In this weeks episode, we’re taking you beyond Arizona’s most famous park (the Grand Canyon!) to explore two of the state’s most underrated natural wonders: Saguaro National Park in Tucson and Petrified Forest National Park in northeastern Arizona. We share how to plan the perfect weekend road trip to visit both parks, including the best hikes, scenic drives, and must-see highlights. Whether you’re fascinated by towering desert cacti or ancient fossilized forests, this episode will inspire your next Arizona national park adventure.

What We Talk About in This Episode:

• Why Saguaro & Petrified Forest are two of Arizona's most overlooked but must-see national parks
• How to plan a weekend road trip to explore both parks, starting from Phoenix
• The best times of year to visit & essential tips
• The fascinating geology, history & ecology of these parks
• Our favorite hikes, viewpoints and scenic drives, and can't miss stops in each park
• How to combine these parks with other iconic Arizona destinations like the Grand Canyon and Antelope Canyon

Saguaro National Park - Highlights & Things to Do

Located just outside Tucson, Arizona, Saguaro National Park protects the Sonoran Desert’s iconic saguaro cactus, which can grow over 40 feet tall and live for up to 250 years. The park is split into two sections — Tucson Mountain District (West) and Rincon Mountain District (East) — each offering scenic drives, desert trails, and endless photo opportunities.

Highlights:

• Bajada Loop Drive (West): 6-mile scenic desert drive with epic Sonoran views, perfect for photography stops & picnics
• Valley View Overlook Trail: Easy 0.8-mile hike with sweeping desert & mountain vistas surrounded by towering saguaros
• Signal Hill Trail: Short 0.5-mile hole to ancient Hohokam petroglyphs over 800 years old
• Cactus Forest Drive (East): 8-mile one-way scenic loop with pullouts for photos, hikes & views of saguaro-studded landscapes against the Rincon Mountains

Tips:

• Best time: Nov. - March for cooler weather
• Bloom season: Late April - June
• Be aware of flash floods (June - Sept) and rattlesnakes on trail

Petrified Forest National Park - Highlights & Things to Do

Located near Holbrook, Arizona, Petrified Forest National Park is home to one of the world’s largest and most colorful collections of 225-million-year-old petrified wood. Once part of the supercontinent Pangaea, this region’s ancient trees have transformed into stone over millions of years. The park is also known for its colorful Painted Desert, scenic drives, and prehistoric fossils.

Highlights:

• Giant Logs Trial: 0.4-mile loop featuring some of the park's largest petrified logs, including "Old Faithful"
• Crystal Forest Trail: 0.75-mile loop showcasing sparkling quartz crystal-filled petrified wood
• Jasper Forest Overlook: Expansive views of one of the largest petrified wood deposits in the park
• Agate Bridge: A 110-foot petrified log spanning a natural gully
• Painted Desert Rim Trail: 1-mile hike with panoramic views of the vibrant, multicolored badlands

Tips:

• Open daily 8am-5pm year round
• Pets allowed on many trails (leash required)
• Bring plenty of water - the park is a high desert environment
• Removing petrified wood is illegal

If planning a trip to these areas, to make it easier on you, be sure to use Expedia to help book your accommodations.

If you have more time to spend in the area, be sure to check out Viator of additional tours, activities and options to enhance your trip experience.

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