Best Attractions & Places To Visit In Northern Arizona
Updated by AZ Leisure Staff Writers on
Northern Arizona combines some of the state's most dramatic landscapes, from the mile-deep Grand Canyon and Sedona's red-rock country to pine forests, mountain lakes, high desert, volcanic terrain and the sandstone canyons surrounding Page. Higher elevations around Flagstaff, the San Francisco Peaks and the Mogollon Rim also provide a cooler mountain environment that contrasts sharply with Arizona's lower desert regions.
Visitors can explore Grand Canyon National Park, drive through Oak Creek Canyon, hike among Sedona's red rocks, follow historic Route 66 through Flagstaff and Williams, visit Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, explore the Page and Lake Powell area, and discover archaeological sites, forests and scenic overlooks throughout the region.
- Popular Northern Arizona Destinations
- Top Attractions
- Outdoor Recreation
- History & Native Culture
- Scenic Drives
- Best Time To Visit
- Travel Tips
- Northern Arizona Trip Planning
- Northern Arizona Video
- FAQ
Most Popular Northern Arizona Destinations
Flagstaff - Mountain city surrounded by national forest, Route 66 history and the San Francisco Peaks.
Jerome - Historic hillside mining town overlooking the Verde Valley.
Kingman - Route 66 community and gateway to northwestern Arizona.
Page & Lake Powell - Base for Lake Powell, Horseshoe Bend and nearby slot-canyon attractions.
Prescott - Historic downtown, mountain scenery, lakes and outdoor recreation.
Sedona - Famous for red-rock formations, hiking, scenic drives, art and wellness experiences.
Oak Creek Canyon - Forested canyon and scenic State Route 89A between Sedona and Flagstaff.
Williams - Route 66 town and southern terminus of the Grand Canyon Railway.
Top Attractions In Northern Arizona
The Grand Canyon is Northern Arizona's best-known natural attraction and one of the most visited national parks in the United States. Grand Canyon National Park includes the year-round South Rim and the more remote, seasonal North Rim, with scenic overlooks, hiking trails and opportunities to experience the canyon from dramatically different elevations and perspectives.
Other major attractions include Sedona's red-rock country, Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, Lake Powell, Horseshoe Bend, Oak Creek Canyon, historic Route 66 communities, Petrified Forest National Park, Navajo National Monument and archaeological sites throughout the Verde Valley and Colorado Plateau.
Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park is one of the American West's most recognizable landscapes, with massive sandstone buttes and mesas rising from the desert floor. The tribal park covers land in both Arizona and Utah and has appeared in generations of films, television programs, advertisements and photographs.
Sedona is internationally known for its red sandstone formations, extensive trail system, art galleries, outdoor recreation and distinctive high-desert scenery. Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock and the surrounding Coconino National Forest are among the area's most recognizable landscapes.
Immediately north of Sedona, Oak Creek Canyon follows State Route 89A through a forested canyon between Sedona and Flagstaff. The route combines red-rock scenery, steep canyon walls, creekside recreation and dramatic changes in elevation and vegetation.
Outdoor Recreation In Northern Arizona
Northern Arizona offers year-round outdoor recreation ranging from desert hiking to winter snow sports. Popular activities include hiking, mountain biking, fishing, boating, houseboat rentals, camping, scenic driving, wildlife viewing, photography and skiing.
- Hiking: Grand Canyon, Sedona, Oak Creek Canyon, Flagstaff and the Colorado Plateau offer trails ranging from short scenic walks to demanding backcountry routes.
- Boating: Lake Powell provides boating, kayaking, houseboat rentals and water-based recreation near Page.
- Fishing: Mountain lakes and reservoirs around Flagstaff, Prescott and the Mogollon Rim offer seasonal fishing opportunities for trout and other freshwater species.
- Mountain biking: Sedona and Flagstaff are especially well known for extensive trail networks.
- Winter recreation: Higher elevations around Flagstaff and the San Francisco Peaks receive substantial winter snowfall.
- Photography: Grand Canyon, Sedona, Monument Valley, Horseshoe Bend and the Page area provide some of Arizona's most recognizable landscape subjects.
Northern Arizona History & Native Culture
Northern Arizona contains thousands of years of human history and remains home to multiple Native nations and communities. Visitors can learn about Ancestral Puebloan sites, petroglyphs, pueblos, trading routes and living cultural traditions throughout the Colorado Plateau and Verde Valley.
- Navajo National Monument: Protects Betatakin, Keet Seel and Inscription House Ancestral Puebloan cliff-dwelling sites.
- Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park: Navajo Nation landscape spanning the Arizona-Utah border.
- Palatki Heritage Site: Cliff dwellings and rock art near Sedona.
- Montezuma Castle National Monument: Well-preserved cliff dwelling in the Verde Valley.
- Arizona Archaeological Sites: Additional information about cultural and archaeological destinations throughout the state.
Best Scenic Drives In Northern Arizona
- Oak Creek Canyon - State Route 89A: Forest and red-rock scenery between Sedona and Flagstaff.
- Desert View Drive: Grand Canyon South Rim route with multiple overlooks between Grand Canyon Village and Desert View.
- Historic Route 66: Classic highway communities including Flagstaff, Williams and Kingman.
