12 Affordable Summer Vacation Spots in Arizona
Bordered by the Land of Enchantment to the east and parts of California and Nevada to the west, Arizona is encircled by beauty on all sides. But the state itself also acquits itself well in the Ritcher Scale of beauty. The 9th-most beautiful state in America, at least according to the Thrillist, plays host to the most famous geographical feature in North America: The Grand Canyon. It is only a well-planned excursion through certain storybook Arizona towns, such as Sedona, that will make one appreciate the spellbinding greatness that is Arizona. To many, the third-last state to join the Union is the quintessential summer vacation destination. If you are tempted to check it out, the following are 12 affordable summer vacation spots in Arizona you can experience without depleting your savings.
Grand Canyon National Park
What better way to start this off than with Arizona’s most defining geographical feature? It may come as a pleasant surprise that the Grand Canyon, one of the world’s top vacation destinations and the second-most visited national park in the United States, is also among the most affordable summer vacation experiences in the country. According to U.S. News & World Report, the Grand Canyon is the third-cheapest summer vacation destination in the nation. Only Glacier National Park and Canon Beach — are gentler than Grand Canyon on the wallet. But what makes such a famous wonder cheap? For starters, you can camp at Grand Canyon and gasp at all the eye candies at rates that start at only $18 per night. And while the Grand Canyon entrance fee for vehicles is $35, that ticket will take you an impressive seven days. If this is not affordable, we will need to redefine “affordable.”
Budget Inn, Flagstaff
If you want to spend in a hotel that lives up to its name, Budget Inn will be like it. This property will meet and exceed your expectations, especially if you do not want to spend much on a room and still experience some level of comfort that answers to the meaning of a vacation. At rates that start at about $160 per night, you will rest on a king-size bed, watch color cable television, access voice mail services and WiFi, experience In-room air conditioning, dip yourself in an outdoor pool, and enjoy a free Continental Breakfast. Of course, you will get cheaper options. But you don’t want the experience of sleeping in a stuffy room or the misfortune of covering yourself with stained bedsheets — in a squeaky, microscopic bed that will leave you with complaining muscles.
Walnut Canyon National Monument
If you are in the Flagstaff area and do not want to spend money on a long trip, Walnut Canyon National Monument will do the trick. This monument is located about 8 miles west of Flagstaff and hence a distance that you should cover in about 10 minutes if driving. What awaits you here is an improbable terrain, defined by a steepness, ruggedness, and wildness, that you may not have seen anywhere else. You will be amazed to learn that Native Americans lived here because you will wonder at their remarkable sense of balance. You can elect to hike down and see these historic dwellings up and close, or if you doubt your resilience, enjoy a view of them from above. This lifetime experience will set you back $15, less than the minimum wage per hour in Washington State.
Wingate by Wyndham Page Lake Powell
Though prices at Wingate by Wyndham can go as low as $128 per night, depending on the day and season, they often start at $140, which, you will agree, is still affordable. Located an easy 7.5 miles from Lake Powell, one of the area’s most sought-after attractions, and less than 2 miles from Lake Powell Campground, Wingate by Wyndham is the perfect base from which to access the second-largest reservoir in the United States. But while you can book this facility because it’s conveniently close to Lake Powell and several other top-tier attractions, you will also enjoy the amenities, quality of service, and ambiance of this hotel. Among the hotel’s amenities include wireless internet, hairdryer, and cable tv.
Lake Powell
No list of summer vacation destinations in Arizona will be worth the paper it is written on if Lake Powell is not on it. For starters, this is arguably the most scenic lake in America. We cannot begin to describe the gasp-inducing scenery around Lake Powell; the view of Navajo Mountain, the colors of the rocks, the shimmering waters, and the whimsical landscape that encircles it. Then again, Lake Powell is the second-largest reservoir in the United States. So how much will it cost to enjoy this incredible oasis in the desert? You will need to pay the $15.00–$30.00 entrance fee at the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. But don’t even begin to frown. This ticket is valid for an entire week. Once inside, you can camp at Glen Canyon Backcountry, which includes the Lake Powell Shoreline and where no camping fee is required.
Arcosanti
If you are looking for an attraction that is a bit under the radar, and that not everyone sings about, you should consider visiting Arcosanti. A visit to this surreal place will make you think you are in a front-row seat somewhere — watching a big-budget sci-fi movie. Whether you are interested in architecture, especially urban architecture, ecology, nature, or just things that are unique and special, a trip to Arcosanti is worth its cost in gold. Arcosanti’s concept is something called arcology, a playful blend of the terms architecture and ecology. Designed by Italian architect Paolo Soleri, Arcosanti is an experimental living space, an architectural laboratory if you may, located about 35 miles from Prescott, Arizona. You can call it utopia, but the idea is a community where house and town designs are more in harmony with nature and where the sense of community is close and strong. A guided tour of Arcosanto costs $22 and lasts for up to 90 minutes.
