Just when we think all the hidden gems in Arizona have been discovered, a few more rear their heads. From a quaint fishing community frozen in time to a whimsical town with a space-themed restaurant and motel, this 10-hour Arizona hidden gems road trip leads to some of the Grand Canyon State's most underrated destinations.
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1. Martinez Lake
Established in 1958, Martinez Lake is a quaint little fishing community frozen in time. With a population of under 1,000, the town flies under the radar of most Arizonans—but we're seeking to change that. If you're looking for an overnight adventure, Martinez Lake Resort offers year-round water recreation, a top-notch bar and restaurant, and several different lodging options.
2. Dateland Travel Center & Date Gardens (Dateland)
Not your average gas station, Dateland Travel Center & Date Gardens is a quirky roadside stop between Yuma and Phoenix. From all sorts of date-filled baked goods to their world-famous date shakes and ice cream, this middle-of-nowhere destination serves up delicious treats you won't believe are healthy.
3. Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument (Ajo)
Sharing a border with the Mexican state of Sonora, Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument is a place in the U.S. where the organ pipe cactus grows wild. Spanning over 330,000 acres, this incredible place is not only a national monument, but a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, as well. In addition to the organ pipe cactus, visitors will also see a variety of other types of cacti and desert plant life on dozens of hiking trails.
4. Gila Bend
Among the quirkiest towns you'll ever visit, Gila Bend is truly "out-of-this-world." Between massive dinosaur statues, ancient petroglyphs, and a space-themed Best Western motel, this itty bitty city is a hidden gem that everyone should visit at least once.
5. Estrella Mountain Regional Park (Goodyear)
Not far from the much more popular South Mountain Park and Preserve, Estrella Mountain Regional Park often gets overlooked. That's a real shame, as its 20,000 acres of largely undisturbed mountain and wetland terrain boast endless opportunities for adventure. Over 33 miles of multi-use trails, baseball fields, a golf course, fishing from the Gila River, and the only grassy picnic area in the Maricopa County Park System await you.
6. Kofa National Wildlife Refuge
Kofa National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1939 as part of an effort to protect desert bighorn sheep. Rugged and desolate, the 665,000-acre expanse boasts a striking variety of native flora and fauna, which visitors can marvel at on several hiking trails.
How many of these hidden gems in Arizona have you visited? Would you add any to the list? Let us know your thoughts in the comments, and check out some of our previous articles to learn more about Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument.
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