101 Things to do in Northern Arizona
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11. Hike to the amphitheater of an ancient volcano
Here’s an underappreciated hike everyone with some extra time should check out, and it’s just a 30 minute drive outside of Flagstaff. The Red Mountain trail is a relaxing 1.5 mile leisurely out-and-back trek to the amphitheater (center) of a volcano which is estimated to have erupted about 470,000 years ago. It’s not something you see everyday, and thus, definitely something I consider worth the extra drive if you are going to be in the area for a while.
I would recommend stopping here on your way back from the Grand Canyon as it is conveniently located on the same route. The scenery along this trail is really diverse considering the short distance and includes towering cinder cones, hoodoos, and a diverse range of high desert plant life including ponderosa pines and juniper trees. I really liked this one because it was 1. different 2. the hoodoos were amazing.
12. Drive through Bearizona
Visiting Bearizona in small-town Williams is a great addition to any Grand Canyon vacation. After an exhausting day walking around Grand Canyon Village, it’s nice to take a day off and explore some of the area’s more relaxing attractions. Whether or not you are staying in Williams, I would recommend checking out this small park, which is regarded as one of the country’s best drive-thru wildlife parks.
Along the drive, you will see all sorts of wildlife in a setting which resembles their natural habitat. Bison, Alaskan Tundra Wolves, and Black Bear are just a handful of animals you will see roaming in the beautiful countryside. You can also take a tram tour, walk around the small zoo portion of the park, and see raptors flying above your head in the daily Birds of Prey show.
13. Take family photos surrounded by gorgeous seasonal wildflowers
Late summer (after monsoon season) is a great time in Northern Arizona as this is when the summer tourist crowds start dwindling down, hotel rates begin to drop, and the beautiful yellow wildflowers begin to spring up everywhere. This is one of my favorite times of the year to get out there and explore. Photo hotspots include: Bonito Meadow (located on the Sunset Crater-Wupatki Scenic drive) and Hwy 180 near the Peak View Gas Station. Fabulous mountain views no matter which you choose! The Hwy 180 location features a perfect photo opp by the iconic Flagstaff sign, while Bonito Meadow offers amazing views of Sunset Crater and the Peaks.
14. Hike the South Kaibab trail into the heart of the Grand Canyon*
Of course, visiting the Grand Canyon should be on the top of everyone’s Arizona to-do list. Early spring and late fall are the best times to visit as this means fewer crowds and milder weather. While viewing the stunning canyon from the various overlooks is enough for most, hiking into the Canyon is an experience to remember. For an incredible experience you will never forget, consider a hiking adventure along the South Kaibab Trail.
The 3 mile hike to Skeleton point is rough & hilly the entire trek, however, this is the best hike I have ever experienced period. Those not up for such a challenging feat can simply hike out to the first lookout, appropriately named Ooh Ah Ah point. If you decide to continue you on, you will notice a sharp decrease in crowds, and enjoy the amazing feeling of having the canyon all to yourself! Be aware that this area is high altitude and very dry so dehydration and altitude sickness is a major concern no matter the distance. Do not attempt to hike this one during the hot summer season! I completed the entire 3 mile journey despite getting stuck in a very scary monsoon: one of the top hiking experiences in my life!
15. Take in a bird’s eye view of Sedona via the Sugarloaf/Teacup trail*
With towering red rock formations surrounding every square inch of the town, it’s no surprise that every trail in Sedona is basically picture-perfect. If you really want to see some spectacular scenery (without much effort required), hike the combined Teacup & Sugarloaf Summit trail. Few outstanding views are accessible via such minimal effort.
Combined, the 2 trails are just a little over 2 miles. The trail is mostly flat asides from a short steep climb of under 1/2 mile up to the amazing Sugarloaf Summit overlook. Other perks of hiking this fabulous trail include quick access from the Uptown area and a surprising lack of crowds. As someone who lived in the area for several years, this is one that I came back to most often.
