101 Things to do in Northern Arizona
Disclaimer: We are not paid to promote any restaurant, hotel, activity, product, or attraction. All opinions are subjective and based on our personal experience. Your experience may be different.
51. Enjoy a spectacular show by the Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra
The Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra has been entertaining both locals and tourists with their tremendous musical talent since their 1st show in 1950, back when they were known as the Northern Arizona Orchestra. The orchestra puts on a number of great productions each year including a festive Nutcracker themed holiday show. They also put on a fabulous, free patriotic 4th of July show for the community each year at beautiful Ft. Tuthill Park. Believe it or not, this is the first time I heard the catchy “Get Your Kicks on Route 66” song and I still cannot get it out of my head to this day! I was so impressed by the talent of these artists!
52. Check out the local brewery scene
Downtown Flagstaff is loaded with a number of great pubs, including the 2 most popular tourist hotspots: Beaver Street Brewery and Lumberyard Brewing Company. Both pubs offer some tasty appetizers and main dishes with way more than your standard pub fare on the menu. Both brewpubs feature all local beers on tap. Also, both offer attractive patios for the summer season. Also, I appreciated that they offered a few vegetarian entrees. Beaver serves great pizza and Lumberyard great mac and cheese.
If you are looking for something really unique, the Alpine Pedaler offers guided downtown pedaling tours including stops at 3 local breweries.
53. Cool off in a secret Oak Creek swimming hole
While Slide Rock State Park (a really unique state park where natural water slides have been created via the slippery sandstone rocks) is the popular and expensive means to cool down on a hot Sedona summer day, there are several secret swimming holes if you want to avoid both the crowds and hefty fees. My favorite is the quiet little creek near the end of the Huckaby Trail, which can be easily accessed by parking near Midgley Bridge (near the end of the Oak Creek Canyon Scenic drive) and taking a short stroll down the hill.
Red Rock Crossing and Grasshopper point are also nice, although they both require an entry fee and tend to get pretty crowded on hot summer afternoons.
54. Soar high above the pines on the Arizona Snowbowl chairlift ride
Hiking is always the best means of taking in the beautiful high country scenery. However, these hikes are pretty challenging due to the high altitude, and thus, if you are not up for a big workout or simply would rather keep it relaxing on your vacation, you can opt for a summer/fall chairlift ride at the ski resort. The ride starts at 9500 ft and travels up to 11,000 ft, earning it the nickname of “the coolest place in Arizona.”
And cooler it is as the average temperature is at least 30 degrees cooler than the brutal 100+ degree temperatures you would find in Southern Arizona. The lift travels 2000 feet in about 25 minutes. The ride is relaxing and picturesque with views of the ponderosa pines and surrounding mountain ranges. Update: The rides have been upgraded to enclosed gondolas.
55. Take fall photos amongst the incredible foliage at Aspen Corner*
Aspen Corner, which is about 6-7 miles up Snowbowl Rd, sees the most amazingly bright foliage anywhere in Arizona. Really, I would say that the foliage here rivals the best places in New England. Visiting Aspen Corner at the peak of fall really is a must for any leaf peeper, photographer, or simply anyone else who loves fall. This is the best place in Northern Arizona for fall family portraits, bar none. From here, you can also hike a section of the beautiful Arizona Trail, which is also lined with the most strikingly beautiful golden aspens.
56. See the world’s largest travertine bridge
The largest travertine bridge in the world is found at beautiful Tonto Natural Bridge State Park in Payson, a small town in the Mogollon Rim region of the state. A number of hiking trails (varying in difficulty) take you to this gorgeous natural architectural wonder, so there is an option for everyone whether you prefer to keep it simple or challenge yourself to some boulder hopper over natural pools.
As an added bonus, there is also a small waterfall near the end. Fall is a great time to plan your visit as the foliage is quite pretty in this area. There is really not much else to do in Payson, however, the small towns of Pine and Strawberry nearby offer lots of boutique shopping and a number of cozy restaurants.
57. Enjoy gorgeous red rock vistas & creek access via the Huckaby Trail
The Huckaby Trail is a long, tiresome trail best suited for the cooler spring season. There is not much shade on this trail (asides from the sort creek section) and the intense sunshine can be really unbearable on 100 degree summer afternoons. I was so hot that I actually jumped into the creek fully clothed before finishing the return route: definitely not something I would typically do! The entirety of the trail is about 6 miles round-trip with at least a 2.5-3 hour time commitment involved, however, you can go out as far as you are comfortable and turn around at any point.
58. Dine at the historic La Posada Hotel
The Turquoise Room is a wonderful Southwestern restaurant, frequently rated amongst the best in the Four Corners region. It is located inside the La Posada Hotel, a beautiful historic hotel which was once considered to be the best hotel on Rt 66, and continues to be a popular rest stop for tired travelers completing a lengthy Rt 66 road trip. La Posada, known as “the last great railroad hotel,” was designed by the Fred Harvey Company who owned the Harvey house chain of restaurants and hotels which were built along railroads in the West.
The hotel and restaurant both feature gorgeous architecture and authentic Southwestern style decor. Do not leave without trying the Piki Bread with Hopi Hummus and the Signature Black Bean & Corn Soup! I first came across this hotel on a daytrip to the Petrified Forest. I loved the food here so much that I came back just to enjoy their veggie plate. After lunch take a stroll around the beautiful on-site gardens.
59. Shop for antique treasures in Pine & Strawberry
Pine and Strawberry are 2 tiny communities in the Mogollon Rim region, most well-known for their abundance of antique and boutique shops. These towns are also popular with Southern Arizona residents mostly due to the much cooler summer climate. Cabin rentals are an option for anyone looking to really soak in the pine scenery and small town charm.
If you plan on visiting Tonto Natural Bridge State Park in Payson, you might as well check out Pine and Strawberry while you are in the vicinity. Moose Mountain Gifts and Antiques in Pine is my favorite antique shop in the area – the space is ginormous with lots of rare treasures to be found. A stop at Pine Creek Fudge is also a must, not only for the delicious homemade fudge, but also the best espresso in in town!
60. Feel the vortex energy in Sedona
Sedona is increasingly becoming more & more well-known as a healing oasis, where luxury resorts, spas, fantastic hiking trails, alternative health centers, and healthy restaurants all combine for the perfect relaxing, rejuvenating vacation. The presence of numerous vortex sites also helps draw in tourists looking for mental and spiritual healing. There are 4 vortex sites in town. Each of which has either masculine or feminine energy (and sometimes both) which reportedly help heal the body in various ways.
The Bell Rock vortex is said to be the strongest and also the weirdest as dozens of visitors have reported paranormal and UFO sightings. Supposedly, a twisted juniper tree is a sign that the vortex energy is particularly strong. Look carefully: you will see many of these trees on your hike. Sign up for a night tour if you are up for a really strange experience.
Other Sedona vortex hikes include Cathedral, Airport Mesa, and Boynton Canyon. The Boynton Canyon hike is absolutely beautiful and quite unusual as it travels through a really diverse variety of landscapes. For a non hiking option, check out the gorgeous Chapel of the Holy Cross, a gorgeous Roman Catholic church built in between the massive rocks.
