7 Reasons Why Northern Arizona is a Must-Visit for Nature Enthusiasts

Adventurers are irresistibly attracted to Arizona’s surreal landscapes—and the northern region of this Grand Canyon State is packed with natural wonders in every corner. From the world’s finest meteorite impact site to breathtaking red rock formations, this ancient and majestic area showcases some of Arizona’s most beautiful and culturally rich sites, each narrating its own unique story.

The ideal way to explore Northern Arizona’s gems? Embark on a week-long road trip. This journey allows you to delve into the history of the land and connect with the Indigenous peoples who originally inhabited these areas through various tours, parks, and museums. Here’s how to take it easy, relish the journey, and engage with the fascinating heritage of this destination.

Start Your Adventure in Flagstaff

Nestled along the historic Route 66, Northern Arizona’s largest city is the perfect launchpad for discovering the state’s hidden natural gems. While visiting, soak in Flagstaff’s relaxed, artistic atmosphere. Enjoy a drink at a local craft brewery, experience live music during the monthly First Friday ArtWalk, or marvel at the stars from Lowell Observatory, one of the oldest observatories in the U.S. where Pluto was discovered in 1930.

Dining Delights: A beloved spot in downtown Flagstaff, MartAnne’s Burrito Palace is affectionately referred to by locals as “the house that chilaquiles built.” Savor traditional Mexican cuisine with a Southwestern twist, such as green-chili pork posole (a rich hominy stew).

Dive into American Indian Culture

As the largest community within the Navajo Nation, Tuba City holds deep cultural importance. Don’t miss the Explore Navajo Interactive Museum, developed by top Navajo scholars, featuring exhibits on Navajo land, language, history, and ceremonial life, along with a life-sized hogan (traditional home) and engaging weaving and basket-making displays. Before leaving the Navajo Nation, swing by the Tuba City Trading Post for a handcrafted memento. This trading post has been a hub for authentic arts, crafts, clothing, jewelry, pottery, Katsina dolls, and textiles since 1906.

Dining Option: Just next door, you’ll discover Hogan Family Restaurant, a beloved eatery where you can savor traditional Navajo dishes like mutton stew and chili served with fry bread.

Take the Scenic Route

For breathtaking panoramic views of Northern Arizona, consider a slight detour on Highway 89A, a two-hour drive from Bitter Springs, Arizona, to Kanab, Utah. This route showcases the turquoise waters of the Colorado River, the striking red rock formations at Vermillion Cliffs, and quaint rural towns such as Jacob Lake. Feel free to stop as often as you like at captivating landmarks, including Marble Canyon’s Navajo Bridge, an engineering wonder regarded by many as the gateway to the Grand Canyon.

Dining Recommendation: Set against the backdrop of towering cliffs, Cliff Dwellers Restaurant boasts some of the finest views around. Secure an outdoor table and indulge in delicious dishes like baby back ribs and ribeye steak.

Discover the Wonders of Antelope Canyon

This stunning slot canyon, situated on private land within the Navajo Nation, got its name from the pronghorn antelope that once grazed the area. Experience this breathtaking site, shaped by centuries of water and wind erosion, alongside a member of the Navajo Nation through Mystical Antelope Canyon Tours, where you’ll learn about Navajo culture, language, history, and the natural environment.

Dining Option: Come hungry to BirdHouse, a laid-back eatery serving up crispy fried chicken and a rotating selection of beers. It’s the perfect spot to unwind after a long day of driving or hiking.

Discover a Sacred Valley

Tucked away in a rarely explored section of Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, Mystery Valley is only accessible with a guide. Join a -hour adventure with Dinah Bekeyah Tours to uncover ancient ruins, petroglyphs, and artifacts from Puebloan settlements (dating from around 100 B.C. to 1300 A.D.) with a Diné (Navajo) guide whose ancestors once inhabited the land after it was deserted.

Dining Experience: With stunning views of the breathtaking red rock formations of Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, The View Restaurant serves up traditional Navajo dishes. Be sure to try the red-chili pork posole, mutton stew, and Navajo tacos.

Awe at Nature’s Masterpiece

Home to indigenous peoples for millennia, the Painted Desert is a vibrant dreamscape forged by dramatic earthquakes, floods, and volcanic activity. While the striking hills, flat-topped mesas, and sculpted buttes of this colorful badlands stretch approximately 150 miles, the northern section of Petrified Forest National Park is the most accessible—so start your visit there to explore the visitor center’s interpretive exhibits and familiarize yourself with the area.

Dining Suggestion: Take a seat and enjoy modern Southwestern cuisine at La Posada’s Turquoise Room, one of the most historic dining venues along Route 66.

Explore the Wonders of Space

At Meteor Crater National Landmark, visitors can stand at the site of a meteorite impact and witness the world’s best-preserved impact crater. Formed nearly 50,000 years ago by a collision that unleashed a force 150 times that of an atomic bomb, this impressive cavity spans almost a mile in width. After enjoying a guided tour around the rim, visit the Meteor Crater Visitor Center for interactive exhibits and a thrilling 4D experience room.

Dining Option: Enhance your visit with a treat from Sipp Shoppe, a charming soda fountain housed in a historic bank building from 1904. Their homemade ice cream is also available in deliciously thick shakes and malts.

Accommodations Along the Journey

Arizona Nordic Village

Just a 30-minute drive from downtown Flagstaff, Arizona Nordic Village offers outdoor adventures while keeping you close to town's amenities. Spend the night in a cozy yurt and enjoy stargazing through the bubble-like window at the top of your tent.

Lee’s Ferry Lodge

Travel back in time at Lee’s Ferry Lodge, located in a charming building near the Vermillion Cliffs. Each morning, unwind on your patio and take in the stunning views.

Shash Diné Eco-Retreat

Situated on a working sheep farm just 12 miles south of Page, Shash Diné Eco-Retreat offers guests an immersive experience in Navajo culture. Choose your stay from canvas bell tents, covered sheepherder wagons, a cabin with handcrafted furniture, or traditional hogans.

The View Hotel

As a Navajo-owned establishment and the only hotel in Monument Valley, The View Hotel provides rooms with private balconies overlooking the park’s majestic sandstone formations. The top floor accommodations feature “StarView” windows, perfect for long exposure photography.

La Posada

With a guestbook filled with luminaries like Albert Einstein, John Wayne, and Amelia Earhart, La Posada in Winslow was a favored destination for many notable politicians and celebrities during its prime. Experience a slice of history by staying at this national treasure.