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If you are looking for great places to stay in Arizona and if you love snow during the Christmas season, then you have come to the right place. This is the first location on our list is Flagstaff: If you are planning on Northern Arizona for your stay but don’t know exactly where, the Drurry Inn and Suites is a great choice. This hotel offers a wide variety of services, from free meals throughout the day to a pool and spa and a workout area. There are also a couple of choices for activities outside of the hotel that are within easy traveling distance, For instance, there is the Snowbowl Ski Resort within a twenty minute driving distance. There are also many places to eat and shop all within a five minute walking distance of the hotel. The Drurry Inn has been awarded the LEED silver certification through the United States Green Building Council. At the low price of approximately $99 per night, you could have great customer service and a great vacation. Learn more about Flagstaff, AZ: https://www.travelnorthernaz.com/visit-flagstaff-arizona Stay tuned for 4 more Northern Arizona stays to enjoy this Christmas season, coming soon!

Since before Sedona as we know it was founded, the Oak Creek Canyon area was known for its natural beauty. The red rocks combined with the trees and forested area around the river attracted all kinds of visitors. In the 1970s, Sedona still had very few permanent residents. The town boasted only one stoplight and around that time a man named Abe Miller began vacationing in the area. Miller was an influential businessman from Nevada with a love for travel. Mexico in particular was one of Miller’s favorite places, but Sedona soon become one as well. He began dreaming of creating a quaint arts village in the area full of the feel of Mexico and fell in love with a piece of creekside property dotted with enormous sycamore trees. At the time, the land was owned by the Girards. When Miller first approached the Girards about his dream for the land, they refused, fearful of a large construction project that would destroy the the sycamores. It took two years for Miller to convince the Girards that the land and the trees would be cared for, but finally, they agreed. Miller immediately hired Bob McIntyre, a gifted, but unconventional architect. Before beginning construction, the men traveled together around Mexico.Their goal was to visit the small villages and towns to document the look and feel of the gorgeous scenes. They returned with a plethora of photographs of rural villages and dozens of sketches of Spanish Colonial architecture. Focus was put on how patios, courtyards, and plazas created natural gathering places. They also began buying and sending things back to Sedona. They acquired a multitude of different things that reflected Mexican culture, including doors, benches, pots, lanterns, and ironwork. The actual building of Tlaquepaque was done by a multitude of different artisans. All of the amature artists were given almost complete freedom to create, and recreate, their parts of the project. Tlaquepaque is actually a colorful Mexican city on the outskirts of Guadalajara. Miller borrowed the name for his artisan village. Tlaquepaque, which comes from Nahuatl, the language of the Aztecs, means the “best of everything.” Miller kept his promise to the Girards to protect the sycamore trees. The building of the village was done around the huge trees. You can find branches twisting their way across rooftops and peeking into rooms. Today, Tlaquepaque Village is a bustling center for artistic talents to meet, share ideas, and their crafts. They also host events throughout the year, such as meet and greets with artists or film showings. Make sure you check out their website before you visit Sedona to see what they have planned. Book your stay at HOTEL now and get a great deal on amazing rooms for a weekend or a longer family vacation.

Article by www.thewanderingqueen.com I am sure you have seen countless pictures on every social media platform of the famous Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend. The majestic wavey walls of Antelope Canyon and the glowing sunrises and sunset pictures of Horseshoe Bend are truly captivating. It is a place you need to see with your own eyes. I was unfortunately under the weather with the flu (not contagious at that point). After exploring around, I knew I had to write about things to do in Page AZ. Even with my struggles of sickness, Page was a relatively easy and fun experience; one that I recommend for people of all ages and sizes. So please read on for 5 amazing things to do in Page AZ. The Closest Airport to Page AZ There are five airports I recommend flying into to get to Page, Arizona. Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX): The drive is 4 hours and 17 minutes. A cheaper option since it is an international airport. Directions from McCarran International Airport (LAS): The drive is 4 hours and 32 minutes. A cheaper option since it is an international airport. Salt Lake City International Airport: The drive is 6 hours. A cheaper option since it is an international airport. Flagstaff Pulliam Airport: The drive is 2 hours and 12 minutes. It can be costly since it is a small airport. Page Municipal Airport: The airport is located within the city. It can be costly since it is a small airport. Things To Do In Page AZ: Lower Antelope Canyon Note: Make sure to book a tour as soon as you know you are going to Page. The tours can fill up quickly. When you book the tour, you do not pay at checkout. You pay when you arrive at your tour. Lower Antelope Canyon was our first stop in Page, Arizona. It was also my favorite part of