If you’re looking to discover some new-to-you hidden gems in Arizona this year, consider this your official bucket list. Below, you’ll find a different hidden gem – be it a natural wonder or a can’t-miss attraction – to visit during each month of the year. Get ready, get set, and get exploring!
- January - Sunrise Park Resort (Greer)
Facebook/Sunrise Park Resort AZ The Snowbowl tends to steal the spotlight when it comes to skiing in Arizona, but Sunrise Park Resort is equally worth a trip. This gem features more ski runs and acreage than anywhere else in the state, and additional winter sports include snowboarding, ski bikes, and snow tubing. Sunrise Park Resort, 200 Highway 273, Greer, AZ 85927, USA
- February - Water Holes Canyon (Page)
AllTrails/Heather Beebe This Valentine’s Day, fall in love with Arizona all over again when you visit Water Holes Canyon. Located in Lake Powell Navajo Tribal Park, this marvel of nature looks just like Antelope Canyon - yet hardly anyone knows about it. Waterhole Canyon, Arizona 86040, USA
- March - Pacheta Falls (Whiteriver)
Google/Kou Vang Pacheta Falls is one of Arizona’s most hidden waterfalls. The 131-foot natural wonder is nestled on the White Mountain Apache Reservation (which means a permit is required to visit - they’re available for purchase at the Sunrise Gas Station). While the falls typically flow year-round, visiting in the spring is the best way to make sure of it, as snowmelt from the mountains feeds into the creek. Pacheta Falls, Whiteriver, AZ 85941, USA
- April - Sonoita Vineyards (Elgin)
TripAdvisor management Arizona’s first commercial vineyard and winery, Sonoita Vineyards opened in 1983. Tucked away in the rolling hills of Elgin, the landscape will transport you straight to Italy - and the wine is some of the best you’ll ever taste. Sonoita Vineyards, 290 Elgin Canelo Rd, Elgin, AZ 85611, USA
- May - Mount Graham International Observatory (Safford)
TripAdvisor management Did you know that one of the world’s largest telescopes is hiding in small-town Arizona? Mount Graham International Observatory conducts tours on weekends from mid-May through October, and it’s a can’t-miss activity for astronomy buffs. Mount Graham International Observatory Road, Mt Graham International Observatory Rd, Arizona 85546, USA
- June - Canyon Coaster Adventure Park (Williams)
Facebook/Canyon Coaster Adventure Park Kick off summer with a trip to the first and only mountain coaster in Arizona. This thrilling, one-mile adventure will make you feel alive as you soar down the mountainside. Canyon Coaster Adventure Park, 700 E Rte 66, Williams, AZ 86046, USA
- July - Bob Bear Trail (near Strawberry)
AllTrails/Kate Best If you’re up for the eight-mile trek on Bob Bear Trail, the reward is oh-so-sweet. Splash around in a turquoise cave to cool off during the hot summer months before hiking back the way you came. Bob Bear Trailhead, Strawberry, AZ 85544, USA
- August - Holbrook
Google/Andrew DeWolfe Summer is road trip season, and the quirky town of Holbrook will capture your heart right away. Located along historic Route 66, the town was one of several that helped inspire the Disney movie Cars. This is Americana at its finest. Holbrook, AZ 86025, USA
- September - Around the Peaks Loop (Flagstaff)
Flickr/Coconino National Forest, Ariz. September is peak leaf-peeping season in the Flagstaff area, so it’s prime time to embark on a scenic drive through the foliage. Around the Peaks Loop leads around the base of the majestic San Francisco Peaks, showcasing groves of gilded aspens that will leave you awestruck. San Francisco Peaks, Arizona 86001, USA
- October - Willis Farm (Snowflake)
Facebook/The Willis Farm With a name like Snowflake, this tiny town in the White Mountains sounds anything but scary - in October, however, it’s one of the most haunting places in Arizona. Willis Farm’s annual haunted corn maze will leave you shaking in your boots, with heart-pounding jump scares at every twist and turn. The Willis Farm, 381 1st St E, Snowflake, AZ 85937, USA
- November - Queen Mine (Bisbee)
TripAdvisor/Dianne L November is all about giving thanks, so it’s the perfect time to reflect on the industries that built Arizona. Bisbee’s Queen Mine was one of the most lucrative copper mines in the Southwest, and visitors get to don a hardhat and yellow slicker and descend 1,500 feet underground to learn about its fascinating history. Many of the tour guides are actually retired mine workers! Queen Mine Tour, 478 N Dart Rd, Bisbee, AZ 85603, USA
- December - Desert Farm Lights (Waddell)
Facebook/Desert Farm Lights The only holiday attraction of its kind in the West Valley, Desert Farm Lights features a Christmas lights maze, walking light trail, festive food and drinks, photo-ops, and so much more. Desert Farm Lights, 14629 W Peoria Ave, Waddell, AZ 85355, USA
How many of these hidden gems in Arizona have you visited? Which ones are still on your bucket list? Tell us your thoughts in the comments!
