4. Saguaro National Park

Tucson, Arizona

Saguaro is in a desert, so there’s a bit of sand, but it’s not the sand that makes this park amazing; that’s the job of the iconic Saguaro cactus.

The Saguaro is the largest cactus in the U.S. It can reach 40 feet tall. That’s even more impressive when you find out that it may take a decade for a baby saguaro to reach one inch in height.

While the park has plenty of great trails to hike, it’s also very, very car-friendly. Scenic drives are made even more scenic when experienced at sunrise or sunset. It also gets you out of the heat of the day if you’re there during the summer.

If you’re out for a drive, the park has plenty of picnic areas with shaded structures to enjoy during your travels. The Desert Ecology Trail on the east side of the park is an easy hike with exhibits and plentiful benches along the way. The Desert Discovery Trail is its counterpart on the west side of the park.

5. Petrified Forest National Park

Arizona

A traditional visit to Petrified Forest involves seeing petrified wood and is experienced by car — there are nearly 30 miles of road with plenty of stops and places to get out for a walk.

While you may expect a geological story that’s well-preserved, you’ll also be surprised at the human history of the area. Dating back to the end of the last Ice Age, you’ll see how remarkably well-preserved the structures and artifacts are as well.

For those looking for a less-traditional visit, there’s the park backcountry (it’s extensive). While the wilderness area — the first in the NPS — is other-worldly.