9 Most Peaceful Small Towns In Arizona

With an abundance of public lands and open spaces spanning across a variety of beautiful landscapes, Arizona makes it a real delight to find peace of mind. Even at the state's most visited national park, visitors can attain a sense of zen on the open trails. But for even more peace and quiet, folks can head out to the town at the foot of Lake Powell that's also surrounded by equally impressive parks and monuments. Of course, there's also the resort town that's world-famous for its splendid spiritual vortexes and stunning red rock vistas. Even near Phoenix and Tucson sit low-key towns that make it surprisingly easy to get away from it all. Should you feel the need to seek a quiet moment alongside a change of scenery, it's worth the drive to one of these nine most peaceful small towns in Arizona.

Grand Canyon Village

At first glance, it might seem strange to consider one of the United States' most visited national parks a peaceful place. Yet considering this is Grand Canyon Village, it's actually pretty easy to find some peace of mind at this colorful corner of the Colorado River. In fact, ambitious explorers can take the Bright Angel Trail and enjoy the transition from the cool alpine landscapes at the canyon rim to the warmer desert environment closer to the river. Meanwhile, those who prefer to stay on the South Rim can head to the Trail of Time for a relatively flat walk that offers an interactive journey through the Grand Canyon's geologic history. And right by Grand Canyon National Park's official visitor center, Mather Point offers some of the South Rim's best canyon views, and it's possible to enjoy a quiet moment when coming here early to see the sunrise.

Those seeking maximum peace and quiet in the park can make a reservation to stay at the Mather or Desert View Campground. But for those wanting more creature comforts, the historic El Tovar Hotel is set to reopen in December, offering plush bedding, satellite TV, private bathrooms, and indoor heating and air conditioning.

Page

Where the Colorado River becomes the vast aquatic wonder that is Lake Powell, Page opens up to some of Northern Arizona's most magnificent landmarks. Near the Glen Canyon Dam, the Chains trail works well for adventurers looking to scramble down a sandstone cliff to an extra-special fishing hole at the lakeshore. Then, to the west of town, Vermilion Cliffs National Monument protects over 280,000 acres of unique geological treasures, including the sandstone formation The Wave and the surreal, marble-cake-like rock layers of White Pocket. And on Navajo Nation tribal land, Antelope Canyon offers guided tours of its stupendously sculpted canyon walls that burst into stunning shades of pink, orange, and gold when the sun shines through.

Returning to town, the Grandview Inn Bed and Breakfast makes a "serene southwestern sanctuary" with charmingly comfortable guest quarters, a full hot breakfast served every morning, and an ideal location in a quiet residential neighborhood near Lake Powell and Antelope Canyon.

Sedona

At the junction of the Verde Valley and the Colorado Plateau, Sedona brings a strong sense of zen to a rather enchanting corner of Arizona's red rock country. Anyone who's aiming to do the scenic drive on Highway 89A between Sedona and Flagstaff can stop at Slide Rock State Park and hike around a historic apple farm where an 80-foot stretch of Oak Creek runs through a narrow sandstone red rock flume. Then, to the south of town, Red Rock State Park is a 286-acre nature preserve that provides a calmer environment to explore the manzanita and juniper woodlands and take in the incredible red rock vistas. And on the west end of Sedona, Boynton Canyon is one of the area's most cherished vortexes where New Age believers flock for spiritual energy, and where hikers go to spot wildlife, mule deer, and canyon wrens in this picture-perfect high desert environment.

Staying in Boynton Canyon, Mii amo and Enchantment Resort are a pair of luxury resorts featuring the ultimate Sedona backdrop and easy access to the area's hiking trails. Even better, Mii amo and Enchantment offer spacious, stylish Southwestern-style casitas, daily art classes at the Artist Cottage, wholesome cuisine at Hummingbird and Tii Gavo, and a full suite of services at the Mii amo Spa.

Payson

Venturing up to Arizona's Rim Country, or the alpine region defined by the Mogollon Rim that forms the southern end of the Colorado Plateau, Payson is a cool and verdant mountain town that's within astoundingly easy reach (as in, roughly 83 miles from Phoenix). A short drive north leads to Tonto Natural Bridge State Park, which features what may be the world's largest natural travertine bridge, 150 feet wide. Also nearby is Flowing Springs Recreation Area, a lovely stretch of the East Verde River to go fishing and birdwatching. And just east of town lies the Boulders Loop Trail, a four-mile path around a cypress-juniper forest adorned with eye-catching granite rock formations.

For anyone wanting some extra time to enjoy the peaceful sights and sounds of Rim Country, Payson Inn & Suites offers a nice selection of rooms and suites, all with clean, comfy beds, super-fast internet, coffee machines, mini-fridges, and on-site secure parking.

Paradise Valley

Only 12 miles northeast of Downtown Phoenix, Paradise Valley presents a refreshing oasis of wellness and recreation in the Valley of the Sun. After all, this town sits right by Camelback Mountain, perhaps Maricopa County's most iconic natural landmark and a prime location for seasoned hikers to do the 1,420-foot ascent to the summit. For even more opportunities to take in the natural beauty of the local Sonoran Desert, Piestewa Peak Recreation Area (part of the larger Phoenix Mountains Preserve) offers over 1,200 feet in elevation gain and similarly beautiful panoramic views of the valley and the surrounding mountains. And in case anyone prefers to spend some quality time on the open greens, Camelback Golf Club offers up to 36 holes to play golf at their pair of par-72 courses.