Page. I had read multiple articles on lower and upper canyons, but I wasn’t really sure which canyon I wanted to do. In the end, we chose to see both Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon. I was curious which canyon I would prefer. When I booked the tour at Ken’s Tours, I picked the last time slot of the day. Booking the last tour was a great decision because our tour only consisted of me, my husband, another couple and the tour guide. There were numerous times it felt as if we had the canyon all to our ourselves. To get to lower canyons, I literally had to lower myself into the canyons with ladders. I was a bit scared while doing it because I am afraid of heights (even though I used to be a rock climber; I know I am crazy). But in the end, it was doable and we got down into this magical place. The main difference between Lower and Upper Antelope Canyons are how the canyons are shaped. Lower Antelope Canyon is open at the top, letting more light in, and narrower at the bottom. Upper Antelope Canyon is more closed at the top, making the canyon much darker but light still does sneak through. I loved the colors of Lower Antelope Canyon. The swirls of different shades of orange and brown, mixed together, create stationary, smooth, waves. The waves were really impressive. The canyon has a tinge of femininity and a beauty that is indescribable. The tour took about an hour. As you might expect, we had to climb another ladder to get out. (the exit and the entrance are not the same though unlike Upper Antelope Canyon). I was really pleased about how our long week in Arizona started. If this majestic canyon was the start of our trip, I couldn’t wait to see what else Arizona had to offer. Things To Do In Page AZ: Horseshoe Bend We arrived at the Horseshoe Bend trailhead just before sunrise. Even though it was dark and early, several cars were already parked in the lot and we could see people making their way to the bend. The 1.25 miles round trip was easy and relatively flat. The scenic area was crowded but not too crowded to where we couldn’t find a good spot. One of my favorite aspects of traveling is experiencing and capturing a perfect sunrise or sunset. Before arriving at Arizona, I researched the best times to capture photos of Horseshoe Bend. The majority of feedback I found was that capturing good pictures of Horseshoe Bend at sunset can be difficult. When the sun sets, the sun is sending its glares directly in front of you, making it difficult to capture the colors of the canyon. We agreed with the suggestions and decided to pursue pictures at sunrise. Sadly the morning we were at the bend, the clouds were stubborn and did not want to work with us. The clouds blocked the rising sun’s radiant colors, leaving us with grey dull colors. I was a little disappointed, but, I was happy to be able to experience Horseshoe Bend. Overall, Horseshoe Bend gives a unique landscape one will not experience anywhere else in the world. Not only is it a fantastic view, it is located just off the main highway, making it easy and convenient from the city of Page. The conveniences, ease, and breathtaking view, Horseshoe Bend is a no-brainer for any traveler visiting Arizona. Things To Do In Page AZ: Upper Antelope Canyon The next morning we woke up to a surprise cold front. The temperature dropped 30 degrees (Fahrenheit). The unexpected cold weather did not sit well as I was still trying to get over the flu. But, nothing was going to stop me from seeing Upper Antelope Canyon! I was so fascinated with Lower Antelope Canyon, I thought Upper Antelope Canyon wouldn’t even come close to comparing to Lower. I even believed it will likely be a waste of time. Frankly, I think it was the flu talking in the my head. Rational me would have never thought this. But I pushed through my sickness and the cold, windy weather and was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed Upper Antelope Canyon. Upper Antelope felt dark, shrouded, and mysterious. The different aesthetics and vibe were due to the top of the canyon being much narrower than Lower Antelope. Because of the narrow top, certain times of the years and time of the day creates famous light beams in the canyon. But sadly, since we were not there in the summer, the famous light beams were not created. I booked the tour in the offseason, during their peak hours in hopes of seeing the beams. Sadly, my decision was a mistake because it was more expensive and likely more crowded than usual. If you are going in the offseason, make sure not to get a slot time around 10am-1pm. The bottom area of the canyon (where we were walking) is much wider than the top of the canyon. The canyon was fairly crowded proving it hard to get a picture without a random person in it. But, Jameson and I have become experts on finding windows where people are not in shots, so we were able to get the picture below very quickly. Upper Antelope Canyon is much more accessible than the Lower Antelope Canyon. One does not have to climb down/up steep steps and ladders and the walk was very easy. To all my ladies that want to dress cute, you can easily wear a cute dress in the summer 😉 (given that the weather is ok). Do note, a substantial amount of sand continuously fell on our heads though, so my cute pink hat came in handy. Also, once we got through the canyon, we had to walk all the way back through to arrive where we initially entered. Because of all of the other tourists, there were several times when we had to move out of the way to make room for the people leaving. Upper Antelope had a mystical, dark vibe to it. But, sadly you could only get these feelings up to a certain degree with the number of people in the canyon. There are always