Feel like your mind, body, and soul need a time-out from your hectic life? One of my favorite ways to unwind is to head out into nature, where the environment is naturally quiet. You can sit back, listen to the trees sway, birds chirp, and let your mind wander in quiet solitude.

If you think a bit of quiet relaxation is just what you need to rejuvenate, check out this list of our favorite quiet spaces. Each features lovely scenery an d a relaxing environment where you can sit back, reflect on the week, and prepare for the start of a new week.

  1. Apache Trail

andyh.info/Flickr This first spot is actually perfect for people looking to go for a drive while surrounded by beautiful scenery. A good amount of Apache Trail (also known as State Route 88) features curves and stunning desert scenery. If the weather is cool, roll down your windows and enjoy the fresh air. Location: Google Maps

  1. Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness

Bureau of Land Management/Flickr This secluded canyon sits about 4 hours northeast of Tucson and is one of the best places to visit if you want to find solitude in nature. The Bureau of Land Management limits canyon visitors to just 50 per day and most days you’ll be lucky to run into another person. Location: Google Maps

  1. Bill Williams River National Wildlife Refuge

Arizona Traveler/Flickr This wildlife refuge sits a short distance from the Colorado River, 25 miles south of Lake Havasu City. Since it is a seasonal home for birds and other wildlife, you’ll find this place to be quiet with areas to sit back and watch nature. Location: Google Maps

  1. Blue Range Primitive Area

Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests/Flickr This actually covers a large chunk of wilderness area between Safford and Eagar but you’ll find a beautifully secluded environment for hiking, camping, or just enjoying a quiet picnic. The land here is rugged, remote, and stark, perfect if you’re looking to escape into nature. Details: National Forest Service

  1. Canyon de Chelly

Anna Irene/Flickr This park sits on the Navajo Nation in Chinle and is a lovely sight. You can drive along the rim to reach different overlooks, take a hike down White House Ruin Trail, or even book a guided tour to get deeper into the canyon. Location: Google Maps

  1. Chiricahua National Monument

Alan English CPA/Flickr A “wonderland of rocks” is the perfect description of this place and we think you’ll agree that its natural beautiful is simply stunning. You can opt to drive to some of the overlooks or hike one of the many trails here to feel connected with nature. Location: Google Maps

  1. Coal Mine Canyon

John Fowler/Flickr This hidden gem also sits on the Navajo Nation, approximately 16 miles southeast of Tuba City. You’ll find a strikingly beautiful canyon filled with colorful spires and a completely quiet environment. Just keep in mind that permits through the Navajo Nation are required to hike into the canyon. Location: Google Maps

  1. East Clear Creek

Coconino National Forest/Flickr This creek extends from Winslow down to the Mogollon Rim so we recommend choosing a trail nearby to check it out. We recommend the Kinder Crossing Trail on the Rim; it is short and offers beautiful views. Details: Only In Your State

  1. Gila Box Riparian National Conservation Area

Bureau of Land Management/Flickr Located in southeastern Arizona between Thatcher and Morenci, Gila Box is a desert environment that offers a beautiful water system that both humans and animals enjoy. Here, you can enjoy camping, fishing, hiking, or just watching wildlife. Location: Google Maps

  1. Lockett Meadow

Coconino National Forest/Flickr Lockett Meadow sits on the eastern side of the San Francisco Peaks and is a popular spot to visit in the fall. However, it’s just as lovely in the spring and summer where you’ll find an ideal place to enjoy the mountains and pines. Location: Google Maps

  1. Madera Canyon

Dave Hensley/Flickr Not many people know about Madera Canyon, a beautiful area sitting in southern Arizona about one hour south of Tucson. You’ll be able to enjoy a morning hike and spot plenty of wildlife, making this place a nice respite from the desert. Details: National Forest Service

  1. Red Mountain (Flagstaff)

Coconino National Forest/Flickr Not to be confused with Red Mountain near Mesa, this extinct volcano offers a unique experience with a trail that is usually pretty quiet. Here, you can walk into the exposed interior of the 740,000 year old volcano. Details: Only In Your State

  1. Rim Road

Coconino National Forest/Flickr Forest Road 300 runs along the Mogollon Rim where you can spot gorgeous forest scenery. The drive starts about 10 miles north of Strawberry along State Route 87 and extends all the way down to the Mogollon Rim Visitor Center near Willow Springs Lake. Location: Google Maps

  1. Rose Canyon Lake

Alan English CPA/Flickr Located in the Santa Catalina Mountains near Tucson, Rose Canyon Lake is a quiet place where you can reflect on the week, hike, and fish. A campground sits nearby, perfect if you want to extend your stay a day or two. Location: Google Maps

