A Northern Arizona Hub
Many people are drawn to Arizona for vacations and the “great Western experience.” Two places in Northern Arizona top the list of places to visit, the Grand Canyon and Sedona. Sedona is the preferred vacation spot with access to all of Northern Arizona tours and attractions within a couple hours drive, at an elevation of 4,000 feet. Compared to Flagstaff, Arizona with an elevation of 7,000 feet, Sedona has the most favorable year round weather conditions.
Both Sedona and Flagstaff are viable travel hubs and each city has its unique offerings. Flagstaff is a bit cooler in the summer and much colder in the winter with an average snowfall of well over 100 inches; hardly the sunny southwest seasonal travelers (snowbirds) are looking for. But those favoring skiing and snowboarding or even the family fun of sledding or a rousing snowball fight would have to opt for the mountain peaks of Flagstaff.
Flagstaff boasts Northern Arizona University and consequently a much younger population than Sedona, and a more diverse nightlife. Sedona is more tranquil and scenic in a very different way, and better suited for an older visitor.
Sedona is a far better home base for checking out the entire Verde Valley, including Cottonwood, Jerome and Camp Verde. Take in the sights, smells and tastes of the Verde Valley wine country, stopping at about a dozen area wineries, vineyards and wine-tasting rooms sampling local syrah, petite sirah, malvania and other varietals. Visit state parks, take a train ride, try your luck at casino games or get your cowboy on at a BBQ dinner show – all are within a 20-60 minute drive from West Sedona.
Strengths and weaknesses are measured by intent, desire, time and money. There is no advantage of one hub over another that’s clear for all people. Chances are you’ll enjoy either choice, so why not visit both?
RECOMMENDED THINGS TO DO IN NORTHERN AZ
Best Grand Canyon Day Tours
Voted on Trip Advisor as the most popular Grand Canyon day tour. This is the best way to enjoy the Grand Canyon without doing any strenuous hiking. Nearly five millions people come to see the Canyon each year and many spend much of their time trying to figure out what to do. Our profess … More
Voted on Trip Advisor as the most popular Grand Canyon day tour. This is the best way to enjoy the Grand Canyon without doing any strenuous hiking. Nearly five millions people come to see the Canyon each year and many spend much of their time trying to figure out what to do. Our professional guides will make sure you get the most out of your trip. While touring in comfort you will learn about the geology and history of one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. The day tour includes short walks to some incredible "less-used" outlooks, a looking into some of the areas most impressive historic buildings, and time to browse resident art galleries and gift shops.
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Professionally Guided | Lunch Included | Private Tours Available | Family-Friendly
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Sedona Tour from Phoenix & Scottsdale
Tour the magical red rocks of Sedona and visit Native American ruins during this Sedona Tour from Phoenix & Scottsdale. Highlights include spending the day surrounded by the stunning red rock landscapes of Sedona, see ancient Sinagua cliff dwellings at Montezuma Castle National Monument … More
Tour the magical red rocks of Sedona and visit Native American ruins during this Sedona Tour from Phoenix & Scottsdale. Highlights include spending the day surrounded by the stunning red rock landscapes of Sedona, see ancient Sinagua cliff dwellings at Montezuma Castle National Monument. Visit Bell Rock, Airport Mesa and Chapel of the Holy Cross. Options available for shopping, galleries, restaurants in Uptown or T'laquapaque and off-road Jeep tours or guided hike add-ons.