- San Francisco Peaks Scenic Routes: Forest and high-country drives around Flagstaff and Arizona's highest mountains.
- Monument Valley: Desert highways approaching the iconic buttes provide classic Southwestern views.
- Page & Marble Canyon: High-desert routes connect Lake Powell, Horseshoe Bend, Navajo Bridge and the Vermilion Cliffs region.
Best Time To Visit Northern Arizona
- Spring (March-May): Comfortable temperatures make spring excellent for Sedona, Grand Canyon hiking and high-desert sightseeing, although snow can linger at higher elevations.
- Summer (June-August): Flagstaff and other higher-elevation destinations provide relief from Arizona's desert heat, while afternoon monsoon thunderstorms become common later in the season.
- Fall (September-November): Cooler weather and changing aspen leaves make fall one of the most scenic seasons around Flagstaff, the San Francisco Peaks and Oak Creek Canyon.
- Winter (December-February): Snow transforms the high country around Flagstaff, while the Grand Canyon South Rim remains open year-round. Some mountain roads and the Grand Canyon North Rim have seasonal closures.
Northern Arizona Travel Tips
- Allow more driving time than the map may suggest because Northern Arizona attractions are spread across a very large region.
- Carry water year-round, including during cooler weather.
- Expect major temperature differences between high-elevation destinations and lower desert areas.
- Check winter road conditions before visiting Flagstaff, the Grand Canyon or other high-country destinations.
- Watch summer forecasts for monsoon thunderstorms and flash-flood hazards.
- Make lodging and campground reservations early for popular destinations and holiday weekends.
- Respect tribal regulations when visiting Navajo Nation and other tribal lands.
- Stay on established trails and never disturb archaeological sites, rock art or artifacts.
- Check current permit requirements for destinations such as The Wave and guided-access slot canyons.
- Consider combining nearby destinations rather than trying to cover all of Northern Arizona on a single short trip.
Planning A Northern Arizona Road Trip
Northern Arizona covers a large geographic area, and its major attractions are often separated by several hours of driving. Visitors with limited time should concentrate on nearby destinations rather than attempting to see the entire region in one trip. Flagstaff, Sedona, Williams and Page are popular starting points for exploring different parts of Northern Arizona.
Two To Three Days In Northern Arizona
For a short getaway, consider combining Sedona, Oak Creek Canyon and Flagstaff. This itinerary offers red-rock scenery, forested canyon drives, hiking, restaurants and historic Route 66 attractions without requiring long drives between every stop.
Four To Five Days In Northern Arizona
With additional time, include Grand Canyon National Park and Williams. Visitors can explore the South Rim overlooks, enjoy Williams' Route 66 atmosphere and spend time in Flagstaff or Sedona. Allow at least one full day for sightseeing at the Grand Canyon.
One Week Or Longer
A longer trip allows visitors to explore the Grand Canyon, Sedona, Flagstaff, Page and Lake Powell, Horseshoe Bend and Monument Valley. Additional stops can include Petrified Forest National Park and historic Route 66 communities. Plan the route according to available time, seasonal conditions and lodging locations.
Northern Arizona Video
Northern Arizona Attractions FAQ
What Are The Best Attractions In Northern Arizona?
Popular Northern Arizona attractions include Grand Canyon National Park, Sedona, Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, Lake Powell, Horseshoe Bend, Oak Creek Canyon, Petrified Forest National Park and historic Route 66 communities.
What Are The Most Popular Northern Arizona Towns To Visit?
Popular destinations include Flagstaff, Sedona, Williams, Page, Prescott, Jerome and Kingman, each offering a different combination of scenery, history and outdoor recreation.
Is The Grand Canyon In Northern Arizona?
Yes. Grand Canyon National Park is in northern Arizona and includes the year-round South Rim and the more remote seasonal North Rim.
What Is There To Do In Sedona Arizona?
Sedona is known for red-rock hiking, mountain biking, scenic drives, Jeep tours, art galleries, wellness experiences, shopping and photography.
Where Is Monument Valley?
Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park lies along the Arizona-Utah border on Navajo Nation land.
What Attractions Are Near Page Arizona?
Popular attractions around Page include Lake Powell, Horseshoe Bend, Antelope Canyon, Glen Canyon, Navajo Bridge and the Vermilion Cliffs region.
What Is The Best Scenic Drive In Northern Arizona?
Popular choices include Oak Creek Canyon on State Route 89A, Desert View Drive at Grand Canyon National Park and historic sections of Route 66.
What Is The Best Time Of Year To Visit Northern Arizona?
Spring and fall generally offer comfortable sightseeing weather, summer is popular in higher-elevation areas such as Flagstaff, and winter brings snow recreation to the high country.
Does Northern Arizona Get Snow?
Yes. Higher elevations around Flagstaff, the San Francisco Peaks, Williams and the Grand Canyon receive substantial winter snowfall.
How Many Days Do You Need To Visit Northern Arizona?
Three to five days is enough to explore one or two areas, while a week or longer is better for combining the Grand Canyon, Sedona, Flagstaff, Page, Monument Valley and Route 66 destinations.
Additional Northern Arizona images can be viewed in the Mike Koopsen Northern Arizona Photo Gallery. Selected Mike Koopsen landscape photographs are available as fine art prints through Art Studio Prints.
Popular Northern AZ Destinations
