7 Underrated Spots in Arizona You Need to Visit

Arizona is known as the Grand Canyon State. And thanks to Pinterest it is also now the Havasu Falls and Horseshoe Bend state.

It’s no secret that Arizona holds some of the most unique and jaw-dropping beauty in the world. I feel grateful every beautiful sunny day to be able to call this desert our home.

Arizona has become a popular tourist destination, but I’m here to share 7 underrated spots that don’t receive as much attention but are just as awe-inspiring.

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7 Underrated Spots in Arizona

Table of Contents

• 1. Watson Lake
• 2. Petrified Forest National Park
• 3. Canyon de Chelly
• 4. Tonto Natural Bridge
• 5. Labyrinth Slot Canyon
• 6. Cibecue Falls
• 7. Sycamore Falls
• Bonus: Salome Jug
• Bonus: Fossil Creek Waterfall
• Bonus: Coal Mine Canyon
• Bonus: Fish Creek Vista

1. Watson Lake

Watson Lake is hands down the most beautiful lake in Arizona! With that being said, you would be surprised at how many locals have never visited or even know that it exists.

We lived here for 14 years before we even heard of it! Whether you’re a local or on a tour of the state, Watson Lake is definitely worth a stop.

The concentration of granite dells surrounding the lake is so unique and photogenic. They are also so fun to climb and explore.

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Spend the day hiking the Peavine Trail, catching a bass, rock climbing, or renting a kayak to explore the lake. Keep in mind that swimming is prohibited. Campsites and picnic areas are also available.

Watson Lake is located about 4 miles from Prescott. Be sure to stop in and grab a bite to eat at the cute downtown historic square.

See our guide Top 8 Things to Do in Prescott for more recommendations.

2. Petrified Forest National Park

The Petrified Forest National Park is tucked away in the northeast corner of the state.

Unfortunately, since it is not as centrally located many people don’t make it over here. This is a real shame because these pastel badlands should not be ignored!

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Not only is the landscape unworldly, but it is steeped in rich history. Thousands of petrified wood remains are scattered throughout the land, along with Indian petroglyphs.

If you love history and you love natural beauty, then you will most definitely fall in love with the Petrified Forest National Park!

For tips on visiting this area, be sure to check our Petrified Forest National Park Guide before planning your trip!

3. Canyon de Chelly

The Grand Canyon is not the only canyon in Arizona worth mentioning! Located not too far from the Petrified Forest National Park, you’ll find the incredible Canyon de Chelly.

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At the base of the towering red cliffs, you’ll see the homestead of a Navajo community that is part of an ongoing legacy.

For the past 5,000 years, this valley has been inhabited, which is longer than anywhere in the Colorado Plateau.

You can hike down to the White House Ruins, the only hike that does not require a guide. However, for a more in-depth experience, consider booking a private guided tour led by an experienced Navajo guide.

The preserved Anasazi ruins are built into an alcove on the towering canyon wall.

Drive a little further down the road and you’ll discover Spider Rock, a true geological work of art!

For more information about tours and things to do in Canyon de Chelly, check out our Guide to Canyon de Chelly.

4. Tonto Natural Bridge

Tonto Natural Bridge is believed to be the largest natural travertine bridge in the world.

Anything claiming to be the largest of something in the world definitely deserves some recognition and a spot on the bucket list!

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The short but steep 1.2-mile out-and-back trail leads down to the massive arch with water sprinkling down.

Tonto Natural Bridge State Park is located in Payson. The well-maintained park has grassy picnic areas and various hiking trails. You could easily spend a day exploring this beautiful area.

And while you’re in the area, be sure to check out the Water Wheel Falls Trail. This short hike packs a punch with incredible scenery, cliff jumping, a waterfall, and pools to swim in.

The Horton Creek Trail is also a scenic hike with a series of small waterfalls.

Both hikes are located near Strawberry, a charming mountain town that is a hidden gem in and of itself. Check out our Strawberry Travel Guide for more recommendations of things to do in the area!

5. Labyrinth Slot Canyon

Antelope Canyon in Page attracts visitors from all over the world. While the tours are crowded and pricey, it is still an incredible natural wonder that is worth a visit.

However, if you would like to explore a similar pink sandstone slot canyon without the crowds and paid guided tour, just rent a kayak and head to the Labyrinth Slot Canyon at Lake Powell.

