Visiting Northern Arizona

Northern Arizona is home to the Navajo Nation Indian Reservation and the Hopi Indian Reservation. Note: Arizona and the Hopi reservation do not observe daylight saving time. However the Navajo Nation does, so travelers will be changing time zones several times when traveling through Northern Arizona. Page ,on the western border of the Navajo reservation and the Utah state line, is a primary staging city for visitors to spectacular Lake Powell. Lake Powell was formed when the Glen Canyon Dam was built across the Colorado River. Flagstaff, home of Northern Arizona University, Kingman, Holbrook, and Williams are well know cities on Interstate 40, and former route 66.

Canyon De Chelly National Monument, near Chinle, is unique in that it is managed by the National Park Service, but is Navajo Tribal Trust Land, and remains an active Navajo community today. Guided day hikes led by park rangers are offered from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Canyon De Chelly's archaeological sites offer visitors a look back over 4,000 years of civilization in the area.

The Best Western Canyon De Chelly Inn in Chinle and the Best Western Wetherill Inn in Kayenta are ideal locations for visitors to the Native American reservations of Northern Arizona. Both are located on the Navajo reservation, convenient to Monument Valley, the Painted Desert and Canyon De Chelly.

Kayenta celebrates it's centennial year in 2010. The fourth of July in Kayenta features the best All Indian Rodeo in the US. This year's rodeo runs June 29th through July 4th. Each day starts out with a free pancake breakfast at the rodeo grounds. Events include a Junior Rodeo, traditional rodeo competitions, weekend dances and Fireworks on the fourth. Come on out for a terrific summer rodeo in Kayenta.

Page is only six miles away from Wahweap, Lake Powell's largest full service Marina. Rainbow Bridge, the world's largest natural bridge, celebrates 100 years of being a National Monument in 2010. The easiest access to the bridge is via tour boat from Wahweap Marina. Rainbow Bridge is an amazing stone span created over millions of years by water and erosion. The site is sacred to the Navajo and a stunning site to visit.

The Best Western at Lake Powell and the Best Western Arizonainn in Page are conveniently located in Page, close to Lake Powell and Wahweap Marina. Ideal for visitors to the lake for a day trip to Rainbow Bridge or for accommodations before or after a houseboat trip on the lake. Stay in Page for a few days and enjoy a variety of outdoor activities in the near perfect summer weather and unique red sand canyons.

For water recreation, Arizona's western border along the Colorado River is ideal in Summer. Bullhead City across the river from Laughlin Nevada is one of the hot spots. The River Regatta, August 14th, is an ideal weekend in the heat of summer. The 2010 theme, Rockin' the River, draws visitors from across the country to float down the Colorado River, many on festive and elaborately decorated “floats”. There are lots of prizes for the decorated floats, and this is one of the few events where swim suits are appropriate attire. Float the river, enjoy the festivities and remember the sunscreen!