Cedar Breaks National Monument offers many of the same geological features as its nearby national park neighbors with smaller crowds, higher elevation, and plenty of time to spare.

With 67 rock spires, many hiking trails with varying difficulty, and a vast amount of space for mountain biking, there are plenty of activities for everyone at this fantastic state park.

A moderately rated out and back trail to an overlook provides some of the best views in Zion National Park. At 1 mile in length, this trail provides a lot of bang for your buck with adventure and stunning views for the payoff.

Queen’s Garden to Wall Street is a 3.2-mile moderately rated loop hike in Bryce Canyon with sights of forests, hoodoos, and even slot-canyon-like views! There is roughly a 640-foot elevation change.

The Lower Cathedral Wash Trail is a strenuous 3.3-mile out and back trail that will fill the hiker with a sense of accomplishment through careful decision-making and wayfinding to navigate over potholes and through narrow multi-level canyon walls.

A 0.6-mile easy loop trail near Bryce Canyon National Park provides the splendor of hoodoos and arches that nearby larger parks have with a fraction of the crowds.

Covering both the Colorado Desert and the Mojave Desert, Joshua Tree National Park has almost 800,000 acres of trails, rocks, trees, and campgrounds to explore.

For those wishing to get a closer look at the ruins and more information along their hike, there is the 1-mile Island Trail. Unlike the Rim Trail, this loop trail descends 185 vertical feet down into the canyon. It is not accessible due to the 273 concrete and stone steps and is rated as strenuous. Good shoes and plenty of water are advised especially during warmer months.

Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park is 1200 acres of unique and photo-worthy experiences for those seeking adventure by hiking, sledding, boarding, or OHVs.

Right off California State Route 14, Red Rock Canyon State Park is an easily accessible chance at outdoor recreation with outstanding scenery. Hiking trails, camping, and day-use are available.

An easy and paved 1.3-mile trail takes visitors through a grove of giant Sequoia trees that tower over a hundred feet tall and over 10 feet in diameter. Those looking to experience these giant trees will find smaller crowds than the nearby Sequoia National Park but with the same sense of awe.

The Discovery Trail at the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest offers plenty of informational signs along an easy 1-mile trail. This trail serves as a perfect introduction to guests looking to visit these ancient trees.

Hetch Hetchy is a separate valley located within Yosemite National Park that offers plenty of hiking opportunities with views of waterfalls, towering granite rocks, and water but with a fraction of the visitors as the more popular valley.

Bodie State Historical Park stands as one of the most complete and best-preserved ghost towns in the west. Countless buildings still stand untouched and frozen as they once were for visitors to explore.

Located near Lee Vining in the Eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains is a lake with outstanding and unique limestone pillars and majestic views at any angle.

White Sands National Park offers miles of brilliant white sand dunes to hike, sled, and gaze at. Several trails are available ranging from a raised boardwalk to a 1-mile loop. Sleds are available for purchase.

Carlsbad Caverns is the largest cave per volume in North America. Visitors can explore the unique cave on self-guided tours at their own pace and witness iconic features such as the Big Room and its many stalactites and stalagmites.

Catwalk Recreation Area offers a unique experience to walk through a canyon above the creek in a peaceful setting. Wading and swimming are allowed making this a fantastic summer spot for picnicking.

Fort Verde is a well-preserved and educational example of an 1880s US Army fort from conflict in Arizona’s past. Visitors can enter the buildings and view what life might have been during these times.

Tuzigoot National Monument is a recreation of a fantastic hilltop pueblo in the Verde Valley. Visitors can walk amongst the walls and climb to the top for incredible views.

Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park is a self-guided exploration of a century old prison from Arizona’s territorial days. The museum contains artifacts, original cellblocks, guard tower and informational signage for visitors.

The Galleta Meadows metal sculptures in Borrego Springs, California are a free art installation for all visitors. These full-size welded statues have detail one has to see to believe.

Biosphere 2 is an Earth science based facility focused on research, education, and learning. Visitors can tour through the different closed ecological systems replicating Earth’s biosphere.

This easily accessible, moderately rated 3 mile out and back trail wanders through a canyon next to a cool flowing stream and ends at an oasis of palm trees. An alternate route turn this hike into a loop.

Boyce Thompson Arboretum offers miles of trails in a gorgeously maintained and picturesque landscape. Set against the Picketpost Mountain, arid desert plants from around the world can be found for visitors enjoy.

The 2.9 mile out and back trail through Death Valley’s Golden Canyon to Red Cathedral is an easy to moderate hike through golden yellow canyon walls to a vibrant red cliff wall where one can make their own adventure out of where they explore and how far they want to go.

Located centrally in Death Valley National Park, the Mesquite Flat Dunes are the most iconic and picturesque. Visitors can simply wander out into the sand and explore the dunes as there is no official trail.

