National Parks in Arizona

The Phoenix Valley and Northern Arizona make for great vacation destinations for so many reasons. Professional baseball teams travel here for spring training, retirees and remote workers snowbird in Arizona to escape the harsh winters, and the nature is unbeatable. In fact, Arizona is home to several breathtaking National Parks, and they’re well worth the trip!

Whether you’ve been wanting to visit Phoenix for its expansive dining scene and annual festivals or your entire trip is centered around National Parks, you’ll have plenty of opportunity to see nature at its finest while you’re here. We’ve created this guide to National Parks in Arizona so you can plan your trip accordingly. Let’s explore our favorite parks now!

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In this piece:

• How Many National Parks are in Arizona?
• Best National Parks & Sites Near Northern Arizona
• Best National Parks Near Phoenix
• Book Your Arizona Vacation Directly with Arizona Elite Vacation Rentals!
• How Many National Parks are in Arizona?

Three! Arizona is home to Grand Canyon National Park, Petrified Forest National Park, and Saguaro National Park. There are also 19 historical sites, monuments, and recreation areas in the state, making an overall total of 22 national sites.  

Best National Parks & Sites Near Northern Arizona

Staying in one of Arizona Elite’s Northern Arizona vacation rentals? These National Parks and sites are perfect for a day trip. Grab your hiking boots and get ready for an adventure!

Grand Canyon National Park

Distance from Flagstaff: 1 Hour, 20 Minutes

Of course, this wouldn’t be a piece about National Parks in Arizona if we didn’t mention the Grand Canyon. It’s one of the Seven Wonders of the Natural World for good reason.

If the Grand Canyon is on your bucket list, now’s your time to check it off! There’s so much to do here, from hiking and river rafting to simply taking in the truly unbelievable views. At just over an hour’s drive from our Flagstaff rentals, a day trip here is super attainable!

These are our favorite things to do at the Grand Canyon:

• Rim Trail:  This mostly flat path runs about 13 miles along the South Rim, but you don’t have to tackle it all at once. With shuttle stops along the way, it’s easy to hop on and off.
• Bright Angel Trail: One of the park’s most popular hikes! All together, it’s 9.5 miles long, but even if you just go as far as the 1.5- or 3-mile rest houses, you’ll witness remarkable views.
• South Kaibab Trail: A short hike to Ooh Aah Point or Cedar Ridge will provide some of best views in the park. Early morning is especially magical, if you can wake up for the sunrise!
• Rent Bikes: Biking around the Grand Canyon Village is a fun way to see more of the area without rushing.
• Check out the Viewpoints: Don’t miss Mather Point, Yavapai Point, and Desert View Watchtower. They’re incredible spots for photos, especially at sunrise or sunset. Your Instagram feed will appreciate your hard-earned works of art!

Petrified Forest National Park

Distance from Flagstaff: 1 Hour, 40 Minutes

Petrified Forest National Park might not be as famous as the Grand Canyon, but trust us, it’s worth the trip. Walking amongst the bright desert colors and fossilized trees will make you feel like you’re exploring another planet! The petrified trees turned to stone over 200 million years ago, so the park feels almost like a time capsule. Most people spend just a few hours here, but if you love exploring trails and scenic pull-offs, you can easily make a day of it.

Fun Things to Do in Petrified Forest:

• Overlooks: Stop at the overlooks and take in the colorful layers of reds, purples, and pinks (especially stunning at sunrise or sunset).
• Crystal Forest Trail: This short, easy loop is filled with glittering petrified logs that look like something out of a fantasy world.
• Blue Mesa Trail: A favorite for photographers, this trail winds through bluish badlands and otherworldly landscapes.
• Newspaper Rock – Marvel at petroglyphs carved hundreds of years ago by the area’s earliest people.
• Route 66 history – Spot the old highway alignment with a classic vintage car parked as a reminder of the “Mother Road.”
• Blue Forest Trail – Looking for something off the beaten path? This lightly marked trail is adventurous but never strays too far from your car.

Best National Parks Near Phoenix

Saguaro National Park

Distance from Phoenix: 1 hour 45 minutes

Saguaro National Park is another famous National Park, home to the giant cacti Arizona is famous for. Its towering saguaro cacti are the largest in the country, and seeing these giants up close is a once-in-a-lifetime experience!

Split into two districts (East and West) around Tucson, AZ, the park is perfect for a day trip (especially when you’re coming from one of our Phoenix rentals). There are plenty of hiking trails if you want to get your steps in, or you could go for a drive and see the sights from your car window!

Fun Things to Do in Saguaro National Park:

• Drive the Cactus Forest Loop: A scenic loop with plenty of places to pull over for photos and short walks.
• Hike the Valley View Overlook Trail: A short, family-friendly hike with great views of the cactus-covered desert.
• Explore the Desert Ecology Trail: Another great option if you're traveling with kids!
• Go for a longer hike: Trails like King Canyon or Tanque Verde Ridge let you see even more of the park and get in some exercise!
• Catch a desert sunset: Watching the sun dip behind a forest of saguaros is an unforgettable Arizona moment.

Book Your Arizona Vacation Directly with Arizona Elite Vacation Rentals!

At the end of a long day of exploration, return to your home away from home when you stay in an Arizona Elite vacation rental. With properties located throughout Phoenix and Northern Arizona, you’ll be able to access the area’s National Parks easily and make it home with time to spare.

If you want to find a home with a specific amenity like a hot tub or an outdoor pool, or a pet-friendly rental so you can take your pup along, you can browse our catalog by amenity to find the fit for you. You’re sure to find the perfect rental for you amidst out extensive selection!

Browse our available vacation rentals now and book your next trip to Arizona directly with Arizona Elite Vacation Rentals!