4 Places in Arizona Locals Hope Tourists Never Discover

It's okay to keep secrets sometimes, especially when it comes to places locals love in Arizona. Everyone deserves to experience the Grand Canyon's majestic beauty, but there are certain spots that tourists don't need to know about. From hidden waterfalls to remote historic sites, these undiscovered gems in Arizona are seldom talked about, and we hope that never changes.

1. Elves Chasm, Grand Canyon National Park

Discovering this majestic waterfall hidden deep within the Grand Canyon is the ultimate Arizona adventure. Elves Chasm is a lush, spring-fed oasis located just past mile marker 116 on the Colorado River. It cascades down the rugged canyon walls, flowing over moss-covered rocks into a tranquil pool beneath. It's named 'Elves Chasm' because the scene is so magical, it looks like something from a fairytale. The best way to access this natural wonder is on a guided whitewater rafting trip. You can hike to the falls via the Royal Arch Loop, but it's an extremely difficult route suitable only for experienced backpackers, and you'll need a permit from Grand Canyon National Park.

2. Cliff Dwellers Stone House, Marble Canyon

The Cliff Dwellers Stone House in Marble Canyon isn't as old as ancient ruins in Arizona, but it's still a fun roadside attraction worth visiting. Located near the Vermillion Cliffs on a remote stretch of Highway 89A, this unique stop was the home of married couple Blanche and Bill Russell during the Great Depression. Bill suffered from tuberculosis, and his doctor recommended he move to the desert because dry air was thought to stop the disease from getting worse (although this theory has since been disproven). The couple's car broke down in Marble Canyon, and they were so captivated by the rocks that they decided to stay. In addition to their home, they also built a trading post business that eventually expanded into a full-service restaurant and gas station. All of the original structures remain.

3. West Clear Creek Hanging Gardens, Happy Jack

You'll hardly believe you're in Arizona when you come upon this breathtaking spot in the West Clear Creek Wilderness. All it takes is a 3-mile hike to reach the hanging gardens, which are covered in greenery and feature several small waterfalls spilling off the edges into the creek. The trail is pretty challenging due to a steep climb, several water crossings, and some boulder hopping, but it's still very doable for intermediate hikers. Swim or kayak in the creek underneath the grotto to feel like you've escaped to a tropical paradise, then make the 3-mile return trip feeling refreshed.

4. Florence Coke Ovens, Florence

Located in a remote area roughly 15 miles east of Florence, the Florence Coke Ovens are a historic site built in the late 1800s to convert mesquite wood into coke, a hotter-burning fuel, for smelters in the nearby town of Cochran (now a ghost town). The ovens are five beehive-shaped structures, each about 30 feet tall and 25 feet in diameter. For many years, the structures were located on private property and could only be viewed from across the Gila River. The site is now publicly accessible following the Bureau of Land Management's assumption of ownership. Please note that you'll need a high-clearance vehicle to traverse the long, bumpy road leading to the ovens.

Have you visited any of these undiscovered gems in Arizona? What are some other hidden treasures in the Grand Canyon State that you hope tourists never find?

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