Take This Unforgettable Road Trip To Experience Some Of Arizona’s Most Impressive Caves And Waterfalls
Caves and waterfalls are equally awe-inspiring natural wonders, and this road trip leads you to some of the best of each that Arizona has to offer. The entire route is just shy of 550 miles, or 12.5 hours of driving time. We recommend spending the night at several of the stops (many have campgrounds) to get the most out of the trip.
Editor’s Note: As of publication, the Lava River Cave and Romero Pools were currently closed to the public due to COVID-19. This road trip route is still manageable, however, if you skip over those two spots — just make sure to revisit them when they reopen!
Just outside of Tucson, Kartchner Caverns State Park features over two miles of underground passages. On the eastern side of the Whetstone Mountains, this ancient limestone cave system boasts the world's longest stalactite formation. It's known as a "living" cavern because its speleothems, or mineral deposits, are still actively growing after 50,000 years. You might even spot some bats! Tours are offered daily, and there are hiking trails above the caverns available for public use. You can even take a lantern-lit cave tour of the caverns, too!
Tucked away in the high desert landscape, Colossal Cave Mountain Park spans a whopping 2,400 acres of rugged beauty. A variety of different cave tours are offered, ranging from 40 minutes to 3.5 hours in length. Whether you're in the mood for a leisurely, family-friendly stroll, full-blown spelunking adventure, or something in between, everyone is guaranteed to have a blast -- it's hard not to when you're exploring millions of years of cave formations six stories below the earth's surface. Above ground, you'll find hike and bike trails, horseback riding, a petting zoo and butterfly garden, cafe, and campsites.
Although cave temperatures are typically cooler than surface-level temps, it can still get stuffy underground. The solution? Hop in a waterfall-fed pool afterwards! A 1.8-mile trail is all that stands between you and the 80-foot Tanque Verde Falls. The hike isn't too difficult, though it does include a steady ascent and steep, slippery rocks throughout. Nevertheless, the breathtaking views of this natural wonder are well-worth the effort! To access the trailhead, drive east on Tanque Verde Road toward Reddington Pass.
Among the most popular hikes in Tucson, Seven Falls is a nature lover's paradise; after all, it does boast seven waterfalls! Save for a handful of water crossings, the trail at Seven Falls is relatively straightforward and easy to navigate. When you come to a fork in the road, just head left to find the falls, which cascade down a series of rocks before spilling into the pool below. From swimming to soaking up some rays to simply closing your eyes and listening to the peaceful sound of rushing water, there's much fun to be had. This hidden waterfall is truly wondrous.
Another Tucson-area hike, Romero Pools is a 5.5-mile adventure through Catalina State Park. Although more challenging than the previous two hikes -- it's virtually all uphill -- the reward is sweet enough that you'll quickly forget about the difficulty. The pools feature several sets of falls and promise to rejuvenate weary hikers with their invigorating waters. Whether you take a dip or just simply stop and enjoy the views, this trail is truly unforgettable.
Perhaps the most unique cave Arizona has to offer, this 0.75-mile natural wonder was formed about 700,000 years ago when lava erupted from a nearby volcanic vent. The outer edges solidified while lava in the center flowed out, creating a hollow tube now open to the public year-round. Make sure to bring a couple different sources of light, closed-toed shoes with good traction, and warm clothing -- it's near-freezing in the cave all year! Lava River Cave isn't simply one of Arizona's coolest (literally!) natural wonders, it's also a total hidden gem.
The waterfall at Fossil Creek is among the most popular in Arizona, and for good reason -- the trail to reach it is short, sweet, and easy. After just one mile of hiking, you'll come upon this unreal sight guaranteed to leave you awestruck. Surrounded by lush greenery and moss-covered cliffs, a steady stream of crystal-clear water flows into an even more pristine pool.
Not everyone knows this, but Fossil Creek is home to another incredible natural wonder: a hidden cave. You'll find it at the end of an eight-mile hike, the Bob Bear Trail, and the turquoise waters will be calling your name after the long trek. This area is utterly breathtaking, and will have you questioning whether you're still in Arizona -- or a tropical paradise.