When folks can use some time out at a serene sanctuary, the aptly named Sanctuary Camelback Mountain Resort & Spa really comes through. Set right at the edge of Camelback Mountain, this luxury resort sports an unbeatable backdrop, a trio of swimming pools open year-round, a full tennis and pickleball facility, an extensive menu of treatments available at the spa, and an impressive lineup of opulent accommodations.

Globe

It's about an 88-mile drive east from Phoenix to Globe, an inviting gateway to the tranquil, wide-open spaces of the Pinal Mountains. To the north, the Salt River Canyon Wilderness (part of Tonto National Forest) preserves over 32,000 acres of gorgeous Arizona desert lands, including lush saguaro cactus forests and steep canyons. Turning south, the Kellner Group Site works great for camping, picnics, and spotting wildlife like chipmunks, squirrels, coatimundi, and Coues white-tailed deer in the open mountains. Even in town, folks can easily access Round Mountain Park and try any (or all!) of its five loop tracks that go around this volcanic landscape full of saguaro cacti, ocotillos, palo verde trees, and birds like cactus wrens and Gambel's quails flying around.

Chrysocolla Inn once served as a boarding house for mine workers and traveling workers, and it's now a charming bed-and-breakfast with whimsically furnished guest quarters inside and attractive garden patio spaces outside.

Oro Valley

Turning to the western foothills of the Santa Catalina Mountains of Southern Arizona, about 16 miles north of Downtown Tucson, Oro Valley really lives up to its name with a plethora of golden opportunities to kick back, relax, and enjoy the views. Nearby, Catalina State Park spans across some 5,500 acres of open hills, lush saguaro groves, flowing streams, and an extensive network of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Then, at the south end of town, Tohono Chul Sonoran Botanic Gardens & Arboretum is a 49-acre property with natural desert landscapes and specialty climate-resilient collection gardens. And to the east, the Linda Vista Trail connects Oro Valley to the Pusch Ridge Wilderness and a rather beautiful side of the mountains.

A little farther north of Catalina State Park, Miraval Arizona Resort and Spa spreads across 400 acres of spectacular Sonoran Desert scenery and makes the perfect place to indulge in some quiet luxury with rooms and suites equipped with cloud-like bedding, meditation cushions, plush robes and slippers, and a 65-inch LCD TV with in-room meditation channels. In addition, the resort offers a wide array of wellness programs at their Life in Balance Spa, and a number of wholesome dining options on site.

Sonoita

Southern Arizona isn't usually thought of as a wine country region, yet the town of Sonoita always seems to be growing something good. At Arizona Hops and Vines, visitors can sample their locally made wines in a friendly, laid-back environment. Also in the area is Wilhelm Family Vineyards, where folks can book an appointment to sample their fine wines in the tasting room and take in the magnificent vineyard vistas. And for something different, people can head over to Copper Brothel Brewery and enjoy some local craft beers and scratch-made pub fare.

After a day of checking out the local viticulture, visitors can retreat to The Wine Inn and discover a 40-acre working ranch with four distinctly designed guest rooms, an unhurried farm-fresh breakfast served every morning, and even chances to take part in farm activities like milking goats and making cheese.

Ajo

Ajo may be the Spanish word for garlic, but it also sounds similar to the Oʼodham word for paint (oʼoho), and this Southern Arizona town certainly looks like an enchanting landscape painting with its colorful desert scenery. Moving south on Highway 85, towards the United States-Mexico border, is Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, an official UNESCO biosphere reserve and the only known place where organ pipe cacti grow in the wild. Also in the region is the Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge, which protects some 860,000 acres of pristine Yuma Desert land that provides habitat for animals like Sonoran pronghorns, bighorn sheep, and lesser long-nosed bats. Even in town, folks can head over to the Ajo Historical Society Museum, take in the beautiful mountain views outside, and go inside to view their collection of mining artifacts and locally made art.

Less than two miles away from the museum, The Farmers Inn at the Guest House is a quaint and cozy bed-and-breakfast with comfortable homestyle guest rooms and a convenient location near Ajo's central village.

Give Peace a Chance with a Getaway to One of These Lovely Arizona Towns

Arizona may have the United States' tenth-most populous metropolitan region and a plethora of world-famous tourist attractions, but the Copper State might just have the gold standard for small towns to escape for some much-needed peace of mind. Even in Grand Canyon Village, folks can find quieter corners of Grand Canyon National Park to calm down and take in those majestic views. Yet in Page, visitors can ditch the bigger crowds elsewhere and explore the unique sights and sounds of Antelope Canyon and Vermilion Cliffs National Monument. Meanwhile, Sedona is an attractive option for those seeking stunning red rock scenery alongside world-class spa resorts. Then, a short drive away from Phoenix's urban core, Paradise Valley presents a quieter side of the Valley of the Sun at the foot of Camelback Mountain. And farther south, Ajo opens up to the incredible natural beauty of Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument.