A Guide to Arizona's Must-Book-Ahead Attractions
You've planned the perfect Arizona road trip. You’ve driven for hours, the desert scenery flying by your window, anticipation building with every mile. You finally arrive at the breathtaking entrance to that famous slot canyon or epic trail, only to be met with the most heartbreaking sign in the travel world: "SOLD OUT - RESERVATIONS REQUIRED." It’s a scenario that has crushed the spirits of countless travelers.
Planning ahead is the secret to a stress-free Arizona adventure. Some of the state's most iconic experiences are protected by strict capacity limits, permit systems, or are simply so popular they sell out months in advance. This guide will walk you through popular attractions that you must book in advance.
Antelope Canyon
Visiting the world-famous Antelope Canyon is an unforgettable experience, but it's one that absolutely requires advance planning. You cannot visit on your own and must book a guided tour. This isn't just a matter of crowd control; the canyons are sacred sites on Navajo Nation land, and access is thoughtfully managed through authorized tour operators to protect the fragile sandstone. During the popular spring and fall seasons, you'll want to secure your spot as far as four months ahead of your trip. A great tip for travelers is to book directly with a company listed on the Navajo Parks & Rec website. If you find your preferred dates are full, consider looking into alternatives that can sometimes be less crowded.
Havasu Falls
The Havasupai Tribe strictly manages access to protect their sacred land and its fragile ecosystem. The reservation system for the entire year typically opens on February 1st at 8:00 AM MST and sells out for the entire season in a matter of minutes. The only real strategy is to create an account on the official Havasupai Reservations website well beforehand and be ready the second it goes live. There is a "Permit Cancellations / Transfers" list available for purchase if you are in the area and your plans are flexible.
The Wave
One of the most sought-after hikes in Arizona is The Wave, located in Coyote Buttes North. A permit is required to walk across its fragile, swirling sandstone formations, and access is strictly limited to 64 people per day to protect the area. Secure a permit through an online lottery held four months ahead of the desired date. For better chances, apply on weekdays or during the less-crowded, yet still stunning, winter months.
Mather Campground - Grand Canyon National Park
When it comes to camping inside Grand Canyon National Park, the most popular spot, Mather Campground, requires reservations that are snapped up the moment they become available six months in advance. It’s the most accessible campground with fantastic amenities and shuttle access, making it highly sought-after. For the best chance at securing a site, set a calendar alert for 8:00 AM MST exactly six months before your desired date. It is first come first serve in the winter months, but spots fill up fast.
What Doesn't Usually Need a Reservation?
On the bright side, not every Arizona adventure requires this level of planning. You can typically pay the entrance fee at the gate on the day of your visit for stunning parks like Saguaro National Park, Petrified Forest National Park, and even for general admission to the Grand Canyon. Most state parks also allow for day-use entry without advance booking. While most hiking trails in Sedona don't require permits, the real challenge is parking. To get a spot at world-famous trailheads like Devil's Bridge or Cathedral Rock, you need to arrive at or even before sunrise. The trail is open, but access to it is the limiting factor.
When in doubt, check the official website. A five-minute search before you go can be the difference between the trip of a lifetime and a long, disappointing drive home.