Have you been to any of these caves and waterfalls in Arizona? If so, which spot do you like best? Did we leave off any of your favorites? Let us know in the comments below!
Address: Fossil Creek - Waterfall Trail Parking, Fossil Creek Road, Pine, AZ 85544, USA
Address: Kartchner Caverns State Park, 2980 AZ-90, Benson, AZ 85602, USA
Address: 16721 E Old Spanish Trail, Vail, AZ 85641, USA
Address: Tanque Verde Falls, Arizona 85748, USA
Address: 171B Forest Rd, Flagstaff, AZ 86001, USA
Address: Sabino Canyon Recreation Area, 5700 N Sabino Canyon Rd, Tucson, AZ 85750, USA
Address: Catalina State Park, 11570 N Oracle Rd, Tucson, AZ 85737, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Caves And Waterfalls In Arizona
March 13, 2021
Sarah
What are some fun road trips to take in Arizona?
If you enjoyed our road trip to the best caves and waterfalls in Arizona, you’ll be pleased to know we’ve put together several other road trips that explore the state’s natural wonders. These scenic backroads are perfect for any nature-loving Arizonan, and will take you past some of the most picturesque panoramas in the state, and such notable wonders as the Mogollon Rim and a Joshua tree forest! And our Route 66 Road Trip takes a scenic trip down the Mother Road, and is a must for any Arizonan.
Are there any natural wonders in Arizona?
Arizona is home to some of the most beautiful natural wonders in the world. The Grand Canyon State’s most resplendent natural wonder is, of course, The Grand Canyon. Another wonder located within the Grand Canyon, Havasu Falls drops 100 feet into beautiful turquoise blue pools. One of the most popular areas for photographers, Antelope Canyon is a northern Arizona slot canyon created through water erosion of the sandstone, which gives the formation its smooth, fluid shape. Canyon de Chelly National Monument is three wonders in one: Canyon de Chelly, Canyon del Muerto, and Monument Canyon. Together they form a beautiful landscape that is a rare treat for those not from Arizona. The park’s most distinctive feature? Spider Rock, a 750-foot spire that is home to Spider Woman in the Navajo culture.
What are some scenic hikes in Arizona?
You’ll find plenty of opportunities for adventure here in the Grand Canyon State! And the best news is, some of the most scenic hikes in Arizona are also the most accessible. If you’re looking for an iconic Sedona view, Bell Rock Courthouse Butte Trail offers incredible sights, in an easy, four-mile loop. Monolith Garden Trail in Kingman is just 1.8 miles long and features some of the most splendid scenic views in the region. And if you prefer lake views to desert landscapes, Woods Canyon Lake Trail is absolutely picture-perfect. It’s a flat, four-mile walk around a picturesque lake that will get you to your Fitbit goals without breaking too much of a sweat!
Address: Fossil Creek - Waterfall Trail Parking, Fossil Creek Road, Pine, AZ 85544, USA
Address: Kartchner Caverns State Park, 2980 AZ-90, Benson, AZ 85602, USA
Address: 16721 E Old Spanish Trail, Vail, AZ 85641, USA
Address: Tanque Verde Falls, Arizona 85748, USA
Address: 171B Forest Rd, Flagstaff, AZ 86001, USA
Address: Sabino Canyon Recreation Area, 5700 N Sabino Canyon Rd, Tucson, AZ 85750, USA
Address: Catalina State Park, 11570 N Oracle Rd, Tucson, AZ 85737, USA
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Katie Lawrence is a Southeast Texas native who graduated 18th in her high school class with a GPA of 4.25. She attended college in the Houston area and changed her major twice (psychology, computer science, and finally criminal justice) before taking a leap of faith and dropping out to pursue a career in freelance writing.
Today, Katie writes for the Texas and Arizona pages of OnlyInYourState.com and has never been more passionate about a job before. Outside of work, you can likely find her curled up on the sofa with a hot cup of coffee, watching a crime TV show or scary movie.
