Northern Arizona Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Meteor Crater which includes tranquil scenes and desert views as well as a small group of people
Horseshoe Bend featuring desert views, a gorge or canyon and tranquil scenes
Horseshoe Bend showing boating and a lake or waterhole
Northern Arizona
Northern Arizona

Head to the northern reaches of Arizona to find the state at its most iconic, where breathtaking landmarks seem to lie around almost every corner.

Most of Arizona’s most celebrated attractions can be found in the spectacular region of Northern Arizona. Journey between legendary destinations such as the Grand Canyon and Monument Valley, stopping to gaze in awe at these famously spectacular landscapes. Look beyond the big hitters of the state to find thrilling ski resorts, cities exuding a laid-back charm and unusual natural phenomena.

Stand in awe of a landscape that has been inhabited for millennia by American Indian nations such as the Navajo and Hopi. Attractions such as the Hopi Cultural Center and the Explore Navajo Interactive Museum are packed with displays that shed light on the cultures that have shaped the region.

Grand Canyon National Park is the first stop on many Northern Arizona itineraries and with good reason. The vast gorges and cliffs never fail to impress and are particularly impressive at sunrise. Busy South Rim comes with a visitor center, glass-bottomed viewing platform and several restaurants. Choose quieter, mountainous North Rim for a sense of seclusion when gazing out across the canyon.

Drive through cinematic Monument Valley, the setting of classic westerns such as The Searchers and Stagecoach. Stop by the visitor center in Kayenta to learn about the history of this Navajo land.

Look beyond these two popular natural landmarks to find other stunning destinations. The curved slot gorges of Antelope Canyon promise mesmerizing scenery as you hike. Petrified Forest National Park is covered in fossilized wood in dozens of different colors.

Relax in the mountain city of Flagstaff, where you can gaze at stars in the Lowell Observatory and explore historic homes such as the Riordan Mansion. Come back in winter for skiing in the alpine slopes that surround the city.

Fly to Las Vegas, in Nevada, then drive east for quick access to Northern Arizona. The region offers attractions throughout the year. Visit in winter for snow sports in the mountains. The Grand Canyon is at its warmest and busiest in summer, but can equally be visited in the quieter months of spring and fall.

Where to stay in Northern Arizona

Coffee Pot featuring views, a gorge or canyon and a small town or village

West Sedona

5/5(5 area reviews)

The captivating mountain views and ample dining options are top of the list for many visitors to West Sedona. A stop by Grasshopper Point Picnic Area or Airport Mesa Viewpoint might round out your trip.

West Sedona
Sedona showing mountains and landscape views

Uptown Sedona

4.5/5(2 area reviews)

Gourmet restaurants a scenic riverfront and top sights from Sedona Arts Center to Gallery Row – discover Uptown Sedona, a destination also famous for its shopping.

Uptown Sedona
North Central Arizona which includes signage

Downtown Flagstaff

If you're spending some time in Downtown Flagstaff, Orpheum Theater and Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra are top sights worth seeing.

Downtown Flagstaff
Chapel of the Holy Cross

Chapel

While visiting Chapel, you might make a stop by sights like Chapel of the Holy Cross and Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Village.

Chapel
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Christopher Creek

While Christopher Creek isn't home to many top sights, Woods Canyon Lake and Rocky Point Recreation Area are some notable places to visit nearby.

Christopher Creek
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Northern Arizona University

Though Northern Arizona University may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Walkup Skydome and Flagstaff City Hall.

Northern Arizona University
Maswik Lodge - Inside the Park

Maswik Lodge - Inside the Park

2.5 out of 5
202 South Village Loop, Grand Canyon, AZ
The price is NZ$323 per night from 21 Aug to 22 Aug
NZ$323
21 Aug - 22 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Grand Canyon. Enjoy free parking, 2 restaurants, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the convenient parking ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (3,143 reviews)
"We loved the location. It was in the park but still close to restaurants and stores outside the park. The pizza restaurant at the lodge was very good. The staff were friendly and helpful. The room was nice and the bed was comfortable. The only disappointment was that there was no microwave in the ..."

Reviewed on 14 Aug. 2025

Maswik Lodge - Inside the Park
Yavapai Lodge

Yavapai Lodge

3 out of 5
11 Yavapai Lodge Road, PO Box 159, Grand Canyon, AZ
The price is NZ$321 per night from 19 Aug to 20 Aug
NZ$321
19 Aug - 20 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Grand Canyon. Enjoy free parking, 2 restaurants, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant in ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (9,498 reviews)
"Beautiful location and very close to everything. Lodge is well kept and tries hard to do more for the environment too. Our room was lovely, everything worked. It was unfortunately right next to the ice machine which you could hear constantly, but most rooms would avoid that. There are options for ..."

Reviewed on 13 Aug. 2025

Yavapai Lodge
Little America Flagstaff

Little America Flagstaff

4 out of 5
2515 E Butler Ave, Flagstaff, AZ
The price is NZ$173 per night from 1 Sept to 2 Sept
NZ$173
1 Sept - 2 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Flagstaff. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (2,754 reviews)
"Great place"

Reviewed on 14 Aug. 2025

Little America Flagstaff
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Sedona Pines Resort

Sedona Pines Resort

3.5 out of 5
6701 W State Route 89A, Sedona, AZ
Stay at this 3.5-star family-friendly condo in Sedona. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and room service. Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant in our ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,709 reviews)
"Rooms were great and property was pretty!"

Reviewed on 14 Aug. 2025

Sedona Pines Resort
Junipine Resort

Junipine Resort

3.5 out of 5
8351 N Highway 89A, Sedona, AZ
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Sedona. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and in-room massages. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (2,159 reviews)
"Many of the units need updating"

Reviewed on 12 Aug. 2025

Junipine Resort
Highlands Resort at Verde Ridge

Highlands Resort at Verde Ridge

3.5 out of 5
625 Verde Santa Fe Pkwy, Cornville, AZ
Stay at this 3.5-star golf condo in Cornville. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a golf course. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,084 reviews)
"Perfect location for Cottonwood and Cornville"

Reviewed on 13 Aug. 2025

Highlands Resort at Verde Ridge
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Activities

Cities near Northern Arizona