Discover Arizona’s History and Heritage with RV Cruise US
Exploring Arizona by RV is like traveling through time — every mile reveals ancient cultures, bold explorers, and breathtaking natural wonders. From timeless canyons to colonial missions, the state’s landscapes and landmarks share stories of endurance, creativity, and community. With RV Cruise US, you can experience Arizona’s historical treasures at your own pace, taking the scenic routes that connect centuries of history.
1. Grand Canyon National Park
No trip through Arizona is complete without visiting the Grand Canyon — one of the world’s greatest natural wonders. Carved by the Colorado River over millions of years, this magnificent gorge stretches 277 miles long and over a mile deep. Its layered rock formations trace nearly two billion years of Earth’s story.
Designated a national park in 1919 and a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979, the Grand Canyon draws millions of travelers each year. Whether you hike the South Rim, venture down the Bright Angel Trail, or explore the serene North Rim, RV travelers can easily find nearby campgrounds and enjoy endless horizons that change color with every sunrise and sunset.
2. Wupatki National Monument
Just north of Flagstaff lies Wupatki National Monument — a remarkable network of more than 2,600 ancestral Puebloan sites. These pueblos rose after the eruption of Sunset Crater Volcano around 1085 CE, when ancient farmers adapted to new terrain and built thriving desert communities.
The multi-story Wupatki Pueblo showcases innovative stone architecture and ancient agricultural techniques like dry farming and check dams. RV travelers can explore the site’s short hiking trails — such as the Wupatki Pueblo Trail or the Citadel Trail — to connect with centuries-old ingenuity that turned volcanic soil into life.
3. Montezuma Castle National Monument
Tucked into a limestone cliff near Beaver Creek, Montezuma Castle is a five-story Sinagua cliff dwelling dating back to the 12th century. Despite its name, it has no link to the Aztec ruler — instead, it stands as a testament to local innovation and survival in Arizona’s rugged landscape.
A short, paved loop trail offers stunning views of the ancient structure, allowing visitors to imagine how families once lived high above the desert floor. It’s a quick and easy stop for RV adventurers traveling between Phoenix and Sedona.
4. Casa Grande Ruins National Monument
In Coolidge, Arizona, the Casa Grande Ruins preserve the massive “Great House” — built by the Hohokam people between 1150 and 1450 CE. Crafted from caliche and adobe, this four-story structure has endured for more than 700 years. The Hohokam were master engineers, known for constructing vast irrigation canals and fostering trade across the Southwest.
RV travelers can visit the shaded viewing area and museum exhibits to better understand the scale of this ancient desert civilization.
5. Tumacácori National Historical Park
Set along the Santa Cruz River Valley, Tumacácori is one of Arizona’s most beautiful colonial mission sites. Founded in the late 1600s by Jesuit missionary Father Eusebio Kino, it tells the story of cultural blending among Spanish settlers, Indigenous O’odham communities, and later Mexican influences.
The partially restored adobe church stands amid orchards and historic cemeteries. Self-guided tours and seasonal cultural events bring the mission’s history to life — perfect for RV travelers exploring southern Arizona’s historic route to Mexico.
6. Old Spanish National Historic Trail
Known as one of the toughest trade routes in early America, the Old Spanish Trail connected Santa Fe to Los Angeles between 1829 and 1848. Arizona’s northwest corner holds a small but vital section of this historic path, once traveled by traders, explorers, and settlers.
Designated as a National Historic Trail in 2002, it’s a fascinating route to follow by RV, offering a chance to imagine the grit and endurance of those who crossed the wild Southwest on foot and mule.
7. Hubbell Trading Post National Historic Site
Located in Ganado, Arizona, the Hubbell Trading Post has been serving the Navajo Nation since 1878. Founded by John Lorenzo Hubbell, it became a bridge between Navajo artisans and American commerce — trading wool, rugs, and jewelry for supplies.
Today, the trading post still operates, allowing visitors to browse authentic Navajo crafts in a living piece of history. RV travelers can park nearby and enjoy a glimpse of the enduring spirit of the Navajo people.
8. Fort Bowie National Historic Site
Hidden in the rugged Chiricahua Mountains, Fort Bowie tells the dramatic story of the Apache Wars. Established in 1862, the fort witnessed decades of conflict between the U.S. Army and the Chiricahua Apache, culminating in Geronimo’s surrender in 1886.
Visitors can hike a 1.5-mile trail to reach the ruins, passing through Apache Spring and other historic sites along the way. The journey offers reflection on the struggles and courage that defined the Southwest frontier.
9. Chiricahua National Monument
Nicknamed the “Land of Standing-Up Rocks,” Chiricahua National Monument dazzles visitors with towering stone formations created by ancient volcanic eruptions. Beyond its natural beauty, the monument holds human history too — from the homeland of the Chiricahua Apache to the Faraway Ranch homestead built by Swedish immigrants.
With 17 miles of scenic trails, this site is ideal for RV travelers seeking hiking, photography, and peaceful campgrounds surrounded by surreal rock landscapes.
10. Orpheum Theatre – Phoenix
For a taste of Arizona’s artistic past, visit the Orpheum Theatre in downtown Phoenix. Opened in 1929, this Spanish Baroque-style theatre was part of the famous vaudeville circuit. After decades of decline, it was lovingly restored by the City of Phoenix in the 1990s.
Today, it shines again as a vibrant venue for concerts, plays, and cultural events. If you’re road-tripping through Phoenix with RV Cruise US, park nearby and enjoy an evening of entertainment in one of the city’s architectural gems.