Arizona Highways
Outdoors Magazine - inspired by Arizona's unique outdoor experience, rich history, culture.

Northern Arizona attractions include:
Grand Canyon National Park - The most famous landmark in the world.
Sedona - very scenic and popular resort center.
Historic Route 66 - Historic highway was the first all-weather road linking Chicago to California.
Flagstaff - Gateway to the Grand Canyon

Probably the single most amazing geological wonder in the world - over 3 million people come each year to view the Grand Canyon of the Colorado River. An abyss more than one mile deep, from four to eighteen miles wide and over 150 miles long in bright desert colors. Visitors are not disappointed by its immense beauty. This natural wonder inspires the imaginations and greatest respect for nature, expressed in so many different ways. This author has even attended weddings held here.

There are many different ways to explore the Grand Canyon, - Helicopter tours, whitewater rafting, backpacking hikes, overlook vistas from both the North Rim and South Rim.

How the canyon was formed is a mystery, satellite photos show that river runs thru the heart of an immense flat hill (kaibab) and deepens at the rate of 50ft per million years. What is left today are immense limestone and sandstone formations. Desert wildlife here is abundant - visitors can encounter sheep, rabbits, eagles, vultures, mountain lions, spiders, scorpions, snakes and more.

Earliest sign of human habitation dates to the Anasazi in 2000 BC. The first white men here were a party of Spaniards in 1540 - Coronado and his party were searching for Seven Cities of Gold of Cibola. In 1869 Maj. John Wesley Powell lead a major expedition (starting at Green River, Wyo.) down the length of the river canyon to Western Arizona. Only after the visits of John Wesley Powell in 1869 and 1871 did the canyon begin to get notoriety.

Please note that Northern Arizona is heavily visited in the summer (May-August) which makes getting reservations difficult. The best time to visit is March / April / September / Octoboer when there is beautiful weather and less competition for reservations.

Grand Canyon Features


Canyoneering the Trails - Guided tours up and down the canyon.
Air Tours - More guided tours.
South Rim - Park headquarters and attractions.
North Rim - More secluded but just as exciting of a lookout.
Phantom Ranch - Located in the bottom of the canyon. Wait to you here how you get there.
Navajo Bridge - Giant highway span over the canyon by US-89A.
Lee's Ferry - Early pioneer canyon crossing.
Tuweep - Sight of major volcanic activity.
Watchtower
Havasu Canyon - South canyon area popular for watersports.
Williams - Depot for the Grand Canyon Railway excursion tour.
Peach Springs - Gateway to the Grand Canyon Canverns.

Grand Canyon Guided Tours
Our most Popular Grand Canyon Tour
Choose from one of many tour packages (Keyword Arizona):


Helicopter Tour - 45-minute flight from Las Vegas lands in the canyon bottom for a champagne picnic.
3-Day Sedona / Grand Canyon Tour - Combines backcountry jeep, rail and helicopter tours of the most prominent landmarks of the Sonoran Desert.
West Rim Tour - Combo helicopter ride to canyon bottom for river boat ride.
Northern Arizona Guided Coach Tour - Daylong bus trip visits Grand Canyon, Navajo Country, Sedona and scenic Oak Creek Canyon

Kaibab N.F.

One of six National Forests in Arizona operating under the care of the USDA Forest Service. Whether it's a visit to Sycamore Canyon, Kendrick Mountain or Kanab Creek, visitors will not be disappointed with the natural pleasures that await in the Kaibab National Forest.

Grand Canyon Railway

Vintage locomotives and classic train cars take you across ever-changing terrain to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. Onboard are strolling musicians, cowboys and refreshments. Museum at the restored 1908 Williams Depot covers railroading history. The 1910 Grand Canyon depot is built of pine logs.
[ Arizona Rail Tours ]

Grand Canyon Squire Inn
Best Western Vacation Resort
Route 64, Grand Canyon, AZ 86023;
Location: South Rim overlook close to Train Depot;
Situated only one and a half miles from the entrance to northern Arizona's Grand Canyon, the Best Western Grand Canyon Squire offers all of the great customer service and comfortable accommodations guests deserve. Each spacious and well-appointed guest room at this Grand Canyon hotel feature cable satellite television and high-speed Internet access. Wake up each morning to a complimentary continental breakfast before sightseeing or taking advantage of the hotel's many amenities including an outdoor heated pool, hot tub, steam room, exercise facility and an arcade.

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California Resort Life
Exciting resort accommodations in beautiful California USA. Come see what's new.


