12 Underrated Destinations In Arizona To Avoid Summer Crowds

Arizona is one of the United States' top-rated travel destinations. With its year-round great weather (if you don't mind the dry heat), wonderful landscape, and cities/towns full of amazing amenities and must-see landmarks, this state draws in millions of tourists from around the world every year. The downside to this is the fact that you will likely run into some sizable crowds while there, especially at spots like the Grand Canyon, the booming Phoenix metro area, or renowned resort towns like Sedona or Flagstaff.

Join as we uncover some alternative destinations you should visit in Arizona this year if finding some solitude is what you're really after.

Greer

Greer, located in Arizona’s White Mountains at a huge elevation of around 8,500 feet, is a top-tier retreat into nature, with incredible nearby parklands like the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests, providing you easy access to hiking, fishing, and tons of spots to see the area's diverse wildlife. Greer’s lack of commercial development enhances its laid-back vibe, with a few rustic lodges, cabins, and local eateries available to travelers who aren't too picky.

The Little Colorado River runs through town, and anglers can catch trout right from its banks. Nearby, Greer Lakes, which include River Reservoir, Tunnel Reservoir, and Bunch Reservoir are ideal for kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding, also double as some great places to cast a line, making Greer one of the few must-visit towns for fishing enthusiasts in the Southwest.

Furthermore, the area’s hiking trails range from gentle walks to challenging treks, including access to the West Baldy Trail, which leads to the second-highest mountain in Arizona, Mount Baldy.

Sunrise Park Resort

Sunrise Park Resort is a year-round destination offering a mix of outdoor adventure and incredible scenic beauty without the crowds of other, more popular ski areas in the country. Known primarily for its winter activities, Sunrise is the largest ski resort in Arizona, currently featuring 65 runs for skiing and snowboarding across three mountains.

The resort caters to all skill levels, with terrain ranging from beginner slopes to more challenging advanced runs, making it a worthwhile spot for anyone. Besides skiing, Sunrise offers other fun options in the snow, like snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and tubing hills.

In the warmer months, the resort transitions into a destination for hiking, mountain biking, and even scenic chairlift rides that offer 360-degree views of the surrounding forests and alpine lakes. Sunrise is also near the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests, where you can find more hiking trails, a number of pristine lakes, and campsites if sleeping under the stars is more your style than a resort hotel room.

Payson

Payson is a small town situated in Arizona’s Mogollon Rim region and provides a cool escape from the desert heat as it sits at a lofty 5,000 feet above sea level. Because of its elevation, green forests surrounded the town, including the Tonto National Forest, offering access to hiking trails, fishing spots, and scenic drives through rolling pine-covered hills.

Nature lovers are drawn to this Payson throughout the year, with other landmarks like the Water Wheel Falls Trail, a popular short hike leading to naturally formed pools and waterfalls, ideal for a refreshing dip in the summer. Payson also serves as a gateway to the Mogollon Rim’s rim lakes, including Woods Canyon Lake, where visitors can kayak, fish, or picnic.

Moreover, you can explore the Rim Country Museum and learn about the town’s pioneer past dating back to the Wild West of the 1880s. Events like the annual Payson Rodeo, the world’s oldest continuous rodeo, add to the Western vibes and draw crowds in August.

Despite its proximity to Phoenix, about 90 minutes away, Payson remains less crowded in summer compared to Arizona’s higher-profile nature-oriented towns like Sedona.

Jerome

Jerome, once a booming mining town, is now a charming enclave in the scenic Verde Valley of central Arizona. The town’s notably steep streets are home to a nice mix of locally owned galleries, restaurants, shops, and historic buildings, making it a bit of a cultural and economic center in this somewhat remote area of the state.

Learn more about this historic community at the Jerome State Historic Park, which delves into the town’s storied copper mining past, while the Mine Museum provides additional insights into the resource gathering industries that originally built up the town.

Visitors often choose to stay at the Jerome Grand Hotel. Known for its ghost stories, it also draws those disinterested in the paranormal to its panoramic views above the towns and interesting history dating back to the 1920s.

Willcox

Willcox is a quaint community that sticks to its agricultural roots and emerging wine scene. It plays a central role in the Willcox Wine Country, where local vineyards are currently producing award-winning wines, particularly from Rhône and Spanish grape varieties.

Many of the region’s wineries, like Coronado Vineyards and Aridus Wine Company, offer tastings and tours, and the twice-yearly Willcox Wine Festival attracts oenophiles seeking a more low-key experience than other popular growing regions across the country. If you want to stay in town, downtown Willcox also houses a number of tasting rooms, including one from the vineyards mentioned previously and others, including Keeling Schaefer Vineyards, Birds and Barrels Vineyards, and more.

History enthusiasts can also check out the Rex Allen Museum, dedicated to the local-born country music star and actor, or visit the Chiricahua Regional Museum for insights into the area's pioneer history.

For some outdoor adventure, Cochise Stronghold, a renowned natural area a short drive south of town, offers hiking and rock climbing routes amid its towering granite formations, while birdwatchers flock to the Willcox Playa during the annual Wings Over Willcox birding festival.

Chiricahua National Monument

For those seeking out an epic park to visit but want something other than the Grand Canyon, the Chiricahua National Monument, located in southeastern Arizona, is known for its eye-catching “Wonderland of Rocks,” a landscape filled with towering rock spires, hoodoos, and balanced boulders.

