Discover Saddle Mountain in Tonopah, Arizona, a hidden gem for rock hounds, hikers, and outdoor enthusiasts. This stunning desert landscape offers chalcedony and quartz hunting, vibrant sunsets, petroglyph exploration—perfect for a unique desert adventure.

Chevelon Canyon Lake, nestled on the Mogollon Rim in northern Arizona, is a serene, hidden gem offering fishing, hiking, and camping. Accessible via a challenging hike, this narrow reservoir is surrounded by rugged canyon views, perfect for nature lovers seeking adventure.

Ironwood Forest National Monument is a protected area located in southern Arizona, United States. It was established in 2000 and covers approximately 129,000 acres of Sonoran Desert landscape. The monument is named after the iconic ironwood trees (Olneya tesota) that grow within its boundaries.

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Apache Lake, located in the Tonto National Forest, is a scenic reservoir offering both developed and dispersed camping options. Surrounded by steep canyon walls and accessible via the historic Apache Trail, it’s a hidden gem perfect for camping, boating, and outdoor adventures. The Burnt Corral Campground provides 76 campsites, and visitors can also enjoy secluded dispersed campsites with stunning views of the lake and desert landscape.

Camping near C.C. Cragin Reservoir offers a unique escape into nature, where you can enjoy peaceful solitude surrounded by rugged canyon walls, serene waters ideal for kayaking, and the thrill of fishing for rainbow trout, all while being immersed in the diverse wildlife and scenic beauty of the area.

Discover the beauty of Arizona along Forest Road 124 in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest. This scenic destination features rugged forest terrain, towering ponderosa pines, and open meadows dotted with vibrant wild mushrooms. Visitors can also witness burn scars from the historic Rodeo-Chediski Fire, now blending with vibrant new growth—a powerful testament to nature's resilience. Wildlife you may encounter include wild horses, jackrabbits, deer, foxes, and squirrels.

The Salado Phenomena, 700 years ago, blended ideas of neighboring Native American cultures to emerge a unique and vibrant society. Tonto National Monument showcases two Salado-style cliff dwellings. Colorful pottery, woven cotton cloth, and other artifacts tell a story of people living and using resources from the northern Sonoran Desert from 1250 to 1450 CE.

Happy Jack, located in the Mogollon Rim Ranger District of the Coconino National Forest, offers a peaceful escape for dispersed camping. With its cooler summer temperatures, towering pines, and diverse wildlife, it’s a perfect destination for outdoor exploration and relaxation.

Discover the awe-inspiring Walnut Canyon National Monument near Flagstaff, Arizona, where ancient cliff dwellings and breathtaking canyon vistas invite you to step back in time. Hike along scenic trails, spot unique wildlife, and immerse yourself in the rich cultural and natural history of this remarkable destination.

We spend several nights here on the edge of the lake. Enjoyed listening to the water and the birds while siting by the fire. Really great spot for camping. Nice and secluded beaches and peninsulas with beautiful views of the lake and surrounding mountains. A lot of fishermen in boats trolling, lake is well known for bass fishing. Looking forward to return with our kayaks. While in the area we visited the Alamo Dam and made a stop for ice-cream at the ranger store at the Alamo State Park. On our drive there we saw wild burros.

Picacho Peak State Park, located along Arizona's I-10 corridor, is a stunning desert destination known for its striking peak, hiking trails, and rich history. A favorite for outdoor enthusiasts, the park offers camping, wildlife watching, and breathtaking desert views.

Explore the rugged beauty of Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, a UNESCO biosphere reserve where vast desert landscapes meet striking mountain ranges. Discover rare flora, hike scenic trails, and experience the vibrant biodiversity of Arizona’s Sonoran Desert.

Colossal Cave Mountain Park has cave tours, hiking & biking, trail rides, camping & picnicking, terrace Café & gift shop. The campsites are tucked among the saguaro cacti and mesquite trees in Posta Quemada canyon. These grounds consist of two large areas, El Bosquecito and La Selvilla, both have water and restrooms. Additionally there are a number of smaller areas totaling 30 individual sites. Camping is first-come, first-served. This is primitive camping. No electricity or RV hook-ups available. are located in El Bosquecito and La Selvilla.

This mile-long lava tube cave was formed roughly 700,000 years ago by molten rock that erupted from a volcanic vent in nearby Hart Prairie. The top, sides and bottom of the flow cooled and solidified first, after which the insides of the lava river continued to flow emptying out the present cave.

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Bear Canyon Lake is one place we go most often. There are plenty of places to setup camp and lots to explore. We have never had a issue finding a spot to camp, at times can barely hear anyone around. We pass all the nearest sites near the lake and go past the powerlines where there are plenty of sites spread out. From there it is a bit of a hike to the lake, or short drive. Depending upon the season you can hear elk and coyotes in the area.

Explore the historic ruins of Bradshaw City, a former gold-mining boomtown established in 1863 in Yavapai County, Arizona. Once home to nearly 5,000 residents, today it offers visitors a fascinating glimpse into Arizona's mining past, surrounded by beautiful forested landscapes.