Visiting Northern Arizona

Visitors to Northern Arizona are often surprised to be in the largest Ponderosa Pine forest in the United States complete with snow capped mountains and unexpected cold weather. From Flagstaff and the San Francisco Peaks, east on I 40 to the White Mountains, winter and spring is a winter wonderland, not the warm desert getaway some expect.

Flagstaff is centered in the crossroads of Northern Arizona, convenient to east west travel along I 40 and historic route 66, as well a a gate way to the Grand Canyon and points north. Coined the City of Seven Wonders, Flagstaff is surrounded by amazing geography and natural resources, including the San Francisco Peaks and Sunset Crater.

Ski Report: 2010 has been a banner year for snow in the mountains, ensuring some great spring skiing at the Arizona Snowbowl near Flagstaff. Look for specials that include Women's Wednesdays, Boomer's on Thursdays and Family or Freestyle Fridays.

With the waning of ski season, city sights start coming alive. April brings the opening of the Flagstaff Arboretum. Educational and entertaining, visit to learn about the native flora and fauna of the Colorado Plateau. Spring is the best season to take in the indoor exhibits, and opening this year features a live birds of prey show and program. A terrific opportunity for the entire family to see birds up close in natural setting.

Express your artistic side April and May at the Annual Flagstaff Recycled Art Exhibition. Demonstrations by the artists and workshops are held on Saturdays both months. The exhibition is held at the Coconino Center for the Arts and features works of art which must be 80% composed of recycled materials. You will see amazing works of art from the wacky to the unimaginable. You may think twice the next time you fill the recycle bin.

At the Grand Canyon, the average time spent looking at the canyon is approximately 17 minutes. Winter is a great time to extend the viewing. Although hiking may be out of the question, snow adds exceptional beauty to the vista by highlighting the crags and crevices along the canyon edges. Find a spot to spend some time, watch as the sun moves through the day - see the shadows come and go, watch the colors change and soak in the grandeur of the canyon.

The Grand Canyon Railway is a fun and relaxing way to see the Grand Canyon. The train leaves from Williams, just 30 minutes west of Flagstaff. The train was the original mass transit used in the early 20th century for visitors and development of the area. Enjoy the two hour ride through the pine forests and see the canyon without the hassle of driving and parking. Sedona, in Northern Arizona, is widely known by metaphysical enthusiasts as an energy vortex and global power spot. With the majestic beauty of the red rock formations and breathtaking vistas, every visitor will leave inspired by nature and the beauty of the area. Plan a visit for the end of February and attend the Sedona International Film Festival, or in May for the Sedona Bluegrass Festival. Take in world class entertainment in one of the world's most incredible natural settings.

Best Western Hotels are convenient in Northern Arizona, whether you are traveling through the stark beauty of the Indian Reservations or the Mountain forests. With affordable accommodations, Best Western Hotels will meet all your lodging needs.

Northern Arizona Hotel Map