Cathedral Rock Trail
While you can enjoy hiking even in winter and inhaling the cold, icy air, one of the summer’s top activities is hiking. Fortunately, Arizona boasts many spots and locations that make it a dream hiking destination. The problem will be which one to pick among the sea of options. One of the state’s most famous trails, however, is Cathedral Rock Trail. Located near Sedona, Cathedral Rock Trail is a short but challenging hike that spans around 1 mile in length. Since this trail is right in the heart of Arizona’s red rock country, hikers will be awestruck by the incredible scenery that will keep both their eyes and cameras ever engaged. Some sections of this trail can be slippery. So make sure you are in shoes that have a firm grip and a bottle of water. As for the trail’s entrance charges, you will not need to worry, provided you have $5 in your back pocket.
Glen Canyon National Park
While we have mentioned Lake Powell which is in Glen Canyon National Park, the park itself deserves a separate space. The truth is that the Glen Canyon National Park plays host to such a wide array of attractions that a summer adventurer who wants to take it in an unhurried style may have to spend up to a month in the park. There is the Horseshoe Bend, for instance, where a picturesque river makes an improbable near 360-degree turn. There is also the Glen Canyon Dam, Navajo Bridge, Reflection Canyon, and of course, the superlative-rich Antelope Canyon. Here is the exciting part. You can enjoy all these for free. Yes, if you have an idea of the eye candies within this park, the $15.00–$30.00 entrance fee will look like free admission.
Canyon de Chelly
While Arizona’s most defining feature is the Grand Canyon, which also happens to be among the country’s most-visited destinations, the state is home to several other canyons, some of which are just as stunning — but content to stay in the shadow of their world-famous counterpart. A good example is Canyon de Chelly. The cliffs at Canyon De Chelly are so huge, steep, and colorful that they will cause every heart to miss a beat. The interesting part is that for nearly five millennia, people actually lived in these canyons. For perspective, that is longer than anyone has lived continuously anywhere on the Colorado Plateau. This underrated gem is in northeastern Arizona within the Navajo Indian Reservation. But that is not all. You will want to pinch yourself when you are told that this park is completely free.
Bearizona Wildlife Park
On your first-time visit to Bearizona Wildlife Park, you will understand why people often make repeat visits to this park. You simply cannot get enough of it. So what makes this Arizona jewel a consistent crowd-puller? Several factors. The first is the chance to drive through the Arizona wilderness and lock eyes with a variety of North American wildlife, including big horn sheep, wolves, elk, and the amusing black bear. Let us agree. It is not every day that you see these unique animals. The star of the show, however, is often the majestic bison. And that is not even half of what you will enjoy here. Fort Bearizona, for instance, plays host to all the shows and animal encounters. There is also the chance to enjoy a meal at the park’s Canyonland restaurant. And while affordability is relative, spending $20 - $35 in this park will appear like robbery.
Cabins At Creekside
Even if you have the money, it may not make sense to splash more than $1,000 per night for a room during a vacation, however cozy and quiet that room is. How about spending only $149 per night in a studio hideaway that comes complete with a queen bed, full bathroom, mini fridge, Keurig coffee maker, and microwave? Yes, depending on the actual cabin you choose, that is all you may need to spend at Cabins at Creekside. This is a rustic property nestled below the majestic Mogollon Rim and steps away from Christopher Creek. After burning your legs in a hiking adventure around the area, Cabins at Creekside will offer the kind of rest and relaxation your body will be craving.
Jerome
Where gamblers and prostitutes once flocked to, Jerome today plays host to a different class and category of residents. These include artists, musicians, and gift shop proprietors, among others. Still, this Arizona secret was once called “Wickedest Town in the West” and for its salacious history, deserves the curious gaze of a first-time visitor. But the town should not just be on the vacation map of history lovers. Those who love exploring ghost towns may just get an experience of a lifetime in what is arguably the largest ghost town in America. And no, you may not need to swipe your credit card for this adventure. A walk through the hillside town is free. Then again, Jerome Historical Society Mine Museum, which covers nearly all aspects of life in early Jerome, will only set you back $2. And you read that right.
The Takeaway
There are states where people will struggle to find attractions worth writing anything about. But there are others for which space and time will be the limiting factors. Arizona belongs to the second category. The state is an unrivaled summer vacation hotspot and plays host to Grand Canyon, which is among the most-visited parks in the United States. Fortunately, the Grand Canyon is also among the state’s most affordable summer vacation destinations. The others include Lake Powell, Walnut Canyon National Monument, and Bearizona Wildlife Park, among many others.
