FLAGSTAFF AREA
Arizona Snowbowl
Ten miles north of Flagstaff off U.S.180; take Forest Roads 516, 794 or 418 to access.
One of the few places in Arizona where enough snow gathers to ski, Snowbowl is located in the vicinity of Humphreys Peak, the highest point in Arizona. Ski lifts to the top provide excellent winter skiing and summer sightseeing.
Information: 928-779-1951; www.arizonasnowbowl.com
Coconino Center for the Arts
2300 N. Fort Valley Road, Flagstaff
The cultural hub of the Flagstaff community, the center features a 4,000-square-foot gallery with rotating exhibits by local and regional artists and Flagstaff students, including contemporary fine crafts and Western art, and special science programs. A 200-seat theater presents musical concerts, readings and other events.
Information: 928-79-2300; www.culturalpartners.org/index.htm
Lava River Cave
Approximately 14 miles north of Flagstaff, west off U.S. Route180 on Forest Service Road 245
Formed by a volcanic eruption more than 700,000 years ago, this mile-long lava tube is the perfect, icy escape from the summer heat. A consistent 35 degrees in summer or winter, this cave has only one way in and one way out, so there’s no getting lost. Take a flashlight and a sweater or jacket.
Information: 928-527-3600; www.fs.fed.us/r3/coconino/volcanic/lava_special.html
Lowell Observatory
Entering Flagstaff on Milton Road, make a sharp left after the railroad overpass onto Santa Fe Avenue. Follow it until it reaches Mars Hill and the observatory.
Built in the 1890s, Lowell Observatory is the place where astronomer Clyde Tombaugh discovered the planet Pluto in 1930. Today, group tours, multimedia programs and other educational activities are available to the public, as well as an interactive exhibit hall and public observatory.
Information: 928-774-3358; www.lowell.edu
Meteor Crater
35 miles east of Flagstaff off I-40 at Exit 233
More than 50,000 years ago, a 150-foot meteorite slammed into the Earth, leaving a crater 550 feet deep and 2.4 miles in circumference east of Flagstaff. The Meteor Crater Visitor’s Center has guided tours around a portion of the crater rim as well as a museum with interactive exhibits, Astronaut Hall of Fame, wide-screen movie theater, four observation areas and telescopes for a closer look at the crater. Other amenities include a gift shop, snack bar and sitting area.
Information: 800-289-5898; www.meteorcrater.com
Mormon Lake Lodge
From Interstate 17, take Lake Mary Road, also marked Forest Service Road 3, about 21 miles to the Mormon Lake Village turn-off. Turn right and travel about 7 miles to the lodge
See the Coconino National Forest up close and personal from the back of a horse. The Mormon Lake Lodge offers horseback riding and other outdoor activities like fishing, hiking and camping. The Lodge also rents mountain bikes and ATVs as well as cabins.
Information: 928-354-2359; www.mormonlakelodge.com
Museum of Northern Arizona
Three miles north of Flagstaff on U.S. 180 on Ft. Valley Road
With permanent exhibits in biology, geology, anthropology and fine arts, as well as changing exhibits on these subjects, the museum provides a rich history of the land and people of the Colorado Plateau.
Information: 928-774-5213; www.musnaz.org
Elden Pueblo
U.S. Route 89, 2 miles north of Interstate 40
The site of an ancient Sinagua Indian pueblo offers amateur archaeologists the chance to work alongside professional researchers. Thought to have been part of a major trading system, the site is open year round for self-guided tours, while public programs, school programs, field schools and camps are conducted mid-April through October by appointment.
Information: 928-527-3452; www.fs.fed.us/r3/coconino/recreation/peaks/elden-pueblo.shtml
Flagstaff Arboretum
4001 S. Woody Mountain Road, Flagstaff
The Arboretum at Flagstaff is home to one of the largest collections of high-country wildflowers in America. The unique, high-elevation environment of the region allows for an invigorating experience. Tours, classes and workshops on gardening and natural history are also available.
Information: 928-774-1442; www.thearb.org
Riordan Mansion State Historic Park
Entering Flagstaff on Milton Road, go east on Riordan Road, next to Northern Arizona University.
Built in 1904 by the Riordan brothers, prominent Flagstaff men in the logging business, this rustic, historic mansion is a step back in time to when Flagstaff was a Territorial logging town. This mansion has original furnishings and is located on a 6-acre wooded area. Guided tours and hiking available.
