Everyone who hears Arizona, all they think is desert, hot, and dry. However, not all regions of Arizona hold these characteristics. Northern Arizona is a beautiful place, filled with outdoor adventures for everyone of all ages. If you ever get the chance to visit this region of Arizona, make sure to check out the hot spots on my list!
1. Havasupai Falls
These beautiful falls live in one of the wonders of the world, The Grand Canyon National Park. This trip however will take at least three days on its own, due to the extensive hike it takes to get to the falls itself. The hike is roughly 18.5 miles all in all - one way. From Hualapai Hilltop to Supai it is a whopping 8 mile hike, and from Supai to the campground is another 2 miles. The campground to Mooney Falls is only 0.5 miles, and then another 8 miles to get to the Colorado River. Most people choose to hike part of the trail until they reach the campground where they will stay for $17 a night, and then wake up the next day to finish the hike down to the falls. There are helicopter rides, as well as horses for rent to help in getting to the falls quicker. The entry fee to the trail itself is $35. If you do decide to endouver on this amazing hike, make sure to be courteous and kind to the nature, for it is home to the Havasupai Tribe -- who are kind enough to open up there homes to us. Although this hike does take a few days out of your vacation, it is number one on my list of go-to places in Northern Arizona.
2. Out Of Africa
Located in Camp Verde, Arizona is the Out Of Africa Wildlife Park. On top of the general admission tickets, you can purchase tickets for additional attractions such as the VIP Behind the Scenes Tour, feeding a tiger, a Unimog Adventure Tour (pictured above), an Expedition Passport, and a Racing Raptor Zipline ticket. The countless activities available at the Out Of Africa Wildlife Park make it a must-stop during your travel through Northern Arizona.
3. Bearizona
Located only 25 miles west of Flagstaff, and 50 miles south of The Grand Canyon, Bearizona makes for the ideal stop on your road trip through Northern Arizona. Bearizona provides you the option to drive through the park in your own car witnessing the animals in their natural habitat, and a walk through option to get up close with the baby animals. Bearizona is a unique zoo making it a must-do activity.
4. Sedona
There are a variety of things to do in Sedona, hundreds of things if I'm being honest. So the hardest thing to do when planning a trip to this beautiful place, is deciding how to get the most out of your time there. You can take self-guided tours, or take a spin on Sedona's hop-on-hop-off trolley tour. You can do a short day hike or ride on Sedona's ever-popular Jeep tour. You can spend time walking through Tlaquepaque, Uptown Sedona, and the various eateries, shopping centers, and art galleries therein. Sedona is also the home of Oak Creek Canyon, and the ever-so-fun Slide Rock. Sedona houses it all.
5. Devil's Bridge
Are you up for this grueling hike? Located in Sedona, Arizona is this beautiful, scenic hike. The hike itself is a whopping 1.8 miles, which on average will take about an hour and a half. The view is breathtaking, and provides the perfect day trip for the outdoorsey type. I do highly suggest bringing lots & lots of that H2O along with sunscreen, unless you like rocking that red tan.
6. Fossil Creek
Hanging out at this creek, or jumping off the various cliffs, Fossil Creek is a must-do for your Northern Arizona trip. Located in the Coconino National Forest, there are plenty entries to the creek. Some require quite a hike, while some are accessible effortlessly. Regardless if you're searching for a relaxing day in the water, or one filled with adrenaline, Fossil Creek is a hot-spot in Northern Arizona.
7. Horseshoe Bend
Located in the Page, AZ is one of my favorite places to visit. There are two options for this tour, one being an hour and a half and the other being two and a half hours. Either tour will provide breathtaking views. Horseshoe bend, a U-shaped rock where the Colorado River runs around, is only twenty minutes away from Antelope Canyon, and the 1,000 ft drop is a simple walk to get to! You won't want to pass up on this trip, because the photos are ones you'll want to hold onto.
8. The Grand Canyon
One of the Seven Wonders of the World. The Grand Canyon is a sight you have to see at least once before you die, and whats lucky for us Arizona Natives, its a monumental scene in what is basically our backyard. If you're wanting to drive in the early morning to catch the beautiful sunrise, or even leave late at night after the sunset you're going to be in for a phenomenal view. Hikes are ideal here, as well as just fun, family time. The Grand Canyon is an adventure you must experience.
9. Flagstaff Extreme Adventure Course
This obstacle course is set in the Ponderosa Pines, varying from 15-60ft off the ground. Some features of the obstacle course include swings, slides, ziplines, nets, suspended bridges, and even an aerial surf board. There are courses for adults as well as children, and an option for those who want to go in groups! The price is set around $49 for adults, and $25 for children, but some discounts are offered for military, college students, groups of 8+, and seniors! So, looking for a fun, fitness activity? Flagstaff Extreme Adventure Course should be your top pick!
10. Snowbowl
Located in Coconino County, Arizona is the infamous Snow Bowl. Although this visit is ideal during the winter season, it is one you can experience during the not so cold seasons. Whether you're a first timer, or an experienced snowboarder/skiier, snow bowl has routes for all of you. Snow bowl even offers scenic chairlifts during the summer, so whether you decide to come for the snow, or the beautiful summery weather, snow bowl has an activity planned for you.
11. Lowell Observatory
Ever wonder who found Pluto? Well wonder no more. That little 'planet/not a planet' was discovered in your very own Flagstaff Lowell Observatory. For a very low price, you can experience space through the lens of the very own telescope that discovered Pluto. Stargazing is an experience many want to have, so rather than lying in the grass looking up at the stars, get an up-close look at Lowell Observatory!
12. Macy's Cafe
Macy's made its way onto this list, because it is my personal favorite coffee house in the ever-so old fashioned Downtown Flagstaff. It is locally owned and operated, keeping the history alive as well as welcoming in the new with open arms. Voted “Best Coffeehouse” in the Arizona Daily Sun’s, Best of Flag contest, for three years running, Macy's is a go-to eatery for you and your family during your Northern Arizona trip.
13. West Wind Air Tours
Are you an adrenaline seeker, who loves the view from above? Well then I have the experience for you! Although on the pricier side, West Wind Air Tours, located in Phoenix Arizona, provides air tours in the most beautiful places of Northern Arizona. Tours from Phoenix lead you to the Grand Canyon where you can have just the air tour, or even a hike! They even offer a one day air tour along with a one day white water river rafting tour. Enjoy a tour in Sedona, or even Lake Powell. Whatever scenic area you're wishing to experience from up above, they've got you covered.
So if you're planning a trip through Northern Arizona sometime this year, I hope you'll take my advice and stop in at these thirteen amazing hot-spots! You won't regret it, and the pictures will forever remind you of the amazing times you had.
