12 Magnificent Hidden Gems To Discover In Arizona This Year
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Katie Lawrence
Author
If you’re looking to discover some new-to-you hidden gems in Arizona this year, consider this your official bucket list. Below, you’ll find a different hidden gem – be it a natural wonder or a can’t-miss attraction – to visit during each month of the year. Get ready, get set, and get exploring!
1. January - Sunrise Park Resort (Greer)
Sunrise Park Resort, Highway 273, Greer, AZ, USA
The Snowbowl tends to steal the spotlight when it comes to skiing in Arizona, but Sunrise Park Resort is equally worth a trip. This gem features more ski runs and acreage than anywhere else in the state, and additional winter sports include snowboarding, ski bikes, and snow tubing.
2. February - Water Holes Canyon (Page)
Waterhole Canyon, Arizona 86040, USA
This Valentine's Day, fall in love with Arizona all over again when you visit Water Holes Canyon. Located in Lake Powell Navajo Tribal Park, this marvel of nature looks just like Antelope Canyon - yet hardly anyone knows about it.
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3. March - Pacheta Falls (Whiteriver)
Pacheta Falls, Whiteriver, AZ 85941, USA
Pacheta Falls is one of Arizona's most hidden waterfalls. The 131-foot natural wonder is nestled on the White Mountain Apache Reservation (which means a permit is required to visit - they're available for purchase at the Sunrise Gas Station). While the falls typically flow year-round, visiting in the spring is the best way to make sure of it, as snowmelt from the mountains feeds into the creek.
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4. April - Sonoita Vineyards (Elgin)
Sonoita Vineyards, 290 Elgin Canelo Rd, Elgin, AZ 85611, USA
Arizona's first commercial vineyard and winery, Sonoita Vineyards opened in 1983. Tucked away in the rolling hills of Elgin, the landscape will transport you straight to Italy - and the wine is some of the best you'll ever taste.
5. May - Mount Graham International Observatory (Safford)
Mount Graham International Observatory Road, Mt Graham International Observatory Rd, Arizona 85546, USA
Did you know that one of the world's largest telescopes is hiding in small-town Arizona? Mount Graham International Observatory conducts tours on weekends from mid-May through October, and it's a can't-miss activity for astronomy buffs.
6. June - Canyon Coaster Adventure Park (Williams)
Canyon Coaster Adventure Park, 700 E Rte 66, Williams, AZ 86046, USA
Kick off summer with a trip to the first and only mountain coaster in Arizona. This thrilling, one-mile adventure will make you feel alive as you soar down the mountainside.
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7. July - Bob Bear Trail (near Strawberry)
Bob Bear Trailhead, Strawberry, AZ 85544, USA
If you're up for the eight-mile trek on Bob Bear Trail, the reward is oh-so-sweet. Splash around in a turquoise cave to cool off during the hot summer months before hiking back the way you came is one of the best things to do in Arizona this summer.
8. August - Holbrook
Holbrook, AZ 86025, USA
Summer is road trip season, and the quirky town of Holbrook is one of the most charming hidden gems in Arizona that will capture your heart right away. Located along historic Route 66, the town was one of several that helped inspire the Disney movie Cars. This is Americana at its finest.
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9. September - Around the Peaks Loop (Flagstaff)
San Francisco Peaks, Arizona 86001, USA
September is peak leaf-peeping season in the Flagstaff area, so it's prime time to embark on a scenic drive through the foliage. Around the Peaks Loop leads around the base of the majestic San Francisco Peaks, showcasing groves of gilded aspens that will leave you awestruck.
10. October - Willis Farm (Snowflake)
The Willis Farm, 381 1st St E, Snowflake, AZ 85937, USA
With a name like Snowflake, this tiny town in the White Mountains sounds anything but scary - in October, however, it's one of the most haunting places in Arizona. Willis Farm's annual haunted corn maze will leave you shaking in your boots, with heart-pounding jump scares at every twist and turn.
11. November - Queen Mine (Bisbee)
Queen Mine Tour, 478 N Dart Rd, Bisbee, AZ 85603, USA
November is all about giving thanks, so it's the perfect time to reflect on the industries that built Arizona and seek out lesser-known attractions in Arizona. Bisbee's Queen Mine was one of the most lucrative copper mines in the Southwest, and visitors get to don a hardhat and yellow slicker and descend 1,500 feet underground to learn about its fascinating history. Many of the tour guides are actually retired mine workers!
12. December - Desert Farm Lights (Waddell)
Desert Farm Lights, 14629 W Peoria Ave, Waddell, AZ 85355, USA
The only holiday attraction of its kind in the West Valley, Desert Farm Lights features a Christmas lights maze, a walking light trail, festive food and drinks, photo ops, and so much more. It's truly one of the best things to do in Arizona during the holiday season.
How many of these hidden gems in Arizona have you visited? Which ones are still on your bucket list? Tell us your thoughts in the comments! We would love to hear from you.
If you have been inspired to venture to these hidden gems in Arizona, chances are some are going to require a bit of a drive. So make sure you have plenty of snacks! OnlyInYourState has created the ultimate list of road trip snacks, so you will be well-fueled for your next adventure!
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
More to Explore
Things To Do In Arizona
What are some of the best things to do in Arizona that are free?
It does not have to cost a lot of money to make memories. Check out these fun things to do in Arizona that will not cost you any money at all:
- Plan a trip to a museum by researching ahead of time whether they are always free, such as the Pioneer Museum in Flagstaff, or have monthly free admission days like the Phoenix Art Museum.
- Visit Goldfield Ghost Town and Mine Tours in Apache Junction.
- Take a hike to appreciate ancient ruins at places such as Canyon De Chelly and Sycamore Canyon.
Where are some lesser-known attractions in Arizona?
Just when you think you have seen it all, you’ll want to see these unique, lesser-known attractions in Arizona. The fun just never stops in The Grand Canyon State!
- In Queen Creek is a place called Schnepf Farms. People usually think of visiting a farm in the fall, and Schnepf Farms is no exception with its Pumpkin & Chili Festival. But what makes the farm unique is a small train you can ride to take it all in.
- In the Hualapai Mountains of Mohave County, you can hike to the abandoned Gold King Mansion, originally built for miners in 1929.
- You’ll feel at peace when you visit Saint Anthony’s Greek Orthodox Monastery in Florence
- The mysterious Valley of the Moon in Tucson is a community treasure you have to see for yourself.