One of the state’s top bass fishing destinations, Alamo Lake State Park provides visitors with pristine crystal lake views, plenty of wildlife viewing opportunities, amazing night skies, and outdoor fun for all. This remote park is nestled in the Bill Williams River Valley surrounded by mountainous terrain, with the nearest city lights over 40 miles away.

Situated in the flat plain of central Arizona in between the Gila and Santa Cruz rivers, Casa Grande Ruins National Monument is the nation's first archeological preserve. Within its boundaries resides the Casa Grande, or “Great House,” which is one of the biggest and most peculiar prehistoric structures to be built in North America. Visitors can see the adobe structures up close and learn the story of the Ancestral Sonoran Desert People.

Enjoy the tranquility of the blue waters along Lake Havasu at Cattail Cove State Park, where visitors can enjoy a multitude of activities from fishing, swimming, boating, or just lounging around on the white-sand beach. With over 60 RV and campsites along the shore, along with more primitive boat-in campsites, the park provides hours, if not days of fun for the family.

A "Wonderland of Rocks" is waiting for you to explore at Chiricahua National Monument, a 12,025-acre site in southeastern Arizona. The unique “hoodoo” rock formations are best explored by hiking one of the 15 trails or driving the 8-mile scenic road to Massai Point. Learn the history of Geronimo, Cochise and the Chiricahua Apache and visit the Faraway Ranch Historic District to discover more about the people who have called this area home.

The Colorado River State Historic Park is located in Yuma. This park was utilized in the past by the United States Army as a supply hub starting in 1864. This spot held about 6 months of supplies at all times and was fully stocked. Dive into history during a visit and explore the 5 original depot buildings. There are exhibits that show pieces of the depot operation including an Army escort wagon and a steamboat room.

Where four major biogeographic provinces meet, the 4,750-acre Coronado National Memorial is nestled among the sky islands of the Huachuca mountains, with elevations ranging from 4,825 feet to 7,825 feet. The memorial was established to commemorate and interpret Francisco Vásquez de Coronado's expedition. Eight miles of trails will take visitors through grasslands, mountains, and canyons with exceptional views of the San Pedro River Valley.

On the outskirts of the nearby Roper Lake lies another noteworthy destination, Dankworth Pond State Park. Although a small park, the amount of recreational opportunities pleasantly surprise visitors. Hike the two-mile round trip trail, where you are likely to see wildlife such as mule deer, javelina, raccoons, foxes, and migratory birds. Rainbow trout amongst other fish are stocked, giving visitors an opportunity to catch their own delicious dinner.

Embark on a journey through history at Fort Bowie National Historic Site, where you’ll learn about the conflict between the Chiricahua Apache and the United States Military. Structured as a hike-in park, visitors can walk the 1.5 mile trail to the visitor center, and along the way you’ll see remnants of the Butterfield State Route, the cemetery, battle sites, as well as natural resources, such as Apache Spring. For those unable to make the hike into the park, there is an access road that ends close to the Visitor Center with an ADA-accessible parking lot.

Discover what life was like during the Indian Wars at Fort Verde State Historic Park, where many of the fort’s original buildings are still standing for visitors to experience. The park provides visitors with activities such as touring one of three historic house museums and attending one of the living history programs, all which will give you a glimpse into Arizona’s best-preserved example of an Indian Wars period fort.

Established in 1972, Glen Canyon National Recreation Area is a 1.2 million-acre adventure haven that stretches from Lees Ferry in Arizona to the red cliffs of Canyonlands National Park. Amid the deep canyons, visitors will find Lake Powell, formed by the construction of the Glen Canyon Dam in 1963. From guided fishing trips on the Colorado River to hiking to the famous viewpoint of Horseshoe Bend, Glen Canyon offers unparalleled opportunities for water-based and backcountry recreational activities.

The only one of the seven natural wonders of the world to be in the United States, The Grand Canyon stretches 277 miles long, has a depth of one mile and, on average, is 10 miles wide. Because of its size, there are endless vistas to take in the spectacular and unmatched splendor. You can explore this massive canyon on foot, in a helicopter, by walking on a glass bridge, riding a mule, by boat as you raft the Colorado River, and even by riding your bike. There are two rims to plan your itinerary around, but no matter which you choose, the Grand Canyon will leave you in awe of its wonder, and has something for everyone to enjoy.

The North Rim or "other side" of the Grand Canyon is visited by only 10% of all Grand Canyon visitors, due to its remote location, weather, and difficulty to obtain a reservation at its only lodge or campground. The average elevation on this side is over 8,000 feet, which results in colder temperatures and harsh winters. In a normal year, the North Rim with full services, runs from May 15 through October 15.

