Visiting Northern Arizona

Northern Arizona travelers are shredding the slopes at Arizona Snowbowl, while eastern Arizona winter sports fans head to the White Mountains to enjoy Sunrise Ski Resort. The 2012 White Mountain Winter Games hosted at Sunrise along with Shred Fest are winter fun for all. Travelers to the Grand Canyon experience the magic of winter, adding the drama of snow and storm clouds to Arizona’s most famous National Park. Keep it safe this winter and stick to the Grand Canyon’s Rim Trail - be sure to stop and warm up by the fireplace at historic El Tovar Lodge. Northern Arizona and winter make a wonderful combination.

Ideal for a weekend or short getaway, the Grand Canyon is a must see for Arizona visitors. Holidays can be busy, however the winter season offers smaller crowds and cool weather. Tusayan, outside Grand Canyon National Park is an easy 10 minute drive, offering hotels, restaurants and fun amenities for park visitors. Automobile travelers through Flagstaff; check the weather forecast and plan accordingly. For a terrific family fun experience, check out how to arrive at the canyon via the Grand Canyon Railway.

Headed to the South Rim? Make the journey from Williams on the Grand Canyon Railway. Williams’s historic train delivers passengers to the South Rim on an authentic steam train for an exciting Old West experience. Splurge on First Class or Observation Dome passage, but be sure to arrive early for your departure - you don't want to miss the fun of the morning Wild West Shootout – this is a must if you’re traveling with children.

Don’t forget the sunscreen for your Northern Arizona adventure. The weather may be cold, but the sun is bright and elevations high – sunglasses are also recommended for outdoor activities. Wing Mountain Snow Play Area, north of Flagstaff off Highway 180, offers a full diversity of winter activities from sledding and tubing to cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. Fort Tuthill County Park just south of downtown Flagstaff, is a great location for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Fort Tuthill is west of Interstate 17 at the Flagstaff Pulliam Airport exit.

A winter snow storm is the exception in Sedona, just thirty miles south of Flagstaff. For many, the drive south on Arizona Highway 89A through Oak Creek Canyon is excitement enough. The drop down the plateau into Oak Creek is breathtaking, as the road descends along the canyon walls. A winter visit to Sedona offers smaller crowds and temperate weather. Sedona is popular year round, be sure to adventure outside downtown and enjoy the amazing surroundings. Sedona Pink Jeep tours, horseback rides and hiking are ideal activities. February visitors are treated to the 2012 Sedona International Film Festival the 19th through the 26th. Sedona hosts this emerging independent film festival featuring over 145 films over nine days. February is a delightful time for this 18th annual festival – enjoy the latest cutting edge films while you join filmmakers, celebrities and film industry experts for workshops and networking.

Northern Arizona Hotel Map