arguments on which canyon is better (Upper or Lower) and as of right now I choose Lower. But, I also didn’t get to experience Upper in the summer when the canyon is at its best. Things To Do In Page AZ: Lake Powell What I loved most about our hotel was how close it was to Lake Powell. An hour before sunset, we decided to take a stroll and find a perfect spot to enjoy the sunset. We walked around the manmade lake’s shores and took in the breathtaking buttes. The buttes were white with a hint of oranges and pinks. They were a great contrast to the blue lake waters. After all the activities during the day, it was nice to just sit back, relax, and enjoy the sunset. While we were wandering, we kept on looking at the clouds. The sun was sadly starting to be blocked out once again by the clouds. We waited for the clouds to move but they wouldn’t budge! Eventually, it was getting a little too chilly and we were about to leave, but, luckily the clouds moved out of the way and created a flaming orange glow on the buttes. Things To Do In Page AZ: Water Holes Canyon Water Holes Canyon is a nice, unknown gem to experience slot canyons without the crowds. You can experience this canyon by getting a tour guide. The beginning of the hike, there was no shade and even though it was the beginning of March, it was surprisingly warm. Be sure to bring plenty of water regardless of whatever season you visit the canyon in, especially if you hike it in the summer. When we got to the shaded area of the hike, it was substantially more comfortable. The canyons were a relief from the hot sun beating down on us. We were quickly rewarded with gorgeous shapes that comprise of the Water Holes Canyon. The canyon had a red, dark, rose tint. We were in awe of the colors and wanted to take pictures of every crevice and corner. It was enjoyable to have this canyon mostly to ourselves. Only a few people were on the trail but since we were spaced out, we rarely came across other travelers. The lack of other travelers allowed us to be able to enjoy this place to its fullest. Conclusion I was extremely grateful that Page was the first stop of our long week vacation. The vibrant orange-red colors of all the canyons really made for beautiful photography. All of our destinations were convenient and easy to get to. Even with my sickness, I was very comfortable and was exerted more than I should have been. It was perfect!

1. Flagstaff One of the best places to witness the leaves changing in Arizona is none other than Flagstaff, Arizona. The Coconino National Forest is vibrant and colorful this time of year. One spot in particular that we would recommend is Lockett Meadow, located at the Inner Basin of the San Francisco Peaks. Although Lockett Meadow can be quite busy in the fall, it is nonetheless a spectacular sight to see and worth the trip! Make sure to bring your camera or camera phone with you! Click on the link to read more about Lockett Meadow! 2. Prescott The next stop on the list is Prescott. The Prescott National Forest has a great variety of trees such as ash, maple, oaks, cottonwoods, aspen, poplars, etc. This diversity makes for a unique experience for any adventurer seeking a colorful fall landscape. Hikers usually choose Prescott trails for this very reason. Some of the spots we recommend are Lynx Lake, the Prescott Courthouse, and Goldwater Lake. We also suggest the Groom Creek Loop Trail (#307) for anyone looking to hike and enjoy gorgeous lookouts as they drive to the trailhead. Hike the Trail: https://www.hikingproject.com/trail/7035014/307-groom-creek-loop-trail 3. Sedona Next up is Sedona, AZ. There are multiple places in Sedona to witness the autumn leaves changing. One great location is the West Fork Trail, situated in Oak Creek Canyon. Not only is it considered to be one of the top ten trails in the United States, but what makes it stand out is the variety of trees and assortment of different colors. Another place in Sedona is the Aspen Nature Loop, where people often fall in love with the aspens. Hikers usually visit in November and the aspens never fail to disappoint. We think you will find these spots to be worthwhile and quite mesmerizing! Learn more about West Fork Trail: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/coconino/recarea/?recid=55432 4. Williams In Williams, the most famous hiking trail for seeing the leaves change is the Bill William Mountain Trail. This hike is about 7.65 miles round trip, but every moment is full of imagination and exploration. With the view of the town beneath it, this spot is a special one for the hikers who usually visit in mid October to view the breathtaking fall scenery. Between these options, you are sure to enjoy this season’s vibrant changing leaves. Enjoy! More about Williams, AZ: https://www.travelnorthernaz.com/williams-arizona

Sedona, Arizona, holds one of the best sights and gatherings in the world, for so many reasons. First, it has a worldwide reputation as a spiritual center; Sedona is perfect for spiritual and personal buoyancy of the body and the soul. From its retreats centers, spiritual stores, Sedona vortex, readings and psychics, fitness and yoga, to healing therapies: your body and soul will be much nourished. Second, the views are unbeatable. There are countless breathtaking views of mountains and lush vegetations – wine tourism, Oak Creek Canyon, and lots more. And Camping? Camping has always been one of the main attractions for tourists when visiting Sedona. Regardless of the season, you can be sure that your experience will be one of your best and most memorable. Although everyone has his or her own preferences for favorite seasons, Fall is one of the best seasons to camp in Sedona since it allows