Flagstaff Marriott Residence Inn
3440 North Country Club Drive, Flagstaff, AZ 86004;
Location: Close to US-180 exit from I-40 Freeway;
The Residence Inn Flagstaff offers a comfortable home base, whether visiting the Canyon, historic Downtown Flagstaff, Northern Arizona University, Route 66 or the red rocks of nearby Sedona.

The beauty of Arizona starts at the doorstep of our Flagstaff hotel, which overlooks both an 18-hole golf course and the Coconino National Forest. Spend the day shopping, only minutes away from the Flagstaff Mall and Marketplace.

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Flagstaff Pony Soldier Inn
Best Western Vacation Resort
3030 East Route 66, Flagstaff, AZ 86004;
Location: Downtown Commercial District on Historic Route 66;
Stay at this all non-smoking Flagstaff hotel located off Interstate 40 on Historic Route 66 in Northern Arizona. Each spacious, well-appointed room at this Flagstaff hotel features free wireless Internet access and all the extras that make a big difference while traveling. Amenities include an enclosed heated pool and hot tub, cable TV with HBO.

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WARNING: - Most trails are very steeped and descend deep into the canyon (over 5,000 feet). Going down might be easy - but it is very hard work to hike back up. These hikes are recommended only for those in excellent physical condition. Also remember to bring lots of water.

South Rim trails are open year-round although snow will accumulate during the winter months. North Rim trails are open only May - October.

Another form of canyoneering is taking a Muleback Trip. Again these also require that you be in good physical condition, weight under 200 lbs and have a good command of the english language. Make reservations well in advance. Both one-day and overnite trips to Phantom Ranch are available.

All backcountry trips and camping require a permit - Grand Canyon National Park, PO Box 129, Grand Canyon, AZ 86023, 928-638-7875.

• Bright Angel Trail - Most popular trail for descending into the canyon. This 9 mile trail starts at Bright Angel Lodge and descends 4460 feet to Phantom Ranch.

• South Kaibab Trail - Very steep 7 mile trail starts near Yaki Point (3.5 miles east of Grand Canyon Village). Descends into the canyon to a suspension foot bridge over the Colorado and onto Phantom Ranch. This trail is not recommended for trying to exit the canyon.

• North Kaibab Trail - 14.2 mile North Rim trail starts at head of Roaring Springs Canyon and descends 5840 feet to the river and Phantom Ranch.

• Rim Trail - Easy 3.5 mile trail follows the West Rim is less strenuous then the other trails. Trail runs from Maricopa Point to Yavapai Museum.

A very exciting (and fast) way to see the canyon is by aircraft or helicopter - you can see a lot more from the air than you can on foot. Most of the canyon is inaccessible by ground.

Flagstaff Radisson Woodlands
1175 West Route 66, Flagstaff, AZ 86001;
Location: Old Highway 66;
Upscale hotel located in the heart of Northern Arizona's recreational areas and cultural attractions. Deluxe guest rooms and suites available. Sakura Japanese Steakhouse and Sushi Bar and Woodlands Cafe offer several dining options. Activities include hiking, biking, golf, tennis, shopping and skiing.

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Grand Canyon Plaza Resort
116 Route 64, Grand Canyon, AZ 86023;
Location: South Rim overlook near Train Depot;
Escape to the grandeur of the Grand Canyon where sunlight dances on canyon walls and towering sandstone sculptures cast long shadows on the high desert. Located minutes from the south entrance of Grand Canyon National Park, guests at The Canyon Plaza Resort Grand Canyon fully experience the magic of the Grand Canyon. Add to that the award winning traits of a full-service resort hotel and your Northern Arizona vacation is long remembered. Our close proximity allows you to come and go as you please. Enjoy a morning canyon hike and a restful afternoon lounging by the pool.

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Sedona Arroyo Roble Hotel
Best Western Vacation Resort
400 North Highway 89A (P.O.Box NN), Sedona, AZ 86336;
Location: Downtown Commercial District on Scenic Route 89A;
A variety of beautiful golf courses can be found close to the hotel and are perfect for year round golfing. Hotel guests will find Sedona an ideal location for a day-trip to the Grand Canyon. A complimentary extended continental breakfast is served daily. Guests will enjoy the heated indoor pool, seasonal outdoor pool, steam room, spa, exercise facility and nearby tennis and racquetball courts. Meeting facilities are available for group events.