Located in the desert of Nevada, Rhyolite is a truly authentic and haunting ghost town. While few buildings still stand, what remains are a pleasure to explore and photograph.

Salt Creek pupfish, found only in Death Valley, and the Harmony Borax Works are both fascinating evidence of resilience in the harshest of conditions. Nearby Artist’s Palette showcases stunningly vivid color in the mountainside.

Located about 155 miles northwest of Las Vegas, Nevada, is the ghost town of Goldfield. Many historic buildings remain making a walking tour of the town a trip back in time.

A 36 mile drive on Buckhorn Draw Rd (Emery County Road 332) contains many discoveries waiting to be experienced including canyons, pictographs and petroglyphs, historical markers and the Wedge.

The Little Wild Horse and Bell Canyon Loop Trail is a great introduction to slot canyons that can be experienced as a loop trail or out and back through either canyon.

Located in Green River, Utah near the San Rafael Swell, is Goblin Valley State Park. Much like it's more famous "sibling", Bryce Canyon National Park, hoodoos are the predominant feature of the park.

Located just outside Winslow, Arizona, Homolovi State Park offers many opportunities for hiking, camping, and bird watching along with numerous historical exhibits and interpretive programs.

A no longer maintained county park provides free views of badland-like hillsides and spectacular views of sunsets.

An old 1880s mining town turned ghost town attraction offers entertainment, shopping, and dining as well as mining history for visitors of all ages.

Badwater Basin, the Natural Bridge Trail, and the Devils Golf Course, are three highlights you don't want to miss when you visit Death Valley National Park.

The Mizpah Hotel is a historic hotel, located in the heart of Tonopah, Nevada. It's close in proximity to sights like the Clown Motel, Old Cemetery and the Tonopah Mining Museum.

ZooLights is a seasonal, special event at the Phoenix Zoo. Celebrate the Holidays through experiencing a bright and cheery landscape, complete with synchronized light shows combined with the comfort of hot cocoa.

Arizona's 50,000 year old Meteor Crater is considered the best preserved impact crater on Earth. It’s an easy stop off Interstate 40 on the way to the Grand Canyon or those making the Route 66 pilgrimage.

The Siphon Draw Trail at Lost Dutchman State Park offers visitors an opportunity to experience the beauty of the Superstition Wilderness up close and personal.

The Lost Dutchman State Park Campground has 134 campsites that cater to both RV's, campers and tents. Some sites offer electric and water hookups and a variety of amenities.

Globe Cemetery is a free historic cemetery located in Globe, Arizona. Many early settlers and pioneers with history tied to the area are buried here.

Shrouded in mystery, the Thing has been a roadside attraction for many years. Now with an expanded museum and gift shop, this stop is worthy for those traveling down Interstate 10.

Natural Bridges National Monument offers visitors an opportunity to view one of the most dense concentrations of large natural bridges in the world. The hikers among us will also enjoy being able to hike under them too!

Apple Annie's Produce and Pumpkins offers perfect fall fun. Take a hayride, walk through an amazing corn maze, and pick your own pumpkins right off the vine.

Welcome to Goblin Valley State Park! This strange and colorful landscape is filled with bizarre sandstone rock formations called goblins. Visitors can wander off-trail to explore the geology and hike among the nooks and gnomes. This remote but very popular campground is a great base for exploring the goblins and the nearby San Rafael Swell. Spring and fall are the best times to visit, as summer temperatures can rise quickly in the high desert.

Tom's Thumb trail allows hikers to visit a well-known landmark up close and personal. The hike is moderately challenging, and winds through beautiful desert scenery.

Petrified Forest National Park has many sights to see. At the north entrance is the Painted Desert portion with some fantastic overlooks and the historic Painted Desert Inn.

Petrified Forest National Park has many sights to see. Steeped in history are the attractions of the Teepees, Newspaper Rock, Puerco Pueblo and a Route 66 exhibit.

Petrified Forest National Park has many sights to see. Near the center of the park, some of the most popular sites are Jasper Forest, Agate Bridge and Blue Mesa.

A day trip to pick vegetables at Apple Annie's, picnic at Chiricahua National Monument and visiting Old Willcox Cemetery may seem like an unusual grouping but it makes for a unique and fun experience.

Petrified Forest National Park has many sights to see. On the south side of the park, some of the most popular sites are Giant Logs, Long Logs, the Agate House, and Crystal Forest.

Homolovi State Park is a clean, quiet campground located near famous attractions such as the Petrified Forest and Route 66.

Off of White Domes Road, there is a parking lot, simply named, Parking Lot #1. Behind the parking lot, out in the desert a ways, are very colorful sandstone rock formations.

Whether you are seeking great hiking, scenic views, or the mystical energy of a vortex, Bell Rock has got you covered.

Located just north of Payson, AZ Shoofly Village Ruin is a quick and educational experience for visitors of all ages interested in Indian ruins.

