The 12 Best Hidden Gems In Arizona To Visit, One For Each Month Of The Year
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Katie Lawrence
Author
As we head into a new year, you’re probably daydreaming about all the places you’d like to visit this year. If the mere thought of trying to conquer your bucket list is overwhelming, why not commit to one new place per month? Below are 12 of the best Arizona hidden gems to visit in the upcoming year – one for each month. Safe and happy travels!
Mt Lemmon Ski Valley, 10300 E Ski Run Rd, Mt Lemmon, AZ 85619, USA
The famous Arizona Snowbowl gets all the attention, but it isn't the only place to hit the slopes in Arizona. Mt. Lemmon Ski Valley is the southernmost ski destination in the country, and we can't think of a better way to kick off the new year. Learn more about Mt. Lemmon Ski Valley before you plan your trip!
Secret Canyon, Page, AZ 86040, USA
Unless you live under a rock, chances are you've heard of Antelope Canyon. If so, then you also know how difficult it is to secure a reservation. What if there were a canyon that looks almost identical, yet sees a fraction of the crowds? Enter Secret Canyon. An offshoot of Water Holes Canyon near Lake Powell, this tucked-away treasure is totally bucket list worthy. It's even more breathtaking in the winter, which is why we recommend visiting Secret Canyon in February.
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Watson Lake, Prescott, AZ 86301, USA
Many people don't associate Arizona with bodies of water, but we actually have quite a few lakes. Among the least visited of them all is Watson Lake in Prescott, characterized by the striated rock formations that dot the sapphire oasis. Swimming in the lake is not allowed, so it's an ideal early spring destination. Visitors can fish, boat, canoe, kayak, hike, rock climb, camp, and picnic. There's something for everyone! You might even get the chance to see a little late-season snow at Watson Lake!
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Grand Falls, Arizona, Arizona 86035, USA
Editor's Note: Grand Falls is closed until further notice.
Perhaps the most hidden waterfall in Arizona, Grand Falls can be found about 30 miles east of Flagstaff on Navajo Nation land. The falls are fed by snowmelt, so April is your best bet for seeing them at their most powerful. Think of it as our very own Niagara Falls - except Grand Falls is even taller, at a whopping 185 feet! Grand Falls is a true Arizona wonder.
Perhaps the most hidden waterfall in Arizona, Grand Falls can be found about 30 miles east of Flagstaff on Navajo Nation land. The falls are fed by snowmelt, so April is your best bet for seeing them at their most powerful. Think of it as our very own Niagara Falls - except Grand Falls is even taller, at a whopping 185 feet! Grand Falls is a true Arizona wonder.
Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona, USA
Hidden gems are often found in the most unsuspecting of places - like one of the most popular national parks in the country. Only 10 percent of Grand Canyon tourists visit the North Rim - likely because it's inaccessible during winter. May is when the North Rim opens for the summer season, so it's even less crowded than usual. You might get to enjoy a hike all by your lonesome. Here's more on what makes the North Rim so special.
Emerald Cave, Willow Beach, AZ 86445, USA
Follow the yellow brick road and kayak to Emerald Cove, the greenest body of water in Arizona. Located near Willow Beach and the Arizona-Nevada border, this jaw-dropping oasis looks like something from The Wizard of Oz. Learn more about the glorious Emerald Cove in this article.
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London Bridge Resort, 1477 Queens Bay, Lake Havasu City, AZ 86403, USA
Enjoy a tropical vacation without leaving Arizona at London Bridge Resort, a beachfront hotel in Lake Havasu City. Located on the pristine Bridgewater Channel, the full service resort offers all the amenities necessary for a luxurious summer vacation in Arizona.
Catalina Highway, Catalina Hwy, Arizona, USA
Did you know you can drive through a nation's worth of landscapes in under 30 miles? Catalina Highway runs from Tucson all the way up to near the summit of Mount Lemmon, gaining over 6,000 feet in elevation. The initial terrain is similar to that of Mexico, but at the top, you'll swear you're in Canada! It's truly an incredible adventure - especially in August, when it's too hot in Tucson to do much else except drive. Learn more about this hidden gem in Arizona.
