When many people think of Arizona, breathtaking scenery isn’t usually what comes to mind. Phoenix residents are much more familiar with bleak landscapes and oppressive summer heat. So as spring break approaches, many students are looking forward to week-long vacations at tropical beaches and ski resorts. However, if you are sticking around for spring break, Arizona offers numerous national parks, monuments, and historic sites that make for the perfect getaway and a chance to experience once-in-a-lifetime views.
The three national parks in Arizona are the Petrified Forest, Grand Canyon, and Saguaro National Parks. There are also dozens of dedicated sites around the state that include attractions like ancient cave dwellings, historic landmarks, and gorgeous natural landscapes. Many of these locations are only a few hours drive out of Phoenix, making them perfect for a daytrip. The Montezuma Castle National Monument for example, is the site of ancient dwellings dating back to 1100 AD and is just over an hour away from Ridge. Most locations also include free admissions, making it a budget friendly option.
If you’re travelling out of state this spring break, check out national park locations in other areas!
Some travelers even make an effort to specifically visit national parks for their vacations. Ridge junior, Lucille Christensen has visited numerous parks, historical sites, and national monuments including Yellowstone, the Grand Tetons, Zion and Glacier National Parks. One of Christensen’s favorite qualities is “how every park is different and has unique qualities that leave [her] in awe.” Of all the various activities available at the park her go-to experience is “finding access to water of any kind, a river, stream, lake, anything” and playing in the water or kayaking.
Wherever you may go, it is important to be prepared when visiting national parks so that you are able to make the most out of the experience and stay safe while doing it. Here are a few tips to consider when making the trip out to national parks this spring.
- Timing your trip
There are several timing factors to keep in mind when booking a trip to a national park. With over 325 million annual visitors to national parks in 2023, it’s safe to say that these destinations are very popular. While these visitors are able to generate great profits for the National Park Service, it could also mean large crowds that take away from the experience. If it’s a possibility, consider going visiting in the offseason. October is a great month because it falls after kids go back to school, but still before it gets too cold.
Specifically in Arizona, March is also a good month because it won’t be too warm and still avoids summer crowds. Avoiding the summer heat is particularly important to Arizona parks because being outside on days that are over 100 degrees is not only unpleasant but can be unsafe as well.
2. Consider a night trip
While there is plenty to see during the day, many people overlook the opportunity of seeing the park at night under the stars. The Grand Canyon National Park was recently certified as an International Dark Sky Park, meaning it has successfully limited light pollution to provide a natural night time experience. This results in breathtaking views of the Milky Way that are impossible to see in the city. The Grand Canyon is a specifically designated Dark Sky Park, but any park that is away from major cities will provide an unforgettable sight.
If you want the best viewing experience possible, there are a few things that will ensure better sights. The light of the moon will result in fewer visible stars, so try to observe the sky when the moon is not visible. Watching during a new moon, around moonrise, or around moonset will give you the best views. The Milky Way will be visible around two hours after sunset because the sun will have set low enough below the horizon. It may also take time for your eyes to adjust to the darkness, so make sure to stay in the dark for around thirty minutes. Using only red light flashlights when navigating at night is encouraged because it won’t force your eyes to adjust to a brighter light, but it will still provide light.
3. Be Prepared
Planning and preparing for your trip can make all the difference when visiting a national park. Before you arrive, have a plan of all the locations you want to visit. Especially in larger parks like Yellowstone, there are a lot of tourist attractions and famous locations for sightseeing. Wandering around the park and only checking out the headline sights will result in a chaotic and often crowded trip. Try to specifically map out the different places you want to see to make it easier on yourself. Having the correct supplies prepared is another important factor. Proper water, food, and clothing will all make your time more enjoyable. However, be careful to avoid overpacking as too much extra gear will quickly become a nuisance.
4. Be mindful of the environment
This last piece of advice is not only there to protect you, but the environment as well. Park rangers and signage around the park will stress this, but be sure to respect the environment during your visit. Leaving the park the way that you found it will ensure that future generations have the same opportunities to enjoy the beautiful attractions. This includes picking up trash, not disrupting the wildlife, and staying on hiking trails.
Also, remember to be patient with cleaning and other services at national parks right now. Due to the firing of National Park Service employees amid federal budget cuts, some locations are struggling to keep up with maintenance. Packing out your trash may be helpful in reducing the strain on the parks.
This spring break, don’t be so quick to discard the natural beauty of Arizona. Try to make a trip out to these locations and remember to keep these tips in mind to create a memorable and stress- free experience.