The only one of the seven natural wonders of the world to be in the United States, The Grand Canyon stretches 277 miles long, has a depth of one mile and, on average, is 10 miles wide. Because of its size, there are endless vistas to take in the spectacular and unmatched splendor. You can explore this massive canyon on foot, in a helicopter, by walking on a glass bridge, riding a mule, by boat as you raft the Colorado River, and even by riding your bike. There are two rims to plan your itinerary around, but no matter which you choose, the Grand Canyon will leave you in awe of its wonder, and has something for everyone to enjoy.

The south rim is open all year round and is the most popular of the two rims at the park, due to its convenience, amount of amenities, and slightly more mild weather. With its average elevation at 7,000 feet, it is a great destination for those escaping to cooler summer temperatures, or wanting to get a glimpse of snowy sights in the winter.

Journey into the wild and remote wilderness of Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument, which is tucked in the northwest corner of the Arizona Strip. While you will leave pavement, cell service, and the 21st century behind, you will be rewarded with colorful vistas, deep canyons, majestic mountains and miles of untouched landscape.

Pay tribute to the 19 hotshot firefighters whose lives were lost while fighting the Yarnell Hill Fire in 2013 at the Granite Mountain Hotshots Memorial State Park. The seven-mile out and back trail allows visitors to better understand the experience of these men, leave momentos at the remembrance wall, and take in the 360-views of central Arizona.

Also known as “Place of the Little Hills,” Homolovi State Park brings Hopi history to life through seven ruin sites scattered with broken pottery, petroglyphs, and other ancient artifacts. Let your imagination wander on one of five trails, and envision how people lived, farmed, hunted and gathered food in the 14th century. For the full Homolovi experience, visit the museum, and end your day with setting up a tent or parking your RV at the on-site campground.

The oldest operating trading post on the Navajo Nation, Hubbell Trading Post National Historic Site is considered a meeting ground of two cultures between the Navajo and the settlers who came to the area to trade. It still serves as a mercantile in Ganado, selling goods and Native American art since 1878. Take a stroll on the 160-acre homestead, including the trading post, family home and visitor center with weaving demonstrations.

Not only is the Douglas Museum an eye-catching landmark in Jerome, Jerome State Historic Park is an absolute treasure for any history buff. The museum will transport you back to the life of the Douglas Family and the height of the copper boom, with numerous photographs, exhibits, and even a 3-D model of the town and underground mines. While you may want to spend all your time in the museum, the park also provides a panoramic view of the Verde Valley with picnic tables to take them all in.

An incredible underground world awaits you at Kartchner Caverns State Park, where one of the world’s longest stalactite formations stands six stories tall in this living limestone cave. Visitors will marvel at the rare exotic cave formations through daily guided tours and a walk through the Discovery Center. Cozy cabins are available for those wanting to make a trip out of visiting, or visitors can rough it up with an RV or tent campsite.

Play in the serene waters and along the 700 miles of shoreline of the first and largest reservoir in the United States, Lake Mead National Recreation Area. Enjoy the stark beauty of the surrounding desert on numerous hiking trails, discover marinas and coves by boat, and test your luck by casting your hook for several species of fish. The vast bodies of water and nine wilderness areas have created a true paradise for all adventurers.

While the gold mine may be a myth, Lost Dutchman makes visitors feel like they've struck gold. The surrounding Sonoran Desert and Superstition Mountains will leave you with a memorable trip and photos to treasure. Experience the desert plant life on foot with one (or all) of the six trails in the park, and even take your mountain bike out for a spin on four of single-track fun.

Get a taste of history and the thrill of watersports at Lyman Lake State Park, which encompasses a 1,500-acre reservoir at 6,000 feet that can be explored by speed, pontoon, or sporty motorboat. Dry off after your day at the lake and explore the park by hiking to prehistoric petroglyphs and end the night with a campfire outside your tent or cabin.

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, McFarland State Historic Park is filled with stories of frontier justice in the Old West. The courthouse is a museum that includes exhibits featuring all the history of the town of Florence. Blast into the past and tour the first Pinal County Courthouse, built in 1878 by hand, as well as an additional jail and courthouse dating back to the Arizona Territory period.

Gaze through the windows of the past at Montezuma Castle National Monument, where a spectacular 5-story, 20-room cliff dwelling structure towers above the desert floor. The wheelchair-accessible walking paths lead visitors through a beautiful sycamore grove along spring-fed Beaver Creek, ending at the well-preserved castle carved into the limestone walls. For even deeper discovery, the park also offers formal ranger programs, and in-depth exhibits in the visitor center.

