Arizona has three national parks: Grand Canyon, Saguaro, and Petrified Forest. While these are the main national parks, the National Park Service manages 22 sites in Arizona, including national monuments and historic sites.
I also add Arizona National Parks map on Google map at the end of the article.
Arizona National Parks List 2025
1. Grand Canyon National Park
Grand Canyon National Park is located in northwestern Arizona, the park encompasses 277 miles of the Colorado River and adjacent uplands.
Designations
National Monument – 11 Jan 1908
National Park – 26 Feb 1919
World Heritage Site – 26 Oct 1979
Grand Canyon is unmatched throughout the world for the vistas it offers to visitors on the rim. It is not the deepest canyon in the world. Both the Barranca del Cobre in northern Mexico and Hell’s Canyon in Idaho are deeper. But Grand Canyon is known for its overwhelming size and its intricate and colorful landscape. Geologically it is significant because of the thick sequence of ancient rocks that are beautifully preserved and exposed in the walls of the canyon. These rock layers record much of the early geologic history of the North American continent. Grand Canyon is also one of the most spectacular examples of erosion in the world.
Weather
The South Rim is 7,000 feet above sea level, which means snow in winter and cool nights even in summer. Inner canyon hiking (below the rim) is another story, however: summer temperatures along the Colorado River at the canyon bottom can reach 120* F. The North Rim is 8,000 feet above sea level and can receive snow throughout most of the year.
2. Petrified Forest National Park
Petrified Forest National Park is located in northcentral Arizona, just off of I-40, about 18 miles west of Navajo, Arizona and about two hours east of Flagstaff, Arizona and about one hour west of Gallup, New Mexico.
Acreage – as of September 23, 2000
Federal Land – 93,532.57
Non-Federal Land – 0.00
Gross Area Acres – 93,532.57
Petrified Forest National Park was first established as a National Monument on 08 Dec 1906 when Teddy Roosevelt signed the proclamation. Congress passed a bill that elevated the monument into a national park in 1962.
Weather
Summers are generally hot with temperatures in the 90’s and occasionally in the low 100’s. In winter the highs in the 40’s or 50’s, or much colder with highs only in the 20’s. Annual rainfall is 9 to 10 inches with 40% occurring as thunderstorms in the late summer.
3. Saguaro National Park
Saguaro National Park is located in southeast Arizona, on the east and west sides of Tucson, Arizona
Designations
Saguaro National Monument – 1933
Tucson Mountain District – 1961
Saguaro Wilderness Area 71,400 acres – 1975
National Park Status – 1994
The closest major airport is Tucson, Arizona .
Weather
Winters are delightful with mild warm days 60 F to 70 F, and cool nights 40 F. Summers can be extremely hot with daytime temperatures of 100 F to 115 F in the shade, and evening lows in the 80’s. Long hikes are not recommended in the summer. Even short hikes require lots of water, a hat and sun screen lotion.
Arizona national parks map
20 Frequently Asked Questions
- How many national parks are there in Arizona?
Arizona has 3 official U.S. National Parks: Grand Canyon National Park, Petrified Forest National Park, and Saguaro National Park. - What are the most famous national parks in Arizona?
The Grand Canyon National Park is the most famous, followed by Saguaro National Park and Petrified Forest National Park. - Are there other national sites in Arizona besides the three main parks?
Yes — Arizona has over 20 national park sites, including monuments, historic parks, and recreation areas managed by the National Park Service (NPS). - What is the largest national park in Arizona?
The Grand Canyon National Park is the largest, spanning over 1.2 million acres. - What is the smallest national park in Arizona?
Petrified Forest National Park is the smallest of the three official national parks, covering about 221,000 acres. - What national monuments are located in Arizona?
Some popular ones include Montezuma Castle, Organ Pipe Cactus, Canyon de Chelly, Sunset Crater Volcano, Walnut Canyon, and Tuzigoot. - Are there any UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Arizona?
Yes — the Grand Canyon National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. - What’s the best time to visit Arizona’s national parks?
The best times are spring (March–May) and fall (September–November) for mild temperatures and fewer crowds. - Can I visit multiple Arizona national parks on one trip?
Absolutely — many travelers plan road trips combining the Grand Canyon, Petrified Forest, and Saguaro, plus nearby national monuments. - Do Arizona national parks require entrance fees?
Yes — most parks charge an entrance fee (usually between $15–$35 per vehicle), though annual passes like America the Beautiful cover all NPS sites. - Are pets allowed in Arizona’s national parks?
Pets are generally allowed in certain areas only (like campgrounds or paved roads) — check each park’s pet policy before visiting. - Which Arizona park is best for desert scenery?
Saguaro National Park near Tucson is famous for its giant cactus landscapes and Sonoran Desert views. - Which Arizona park is best for hiking?
Grand Canyon National Park offers world-class hiking trails like Bright Angel Trail and South Kaibab Trail. - Which Arizona park is best for fossils and geology?
Petrified Forest National Park features ancient petrified wood, painted desert landscapes, and rich fossil deposits. - Are there national recreation areas in Arizona?
Yes — notable ones include Glen Canyon National Recreation Area and Lake Mead National Recreation Area (shared with Nevada). - What cultural or historical parks are in Arizona?
Arizona has several, such as Chiricahua National Monument, Casa Grande Ruins, Tumacácori National Historical Park, and Hubbell Trading Post. - Do Arizona national parks offer camping?
Yes — most parks and monuments have designated campgrounds or nearby public camping options. - Are Arizona’s national parks open year-round?
Yes — all are open year-round, though summer can be extremely hot, especially in southern Arizona. - Can you visit the Grand Canyon in one day?
Yes, but it’s recommended to spend at least two days to fully explore the viewpoints, trails, and visitor centers. - Where can I find a full list of all Arizona NPS sites?
You can view the complete list on the official National Park Service website under “Arizona” — it includes national parks, monuments, historic parks, and recreation areas.