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The Grand Canyon gets the postcards, the tour buses, and the packed overlooks. But Arizona is loaded with other canyons that most of us drive right past.
Some hold ancient cliff dwellings, some hide cold creeks and golden willows, and some are just a short drive from Tucson or Flagstaff. If you want big views with a lot more elbow room, these seven canyons are a great place to start.
1. Canyon de Chelly National Monument
Spider Rock gets most of the attention here, and for good reason. The tall sandstone spire rises straight up from the canyon floor and is one of the most recognizable sights in northeast Arizona.
Canyon de Chelly sits on the Navajo Nation, with the town of Chinle serving as the main access point along Indian Route 7. A handful of modern hotels in town make it easy to turn the trip into an overnight stay.
The park offers a string of overlooks with views of sheer cliff faces, a green valley floor, and ancient ruins. Many people call it a mini Grand Canyon, but the setting feels very different because the canyon is also a place to learn about Navajo (Dine) culture.
Tours are offered, and there are kid-friendly hikes, picnic spots, and public restrooms. I would plan this one for a daytime visit, since mornings and afternoons tend to be the calmest times at the overlooks.
2. Walnut Canyon National Monument
Just minutes outside Flagstaff, people once built homes right into the cliffs. Walnut Canyon lets you walk past those Sinagua cliff dwellings up close instead of squinting at them from a distant rim.
The canyon curves in a wide sweep, and trails with stairs lead down past the ruins. Those stairs are part of the adventure, so give yourself time and take breaks if you need them.
It is a smaller national monument, which is exactly why it works so well as a road trip stop. You can learn about the people who lived here, take in views of the surrounding mountains, and still get back on the road the same day.
The monument is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Picnic tables, restrooms, and free parking make it an easy stop, and weekday mornings usually see fewer people than weekends.
3. Sabino Canyon Recreation Area, Tucson, AZ
Few canyons let you swap hiking boots for a tram seat. At Sabino Canyon, you can ride a narrated tram deep into the canyon, then hike as much or as little as you want.
The recreation area is part of the Coronado National Forest, at 5700 N Sabino Canyon Rd on Tucson’s northeast side. It feels far removed from city traffic, even though it is close to town.
Miles of trails wind through Sonoran Desert scenery for every skill level. After good rains, the creek can run strong, which is a big treat in the desert.
You will also find picnic tables, restrooms, and cycling lanes. Wildlife sightings are common, so keep an eye out along the trail.
My tip is to skip the busiest weekend mornings if you can. Evenings tend to be much quieter.
4. Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness
Plan on wet feet. In Aravaipa Canyon, the creek often is the trail, and much of the hiking means wading through the water between steep canyon walls.
This Bureau of Land Management wilderness near Winkelman is a lot wilder than the other spots on this list. Some people hike long stretches through the streams, so plan carefully before heading out.
The payoff is a green, lush canyon full of trees and wildlife. In fall, the willows turn golden, giving the canyon some of the best autumn color in southern Arizona.
Summer and fall bring plenty of wildlife activity, and wild blackberries grow along the way. The hiking is challenging overall, but shorter stretches can work for younger hikers.
Bring good water shoes and check with the BLM before your trip. This is a place for people who want real wilderness, not crowded viewpoints.
5. Oak Creek Canyon
Summer in Arizona calls for cold water, and Oak Creek Canyon delivers. This red-rock river gorge just north of Sedona follows a clear, fresh creek that offers a break from the heat.
The canyon is known for its swimming hole with a natural waterslide, which kids and adults both love. Fishing, camping, and picnicking are also popular along the creek.
Here is the honest part: Oak Creek is the best known canyon on this list, and summer weekends get busy. Still, it gets nowhere near the crowds of the Grand Canyon, and a quiet morning by the water can feel very peaceful.
There are restrooms but no restaurants, so pack snacks and lunch. Expect paid parking, and arrive early on warm days to get a spot.
6. Ramsey Canyon Preserve, Hereford, AZ
Bring binoculars. Ramsey Canyon Preserve is all about birds, especially hummingbirds, which gather at feeders placed near benches along the trail.
The preserve is managed by The Nature Conservancy and sits at 27 E Ramsey Canyon Rd in Hereford, in the Huachuca Mountains of southeast Arizona. The trails are easy, well cared for, and lined with benches.
Birds are only part of the show. Deer, wild turkeys, squirrels, butterflies, and even frogs are common sights, which makes it a fun spot for kids.
Watch the schedule before you drive down. The preserve is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Thursday through Monday and closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Picnic tables, restrooms, and on-site parking round out the visit.
7. Salt River Canyon Wilderness Area
Some canyons make you hike for the view. The Salt River Canyon lets you see it from the road, as the highway between Globe and Show Low drops down to a bridge over the river.
The drive often surprises first-timers who have never heard of it. Deep, rocky walls rise above the river, and spring brings wildflowers to the slopes.
Restrooms near the bridge make it a handy stop. You can walk across the bridge for a close look at the river below, though the steps down to the water have been closed at times.
The canyon is also known for hiking and white-water rafting, so it is more than a pretty pull-off. Dogs are welcome, and there are easy hikes for kids.
Friday afternoons tend to be the quietest time here. That makes it a nice way to start a weekend in the high country.
