Are you searching for a carefree weekend off the beaten path?
An artsy, romantic getaway? Or maybe a night of great food and drinks?
Look no further than these hidden gems around Arizona!
Hike to gorgeous hidden vistas in the mountains and deserts. Explore the stars and caves filled with art and adventure. Or simply enjoy a night out on the town. All in a weekend. Whether you’re a resident in Phoenix, Flagstaff, Tucson, or elsewhere, there’s somewhere close and beautiful to explore in the Grand Canyon State of Arizona!
Hiking and Swimming at SAGUARO LAKE
Nestled among the Bulldog Cliffs on the banks of the Salt River, formed by the Stewart Mountain Dam, Saguaro Lake promises a fun day trip! The lake is off State Route 87, about halfway between Phoenix and Sunflower, a ghost town. Saguaro Lake is the perfect place for a morning hike, an afternoon boating trip. You can even spend a starry night in a cabin at the Saguaro Lake Guest Ranch. Enjoy horseback riding, kayaking and tubing during your relaxing getaway. All that without the tourists and lines you’d find at a water park or beach.
Explore the Stars at MOUNT GRAHAM INTERNATIONAL OBSERVATORY
The second largest optical telescope in North America, this Large Binocular Telescope is located at the Mount Graham International Observatory in the Pinaleño Mountains. Open to public tours between April and October (reservation required, weather permitting), you can explore this as well as two other telescopes. You can also learn about local history and the ecology of the Coronado National Forest. Mount Graham International Observatory is a division of Steward Observatory, the research arm for the Department of Astronomy at The University of Arizona.
A Desert Art Oasis in CHLORIDE
Hike, Float, or Fly to HORSESHOE BEND
Shop Historic FOURTH AVENUE in TUCSON
Extreme ZIP-LINING in FLAGSTAFF
Immerse yourself at the PHOENIX ART MUSEUM
Explore EMERALD CAVE by Boat or Land
From relaxing vacations to exciting excursions into nature, there is no wrong way to spend your time around Arizona.
If the lines and traffic at the Theme Parks and Hoover Dam aren’t your thing … Arizona has a multitude of natural wonders waiting for you.
Whether you are exploring the desert searching for inner peace; spicing up your relationship on a starry night; or wining, dining, and shopping in style … try ARIZONA!
Written by Jeremy Alderman, Phoenix Arizona
Photos Courtesy of or taken from:
Saguaro Lake in Phoenix By Kevin Dooley
Telescopes under Moonlight, at the MGIO Site by Paul Schultz
Chloride mural by Mapio.net
Horseshoe Bend by Alley Keosheyan
Historic 4th Avenue Merchants Association
Flagstaff Extreme Zipline by Uphill Hiker on YouTube
Phoenix Art Museum – Fireflies’ The Yayoi Kusama Infinity Room by Atlas Obscura
Emerald Cave on Flickr by BDFri2012