One of the top reasons people love living in and visiting Arizona is nature. She is beautiful, colorful, flawless, and intense here in the Southwest, making this an incredibly unique place to visit. If you want to explore more of what nature has to offer in Arizona, you will definitely want to check out this list:
This northern Arizona slot canyon is a must-visit for hikers, photographers, and the non-claustrophobic. The smooth, curvy walls were formed by water rushing through the canyon over millenia, creating a serene, otherworldly environment.
If you’re a regular reader, you may remember it from a couple of previous articles. This pristine canyon is located halfway between Globe and Oracle, and only allows 50 people at a time within the area in order to better preserve the wilderness here. This is perfect for a peaceful multi-day hiking trip.
Seeing the hoodoos and other rock formations at Chiricahua National Monument is just one reason to visit. This area is also rich in history, culture, and wildlife.
This picturesque oasis in the pines is the best summer day trip escape! A trail takes you through the woods to this waterfall, perfect for a swim and lounging before heading back home.
Is there any reason not to visit the Grand Canyon? Nope! There are tons of things to do here: hiking, camping, kayaking, white river rafting, riding mules and helicopters, photography, and so much more.
Looking something like an overflowing cup of chocolate milk, this seasonal waterfall makes for a great spot to visit and take in nature. Don’t be fooled by the picture above; the waterfall is HUGE and the water roars at its peak after the snowmelt.
This recent discovery is perfect for amateur and experienced spelunkers alike. The wet cave features still-growing formations, many of which are unique to this one place. It’s a sight that needs to be seen!
This major vacation spot on the Arizona-Utah border, this is currently our largest reservoir (Lake Mead’s water levels are kind of low right now). Since its home is Glen Canyon, the area is stunningly beautiful with sandstone and unique rock and land formations. A lot of people come here for boating, but there’s also plenty of hiking options as well.
Living in Arizona, I’ve heard this place pronounced about a half dozen different ways but it is always mentioned with love. The Mogollon Rim is one of the major places for outdoor adventure and you really need to spend a week here to truly appreciate how beautiful and complex the environment is.
One of the most iconic scenes in the West, we share this park with Utah. The famous mittens and plenty of other formations are found on the Arizona side (yay!), plus these sights are most beautiful at sunrise or sunset. Get up close to the buttes with hiking or a guided tour.
Like hiking and seeing ancient ruins? You can get an up-close perspective of centuries old buildings and ancient history by visiting Navajo National Monument, which is home to some of the best preserved cliff dwelling ruins in the country.
This Route 66 favorite has a lot of Southwest landscapes and history contained within one area: petrified wood, fossils, mesas, painted desert badlands, wildlife, petroglyphs, ruins, and so much more!
Hikers! If you’re looking for a challenging trek, this is one you won’t want to miss. The hike—especially when you get to the spire—is deceptively steep and you’ll feel every muscle in your legs and glutes working to get you up that mountain.
Home to Mount Graham, Riggs Flat Lake, Hospital Flat, and Mount Graham Observatory, this mountain range is beautiful and doesn’t quite get the recognition it should. Perhaps that’s not a bad thing because it has a fragile, though resilient, ecosystem.
This state park has beautiful red sandstone buttes that are almost an unexpected find in central Arizona. This place has plenty of hiking and camping options, so try out some of the longer, lesser-traveled trails the next time you’re here.
Located just an hour outside of Phoenix, this canyon and its beauty are seriously underrated. If there’s any place to find rugged desert landscapes mixed with riparian areas, this is it.
Located just outside of Flagstaff and visible for miles around, the San Francisco Peaks are home to the tallest summit in Arizona (Humphrey’s Peak) and also the only tundra in Arizona. This area is a popular one year round for hikers, campers, and skiers.
Here’s another area with some incredibly rugged terrain that also happens to be abundant in beauty. This area is also home to the fabled Lost Dutchman’s gold mine, which has claimed a number of lives.
Here’s another canyon that frequently flies under most peoples’ radar but that makes a trip here extra special. It is the second largest canyon in Arizona and is a good example of our state’s transition zone: a hike through the canyon will take you from desert to pines within a matter of miles!
