Arizona is filled with wonderfully hidden restaurants, hiking trails, and attractions that are a joy to find. We’re going to make that effort just a little easier for you by showing you 9 hidden attractions around Arizona that are sure to bring a smile to your face.
- Cliff Jail, Clifton
Marion Doss/Flickr When this small town in Territorial Arizona needed a jail in 1881, Clifton’s residents made use of the rugged terrain by constructing a cliffside jail to house local criminals. It was used until 1906 when a massive flood threatened to drown inmates and was abandoned. These days, you can find a restored version of the jail still sitting in the granite cliff that you can visit. Location: Google Maps
- Dwarf Car Museum, Maricopa
Dwarf Car Museum/Facebook This little museum houses a private collection of dwarf cars, taking the designs of some beautiful classic cars and sizing them down to a fraction of their original size. Here, you’ll find a labor of love since each is handmade and capable of racing! Location: 52954 West Halfmoon Road, Maricopa Details: Dwarf Car Museum
- Gold King Mansion, Kingman
Deborah Lee Soltesz/Flickr Hidden away in the Hualapai Mountains, this “mansion” was originally intended to be a model of modern housing for miners but later turned into a spot for the mine owners to wine and dine stock holders. It was eventually abandoned and what remains today shows the craftsmanship that went into this building. Location: Google Maps Details: Only In Your State
- Red Mountain Trail, Flagstaff
bdinphoenix/Flickr If you’ve ever wanted to know what the inside of a volcano looks like, you’ll be intrigued by what you find on this hike. Located 25 miles northwest of Flagstaff, this fairly easy hike shows off spires and crystals in an alien-like environment. Location: Google Maps Details: Only In Your State
- Roy Purcell Murals, Chloride
Paul Gorbould/Flickr Hidden away in the Cerbat Mountains about a mile from town, this mural dates to the 1960s when an art student created this massive mural. The local community was supportive of this art installation, seeing it as a way to entice travelers into town and they have even restored some of the faded areas. Location: Google Maps Details: Only In Your State
- Sycamore Falls, Williams
Wikimedia Commons Sycamore Canyon is the second largest canyon in Arizona and inside you’ll find some rather pretty sights. Sycamore Falls (also known as Paradise Forks) is one example. Composed of towering basalt rocks, you’ll find a seasonal stream and waterfall, which is best seen after the annual snowmelt. Location: Google Maps Details: Only In Your State
- St. Anthony’s Greek Orthodox Monastery, Florence
Trevor Huxham/Flickr This quiet Greek Orthodox monastery sits on the outskirts of Florence, a small oasis in the desert. The monastery is open to the public and shows off some impressive Mediterranean architecture and art. Location: 4784 North St Joseph’s Way, Florence Details: Only In Your State
- Tres Rios Wetlands, Phoenix
Joyce cory/Flickr Hey, did you know wetlands exist in the desert? Tres Rios Wetlands is a restoration of the natural riparian area to create a habitat for local wildlife with trees, shrubs, and reeds surrounding the waters. You will need a permit to visit, so check the website below for details. Location: Google Maps Details: City of Phoenix
- Valley of the Moon, Tucson
bob/Flickr
This hidden Tucson park is home to whimsy, magic, and childlike imagination. The fairyland park is a fascinating place to visit, where plays and other events are held during Tucson’s cooler months.
Location: 2544 East Allen Road, Tucson
Details: Only In Your State
Want to check out more hidden spots around the state? You can read about some of our favorites in 10 Spectacular Hidden Gems In Arizona That Are Completely Free To Visit.
Marion Doss/Flickr
When this small town in Territorial Arizona needed a jail in 1881, Clifton’s residents made use of the rugged terrain by constructing a cliffside jail to house local criminals. It was used until 1906 when a massive flood threatened to drown inmates and was abandoned. These days, you can find a restored version of the jail still sitting in the granite cliff that you can visit. Location: Google Maps
Dwarf Car Museum/Facebook
This little museum houses a private collection of dwarf cars, taking the designs of some beautiful classic cars and sizing them down to a fraction of their original size. Here, you’ll find a labor of love since each is handmade and capable of racing! Location: 52954 West Halfmoon Road, Maricopa Details: Dwarf Car Museum
Deborah Lee Soltesz/Flickr
Hidden away in the Hualapai Mountains, this “mansion” was originally intended to be a model of modern housing for miners but later turned into a spot for the mine owners to wine and dine stock holders. It was eventually abandoned and what remains today shows the craftsmanship that went into this building. Location: Google Maps Details: Only In Your State
bdinphoenix/Flickr
If you’ve ever wanted to know what the inside of a volcano looks like, you’ll be intrigued by what you find on this hike. Located 25 miles northwest of Flagstaff, this fairly easy hike shows off spires and crystals in an alien-like environment. Location: Google Maps Details: Only In Your State
Paul Gorbould/Flickr
Hidden away in the Cerbat Mountains about a mile from town, this mural dates to the 1960s when an art student created this massive mural. The local community was supportive of this art installation, seeing it as a way to entice travelers into town and they have even restored some of the faded areas. Location: Google Maps Details: Only In Your State
Wikimedia Commons
Sycamore Canyon is the second largest canyon in Arizona and inside you’ll find some rather pretty sights. Sycamore Falls (also known as Paradise Forks) is one example. Composed of towering basalt rocks, you’ll find a seasonal stream and waterfall, which is best seen after the annual snowmelt. Location: Google Maps Details: Only In Your State
Trevor Huxham/Flickr
This quiet Greek Orthodox monastery sits on the outskirts of Florence, a small oasis in the desert. The monastery is open to the public and shows off some impressive Mediterranean architecture and art. Location: 4784 North St Joseph’s Way, Florence Details: Only In Your State
Joyce cory/Flickr
Hey, did you know wetlands exist in the desert? Tres Rios Wetlands is a restoration of the natural riparian area to create a habitat for local wildlife with trees, shrubs, and reeds surrounding the waters. You will need a permit to visit, so check the website below for details. Location: Google Maps Details: City of Phoenix
bob/Flickr
This hidden Tucson park is home to whimsy, magic, and childlike imagination. The fairyland park is a fascinating place to visit, where plays and other events are held during Tucson’s cooler months.
Location: 2544 East Allen Road, Tucson
Details: Only In Your State
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