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Things to do / Travel Guide
Arizona Getaways
The Grand Canyon is a highlight of the natural world. It can be explored from the rim, the river, the sky, or up close on a multi-day hike. Visitors can learn about crystals, energy vortexes, and auras in the New Age center of Sedona. Families can enjoy the rocky red landscape and upscale resorts and galleries. Hiking, biking, rafting, and visiting ghost towns are popular activities here in Northern Arizona.
Arizona Tourist Attractions
If you're headed to Northern Arizona, you'll likely find yourselves stopping in Flagstaff, the largest city in the region, if not to stay for a few days, then at least to stop for a shopping break and to take advantage of larger city amenities. Of course, once you're there, you'll probably find some reason to stay the night, whether it's a show in a theater, a night in a nice hotel before hitting the hiking trails, or a beer at one of the local breweries. It's also a great spot if you want a single hub for seeing some of Arizona's most popular tourist attractions, including the Grand Canyon.
A unique Arizona feature is the accessibility of Native American sites. You can get acquainted with the history of the first people in Arizona by touring some of the museums in Flagstaff before heading out to some of the reservations for a more hands-on experience. The Tuzigoot National Monument in Camp Verde (near Cottonwood, Arizona) will also give you a new perspective on the Sinagua Indians who lived in the Verde Valley starting 1,100 years ago.
Want to fit some skiing into your Northern Arizona getaway? You may think that the middle of the desert isn't the spot for snowy slopes, but at the southwestern entrance to the Grand Canyon, you can find a small winter recreation area, Elk Ridge Ski. Just north of Flagstaff you can ski at the Arizona Snowbowl Ski Resort Area.
Grand Canyon Tourist Attractions
The best part about seeing the Grand Canyon is that it really does live up to its expectations. No matter how many pictures your see, videos you view, or people you speak to who rave about this great natural wonder, when you come face-to-face with the Grand Canyon you will be in awe. Your jaw will drop and you feel small and humbled by the magnificent canyon that awaits your exploration.
There are a few different ways to take in the majesty of the Grand Canyon's South Rim. The simplest, especially if you're limited in time, is to simply drive up to the parking lot and then walk to the rim. The most popular of overlooks are located in Grand Canyon Village. Other popular spots include Yavapai Observation Station, the historic district, and the Lookout and Kolb studios, buildings that literally cling to the edge of the canyon. Walk around, snap some pictures, and etch the experience in your memory forever.
But don't limit your Grand Canyon road trip to the road - for those who have more time (from a few hours to a few days), you can consider hiking down into the canyon, riding on a mule down the canyon, going for a helicopter ride overhead, or rafting down the Colorado River through the canyon—a five-day, unforgettable experience. If you've brought the kids, you may also want to take a ride on the Grand Canyon Railway.
Sedona Getaways
The artist community of Sedona, once modest and small, has turned into a rather upscale tourist attraction. The surroundings are beautiful—stunning red rocks provide the backdrop to this mystical little town—and the people who live there are friendly, spiritual, and…a bit out there. With a strong emphasis on New Age spirituality, Sedona offer visitors with a look into its mystical vortexes, as well as other New Age-y sorts of religious experiences.
Sedona is also a great spot for spa getaways, as it hosts a number of exclusive, nature-oriented spa retreats. Downtown Sedona offers fancy boutique shops and fine dining.
Families who visit Sedona will find plenty of attractions to keep them busy. Slide Rock State Park is a popular summer choice—it's a natural water park with rainbow colored rocks and natural rock slides—as is the Red Rock State Park.
Grand Canyon, Arizona Road Trip Getaway Planner
Take 30 minutes to scope out the Canyon Rim, and then 2-3 days to hike around the area—you'll find that getting up close and personal with the canyon is a lot more exciting than simply viewing it from a single vantage point. Remember, if you plan on rafting, you'll need a week, but you won't need a map of Arizona – your whole trip will be inside the Grand Canyon. Sedona is another good place to spend a few days.
Tourist Attractions and Highlights in Grand Canyon, Sedona, Prescott and Northern Arizona
Tourist-Attractions-Highlights
Oak Creek - Sedona, Arizona
The Arboretum at Flagstaff, Arizona
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