Information: 928-779-4395; www.pr.state.az.us/parkhtml/riordan.html
Sunset Crater National Monument
About 17 miles northeast of Flagstaff off U.S. Route 89
Volcanic eruptions ripped the land between A.D. 1064 and 1065, and left a thousand-foot cinder cone looming over the surrounding desert. The landscape is filled with squeeze-ups, hornitos and other fascinating formations created when the volcano blanketed the area with black ash.
Information: 928-526-0502; www.nps.gov/sucr
The Museum Club
3404 E. Route 66, Flagstaff
Once you’ve mastered the trail, get out of those hiking boots and into your dancing shoes to kick up your heels at Arizona’s most historic roadhouse and dance club. Built in 1931, this legendary Flagstaff favorite is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and has hosted the likes of Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings.
Information: 928-526-9434; www.museumclub.com/site
Walnut Canyon National Monument
East of Flagstaff, off Interstate 40 on Walnut Canyon Road
Walnut Canyon National Monument was a haven for people more than 700 years ago. Their homes, cliff dwellings built deep within the canyon walls, are just one of the magnificent findings archaeologists use to help interpret this culture from times past. Choose between Rim Trail, a 30-minute easy, self-guided walk, or the Island Trail, an hour-long strenuous excursion to depths of the canyon.
Information: 928-526-3367; www.nps.gov/waca
Wupatki National Monument
12 miles north of Flagstaff on State 89, then 21 miles east onto Sunset Crater-Wupatki Loop Road
At least three ancient civilizations have ruins or artifacts found in Wupatki National Monument, an important trade center about 800 years ago. The main pueblo complex includes a kiva, ball court and blowhole. Five pueblos and several trails wait to be explored by car or foot. A visitors center puts on special programs and exhibits.
Information: 928-679-2365; www.nps.gov/wupa
GRAND CANYON REGION
Allen’s Outfitters Guided Trail Rides
150 miles north of Flagstaff on State Route 89A
Take a 1- or 2-hour horseback ride through the forest, a half-day or full-day trip to one of the area’s scenic overlooks or plan a longer pack trip. Some rides start from Jacob Lake. Book through Kaibab Lodge.
Information: 928-638-2389; www.kaibablodge.com
Dry Park Lookout
150 miles north of Flagstaff, near Jacob Lake on State Route 89A
This 125-foot tower southwest of Jacob Lake offers great views of the surrounding plateau and is the tallest fire tower in the Kaibab National Forest and welcomes visitors when it’s staffed. Jacob Lake Lookout also offers great views of the plateau and Utah’s mountains to the north.
Information: 928-635-8200; www.fs.fed.us/r3/kai
Grand Canyon Deer Farm
25 miles west of Flagstaff on Interstate 40 at Exit 171, Deer Farm Road
Visitors can hand-feed and walk among a variety of animals at the deer farm, including fallow, sika and axis deer, pygmy and Nigerian goats, pronghorn antelopes, llamas, turkeys, peacocks, reindeer and a buffalo. Amenities include souvenir feed cups and a gift shop full of collectibles and souvenirs.
Information: 800-926-3337; www.deerfarm.com
Grand Canyon Railway
233 N. Grand Canyon Blvd., Williams
Hop aboard the Grand Canyon Railway’s vintage train from Williams to Grand Canyon National Park. Since its arrival in Arizona, the Grand Canyon Railway has been the transportation of choice for people looking for a leisurely and comforting journey to the legendary canyon
Information: 800-843-8724; www.thetrain.com
House Rock Ranch
130 miles northwest of Flagstaff, 21 miles south of State Route 89A in House Rock Valley
Visit this ranch in the secluded House Rock Valley to glimpse a herd of free-roaming buffalo, as well as their neighbors, including antelope, bobcats, coyotes, foxes, mountain lions, rabbits, squirrels and a variety of birds. The buffalo are the descendants of a failed 1906 attempt to breed cattle with a buffalo herd that had been transplanted to the Kaibab Plateau.
Information: 928-643-7395; www.fs.fed.us/r3/kai
Kaibab Plateau - North Rim Scenic Parkway
Spanning 45 miles of State 67 from Jacob Lake to the North Rim
Grassy wildflower meadows scattered among ponderosa pines and giant white aspens mark the beauty of this scenic road. Cutting through the Kaibab Plateau, the road leads straight to the Grand Canyon’s North Rim. Along the drive you can enjoy hiking, camping, wildlife viewing, or stop off at the historic lookout tower approximately 12 miles south of Jacob Lake. Due to heavy snowfall, this scenic road is closed November through May.