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Redwall Cavern, North Rim, AZ 86052, USA
Few people know there's a massive sand cave hiding at the bottom of the Grand Canyon. Redwall Cavern is only accessible via boat, making the ancient natural wonder even more elusive. September is a great time to discover it on a rafting trip, as summer tourism is beginning to die down. Learn more about this massive sand cave in Arizona.
Cave of the Bells, Santa Rita Mountains, Patagonia, AZ 85624, USA
For the month of Halloween, is there anything spookier than a hidden cave? Actually, yes - a hidden cave you can only enter with a key! Tucked away in Sawmill Canyon on the eastern slopes of the Santa Rita Mountains, Cave of the Bells features an underground lake 80 meters below the surface. Learn more about what makes Cave of the Bells such a unique AZ day trip.
Boyce Thompson Arboretum, 37615 E Arboretum Way, Superior, AZ 85173, USA
When you think of fall foliage in Arizona, the first place that comes to mind is probably Flagstaff. While the aspen trees up there are undeniably gorgeous, southern Arizona has its fair share of changing leaves, too! Boyce Thompson Arboretum boasts a striking display of seasonal hues. November is the perfect time to stroll through the gardens and take in the enchanting scenery. Learn more about Boyce Thompson Arboretum before you go!
Ringbolt Hot Spring, Arizona 86445, USA
Winter hikes are peaceful since the trails are usually less crowded, but even if you bundle up, the frigid air can leave you feeling like an icicle. Luckily, there's a trail near Willow Beach that leads straight to a hot spring! Defrost your fingers and toes in the Ringbolt Hot Springs, a group of three geothermal springs whose temperatures range from around 90-110 degrees. Kick back, close your eyes, and enjoy a relaxing soak before finishing the hike with renewed motivation. We absolutely LOVE this Arizona hot springs !
How many of these Arizona hidden gems have you visited? Which ones are still on your bucket list? Tell us in the comments! For more lesser-known places to visit in Arizona, check out our previous article.
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More to Explore
Arizona hidden gems
What are some other hidden gems in Arizona?
Looking for more secret places and hidden gems in Arizona? The Grand Canyon State is full of surprises!
- Gila Box. This riparian area is managed by the Bureau of Land Management and is located near Safford. It is home to four waterways, some cliff dwellings, old homesteads, and an abundance of wildlife.
- Hall of Flame Fire Museum. This unassuming place sits in the same neighborhood as the Phoenix Zoo and the Desert Botanical Garden, and is a hidden treat for adults and children alike. It features a comprehensive history of firefighting, and has a lot of vintage fire equipment on display, too.
- Mystery Room at the Arizona Biltmore. The Prohibition ended 83 years ago, but there are still small hints of its influence lingering in the Copper State. One example of such is the Mystery Room at the Arizona Biltmore, a speakeasy that's still a little difficult to find these days. Access requires a password, and the Biltmore occasionally posts clues about the lounge on their social media accounts.
- Mount Graham International Observatory. Located in the small town of Safford, Arizona, this is the largest telescope in the world and it goes sadly under-appreciated year after year.
- Grand Falls. Tucked away in the Painted Desert just 30 miles northeast of Flagstaff, Grand Falls is a 185-foot-tall natural wonder on the Navajo Nation. The waterfall cascades down into the Little Colorado River, and the best viewing opportunities are after heavy rains or in early spring when the snow is beginning to melt. Visitors can access Grand Falls via an easy, half-mile-long hiking trail - but the road to get there is far less benign. It's very rough, and at times, a high-clearance vehicle is required.
- Redwall Cavern. Located in the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, Redwall Cavern is a massive sand cave hidden at the base of the canyon. A natural amphitheater located at River Mile 33 on the Colorado River, the cavern can hold several thousand people, yet almost nobody knows about it!