It’s triple digits outside, but in just a few hours you can be in cooler weather with beautiful views. Here are some of our favorite northern Arizona spots to consider for your next day trip or weekend away.
Canyon Coaster Adventure Park
Just opened late last year, Canyon Coaster Adventure Park is perfect for families. The stand-out attraction is The Canyon Coaster, which is built directly into the mountainside. It is the first (and so far only) coaster of its kind in the state—and the speed is controlled by the rider. Canyon Coaster Adventure Park is located on Route 66 in Williams. CanyonCoasterAdventurePark.com
Snowbowl
While Snowbowl is best known for its ski offerings, during the summer months, you can take in the beautiful scenery of Northern Arizona from 11,500 feet in the air on its lifts. See the San Francisco Peaks from a bird’s eye view and take photos worthy of a postcard. Once you get off the lift, there is tubing, a climbing wall, a bungee trampoline, and food and beverage offerings, too. Insider tip: To ride the lift, you must purchase tickets online first. Snowbowl.ski
Antelope Canyon
Located in Page, Antelope Canyon might be one of the most photographed tourist destinations in the state. With five scenic slot canyon sections on the Navajo reservation, Antelope Canyon is comprised of beautiful colors and amazing sandstone formations. To go inside for your perfect picture, you need to book a tour from a licensed tour guide. AntelopeCanyon.com
Grand Canyon Railway and Hotel
See our state’s top tourist attraction from a new point of view—a beautifully restored train car. The Grand Canyon Railway has transported millions of people for more than 120 years, and now it can be your turn. When you ride, don’t forget to stay at the newly refurbished Grand Canyon Railway Hotel. The 298-room hotel is next to the train depot and close to historic Route 66. You can purchase a train and hotel package for easy planning. TheTrain.com
Sedona’s “Secret” Seven
According to the Sedona Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau, some secrets are too good to keep to yourself. To encourage visitors to explore lesser-known trails and locations throughout Sedona, they compiled Sedona’s Secret 7. This handy guide allows you to explore seven locations within seven categories—hiking, biking, vistas, picnics, stargazing, arts and culture, and spiritual—for a total of 49 hidden gems scattered across the Greater Sedona area. VisitSedona.com/sedona-secret-7