Information: 928-643-7298; www.arizonascenicroads.com/main.aspx
Kolb Studio
At the Bright Angel Trailhead, just beyond El Tovar Hotel in Grand Canyon Village, on the South Rim) This former home and studio of pioneering Canyon photographers, brothers, and partners-in-climb, Emery and Ellsworth Kolb, shows visitors the true meaning of living life on the edge. With its stable cliffside location and rotating exhibits from some of the Canyon’s finest artists, the studio is a must see.
Information: 928-638-2481; www.grandcanyon.org
National Geographic Visitor Center and IMAX Theater
Just south of the Grand Canyon National Park entrance on U.S. Route 64 in Tusayan
For the ultimate motion picture, take in the Grand Canyon IMAX movie. The educational journey through the history and mystery of the Grand Canyon is also a highly entertaining and exhilarating experience, rivaling that of a helicopter ride over the Canyon. You may want to wait on filling up at the surrounding food court until after the show.
Information: 928-638-2468; www.explorethecanyon.com
North Rim’s Point Imperial and Cape Royal
Off State Route 67, take the paved road just north of the ranger station 5 miles east to the fork, then 2 miles north to Point Imperial or 13 miles south to Cape Royal.
On the higher end of the Kaibab Plateau, these overlooks have views not afforded in many places. From Point Imperial, the highest viewpoint reachable by vehicle on the North Rim, you can see the Vermilion Cliffs, Navajo Mountain and the Painted Desert. At Cape Royal you can see the natural rock arch called Angels Window. Due to heavy snowfall, the North Rim is closed from November through May.
Information: 928-638-7888; www.nps.gov/grca/grandcanyon/index.htm
The Watchtower at Desert View Point
25 miles east of Grand Canyon Village on Desert View Drive, on the South Rim
For architect Mary Colter, the goal for this unique South Rim structure was to provide optimal views of the Grand Canyon but also to be in aesthetic harmony with the environment. The historical landmark has been captivating Canyon viewers for 74 years. Information: 928-638-7888; www.nps.gov/grca
Tusayan Ruins and Museum
22 miles east of Grand Canyon Village on Desert View Drive, on the South Rim
Experience the Grand Canyon’s ancestral Pueblo Indian culture at this intriguing museum and partially excavated ruin dating from approximately A.D. 1185. Guided walks offered daily.
Information: 928-638-7888; www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/visitorcenters.htm
LAKE POWELL REGION
Fishing at Lee’s Ferry
120 miles north of Flagstaff on State Route 89A
In an area renowned for its rainbow trout fishing, the uninitiated can take the guesswork out of fishing with a guide from Lee’s Ferry Anglers. The river here has been known to yield trout up to 22 inches and larger for both fly fishers and spin casters.
Information: 928-355-2261; www.leesferry.com
Fredonia-Vermilion Cliffs Scenic Road
Spanning approximately 85 miles of State Route 89A from Bitter Springs to Fredonia
On this drive you will pass a variety of scenic landscapes. The blue-green waters of the Colorado River lead to Marble Canyon, the mouth of the Grand Canyon and the Navajo Bridge. From there you can enjoy the plum and scarlet-colored Vermilion Cliffs, and wander into the aspens and pines of the Kaibab Plateau. The road descends into desert scrub after the town of Jacob Lake and ends in Fredonia, the most populous city on the Arizona Strip. Enjoy hiking and wildlife watching along the way.
Information: www.arizonascenicroads.com/main.aspx
John Wesley Powell Memorial Museum
6 N. Lake Powell Blvd. in Page
Named after the famous Colorado River explorer, the museum’s exhibits include sketches, photos and other memorabilia from Powell’s two voyages on the Colorado. You can also see Indian and pioneer artifacts, and exhibits on the area’s geology and a history of Page. There is a bookstore and gift shop, and you can reserve air, land and water tours and boat rentals at the museum’s information center: 928-645-9496; www.powellmuseum.org
Lake Powell
3 miles west of Page on State Route 89, then 4 miles north on Lakeshore Drive
Part of the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, Lake Powell, when full, has about 1,900 miles of shoreline, most of it located in Utah, and measures 186 miles long. There are approximately 96 canyons to explore, and visitors enjoy all types of water activities including boating, skiing and fishing. You can hike the surrounding areas, or camp by the water. The lake’s largest marina, Wahweap Marina, is in Arizona just outside of Page. Wahweap has varied services available, including campgrounds, boat rentals and other marina services, lodging, gas, food and gift shops.