Did you know Arizona has wetlands and marshes? Its something we don’t see often anymore—thanks to all the dams that have been installed in the past century—but the rivers all naturally have these riparian areas. It’s a great place for watching wildlife and finding a bit of solace.
The final place on our list is also one of the more remote areas that, again, a lot of people don’t know about. Vermilion Cliffs has some spectacular landscapes, including canyons, buttes, and mesas. This includes "The Wave," a windblown, curvy landscape that looks like it could have been formed by water.
If there is one scenic drive in Arizona that belongs on your list, it’s Highway 89. Driving through Grand Canyon country and Navajo land, you can literally see some of the most incredible views in the state. This is my favorite type of road trip, one where I get to see several landscapes within a short distance. And when your final destination is an overlook with expansive views of Lake Powell, how can you go wrong with that? Intrigued? Come with me on this scenic drive to the Wahweap Overlook in Page, where the trip is worth the reward at the end. The drive to this remote destination in Arizona is one you won’t forget.
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You’ve probably been on your share of road trips in Arizona, right? But if you’ve never cruised on scenic Highway 89, now it’s your time to do so. At 201 miles long, it begins in Flagstaff, splits in 2, then crosses over the Utah State Line. It’s a scenic drive that you can do in one day, with plenty of time to spare to take a hike or enjoy several of the sites and attractions along the way.
Some of the epic sites include the Wupatki National Monument, the Glen Canyon Dam, and of course, the most famous canyon in America - the Grand Canyon. Moreover, you’ll drive through the Navajo Nation meandering along Echo Cliffs, which stretches for 60 miles along Highway 89. The colorful cliffs are the perfect backdrop for your photos. Oh, and yes, be sure to have your camera and binoculars in hand. You’re going to need them for this trip.
By the time you get to Wahweap Overlook, which is just about 5 miles from the Utah State line, you’ll be blown away by the countless jaw dropping vistas. Any outdoor enthusiast would agree that this drive to the northernmost part of Arizona is worth all the rewards. Plus, there are plenty of opportunities to hike, swim, boat, visit national monuments, and more. The final stop is literally just the icing on the cake.
Sunset over Wahweap Overlook in Page, AZ. A very impressive scenery that has to be seen in person.
At 4,200 feet high at the Wahweap Overlook, you will witness the most expansive views of Lake Powell. Other backdrops include the Colorado River, Castle Rock, Navajo Mountain, Tower Butte, Glen Canyon Dam, and Wahweap Bay, just to name a few. You can’t beat this view, and we recommend you plan your trip to see the sunset. There are a couple of benches and a shed here, so you can pack lunch while you marvel at Arizona’s stunning landscape.
Driving to this remote destination in Arizona will also grant you access to Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, but you’ll need to pay a small fee to get in. But best of all, you can take the easy trek to see the world-famous Horseshoe Bend too.
To be honest, this scenic drive on Highway 89 will probably lead you to a week-long adventure. So, if you need a place to stay, here’s a top hotel in Page that’s only 5 miles from the overlook. Trust me, this trip to northern Arizona is worth all the incredible rewards in the end.
Address: 1000 US-89, Page, AZ 86040
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Pro Tip: The Wahweap Overlook is free, but there is another scenic spot, Wahweap Viewpoint, inside Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, that you’ll need to pay to access unless you have a NPS pass. The overlook is located on a side street on the right, just three miles north after you pass the Carl Hayden Visitor Center.
Well, are you ready to see the best that the Grand Canyon State has to offer? Gas up the car and let’s go!
Best Travel Gifts of 2024, Hand-picked by Our Travel Experts
If you're looking for gifting ideas for the travelers in your life this holiday season, check out our list of our favorite, tried and true travel gifts.
Welcome to Hand-Picked, a curated series highlighting the travel gear and goods our staff truly love. From practical essentials to playful extras, these are the items that make travel fun—and shopping even better! Each pick is independently selected by our editors, and if you make a purchase through our links, Only In Your State may earn a commission.
