Best Arizona Day Trips by Month: 12 Seasonal Destinations Across the State

Twelve day trips, 12 months, one amazing state! Are you up for the challenge? Arizona is full of places to visit, so we’ve narrowed the list of the best day trips in Arizona to make your year the most exciting one yet. There is a day trip for every month of the year. Let's make this an exciting year filled with exploration.

1. January: Flagstaff

Flagstaff is by far the snowiest town in Arizona, receiving an average of 100 inches yearly. This is wonderful, of course, because it makes Flag the single best winter destination in Arizona. Almost all of the trails at the Arizona Snowbowl Ski Resort are open for business, so don't waste any time!

2. February: Bell Rock (Sedona)

No matter how skeptical you are of the New Age movement, it's hard to discount all the compelling testimonies from those who have climbed Bell Rock. One of Arizona's most heavily photographed landmarks, this majestic red rock formation is rumored to harbor powerful energy vortexes on its summit. The trail is 3.5 miles round trip, and we recommend visiting during winter to avoid the sweltering Sedona summertime heat. You don't have to climb all the way up to experience the healing energy, either, which is good because it requires deviation from the main path.

3. March: Antelope Canyon (Page)

Located on Navajo land near Page, Antelope Canyon is one of the most photographed spots in Arizona. These sandstone walls were formed by centuries of water erosion, each curl as eternal documentation of how the waves carved their path. Due to the sacred nature of the land, access is restricted to guided tours only.

4. April: The Grand Canyon

Though it shouldn't even have to be stated, this list simply wouldn't be complete without the Grand Canyon. There's so much to do: hiking, horseback riding, camping, rafting, and standing on a glass bridge more than 4,000 feet above the ground. It's no wonder why Grand Canyon National Park is at the top of many people's bucket lists.

5. May: Goldfield Ghost Town (Apache Junction)

Though it's now just a replica, Goldfield Ghost Town was a real ghost town back in the day. High-grade gold ore kept the community booming until the late 1800s when the product ran out, and miners relocated in search of work elsewhere. After being left to decay for nearly 100 years, the town was revived and turned into a reimagined version of its heyday. With a jail, bank, apothecary, working saloon, and many other authentic buildings, you'll swear you've been transported back to the days of gunslingers and duels at high noon.

6. June: The Wave (Marble Canyon)

One of Arizona's most iconic natural wonders, The Wave, is located near Utah's Northern border. Almost resembling sand dunes, this unmistakable textured sandstone was formed long ago via wind erosion. Visitation requires a permit to keep numbers low and protect the delicate landscape. If you're lucky enough to be granted access, enjoy the viewing experience of a lifetime.

7. July: Tombstone

Visit Tombstone, Arizona, and enter an old Western movie, complete with gunfights mimicking the original O.K. Corral showdown from 1881. It was initially a silver mining town and has since been converted into a much quieter but no less authentic tourist attraction. Drink a few sarsaparillas, stop by Boothill Cemetery to see where the town's first settlers are buried, and shop for handmade goods.

8. August: Montezuma Castle National Monument (Camp Verde)

Many native tribes built shelters in Arizona, but few are as well preserved as Montezuma Castle National Monument. This five-story, 20-room cliff dwelling dates back to nearly 1,000 years ago when it was constructed high up in a limestone outcropping by the Sinagua people. A self-guided, 1.3-mile loop trail leads past the ruin, winding through a breathtaking sycamore grove and pristine spring-fed creek.

9. September: Meteor Crater (Winslow)

Just 30 minutes outside of Winslow sits one of the world's largest and the single best-preserved meteor crater. It's about 50,000 years old, having been formed during a time when wooly mammoths roamed the earth! The meteorite measured about 150 feet across; its largest fragment is currently preserved onsite. The best part? You'll feel like a superhero with the strong winds whipping your hair around.

10. October: Airplane Boneyard (Tucson)

Editor's note: Tours of the Airplane Boneyard have ended. In lieu of the tour, you can visit the Pima Air & Space Museum instead. Here, you'll find a collection of around 400 aircraft across 80 acres.

Since Halloween is in October, visiting a graveyard is only fitting. This cemetery is unconventional, however, as it's full of airplanes rather than people! Over 4,000 decommissioned military and NASA aircraft reside at the Airplane Boneyard in the Sonoran desert, making it the largest collection on Earth. Equally cool and creepy, huh?

11. November: Verde Canyon Railroad (Clarkdale)

This four-hour, 20-mile train ride whisks passengers away on an exhilarating journey through the rugged canyon wilderness along the Verde Canyon Railroad. Fall is the best time to visit, with leaves showing off their most brilliant golden, maroon, and brown hues. Choose first-class, coach, or open-air seating to fit your group's needs. Seasonal events such as beer and wildlife trains are offered throughout the year. Just wait until it's autumn and the colors are ablaze.

12. December: Prescott

With the motto, "Everybody's Hometown," this mid-sized town is charming year-round. Its magic only grows stronger during the holiday season — in fact, Prescott has been deemed the official "Christmas City" of Arizona! Millions of lights illuminate the entire town square, including the Yavapai County Courthouse, and live entertainment, festive craft fairs, and parades get your whole family into the holiday spirit.

How many of the best places in Arizona have you been to? Which of these Arizona day trips are still on your bucket list? Discover more of what's on our bucket by checking out some of the best day trips in Arizona.