Information: 928-608-6404; www.nps.gov/glca/whwp.htm
Navajo Bridge
14 miles north of Bitter Springs on State 89A
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the original 1920s Navajo Bridge was the only crossing of the Colorado River for 600 miles. But as automobiles got larger and heavier, the bridge couldn’t hold the weight. In 1995 a new steel arch bridge was built in the image of the first, and the original now remains for pedestrians to have a bird’s eye view of Marble Canyon and the Colorado River some 470 feet below. The Navajo Bridge Interpretive Center shares information on the history and construction of the bridges, and you can peruse the bookstore for souvenirs. The interpretive center closes for the season at the end of October and opens again mid-April.
Information: 928-355-2319; www.nps.gov/glca/pphtml/planyourvisit.html
Pipe Spring National Monument
Approximately 14 miles southwest of Fredonia on State Route 389
Designed by Mormon pioneers, Winsor Castle at Pipe Spring was meant as both a cattle ranch headquarters and as protection from Indian attacks. Built directly on top of the spring, the waters flow under the floorboards of the parlor, across the courtyard, and empty into a trough in the Spring Room. You can tour the ranch house, which is filled with historic furnishings and equipment the Mormon settlers used for butter and cheese-making. Tours of Winsor Castle leave every half-hour. You can visit two other cabins on your own. The monument also has a garden, orchard, livestock and a half-mile trail with views of the Arizona Strip. A visitors center and museum houses exhibits from both pioneer and Paiute Indian history, and has a book and gift shop.
Information: 928-643-7105; www.nps.gov/pisp/index.htm
Vermilion Cliffs National Monument
Spanning 294,000 acres of land between Marble Canyon and House Rock, and north of 89A to the Utah border
Visitors can explore the wonders of the purple-hued Vermilion Cliffs, the 2,000-feet-deep Paria Canyon, and the colorful Navajo sandstone of Coyote Buttes. The monument has excellent backpacking, camping, hiking and photography opportunities. Wildlife watchers may spot deer, desert bighorn sheep or the rare, reintroduced California condor.
Information: 435-688-3230; http://azwww.az.blm.gov/rec/pariaver.htm
NAVAJO NATION
Antelope Canyon
You’ve seen the photograph a hundred times: a hiker stands in a shaft of light beaming into a scalloped, sinuous slot canyon of vermilion stone. That’s Antelope Canyon, and it’s just a few miles east of Page. Named for the pronghorn antelopes that used to roam the canyon, its Navajo name means “place where water runs through rocks,” after the floods that carve corkscrews into the walls. Though it looks remote, it’s actually a relatively easy walk, and several tours leave daily from Page.
Information: 928-698-2808; www.navajonationparks.org/htm/antelopecanyon.htm
Canyon de Chelly National Monument
Three miles east of U.S. Route 191, near Chinle
Situated in one of the longest continuously inhabited landscapes in the United States, the monument is filled with distinctive rock formations, architecture and artifacts, as well as a living community of Navajo people. Hike, view rock art, take driving tour and learn about the Navajo culture through interpretive talks and exhibits.
Information: 928-674-5500; www.nps.gov
Hubbell Trading Post National Historic Site
On State Route 264, west of Ganado
The oldest continuously operated trading post on the Navajo Reservation was originally purchased by John Lorenzo Hubbell in 1878, who established himself as one of the leading traders of his time. The trading post still trades with members of the Navajo, Hopi, Zuni and other tribes, just as members of the Hubbell family did for 89 years until it was sold to the National Park Service in 1967. It is now operated by a non-profit organization that maintains the trading traditions established by the Hubbell’s. The site encompasses the original 160-acre homestead, including the trading post, family home and visitors center as the primary attractions.
Information: 928-755-3475; www.nps.gov/hutr/http://www.nps.gov/hutr/home.htm
Monument Valley Tribal Park
On U.S. Route 163, north of Kayenta, near the Arizona-Utah border
A colorful region covering several thousand square miles, Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park lies within the Navajo Nation in Arizona and Utah. The visitors center, 4 miles southeast of US 163, provides information on self-guided tours. Guided tours from the center are offered daily and camping and picnicking are permitted.
Information: 801-727-3353; www.navajonationparks.org/htm/monumentvalley.htm
Navajo National Monument
The monument is located at the end of State Route 564 off of U.S. Route 160
The visitors center located in Tonalea has no entrance fee and is open all year long, but it’s best to call ahead for the season’s schedule. Betatakin guided tours usually run only from May through September and are limited to 25 persons on a first-come basis. The walk is five miles round trip on a steep trail. The campground is open year-round on a first-come, first-served basis. For backcountry permits to Keet Seel, you may call up to two months before the date of your visit. To enter the site itself, you must be accompanied by a park ranger.
Information: 928-672-2700; www.nps.gov/nava
