What Is a National Monument?
National monuments are areas reserved by the Federal Government because they contain objects of historic, prehistoric, or scientific interest. Among National Monuments in Arizona, you’ll find ancient cliff dwellings, archeological ruins and natural areas with unusual landscapes and rock formations.
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What is the difference between a National Park and a National Monument?
The difference between a national park and a national monument primarily lies in their purpose, size, and how they are established. Here’s a breakdown:
National Parks:
The purpose and focus is to protect large areas of natural beauty, ecosystems, and recreational opportunities. Often encompass a variety of landscapes and ecosystems. Generally larger in size, often encompassing vast landscapes, mountain ranges, or multiple ecosystems. The establishment process for these is quite different. For National Parks they must be created by an act of Congress, require broad legislative approval, making the process often more extensive. They are under the management of the National Park Service (NPS). Examples include Grand Canyon National Park, Yellowstone National Park and Yosemite National Park. Arizona has three National Parks: Grand Canyon National Park, Petrified National Park and Saguaro National Park.
National Monuments:
Preserve a specific natural, historical, or cultural feature of significance. The focus may be narrower, such as protecting an ancient ruin, a specific geological formation, or an area of cultural importance. This can include structures like forts, archaeological sites, or unique natural landmarks. These tend to be smaller and focus on a specific site or feature. Establishment process: Can be designated by the President of the United States using the Antiquities Act of 1906. Does not require Congressional approval, making it faster to establish. Managed by a variety of agencies, such as the National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, or the U.S. Forest Service. Examples are Bears Ear National Monument, Monument Valley and Avi Kwa Ami National Monument.
In summary, while both national parks and national monuments aim to preserve important natural or cultural resources, national parks are generally broader in scope, size, and purpose, while national monuments are more targeted and can be established more quickly.
Pro Tip: If you plan to visit a few national parks, monuments, etc. consider getting an America the Beautiful Park pass. It will save you money when visiting parks and you may be able to get it for free. Visit the NPS website for more information.
Arizona’s National Monuments
Arizona has 18 sites designated as National Monuments, more than any other state. Let’s explore them so you’ll be prepared for your visit:
Agua Fria National Monument
Agua Fria National Monument protects four prehistoric settlements and over 450 other prehistoric sites of the Pueblo people that lived here between 1250 and 1450 AD. In addition to cultural resources, the Monument also protects the natural environment of the Agua Fria River and its tributaries. The monument is not developed and many of the roads in the area require high-clearance vehicles with 4×4 capability. There are few outdoor facilities at the Monument. There are hundreds of archaeological sites in the Agua Fria. We recommend exploring Pueblo la Plata as well as a site at the confluence of Badger Springs Wash and the Agua Fria River. Pueblo La Plata is one of the most prominent and easily accessible ruins within the Monument. Hiking and camping are allowed but there are no designated trails nor specific campgrounds. You are allowed primitive camping. There are no fees to visit this monument. The Agua Fria National Monument is located 40 mi north of Phoenix, AZ.
Canyon de Chelly National Monument
This canyon is home to Dine’ families who raise livestock, farm the lands, and live here. People have lived in these canyons for nearly 5,000 years, which is longer than anyone has lived continuously on the Colorado Plateau. In this place called Tsegi, their homes and images tell us their stories. Today, the Park Service and Navajo Nation work together to ensure the park tells the stories of the rich history here. Stop at the welcome center as you begin your journey to get maps and information. There are two overlook drives which take about 2 hours each to tour. These are free and self-guided. But if you really want to learn about the canyon, take a guided tour of the canyon bottom to learn about the lives of the Dine’. Fees vary so be sure to check this website. Camping is allowed in designated areas for a fee. Canyon de Chelley is located in Chinle, AZ. This is one of my favorite places to visit. For more detailed information on this National Monument read our blog about our visit here.
Casa Grande Ruins National Monument
This National Monument was preserved to showcase an Ancestral Sonoran Desert People’s farming community and “Great House “that are preserved at Casa Grande Ruins. You can take self-guided tour which consists of a short walk around the Casa Grande following wayside signs. There is a visitors’ center, bookstore, museum and theater which for you to enjoy. Entrance is free. Casa Grande Ruins is located in Coolidge, AZ
Chiricahua National Monument
Although this National Monument covers a relatively small section of the Chiricahua Mountains in the extreme southeast of Arizona, it contains large expanses of volcanic rocks eroded into dramatic pinnacles and spires which are amazing. A visit to Chiricahua National Monument offers a range of activities and attractions. The park’s mild climate is suitable for a wide variety of outdoor activities throughout most of the year: day hiking, camping, picnicking, wildlife viewing, birding, nature photography, star gazing, and horseback riding. You can take a guided tour of the Faraway Ranch. Visit the many features within the historic district to discover human activity in the Chiricahua Mountains. Bonita Canyon Scenic Drive is an 8-mile paved drive that winds to Massai Point. There are multiple pullouts, and it provides access to Bonita Canyon Campground. Be sure to always check on weather conditions before you go. There are no entrance fees to this monument. This National Monument is located in Willcox, AZ.
Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument
This National Monument has a long human history spanning more than 11,000 years, and an equally rich geologic history spanning almost two billion years. Explore sweeping landscapes and engaging scenery on the edge of one of the most beautiful places on earth, the Grand Canyon. There are many things to do including seeing petroglyphs, visiting an old mining site and exploring the ranch house. Not to mention reveling in all that nature has to offer here. There are no paved roads here and it is very primitive, so plan ahead and be prepared. This is on the edge of the Grand Canyon located in both Arizona and Utah. The address is St. George, Utah.
Hohokam Pima National Monument
Hohokam Pima National Monument protected 2,000 inhabitants in ‘Snaketown,’ village. When Hokoham Pimas was excavated, the site became invisible above ground. Excavations in the 1930s and again in the 1960’s revealed the site was inhabited from about 300 BC to around 1200 AD and may have had up to 2,000 inhabitants. Following the last excavations, the site was completely recovered with earth, leaving nothing visible above ground. The Monument is located on the Gila River Indian Reservation and is under tribal ownership. The Gila River Indian Community has decided not to open the extremely sensitive area to the public. Although you can’t visit this site, I included it since it is of historical and cultural relevance.
Ironwood Forest National Monument
This National Monument is made up of 129,000 acres and contains a significant system of cultural and historical sites covering a 5,000-year period. Possessing one of the richest stands of ironwood in the Sonoran Desert, the monument also encompasses several desert mountain ranges including the Silver Bell, Waterman, and Sawtooth, with desert valleys in between. There are plenty of outdoor activities here from hiking to hunting and you can drive through the area, but you must stay on the paved roads. Please investigate before you visit as there are a few restrictions and no amenities available. Admission to Ironwood Forest National Monument is free. It is in Marana, AZ.
Montezuma Castle National Monument
Montezuma Castle National Monument protects the well-preserved living spaces of the Sinagua Indians. Like an ancient five-story apartment building, Montezuma Castle towers above the desert below, a stone-and-mortar testament of early architectural engineering. Experts have determined that the Castle was built over three centuries and provided shelter for the Sinagua Indians during flood seasons. Montezuma Castle and Montezuma Well are two parts of the same monument and are separated by about 11 miles. The Visitor Center at Montezuma Castle has information about both places. Both places have a short, 1/3-mile trail to see the archeological remains, as well as a picnic area. There is a $10 entrance fee. Montezuma Castle National Monument is in Camp Verde, AZ.
Navajo National Monument
At Navajo National Monument in the far northern reaches of Arizona, located on the Navajo nation, ancient homes were notched into the sides of cliffs and are still in remarkable condition. The dwellings here date back to 1300, when many Ancestral Puebloan people dispersed to different areas of the region. Navajo, Hopi, Paiute and Zuni once lived in this area and likely in these structures before moving onto more permanent villages. All activities at the park are free. There are three self-guided trails with two being somewhat strenuous. The Sandal trail is the only one you can see the cliff dwelling and is an easier trail. There are also ranger-led hikes that are a bit longer and require some climbing. Please check the website to help make your plans for your trip. The Navajo National Monument is in Shonto, AZ.
Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument
In what is now Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, archaeological evidence places human beings in this area approximately 16,000 years ago. These people left behind projectile points, seashells, pottery, and rock art. There are hiking trails, bird-watching spots, scenic drives you can do by car, bike or horseback and camping available in this National Monument. Arizona highway 85 is the main entrance into the monument. The highway and the road into the campground are the only paved roads in the monument; all other roads are dirt and gravel, and some may require a high clearance, 4-wheel drive vehicle to explore. Located in Ajo, AZ the entrance fee starts at $15 per person. Be sure to check the website for fees and closures.
Pipe Spring National Monument
Pipe Spring National Monument preserves the history of human settlement on the Arizona Strip. For centuries, the life-giving water here has provided an oasis for Ancestral Puebloans, Kaibab Paiute Indians, and Mormon ranchers but not without territorial disputes and changes in the environment. Be sure to visit the Kaibab Paiute Museum to learn the rich history of this area. The grounds of the monument can be visited on your own. The East and West Cabins contain exhibits on cowboying and historic preservation. A hike on the 1/2-mile-long Ridge Trail offers great views of the Arizona Strip. There is a $10 entrance fee. Pipe Spring National Monument is in Fredonia, AZ.
Sonoran Desert National Monument
This National Monument sits in the most biologically diverse North American desert. The most striking aspect of the plant community in the monument is the extensive saguaro cactus forest. The monument contains three mountain ranges, the Maricopa, Sand Tank and Tabletop mountains. The monument also contains wilderness areas, archaeological and historic sites, and remnants of several important historic trails, including the Anza Trail. You can hike, bike and ride horses here. Camping is also allowed. Some areas of the monument require permits. Sonora Desert National Monument is near Gila Bend, AZ.
Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument
The Sunset Crater landscape will capture your imagination with its wonderful and violent geologic history. Around 1,000 years ago, making it the youngest volcano in the area, the volcano erupted filling the surrounding area with lava and hot ash. It forever changed the the terrain of the area. Take some time to walk the trails, drive through the monument, or stop at the scenic overlooks and you will be in awe what nature can do when it wants to show off! The fee for visiting Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument varies so be sure to check the website while planning your trip. This monument is located near Flagstaff. Wupatki and Walnut Canyon National Monuments are located are both about 30 minutes from Sunset Crater Volcano.
Tonto National Monument
This National Monument is in the Superstition Mountains featuring cliff dwellings in the Tonto Basin. There are two trails you can hike: The Lower Cliff Dwelling Trail starts in the visitor center and winds up a steep path, ending in the Lower Cliff Dwelling where visitors can walk through portions of the structure and see expansive views of the basin below. The Lower Cliff Dwelling Trail is a moderate hike on a paved trail and is fully exposed with no shade. The Upper Cliff Dwelling Trail is by guided tour only. It is a 3-mile moderate/difficult hike on an unpaved area. Tours must be booked in advance. Located in Roosevelt, AZ this national monument has a $10 entry fee. Be sure to check the website before you plan your trip as there may be trail closures for safety reasons.
Tuzigoot National Monument
Tuzigoot National Monument is a remnant of a Sinaguan village built above the Verde Valley about 1,000 years ago. Tuzigoot, an Apache word meaning “crooked water,” is a two- to three-story pueblo ruin. The Tuzigoot monument comprises 110 stone masonry rooms. This is a self-guided tour, and the entrance fee is $10 per person. Tuzigoot National Monument is in Clarkdale, AZ.
Vermillion Cliffs National Monument
This remote and unspoiled 280,000-acre National Monument contains many diverse landscapes, including the Paria Plateau, Vermilion Cliffs, Coyote Buttes, and Paria Canyon. The monument borders Kaibab National Forest to the west and Glen Canyon National Recreation Area to the east. The monument includes the Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness. The monument is also home to a growing number of endangered California condors. To visit the monument, you’ll need extra planning and awareness of potential hazards. Most roads need a high clearance, four-wheel-drive vehicle due to deep sand. There are no amenities here. Near Page, AZ this national monument requires permits for hiking most of the areas.
Walnut Canyon National Monument
Situated in the stunning Coconino National Forest, Walnut Canyon National Monument is the ultimate hide-and-seek destination for ancient cliff dwellings. These abodes were carved by the Sinagua people over 800 years ago. The one-mile round-trip Island Trail provides access to 25 cliff dwellings. Rim Trail will take you on a stroll along canyon rim. Two canyon overlooks provide scenic views of the canyon and cliff dwellings below. Explore a partially rebuilt pit house and pueblo set back from the canyon rim. Located near Flagstaff, fees vary but private vehicle passes start at $25. Be sure to check website for alerts for weather related closures.
Wupatki National Monument
Nestled between the Painted Desert and ponderosa highlands of northern Arizona, Wupatki National Monument is home to five pueblos. The park’s namesake pueblo preserves 104 rooms, a ballcourt, and a natural blowhole feature. The Wukoki Pueblo stands three stories tall and overlooks the desert all the way to the San Francisco Peaks. The remaining four pueblos are several miles down the road. Citadel and Nalakihu pueblos appear to be single-family dwellings while the Lomaki and Box Canyon pueblos feature limestone and sandstone construction. You can take self-guided trails to see these pueblos. There are also ranger-led hikes to most of the pueblos. Reservations are needed for these. Fees for this Flagstaff, AZ National Monument, start at $25 for private vehicles.
Pro Tip: Please follow the leave it as you found it rule and don’t touch, move, or damage any of the monuments and environment. If you see artifacts, leave them. Keep in mind that these are sacred areas to Native Americans. You are visiting their home so take care of the area.
Conclusion: Exploring Arizona’s National Monuments
Arizona’s national monuments are more than just landmarks; they are windows into the past, showcases of natural beauty, and teach the history of the diverse cultures that have shaped the region. From the ancient dwellings of Montezuma Castle to the surreal landscapes of Vermilion Cliffs, these sites invite visitors to step back in time and immerse themselves in the stories of those who came before.
Whether you’re an avid history buff, a nature enthusiast, or simply looking for an unforgettable adventure, Arizona’s national monuments offer something for everyone. So, pack your bags, hit the road, and let the awe-inspiring beauty of these protected treasures take your breath away. Your journey through Arizona’s national monuments is sure to leave you with a deeper appreciation for the state’s incredible heritage and landscapes. Be sure to check the website before you go to help make your trip a stress-free, fun experience.
We hope to inspire you to find your adventures and give them information and tips we’ve learned along the way to help you plan your vacation. Don’t forget your camera so you can capture your memories. Even if you do a day trip close to home you can find many new areas to explore, so go out find your adventure and have fun!