for a lot of outdoor activities in the mild weather. Jeep tours, in particular, are engaging outdoor activities; they are educational and family-friendly. Manzanita Campground Manzanita is a small campground located along the Oak Creek Canyon. Additionally, there are 19 individual campsites that can accommodate eight people each. It is also the closest campsite to Sedona. Because of Manzanita’s location, it is an easy area for tourists to access the main attractions of Sedona. Due to high traffic from both visitors and cars, this is one of the noisier campgrounds available. Rancho Sedona RV Park Rancho is an excellent location for tourists as you can easily sight the famous red rocks of the canyons. Sedona is just a 20 minute walk away from Rancho! The exciting Tlaquepaque arts and crafts village is even closer at a 10 minute walking distance. The most fantastic thing about Rancho is the tranquillity. It is surrounded by sycamore and cottonwood; making for a fully shaded and beautiful environment. Rancho is a beautiful campsite that offers clean facilities, laundry, volleyball, even free Wi-Fi. Pine Flat Campground Pine Flat offers beautiful views of the Coconino National Forest, and you will be awed by the wildlife and biodiversities viewing opportunities. The spectacular scenery and open sky offers the perfect backdrop for stargazing. At Pine Flat campground, you will find a lot of activities like bird watching, hiking, fishing, even swimming – everyone in your group is sure to find something to entertain them. Additionally, Pine Flat is close to the popular Slide Rock State Park, and the Red Rock Vistas. Chavez Crossing Group Campsite Chavez crossing is another tranquil forest camp option. The sites are enveloped in Sycamore and Cypress trees. You won’t run short of activities to do. The site offers opportunities for photography, shopping, sightseeing, water play, and golf. There are several limitations to the campsite to ensure a secluded and peaceful stay for all visitors. No horses are allowed on Chavez Crossing, and all pest must be kept on a leash. Motorbikes are also only allowed for use when entering and leaving the campsite. Cave Springs Campsite Cave Spring is the largest of the campgrounds with 89 sites; it can host trailers and motor homes up to 36-ft long. These sites all have picnic tables, campfire rings, and grills, and vault toilets. The Sliding Rock State Park is also not far off from this location. Situated in a heavily forested area, it is free from all highway noises. Also, it is shaded and creates the perfect environment for bird watching and relaxing. ‘All About Sedona,’ offers a range of services from planning to advising about your trip to Sedona. We are committed to ensuring you have an enjoyable visit!

Fossil Creek - Situated by forest roads near the community of Camp Verde, Fossil Creek is a magnificent and awe-inspiring stream, excellent for swimming. The fact that green and lush forests border it makes it serene and an ideal place for meditation. The water of this particular stream is clean, making it ideal for locals and tourists alike. Other than swimming, you can go horseback riding, or take a jeep tour to witness the natural beauty of Northern Arizona. Told ya, it is an ideal place to be this summer. Learn more about permits, etc here: https://www.recreation.gov/permits/251863

by Maureen Therese from https://www.top-ten-travel-list.com/blog/travel/welcome-travel-blog/ Flagstaff, Arizona has been nicknamed “The City of 7 wonders” due to its’ close proximity to a number of fascinating natural wonders. Most of us that are familiar with the city associate it solely with the Grand Canyon, although there are a handful of diverse sights you will want to check out on your next vacation to the Northern Arizona region. The 7 wonders surrounding Flagstaff are the Grand Canyon, Oak Creek Canyon, Walnut Canyon, Wupatki National Monument, the San Francisco Peaks, Sunset Crater National Monument, and the Coconino National Forest. Flagstaff is surrounded by the beautiful Coconino National Forest, which is home to the largest strand of ponderosa pine trees in the world. Thus, the scenery in this small, high altitude Arizona college town is vastly different from that of the lower Sonoran desert of Southern Arizona. All of these stunning natural attractions are within an hour and a half from the city, so you can easily explore a few during your vacation. Grand Canyon Obviously, the Grand Canyon is the big one to visit while you are in Arizona. This must-see natural wonder, which surprisingly is not considered one of the 7 wonders of the world (although it is considered one of the 7 wonders of the Natural World), is still widely considered to be one of the places to see before you die. While there are numerous overlooks and a nice paved trail known as the Rim trail where you will be treated to endless views of the massive 1 mile deep, 277 foot, & 18 foot wide long gorge, not too many tourists are aware that you can actually hike the Grand Canyon. Hiking the South Kalibab trail is an amazing experience and although the entire 3 mile trek is quite difficult (yet stunning spectacular and so worth it!), there are several different scenic viewpoints so you can go out to your comfort level. Or, as a less intensive alternative, book a guided mule ride which will enable you to enjoy the same stunning scenery minus the extreme effort. Whitewater rafting trips are awesome but very expensive and require plenty of advance planning. While the South Rim gets all the attention, The North Rim (which is a bit further from Flagstaff at 3.5 hours away) is definitely worth a look if you have the extra time. This area is is not overly crowded like the