Just saying “Arizona” brings to mind the suburban landscape of Phoenix: endless sprawl, heat rippling off the asphalt, and a swimming pool in every yard. But to its north is one of the West’s best-kept secrets: the unique scenery of Northern Arizona. Looking for a trip that’s sure to be different? Consider these five reasons to plan a trip to Northern Arizona any time of year.
1 Way To Beat the Heat
Are you feeling scorched in Scottsdale, chapped in Chandler, or fried in Phoenix? The year-round heat in the Valley of the Sun can be a boon in the wintertime but too much to bear in the summer months. Southern Arizonans enjoy treks to the cooler climes of the northern half of the state, where Flagstaff and surrounding areas boast temperate days and cool nights—all just a day trip away from the highly populous greater Phoenix region. Even if you’re not melted in Mesa or grilled in Gilbert, the region draws visitors from around the western United States.
Take a Second or 2 for Outdoor Exploration
Northern Arizona is unlike anywhere else. The north trades sands for occasional snow, cactuses for ponderosa pines, and vast expanses for tricky terrain—the kind that’s perfect for hiking, camping, skiing, and even off-roading. Sedona’s Broken Arrow Trail is one of the state’s most popular off-road destinations, and the region features abundant campgrounds and ski hills. They’re all quality recreation opportunities before gazing upon the majesty of the Grand Canyon.
3 Meals a Day in Flagstaff
The home of Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff is much more than a college town. In recent years, it’s become a haven for chefs to try new spins on old favorites. Restaurants have pivoted from tourist fare to specialized cuisines, making this town a destination for foodies who love great meals as much as they love burning off the calories with all the hiking the region has to offer.
Wineries 4 You To Enjoy
That temperate climate means that Northern AZ is a prime place for growing grapes. If you love sampling local offerings from around North America, from the classic California wineries to the ice wines that flourish in chilly Southern Ontario, you can add the vintages of the Grand Canyon State to your wine cellar back home. Between Prescott and Flagstaff lies the Verde Valley Wine Trail, linking Arizona wineries through exquisite scenery.
5th Reason: Four Corners
The laws of physics remind us that we can’t be in two places at once. However, an idiosyncrasy of state lines means we can occupy four states at once. If your family would get a kick out of this, the Four Corners point is a great reason to plan a trip to Northern Arizona—not to mention northwestern New Mexico, southeastern Colorado, and southwestern Utah.
FAQ
What is it like in Northern Arizona?
Northern Arizona is unlike anywhere else. The north trades sands for occasional snow, cactuses for ponderosa pines, and vast expanses for tricky terrain—the kind that’s perfect for hiking, camping, skiing, and even off-roading. Sedona’s Broken Arrow Trail is one of the state’s most popular off-road destinations, and the region features abundant campgrounds and ski hills. They’re all quality recreation opportunities before gazing upon the majesty of the Grand Canyon.
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