Arizona has plenty of natural rocks, but most aren’t right in the middle of a big city. That’s where Sunnyslope Rock Garden comes in to save the day. An unassuming Phoenix neighborhood is hiding this gem, a hodgepodge collection of art that’s so weird you won’t be able to stop looking. No other rock gardens in Phoenix are like this one. Welcome to one of the best rock gardens in Phoenix, AZ.

Hiding in an unassuming northern Phoenix biking neighborhood is one of the most bizarre roadside attractions you've ever seen. Sunnyslope Rock Garden belongs on every Arizonan's outdoor adventure bucket list.
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A man named Grover Cleveland Thompson was the brains behind this architectural wonder. He moved to Phoenix in 1952 and spent a whopping 22 years building the garden before sadly passing away in 1978.
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Peterson Rock Garden in Oregon served as inspiration for the collection of oddities. Both gardens are examples of Dementia Concretia, a movement categorized by the haphazard placement of homemade art in an outdoor space.
Alexandra/Google

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Fountains, tiny buildings, and strange faces are among the artwork you'll see. Thompson actually created the figures by pouring concrete into Halloween masks from the 1950s (in other words, you may not want to visit at night!)
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Current owner Marion Blake has tried her very best to preserve Thompson's vision. She especially appreciates the Fiestaware he used to craft many of the pieces.
Alexandra/Google
The next time you're in the Sunnyslope neighborhood, don't leave without paying a visit to the rock garden. If nothing else, it makes for an awesome family photo backdrop!
Google/David Jones

Have you ever been to the Sunnyslope Rock Garden? If so, let us know all about your experience! For more strange roadside attractions in the Grand Canyon State check out this fun road trip:

13 Bizarre Roadside Attractions In Arizona That Will Make You Do A Double Take

 

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More to Explore

Intriguing Attractions In Arizona

Will Suphan | April 10, 2024

What are the best historic attractions in Arizona?

The best historic attractions in Arizona include:

  • Fort Bowie National Historic Site. Parts of the original adobe walls are still around for visitors to get a glimpse of history.
  • Oatman. This is an old town on the famous Route 66 which is replete with Old West charm and style.
  • Castle Dome Mining Museum. This is not just a museum but a reconstruction of a small town that became submerged in the Colorado River.
  • Tombstone. This is the ultimate Old West destination as it was the site of the historical O.K. Corral shootout.

Discover more about the best historic attractions in Arizona. 

What are the best remote destinations in Arizona?

The best remote destinations in Arizona include:

  • Blue Ridge Reservoir. You might be surprised that such a lush forest can be found in a desert state like Arizona.
  • Madera Canyon. This is the best of both worlds in that it has both forest and desert in the same canyon.
  • Blue Canyon. This is located on the Hopi Reservation and it is rife with amazing rock formations, including those known as hoodoos.
  • Navajo National Monument. This is deep into the Navajo Reservation and it has several ancient cliff dwellings.

Find out more about the best remote destinations in Arizona. 

What are some hidden gem attractions in Arizona?

Some hidden gem attractions in Arizona include:

  • Tonto National Monument. This area has a ton of wildlife and is strewn with ancient cliff dwellings.
  • Walnut Canyon National Monument. While there are many areas with cliff dwellings, this one lets you get up close.
  • Coronado Trail Scenic Byway. This is a lovely drive in a part of Arizona most people don’t see. The forests here are gorgeous.
  • Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness. This is a stunning canyon that only lets 50 people at a time in to preserve its beauty.

Learn more about these and other hidden gem attractions in Arizona. 

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