South Rim and is even more beautiful due to the higher elevation (8000 ft) and you will find a wider variety of trees including golden aspens in the fall. Keep in mind that the North Rim is closed in the winter while the South Rim is open year-round. Also keep in mind that the weather at the canyon is quite unpredictable with frequent monsoon storms in the summer and occasional snow in the winter (yes, the Northern Arizona winter season is very different from that of the Sonoran desert of lower Arizona!). Be prepared for the high altitude (7000 ft) with plenty of extra water. Here’s a few more helpful tips for your Grand Canyon vacation. Oak Creek Canyon Oak Creek Canyon is a gorgeous river gorge situated between Flagstaff and Sedona. More and more people are flocking to this area which has now become the 2nd top Arizona tourist attraction next to the Grand Canyon. Just south of Flagstaff begins the incredibly scenic Oak Creek Canyon drive, a visually stunning & diverse 14 mile drive which takes you past serene ponderosa forests and towering ancient red rock formations. The scenery here is very diverse & quite rare for Arizona, and it also happens to be one of the few places where you can leaf peep amongst the traditional medley of autumn colors as opposed to the golden aspens typically found in Western high altitude areas. There are lots of overlooks and fun stops along the way including the beautiful West Fork Trail which really shines during the fall foliage season due to the abundance of maple and oak trees. Indian Gardens is a wonderful local breakfast spot with terrific food and espresso and the best outdoor patio. Several Native American stands along the way give you the opportunity to pick up quality handcrafted dreamcatchers and pottery pieces. In the fall, you can pick your own apples at Slide Rock State Park while in the summer you can slide down natural sandstone waterslides. In the winter time, the red rocks are often dusted with a light layer of snow for a truly awe-inspiring view. The great thing about Oak Creek Canyon is that it is much cooler than Southern Arizona, and thus, you can comfortably visit anytime of year. The end of the drive leads you into Red Rock Wonderland where you can enjoy one of Sedona’s 100 miles of breathtaking trails. Here are 6 easy Sedona trails with amazing views to get you started! Walnut Canyon National Monument Walnut Canyon is one of the most mesmerizing natural wonders in Northern Arizona and it’s only a quick 20 minute drive outside of Flagstaff. This spectacular canyon is pretty massive at 400 feet deep, 20 miles long, and as you can imagine, the views are nothing short of spectacular. You will even get a peak of the magnificent San Fran Peaks from one of the trails. There are 2 short trails here, the more spectacular being the Island Trail which takes you past 20 ancient cliff dwellings. It’s quite an interesting experience to explore the ruins of the ancient Singua tribes who occupied the area sometime between A.D. 1125 and 1250. The Singua cherished this area due to the rare presence of water in an area lacking natural resources. The name Singua comes from the Spanish term “Sierra Sin Agua,” which translates into “mountains without water. Despite the lack of water, the Singua were able to thrive quite well in such an arid area. Be prepared for a hefty 200+ stair climb at 7000 feet – a bit difficult, yet worth it for the stunning scenery. Wupatki National Monument Wupatki is the site of several well preserved 1000 year old pueblo ruins just a half hour outside of Flagstaff. If you are interested in Southwestern history and culture, you will want to make it a point to visit Wupatki. This is probably my least favorite of the natural attractions surrounding Flagstaff as I am not really a fan of the barren desert scenery, however, it’s worth a look if you are a history buff or are on an extended vacation looking for more places to visit in the area. The most interesting site here is a 100 room 4 story pueblo which was occupied in the 1100’s. It’s crazy to think that people were able to thrive and grow food in an area with little water. There is also an interesting blowhole (known as a Spirit Hole by the ancient tribes) which is basically a hole in the ground where air naturally blows in and out of the ground like a vacuum. It really is an unexplained mystery and no one really knows what is down there. Hopi legend goes that the blowholes are connected to the supernatural, and are considered openings to the wind god, Yaponcha. The spiritual significance may be the reason for the tribes building so close by. The San Francisco Peaks The Peaks are the highest mountain range in Arizona, with Humphrey’s at 12,635 feet standing tall as the highest natural point in the state. There are so many beautiful hikes to explore in Flagstaff. One must-do is the gorgeous Inner Basin trail which takes you through the heart of the peaks. This high altitude trail (8000-95000 ft) is a popular choice for Phoenix locals fleeing the summer heat as the temps this high up tend to be at least 30 degrees cooler! Come fall, the views are even more spectacular as towering golden aspens line almost the entirety of the trail. Other picturesque trails on the peaks include the Arizona Snowbowl trails (the state’s premier ski resort), all of which are stunning during the fall season. The drive up to Snowbowl is particularly stunning in the fall as both ponderosa pines and bright aspens line the drive up. Stop at Aspen Corner about 6 miles up for the most incredible foliage and fall photography opportunities in the state. For an easy walk with amazing views of the peaks, take a stroll around Buffalo Park, a nice little city park close to