Wildlife Viewing Near Phoenix

Best National Parks for Wildlife Viewing Near Phoenix, AZ

National parks near Phoenix, AZ ranked by wildlife viewing quality, with drive times and distances.

Updated

Weekend Getaway (2.5 to 5 hours)

The Desert View Watchtower looms 70 feet into the air over a vast and dramatic view of the canyon.

Grand Canyon

AZ

Moderate CrowdsDark Sky

229 mi -- about 4.2 hr drive

A flowering fishhook pincushion cactus

Saguaro

AZ

Very CrowdedDark Sky

149 mi -- about 2.7 hr drive

Sunset lights up the Painted Desert Inn National Historic Landmark west side.

Petrified Forest

AZ

Moderate CrowdsHidden Gem

219 mi -- about 4 hr drive

Extended Drive (5+ hours)

Snow blankets a red rock landscape of tall rock spires beneath an early morning sky

Bryce Canyon

UT

Very CrowdedDark Sky

372 mi -- about 6.8 hr drive

people climbing on boulders are silhouetted against a colorful sunset sky

Joshua Tree

CA

Moderate CrowdsDark Sky

285 mi -- about 5.2 hr drive

The sun sets behind large red and white towers of sandstone.

Zion

UT

Very CrowdedDark Sky

353 mi -- about 6.4 hr drive