9 Underrated Places In Arizona That Even Natives Have Never Heard Of

You've probably heard of Joshua Tree National Park in California, but did you know we have our very own joshua tree forest in Arizona? You'll find it along US-93, about 43 miles southeast of the Nevada state line. Spanning over 40,000 acres, this unique natural area is the largest of its kind on earth.

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Situated right above the U.S.-Mexico border, this lush pocket of desert riparian ecology was designated by Congress as a National Conservation Area in 1988. Recreational opportunities abound, and among the most popular are a 40,000-year-old archaeological site, a Spanish presidio, and a trail for hiking, biking, and birdwatching.

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Whether you're an avid birdwatcher or just love spending time in Arizona's great outdoors, add Madera Canyon to your bucket list. Numerous trails, including one that's wheelchair accessible, feature a bevy of different landscapes, from desert lowland to alpine forest. You'll also have the opportunity to observe more than 200 bird species! Hours are 6 a.m. until 10 p.m. daily, and the parking fee is $5.

Address: South Madera Canyon Road, Green Valley, AZ 85614
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Protected by The Nature Conservancy, Ramsey Canyon Preserve is an ecological crossroads in southeastern Arizona. Its moist, cool environment is atypical for the area, attracting a wide variety of flora and fauna. Hours are 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. from November 1-February 28, and 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. from March 1-October 31. The preserve is open Thursday-Monday.

Address: 27 East Ramsey Canyon Road, Hereford, AZ
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Spanning 47 acres, Deer Valley Petroglyph Preserve boasts the largest concentration of Native American rock art in the Phoenix area. Come escape the daily grind for a bit and embark on a quarter-mile, self-guided walking tour of the site. Not only will you see tons of prehistoric petroglyphs, but also a wide variety of native animal and plant life. Hours are 8 a.m. until noon on Wednesday-Friday, and admission is $9 for adults and $5 for children 7-12. Seniors 62 and up, military, AAA members, and students (with valid ID) receive a 10% discount, and children six and under as well as preserve members and ASU students get in free.

Address: 3711 West Deer Valley Road, Phoenix, AZ 85308
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Perched atop the nearly 11,000-foot-tall Mount Graham, the Large Binocular Telescope is part of the Mount Graham International Observatory. Individually, its mirrors are the joint second-largest optical telescope in continental North America—next to the Hobby–Eberly Telescope in West Texas. The LBT also has the largest non-segmented mirror in an optical telescope. Guided tours of the observatory are held from mid-May through October, and reservations are required.

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The oldest standing schoolhouse in Arizona, Strawberry Schoolhouse was more than just a place children went to learn—it was the centerpiece of the community. After a thoughtful restoration, the one-room schoolhouse looks just as it did in the late 1800s. Between mid-May and mid-October, you can visit from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Saturday and 12 p.m. until 4 p.m. Sunday. The school is also open on Fridays and Mondays from June 15-August 6.

Address: 9277 Fossil Creek Road, Strawberry, AZ 85544
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The town of Window Rock is the capital of the Navajo Nation, and a sandstone cliff formation of the same name is a hidden gem unknown to many. In addition to the breathtaking natural wonder, visitors can also admire a war memorial dedicated to the many Navajos who served in the U.S. military. Entry is free, and park hours are 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. daily.

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No matter how fond you are of the Petrified Forest Scenic Drive, there's an even better way to experience the Painted Desert. Along a lonely stretch of I-40 north of Homolovi State Park, you'll find Little Painted Desert County Park. Due to lack of funding, this boundless landscape has essentially been reclaimed by nature. The mesmerizing sight of these layered bluffs will be forever etched into your memory.

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