There is nothing that makes me happier than picking out the perfect gift. Friends often ask me for ideas of what to gift to their family, children, partners, friends... the challenge of finding that special item (or experience) is my favorite kind of adrenaline rush. And because of this, the holiday season is like my version of sky diving.
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Our team of travel experts here at Only In Your State joined me in selecting our favorite travel gifts of the season. We've hand-picked 24 gifts that we own and love and would joyfully wrap up with a shiny bow for other travel lovers in our lives. We've chosen a variety of options, from candles to books, to the perfect travel shoes and bags. There is also a wide range of prices for any gifting budget. Pick out a few to gift this season and maybe even send some of these ideas to those who are shopping for you. It may be the holiday season, but it is also always travel season in our minds.
Why We Love Them: How fun is this candle? I love picking out meaningful gifts and this one is perfect for the woman in your life who can't help but plan another trip. Or, maybe this is you and this candle needs to make its way into your own stocking! The LEADO store on Amazon actually has several unique gifts and it's worth checking out. Where to Buy Them: Shop this candle and more on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 Bonus: Manager of Editorial Megan Shute swears by these rechargeable USB lighters – add one to your favorite candle lover's stocking, and they will not be disappointed.
Why We Love It: We've tried some pretty spiffy eye masks, but have you ever experienced an eye massager? The Bob & Brad EyeOasis 2 is as relaxing as it gets. With adjustable pressure & heat settings, this is a must-have if you want to tune out the world and treat yourself. It's the first thing we reach for when we feel a migraine coming on! Where To Buy It: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $59.99 (normally $74.99)
Why We Love Them: It's safe to say I am in my sneaker era and I know I'm not alone. When I discovered Kizik shoes, especially their sneakers, I felt like I discovered gold at the end of the rainbow. I love that the brand is size inclusive (I have big feet) and you literally just slip these on and go. Hands-free shoes! This makes them perfect for travel and the fact that these go with everything means no over-packing necessary. Where to Buy Them: Check out the Milan sneaker and several other styles (boots, too!) on the Kizik website. Price (at time of publication): $149
Why We Love Them: I discovered Frankie Jean while in Austin with my daughter and once I saw the Y'ALL Baseball Cap, I knew it would make the perfect souvenir -- and travel hat! I always travel with a baseball hat; they're handy for post-plane hair and offer protection from the elements. Frankie Jean has an array of adorable caps for non-y'allers, too, with all 50 states represented in the web store. Where to Buy It: Visit Frankie Jean online for this hat and many others! Price (at time of publication): $32
Why We Love Them: The Yoto Mini is an excellent gadget for kids on the go. Physical cards allow children to expand their imagination through audiobooks, music, activities, and educational audio. Manager of Editorial Megan Shute purchased the mini-player for her daughter's 4th birthday earlier this year ahead of an overseas move and has been endlessly impressed: "Not only did it replace her standard sound machine with its white noise options, but it has given us another portable screen-free entertainment option for at home and while traveling. The Yoto is also perfect for anyone who asks what your child wants for the holidays — cards for their new Yoto collection, please!" Where to Buy Them: Yoto is available on their website and Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $69.99 for player
Why We Love Them: The Vuori Performance Joggers might just be the most comfortable piece of clothing we own. The buttery-soft, stretchy material is the perfect weight, and the slim yet relaxed fit is one of the most universally flattering styles we've tried. Engagement Editor Meg Archer has gifted these to many people over the last few years: "I have yet to hear anything but rave reviews (and a bit of friendly shaming for spawning new obsessions). Don't be surprised if these just so happen to, umm... multiply... in your closet. I couldn't stop at just one pair." Bonus: The matching Vuori Halo Performance Hoodie is one of our favorite lightweight layers for all types of travel! Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From Vuori Price (at time of publication): $94