The Butterfly Garden Inn contains about 21 cabins of varying sizes, deep within a wooded setting inside of iconic Oak Creek Canyon.

State Route 89A is a scenic drive popular in autumn that offers camping, hiking, and other outdoor recreation on top of gorgeous views and a wide variety of landscapes.

The Phoenix Zoo has been a conservation focused, privately owned zoo in the city of Phoenix, AZ since 1962. At 125 acres, it is a great family friendly attraction for visitors and locals alike.

The Granite Mountain Hotshots Memorial State Park offers visitors the opportunity to hike to a remote memorial, the site where 19 Granite Mountain Hotshots lost their lives battling the Yarnell Hill Fire of 2013.

Jerome State Historic Park contains a wealth of artifacts, displays, photographs and equipment that teach about Jerome’s extensive mining history.

The Victoria Mine Trail is a 5.2 mile out and back trail that cuts through rolling foothills in the Sonoran desert, just miles from the Mexican border. The main feature of interest is an abandoned mine, which was in operation from the late 1800's to early 1900's.

Besh-Ba-Gowah is an archaeological park in Globe, Arizona. Visitors can can walk amongst and explore some of the best reconstructed Salado Indian ruins.

The Desert View trail offers visitors a short hike through desert that is dense with Organ Pipe cacti. At a little over a mile long with modest elevation change, this trail is suitable for all ages and a wide range of fitness levels.

Twin Peaks Campground is located in the heart of Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument. This landscape reveals a thriving community of plants, animals, and human stories that echo throughout this desert preserve chronicling thousands of years of desert living. A scenic drive, a wilderness hike, or a night of camping will expose you to a living desert that thrives.

Fire Canyon Road is a short road containing three overlook areas located off of White Domes Road. Main sights include the Silica Dome and views of the red rocks of Fire Canyon.

Gold King Mine is part ghost town, historic mine, & vintage auto & truck collection. It's a family friendly tourist destination outside busy downtown Jerome, AZ.

The Waterfall Trail is a .9 mile, out-and-back trail (1.8 miles round trip) that features a large collection of native American Petroglyphs, as well as a waterfall located at the trail's end. The waterfall does not flow year round.

You can visit the upper ruin at Tonto National Monument, November through April, every Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday starting at 10:00 am. You must make a reservation. You other option is to attend an annual open house, which is what we did.

The Willow Campground is a new campground that has many nice amenities. Located in the heart of the Sonoran desert, it's ideal for winter camping. The facility closes May 1st - September 30th.

Explore 700 year old Indian ruins inside and out at Tonto National Monument. The Lower Ruin allows visitors to take self guided tours year round.

Old Dominion Historic Mine Park offers the visitor an opportunity to explore the remains of a once bustling copper mine. You will be able to view the remains of many historic structures as well as left over relics from the mining past.

Tonto Natural Bridge State Park hosts the world's largest travertine natural bridge. You can view it from an overlook, hike underneath it, or enjoy the many amenities located at this beautiful state park.

The Bird Cage Theater is a tourist attraction that provides a glimpse of life in the Old West days of Tombstone. It is a time capsule dating back to 1881 and at one time hosted numerous touring acts with patrons such as Doc Holliday, Wyatt Earp, and George Hearst.

Rainbow Vista is a popular spot at Valley of Fire State Park. If you know where to look, you will find beautifully colored sandstone, a hidden canyon overlook, and maybe even bighorn sheep.

Mouse's Tank trail is a beautiful hike through a small canyon that ends at a natural formation known as a tank. There are also many petroglyphs throughout the area.

The North Rim of the Grand Canyon is one of the best places to view the canyon as it sits at a much higher elevation than the South Rim. There are many amazing overlooks that you can drive to scattered about the National Park.

The Uncle Jim trail offers a relatively easy hike through the cool, high elevation ponderosa pine forests of the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. It also offers amazing views of the canyon.

While hiking the White Domes Loop Trail, you will see the remnants of an old Hollywood movie set, walk through a narrow slot canyon, and enjoy a variety of colorful sandstone formations.

Johnny Ringo's death was ruled a suicide, but many have theories that he was murdered. Regardless of how he died, he was buried where his lifeless body was found, in a remote portion of southeast Arizona. You can visit this site today.

The Big Loop trail offers hikers an efficient way to experience the best of what Chiricahua National Monument has to offer. Key locations include Inspiration Point and the Heart of Rocks loop trail.

At Patagonia Lake State Park, you can rent a boat (or use your own) and head out to several boat-in only campsites, including a couple that are on small islands on the lake.

The Heart of Rocks loop is considered by many to represent the best of what Chiricahua National Monument has to offer. You will see many unique rock formations in this area.

The road from the Valley of Fire State Park Visitor Center to the White Domes Trail cuts through some of the most beautiful and iconic terrain in the American Southwest.

