7 Pictures of Arizona That Prove It’s One Of The Prettiest Places On Earth

The Grand Canyon state is overflowing with natural beauty and picture-perfect landscapes sprinkled with mountains, flowers and even untamed horses. Take a moment to admire the pictures of Arizona in the gallery below.

Hackamore Trail, Scottsdale, Arizona

If you're planning a stay in Scottsdale, be sure to schedule time for a hike. This stunning path is part of Scottsdale’s McDowell Sonoran Preserve, which is home to more than 30,000 acres and 180 miles of trails. Best of all, access to this scenic area—which visitors can pass through on foot, by bike or even on a horse—is completely free!

Boyce Thompson Arboretum, Superior, Arizona

Boyce Thompson Arboretum, the largest and oldest arboretum in Arizona, is filled with 3,200 different desert plants. Take a day trip from Phoenix to see hundreds of bird species and other animals as you navigate the walking trails and the hummingbird and butterfly garden. Bonus: Fido’s welcome, as long as he’s well behaved and on a leash.

Desert Botanical Garden, Phoenix, Arizona

You’ll find plenty of Instagram-worthy Arizona photos as you roam the 140 acres of the Desert Botanical Garden. The garden, filled with over 27,000 individual plants, features permanent trailside exhibits and seasonal experiences, like the Las Noches de las Luminarias. This 21-day celebration starts in late November and runs through December. If you're planning to stay in Phoenix during the holiday season, enjoy the sounds of handbell ensembles and musical acts as the garden glows with 8,000 hand-lit luminaria.

Catalina State Park, Tucson, Arizona

Prep for your trip at your Tucson hotel and leave early in the morning to spend a full day to immersing yourself in Catalina State Park, located in the foothills of Tucson's Santa Catalina Mountains. There are miles of hiking, biking and horse riding trails that are perfect for spotting the more than 150 species of birds that live in the park. If you’re on the hunt for that signature Arizona cactus picture, this is the place. Nearly 5,000 saguaros, a species of giant cactuses, live here.

Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, Tucson, Arizona

It may have museum in the name, but the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum is 85 percent outdoor experiences. The 47 developed and curated acres are filled with walking paths and gardens that showcase 56,000 individual plants and amazing views.

Rio Salado Audubon Center, Phoenix, Arizona

Connect with wildlife at the Rio Salado Audubon Center during hands-on events like the monthly Birds n’ Beer happy hour. The LEED Platinum certified building sits within a lush environment surrounded by 16 miles of hiking and riding trails—all less than two miles from downtown Phoenix.

Tonto National Forest, Payson, Arizona

Get a taste of the Wild West in the rugged and breathtaking Tonto National Forest, where, if you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of the untamed Salt River horses. Rest up at a hotel in Payson before heading out to explore the fifth largest national forest in the country. Aside from horses, the park offers lake beaches, a pine forest, hiking, fishing, scenic drives and multiple campgrounds.