Arizona

Arizona stands as a symbol of the American Southwest, with its rugged landscapes, rich cultural history, and breathtaking national sites. Its deserts and canyons reveal millions of years of geological history, while its indigenous roots stretch back thousands of years. Ancient cliff dwellings and petroglyphs hint at the lives of early Native American tribes who called this harsh yet beautiful land home. Spanish explorers arrived in the 16th century, leaving behind missions and influencing the region’s culture. The territory became part of the United States after the Mexican-American War, and Arizona officially gained statehood in 1912, making it the 48th state.

Arizona’s national sites showcase the state’s dramatic natural beauty and historical significance. Towering rock formations, deep canyons, and ancient ruins reflect both the power of nature and the resilience of those who lived there. These sites serve as living museums, preserving the history of native cultures and early settlers alike. Today, Arizona is a haven for adventurers and history lovers, offering a unique blend of rugged wilderness and rich heritage that continues to captivate visitors from around the world.

The 39

National Treasures in Arizona

Agua Fria National Monument
Apache National Forest
Baaj Nwaavjo I'tah Kukveni – Ancestral Footprints of the Grand Canyon National Monument
Canyon de Chelly National Monument
Glen Canyon National Recreation Area
Grand Canyon National Park
Grand Canyon–Parashant National Monument
Hohokam Pima National Monument (No Access)
Hubbell Trading Post National Historic Site
Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail
Kaibab National Forest
Lake Mead National Recreation Area
Montezuma Castle National Monument
Navajo National Monument
Old Spanish National Historic Trail
Pipe Spring National Monument
Prescott National Forest
Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument
Tonto National Forest
Tuzigoot National Monument
Vermilion Cliffs National Monument
Walnut Canyon National Monument
Wupatki National Monument