Small crowds and spectacular scenery are just a few of the reasons why Navajo National Monument is the perfect place to learn about the past and present Native cultures and celebrate the cultural heritage of the Navajo Nation. The monument protects three remarkable cliff dwellings—Keet Seel, Betatakin, and Inscription House—dating back to the 13th century C.E. Betakin can be visited via a ranger-led tour, and Keet Seel’s self-guided hike requires advanced reservations and a backcountry permit.

Home to the only place in the United states where the organ pipe cactus grows wild, Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument is a UNESCO biosphere reserve, meaning it's internationally recognized as a precious ecosystem that supports the study of sustainability. In this pristine section of the Sonoran Desert, visitors may drive rugged scenic roads, hike into the backcountry, camp under a starry sky, and marvel at the thriving desert.

Stretching for miles on both sides of Interstate 40 in northern Arizona, Petrified Forest National Park is a high-desert geologic treasure chest, where visitors can experience one of the world’s largest and most vibrantly colored assemblies of petrified wood, historic structures, tools and archaeological sites. Visitors can experience the park by car on the 28-mile-long Main Park Road, visiting the museum exhibits, walking one of the short maintained trails, or even hiking into the backcountry.

The prominent 1,500-foot peak of Picacho Peak State Park is impossible to miss when traveling along the 1-10 in southern Arizona. Park your RV or bring a tent for the night, and challenge yourself by hiking to the top of the unique geological formation. Not quite up for the challenge? There are plenty of other opportunities to take in the vast desert landscape, whether you visit for a day or for a few.

Due to its isolated location at the edge of the Antelope Valley in the Arizona Strip, Pipe Spring National Monument is one of the best-kept secrets of the National Park System. Visitors can explore the rich history of the Pipe Spring and learn about the pioneer and Kaibab Paiute life by touring the Winsor Castle, hiking the ridge trail, and attending living history demonstrations.

Nestled among iconic red-rock formations, Red Rock State Park is a 286 acre nature preserve and environmental education center offering stunning views and diverse landscapes for all to take in by hike, bike, or horseback. Once you are off the trails, the visitor center offers rotating exhibits, a theater, and classrooms showcasing the history and science behind the magic.

Bordering Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, Riordan Mansion State Historic Park feels like a hidden treasure among the pine trees. Designed by the same architect as the impressive El Tovar Hotel, the 13,000 square feet duplex-style mansion remains one of the best examples of American Arts and Crafts-style architecture open to the public today. The interiors of the Riordan family homes are seen only by guided tours, where the interactive displays take you back to the early 1900s.

Along the shores of the mighty Colorado River lies a year-round destination for those looking for seclusion while escaping to the desert for a water-filled adventure. River Island State Park offers trails for hikers and access to off-highway-vehicle backcountry roads, while those looking to stay on the water can do so. Camping is a must here, you will be rewarded with riverfront and distant mountain views.

Beat the summer heat or embrace the chilly winter nights at Roper Lake State Park, where the tranquil waters and sandy beaches sit at the base of one of Arizona's "sky Islands," Mt. Graham. There is an abundance of activities for visitors to enjoy, from swimming in the summer, to enjoying the calm of your cozy camping cabin, to watching the famous sandhill cranes migrate in the winter.

Immerse yourself among an uninterrupted forest of the nation’s largest cacti at Saguaro National Park. While the park is best-known for having over 2 million of these iconic symbols of the American West, the unique climate has resulted in an incredible diversity of plant species and wildlife. There are two separate districts within the park, both providing unique visitor experiences. Saguaro West, or the Tucson Mountain District, contains only desert scrub and semi-desert grassland biotic communities, with a maximum elevation of 4,678 feet. Saguaro East, or the Rincon Mountain District, has a maximum elevation of 8,644 feet with a variety of biotic communities, from desert scrub to pine and mixed conifer forests. From backcountry camping in the Rincon mountains to scenic drives among the Saguaros, this national park provides endless opportunities to soak in the unique Sonoran Desert.

Immerse yourself among an uninterrupted forest of the nation’s largest cacti at Saguaro National Park. While the park is best-known for having over 2 million of these iconic symbols of the American west, the unique climate has resulted in an incredible diversity of plant species and wildlife. There are two separate districts within the park, both providing unique visitor experiences. Saguaro West, or Tucson Mountain District, contains only desert scrub and semi-desert grassland biotic communities, with a maximum elevation of 4,678 feet. Saguaro East, or Rincon Mountain District, has a maximum elevation of 8,644 feet with a variety of biotic communities, from desert scrub to pine and mixed conifer forests. From backcountry camping in the Rincon mountains to scenic drives among the Saguaros, this national park provides endless opportunities to soak in the unique Sonoran Desert.

