Closest first
Straight-line miles from the city center; drive times are rough estimates. Open the app for parks near wherever you are right now.
- 1 Saguaro · Arizona · 165+ trails · $25 / vehicle123 mi · ~2.5 hr drive
- 2 Petrified Forest · Arizona · 18+ trails · $25 / vehicle168 mi · ~3.5 hr drive
- 3 Grand Canyon · Arizona · 800+ trails · $35 / vehicle180 mi · ~4 hr drive
- 4 Joshua Tree · California · 190+ trails · $30 / vehicle222 mi · ~4.5 hr drive
- 5 Zion · Utah · 90+ trails · $35 / vehicle271 mi · ~5.5 hr drive
- 6 Bryce Canyon · Utah · 15+ trails · $35 / vehicle285 mi · ~6 hr drive
- 7 Capitol Reef · Utah · 14+ trails · $20 / vehicle325 mi · ~7 hr drive
- 8 Mesa Verde · Colorado · 80+ trails · $35 / vehicle327 mi · ~7 hr drive
- 9 Death Valley · California · 785+ trails · $30 / vehicle331 mi · ~7 hr drive
- 10 White Sands · New Mexico · 6+ trails · $25 / vehicle345 mi · ~7 hr drive
Planning a trip from Phoenix
Saguaro, Petrified Forest, Grand Canyon, Joshua Tree, Zion, Bryce Canyon are realistic for a long weekend. Leave early Friday, and reserve campsites or lodging ahead in peak season.
Each park page covers popular trails, camping, entrance fees, and the best time to visit. In ParkAtlas, the home screen shows unvisited parks within reach of your current location and lets you log the one you pick.
Common questions
What is the closest national park to Phoenix?
Saguaro National Park, about 123 miles away (~2.5 hr drive).
Which national parks near Phoenix work for a weekend trip?
Within roughly a six-hour drive: Saguaro, Petrified Forest, Grand Canyon, Joshua Tree, Zion, Bryce Canyon.
How many national parks are within 500 miles of Phoenix?
10 of the 63 U.S. national parks are within 500 miles of Phoenix.