downtown which features an easy 2 mile loop. Winter recreation is also a blast. Check out the wonderful Arizona Nordic Center or rent a pair of snowshoes and hike the Veit Springs trail on Snowbowl Road. Sunset Crater National Monument Sunset Crater is another interesting natural wonder pretty close to Flagstaff. Sunset is one of the youngest volcanoes in the US and the last predicted eruption was between 1080 and 1150. This is actually a great addition to a day out at Wupatki as they are located on the same scenic drive (the 36 mile long paved FR 545 known as the Wupatki-Sunset Scenic Drive) and you get admission to both for one price. The Lava Flow trail at Sunset Crater will take you around the base of the cinder cone where you will see the old dried lava fields. It’s an interesting & easy walk with nice views throughout. The best part of visiting the crater is the scenic loop drive connecting the 2 monument which goes through a variety of landscapes and has the most gorgeous overlook of the San Francisco Peaks. During the winter, you will see the majestic snow capped peaks and during the summer you will see 1000’s and 1000’s of bright yellow wildflowers. Coconino National Forest Coconino National Forest is a massive 1.8 million acre forest surrounding the cities of Flagstaff and Sedona. It is one of the country’s most diverse forests, with scenery ranging from the tall green ponderosa pines in Flagstaff to the towering red rock formations of Sedona. Within a short drive, you can see many diverse landscapes including ponderosa forests, alpine tundra, mesas, flatlands, deserts, and ancient volcanoes. There are so many great hikes within the Coconino, ranging from easy nature loops like Flagstaff’s gorgeous 2 mile Aspen Nature Loop to the extremely challenging high altitude climb up to Humphrey’s peak. Other easy hikes in Flagstaff to check out include Griffith’s Spring, Veit Springs, and Red Mountain. If you are up for a challenge, Bear Jaw, Inner Basin, and the Kachina trail are must-do’s. In Sedona, here are 6 gorgeous easy trails you will want to check out and if you are up for a bigger challenge, Devil’s Bridge & Doe Mountain reward with some of the area’s biggest views. If you are limited on time, this is how I would rank the natural attractions surrounding Flagstaff 1. Grand Canyon 2. Oak Creek Canyon 3. San Francisco peaks hikes 4. Coconino National Forest 5. Walnut Canyon 6. Sunset Crater 7. Wupatki On the flip side, if you have extra time, I recommend adding these amazing natural wonders to your itinerary: Horseshoe Bend, the Petrified National Forest, and Tonto Natural Bridge State Park. In my opinion, Horseshoe Bend & the Petrified are even more spectacular than Wupatki and Sunset Crater, however, the lengthy drive of 2 hours puts them a bit out of reach for those only staying for a short period.

While many businesses, restaurants, and activity spots are not operating, it can feel like there is nothing to do this summer. This however, is not entirely true. Northern Arizona, best known for its weather and geography, is hands-down one of the best vacation spots out there. We have cherry-picked from a pool of options in the North of Arizona, a few places for you to go, swim, and relax. Here is what the Grand Canyon State has to offer you! Photo: Salome Creek (The Jug) Canyon, AZ — On Rope Canyoneering, www.onropecanyoneering.com Salome Creek - In the heart of central Arizona is a watercourse in the Salome Wilderness. It is a peaceful river amid rocky plateaus. Salome Creek has a 1400 years old history. Some of its rocks have been exposed to watersheds for a very long time. The best thing about Salome Creek is that in order to reach your destination, you trail through the Jug Trail –just google pictures of it and you’ll see why we are fans! Salome Creek is a must if you are from Northern Arizona, or visiting this summer. Know before you go: https://www.tripstodiscover.com/the-jug-in-salome-creek-arizona/

While many businesses, restaurants, and activity spots are not operating, it can feel like there is nothing to do this summer. This however, is not entirely true. Northern Arizona, best known for its weather and geography, is hands-down one of the best vacation spots out there. We have cherry-picked from a pool of options in the North of Arizona, a few places for you to go, swim, and relax. Here is what the Grand Canyon State has to offer you! Picture: Grasshopper Point, AZ - from www.fs.usda.gov Grasshopper Point - A perfect alternative to slide rock, grasshopper point is a clear water swimming hole.Take a hike down from any of the three trails available, and you will find a prime, shaded spot for swimming, picnics and more. Summer temperatures in Sedona can be quite hot. A refreshing dip in the swimming hole can help to cool you off this summer. Learn more: https://camprrm.com/parks/grasshopper-point/

While many businesses, restaurants, and activity spots are not operating, it can feel like there is nothing to do this summer. This however, is not entirely true. Northern Arizona, best known for its weather and geography, is hands-down one of the best vacation spots out there. We have cherry-picked from a pool of options in the North of Arizona, a few places for you to go, swim, and relax. Here is what the Grand Canyon State has to offer you! This week, we are talking about Lake Mohave, a water reservoir located near the Bullhead city area of Arizona State. Lake Mohave is a cold water lake with breathtaking scenery. This beautiful reservoir on the Colorado River allows you to swim, boat, and fish. A perfect place to make your dream of riding a jet ski come true. Moreover, an ideal family trip during the summer has to have Lake Mohave in the bucket list. Learn more about hours, pricing and things to do: https://www.visitarizona.com/places/parks-monuments/lake-mohave/