Why We Love Them: If you have a friend or family member who loves to travel and loves bags (who doesn't?), then this Calpak tote bag is the ultimate gift. When I say ultimate, I mean it, because this is the ultimate bag. My own tote bag is pictured above, when used on an overnight trip. I've also used it as a carry-on bag on flights, to tote sports equipment around for my kids, and for a weekend getaway. It is much larger than it looks in this photo and keeps everything organized. It also wipes clean! Where to Buy Them: Calpak has countless travel bags, but you can find this particular one on their website. Price (at time of publication): $131.75
Why We Love Them: I've purchased two of these portable hammocks with lightweight frames throughout the years — one as a gift for my father and one for myself after realizing how fantastic the hammock was. While it's not a travel product, per se, it has made my everyday life feel more like a vacation, something we could all use a bit more of these days. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $69.99
Why We Love Them: All of the staff at Only In Your State loves to represent their roots and Wear Your Roots allows you to do that in a fashionable - and comfortable - way. We love the wears from this Montana-based company and we happen to believe that these hoodies, shirts, hats, and more make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: Shop now on the Wear Your Roots website Price (at time of publication): Varies by Product
Why We Love It: It's taken several trips for me to figure out my perfect "weekender bag that's TSA approved," but I've found my perfect carry on with the TOBIQ Colorado 30L. An Instagram ad caught my eye during a late-night scroll session and I was intrigued by the colorful compartments and versatility of the bag, which can be carried as a duffle or as a backpack (I prefer the backpack for even weight distribution and airport navigation.) Made of durable, weather-resistant recycled materials, I've stashed this bag under my seat and in the overhead compartment; it's easy to maneuver and the top zip pocket is perfect for easy phone/ID access. Bonus: I loved this carry on bag so much, I purchased TOBIQ's Toiletry Bag; it fits perfectly inside one of the Colorado's four compartments and has a smart, intuitive design with the brand's signature "plethora of zippered pouches and pockets."
Where to Buy Them: Visit tobiqtravel.com to purchase the Colorado 30L and/or Toiletry Bag. Price (at time of publication): $199 (Colorado 30L)/$69 (Toiletry Bag)
Why We Love Them: The Zestt Dreamsoft Travel Scarf doubles as a blanket, making it the perfect travel accessory for year-round adventures – especially on airplanes! Made from organic cotton and easy to wash and care for, we have even used this piece as a makeshift picnic blanket while traveling. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $50
Why I Love It: This raincoat is absolutely perfect: it's light (12.4 ounces!) and super packable, "self stuffing" into one of its pockets in a Houdini-like feat. The hood is generously sized to fit over a hat and has a cord-and-hook design that keeps rain out (seriously -- this photo was taken after a trip to Portland, Oregon, where its water resistance was put to the test!). I purchased my Torrentshellfive years ago and it still looks brand new, the fabric has never snagged or ripped despite being put through the ringer! Bonus: The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket comes in men's sizes, too! Where to Buy It: Buy it now on REI. Price (at time of publication): $179 (both men's and women's)
Why We Love Them: I love gifting books. Maybe it's the writer in me or the nostalgia I feel every time I sit down and open up an actual book. Coffee table books make for great gifts and I absolutely love this collection of photography of New York City. Whether you know someone who loves NYC or has a wanderlust for the Big Apple, this gorgeous book just needs a bow on top and it's ready to gift. Where to Buy Them: Buy this book and others in the collection on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $19.78
Why We Love Them: A well-stocked first aid kit is essential for any traveler, and we love these small Welly kits. They're the perfect option to keep in your car, diaper bag, or carry-on for accidents on the go. Another excellent stocking stuffer for anyone in your life. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Walmart Price (at time of publication): $9.70
Why We Love Them: The OluKai Pehuea Lī Sneaker is lightweight and breathable, but also extremely comfortable and surprisingly supportive. It's our go-to shoe when we know we're going to be on our feet all day! We love that they can be worn as either sneakers or slides, so they're easy to slip off when going through TSA checks. Plus, the style goes with just about everything. Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From OluKai Price (at time of publication): $110
