Visiting Northern Arizona

Scattered throughout the northern Arizona landscape of patchy green tufts and other plant life, and peppered amongst the snow covered hillsides and icy ravines, travelers are in prime position for a wonderful late winter and early spring, northern Arizona getaway. On your radar might be the Grand Canyon – the iconic naturally formed canyon that brings in millions of visitors every year – or the Heritage Park Zoo in Prescott. North just an hour and a half is Sedona, where, on March 3, they’ll be hosting the 42nd Annual Sedona St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Northern Arizona has a wealth of premier, spring events – try to explore them all.

West of Flagstaff, is Williams. A fine little city, Williams is home to the historic Grand Canyon Railway, which carries more than 200,000 annual visitors to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. Perfect in spring, be sure to play 18 holes at Elephants Rock Golf Course, or enjoy a fun horseback ride along a trail at Bill Williams Mountain. On Valentine's Day, treat that special someone to the Arizona Centennial Train and Centennial Sweetheart Dinner at the Sultana Theatre. Anglers and those looking to experience some of northern Arizona’s fresh, spring air, can cast out at Dogtown Reservoir and reel in a rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, or even a nice sized catfish.

To the east, just 45 minutes along I-40, is Flagstaff. This focal point of northern Arizona hospitality, commerce and tourism is home to Northern Arizona University, and the Walnut Canyon National Monument. Fans of the arts will want to make time to check out the Richard Beasley Show – an art exhibition. It’ll be held through March 23 at the Beasley Gallery on the NAU campus; it’s a great, free way to spend an afternoon. Weather permitting, be sure to visit Arizona Snowbowl for some skiing – you can even participate in the Kahtoola’s Agassiz Uphill race on February 11. During the month of February, head over to the Museum of Northern Arizona and experience Images in Wool: Navajo Pictorials, an educational and interesting exhibit.

Two hours south of Flagstaff is Payson, a friendly town that’s nearly the geographic center of Arizona. Home to the World’s Oldest Continuous Rodeo, spring visitors to Payson always enjoy a visit to the Tonto Natural Bridge State Park – the largest natural bridge of it’s kind in the world. Stretch those legs with a spring time stroll down Payson’s Historic Main Street, which features the Rim Country Museum, Green Valley Park, and the always fun Oxbow Inn & Saloon. Set for March 3, revel in the tastes of northern Arizona at the Taste of the Rim Country, held at the Payson Public Library. March 31, Green Valley Park will be hosting of the Kids Fishing Festival.

Northern Arizona Hotel Map