Sedona, a desert town in Arizona is quite famous for its amazing arts community, climate, pine forests and much more. Planning a quick two-day break this upcoming fall or winter? Check out some of the following popular destinations that will make your trip much more memorable. 1. Visit the Hudson restaurant and dine with an amazing view Some restaurants offer a view while some offer some good food. The Hudson offers both. You can enjoy some fine wine with those amazing pork tacos while watching the captivating red rock formations. With winter approaching, be sure to layer up so you can sit outside and enjoy everything this location has to offer. 2. Rent a bike and go on a mountain biking trail Want to ramp up your fitness levels? Moving to Sedona might just help you. Just rent a bike from any of the numerous shops across the town and go and experience the amazing red rock landscapes. Every part of the trails boasts of incredible landscapes and astounding scenic beauties. And don’t worry, there are trails for all types of people ranging from a novice to a professional! 3. Visit the Museum of North Arizona and get a taste of the culture of the region In case you want to fuel your archaic passion, you can head over to the museum and get a thorough insight into the lives of the Hopi tribe through their contemporary arts and crafts. You explore the museum’s geology gallery to get acquainted with the Colorado Plateau formations and the accompanying flora and fauna. 4. Visit Cathedral Rock and hike to the top of the rock formation Cathedral Rock is the most photographed destination in Sedona and why wouldn’t it be ? Climbing the sandstone butte will definitely treat you with a view to remember. Although the climate is pleasant during the Fall, don’t forget to bring sunscreen and water! 5. Visit the art gallery of Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Village on the first Friday of every month If you are visiting Sedona on the first Friday of the month, you’re lucky. On this day, the galleries open doors to artists from all spheres of life so that they can discuss and contemplate about their pieces and concepts. Enjoy light refreshments while speaking with artists and learning about their art. In case you miss the Friday morning talk, you can always visit the clothes and crafts stores of the village set against the Mexican backdrop. The city is also quite reminiscent of the yesteryears with old school vine-covered buildings, courtyard fountains and majestic archways. 6. Visit the Amitabha Stupa and get lost in the tranquil beauty of the peace park If spirituality attracts you, this is the place to be. The 36-feet Stupa is surrounded by juniper trees and prayer flags along with distant mountains. The orange hue is quite unique and gives the place its own charm - the perfect place to meditate and forget about your life’s problems. 7. Visit Uptown Sedona where you would be spoiled with boutique and bar choices Uptown Sedona is an old town filled with different boutiques and bars. You will also find arts and crafts, jewelry and also some fine dining restaurants here. If Jeep tours fascinate you, this is where you can rent one and cruise across town. 8. Visit the massive Red Rock State Park and experience the rich flora and fauna The massive 286-acre park not only gives you an in-depth view of the flowers and wildlife of the place, but also prepares you for a hiking adventure. You can climb the hilltop to visit the 1947-built House of Apache Fire which boasts itself of a spectacular view. An ornithologist or a birdwatcher might find this place quite interesting due to the various avian visitors that flock this park every now and then. Looking for a place to stay in Sedona? Consider the Arroyo Pinion Hotel, located in West Sedona. Complete with custom furnishings, branded bed covers, a Starbucks coffee and all the basic amenities, this hotel will not disappoint. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and plan your visit to Sedona!

Article by www.nomadicmatt.com The American West is one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen, and within it lies one of the world’s greatest wonders: the Grand Canyon. Stretching 277 miles and cutting a trench 6,000 feet deep, the Grand Canyon is one of the United States‘ most popular tourist destinations and natural wonders. Taking millennia to form, the rocks at the base of the canyon itself are actually dated to be over 2 billion years old. While the canyon is popular, of the 6.25 million annual visitors, 99% go to the Grand Canyon for less than four hours. Of that time, only spend 20 minutes is spent at the actual canyon. Surprisingly, only 1% of visitors actually walk down into the canyon, and only about half of that percent hike down to the bottom. That’s means I’m in a small minority of adventurers who have gone to its base. And you should be too! Hiking the Grand Canyon is really hard. It’s a sweaty, steep hike that is incredibly exhausting. But it’s worth it. There is much more to the canyon than just the views overlooking the rim, yet so few people actually venture down to see what else is there. Arriving at the canyon, my first thought was, “Holy $%%^! Look at this!” I’ve seen the pictures and heard the stories, but nothing could have prepared me for just how huge it was. In front of me, stretching far and wide, were red and orange peaks and valleys, jutting and falling into the ground. I took in the view, trapped by its magnificence before I broke free and began to hike down. Hiking down, you see all the desert animals, the intricacies of the ridges, the