Northern Arizona
From Lake Powell to the tallest peak in Arizona, to the painted Desert and the Petrified Forest. There are a lot of amazing places to see north of Phoenix. Add some of these side excursions to any trip up north.
Want a sample itinerary? Click here
Places
Flagstaff
- Close to many attractions Northern Arizona has to offer. Flagstaff is home to Arizona’s tallest peak Mt. Humphreys. Take a hike here and stop for a pint at Mother Road Brewing after. They have a great patio. Check out Pizzicletta next door for dinner.
- Wupatki National Monument is just outside of town. Do the loop with Sunset Crater National Monument on highway 89, a 34 mile scenic tour.
- Look into hiking the Lava Tubes
Petrified Forest National Park
- Only 1.5 hours from Flagstaff. Check another National park off your list and travel down the historic Route 66. The Petrified Forest sits in a desolate area and a lot of the park can be seen in just a few hours.
- On the way you will pass through the small town of Winslow, Arizona, made famous by the Eagles song, “Take it Easy”. Pop through and stand on the corner, and grab a beer at the brewery right across the street.
Payson
- A small town an hour and a half outside of Phoenix. This is the gateway to the Mogollon Rim and is also a possible route up to the Petrified Forest National Park.
- There are a TON of Forest Service roads here for camping and boondocking. There are also a few lakes stocked with fish, trails and hiking.
- Horton Springs Trail is great for all skill levels
- Bear Canyon Lake and Woods Canyon Lake. Both have designated campgrounds
- Check out Pine and Strawberry
- Two towns about 15 min outside of Payson. Eat at the Old County Inn. There are quite a few forest service roads and camping spots within 15-20 min of these towns making it easy to come back in for food or supplies.
Prescott
- On the way to Flagstaff you will see an exit for this town. It is worth the stop if you have time.
- Once Arizona’s Capital, Prescott is steeped in history. It is an outdoor enthusiasts dream with a ton of hiking and mountain biking trails. There are great restaurants here and the infamous Whiskey Row sits in the center of the town square.
- Barley hound, Supersition Meadery and The Point are all worth checking out
- Hike at Watson Lake to experience the beautiful rock formations in Prescott
- Close to Sedona, Jerome and Cottonwood it is easy to day trip here.
Lake Powell
- 2 Hours from Flagstaff this is technically the start of the Grand Canyon at Glenn Canyon Damn. This area boasts high canyon walls, magnificent views and ample areas to camp.
- Horeshoe Bend: on they way check out this iconic view; go early to avoid the crowds
- Antelope Canyon Tour
- This can only be done with a guide. Reserve early the spots fill up fast!
- Want to see Antelope Canyon from the water? Click Here for a link to the Blog Page.
Sample Itinerary: Northern Arizona
Day 1: Phoenix to Sedona
- Arrive in Phoenix
- Drive up to Sedona. Camp outside of Sedona near Loy Butte Road
- Hike bear mountain, explore the town
Day 2: Sedona to Flagstaff
- Drive the 89 A up to Flagstaff. Stop in Flagstaff and walk around the downtown. Take a quick hike if there is time
- Drive through the Waptuki National Monument and Sunset Crater; camp near this area
Day 3: Grand Canyon
- Explore the Grand Canyon and camp near Williams
Day 4: Williams to Pine (Payson)
- Drive through Flagstaff and stop in Winslow, then to Petrified National Monument
- Take the route through Payson,
- Dinner at Old County Inn
- Camp on the Mogollon Rim
Day 5: Payson to Phoenix
- Travel back to Phoenix; Hike at Lost Dutchman State Park, head home