Road trip to 6 of the best hidden gems in Arizona

Posted in Arizona

January 10, 2022
by Katie Lawrence

We recently covered some of the best hidden gems in Arizona. So why not turn some of these into a road trip? This 7.5-hour drive takes in secret waterfalls, remote dinosaur tracks, and several other little-known locations. Get ready for an epic adventure!

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During these uncertain times, please keep your safety in mind and consider adding destinations to your bucket list for a later visit.

1. Grand Falls (Leupp)

Grand Falls, Arizona, Arizona 86035, USA

Tucked away in the Painted Desert just 30 miles northeast of Flagstaff, Grand Falls is a 185-foot-high natural wonder of the Navajo Nation. The waterfall tumbles into the Little Colorado River and is the best vantage point after heavy rainfall or in early spring when the snow starts to melt. Visitors can get to Grand Falls via an easy 800-meter hiking trail – but the route to get there is far less good. It’s very rough and sometimes a high clearance vehicle is required. Find out more here. 2. Moenkopi dinosaur tracks (Tuba City)

Also on the Navajo Nation (and also not far from Flagstaff) are the Moenkopi Dinosaur Tracks. Located on a secluded stretch of Highway 160, this tourist attraction gets you up close and personal with the prehistoric animals that roamed the earth long ago. Well-preserved 200-million-year-old footprints and dinosaur remains are scattered over a large area, and a Navajo guide will show you the most interesting places and tell you the history of the tracks. Please note: there is no entrance fee, but you must tip your guide. Find out more here. 3.Secret canyon (side)

Secret Canyon, Page, AZ 86040, USA

If you thought this was Antelope Canyon at first sight, you would not be alone. Secret Canyon, a small slot canyon near Horseshoe Bend, is almost identical to its world famous counterpart … minus the endless line of people waiting to get inside. Horseshoe Bend Tours offers exclusive access to this little-known canyon with the added bonus of a private lookout point overlooking Horseshoe Bend. A maximum of 15 people are allowed in the canyon at any one time, so it’s a much more intimate experience. Find out more here. 4. Redwall Cavern (North Rim, Grand Canyon National Park)

Redwall Cavern, North Rim, AZ 86052, USA

The last half of our trip revolves around the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, which attracts only a tenth of the park’s six million annual visitors. First up is the Redwall Cavern, a huge sand cave hidden at the base of the canyon. The cave is a natural amphitheater on River Mile 33 on the Colorado River and can hold several thousand people. You will also see ancient marine fossils embedded in the walls! Redwall Cavern is only accessible by rafting tour – click here for a list of outfitters. 5. Ribbon Falls (North Rim, Grand Canyon National Park)

Ribbon Falls, Arizona 86052, USA

Next on the list is Ribbon Falls, a 140-foot cascade deep in the Grand Canyon. It’s the only waterfall in the canyon that can be reached without backpacking or rafting! The falls water flows down a huge, moss-covered boulder before collecting in two small pools. If it’s warm enough outside, you can go for a swim to cool off! You can access the falls from the North Kaibab Trail, but it’s a difficult hike. We recommend starting at Bright Angel Campground – this will cut the walking time in half from 12 miles to six. Find out more here. 6. North Rim (Grand Canyon National Park)

Last but not least, we will spend some more time exploring the North Rim on our own. Between a scenic drive, a short and leisurely hike to a breathtaking vantage point, the iconic Grand Canyon Lodge, and a campsite, there is so much to see and do here. Please Note: The North Rim is closed from December 1st to May 15th of each year, only the North Rim campsite remains open. Find out more here.

Would you do this road trip to some of the best hidden gems in Arizona? Let us know what you think in the comments! For more information on the best hidden gems in Arizona, check out our previous article.

Address: Grand Falls, Arizona, Arizona 86035, USA

Address: Tuba City, AZ 86045, USA

Address: Secret Canyon, Page, AZ 86040, USA

Address: Redwall Cavern, North Rim, AZ 86052, USA

Address: Ribbon Falls, Arizona 86052, USA

Address: North Rim, AZ 86052, USA

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