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Arcosanti, Mayer, AZ

Photo: Jan Pauw, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Cropped and resized.

SightseeingQuirky FunLocal Gem

Arcosanti

13555 S Cross L Rd · Mayer, AZ

Why you should go…

Arcosanti is an experimental town in the high desert about 70 miles north of Phoenix, begun in 1970 by architect Paolo Soleri to test arcology, his blend of architecture and ecology. Guided tours walk you through silt-cast and form-cast concrete structures, the bronze foundry and the ceramics studio. The handcrafted bronze bells sold on site help support the project, and there is a cafe and overnight lodging if you want to stay longer.

  • #architecture tour
  • #arcology
  • #paolo soleri
  • #bronze bells
  • #desert

Good to know

General sightseeing guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • The forecast is part of the ticket

    Haze, low cloud, and rain flatten a view. Clear-day visits are worth rearranging your plans for.

  • Golden hour sells out first

    Sunset slots at observation decks and cruises are the first to go, so book those further ahead.

  • Dress a layer warmer

    It is always breezier up high and out on the water than it feels at street level.

  • Timed entry is common

    Plenty of landmarks release tickets in windows rather than at the door, so check before you walk over.

What's around here?

The closest stops to Arcosanti, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Sport & Outdoor
    Family Favorite

    Out of Africa Wildlife Park

    $25–$50

    A drive-through and walkabout wildlife park in the Verde Valley with big cat shows and safari tours.

    21 mi awaySwitch it up: Sport & Outdoor

  • Sightseeing
    History Buff

    Montezuma Castle National Monument

    Under $25

    Look up at a five-story Sinagua cliff dwelling set about 90 feet up a limestone wall above a short paved trail.

    24 mi awayMore like this

  • Attractions
    Family Favorite

    Blazin M Ranch

    $50+

    Western-themed ranch near Cottonwood offering a chuck wagon dinner, live stage show and frontier-town activities.

    29 mi awaySwitch it up: Attractions

  • Sport & Outdoor
    Outdoor Adventure

    Bell Rock

    Under $25

    Hike or bike the pathway around a bell-shaped red rock butte south of Sedona, or climb partway up for wide views.

    37 mi awaySwitch it up: Sport & Outdoor

  • Sport & Outdoor
    Outdoor Adventure

    Cathedral Rock

    Under $25

    Scramble a short, steep trail up a red sandstone butte to saddles between its spires with wide views over Sedona's red rock country.

    38 mi awaySwitch it up: Sport & Outdoor

  • Sightseeing
    Iconic

    Chapel of the Holy Cross

    Free

    Step inside a small 1956 chapel built into the red rock buttes of Sedona, set around a 90-foot cross.

    39 mi awayMore like this