Some of Arizona's Greenest Places

Sure, Arizona is home to more than 60 desert cactus species. But it also boasts six national forests, dozens of tranquil lakes and 4.5 million acres of unspoiled wilderness areas. Here's your guide to Arizona's most verdant regions.

Hike and Picnic

Madera Canyon

Tucson is a city synonymous with the desert, but it harbors many leafy secrets. Madera Canyon—with its shady woodlands, meandering creek and ever-present birdsong—is among the best of them.

Just a 45-minute drive from Tucson Metropolitan Airport, the canyon cuts a narrow crease through the Santa Rita Mountains. The creekside trail that begins at Whitehouse Picnic Area is fantastic for spotting birds—more than 250 species have been documented in the canyon—while higher-elevation hikes can be found on Mount Wrightson.

To get to Madera Canyon, take I-19 south from Tucson to the Continental Road/Madera Canyon exit. Go east for 12 miles and follow the signs to the picnic area. Before you embark on your trek, stock up on provisions—from breakfast burritos to organic trail mix—at Johnny Gibson's Downtown Market in Tucson.

Scenic Drive and Lunch

Joshua Tree Forest Parkway

Driving the 75-mile Joshua Tree Forest Parkway along U.S. Route 93 is a rewarding way to admire the Seussian, green-pommed Joshua tree. It's likely you won't see another soul on this winding, breathtaking route.

Begin in Wickieup and continue south to Wickenburg. You'll pass through quintessential desert sights—saguaros, creosote, craggy mesas—before entering the otherworldly land of Joshua trees. They begin to pop up around mile marker 162, and from that point on, they dominate the landscape.

In Wickenburg, have lunch at the gourmet sandwich shop The Local Press. Order The Big Cheese—a melty stack of Brie and cheddar with seasonal jam on sourdough—and enjoy the restaurant's breezy patio.

Winter Sports and Summer Views

Coconino National Forest

You'll find the mystical red rocks of Sedona within the Coconino National Forest, but this region is also home to the world's largest contiguous ponderosa pine forest and the state's highest mountain peaks.

Canoeing and Historic Hotels

Prescott National Forest

When you drive picturesque State Route 89 through Prescott National Forest, any preconceived notions of Arizona as a vast desert will vanish. As the elevation increases, stands of desert chaparral give way to dense pine forests sprawling in every direction.

On the edge of the forest sits Lynx Lake Recreation Area, a peaceful body of water ringed by trees. Rent a canoe at the marina and ply the calm waters—a relaxing start to an overnight stay at Hotel Vendome in nearby Prescott. The century-old historic hotel bursts with charm and the front porch rocking chairs are the perfect place to sip local wine or craft beer.