mountains, the streams, and the cliffs that aren’t noticeable from above. You see the color changes in the rocks up close, touching them, and enjoy the peacefulness of this place away from the crowds. I immediately knew this was somewhere I wanted to see again, and I regretted only spending one night. If you ever visit the Grand Canyon, hike down, even if just for a few hours. Hiking the Grand Canyon, you’ll get to experience the canyon in detail, and it gives you way more perspective than just looking out over the rim and going “ooohh” and “ahhh.” You’ll see the Colorado River up close as it cuts its way through the canyon, flowing fast and furiously as it sketches one of nature’s greatest paintings. The river itself is cold and rapid. Don’t get caught in the current! From the bottom, the canyon takes on a totally new shape. The vast canyon disappears, and all you can see is this little valley the river has cut. I spent the night at the Bright Angel campground near the creek that bears its name, hiking around the river, talking to hikers, listening to a ranger talk, and trying to avoid the scorpions. After spending the night at the bottom, I awoke, my legs already sore. Yet I was still in for another 9.6-mile hike back up the canyon through hot, steep terrain. Hiking up was a lot tougher than hiking down, even when taking the flatter Bright Angel trail. The trail originates at Grand Canyon Village on the South Rim, descending 4,380 feet to the Colorado River before continuing another 1.9 miles to the Bright Angel Campground. Even though the South Kaibab trail we took down was steeper, climbing back up proved a continuous challenge. My companion (a Brit also named Matt) and I moved slowly in order to take advantage of the shade, to visit the off-trail waterfalls, and to talk with other hikers. The hardest part for me was the steep ascent back up; the high altitude and steep rock faces made for a challenge. After six hours of hiking, we made it out. Hiking the Grand Canyon was one of my major life goals, and I’d done it. Once over the top, all the pain, fatigue, and heat disappeared, giving way to sheer joy. I had mastered the canyon. I had done what few do. I felt like Rocky after he climbed those stairs. I celebrated by watching the sunset over the canyon. There were tons of people taking pictures, but I mostly just sat back and enjoyed the light show reflecting off the canyon walls. It was the perfect relaxing end to two wonderful days in the Grand Canyon. Tips for Hiking the Grand Canyon Bring lots of water – This should go without saying, but if you’re planning to hike to the bottom you’re going to get thirsty. I’d suggest a water bottle as well as something like a CamelBak to keep you hydrated. Skip the restaurants – Bring a lunch with you and have a picnic on the rim. Restaurant prices anywhere near the canyon will be excessive, so bring your own food and enjoy a picnic with the view. Walk slowly – If you’re hiking down to the bottom, take your time. Set a slow, easy pace. Make sure you give yourself lots of time so you don’t have to rush. Rushing will see you get exhausted sooner and go through your water quicker. Skip the bus tour – Tours from nearby cities like Las Vegas are a common way to see the canyon. They can even be cheap. What they aren’t is enjoyable because you’re rushed and don’t get to enjoy the trip. Rent a car or find a rideshare. You’ll have a much better experience. Visit during the shoulder season – Summers at the canyon are busy. Even if you get there early you’ll still find a crowd, so consider visiting in the shoulder season. That way you won’t get the sweltering heat or the bustling crowds. Pick the right hike – If you don’t have a lot of time but want to hike, choose the Kaibab Trail to Cedar Ridge (3 miles). Get there early – The park gets busy around sunset, with many visitors wanting to get the perfect shot. Get their early so you can get the best view without having a mob of people in your way Suggested Hiking Trails If you’re looking to stretch your legs, here are a few hikes you can do: Kaibab Trail to Cedar Ridge (3 miles roundtrip) Kaibab Trail Skeleton Point (6 miles roundtrip) Grandview Trail to the first overlook (2.5 miles roundtrip, but more difficult) Bright Angel Trail to Plateau Point (12.2 miles roundtrip) How to Visit the Grand Canyon The South Rim is the most popular part of the canyon to visit and see the most tourists each year. It has an airport, train service, and is a 90-minute drive from nearby Flagstaff. If you’re coming on a day trip from Las Vegas it’s around a 4.5-hour drive to the South Rim. The North Rim is located on the Utah side of the Grand Canyon and the entrance station is 30 miles south of Jacob Lake on Highway 67. The North Rim village may only be reached by road. There won’t be nearly as many tourists here, but it arguably doesn’t have as great of a view. This could change, but admission to the Grand Canyon is $35 for a vehicle permit or $20 for an individual (say if you’re coming by bus or bicycle.) Permits last seven days and can be bought online or in person. Cash and credit card are accepted. For a more unique (and expensive) trip, you can also take a helicopter tour of the canyon. Tours last around an hour and cost at least $299 per person. If you’re looking to sleep in the canyon at the bottom, you’ll need to apply for lodging at Phantom Ranch, the only lodging in the actual canyon. As of 2019, they will be using a lottery system to determine who gets the limited space. You usually need to book 1 year in advance for this. A 2-peson cabin is 155 USD per night. If you want to camp below the rim, you’ll need to apply for a backcountry permit. Permits are 10 USD per person.