Why I Love It: Fact: Airplanes are notoriously dry, dry, dry. No matter how much water I drink both before and during the flight, I always find myself in a hydration deficit for days. My skin feels so tight and parched during flights, and while I've been known to slap on a sheet mask at 12,000 feet, my 11 year old's mortification on a recent trip had me rethinking this strategy. My solution? BioRepublic's Lost Baggage biocellulose eye masks. These mini moisturizers contain an uber-hydrating cocktail of peptides, hyaluronic acid, squalene, rose water, and vitamin E that feel oh-so-refreshing on parched skin. Bonus: Each of these little masks has enough moisture that I'm able to massage the excess into the rest of my face after my brief, in-flight spa moment. Where to Buy It: I have a BioRepublic Lost Baggage Under Eye Emergency Repair Mask Subscribe & Save order through Amazon -- you'll get a slight discount if you set this up! Price (at time of publication): 3/$15.00
Why I Love It: I am a dedicated Stanley girl, but when I travel, I like to keep things as light and portable as possible. A recent trip to Washington D.C. had me singing the praises of my Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle, especially after paying $6 for a tiny bottle of water the afternoon we arrived and embarked sans water. I love the bottle's muted color options (I have the Hydaway in Twilight), sturdy handle, and fuss-free cleaning; fully extended it holds 17 ounces of water, making this smart little number perfect for filling up on the go. Where to Buy Them: The Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle is available at several online merchants; I purchased through REI. Available here on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $27.95.
Why We Love Them: This is one of those things that we don't know how we traveled without them. Packing cubes keep things organized, save space in a suitcase, and take the pain out of the packing process. If you know and love someone who travels, this set would make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: There are so many options for packing cubes on Amazon, but we particularly LOVE this set. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 for 8 cubes
Why We Love Them: I've been a fan of Beis for years now, starting with the Weekender (it’s my absolute favorite travel bag for short car trips or flying and is surprisingly roomy). I recently purchased another Beis item — the backpack. With a padded interior sleeve, two water bottle pockets, and plenty of organization built-in — we’re talking zippered interior pockets, pen slots, a key leash, and more — this is the best backpack I’ve ever owned. It also has a full-zip opening, so it’s easy to pack, and the trolley pass-through makes it the perfect carry-on companion. This olive beauty is officially my new favorite personal item while traveling, and I’ve already brought it on several trips. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Beis Price (at time of publication): $88
Why We Love Them: We bought this set of two accessory organizers for a recent trip and think they would make a fun stocking stuffer filled with all sorts of small and useful travel goodies — chapstick, hair ties, mini lotions, bandaids, etc. The gift recipient can then use the organizers for travel. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $17.66
Why We Love It: The sleek style of the Away Everywhere Zip Backpack looks at home in just about any environment, making it a great transition bag if you need to hop right from a flight into a work meeting (or want to start exploring as soon as you land). It's water-resistant, has a padded laptop sleeve to keep your devices safe, and the full wrap-around zipper makes it incredibly easy to grab what you need in a cramped airplane seat. I love it! Where To Buy It:Buy Now From Away Price (at time of publication): $195
Why We Love It: Engagement Editor Meg Archer recently travel-testedthis high-end aluminum travel case, and it can only be described as the Lamborghini of Luggage: "The Sterling Pacific 40L Travel Case is hands down the best I've ever owned or reviewed. It's stunning inside and out, timelessly stylish, and rolls like a dream. Honestly, I didn't know luggage could move like this." It's undeniably a splurge, but if you're looking for a piece of eye-catching yet understated luxury-tier luggage, this is it. Where To Buy It: Buy Now From Sterling Pacific Price (at time of publication): $2,150
Why We Love It: Throw out all your assumptions about generators. The Anker Power Bank Portable Generator is all-electric (so it's totally silent), super compact, and has a massive 60,000 mAh capacity that can power multiple devices dozens of times on a single charge. It also retains an impressive 85% charge after a whole year of non-use, making it absolutely vital during emergencies. This bad boy kept us in touch with family during a multi-day blackout, but we also love it for camping trips and off-grid adventures. Where To Buy It:Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $149.99
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If you need anymore ideas for the best travel gifts of the season, we have you covered. Check out more of our travel-themed gift guides...
