Hidden Arizona

Arizona is famous for its long stretches of desert and ghost towns, but the Grand Canyon State is more than just cacti and dust.

Northern Arizona is characterized by its geographical diversity, where white-capped mountains, colorful slot-canyons, and dense forests make Arizona one of the most beautiful states in the southwest.

The area surrounding the Grand Canyon is especially packed with natural wonders, all within 2oo miles of the great canyon itself.

So, for all hikers, campers, and wanderers, here are three stops to consider on your way to the Grand Canyon:

Picture Canyon, Flagstaff

Located just 20 minutes out of Flagstaff, Picture Canyon is a 478-acre preserve with three hiking trails ranging from one to four miles.

Like much of Northern Arizona, the landscape in Picture Canyon is varied. A peaceful stroll through the Ponderosa pines will soon give way to hills dotted with wildflowers. Beyond the yellow snapdragons and swaying pines, the roar of a waterfall tumbles down a slot-canyon carved by time.

The dense grasses are the perfect place for nature-lovers to walk among the butterflies, beetles, and grasshoppers. For a glimpse into Indigenous history, look for the petroglyph overlook.

There are several trails to take in picture canyon, ranging from half a mile to three miles. Personally, I like the Tom Moody trail at 2.8 miles because it has numerous places to stop and enjoy the scenery, do some foraging or old-fashioned wandering. There are many places on this trail (or just off the trail) that really capture the magic and wonder of the Northern Arizona scenery -- especially the three waterfall slot canyon pictured above.

Petrified Forest National Park, Holbrook

Love sightseeing, but not in hiking shape? No problem.

The Petrified Forest is a drive-thru national park, in addition to then numerous hiking trails and two visitor centers.

Extending almost 230 miles, the Petrified National Forest has a lot to see.

Visitors can walk through the remains of the petrified forest, observing the colorful tree stumps decorated with jasper. Hikers can walk through time in the layered hills, or decipher the petroglyphs at Newspaper Rock.

During my last visit, I spent around 5 hours driving, stopping, wandering, and gaping at the sights. There are dozens of potential places to stop, and they are all worth a look.

Unlike Picture Canyon, there is a fee to enter this national park at $25 per vehicle. For this location, check the weather before entering the park and make sure you are prepared for the potential heat if exploring in the summer.

Oak Creek, Sedona

Bright red rock, bubbling creek, and dense green foliage makes Oak Creek an unforgettable spot.

Oak Creek follows the 89 on the winding stretch of road between Flagstaff and Sedona. Red rock towers over the road and lushn green trees poke their head out of the steep canyons.

Once in the canyon, spotted with agave and colorful rocks, the clear waters of Oak Creek are not far off.

There are several areas to swim or lounge along the edge of the singing creek. Water and wind has worn the canyon into remarkable shapes painted with vibrant reds and orange. The scenery here is breathtaking, and the wildlife is abundant. Everytime I visit Oak Creek I find something new and equally as enchanting as the trip before.

A lucky hiker might even come across my favorite spot in Oak Creek: a climable boulder half submerged in a pool crystal water. Lying on this rock gives the hiker a perfect view of the red rock and green trees surrounding them. Serenity at its finest!

So, if you're craving the beautiful landscapes of Sedona without the heavy price tag, visit Oak Creek for sites guarenteed to amaze.