Carrizo Plain National Monument, Maricopa

Pristine nature, a valley surrounded by rolling hills. In order to get to a visitor center and to see signature flat plain fields filled with flowers , you need to drive a 7-mile dirt road segment. My Prius could not handle it, and I had to turn back after a mile 3. Hiking the rolling hills, off the paved road, still gives you a wonderful experience. Flowers bloom for a very short period March through April. Endless hiking trails , don't hesitate to venture :-)

This is a great area. Plenty of hiking and walking paths, history all around and quiet views. There are clean vault toilets at basically every scenic overlook. No running water or food, so make sure you bring plenty with you. During the summer months it gets hot, so plan accordingly. Cell and GPS coverage isn't super reliable so make sure to map things out before you go. The area is really dry right now, so no real flowers but plenty of animals to be seen. There was a herd of elk grazing in the fields and several different types of birds flying around. We also managed to spot a few golden eagle nests!