Facebook/Sunrise Park Resort AZ
The Snowbowl tends to steal the spotlight when it comes to skiing in Arizona, but Sunrise Park Resort is equally worth a trip. This gem features more ski runs and acreage than anywhere else in the state, and additional winter sports include snowboarding, ski bikes, and snow tubing.
Sunrise Park Resort, 200 Highway 273, Greer, AZ 85927, USA
AllTrails/Heather Beebe
This Valentine’s Day, fall in love with Arizona all over again when you visit Water Holes Canyon. Located in Lake Powell Navajo Tribal Park, this marvel of nature looks just like Antelope Canyon - yet hardly anyone knows about it.
Waterhole Canyon, Arizona 86040, USA
Google/Kou Vang
Pacheta Falls is one of Arizona’s most hidden waterfalls. The 131-foot natural wonder is nestled on the White Mountain Apache Reservation (which means a permit is required to visit - they’re available for purchase at the Sunrise Gas Station). While the falls typically flow year-round, visiting in the spring is the best way to make sure of it, as snowmelt from the mountains feeds into the creek.
Pacheta Falls, Whiteriver, AZ 85941, USA
TripAdvisor management
Arizona’s first commercial vineyard and winery, Sonoita Vineyards opened in 1983. Tucked away in the rolling hills of Elgin, the landscape will transport you straight to Italy - and the wine is some of the best you’ll ever taste.
Sonoita Vineyards, 290 Elgin Canelo Rd, Elgin, AZ 85611, USA
Did you know that one of the world’s largest telescopes is hiding in small-town Arizona? Mount Graham International Observatory conducts tours on weekends from mid-May through October, and it’s a can’t-miss activity for astronomy buffs.
Mount Graham International Observatory Road, Mt Graham International Observatory Rd, Arizona 85546, USA
Facebook/Canyon Coaster Adventure Park
Kick off summer with a trip to the first and only mountain coaster in Arizona. This thrilling, one-mile adventure will make you feel alive as you soar down the mountainside.
Canyon Coaster Adventure Park, 700 E Rte 66, Williams, AZ 86046, USA
AllTrails/Kate Best
If you’re up for the eight-mile trek on Bob Bear Trail, the reward is oh-so-sweet. Splash around in a turquoise cave to cool off during the hot summer months before hiking back the way you came.
Bob Bear Trailhead, Strawberry, AZ 85544, USA
Google/Andrew DeWolfe
Summer is road trip season, and the quirky town of Holbrook will capture your heart right away. Located along historic Route 66, the town was one of several that helped inspire the Disney movie Cars. This is Americana at its finest.
Holbrook, AZ 86025, USA
Flickr/Coconino National Forest, Ariz.
September is peak leaf-peeping season in the Flagstaff area, so it’s prime time to embark on a scenic drive through the foliage. Around the Peaks Loop leads around the base of the majestic San Francisco Peaks, showcasing groves of gilded aspens that will leave you awestruck.
San Francisco Peaks, Arizona 86001, USA
Facebook/The Willis Farm
With a name like Snowflake, this tiny town in the White Mountains sounds anything but scary - in October, however, it’s one of the most haunting places in Arizona. Willis Farm’s annual haunted corn maze will leave you shaking in your boots, with heart-pounding jump scares at every twist and turn.
The Willis Farm, 381 1st St E, Snowflake, AZ 85937, USA
TripAdvisor/Dianne L
November is all about giving thanks, so it’s the perfect time to reflect on the industries that built Arizona. Bisbee’s Queen Mine was one of the most lucrative copper mines in the Southwest, and visitors get to don a hardhat and yellow slicker and descend 1,500 feet underground to learn about its fascinating history. Many of the tour guides are actually retired mine workers!
Queen Mine Tour, 478 N Dart Rd, Bisbee, AZ 85603, USA
Facebook/Desert Farm Lights
The only holiday attraction of its kind in the West Valley, Desert Farm Lights features a Christmas lights maze, walking light trail, festive food and drinks, photo-ops, and so much more.
Desert Farm Lights, 14629 W Peoria Ave, Waddell, AZ 85355, USA
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