15 Underrated Places 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 15 underrated spots that don’t receive as much attention but are just as awe-inspiring.

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15 Underrated Places and Hidden Gems in Arizona

Table of Contents

• Watson Lake
• Fossil Springs
• Mount Lemmon
• Blue Ridge Reservoir
• Horton Creek
• Petrified Forest National Park
• Canyon de Chelly
• Tonto Natural Bridge
• Labyrinth Slot Canyon
• Cibecue Falls
• Sycamore Falls
• Salome Jug
• Fossil Creek Falls
• Coal Mine Canyon
• Fish Creek Vista

Watson Lake

Watson Lake is one of the most beautiful lakes in Arizona, but you would be surprised at how many locals have never visited or even know that it exists.

Whether you’re a local or road-tripping through the state, Watson Lake in Prescott 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.

For more recommendations, see our guide, Top 8 Things to Do in Prescott.

Fossil Springs

A Challenging 8.6-mile round-trip hike leads to one of the most beautiful swimming holes in Arizona.

You’ll need to purchase a parking permit in advance if you’re planning to visit between April 1 and October 1.

The Bob Bear Trail is located near Strawberry, and descends into the canyon before ending at the Fossil Springs Falls that spill over the old Fossil Creek Dam.

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You can swim in the pool, float down the river, and explore inside the small cave to the left of the waterfall, known as the Mermaid Grotto.

My favorite spot is just down the river from the falls, where you’ll find a hidden cave with the most beautiful electric blue water.

For more information, see our Fossil Springs Hiking Guide.

Mount Lemmon

Mount Lemmon is not only beautiful, but it is also such a unique destination. This isolated mountain range in Tucson is considered a Sky Island and rises 6,700 feet above the desert floor.

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The 30-mile scenic drive to the top of the mountain crosses through 5 different ecosystems, and the temperature drops almost 30 degrees!

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The drive begins in the middle of the Sonoran Desert, surrounded by saguaro cactus. It ends at a small ski resort and mountain village surrounded by a Ponderosa Pine forest. It’s wild!

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For more information and recommendations, see our Tucson Weekend Guide.

Blue Ridge Reservoir

The Blue Ridge Reservoir, also known as CC Cragin Reservoir, is located at the top of the Mogollon Rim near the town of Strawberry.

Here, you will find an 8-mile-long river that winds through a narrow gorge surrounded by a thick forest of Ponderosa Pines.

Only small motorized boats are allowed on the water, so it’s the perfect spot to paddleboard, swim, and cliff jump on a warm summer day.

For more information, see our guide, Blue Ridge Reservoir: An Arizona Hidden Gem.

Horton Creek

Horton Creek, near Payson, is one of the most peaceful and serene places in the state.

The shaded trail follows along the babbling creek with cascading falls and thick foliage. The full trail is 8.6 miles out-and-back, but you can find plenty of beauty within the first few miles.

We especially love visiting in the fall, where you’ll find the forest of maple, aspen, and oak trees bursting with color.

The trail is located within the Tonto National Forest, and you’ll need to purchase a day pass at the parking lot.

For more information, see our Horton Creek Hiking Guide.

Petrified Forest National Park

The Petrified Forest National Park is tucked away in the northeast corner of the state. Although it is a national park, the remote location makes it one of the least visited parks in the state.

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!

Canyon de Chelly

The Grand Canyon is not the only canyon in Arizona worth mentioning! Located not too far from 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.

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

The White House Ruins is the only hike in the canyon that does not require a guide. The 2.9-mile out-and-back trail descends into the canyon, where you’ll find preserved Anasazi ruins built into an alcove in the towering canyon wall.

For a more in-depth experience, consider booking a private guided tour led by an experienced Navajo guide.

If you keep driving past the White House Ruins, 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.

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!

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

You can also walk under the bridge and connect to the Anna Mae Trail for a beautiful loop hike.

We also love the Waterfall Trail that takes you down a long set of stairs to a hanging garden with a waterfall cave.

Tonto Natural Bridge State Park is located in Payson. The well-maintained park has grassy picnic areas and various hiking trails.

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.

Tonto Natural Bridge State Park is located near Strawberry, a charming mountain town that is a hidden gem in and of itself. Check out our Strawberry Travel Guide for more recommended things to do in the area!

Labyrinth Slot Canyon

One of Arizona’s most popular slot canyons is Antelope Canyon in Page. It attracts visitors from all over the world and is an incredible natural wonder worth visiting.

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

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

There’s a good chance you’ll have the slot canyon to yourself, or share it with only a handful of other visitors. You can explore at your own leisure and spend time discovering every twist and turn of this incredible 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 from Lake Powell. You’ll 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 highly recommend the Lower Antelope Canyon tour.

Cibecue Falls

Cibecue Falls is another spot that is absolutely spectacular, but unfamiliar to many Arizona locals.

The falls are located on Apache Tribe Land in the Salt River Canyon. Access permits are required and must be purchased online in advance.

The hike is 4 miles out-and-back 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.

Sycamore Falls

I am amazed that, even after living here for 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 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.

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 it includes slippery rocks, sections with deep water, and 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.

Fossil Creek Falls

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

This crystal clear waterfall is found at the end of a 17-mile rugged dirt road outside Camp Verde.

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

The trail 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 find overgrown vegetation surrounding a 25-foot waterfall that plunges into a deep, crystal clear emerald pool. It’s the best place to cool off on a summer day!

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

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 ones there.

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This beautiful canyon is filled with colorful rust and white striped hoodoos that look like giant creamsicles. 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.

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.

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!

Other Unique Places and Hidden Gems You Might Like:

• Biosphere 2: Tour a Mini Earth in the Arizona Desert
• Arcosanti: An Experimental City
• 10 Secret Spots and Hidden Gems in Phoenix
• 4 Day Arizona Hidden Gems Road Trip

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