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This is the most popular and easily assessible (from Flagstaff and Phoenix) vantage point. This place is open year round. There are pathways leading for several miles in both directions. Attractions include:

• Mather Point - Major Vista overlook

• Yavapai Geological Museum - displays about the canyon and large observation deck windows for great panoramic views

• Grand Canyon IMAX Theater 638-2468. Open Daily. Located at the south rim park entrance with food court, gift shops, and info center. Special wide screen features about the Grand Canyon. Email: IMAX.

• Desert View Watchtower - built 1932 in variety of indian styles and decorated with pictographs. Vast panoramic views of Northern Arizona

• Visitors Center - Located 6 miles north of the South Entrance - includes museum and info center with dioramas and exhibits about the geology of the region. Ranger/naturalist on duty.

• East Rim Drive - Great Scenic Drive takes you by several key features.

• Tusayan Museum and Ruins - located 23 miles east of Grand Canyon Village is this exhibit of the Indians who once lived here.

• Tusayan Pueblo - 800 year old Anasazi ruins easily reached by self-guided trail.

• Grand Canyon Caverns
  Located off Route 66 halfway between Seligman and Kingman is a vast network caves that are over 300 million years old. A elevator takes you 210 feet below the surface.



Watchtower
Located at Desert View (25 miles east of Grand Canyon Village on the South Rim) is 1932 rest stop tower that offers commanding of the Grand Canyon and well across Northern Arizona.

Havasu Canyon
Havasu Canyon is a side canyon on the south side. It is really part of the Havasupai Indian Reservation. Key features here include Havasu Falls and Mooney Falls, great places for swimming. Camping and lodging are available. (448-2111).

Grand Canyon Holiday Inn Express
Route 64, Grand Canyon, AZ 86023;
Location: South Rim overlook near Train Depot;
The Grand Canyon Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites features 164 guest rooms and a 32 suite room annex. Free in-room high speed Internet access is available. We are entirely a non-smoking hotel. The Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites is located one mile from the Grand Canyon National Park South Rim entrance. Dining and entertainment within walking distance. 1/2 mile from the Grand Canyon Airport and Helibase. Air tours, jeep rides, raft trips, can be arranged from the hotel.

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North Rim is only open from from Mid-May to late-Oct. The vantage point is a more serene and a lot less crowded than South Rim. Campgrounds and cabins are available here (340-9033). There is also a lodge, general store, post office and gift shop.

Tour Navajo Bridge
Located at the far northeast corner of the park where Highway US-98A crosses the Marble Canyon gorge. The bridge is 616 feet long and 467 feet high. This is awesome sight as the highway approaches from either side are across a very flat mesa and the Colorado River cuts right thru the middle of up. About 22 miles west of the bridge and off the beaten path is House Rock Valley - home to a herd of wild bison.

Tour Lee's Ferry
Crossing point for the most direct route across the river. Originally John D. Lee operated a ferry here from 1872-1929. In 1929, the first road bridge across the river was built. This is also the most common starting point for whitewater rafting trips down the river.

Tuweep Area
Located in the northwest corner of the park is a site of recent volcanic activity ane unique views of the inner canyon. This place is accessible only by a 60 mile dirt road from Fredonia. No services are available. At the base is Vulcan's Throne a old cinder cone.

Grand Canyon Grand Hotel
Route 64, Grand Canyon, AZ 86023;
Location: Tusayan Village;
The lodge, built in 1998, features the classic architecture and decor of America's great lodges with rustic timber, western ironwork, and immense log beams. A central lobby with a towering stone fireplace invites good books, lively games of checkers, and inquisitive conversations with travelers from around the world. The nearby grand piano inspires guests to play their favorite tunes and sing along. You might even enjoy a spontaneous guitar and fiddle jam session going on in the lobby.

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Campground and cabins are located at the bottom of the canyon and are only accessible by either muleback or dayhike from down the canyon sides of either North Rim or South Rim or by the river. Phantom Ranch is the mid-point of the Bright Angel Trail, a two-day hiking trail across the canyon. This is the only way across the river, the nearest road route is a 215 mile detour. A suspension bridge was built here in 1928. Reservations are required (638-2631) for either dining or lodging accomodations.

Grand Canyon Red Feather Lodge
Route 64, Grand Canyon, AZ 86023;
Location: Tusayan Village
The Grand Canyon Red Feather Lodge is located one mile from the south rim of Grand Canyon National Park in the small town of Tusayan. We offer a motel and hotel section. The motel has two floors with stairs only to the second floor. Each room has an outside entrance. The newer hotel section has interior corridors and elevators.

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