Arizona is a dream for adventurers and nature lovers alike, where every corner offers something breathtaking. Whether it’s hiking through the otherworldly landscapes of Petrified Forest National Park or witnessing the ancient cliff dwellings of Canyon de Chelly, State 48 should be on every traveler’s bucket list.
Planning travel for 2025 is an exciting opportunity to dream big and map out unforgettable adventures. It’s also the perfect time to set travel goals, like visiting certain landmarks or trying new cuisines. Here are a few Arizona bucket list destinations courtesy of the Arizona Office of Tourism to make travel planning for the upcoming year a breeze.
Canyon de Chelly National Monument
Located in northeastern Arizona, Canyon de Chelly National Monument is home to centuries-old cliff dwellings built by the Ancestral Puebloans and later inhabited by Navajo communities. For more than 5,000 years, the people of the Navajo Nation have lived in Canyon de Chelly (pronounced “shay”) and adjoining Canyon del Muerto, both part of Canyon de Chelly National Monument.
As visitors explore the canyon’s red rock walls, they’ll encounter remarkable sites like White House Ruin, a well-preserved cliff dwelling, and the dramatic Spider Rock spire, which rises nearly 800 feet above the canyon floor. With its deep historical significance and breathtaking scenery, Canyon de Chelly offers a unique blend of adventure and reflection, making it a must-visit for anyone traveling through Arizona. Tours require a backcountry permit and hiring an authorized guide. For an ideal experience, contact a private company for a tour into the canyon by hiking, horseback, or vehicle.
Chiricahua National Monument
Visiting Chiricahua National Monument offers an unforgettable experience that blends natural beauty, history, and the spirit of discovery. Located in southeastern Arizona, this remarkable park is known for its striking “rock forest”— a landscape of towering spires, balanced rocks, and jagged pinnacles formed by volcanic eruptions millions of years ago. This is the homeland of the Chiricahua Apache, who relied on the natural resources in the area as far back as the 1400s.
Visitors can access 17 miles of hiking trails that loop throughout the monument. Short, easy trails along Bonita Creek offer an intro to the area and include picnic facilities. Trailheads along the drive into the monument offer tougher tests. Echo Canyon Loop Trail squeezes through tight passageways between rock walls to reach views of astonishing rock towers. Experienced hikers set off on the Heart of Rocks loop, a 7-mile round-trip that features some of the most unusual rock formations in the monument. Be on the lookout for connector trails named for the payoffs at the end: Mushroom Rock, Big Balanced Rock, and Inspiration Point.
Petrified Forest National Park & Painted Desert
Nature, geology, archaeology, paleontology, and even architecture meet at Petrified Forest National Park in eastern Arizona. The Petrified Forest was formed from ancient trees that morphed from wood to almost solid quartz, taking on colors from iron, carbon, and manganese. The Crystal Forest, Giant Logs, and Long Logs trails loop past petrified wood deposits, huge logs, and even an ancient log jam.
Most visitors drive through Petrified Forest National Park before heading north to explore the Painted Desert. The Painted Desert Rim Trail takes hikers along a canyon rim and presents wide-open views of colorful geology. Surprises along the trail include the historic Painted Desert Inn, with roots related to homesteading, Route 66, and indigenous heritage. The Tawa Trail can also be picked up at Tawa Point or from the Painted Desert Visitor Center. This easy 1.2-mile stroll winds through high desert grasslands. Continue north on Highway 77 to enter the sacred lands of the Navajo Nation and to explore the pueblos of the Hopi Tribe.
Two visitor centers — the Painted Desert Visitor Center on the north and the Rainbow Forest Museum to the south — offer exhibits, books and gifts, limited food service, and restrooms. Both sides of the park are connected by the 28-mile-long Main Park Road, which winds past viewpoints, trailheads, and other attractions.
Salt River Canyon
Often referred to as “Arizona’s other Grand Canyon,” the Salt River Canyon offers stunning views of dramatic cliffs and the winding Salt River below. Located in central Arizona, this natural wonder is less crowded than its famous counterpart, providing a more intimate experience with nature. The scenic drive along U.S. Route 60 offers breathtaking vistas, with plenty of spots to pull over and take in the panoramic views of this Arizona bucket list attraction. The canyon is about 40 miles northeast of Globe on U.S. 60. On the drive to its steep and twisting expanse, visitors will pass the mining towns of Miami, Claypool, and Globe.
Salt River Canyon’s striking landscapes and tranquil beauty make it a must-see destination for anyone exploring Arizona’s diverse terrain. Adventurous travelers can enjoy hiking, white-water rafting, and camping in the surrounding area, while the river itself provides opportunities for fishing and kayaking. A Tonto National Forest Upper Salt River boater permit is required to float the Salt River Canyon Wilderness from March 1 to May 15 annually.
The Wave
Hugging the Utah border in Northern Arizona, The Wave makes its home in the 112,500-acre Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness Area. It is famous for its undulating, wave-like patterns of colorful sandstone, formed over millions of years of wind and water erosion. The Wave’s striking, surreal appearance makes it one of the most sought-after and photographed natural landmarks in the American Southwest.
Because of its delicate ecosystem and the difficult hike necessary to reach The Wave, visitors must have a permit, available via a lottery system. The online lottery opens months in advance, so it’s crucial to apply well ahead. Spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) are the best times to visit The Wave, as temperatures are more moderate. Sunrise and sunset are magical times to photograph The Wave, as the light enhances the natural colors of the sandstone.
These are just a few of Arizona bucket list sites, each offering endless beauty to marvel at and miles of trails to explore. Head to visitarizona.com to find more inspiration and iconic places, worthy of a traveler’s bucket list.