Arizona is a photographer and traveler's dream, so it's no surprise that plenty of places in our state have been photographed and visited repeatedly. But what about those lesser-known and often hidden locations? Today, we're highlighting a few places that are hidden away or rarely visited. Here are our picks for some of the coolest hidden gems in Arizona:
1. Aravaipa Canyon
This beautiful spot is found in the eastern portion of the state near Safford, and is a federally-protected wilderness. A permit is required to for any kind of recreational use, which can be found at the Bureau of Land Management's website.
2. Arizona Hot Spring
This natural hot spring is only accessible via hiking into the Lake Mead Recreational Area. The hike is six-miles round-trip, which can be strenuous for some, so plan to spend about five to six hours total for this adventure.
3. Cave of the Bells
This beautiful yet delicate cave is found deep within Coronado National Forest, along the Santa Rita Mountains. In order to protect the cave's environment, a reservation is required, as well as a $100 deposit to obtain keys to enter the cave, which is refunded when the keys are returned.
4. Gila Box
This riparian area is managed by the Bureau of Land Management and is located near Safford. It is home to four waterways, some cliff dwellings, old homesteads, and an abundance of wildlife.
Address: 11333 Bonita Creek Road, Safford, Arizona, 85546
5. Hall of Flame Fire Museum
This unassuming place sits in the same neighborhood as the Phoenix Zoo and the Desert Botanical Garden, and is a hidden treat for adults and children alike. It features a comprehensive history of firefighting, and has a lot of vintage fire equipment on display. too.
Address: 6101 East Van Buren Street, Phoenix, Arizona, 85008
6. Mystery Room at the Arizona Biltmore
The Prohibition ended 83 years ago, but there are still small hints of its influence lingering in the Copper State. One example of such is the Mystery Room at the Arizona Biltmore, a speakeasy that's still a little difficult to find these days. Access requires a password, and the Biltmore occasionally posts clues about the lounge on their social media accounts.
Address: 2400 East Missouri Avenue, Phoenix, Arizona, 85016
7. Navajo Code Talkers display at Burger King
Located in Kayenta in the Navajo Nation, this display is found in an unusual place: the local Burger King. However, this also means that it is easily accessible, and brings history to the public in an easily-accessible way.
Address: Highway 160, Kayenta, Arizona, 86033
8. Secret Canyon
At first glance, most people would assume this is a picture from Antelope Canyon, but it's actually from another slot canyon in northern Arizona. Found near Page, this one is much less crowded since the touring company that drives people to the location limits visitors to just a few per day.
9. Underground suite at Grand Canyon Caverns
If this hotel room isn't hidden away, we don't know what is. Located 220 feet below ground, this suite offers a unique (though pricey) hotel stay and the darkest, quietest sleep you can possibly imagine. Make sure to check their website for the most up-to-date booking information.
What do you think about this collection of hidden gems in Arizona? Here's a list of 10 hidden places only the locals know about.
Tell us about your favorite hidden gems in the Copper State below.
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