Arch Rock Campground is located about 45 minutes north east of Las Vegas in Valley of Fire State Park. The campground is first-come/first served and can be very busy depending on the time of the year.

Horseshoe Bend is an international destination and very popular Instagram photo spot. After a relatively short hike down a sandy trail, you will come to the iconic overlook and be able to take an epic selfie!

Hosted at the Carefree Sundial, the Enchanted Pumpkin Garden lets you view the amazing works of the Villafane Studios up close. Watch master pumpkin carvers practice their art, enjoy delicious food, or participate in many family-friendly activities.

Bonita Canyon Campground is located in Chiricahua National Monument, known as the "Wonderland of Rocks". Visitors love Chiricahua for its stunning rock columns (hoodoos), hiking trails, and bird watching opportunities. Vehicles longer than 24 feet (RV or vehicle + trailer) are NOT permitted on the scenic drive beyond the campground.

Schnepf Farm is a perfect autumn destination for people living in the Phoenix, AZ area. The Pumpkin and Chili party combines delicious food with many family friendly activities.

The Arizona Snowbowl Scenic Chairlift is the perfect way to enjoy fall color in Arizona. The chairlift ascends to the top of Agassiz Peak, at an elevation of 11,500 feet. You will pass through Aspen forests that turn golden yellow in the fall.

Boothill Graveyard is a must-see stop during any trip to Tombstone, Arizona. The many epitaphs written on the grave markers gives you an interesting glimpse into the often lawless Old West.

Apple Annie's Produce and Pumpkins offers perfect fall fun. Take a hay ride, walk through an amazing corn maze, and pick your own pumpkins right off the vine.

The North Rim Campground is located on the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park in northern Arizona. The canyon's rustic and less populated North Rim is home to abundant wildlife, hiking trails, and unparalleled views of one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. The facility is at an elevation of 8,200 ft., with pleasant summer temperatures and frequent afternoon thunderstorms. There may still be snow on the ground when the campground opens in mid-May; likewise, it may snow before the last reservation day in mid-October. Because of this variability, visitors should come prepared for any weather.

It can be a challenge getting a spot at one of Bryce Canyon National Park's campgrounds, especially during times when the campgrounds are first come, first serve only. But fret not! If you can't get into one of those campgrounds, Ruby's Inn and RV park will save the day! Located only a couple miles outside the main gate to Bryce Canyon, Ruby's offers a clean, family-friendly camping experience with more amenities than you typically get at most campgrounds. Best of all, you can grab the official Bryce Canyon park service shuttle at the campground, which helps you avoid the nightmare that driving and finding parking inside Bryce can be!

Bryce Canyon offers many configurable hikes, and the Figure 8 Loop is a great way to survey the best of what Bryce Canyon has to offer, and best of all, it doesn't even take a full day to do!

Cape Royal offers views of the Grand Canyon from many different angles. The views facing west are amazing, and it is no wonder that this location is popular for viewing sunsets.

The red line shuttle to Hermit's Rest on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon is thought by many to have some of the best overlooks and is very popular for viewing sunrises, and especially sunsets.

The Bright Angel Trail is a historic and popular trail off of the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. For those who want a challenging hike to an interesting location that is not as grueling as hiking to the bottom, Indian Garden is a respectable and interesting destination.

Mather Campground is located on the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park in northern Arizona. Grand Canyon is one of the most inspiring landscapes on Earth and draws over five million visitors per year to its spectacular scenery. The campground is large and can accommodate a variety of needs and comfort levels. It is the only campground within Grand Canyon Village. Scenic overlooks, the park's free shuttle bus system, the Visitor Center, the general store and hiking and biking trails are all within a few miles from the facility. The campground is at an elevation of approximately 7,000 ft. Summers are sunny with high temperatures generally in the 80s. Thunderstorms frequently occur in July, August, and early September. Fall and spring are mostly sunny and cool with the occasional snow. Weather is variable; visitors should come prepared.

At Rooster Cogburn Ostrich Ranch, you will get the opportunity to feed a variety of animals including goats, ostrich, stingrays, lorikeets and much more!

The South Campground is located inside the beautiful canyon at Zion, next to the Virgin River. Minutes away from Overton, you will never be far from modern conveniences. The South Campground is a perfect place to call home when you visit, and staying here will give you an edge for beating the crowds to the most popular destinations in the park.

The Grand Canyon Railway is an ideal way to experience the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. Take a day trip trip on the historic train to see the canyon, or stay overnight.

The Hotel Monte Vista has seen a lot of visitors over the years, both celebrity and spectral. With such a long and colorful past, you can't help but feel you have stepped back in time.

Vulture City, a once thriving boomtown that arose next to the prosperous Vulture Mine, is now a partially restored ghost town that allows visitors to take tours of original renovated buildings.