Arizona Bucket List: Must-See in The Grand Canyon State

Arizona is a beautiful state full of adventure. Whether you’re a local looking to explore your own backyard or a traveler looking for an exciting getaway, you won’t be disappointed. From majestic mountains and canyons to iconic landmarks and diverse wildlife, there are so many incredible things to do and see in the Grand Canyon State. Here is the ultimate Arizona bucket list for women who want to make the most of their time in this stunning corner of the world.

Arizona Bucket List

Grand Canyon National Park – No visit to Arizona would be complete without exploring the awe-inspiring Grand Canyon National Park. With its breathtaking landscape, tranquil river views, and endless trails, this iconic park is a must-see destination that should be at the top of everyone’s bucket list. Hike along one of the many trails or take a scenic helicopter tour over the canyon walls—there are so many ways to experience this natural wonder!

Havasu Falls – Located on the Havasupai Indian Reservation in northern Arizona, Havasu Falls is one of nature’s finest creations. Made up of five separate cascading waterfalls surrounded by red rocks and lush vegetation, this picturesque oasis is truly like something out of a dream. If you’re looking for an unforgettable adventure, plan a trip here and spend some time exploring the area or take part in activities like swimming, fishing, and horseback riding.

Monument Valley – Monument Valley is one of Arizona’s most recognizable attractions due to its unique landscape filled with sweeping sandstone buttes and mesas. This area has been featured in countless films including Forrest Gump and Thelma & Louise—and when you arrive here it will be easy to see why! Spend a day exploring this iconic region on foot or take a guided tour by jeep through its rugged terrain.

Sedona – One of the few places in the world where you can experience the magic of a vortex, Sedona is a popular tourist destination year-round. Even when it gets busy, though, there are many
opportunities to find peace and solitude. Situated just two hours north of Phoenix and two hours south of the Grand Canyon, Sedona has 80+ galleries and shops for you to experience and explore. There truly is something for everyone.

Known for its red rock formations, Sedona offers many hiking trails for various levels of physical
ability. The Airport Vortex offers one of the best viewpoints in Sedona, but it requires a rocky,
somewhat steep hike up to the top. It isn’t a long hike, though. As long as you can handle a bit
of rough terrain, it’s worth the trek.

Not feeling the hikes? Off-road Jeep tours are readily available. Book ahead of time just in case
there is an event in town; tours sell out fast when there is. Metaphysical shops, psychics, tarot card readers, and aura readers are ready and waiting upon your arrival. Be sure to take some time to check them out; Sedona is known for transformative experiences, but you’ll miss them if you don’t explore a bit.

Goldfield Ghost Town – Pan for gold and go on a mine tour at Goldfield Ghost Town. If you visit at the right time, you’ll get to see an old west gunfight performed by the Goldfield Gunfighters. It can be a bit much for little ears to handle, but there are plenty of viewpoints that aren’t front and center to the action, if you need to step back a bit. Goldfield isn’t a ghost town in the same way Jerome is; it’s a ghost town because it was abandoned and is now a tourist attraction.

If you have time – and don’t get car sick easily – keep driving past Goldfield out to Canyon Lake.
You’ll notice a few spots to stop and take pictures along the way, but Canyon Lake is another
destination that you don’t want to miss. The lake is huge, and perfect for boating and jet skiing.
Arrive early and avoid this place on holiday weekends… it’s nearly impossible to find parking
during busy times.

Jerome – Speaking of ghost towns, Jerome is the next step on our Arizona Bucket List. While Jerome was
once a booming mining town, much like Goldfield, the mine closed in the 1950s and most people left. The whole town may not be haunted, but if you like spooky places, you must check out the Grand Hotel. Jerome is located between Flagstaff and Prescott. At one time, it was the fourth largest city in
the entire state. Now, it’s a National Historic District, a designation given by the federal
government. There is a small cemetery in town that also feels a bit spooky, if you ask me. Check it out and let me know what you think.

Winslow – Into cheesy tourist towns with a famous photo opp? Winslow, Arizona fits the bill. You know the line by the Eagles, “standin’ on a corner in Winslow, Arizona” – yep, that’s the main reason
people visit these days. Winslow was once a booming town, an important railroad hub. After World War II, train travel declined so Winslow’s attraction did as well. Winslow became a famous stop along Route 66, but the I-40 has significantly reduced the traffic away from the town. While Winslow is a quaint, historic town, it isn’t necessarily a place you’ll drive hours and hours out of your way to see. There are, however, other stops nearby that make it worth the trip.

For example, Two Guns is another so-called haunted place to visit; it’s home of the Apache
Death Cave. It’s less than an hour from Winslow.

Horseshoe Bend – Love the outdoors? Horseshoe Bend has hiking, rafting, and more to keep the whole family entertained! Horseshoe Bend is located near Page, Arizona. It’s a little over a mile to walk to the overlook and back, and the path is wheelchair accessible. There is a fee to park in the lot so you can access the overlook, but it’s obviously worth it to grab that Instagram-worthy picture we all want. If you visit during the summer, beware that there is no shade and Arizona gets hot, hot, hot!! Load up on sunscreen, wear a bucket hat, and wear a light cardigan to avoid getting burnt to a crisp. Visit near sunset and it won’t be nearly as hot.

Horseshoe Bend is a popular tourist attraction and can get busy at times, but it is rarely too busy
to grab an uninterrupted view of this beautiful landscape.

Reasons to Visit Arizona

There are many reasons to visit Arizona, any time of the year. If you enjoy hiking, don’t miss
Sedona and the Grand Canyon. Looking for something low-key and quiet? Try Jerome. Arizona
has something for everyone. No matter what kind of experiences you’re looking for in Arizona, there’s something for everyone here. From breathtaking natural wonders like Grand Canyon National Park and Havasu Falls to iconic landmarks like Monument Valley, there are so many amazing destinations waiting for you in The Grand Canyon State! So pack your bags and start planning your next adventure today; it will be an experience you won't soon forget.