What are the best Arizona towns for outdoor enthusiasts?
Are any of my readers from Arizona? Or at least have you been to Arizona lately? If so, I hope you will agree with me that this state is one of the most beautiful ones in America, thanks to its unbelievable environment, national parks, and, of course, the Grand Canyon, one of the most visited locations in the entire country.
However, Arizona offers more to visitors than simply the Grand Canyon, scorching temperatures, and cacti. Arizona’s towns are a treasure just waiting to be discovered by anybody who would prefer to exchange crowded sidewalks for wide trails and skyscrapers for mountain peaks.
There is something for every outdoor enthusiast, whether they want to hike, kayak along desert rivers, or even stargaze under some of the clearest skies in the nation.
Based on my quick visits to the state, I’d be happy to recommend some of the best Arizona towns for family-friendly outdoor activities. So, hurry up, pack the bags, grab your hiking boots, and the mandatory sunscreen (if you’re planning to go during the summer season), summon your adventurous spirit, and let’s start exploring what Arizona has to offer.
Bisbee
I went to visit Bisbee 3 years ago for the first time because many friends recommended it to me. They said that from incredible hiking trails to bird watching or simply strolling around, Bisbee is a place for everyone, a truly outdoor paradise. I was happy to hear that this year was voted by tourists and even locals as one of the best Arizona towns for outdoor enthusiasts.
Despite being a little village, mostly quiet with a 5,104 population, Bisbee can be the nicest travel destination for those who seek to disconnect from social media and go someplace peaceful. Because mountains surround Bisbee, the air there is unquestionably cleaner than anywhere else.
Vary routes, such as Juniper Flats Loop, Old Bisbee, North Tombstone Canyon, and Chihuahua Hill, are accessible for hiking by travelers. Every season offers something to do, whether your interests are in winter sports, photography, bird watching, or adventures. I recommend visiting Bisbee from March through May and September and November, which are the most beautiful periods to explore the region.
If you’re going to Bisbee for the first time and have no clue what to do, check out the Copper Queen Mine, the lavender pit, and the Old Bisbee Brewing Company.
Williams
As I previously mentioned, everybody wants to see the Grand Canyon in real life, not only in pictures but at least once in their life. So while you’re on the way to see it yourself too, make a quick stop to Williams. This community has plenty of outdoor activities in addition to providing access to the Grand Canyon.
Some of the greatest outdoor activities in Williams include hiking, cross-country skiing, mountain biking, camping, animal observation, and fishing in the Kaibab National Forest. Among the top attractions many people have recommended to me are Bearizona Wildlife Park, Canyon Coaster Adventure Park, and, of course, the Grand Canyon Deer Farm.
If you’re up for a train ride, leave your car at home and try the Grand Canyon Railway that departs from Williams and takes the route to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon with breathtaking views you won’t forget easily!
Sedona
If you reached this far with the reading (and secretly I wish you did), I hope you also looked up what each town looks like. And if you’re anything like me, you probably fell in love with each other. But the article isn’t over, so I have a couple more small Arizona towns for outdoor enthusiasts to talk about.
Whenever you’re looking to have a nice getaway, spend time outdoors for as much as possible, or simply visit a new spot, Sedona is the answer. It has two beautiful state parks, several wilderness areas, and more than 1.5 million acres of national forest all around it.
One must-do item on the bucket list should be exploring Red Rock State Park’s hiking trails, which provide breathtaking vistas of the desert. Don’t forget to bring the camera with you! You’ll desire to capture something amazing to use as wallpaper for your laptop.
Moreover, the 7.5-mile picturesque Red Rock Byway, which runs through the town’s stunning Red Rock Country, is one of the picturesque drives that tourists may enjoy.
In addition, Manzanita Campground, Camp Avalon, and Rancho Sedona RV Park provide camping and paddling opportunities along the Verde River. The best time to visit Sedona is from March to May; then the heat may bother you, plus it’s going to be a tad crowded during the summer as well.
Do you want to explore more of what Arizona has to offer but you’re not sure where to go? I got you! This guide, written with the assistance of experienced tour guides, features 150 of the most incredible and exciting destinations in Arizona for those with an adventurous spirit.
The best thing about this guide, besides the marvelous tips regarding what to visit, when, and how much they cost, is that it includes a map of the state too! Everything and more for only $16.90 on Amazon.
Greer
I kind of hope you have never been to Greer before because I want to make you fall in love with it by simply describing it to you. If the picture didn’t get your attention, then you must know that this small town is one of the most beautiful waterfront towns in Arizona.
With only 121 residents, the smallest town on the list is located in Apache country and is the ideal getaway for anyone looking to take their time exploring the White Mountains. Summertime offers a variety of outdoor pursuits, such as riding, ziplining, hiking, swimming, or even fishing.
For those interested, this little alpine town has many neighboring skiing options in the winter. You may want to give Greer a try if you’re at a loss for what to do for Christmas this year or if you want something more private and intimate, away from the crowds, heavy traffic, and long queues at the stores.
Whenever you’re ready, Greer is waiting for you with arms wide open to indulge you with a bit of what Mother Nature has to offer, in the purest form possible. Take a moment to enjoy the scenic view of the Little Colorado River; maybe have a picnic beside it; or simply close your eyes and listen to the sound of water. It’s an amazing way to recharge your batteries and find the inner peace you deserve.
Summerhaven
Of all these Arizona towns for outdoor recreation, Summerhaven is the one that offers great hiking experiences. Outdoor enthusiasts will find Summerhaven, one of the minor Arizonan communities, to have more pleasant weather than Tucson’s scorching summer heat.
The town is perhaps best known for its amazing hiking routes, such as the Marshall Gulch Trail, which provides trekking opportunities through forests. In addition to hiking, Summerhaven offers visitors fishing, bicycling, skiing, birdwatching, camping, and rock climbing. That could work for a long weekend, heh, what do you think?
Let me know your opinion regarding these small towns in the comments section below. Until next time, take care, and don’t forget to enjoy your time outdoors a little bit longer!
…psst! Adventure seekers this article is for you: 10 Natural Wonders You Can Visit in the USA.
