Northern Arizona Travel Guide
Plan an unforgettable trip to Northern Arizona with this comprehensive tour guide showcasing must-visit places, hiking and biking routes, best things to do, where to stay, what to buy, local culture and customs, safety and health, and transportation options.
- Introduction to Northern Arizona
- List of Places to Visit in Northern Arizona
- Hiking/Biking Routes of Northern Arizona
- Best Things to Do in Northern Arizona: Activities and Tours
- Week-Long Itinerary for Northern Arizona
- Food and Drink Scene of Northern Arizona
- Where to Stay in Northern Arizona: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- What to Buy in Northern Arizona: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local Culture and Customs of Northern Arizona
- Best Time to Visit Northern Arizona
- Do’s and Don’ts of Northern Arizona
- Safety and Health
- Getting to Northern Arizona: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in Northern Arizona
- Where to Go Next from Northern Arizona: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Conclusion
Introduction to Northern Arizona
With its rugged terrain, stunning landscapes, and rich cultural heritage, Northern Arizona is a must-visit destination for both domestic and international tourists. Located in the Southwest region of the United States, Northern Arizona is home to iconic national parks like Grand Canyon, Petrified Forest, and Monument Valley, as well as charming historic towns like Flagstaff and Sedona.
In this comprehensive tour guide, we’ll take you through the best places to visit in Northern Arizona, must-do activities, hiking and biking routes, where to stay, what to buy, cultural customs, and safety tips.
List of Places to Visit in Northern Arizona
Whether you are looking for natural or cultural attractions, Northern Arizona won’t disappoint. Here are the must-visit places in Northern Arizona.
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
Northern Arizona has a rich cultural heritage that dates back to tens of thousands of years ago. There are many museums and historical places that showcase Native American history, art, and culture. Some of the most notable include:
- Museum of Northern Arizona in Flagstaff
- Hopi Cultural Center Museum & Gift Shop in Second Mesa
- Navajo Nation Museum in Window Rock
- Wupatki National Monument in Flagstaff
- Canyon De Chelly National Monument in Chinle
- Walnut Canyon National Monument in Flagstaff
Natural Attractions of Northern Arizona: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
Northern Arizona is famous for its stunning natural attractions, from breathtaking canyons to soaring cliffs to rivers teeming with trout. Here are some of the top outdoor-adventure activities to try in Northern Arizona:
- Grand Canyon National Park in Grand Canyon
- Antelope Canyon in Page
- Horseshoe Bend in Page
- Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park in Monument Valley
- Petrified Forest National Park in Holbrook
- Sedona Red Rocks in Sedona
Hiking/Biking Routes of Northern Arizona
For hiking and biking enthusiasts, Northern Arizona offers some of the most scenic and challenging trails in the region. Here are some popular routes:
- Kaibab Plateau-South Rim Parkway Trail in Grand Canyon
- Bright Angel Trail in Grand Canyon
- Wupatki Loop Trail in Flagstaff
- West Fork Trail in Sedona
- Coconino Loop Trail in Flagstaff
Best Things to Do in Northern Arizona: Activities and Tours
Northern Arizona is home to activities and tours that cater to every interest and budget. Here are some of the top things to do in Northern Arizona:
- Grand Canyon South Rim Bus Tours
- Antelope Slot Canyon and Horseshoe Bend Small Group Tour
- Hot Air Balloon Rides in Sedona
- Grand Canyon Railway Adventure Package
- Jeep Tours in Sedona
- Hiking Tours of Grand Canyon and Sedona
Week-Long Itinerary for Northern Arizona
For those wishing to explore Northern Arizona over a week-long trip, here are some suggestions for a perfect itinerary:
| Day | Activity |
|---|---|
| 1 | Visit Grand Canyon National Park |
| 2 | Explore Flagstaff, including Museum of Northern Arizona and Lowell Observatory |
| 3 | Drive to Sedona, hike Coconino Loop Trail and Chapel of the Holy Cross |
| 4 | Experience Hot Air Balloon Rides in Sedona and leisure time |
| 5 | Visit Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend |
| 6 | Drive to Monument Valley and see the iconic Mittens formation |
| 7 | Head back to Phoenix or Las Vegas for your departure flight |
Food and Drink Scene of Northern Arizona
