The Ultimate Arizona Cave and Waterfall Road Trip Guide

Arizona 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. Let's begin our journey on this Arizona cave and waterfall road trip.

For your convenience, here is a link to the itinerary on Google Maps, showing exact addresses, directions, and travel times for each place.

1. Kartchner Caverns State Park (Benson)

Just outside Tucson in the town of Benson, 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 hiking trails above the caverns are available for public use. You can even take a lantern-lit cave tour of the caverns, too.

2. Colossal Cave Mountain Park (Vail)

Tucked away in the high desert landscape, Colossal Cave Mountain Park spans a whopping 2,400 acres of rugged beauty. A variety of cave tours are offered, ranging from 40 minutes to 3.5 hours long. 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. Visit the Colossal Cave Mountain Park website to book a tour.

3. Tanque Verde Falls (Tucson)

Although cave temperatures are typically cooler than surface-level temps, it can still get stuffy underground. The solution? Hop in a waterfall-fed pool afterward! The moderate 1.1-mile Tanque Verde Falls loop trail is all that stands between you and the 80-foot Tanque Verde Falls. While the hike isn't too difficult, 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 within the
Coronado National Forest, drive east on Tanque Verde Road toward Reddington Pass.

4. Seven Falls (Tucson)

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 in Arizona is truly wondrous.

5. Romero Pools (Catalina State Park)

Another Tucson-area hike, Romero Pools is a 6.1-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. Visit AllTrails to view a map of the Romero Canyon Trail to Romero Pools.

6. Lava River Cave (Flagstaff)

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 of different sources of light, batteries or a battery pack for recharging, closed-toed shoes with good traction, and warm clothing—it's near-freezing in the cave year-round. Lava River Cave isn't simply one of the state's coolest (literally!) natural wonders; it's also a total hidden gem and one of the most extraordinary natural wonders in Arizona.

7. Fossil Creek (Camp Verde)

The Fossil Creek waterfall 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. It's arguably one of the most stunning waterfalls in Arizona.

Note: Before visiting Fossil Creek between April 1 and October 1, you must purchase a permit through Recreation.gov and carry it with you to the waterfall.

8. Cave at Fossil Creek (Camp Verde)

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.

What to Know Before Taking This Arizona Road Trip

Have you been to any of these Arizona caves and waterfalls? Before setting out on this road trip adventure, there are a few things to keep in mind. For the caves, make sure to bring extra layers to keep you warm, as temperatures drop drastically underground. Although it's recommended to take this trip in spring or fall, not in summer due to triple-digit temperatures, you should still carry more than enough water. Sun protection, hiking boots, snacks, and other gear are also necessary. You should also check the National Weather Service website for any heat advisories and flash flood warnings before your trip, as both can be deadly.

For more epic adventures in The Grand Canyon State, check out one of the most scenic road trips in Arizona.