The park features about 17 miles of foot trails, including the scenic Heart of Rocks Loop, which weaves through some of the monument’s most unusual formations. Birdwatchers also visit for the chance to spot any of the area's hundreds of documented species. For history buffs, the historic Faraway Ranch will give you a window into the lives of some of the region's early human residents.

For an extended stay, the Bonita Canyon Campground provides shaded, serene campsites that, again, are less likely to be booked up like at other more popular parks in Arizona.

Sierra Vista

Sierra Vista is often overlooked despite its unique mix of outdoor activities and historical sites. Interestingly, the city is renowned as the "Hummingbird Capital of the United States," attracting birdwatchers to the San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area, where hundreds of bird species thrive. The surrounding area also contains numerous trails along the San Pedro River, many of which feature popular spots to see some of these birds in their natural environment.

Be sure to make a point of stopping by nearby Fort Huachuca Museum to explore exhibits on the region’s military history, including the legacy of the Buffalo Soldiers (regiments of black men and women who served on America's western frontier post-Civil War) who were once stationed there. Sierra Vista also provides access to the Coronado National Memorial, which commemorates the Spanish explorer Francisco Vásquez de Coronado’s expedition through the area in 1540, making Sierra Vista a real hotspot for history fans. The memorial features hiking trails and views stretching into Mexico.

Patagonia

Not the South American region or the outdoor gear brand, Patagonia, Arizona, is a tiny community located at the southern end of the state that is a hidden gem known for its arts scene and access to nearby wildlands.

Patagonia is a gateway to the Sonoita Creek State Natural Area, where hiking and opportunities to get close (but not too close, hopefully) to the area's wildlife, including healthy populations of javelinas, ducks, birds of prey, and hummingbirds. Moreover, the nearby Patagonia Lake State Park is a popular destination for residents and visitors alike to engage in water activities such as boating, fishing, and swimming.

The area is also a great place to stop by if you want to try more of Arizona's winning offerings, and visitors can explore vineyards and tasting rooms in the neighboring Sonoita and Elgin regions.

Pinetop-Lakeside

Pinetop-Lakeside, also situated in the White Mountains of Arizona, is a tranquil town where many come for a stay at its great selection of accommodations and experience the vast pine forests and lakes around them. The region features a range of cabins, lodges, and resorts, like the rustic feeling Lake of the Woods Resort, many offering direct access to nature trails and nearby parks and green spaces.

Pinetop-Lakeside is a hub for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding, with trails weaving through the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests. Rainbow Lake is another must-visit spot right in the heart of town, with easy-to-access pathways and many of the town's most notable resorts resting on its shores.

In addition to outdoor activities, the area is home to seasonal events like the White Mountain Bluegrass Festival and the Fall Artisans Festival. Visitors can also spend some time at the Hon-Dah Resort Casino, a short yet scenic drive south, for an exciting night of gambling in the woods of east-central Arizona.

Bisbee

Bisbee is another historic mining town that has transformed into something that relies more on tourism for income. Although small, it has lots in store for you, whether you want to appreciate its artists, learn more about its history, or explore its beautiful countryside.

Bisbee stands out visually with its colorful Victorian architecture, much of which houses its current businesses, including shops, restaurants, art studios, and hotels. In the heart of downtown, you should also see the Bisbee Mining & Historical Museum, which details its copper mining past, and perhaps book a time for the Queen Mine Tour, where you can explore underground tunnels once used for mining various kinds of metals.

The nearby Mule Mountains are where you should go for hiking if you're in the area and want something more active to do, with trails offering unbeatable views of the town and surrounding desert landscape.

Douglas

Sitting right on the Arizona-Mexico border, Douglas gives you a unique place to stay while exploring the state's most southern reaches. While border towns often attract large crowds, Douglas remains an under-the-radar destination, providing a peaceful, off-the-beaten-path experience.

Best known for its historic downtown and strong Mexican-American influence, the town features locales like the Gadsden Hotel, a beautifully restored landmark that has continued to operate since 1907. Be sure to also walk around the historic district and take in the architecture that reflects its early 20th-century boom during Arizona's copper mining era.

For those interested in wildlife and outdoor activities, however, the nearby San Bernardino National Wildlife Refuge is renowned for birdwatchers and hikers, giving both a chance to see native species in their natural habitats. The nearby Coronado National Forest also provides hiking and various scenic drives through its rugged landscapes.

Snowflake

Snowflake is an Old West town that was founded in 1878. Rich in frontier history, with well-preserved buildings and landmarks such as the Snowflake Heritage Foundation and the Snowflake Arizona Temple, it is a fascinating place for anyone interested in the earliest days of Arizona.

Take a stroll through the charming downtown area, where local shops and eateries provide a taste of the town's small-town atmosphere, and no Arizona community is complete without at least a couple popular Mexican restaurants. In Snowflake's case, La Cocina De Eva is a renowned spot for both residents and foodies visiting the area, a definite must-try if you're staying in town.

Outdoor enthusiasts in this remote eastern part of the state will appreciate the nearby Mogollon Rim, which offers scenic hiking, camping, and fishing. The Silver Creek Fish Hatchery is also a local highlight, where visitors can learn about fish conservation and enjoy the surrounding natural beauty.

Find Your Quiet Spot in Arizona

With these destinations in mind, you have hopes of finding an excellent spot to spend your travels in peace and quiet. Arizona is growing in popularity as a vacation destination, but that doesn't have to scare you away, whether you are looking for a ski hill this winter or a new park to explore in the summer months. There is something for everyone, from history buffs to outdoor adventurers, outside of the state's more widely known attractions that you ought to explore before they too get popular!