10 days in Southern Arizona’s National Parks & Monuments

Arizona desert landscape with cacti and mountains at sunset.

Discover diverse landscapes and rich history in ten days. From towering saguaros and unforgettable sunsets to geological wonders and snow-peaked mountains, don't miss this epic Arizona national park road trip.

Duration
10 days
Perfect for
Desert explorers, history enthusiasts, hikers.
Highlights
Saguaro forests, rugged mountains, historic sites, and sweeping desert views.
Day 1

Start at Saguaro National Park (Tucson Mountain District - West)

Desert landscape with mountains under a clear blue sky, viewed from a shaded patio.

Morning in the desert

Begin your adventure at the Red Hills Visitor Center and watch the park video. The patio of this beautiful visitor center is ideal for bird watching and serene views of the the saguaros.

Tall cacti with white flowers among yellow blossoms in desert setting.

Simple stroll through the Desert Discovery Nature Trail

Start the day at your own pace with this lovely, accessible trail featuring the beautiful diversity of the Sonoran Desert. Learn the names of cacti and take in the sunrise if you arrive early enough.

Desert landscape with cacti, rocks, and distant mountains under a blue sky.

Signal Hill sunset

There's a reason that this spot is so iconic. It offers one of the most beautiful views of the valley below. There are a short set of steps, so you'll need some good walking shoes. Camp yourself at a picnic table and enjoy a snack. 

Day 2

Saguaro National Park (Rincon Mountain District - East)

Desert sunset with silhouetted cacti and scattered clouds.

Mountainous landscapes

Start your day at the Rincon Mountain Visitor Center. Drive the Cactus Forest Loop, stopping at Javelina Rocks for a scenic overlook.

Desert landscape with tall cacti under a bright sun.

Afternoon adventure & desert discovery

Hike to Bridal Wreath Falls (5.6 miles roundtrip) for a chance to see a seasonal waterfall. If visiting in the spring, you might spot wildflowers. If you need a lower-key hike, try Loma Verde Loop Trail (3.8 miles).

Tucson skyline with mountains at sunset, colorful sky, buildings illuminated.

Evening eats in Tucson

In the evening, check out the food scene in Tucson, Arizona, a UNESCO City of Gastronomy.

Day 3

Journey to Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument

Desert landscape with cacti and distant mountains under cloudy sky.

Get oriented

Drive south to Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, located just outside Ajo, Arizona. Stop at the Kris Eggle Visitor Center, which features a quaint viewing window where local wildlife can be spotted. Pick up any forgotten items like sunscreen, hats, and hiking sticks. Don’t forget a park map, memento, and a Junior Ranger book for the little ones! Set up camp at Twin Peaks Campground.

Rock arch against a blue sky with a visible moon.

Afternoon scenic drive

Drive the Ajo Mountain Drive (21 miles) for stunning desert landscapes and towering organ pipe cacti. Stop at the Arch Canyon Trail for a short (but rewarding) hike (1.2 miles roundtrip).

Cactus silhouette against star trails in a desert night sky.

Evening under the stars

Enjoy a peaceful night of desert camping, stargazing under the exceptionally dark skies.

Day 4

Exploring Organ Pipe Cactus

Hiker on a desert trail with large cliffs and cacti under a clear sky.

Morning hike

Take an early hike on the Bull Pasture (3.6 miles round trip) for breathtaking views of the rugged desert terrain. Return to camp for lunch.

Tall green cacti with spines in a dense cluster, sunlit in a desert landscape.

Spend the afternoon exploring

Take time to explore more trails or simply enjoy the peaceful desert landscape before another night of camping. 

Day 5

Fort Bowie National Historic Site

Desert trail with distant mountains and cacti under clear blue sky.

Hike through a place of remembrance

This park is small but offers a deeply moving experience. Hike the 1.5-mile trail from the parking area to the remaining structures of the fort, passing through Butterfield Stagecoach Trail and Apache Springs. This area was the location of the longstanding struggle of the Chiricahua Apache to protect and preserve their homelands and way of life.

