Phoenix, Arizona makes a fantastic base to explore the surrounding areas’ natural landscapes and unique attractions
From exploring the towering spires of rock at the Chiricahua National Monument, to driving along the scenic Apache Trail, to discovering the beauty and breathtaking views of the Grand Canyon National Park, you’ll find no shortage of things to do around Phoenix.
The following are 8 of the best day trips from Phoenix to consider:
1. The Apache Trail
Located about 35 miles away from Phoenix, this is a truly fun and scenic adventure. The trail starts in Apache Junction. All along the trail, you’ll get to enjoy a unique blend of natural beauty, outdoor activities, and history.
The trail winds through the stunning scenery of the Superstition Wilderness. You’ll get to see breathtaking landscaping characterized by deep canyons, rugged mountains, and desert vistas.
For history lovers, the Apache Trail is a gem. Its history dates back to the days of the Apache Native Americans. You can visit Tortilla Flat, a historic site with a charming old mining vibe that has been preserved as a tourist site. Other historical sites along the trail include the Casa Grande Ruins National Park and Slide Rock.
Aside from history, you can also enjoy a smorgasbord of outdoor activities as well. These include boating, camping, biking, and hiking.
2. Boyce Thompson Arboretum
The Boyce Thompson Arboretum is located about 61 miles from Phoenix. There are lots of things to do and see for a truly unique and rewarding experience through the Superstition Wilderness.
The landscape is diverse; you’ll get to encounter a stunning contrast between the rugged, wild beauty of the Superstition Wilderness and the meticulously curated gardens of the arboretum.
The Boyce Thompson Arboretum is also a hiker’s paradise. Many trails offer varying levels of difficulty, from easy to challenging treks.
You’ll also want to keep your eyes peeled for exciting wildlife encounters, including reptiles, birds, and small mammals.
3. Bartlett Lake
The Bartlett Lake is 57 miles away from Phoenix. It offers an enticing escape that perfectly blends aquatic and desert environments, beckoning both adventurers and leisure seekers.
At the lake, opportunities for fishing, boating, swimming, and water skiing are numerous. You may also get to enjoy numerous hiking trails that lead to waterfalls, caves, and historical sites.
Additionally, wildlife encounters are not uncommon at Bartlett Lake. You may spot birds of prey, javelinas, deer, and other small mammals in the area.
You’ll also want to keep your eyes peeled for exciting wildlife encounters, including reptiles, birds, and small mammals.
4. Saguaro National Park
The Saguaro National Park is about 110 miles away from Phoenix via the 1-10E. The park is home to over a million desert plants. Saguaro, pronounced as “Sa-Wah-Ro,” makes up the majority of the flora.
The saguaro plant grows up to 60 feet tall, lives up to 175 years, and can hoard up to 200 gallons of water. In the desert where water is hard to come by, the saguaro is a darn impressive cacti.
The park lies in two districts around Tucson. On the eastern side, it borders the Rincon Mountain District. Here, you get to enjoy more plant diversity, trails, and camping sites.
On the western side, the park borders the Tucson Mountain District. It’s a historical gem and visitors can view ancient artwork from over 800 years ago.
5. Lake Havasu
Lake Havasu is located on what is known as the “Arizona West Coast.” It is about 192 miles away from Phoenix. The lake is famous among retirees for its London Bridge, and how the city has been set to match the culture of English people in several aspects.
At the lake, you get to enjoy a wide variety of activities, including swimming, boating, fishing, and jet-skiing on the clear waters. You can also hike the several trails located in the Sonoran desert.
6. Chiricahua National Monument
The Chiricahua National Monument lies about 196 miles from Phoenix. While it’s a bit of a drive, its unique beauty makes it well worth the journey.
The monument is a nature photographer’s dream. The park is famous for its “hoodoos”. These are towering spires of rock that have been uniquely shaped by erosion. The result of the erosion is an atmosphere that’s surreal and otherworldly.
Aside from the unique rock formations, the Chiricahua National Park features 17 miles of hiking trails. Some of the best trails according to user reviews include the Bonita Creek Loop, Bonita Creek Trail, Silver Spur Meadow Trail, and the Massai Point Nature Trail.
7. Petrified Forest National Park
The park is about 200 miles from Phoenix via AZ-87 N and AZ-260 E. A trip to the Petrified Forest National Park as a day trip from Arizona can be an incredibly fun and enriching experience.
The park is famous for its petrified wood, which is millions of years old and has formed awesome shapes and colors.
The park also features the vibrant Painted Desert. This is a vast rocky badland that stretches alongside the historic Route 66 that runs from Arizona’s Grand Canyon to the Petrified Forest.
The park is home to a variety of wildlife as well, including javelinas, coyotes, and mountain lions.
8. Grand Canyon National Park
This is inarguably the state of Arizona’s main tourist attraction site and one that can be done as a day trip from Phoenix. Since the Grand Canyon a long drive from Phoenix, make sure to plan your activities in advance to make the most of your time.
The Grand Canyon’s sheer scale and beauty are truly breathtaking and an unforgettable experience. It is one of the seven wonders of the world for a reason. Here, you can bike, hike, camp, raft, or enjoy a picnic.
While a day trip is possible, you can extend your stay or plan a multi-day trip to have more time to explore the park’s natural wonders.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are an amazing amount of day trips to get you out beyond the city of Phoenix. Best of all, these trips are all within one to four hours of the sprawling valley of the sun.
As a landlord, it’s important to stay in the loop about different places to visit and things to do in Phoenix. Check out Service Star Realty’s other blogs to learn more!
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2929 East Camelback Road #119, Phoenix, AZ 85016
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