly 100 miles. 

Capitol Reef National Park features a wonderland of colorful sandstone cliffs, canyons, domes, and natural bridges. The name comes from the white Navajo sandstone domes that resemble the U.S. Capitol Building.

Pro tip:
Take a scenic drive on the Capitol Reef Scenic Drive. This 24-mile route winds through the park’s heart, offering stunning views of the Waterpocket Fold and the surrounding landscape. 

19. Arches National Park

Website: https://www.nps.gov/arch/index.htm

Address: Moab, Utah, on US 191, Moab, UT 84532

Contact details: +14357192299

Operating hours: 24/7

Arches National Park is a red-rock wonderland sculpted by millions of years of erosion. With over 2,000 cataloged arches, the park boasts the highest concentration of natural sandstone arches worldwide.  

These arches range in size and shape, from the Delicate Arch, a symbol of Utah, to the Landscape Arch, the longest arch in the park. There are soaring pinnacles, massive rock fins, and giant balanced rocks. 

Pro tip:
Winter is the park’s quietest season, and even with snow dusting, you can still enjoy the arches’ beauty. Hike Delicate Arch Viewpoint Trail for a breathtaking view of Delicate Arch, one of the park’s most iconic landmarks.

20. Great Basin National Park

Website: https://www.nps.gov/grba/index.htm

Address: 100 Great Basin National Park Baker, NV 89311

Contact details: +17752347331

Operating hours: 24/7

Great Basin National Park, established in 1986, protects a diverse landscape that includes the Snake Range, bristlecone pine forests, Lehman Caves, and Wheeler Peak, the tallest mountain in Nevada.  

Great Basin National Park is named after the Great Basin, a high desert region between the Sierra Nevada and Wasatch Mountain ranges. The park is home to some of the oldest living organisms on Earth, the bristlecone pine trees. 

Pro tip:
Find a spot away from the campground lights and marvel at the breathtaking night sky. Time your visit to the Great Basin Astronomy Festival each fall for a genuinely unforgettable stargazing experience.

21. Channel Islands National Park

Website: https://www.nps.gov/chis/index.htm

Address: 901 Spinnaker Drive Ventura, CA 93001

Contact details: +18056585730

Operating hours: 24/7

Channel Islands National Park is a group of five islands: Anacapa, Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa, San Miguel, and Santa Barbara. The park also protects nearly 13,000 years of human history, with archeological sites scattered throughout the islands.

Channel Islands National Park is often called the “Galapagos of North America” due to its unique wildlife. Visitors can expect to see dolphins, whales, seals, sea lions, and various bird species. 

Pro tip:
Hike to the top of Santa Cruz Island’s highest point, which offers stunning views of the surrounding islands and the California mainland. Then, take a boat tour around the islands to get a closer look at the wildlife and scenery.

22. Guadalupe Mountains National Park

Website: https://www.nps.gov/gumo/

Address: Dell City, TX 79847, United States

Contact details: +19158283251

Operating hours: 24/7

Guadalupe Mountains National Park is known for its rugged mountain ranges, including Guadalupe Peak, the highest point in Texas at 8,751 feet. It’s also home to the Permian Reef, a massive fossil reef from the Permian period.

This 250-million-year-old reef formation stretches for miles and is the world’s most extensive. The park also encompasses the vast Chihuahuan Desert with its unique desert plants and wildlife.

Pro tip:
To avoid the crowds, consider visiting during winter and summer. Winter brings cooler temperatures and the possibility of snow on the higher peaks, while summer offers opportunities for stargazing due to the minimal light pollution.

23. Sequoia National Park

Website: https://www.nps.gov/seki/index.htm

Address: 47050 Generals Highway. Three Rivers, CA 93271

Contact details: +15595653341

Operating hours: 24/7

Established in 1890, Sequoia National Park protects a vast wilderness area in the southern Sierra Nevada mountains. The park’s most famous feature is the giant sequoia tree, the largest living organism on Earth by volume. 

The General Sherman Tree, the world’s largest tree by volume, resides within the park. Over 800 plant species, including giant sequoias, ponderosa pines, and wildflowers, can be found in the park.  

Pro tip:
The General Sherman Tree is in the Giant Forest, home to many other large sequoia trees. Several short trails lead to the tree, making it accessible to visitors of all fitness levels.
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