Shea's Videos and Travel Journal Entries From Arizona

A man wearing glasses and a cap smiles at the camera with a desert landscape in the background. Text reads, "The Hiking CEO Shea Oliver. Shea's Rapid Recap #38. Exploring Ted DeGrazia's Artistic Legacy in the Sonoran Desert." Inset images spotlight Ted DeGrazia's artwork and a gallery interior.
After hanging out in the Ironwood Forest National Monument and not touristing very much, I decided it was time to head into Tucson and needed southwestern art fix.
As the sun descends over the Ironwood Forest, the desert landscape comes alive with color. A tall saguaro cactus stands prominently on the left, surrounded by sparse vegetation. The sky, a gradient of blue and orange, casts its warm glow on scattered clouds and mountains in the background.
While I was out taking an evening walk, I decided to try to capture some southwestern sunset photos. Mother Nature wasn't as cooperative this evening as she is some evenings.
A person with curly hair and glasses grins while holding a black Crockpot, dreaming of making exotic dishes like Pineapple-infused recipes. They are indoors, with a wall of stickers behind them, including a garlic design. The Crockpot's control knob offers settings for warm, low, and high.
Join me as I reveal a delicious twist on ramen using my trusty crock pot! With unique ingredients like pineapple juice and coconut, this dish promises a tasty culinary adventure.
A desert landscape at sunset smiles with a large saguaro cactus silhouetted against the sky. The dramatic clouds in shades of blue, orange, and yellow cast a warm glow over the arid terrain, like nature's sweet farewell. Sparse desert vegetation is visible in the foreground.
Hanging out in the Ironwood Forest National Monument and heading into town gave me a few opportunities to snap a few fun pictures of beautiful sunsets and enjoy some sweets.
An off-road vehicle with a roof tent is parked in the vast desert landscape of Ironwood Forest. Sparse bushes and majestic cacti rise under a clear blue sky, casting long shadows on the rocky, dry ground as the sun dips low.
After kick-ass day of visiting The Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures and errands done, I found a good spot to spend the next week or so with cactuses nearby.
A smiling person in a KU cap stands outdoors amid desert vegetation under the bright sun. Inset images showcase miniatures and museum exhibits. Text reads: "The Hiking CEO Shea Oliver, Shea's Rapid Recap #37, Ironwood Forest National Monument & The Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures.
After marginal night, sleep in the Wishing Well RV park, I had a spectacular surprise waiting when I visited a museum, focused on miniatures and then headed to the Ironwood.
A dusty parking area at Wishing Well RV Park showcases an off-road vehicle towing a small teardrop camper. In the background, various RVs and trailers are parked. A large tree stands against a clear blue sky with a few clouds, while power lines and a utility pole are visible to the right.
I needed a place to stay near Biosphere 2, where I could refill water containers and take a long, hot shower. I stopped here and got one of the few spots available next to the office.
The image captures a man smiling with RVs and mountains behind him. Inset photos showcase the verdant beauty of Biosphere 2's triangular panels and lush gardens. Text reads, "The Hiking CEO Shea Oliver, Shea's Rapid Recap #36, Visiting Dripping Springs and Biosphere 2.
After two peaceful weeks in Dripping Springs, I headed south toward Tucson, stopping and spending a good portion of the day at the spectacularly interesting Biosphere 2.
A man sporting glasses, a cap, and a hoodie is in the foreground at night. Beside him are images of an old sign, a man savoring tacos, and a mining memorial with equipment. The text reads "Shea's Rapid Recap #35: Mammoth Deterioration, Tacos, and a Mining Memorial.
After a few days of productive work and dripping spring, I needed to pick up an Amazon delivery and decided to visit Mammoth, where I found some very interesting destinations.
Collage of images featuring the Besh-Ba-Gowah Archaeological Site ruins, Miami Historic Downtown Bullion Plaza sign, Taco Ranchito restaurant, and ornate church interior. "The Hiking CEO Shea Oliver" logo and text: "Shea's Rapid Recap #34" bring these vivid glimpses to life.
After a few days of working and enjoying the desert, I needed water, a shower, and a little exploring, so I headed into Globe, Arizona, and checked out several interesting locations.
Street view of Guayo's El Ray, a restaurant featuring a beige facade with red accents. The entrance is flanked by two large potted plants, while neon "Open" signs glow in windows beside the central red door. Overhead, a sign proudly displays the name against a backdrop of clear blue sky.
While visiting Besh-Ba-Gowah, I was chatting with the young lady in the gift shop and ask her to recommend a good Mexican restaurant in Globe. I'm happy she sent me to Miami!
A man wears a green cap with "The Hiking CEO Shea Oliver" logo, surrounded by cacti in the Sonoran Desert with rocky hills behind. Inset photos capture him savoring a sandwich, and navigating a rocky path. Text reads, "Shea’s Rapid Recap #33, Back on the Road for 2025 and in the Sonoran Desert.
I'm back on the road and to the Sonoran desert after leaving Colorado and driving for two days, with a few stops along the way to eat and explore the El Malpais National Monument.
A teardrop camper is parked in the Arizona desert landscape near Dripping Springs, with sparse shrubs and trees. The camper door is open, revealing storage. A foldable chair is set up nearby. The setting sun casts warm light, and mountains are visible in the distance under a clear blue sky.
After two brutally long days of driving, I was thrilled to pull into this piece of BLM land and discover some wonderful campsites with tons of cactuses, beautiful views, and privacy.
A panoramic view of Salt River Canyon reveals a rugged landscape with steep, layered rock formations and sparse vegetation. The distant ridges and cliffs are bathed in bright sunlight, casting shadows that highlight the natural contours against the vibrant backdrop of a clear blue sky.
During what seemed like a long stretch of driving, I suddenly came upon an unexpected descent into a canyon that had some very stunning and spectacular views.
A person wearing glasses and a baseball cap smiles while snapping a selfie at the Arizona border next to an "Arizona: The Grand Canyon State" sign. The backdrop boasts a clear blue sky, sparse trees, and an expansive grassy field.
Man, I'm telling you, it felt really, really good to be crossing into Arizona in the sunshine. After temperatures dropped to 20 the night before, I was looking forward to some warmth.
A black Jeep towing a small teardrop trailer is parked on rocky BLM Dispersed land near Havasu. A bicycle rests atop the trailer, with sparse dry bushes and distant RVs dotting this nominal place to sleep under a clear blue sky.
An uneasy feeling at my planned camping location resulted in a long, painful day of trying to find someplace to camp that had decent Internet.