Top Things to do in Arizona
Top 10 Nature & Wildlife Areas in Arizona, United States
The state of Arizona is one that features a fantastic diversity of landscapes and areas of geological interest. North Arizona is famous for the Grand Canyon, a colorful chasm with steep rocky walls more than a mile deep and stretching some 277 miles alongside the Colorado River. Other notable destinations in North Arizona include Flagstaff set alongside the San Francisco Peaks which has the largest ponderosa pine forest, Museum of Northern Arizona, and is close to a number of national parks and monuments. On the south side of Arizona lies the city of Phoenix, the largest in Arizona. Notable day trips in Phoenix include the Heard Museum which is one of America's largest collections of Native American art, Phoenix Museum of History, as well as the Desert Botanical garden which has a great collection of desert plants.
Restaurants in Arizona
1. Chiricahua Mountains
2. Chiricahua National Monument
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 779 reviews
The unusual rock formations at this popular hiking site were caused by a massive volcanic eruption 27 million years ago.
Reviewed By keithbporter - Tucson, United States
Some of the best trails in all of Arizona. You will not be disappointed. The views are incredible, the trails well maintained, facilities are very clean. Be sure to bring a camera, lots of water, light snack or small lunch, and hike all day. I would highly recommend "The Big Loop" counter clockwise (BEST VIEWS). "The Big Loop" and traverses multiple connecting trails in the Chiricahua NM. Begin at the Echo Canyon trailhead, then veer left on Ed Riggs trail, connect to Mushroom Rock Trail, then Big Balanced Rock Trail, make sure to do the Heart of Rocks Loop, after that, then Sarah Deming Trail, connect to Upper Rhyolite Canyon Trail, and then finish up with Echo Canyon Trail. You'll end up right where you started, but richer in experiencing the beauty of nature!
3. Rooster Cogburn Ostrich Ranch
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 345 reviews
Outdoor venue with fresh air. Upclose encounters with lots of different animals including Ostrich, Deer, Lorikeets, Stingrays and so many more! Voted Top Ten Roadside Attractions in the US. Everyone is a kid here! Gift shop on premises.
Reviewed By B9572PHsusang - North Tonawanda, United States
Our group spent the whole day enjoying the ostriches, bunnies, donkeys, goats, sheep, birds, and stingrays at the Rooster Cogburn Ostrich Ranch. The grounds were very clean and the animals were a joy to be around, feed, and talk to. The ostriches were very friendly to the point of taking off our hats if we were feeding their neighbor. Very funny! All the animals appeared to be in good health and happy. Grounds were immaculate. Kudos to their crews. The employees were friendly and answered all our questions.
4. McDowell Sonoran Preserve
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,114 reviews
Reviewed By 110edwardf
We visited the preserve on two different days from two different trailheads. Both Gateway and Lost Dog Wash trailheads had good parking, restrooms and trails. There were good maps and well marked trails in good condition. The trails were interlinked loops, so you could start on one but switch to another if you wanted to see different territory. For example at the Lost Dog Wash trailhead, we started in the Ring Tail trail. But at a junction at a choice to stay on that trail that had city views, but switched to Lost Dog Wash to hike into a different little valley with more birds, plants and cactus to see. WeSaw lots of people both days, but it didn’t feel crowded at all.
5. Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 503 reviews
Tours by appointment only. Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center is a non-profit rescue and rehabilitation facility specializing in wild mammals. Over 70% of the animals that come into our center are returned to the wild. For those that cannot be released, we offer a home for life in our sanctuary. We conduct guided tours of our sanctuary by appointment only. Reservations are required and can be made on our website under the Visit Us tab.
Reviewed By nf0x - Denver, United States
Fun and educational experience for all ages. Passionate and well informed volunteers lead you through this animal sanctuary for Arizona rescued animals. Up close opportunity to see and learn about a variety of animals. See Mexican Gray Wolves that the center plays a role in their repopulation in the southwest US. Tours are outdoors and in the shade.
6. Wild at Heart
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 10 reviews
Reviewed By Maps51178036658
Wild at Heart is an amazing place, that does absolutely fantastic work with our native wildlife. I have been volunteering with them since the spring, and I just wanted to post on here a couple of updates! Although the weather is nice out right now, there are no walk-in/public hours in which you can tour the facility at this current time. Be sure you contact them if you are interested in seeing the facility They are not currently conducting tours or public hours due to COVID-19. Please be sure to contact them before arriving. The staff and volunteers are wonderful and accommodating. If you have an injured bird of prey that needs assistance, you can call the number in the listing as well.
7. Spur Cross Ranch
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 142 reviews
Reviewed By 57gwenc - Prescott, United States
This area displays the Sonoran Desert at its finest! The trails are wide and clearly marked. We hiked the Spur Cross to Dragonfly Trails. These take you across the Flowing Cave Creek on a wooden plant bridge, from the desert to the mountains with awesome views, through a saguaro forest, past petroglyphs , down to along a riverbed ( dry at this time of year) past an old mine tunnel and back up to a large dirt parking area approx 3.5 miles. There are many hiking trails and you can add to the length of your hike should you want to. The conservation area is staffed by volunteers who are extremely friendly and helpful. For $3 each they provide you with a trail map. If you’ve already paid to visit Cave Creek Regional Park or are camping there you don’t need to pay the fee. It is an amazingly beautiful area and we look forward to returning next year perhaps toward the end of February in hopes of seeing the desert wildflowers in full bloom.
8. White Mountain Nature Center
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 17 reviews
9. San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 176 reviews
One of the prime birdwatching areas in Arizona, where visitors can see up to 500 species of birds.
Reviewed By birds4all - Charlotte, United States
Nice hiking and bird watching amid the cottonwoods. Easy terrain and plenty of shade during spring and summer.
10. The Nature Conservancys Ramsey Canyon Preserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 291 reviews
Best known for its 14 species of hummingbirds, Ramsey Canyon requires reservations on the weekend from the Nature Conservancy.
Reviewed By ArizonaAZ1 - Arizona, United States
Definitely grab one of the canes they offer the hikers to help you on the hike up. Plenty of places to stop and rest as you do go up in elevation. Do take advantage of those rest stops.
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