Arizona is a very RV-friendly state, and it’s especially attractive during the colder months when other areas are under several feet of snow. There are so many things to do in the Grand Canyon State that the problem often isn’t finding something to do, but deciding what would be best to do. One way to help is to create an Arizona travel bucket list. This will give you something to refer back to throughout your adventure, and the experiences that remain on the list when your trip is finished can help build your next Arizona RV vacation.
Grand Canyon National Park
The Grand Canyon has taken millions of years to form into one of the most popular U.S. landmarks. The views, beautiful hikes, and spectacular sunrises and sunsets are unforgettable, and camping in the national park puts you at the hearts of the action.
Petrified Forest National Park
Petrified Forest National Park is another national park in Arizona to explore. As the name suggests, this park features a number of fossilized trees which are lovely and haunting to see against the arid landscape.
Saguaro National Park
Saguaro National Park is home to the saguaro cacti – a type of cactus that only grows in the southwestern United States. This park has a huge number of these plants, including the tallest of their kind.
Montezuma Castle National Monument
Montezuma Castle National Monument is the site of one of the largest and best preserved of the ancient cliff dwellings. While visitors are no longer allowed to walk into the dwelling, there is a viewing area where you can look at the dwelling.
Check Out the Night Sky
The southwest has some of the clearest, darkest night skies, making Arizona the perfect spot for stargazing. If you want to take your casual stargazing to the next level, head to the Lowell Observatory to can view the stars and planets through powerful telescopes, attend lectures, and check out the museum.
Hop on Horseback
Nothing says southwest quite like horseback riding through desert landscapes. Fort McDowell Adventures is located in Fort McDowell, and real cowboys take guests on a guided tour of the desert with a cattle driving experience.
Get a View from a Balloon
Some of the best views of Arizona are from above. Red Rock Balloon Adventures in Sedona allows visitors to see those views by taking them up in hot air balloons. A sunrise balloon flight or an “aerial nature walk” let guests experience the beauty of the red rocks and desert scenes of Sedona.
Stroll Through the Desert Botanical Garden
The Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix showcases many of the plants that call the desert home. Attend a concert, try a yoga class, or let kids play in the Cactus Clubhouse at the gardens.
Shop at Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village
Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village in Sedona is the perfect place for an afternoon of shopping. This marketplace is designed after a Mexican village and features fine art galleries, restaurants, and more.
Eat at Organ Stop Pizza
Grab a slice at Organ Stop Pizza. This unusual pizza parlor is home to the largest Wurlitzer pipe organ in the world, and a musician is often onsite, playing the instrument for all to hear.
Learn Something New at the Heard Museum
The Heard Museum has a goal of educating visitors on the heritage of Native American people. It features a large variety of art representing area tribes.
Explore a Ghost Town
Arizona is famous for its ghost towns. Goldfield Ghost Town is an old mining town with a number of buildings and historic reenactments that help guests get a feel for what life might have been like for settlers of this town.
See a Meteorite Crater
Barringer Meteorite Crater proves just how powerful our universe can be. The mile-wide crater was created approximately 50,000 years ago when a meteor struck the planet. It’s located in Winslow, and visitors are invited to stand right at the edge of the massive crater.
Walk Across the London Bridge
Did you know that Arizona is home to a London Bridge? Located in Lake Havasu City, this bridge was originally constructed across the River Thames in the 1830s. In the 1960s, the bridge was purchased by Robert P. McCulloch and moved to its present location.
Grab a Souvenir at Hubbell Trading Post
The oldest trading post in the United States, the Hubbell Trading Post has been up and running since 1876. Here you can see demonstrations of Navajo rug-making before actually purchasing one of the gorgeous rugs. Other types of souvenirs are also available.
Have a Summer Solstice to Remember
Each year during the summer solstice, Burton Barr Library in Phoenix puts on a beautiful show for visitors. The building was constructed so that the solstice sun would create designs and shadows throughout the space. Hundreds of visitors flock to see the spectacle, and special presentations and musical performances complete the experience.
Explore the Musical Instrument Museum
The Musical Instrument Museum is the world’s only global instrument museum. It features an enormous variety of unique and unusual instruments from around the world. See instruments from 200 different countries and hear them played during performances and presentations throughout the year.
Step Back in Time in Tombstone
Like Goldfield Ghost Town, Tombstone is another blast from the past. Visit this infamous city and walk the same streets as Wyatt Earp and “Doc” Holliday. Learn about the Gunfight at the OK Corral and other historic events.
Float Along the Colorado River
The Colorado River winds from its start in the Rocky Mountains through seven states and into Mexico. Float some of the river in a tube or raft. You’ll find lots of float trip options in Arizona to help you cool off.
Explore Lava River Cave
Lava River Cave was formed when molten lava cooled and solidified on the outside while lava continued to flow on the inside, leaving a hollow tube. The cave is about 3/4 of a mile long and it remains about 40°F year-round, making it a nice summer destination.
Attend the World’s Oldest Rodeo
Prescott Frontier Days has hosted what’s now called the World’s Oldest Rodeo since 1888. The rodeo has a variety of events including barrel racing, team roping, and more.
Take In the View at Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park
Located at the border of Arizona and Utah, Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park features stunning rock formations. You’ll want to drive the 17-mile loop at the park that showcases these formations and scenery. During certain times of year, the drive is rough and has deep sand dunes and motorcycles and RVs are prohibited on the loop drive.
Cool Off with Ice Cream
Novel Ice Cream is well loved by locals and visitors alike. You’ll find traditional cones and cups of ice cream — but be sure to try the ice-cream-stuffed donuts.
There are lots of places to see and things to do in Arizona. Of course, you will need a place to stay during your visit. Check out RVshare’s many Arizona rentals to get started on your trip.