WHAT GUESTS LIKE ABOUT THIS PLACE »
Professionally Guided | Custom Options Available | Private Tours Available | Pickup from Hotel
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The Rock Trail House - Flagstaff
The Rock Trail House is your stylish space to work or play in Flagstaff. Immaculate renovations with designer furniture in an upscale neighborhood. Professionally designed layout for comfort, privacy and relaxation. Minutes to NAU and Downtown Flagstaff and easy access to hiking trails. Co … More The Rock Trail House is your stylish space to work or play in Flagstaff. Immaculate renovations with designer furniture in an upscale neighborhood. Professionally designed layout for comfort, privacy and relaxation. Minutes to NAU and Downtown Flagstaff and easy access to hiking trails. Comfortable layout for working professionals, extended families or groups of friends staying together in this immaculate 2060 sq ft, 4 bedroom 3 bath home with AC. Indoors you will find a sunny spacious living room with relaxed seating for 8, fully equipped chef's kitchen with new high quaility appliances, a beautiful dining for 8 with a gas fireplace, and an office with a door and fast reliable Wi-Fi .WHAT GUESTS LIKE ABOUT THIS PLACE »
Kitchenette or Full Kitchen | Fireplace(s) | BBQ or Grill | Access to Trails | Laundry
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Enjoy Panoramic Views at The Prescott Sunset Sanctuary - Prescott, AZ
Your home-away-from-home retreat! Known as the 'Prescott Sunset Sanctuary,' this 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom home features a fully equipped kitchen, an open floor plan, expansive outdoor wrap-around deck for families and outdoorsy groups to relax with a BBQ lunch or a relaxing glass of wine at n … More Your home-away-from-home retreat! Known as the 'Prescott Sunset Sanctuary,' this 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom home features a fully equipped kitchen, an open floor plan, expansive outdoor wrap-around deck for families and outdoorsy groups to relax with a BBQ lunch or a relaxing glass of wine at night. When you want to be close to the downtown action, yet far enough to enjoy the peace and serenity of the Prescott National Forest, this home's central location gives your family the best of both worlds. Book now.WHAT GUESTS LIKE ABOUT THIS PLACE »
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Granite Mountain Guides - Prescott
Granite Mountain Guides was established on the foundations of providing exceptional instruction to climbers that are just learning the craft. From there it expanded into how we can best serve the local community even more by promoting wonderful areas for all to experience on our guided tri … More Granite Mountain Guides was established on the foundations of providing exceptional instruction to climbers that are just learning the craft. From there it expanded into how we can best serve the local community even more by promoting wonderful areas for all to experience on our guided trips. All of our Instructors are well-qualified American Mountain Guides Association certified in their specific terrain. Granite Mountain Guides can fulfill your needs and help you achieve your goals.WHAT GUESTS LIKE ABOUT THIS PLACE »
Professionally Guided | Family-Friendly | Exceptional Service | Individualized | Safe Environment | Covid-19 Precautions Taken
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Wildland Trekking
Go on an epic journey in Sedona or to the Grand Canyon! Services include 1 to 8 day hiking adventures, tasty backcountry cuisine, and quality gear served up by America's most experienced and knowledgeable Grand Canyon guides. 25+ years experience in adventure travel.WHAT GUESTS LIKE ABOUT THIS PLACE »
Family-Friendly
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Papillon Grand Canyon Helicopters
World's Largest and Most Experienced Helicopter Sightseeing Company! Daily multilingual tours of Grand Canyon departing from Sedona, Scottsdale, Phoenix, Grand Canyon, Grand Canyon West and Las Vegas. Choose from a variety of Air Tours, River Rafting, Weddings including Grand Canyon hotels … More World's Largest and Most Experienced Helicopter Sightseeing Company! Daily multilingual tours of Grand Canyon departing from Sedona, Scottsdale, Phoenix, Grand Canyon, Grand Canyon West and Las Vegas. Choose from a variety of Air Tours, River Rafting, Weddings including Grand Canyon hotels, IMAX attractions, or even fly the Vegas strip by night.WHAT GUESTS LIKE ABOUT THIS PLACE »
Family-Friendly
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Grand Canyon South Rim Tour from Phoenix & Scottsdale with Sedona
Take in unforgettable views of classic southwestern landscapes. Explore the Grand Canyon South Rim in this incredible tour from Phoenix & Scottsdale that covers the deepest and widest parts of the Grand Canyon. This day tour of the South Rim spends approximately three hours in Grand Canyon … More Take in unforgettable views of classic southwestern landscapes. Explore the Grand Canyon South Rim in this incredible tour from Phoenix & Scottsdale that covers the deepest and widest parts of the Grand Canyon. This day tour of the South Rim spends approximately three hours in Grand Canyon National Park and some time in Sedona.WHAT GUESTS LIKE ABOUT THIS PLACE »
Professionally Guided | Private Tours Available | Family-Friendly
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Arizona Private Tours