It’s one of our favorite Lake Powell Secret Spots.

Here you will likely have the slot canyon to yourself and maybe a handful of other explorers. You can explore at your own leisure discovering every twist and turn of the canyon.

For more information on how to find the slot canyon, see our First Time Guide to Lake Powell.

You can also kayak or paddleboard up Antelope Canyon via Lake Powell. Paddle through the canyon for 2.5 miles until you reach the dry ground and can explore on foot.

Kayaks and paddleboards can be rented at Lake Powell Resorts and Marina or Antelope Point.

If you are interested in taking a tour of Antelope Canyon, I would highly recommend the Lower Antelope Canyon tour.

*Related post: for more destinations off the beaten path, see our guide 4 Day Arizona Hidden Gems Road Trip!

6. Cibecue Falls

Cibecue Falls is another one of those spots that is absolutely spectacular, but unfamiliar to even a lot of Arizona locals.

The falls are located on Apache Tribe Land in the Salt River Canyon. Access permits are required and can be purchased online for $30.

The hike is 2 miles to the falls and follows along the river through the stunning canyon.

It is a flat trail, but requires multiple river crossings and scrambling over boulders. For all the information about hiking to these falls, be sure to check out our Hiking Guide to Cibecue Falls.

7. Sycamore Falls

I am amazed that even after living here so long we are continually finding new places to explore.

We recently discovered Sycamore Falls, also known as Paradise Forks, and were blown away by the sheer beauty.

These majestic falls are easy to access and chances are you will have the whole place to yourself.

Sycamore Canyon is located near Williams Arizona down a well-maintained forest service road. There is a small parking lot with a 1/4 mile trail leading to the falls.

For more information, visit our Sycamore Falls guide.

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Bonus: Salome Jug

Salome Jug is an incredible mile-long natural water park that is located in the Salome Wilderness Area just northwest of Roosevelt Lake.

This canyon truly is remarkable. You’ll slide down natural water slides, dive into deep pools of crystal-clear water, and float through narrow snaking ravines.

However, this hike is not for everyone as there is a 35-foot jump or rappel at the end. Be sure to read our Salome Jug Guide for all of the details and information that you need before visiting.

*Related post: Check out these 10 Secret Spots and Hidden Gems in Phoenix!

Bonus: Fossil Creek Waterfall

The Fossil Creek Waterfall is a hidden desert oasis. This enchanting waterfall is found at the end of a rugged dirt road in the barren landscape outside of Camp Verde.

As you swim in these crystal clear falls, you would never guess that this oasis was hiding in the middle of the Arizona desert!

The 17-mile primitive road can be a bit rough, but once you get there it is a short easy one-mile hike to the waterfall.

The trail is 1.2 miles roundtrip and meanders along the creek where you’ll find secluded swimming holes to cool off in and rope swings to play on.

Once you reach the falls, you’ll be blown away by the beauty of this desert oasis. Overgrown vegetation surrounds a 25-foot waterfall that plunges into a deep crystal clear emerald pool.

A parking permit is required to visit this waterfall, see our Fossil Creek Waterfall guide for all the details.

*Related post: For one of the most unique man-made destinations, check out our guide Biosphere 2: Tour a Mini Earth in the Arizona Desert and Arcosanti: An Experimental City!

Bonus: Coal Mine Canyon

Coal Mine Canyon can be found along a deserted road in the middle of nowhere. With this being said, chances are you’ll be the only one there.

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This beautiful canyon is filled with colorful rust and white striped hoodoos and rock formations. It is located on the edge of the Painted Desert about 15 miles south of Tuba City.

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The canyon is located on tribal land so you’ll need to obtain a permit to visit. Check our guide Arizona Road Trip: Flagstaff to Monument Valley for more information.

I hope these incredible spots find their way onto your Arizona bucket list, let me know in the comments if you have a favorite spot that I missed!

Bonus: Fish Creek Vista

The Fish Creek Vista is a beautiful overlook that can be found along the Apache Trail, one of the most scenic drives in Arizona.

The viewing deck is located about 7 miles past the small stagecoach town of Tortilla Flat and can be reached by a short walk from the parking lot.

For more recommendations, see our guide for The Best Stops on the Apache Trail Scenic Drive.

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