Arizona is so much more than the Grand Canyon State. It’s full of great natural areas that are prime examples of the beauty of the American Southwest. If you live in the Gilbert area, you’re in luck — there are plenty of national parks to explore nearby.
Strap on your hiking boots and check out these Arizona National Parks that are worth the drive from Gilbert.
Casa Grande Ruins
About an hour’s drive south lies the Casa Grande Ruins. There isn’t any hiking to be had here, as the park is one square mile, but the history and culture to be explored will lend themselves to a priceless experience.
Learn about the ancient Sonoran Desert people and how they lived around 1350 C.E. It’s one of the largest Native American structures you’ll find in the entire nation, so you should definitely make time for a stop here sometime.
Tonto National Forest
If you’re looking for a park that has both natural splendor and a slice of human history, the Tonto National Monument and Forest is the park for you.
Explore the Native American cliff dwellings of the area while getting a great hike in. Take a hike to the Lower Cliff Dwelling, open all year-round, up a half-mile path. You can finish this hike in about an hour and see some great archeological finds. If you want a longer hike, there are guided tours to the Upper Cliff Dwelling that take about three to four hours. These tours are given November through April. You can also look through the visitor center and museum to get a chance to see some great artifacts.
Tonto National Forest is just outside of the Phoenix city limits and the drive to the Monument is about an hour and 40 minutes away.
Walnut Canyon
This park offers some spectacular views of Walnut Canyon, as well as a chance to explore ancient pueblos. There are great hikes offered throughout the area, as well as viewing areas for those who don’t want to stray too far from the car.
The rangers at Walnut Canyon give presentations daily at the park, as well as guided hikes. Sign up for the 1.5-hour Canyon Ledge Hike and explore the canyon and cliff dwellings, or the Ranger Cabin Walk, which takes about two hours and visits the Ranger Cabin built in 1904.
Saguaro National Park
For some of the most picturesque natural sights, Saguaro National Park is your best bet. Go see the nation’s biggest cacti and interesting wildlife in one of the greatest national parks in the Southwest. Plan a camping trip so you have even more time to explore everything the park has to offer.
Remember to stay safe as you explore our nation’s national treasures. If you’re hiking, always let someone know where you’re going before you go, even if you’re traveling in a group. These and all the other Arizona parks we didn’t have time to mention are waiting for you, so get out there and enjoy the great outdoors.
Image via Flickr by Chance Kafka/Under use by CC BY 2.0
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