16. Challenge yourself to 13 creek crossings along the West Fork Trail*
The West Fork trail is the most popular trail within the massive ~2 million acre Coconino National Forest. Every year thousands of Southern Arizona residents fleeing the heat, leaf peepers, as well as Sedona tourists make the trek down beautiful Oak Creek Canyon to take in the wonder of this diverse trail. I love this trail because it is so different. You can enjoy serene views of the creek, take in magnificent red rock vistas, enjoy a rare cool & shady Arizona setting, and even see a hint of fall foliage in autumn and snow in winter. I don’t enjoy the autumn crowds though!
This is one of the few places in Arizona where you get to see some traditional fall foliage in the form of maples and oaks, as opposed to the golden aspens you typically find out West. However, my favorite time to hike is following a big winter storm when snow dusts the red rocks. What a sight to behold! It reminds me of hiking in New England (I lived in Massachusetts for several years).
17. Explore ancient pictographs at Lamar Haines Memorial Wildlife Area
The Lamar Haines Memorial Wildlife viewing area, previously known as the Veit Springs trail, is a great short hike on the southern slope of Flagstaff’s San Francisco Peaks. The scenery here is a mix ponderosa and aspen trees. During the fall months, the bright golden aspens stand out brilliantly amongst the green pines.
Veit Springs is one of the few trails where you have a decent chance of seeing wildlife. It’s peaceful and almost never crowded due to the semi hidden location in between miles 4 and 5 on Snowbowl Rd (most tourists continue on the full 7 mile drive). As a local, I often came here when I didn’t want to deal with crowds. I love this hike because it feels more like a trail you would find in New England rather than Arizona. A short side trail brings you to some cool ancient faint red pictographs of unknown origin. You get a bit of everything on this hike: uninterrupted nature, history, a nice little workout, and most importantly, peace and quiet.
18. Feast on authentic Indian cuisine at Delhi Palace
Delhi Palace, tucked away in a little strip plaza in Flagstaff, is no question the best restaurant in Flagstaff, and possibly the entire state. Do not let the strip mall location fool you! The delicious assortment of fresh homemade perfectly seasoned Indian cuisine offered on their daily lunch buffet comes in as the perfect treat after an exhausting day out on the gorgeous trails surrounding Flagstaff. This restaurant was my first experience trying Indian food: I now seek it out everywhere I travel. To date, I’ve never tasted a more delicious Vegetable Korma and Saag Paneer. Sadly, the lunch buffet is no longer offered, but the setting is nice for an evening date.
19. Explore historic downtown Prescott
Prescott is known for its’ charming old-fashioned downtown which is home to classic historic Victorian architecture from the 19th century. Sipping on delicious coffee and a homemade pastry at local coffeehouse Wild Iris is a great way to start your morning. For dinner, try out one of the authentic Italian restaurants like Papa’s or Rosa’s Pizzeria.
In suburban Southern Arizona, we do not find many of these charming neighborhoods much today. Prescott is home to one of the few remaining classic Main Streets from day’s past. Asides from local restaurants, shops, antique stores, cowboy western shops, several western themed museums, and Whiskey Row (a block of old-fashioned saloons), you will find a whole lineup of traditional events throughout the year including a spectacular holiday lights festival, the annual Whiskey Row Shoot Out, and the Prescott Frontier Days Rodeo Parade (Prescott is home to the World’s Oldest Rodeo).
20. Enjoy endless red rock vistas on the Red Rock Scenic Byway*
The name really says it all for this one. You will not believe the scenery along this 14 mile long SR 179 drive, better known as the Red Rock Scenic Byway. I am in awe no matter how many times I drive it. Each rock in Sedona is named after the shape it resembles and you will see all sorts of crazy formations on this drive including everyone’s favorite, Snoopy rock, which resembles the classic Peanut’s character. There’s lot of stops along the way where you can get out and take photos.
Or better yet, stop for a hike at Little Horse, a moderate hike which leads you to an incredible overlook which definitely rewards you for all your effort. SR 179 runs from Interstate 17 to SR 89 and backs up almost every weekend. For a relaxing, stress-free drive visit on a weekday during a non holiday period.