Northern Arizona is home to several delicious must-try dishes and local beverages. Here are our top picks:
Must-Try Dishes
- Navajo Tacos - a traditional dish of frybread topped with beans, ground beef, cheese, lettuce, and tomatoes
- Arizona Cheese Crisps - a crispy, cheesy dish served with salsa
- Indian Fry Bread - a popular snack that can be sweet or savory, topped with powdered sugar or honey butter
- Sedona’s Red Rock Beer - a locally brewed beer with a hint of sweetness
Local Beverages
- Oak Creek Vineyards & Winery in Sedona
- Flagstaff Brewery in Flagstaff
- Four Eight Wineworks in Clarkdale
Where to Stay in Northern Arizona: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
From luxurious resorts to budget-friendly hostels, Northern Arizona offers a variety of options for accommodation. Here are some of our picks:
- El Tovar Hotel in Grand Canyon
- Enchantment Resort & Mii amo Spa in Sedona
- Little America Hotel Flagstaff in Flagstaff
- Amara Resort and Spa in Sedona
- The Grand Hotel at the Grand Canyon in Tusayan
What to Buy in Northern Arizona: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
If you are looking for unique souvenirs and gifts, Northern Arizona has plenty to offer. Here are some suggestions:
- Turquoise Jewelry - a popular Native American jewelry style
- Kachina Dolls - traditional figurines of Hopi and Navajo dancers
- Petrified Wood - fossilized logs that make a beautiful and unique souvenir
- Local Artwork - Navajo blankets, pottery, and baskets make for great gifts.
Local Culture and Customs of Northern Arizona
Northern Arizona is home to many Native American tribes, including Navajo, Hopi, and Apache. When visiting Northern Arizona, it’s important to respect their customs and traditions. Here are some tips:
- Respect sacred sites and places
- Ask permission before taking photographs of people
- Always purchase from reputable traders when buying Native American arts and crafts
- Avoid spreading stereotypes and myths about Native American cultures and religions
Best Time to Visit Northern Arizona
The best time to visit Northern Arizona is between March and May or September and November, when the weather is cooler, and the crowds are thinner. Keep in mind that temperatures can vary widely, especially in higher elevations and deserts, so be prepared.
Do’s and Don’ts of Northern Arizona
Do:
- Hike responsibly and stay on marked trails
- Follow Leave No Trace principles
- Respect wildlife and don’t feed them
- Carry plenty of water and food during outdoor activities
Don’t:
- Climb on rocks or trees
- Touch the ancient ruins or artifacts in national parks or protected areas
- Litter, including cigarette butts
- Smoke in national parks or protected areas
Safety and Health
Safety in Northern Arizona
Northern Arizona is a relatively safe place for tourists, but it’s important to keep these things in mind:
- Be prepared for sudden changes in weather and extreme temperatures
- Avoid hiking alone, especially in isolated areas
- Take precautions against wildlife like snakes and scorpions
Health in Northern Arizona
Northern Arizona is home to high elevations and desert regions, which may cause altitude sickness and dehydration. Make sure to drink plenty of water and limit your alcohol intake. Also, consult with your physician before traveling to high elevations.
Getting to Northern Arizona: Transportation Options and Logistics
Northern Arizona is accessible via various modes of transportation. Here are some options:
Airports Near Northern Arizona
- Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport
- Flagstaff Pulliam Airport
- Grand Canyon National Park Airport
Bus Stations Near Northern Arizona
- Flagstaff Greyhound Bus Station
Other Options
- Rental Car
How to Get Around in Northern Arizona
The best way to explore Northern Arizona is by car, as many attractions are spread out. However, guided tours and shuttle buses are also available for certain areas, like Grand Canyon National Park.
Where to Go Next from Northern Arizona: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
If you want to extend your trip, Northern Arizona is within driving distance of several other popular destinations:
- Phoenix, Arizona - two-hour drive south
- Las Vegas, Nevada - four-hour drive northwest
- Moab, Utah - five-hour drive northeast
Conclusion
Northern Arizona has something for every type of traveler, from stunning natural attractions to rich cultural heritage, to outdoor adventures. We hope this guide has given you an idea of what to expect and the many ways you can enjoy your time in this beautiful region.
