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.
61. Hike Thumb Butte
Thumb Butte, a beautiful trail within the Prescott National Forest, is a bit of a toughy due to the steep uphill climb (which goes on for a mile or so), however, you will be rewarded for your effort with outstanding views of the city and surrounding mountains. Plus, you will get in an excellent all over body workout. The hike is unique in that it travels through a diverse range of habitats and wildlife is pretty abundant. A portion of the trail travels through a really quiet, beautiful pine forest. Keep your eyes peeled as black bears are occasionally sighted! Best of all, summer temps in Prescott are considerably cooler than Phoenix & Tucson!
62. Take a peek into ancient native life at the Elden Pueblo ruins
The Elden Pueblo ruins in Flagstaff, inhabited by the ancient Sinagua from 1070 to 1275 AD, are quite interesting to visit as you get an up close look at how these ancient people lived. Due to the convenient access, the pueblo was thought to be a major trading site, with evidence of trade items all the way from Mexico. Quite a difference from our modern technology based world! Ironically, the Flagstaff mall is just across the street from this little piece of living history!
63. Walk amongst Lava Flow at Sunset Crater
Sunset Crater is the youngest, least eroded volcano in the San Francisco Volcanic Field, as well as one of the youngest volcanoes in the US. Visiting Sunset Crater National Monument is a pretty unique experience as you will get an upclose look at lava flow from a volcano which erupted over 900 years ago. The Sinagua tribes were living here 100’s of years before the eruption. You can read lots more about the history at the visitor center.
There’s some nice views of the mountains here too, plus you also get admission to Wupatki National Monument (your pass is valid for 7 days). The beautiful Wupatki-Sunset Crater scenic drive is beautiful enough on its’ own to warrant a drive over.
64. Step into a church unlike any other
Sedona’s Chapel of the Holy Cross is one of the most mesmerizing man-made wonders out West. The church was built in between 2 red rock formations and offers some of the most incredible panoramas of this beautiful city, both inside and outside. This incredible church truly is a work of art. The design was inspired by sculptor Marguerite Brunswig Staude, a student of Frank Lloyd Wright. As soon as you step into the doors, you will be in awe of the amazing architecture. Not surprisingly, the church is one of Sedona’s strongest vortex sites and many visitors report feeling extra energy after their visit.
65. Hike Brin’s Mesa
Brin’s may be one of Sedona’s more popular tourist picks, but that does not mean it is not worth putting on your bucket list. The views are amazing on this one for moderate effort. Despite many tourists liking this trail, I have never felt like the hike was overcrowded. I usually save hiking here for the spring and summer months as the wide open views mean a total lack of shade.
66. Watch the Tiger Splash show at Out of Africa wildlife Park
Out of Africa Wildlife park is a non-profit wildlife sanctuary in the Verde Valley. The park includes a small walk through zoo like section, narrated tram tours, and some really great educational wildlife shows. The Tiger shows are really entertaining & informative at the same time. Staff appears to be very dedicated to each animal’s welfare and your money goes to good use helping to care for formerly abused and abandoned animals.
The walk thru section is pretty uncomfortable most of the year due to the intense 100+ degree heat and lack of shade, so try to plan your visit during the winter season The park is located in Camp Verde, just a short drive from Sedona, and therefore, can be easily incorporated into any Sedona trip itinerary. Pricing is a bit steep but goes to support the formerly neglected animals. For those looking for a budget friendly alternative, the park offers free admission the entire month of your birthday.
67. Take in the beautiful high country scenery along the Weatherford trail
The Weatherford Trail is yet another hotspot for leaf peepers. The leaves along the Weatherford tend to change a bit earlier, typically by the end of September. The Weatherford trail in its’ entirety is long and strenuous, although you can simply hike out 2 miles or so for a leisurely day out in the beautiful forested lands of Northern Arizona. I am an avid hiker and 2 miles was plenty for me. I got to see a hint of fall color, got in a great workout, and enjoyed several hours out in nature.
For a longer day hike, you are looking at a rough 6.8 mile out-and-back trek to Fremont Saddle which is the furthest you can go without overnight camping. If you are up for a real adventure (the most advanced hikers only!) you can continue on to Humphreys Peak -with the option of making the long trek back or parking a car at the Humphrey’s Peak trailhead and calling it a day.
68. Take a trail ride through the country’s largest ponderosa pine forest
Hitchin’ Post Stables in Flagstaff offers trail rides through the beautiful Coconino National Forest. We took a festive winter sleigh ride. These are typically offered November when the snow starts and end sometime in March. The snow does melt quite fast at low altitude due to the intense sunshine, so rides may not always be available. Do check with the company to see if they are offering sleigh rides this season.
A special package which includes a stop by a bonfire to toast marshmallows is popular with tourists seeking a real rustic experience. The dinner sleigh ride combo is also a bit hit. Making your way through the fresh pines, covered with a cozy blanket while listening to the bells jingle, is the perfect winter activity, particularly for those seeking to escape the monotony of Southern Arizona.
69. Enjoy a mountain biking adventure in the Dry Lake Hills
You won’t find many paved bike paths in Flagstaff, however, mountain biking is a favorite past time of many locals during the milder spring and summer months. Lots of trails in town are popular with bikers, particularly the Dry Hills trails. Most of these trails are pretty challenging and involve rocky terrain. Fortunately, the views are pretty and consist of high altitude ponderosa pine forest mixed in with some aspens. Although these trails are great for mountain biking, they are also popular with hikers as well. The Sunset trail is particularly gorgeous in fall as groves of aspens intermingle in with the green pines.
70. Explore downtown Flagstaff
Flagstaff is becoming more and more populated and congested by the year due to the immense popularity of the town as both a 2nd home and vacation destination. Unfortunately, this means that common fast food restaurant chains are starting to overpopulate much of the area. A bit of local charm still exists in the downtown region, which is home to a number of local restaurants, great independent coffee houses, art galleries, and historic hotels like the Monte Vista, which is reported to be the most haunted on Rt 66.
Most of the best restaurants in Flagstaff (Delhi Palace, Salsa Brava, Oregano’s) are found outside of the downtown region, however, there are still a few good choices. I recommend Mix, Beaver Street Brewery, and Lumberyard Brewing.
A few notable annual events include a popular First Friday artwalk, summer movies in Heritage Square, and the New Year’s Eve Pinecone drop Times Square fashion at the historic Weatherford Hotel.
Check out my guide to exploring downtown
