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 / vehicle28 mi · ~0.5 hr drive
- 2 Petrified Forest · Arizona · 18+ trails · $25 / vehicle203 mi · ~4 hr drive
- 3 Grand Canyon · Arizona · 800+ trails · $35 / vehicle274 mi · ~5.5 hr drive
- 4 White Sands · New Mexico · 6+ trails · $25 / vehicle282 mi · ~6 hr drive
- 5 Joshua Tree · California · 190+ trails · $30 / vehicle308 mi · ~6.5 hr drive
- 6 Guadalupe Mountains · Texas · 80+ trails · $25 / vehicle358 mi · ~7.5 hr drive
- 7 Zion · Utah · 90+ trails · $35 / vehicle369 mi · ~7.5 hr drive
- 8 Mesa Verde · Colorado · 80+ trails · $35 / vehicle370 mi · ~7.5 hr drive
- 9 Carlsbad Caverns · New Mexico · 6+ trails · $15 / person375 mi · ~8 hr drive
- 10 Bryce Canyon · Utah · 15+ trails · $35 / vehicle376 mi · ~8 hr drive
Planning a trip from Tucson
Saguaro, Petrified Forest, Grand Canyon, White Sands 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 Tucson?
Saguaro National Park, about 28 miles away (~0.5 hr drive).
Which national parks near Tucson work for a weekend trip?
Within roughly a six-hour drive: Saguaro, Petrified Forest, Grand Canyon, White Sands.
How many national parks are within 500 miles of Tucson?
10 of the 63 U.S. national parks are within 500 miles of Tucson.