Dirt road leading to Cochise Stronghold under a blue sky with clouds.

Sunset at Cochise Stronghold

Take a detour to the Cochise Stronghold in the Dragoon Mountains, a historic hideout of Apache leader Cochise, for a sunset view before returning to Willcox for the evening.

Day 6

Discover Chiricahua National Monument

Chiricahua National Monument and desert landscape under a clear blue sky.

Bonita Canyon

Drive to Chiricahua National Monument and stop at the visitor center to learn about the “Wonderland of Rocks.” Check into the campground at Bonita Canyon (you'll need reservations in advance). Drive Bonita Canyon Drive to Massai Point for panoramic views.

Rocky landscape under a sky with scattered clouds.

Afternoon hike among the hoodoos

Hike the Echo Canyon Loop (3.3 miles round trip) to walk among towering rock formations. You'll want to make sure your phone or camera battery is charged, because this hike is beautiful.

Day 7

Balanced rocks and hoodoos

Rocky cave with warm sunlight streaming through a natural arch.

Sunrise at Chiricahua & a long (ish) hike

Catch the sunrise at Massai Point before embarking on the Big Loop Trail (9.5 miles) for a deeper exploration of the rock formations. Alternatively, enjoy a shorter hike to Heart of Rocks (7.3 miles round trip) for incredible balanced rock formations.

Rustic wooden building with a tin roof, chairs on the porch, and leafless tree nearby.

Relaxing evening in Willcox

After a full day of hiking, unwind in Willcox with a visit to a local winery or a quiet evening under the stars.

Day 8

Coronado National Memorial

Mountain landscape with blue sky, scattered clouds, and a bare tree in the foreground.

Montezuma Pass

Head south to Coronado National Memorial. Stop at Montezuma Pass for sweeping views into Mexico. Take a short hike on the Coronado Peak Trail (1 mile round trip) for a rewarding overlook.

Cave with two people silhouetted against stalagmites.

Explore Coronado Cave

Take a short but adventurous hike (0.75 miles round trip) into Coronado Cave, a limestone cavern with fascinating formations. Stay overnight in Sierra Vista.

Day 9

Stunning landscapes

Wooden path through a shaded forest, lined with green trees.

Visit Ramsey Canyon Preserve

Explore the nearby Ramsey Canyon Preserve, a renowned birdwatching area home to a variety of hummingbirds and other wildlife. Take an easy hike through the lush riparian habitat.

Stalactites and stalagmites in a dimly lit cave interior.

Afternoon at Kartchner Caverns State Park

Take a guided tour of Kartchner Caverns, an extensive limestone cave system with stunning formations. Return to Tucson for the night.

Day 10

Return to Tucson

Books and souvenirs in a colorful store display.

Final explorations

If you have time in Tucson, consider a trip to Sabino Canyon, Catalina State Park, or The National Parks Store.

Mission San Xavier del Bac with white towers and ornate facade under a clear blue sky.
Optional add-on

Pay a visit to Mission San Xavier del Bac, a historic Catholic church and school established in 1692 by the Spanish.

Visit Smart

Plan ahead

Check park conditions, road access, and campsite availability before heading out. Some areas have limited facilities.

Watch the weather

Desert temperatures vary greatly. Summer can be extremely hot, while winter mornings can be chilly. Dress in layers and stay hydrated.

Gear up

Wear sturdy hiking boots, bring sunscreen, extra water, and binoculars for wildlife viewing. Flashlights are essential for cave exploration. Pro tip: Arizona is famous for its cycling, so come prepared to live life on two wheels!

Leave no trace

These landscapes are important to many Indigenous peoples. Respect the fragile desert ecosystem and cultural sites. Stay on trails, pack out all waste, and avoid touching rock formations or petroglyphs.

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