SPONSORED BY ARIZONA OFFICE OF TOURISM

If Arizona wasn’t on your travel list, then get a pen and paper quickly. Known for the natural ruggedness of the Grand Canyon and the Painted Desert, Arizona is the sixth largest state and full of outdoor havens of the wild desert, cacti and the largest stand of ponderosa pine in the U.S. The diverse flora and fauna offer a number of picturesque backdrops perfect for your Instagram feed or for some much-needed rest and relaxation if you’re trying to get away from social media.

Here are a few lesser-known hidden gems you didn’t know the state had to offer:

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A curve in the creek . . . ***permit required in advance*** Please practice ‘Leave no trace’ principles when enjoying the outdoors. For this camping trip, it was great to see no garbage, no toilet paper in hidden spots, and although we picked up and carried out the items we found, including two ball caps, one trekking pole, one purple buff, one REI Adventure Guide nametag from one Cindy Anderson, these were all clearly unintentional losses and not people leaving garbage behind. I also left behind a lens cap that came off somewhere unknown, and I hope if someone finds it they carry it out. It was great to see such care taken of this beautiful wilderness. #aravaipacanyon #arizonawilderness #nationalforest #findyouroasis #getbacktonature #arizonalandscape #arizonalandscapes #puresouthwest #theearthoutdoors

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Aravaipa Canyon

With 19,410 acres of land to explore, Aravaipa Canyon is a gift to nature lovers. You’ll find cliffs, canyons, caves and flowing waters. With no designated campsites or trails, this site is perfect for the off-the-grid adventurer.

White Pocket

Created by petrified sand dunes that were shaped by the elements throughout time, White Pockets’ white, orange and yellow formations are a sight to see. You’ll need a four-wheel-drive to make it through the deep sand roads and patches of sharp rock.

North Rim Lodge

Built by Gilbert Stanley Underwood, the North Rim Lodge offers awe-inspiring views of the Grand Canyon. The higher altitude than its South Rim counterpart makes for a cooler stay as you explore the forest setting of the nearby North Kaibab Trail and Bright Angel Creek.

Chiricahua National Monument

Dubbed the “Wonderland of Rocks,” the Chiricahua National Monument offers 17 miles of hiking and scenic views of caves, faults, ancient lava flows, volcanic caldera and mountain formations. Fun fact: The rock pillars aka Hoodoos were formed from a volcanic eruption that occurred 27 million years ago.

Canyon De Chelly

Managed by the Navajo Nation, Canyon De Chelly has been home to people for more than 5,000 years. Located in Chinle, this park is known for its sandstone cliffs, its lush canyon and the Spider Rock Spire.

Wupatki National Monument

Located near Flagstaff, Wuptaki National Monument offers solitude and a glimpse into a prehistoric experience with its vast vistas, unpolluted air and clear skies. Conveniently located near the Painted Desert, you can drive through its sunset crater and get a glimpse of Native American ruins like Anasazi and Sinagua.

Omni

At this Scottsdale-area, Spanish-inspired resort, you will have the Camelback Mountain and the Desert Botanical Garden at your doorstep. The Omni offers the luxurious Joya Spa, a pool and Mexican and Spanish inspired cuisine. Be sure to check out the Phoenix Zoo and OdySea Aquarium during your stay as well.

xx, The FabFitFun Team