Posted in Arizona Attractions July 23, 2017 by

You Can’t Afford To Miss These 11 Free Outdoor Activities In Arizona

Trying to find something fun to do that won’t cost you an arm and a leg? Here’s a look at some ideas for activities you can participate in around Arizona that are free to access. Choose one that appeals to you, double-check the weather, and get ready for some fun!

1. Hike to and enjoy the toasty waters at Arizona Hot Springs.
Richard Sunderland/Flickr
Located a short drive from Hoover Dam, this hot spring is the perfect location for a fall or spring hike. You can read one of our articles that provides details of the trip here.
2. Check out your local art walk for a chance to hear live music and see what artists in your community are creating.
Devon Christopher Adams/Flickr
You can find artwalks in Phoenix, Flagstaff, Gilbert, Scottsdale, Sedona, Jerome, Prescott, and plenty of other towns.
3. Check out the views of the roaring Grand Falls after the monsoons or annual snowmelt.
CEBImagery/Flickr
This seasonal waterfall carries thousands of gallons of chocolately brown water and is one impressive sight! It is located near Leupp on the Navajo Nation and you can find details about visiting it in one of our previous articles.
4. See Canyon de Chelly by driving along the canyon’s rim or hiking down via White House Ruin Trail.
Anna Irene/Flickr
This canyon is rich in culture and history, perfect for a visit when you’re traveling through northern Arizona. Check out the National Park Service website for details about accessing the park.
5. Hike to Devil’s Bridge for one spectacular view!
Denny Armstrong/Flickr
This hike is short with spectacular views, plus it’s free! Find details about the hike and the trail’s location in a previous article.
6. Pay a visit to Goldfield Ghost Town to get a glimpse of the Old West.
JC Olivera/Flickr
At one time, an actual mining town sat in the same area as this Apache Junction attraction but most traces of it are gone. These days, you can visit Goldfield Ghost Town for a quirky take on Old West culture. Find details about the attraction on their website.
7. Drive to and climb down into Lava River Cave for a chilly escape throughout the year.
RightBrainPhotography/Flickr
Located 14 miles northwest of Flagstaff, Lava River Cave is a unique underground find. Read more about the cave in this article.
8. Head out to the old mining town Oatman to see one unique little place with roaming donkeys and historic buildings.
las/Flickr
9. Enjoy a drive along Arizona’s Route 66 to see some oddball and abandoned sites.
Vicente Villamón/Flickr
There are so many things to see and do along Route 66, we’ve written quite a few articles about it over the past two years. Check out this bizarre attractions article for some weird finds that are free to see.
10. Embark on a self-guided walking tour of Tucson via the Turquoise Trail through downtown.
Paul Sableman/Flickr
This is a pretty cool hidden gem that most people don’t notice until they go looking for the trail painted on the sidewalk. Follow the turquoise line for 2.5 miles around town to see historic buildings, art, and other stops. You can find a map with descriptions of each location at the Tucson Presidio Trust website.
11. Enjoy one of Arizona’s beautiful lakes and rivers, like Woods Canyon Lake, by hiking, boating, or even just picnicking nearby.
Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests/Flickr
Not sure where to start? Check out some favorite Arizona lakes in this article.

Want to check out more inexpensive travel ideas? Read 12 Inexpensive Road Trip Destinations In Arizona That Won’t Break The Bank for suggestions!

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