Listed by Life Magazine as one of America's ten most beautiful swimming holes, Slide Rock State Park is an ultimate bucket-list item for any AZ resident or those visiting. The natural 80-foot-long red-rock slide creates a lifetime of memories as visitors slide, swim and wade through the slippery chute. Its close proximity to Sedona makes it a popular destination for adventure seekers and those looking to cool off in the warm summer temperatures.

Where two worlds collide, Sonoita Creek State Natural Area sits between the Sonoran and Chihuahuan Deserts, resulting in a mixture of animals and plants from different ecosystems. You are likely to see protected wildlife while on one of the remote hiking and horseback-riding trails, where you can also enjoy peace and quiet in the expansive riparian area. If one day is not enough, backpack to one of three private sites, each at least four miles from a trailhead.

Formed a thousand years ago when the ground was torn open and lava erupted to the sky, Sunset Crater National Monument is the youngest volcano on the Colorado Plateau. The red and yellow cinders on the rim of the crater mimic the famous Arizona sunset, providing a stark contrast to the hardened jagged surfaces below. Visitors can drive or bike the 34 mile scenic loop, hike your way through lava flows and trails, or join a guided tour to get a deeper understanding of the history and geology of the area.

Step back in time where justice was served in “the town too tough to die," at Tombstone Courthouse State Historic Park. Visitors can explore the original Cochise County courthouse, an 1882 two-story Victorian structure preserved in a museum filled with interpretive exhibits that give a look into the history of Tombstone and the original county seat.

Within the rugged terrain in the northeastern part of the Sonoran Desert, Tonto National Monument features two Salado-style cliff dwellings dating back 700 years ago. The lower-cliff dwelling does not require a guided tour, and guests are encouraged to explore the 19-room structure. The upper-cliff dwelling is a sought out guided tour that takes place November to April, where visitors can join an intimate group to the site, which has twice as many rooms. No matter how you choose to spend your time, the monument provides a place to learn about a unique part of America's heritage.

Tucked away in the narrow canyon of Pine Creek, visitors can experience the largest world's largest natural travertine bridge at Tonto Natural Bridge State Park. This 183-foot geological wonder can be viewed from four observation decks or one of three hiking trails and is a must-see, whether on your road trip through the state or as your final destination.

The home of many firsts, including Arizona’s very first official state park, Tubac Presidio State Historic Park preserves the ruins of the oldest Spanish Presidio site in the state. Visitors can attend a variety of cultural events throughout the year, join one of the expert guided tours, and even hike a portion of the Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail. No matter what you choose to do with your time there, the exhibits, artifacts and buildings will leave you with meaningful memories.

Situated at a cultural crossroads in Arizona’s Santa Cruz River valley, Tumacácori National Historical Park gives visitors a look into the O'odham, Yaqui, and Apache people, and their interactions with the Europeans. Although a small site, there are vast opportunities to learn about the oldest mission site in Arizona. Visitors can walk on the Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail along the river, explore the church and grounds with a self-guided tour book, and take in the sights, smells and sounds of history with cultural demonstrations.

Perched atop a ridge above the lush Verde River in Clarkdale, the small site of Tuzigoot National Monument provides endless views of diverse desert habitats and a look into the Sinagua that built the 110-room pueblo. There are several trails that visitors can take to explore the well-preserved ruin on the summit and the Tavasci Marsh, as well as extensive exhibits and artifacts on display in the museum.

Just south of Flagstaff, Walnut Canyon National Monument is a natural gem in central Arizona that preserves some of the Southwest’s earliest history. Visitors can take one of two trails for a closer look at the geological cliff formations built by the Sinagua as well as learn about life of these ancient people from comprehensive exhibits and murals at the visitor center. The monument offers not only a look into the past, but panoramic views of the surrounding canyon and distant mountains.

Nestled between the Painted Desert and the ponderosa highlands of northern Arizona, Wupatki National Monument is among the largest Pueblos on the Colorado Plateau. These ancient pueblos can be seen among red rock outcroppings, surrounded by miles of prairie fields. Self-guided trails and guided hikes give visitors a glimpse into the lives of the Anasazi and Sinagua Indians during the 12th and 13th centuries, where they raised families, farmed, traded, and thrived.

In July 1876, the first seven inmates were moved to the Yuma Territorial Prison. The prison held a variety of law breakers including the infamous stagecoach robber Pearl Hart. The Prison continued operation for 33 years until inmates were relocated to a new facility in Florence, Arizona due to overcrowding. After its closure, a number of different groups utilized the space throughout the years including Yuma High School and the County Hospital. In 1961 the prison was opened to the public and dedicated as the third state historic park in Arizona. Through preservation efforts the guard tower was renovated and a museum and visitors center were constructed.

Voted one of the best haunted destinations in the nation, the prison is known as a hub for paranormal activity. Take a self-guided tour of the facility, and stop by the museum to take in the history.