  1. San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area

Bureau of Land Management/Flickr This natural area follows a portion of the San Pedro River near Sierra Vista, extending from the U.S.-Mexican border northwards to an area near St. David. It’s an area popular for birders, so expect it to be quiet and filled with wildlife if you visit. Details: Bureau of Land Management

Which one do you hope to visit during a free weekend? If you want to share your favorite spot to relax after a long week, feel free to share it with us!

andyh.info/Flickr

This first spot is actually perfect for people looking to go for a drive while surrounded by beautiful scenery. A good amount of Apache Trail (also known as State Route 88) features curves and stunning desert scenery. If the weather is cool, roll down your windows and enjoy the fresh air. Location: Google Maps

Bureau of Land Management/Flickr

This secluded canyon sits about 4 hours northeast of Tucson and is one of the best places to visit if you want to find solitude in nature. The Bureau of Land Management limits canyon visitors to just 50 per day and most days you’ll be lucky to run into another person. Location: Google Maps

Arizona Traveler/Flickr

This wildlife refuge sits a short distance from the Colorado River, 25 miles south of Lake Havasu City. Since it is a seasonal home for birds and other wildlife, you’ll find this place to be quiet with areas to sit back and watch nature. Location: Google Maps

Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests/Flickr

This actually covers a large chunk of wilderness area between Safford and Eagar but you’ll find a beautifully secluded environment for hiking, camping, or just enjoying a quiet picnic. The land here is rugged, remote, and stark, perfect if you’re looking to escape into nature. Details: National Forest Service

Anna Irene/Flickr

This park sits on the Navajo Nation in Chinle and is a lovely sight. You can drive along the rim to reach different overlooks, take a hike down White House Ruin Trail, or even book a guided tour to get deeper into the canyon. Location: Google Maps

Alan English CPA/Flickr

A “wonderland of rocks” is the perfect description of this place and we think you’ll agree that its natural beautiful is simply stunning. You can opt to drive to some of the overlooks or hike one of the many trails here to feel connected with nature. Location: Google Maps

John Fowler/Flickr

This hidden gem also sits on the Navajo Nation, approximately 16 miles southeast of Tuba City. You’ll find a strikingly beautiful canyon filled with colorful spires and a completely quiet environment. Just keep in mind that permits through the Navajo Nation are required to hike into the canyon. Location: Google Maps

Coconino National Forest/Flickr

This creek extends from Winslow down to the Mogollon Rim so we recommend choosing a trail nearby to check it out. We recommend the Kinder Crossing Trail on the Rim; it is short and offers beautiful views. Details: Only In Your State

Located in southeastern Arizona between Thatcher and Morenci, Gila Box is a desert environment that offers a beautiful water system that both humans and animals enjoy. Here, you can enjoy camping, fishing, hiking, or just watching wildlife. Location: Google Maps

Lockett Meadow sits on the eastern side of the San Francisco Peaks and is a popular spot to visit in the fall. However, it’s just as lovely in the spring and summer where you’ll find an ideal place to enjoy the mountains and pines. Location: Google Maps

Dave Hensley/Flickr

Not many people know about Madera Canyon, a beautiful area sitting in southern Arizona about one hour south of Tucson. You’ll be able to enjoy a morning hike and spot plenty of wildlife, making this place a nice respite from the desert. Details: National Forest Service

Not to be confused with Red Mountain near Mesa, this extinct volcano offers a unique experience with a trail that is usually pretty quiet. Here, you can walk into the exposed interior of the 740,000 year old volcano. Details: Only In Your State

Forest Road 300 runs along the Mogollon Rim where you can spot gorgeous forest scenery. The drive starts about 10 miles north of Strawberry along State Route 87 and extends all the way down to the Mogollon Rim Visitor Center near Willow Springs Lake. Location: Google Maps

Located in the Santa Catalina Mountains near Tucson, Rose Canyon Lake is a quiet place where you can reflect on the week, hike, and fish. A campground sits nearby, perfect if you want to extend your stay a day or two. Location: Google Maps

This natural area follows a portion of the San Pedro River near Sierra Vista, extending from the U.S.-Mexican border northwards to an area near St. David. It’s an area popular for birders, so expect it to be quiet and filled with wildlife if you visit. Details: Bureau of Land Management

If you want to check out more places in Arizona that are perfect for a quiet weekend, be sure to read Escape To These 11 Remote Places In Arizona To Get Away From It All. You just might find your next favorite escape!

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