6 Most Scenic Small Towns in Arizona
While major Arizona attractions garner the lion’s share of the state’s 40 million annual visitors - the Grand Canyon alone sees around five million of them - there’s plenty more to see in this beautiful part of Southwestern USA. Curious travelers know only too well that the Grand Canyon State’s most scenic towns are where to go for a taste of authentic Arizona.
From the mystical red rocks of Sedona to the historic streets of Prescott, these towns serve as excellent jumping-off points from which to explore the state’s remarkable diversity of scenery. Add to this list the picturesque communities of Bisbee, Jerome, Cottonwood, and Page, and we’re looking at the perfect list of six of the most scenic small towns to explore in Arizona.
Bisbee
Located in southern Arizona close to the international border with Mexico, Bisbee’s Mule Mountains setting has certainly helped this charming community rank highly on lists of the best places to visit in the state. Having started as a mining camp, by the1880s, Bisbee had become the largest and wealthiest town between St. Louis and San Francisco thanks to its rich deposits of gold, silver, and copper. Visitors can learn more about this legacy at the Queen Mine, one of Bisbee's oldest and most productive mines. It is now a museum offering fascinating underground tours.
The town's commitment to preserving its heritage is also evident in the Bisbee Mining & Historical Museum, a Smithsonian Affiliate that chronicles the town's mining history. Enjoy a workout? Sign up for the annual Bisbee 1000 The Great Stair Climb, a challenging 4.5-mile race that sees competitors tackle nine steep staircases and over 1000 steps…it’s definitely not for the faint of heart!
Cottonwood
Take a 100-mile drive north of the state capital, Phoenix, along the I-17 highway, and you’ll find yourself in the pretty town of Cottonwood. Located in the scenic Verde Valley, Cottonwood was established in 1879 and has evolved from a humble farm community into a popular spot for a day trip or weekend getaway. Known as Old Town Cottonwood, the historic main street area is a delight to explore on foot, especially if stops at the many boutique shops that line the street are included.
Cottonwood is also close to the wonderful Verde Canyon Railroad, a scenic train ride that travels from nearby Clarkdale through the beautiful Verde Valley. Other nearby highlights include the Tuzigoot National Monument, with its exhibits about the ancient Sinagua people who once thrived in this region.
Jerome
Perched high on the steep slopes of Cleopatra Hill, Jerome is unique among Arizona’s smaller towns. Once known as the "Wickedest Town in the West" for its lawlessness, gambling, and brothels, Jerome's narrow, winding streets and historic buildings now rank among some of the most interesting places to visit in Arizona. Popular attractions here include Jerome State Historic Park, which provides a glimpse into its copper mining boom through the elegant Douglas Mansion, which now serves as a museum.
Art and creativity flourish in Jerome, with numerous galleries, studios, and boutique shops showcasing the work of local artists and craft makers. Other popular attractions include the nearby Gold King Mine & Ghost Town, a collection of mostly derelict buildings; and the scenic viewpoint along the winding Clark Street (Highway 89A).
Page
The pretty north Arizona town of Page is located in the spectacular scenery surrounding Lake Powell near the state border with Utah. Topping the list of reasons to visit is the dramatic desert scenery here, including deep canyons and unique rock formations, making it a prime destination for adventurers, photographers, and nature lovers. Antelope Canyon, a slot canyon carved by water through Navajo sandstone, is one of the most famous landmarks. This natural wonder is divided into two sections, Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon, each offering unique vistas thanks to their wave-like walls and beams of light that penetrate the narrow openings above. Breathtaking!
Nearby Horseshoe Bend offers another breathtaking view, this time where the Colorado River makes a dramatic 270-degree turn around a rock formation, creating a spectacular horseshoe-shaped bend. Lake Powell is, of course, another big draw for its boating, fishing, and kayaking, as well as for the Glen Canyon Dam, which has a visitor center overlooking the Colorado River.
Sedona
Sedona is another great stopover for travelers heading to or from Phoenix. While boasting a vibrant arts scene with numerous galleries, boutiques, and artisan shops displaying works by local and international artists, the big draw, like most small towns in Arizona, is its spectacular setting. Here, it’s the Coconino National Forest, one of the USA’s most diverse forest regions, that gets outdoor types excited. Established in 1908 by President Theodore Roosevelt, it covers an impressive 1.8 million acres, offering endless opportunities for hikers and mountain bikers.
Other top natural attractions in Sedona include Bell Rock, Cathedral Rock, and Airport Mesa, three spectacular vortex sites that offer spiritual enrichment as well as unparalleled scenic views. Off-road adventures are also popular here, while the beautiful Oak Creek Canyon, with its burbling streams and picturesque picnic spots, makes for a cool contrast to the surrounding desert.
Prescott
The largest community on this list, Prescott, is a great place to visit for a taste of the Old West, especially along Whiskey Row, a block of historic bars and saloons that look as if they’re straight out of a history book. This lively strip dates from 1900 and continues to serve as a hub of nightlife and entertainment, hosting numerous music events and festivals throughout the year.
Other top attractions in Prescott include the Sharlot Hall Museum, a collection of well-preserved buildings, exhibits, and artifacts that portray life in the town’s early days. For nature enthusiasts, Prescott is surrounded by the vast Prescott National Forest, a 100,000-acre wilderness boasting an impressive 950 miles of trails.
If you’re able to pull yourself away from the spectacular Grand Canyon even for just a day, be sure to include one or more of these wonderful communities in your Arizona travel itinerary. From the historic streets of Bisbee to the stunning scenery of Sedona, and from the ghostly allure of Jerome to the breathtaking natural landscapes of Page - with stops at Prescott and Cottonwood along the way - these towns offer no end of great reasons to see more of the Grand Canyon State than just its most famous landmark. Find out more and be inspired by these six scenic small towns in Arizona.