Arizona Private Tours is the leading private tour agency in Northern Arizona. We specialize in safe & sanitary custom tours. We pick up guests in Flagstaff and spend our day exploring scenic Arizona in an intimate setting with an expert guide in comfort. Our luxury SUV's will take you and … More Arizona Private Tours is the leading private tour agency in Northern Arizona. We specialize in safe & sanitary custom tours. We pick up guests in Flagstaff and spend our day exploring scenic Arizona in an intimate setting with an expert guide in comfort. Our luxury SUV's will take you and up to 6 guests on a completely customizable tour of Northern Arizona. For majestic private Grand Canyon tours to Verde Valley Wine tours & ghost towns in the Sedona area, we cover it all. Let us create the custom tour of your dreams and know that we want to make this a day that you will remember for the rest of your life.WHAT GUESTS LIKE ABOUT THIS PLACE »
Private Tours Available | Custom Options Available | Family-Friendly | Professionally Guided | Pickup from Hotel | Romantic
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Eva's Family Retreat - Flagstaff
Escape the city at Eva's Family retreat. Rustic and Rural private 2.5 acre property, bordering forest service land with a wood burning fireplace and snowy views. An ideal home for big family gatherings or adventurous groups 90 mins from Grand Canyon. Bright, versatile, and well-organized 4 … More Escape the city at Eva's Family retreat. Rustic and Rural private 2.5 acre property, bordering forest service land with a wood burning fireplace and snowy views. An ideal home for big family gatherings or adventurous groups 90 mins from Grand Canyon. Bright, versatile, and well-organized 4 bedroom, 3 bathroom home with 2 living areas, a wood burning fireplace, firewood, indoor sauna, central heating & star watching patio w/fire pit and grill. We welcome diversity, kids & love giving local tips. Peaceful 2 1/2 acre property, bordering national forest land. 2500 square-foot house with 2 living rooms, 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, indoor sauna, wood burning stove, dining room with ample dining for 10.WHAT GUESTS LIKE ABOUT THIS PLACE »
Kitchenette or Full Kitchen | Access to Trails | Fireplace(s) | BBQ or Grill | Laundry | Sauna
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Antelope Canyon & Horseshoe Bend
Spend a day visiting two of the most iconic landscapes in the American Southwest- Antelope Canyon & Horseshoe Bend! Our Lower Antelope Canyon Tours take you into the heart of one of the most spectacular slot canyons in the world. Afterwards, we visit the famous Horseshoe Bend, where y … More
Spend a day visiting two of the most iconic landscapes in the American Southwest- Antelope Canyon & Horseshoe Bend! Our Lower Antelope Canyon Tours take you into the heart of one of the most spectacular slot canyons in the world. Afterwards, we visit the famous Horseshoe Bend, where you can peer off the edge at the mighty Colorado River! Tours leaves from Flagstaff.
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Family-Friendly | Professionally Guided
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Maverick Helicopter Tours
Maverick Helicopters offers tours of the Grand Canyon West Rim and South Rim. Maverick brings VIP service to the canyon with climate-controlled helicopters and unobstructed views perfect for sightseeing. They give you an adventure of a lifetime and not just another tour of the Grand Canyon … More Maverick Helicopters offers tours of the Grand Canyon West Rim and South Rim. Maverick brings VIP service to the canyon with climate-controlled helicopters and unobstructed views perfect for sightseeing. They give you an adventure of a lifetime and not just another tour of the Grand Canyon.WHAT GUESTS LIKE ABOUT THIS PLACE »
Family-Friendly | Private Tours Available | Custom Options Available
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Grand Canyon Railway
Visit the official website for Grand Canyon Railway. Book your reservation online for a train tour on one of five classes of service on our vintage train to the Grand Canyon. Or,select a vacation package that includes lodging at our own Grand Canyon Railway Hotel and in Grand Canyon Nation … More Visit the official website for Grand Canyon Railway. Book your reservation online for a train tour on one of five classes of service on our vintage train to the Grand Canyon. Or,select a vacation package that includes lodging at our own Grand Canyon Railway Hotel and in Grand Canyon National Park.WHAT GUESTS LIKE ABOUT THIS PLACE »
Family-Friendly
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Grand Canyon South Rim Self-Guided Driving Tour
Witness one of the natural wonders of the world in all its glory. The Grand Canyon is so massive, and awe-inspiring that you simply must see it with your own two eyes to truly understand its scale. This value-for-money self-guided tour takes you to all the best vistas and hiking trails. Ex … More Witness one of the natural wonders of the world in all its glory. The Grand Canyon is so massive, and awe-inspiring that you simply must see it with your own two eyes to truly understand its scale. This value-for-money self-guided tour takes you to all the best vistas and hiking trails. Explore Grand Canyon at your own pace with over 60 stories laid out on a 45-mile route.WHAT GUESTS LIKE ABOUT THIS PLACE »
Self-Guided | Family-Friendly
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Grand Canyon South Rim Tour from Phoenix & Scottsdale
Marvel at the beauty that is the South Rim during this Grand Canyon Tour from Phoenix & Scottsdale. Highlights include a day trip to visit Arizona’s breathtaking Grand Canyon National Park, a scenic drive with views of the San Francisco Peaks in Flagstaff, and several viewpoints at the … More
Marvel at the beauty that is the South Rim during this Grand Canyon Tour from Phoenix & Scottsdale. Highlights include a day trip to visit Arizona’s breathtaking Grand Canyon National Park, a scenic drive with views of the San Francisco Peaks in Flagstaff, and several viewpoints at the spectacular Grand Canyon South Rim. Optional "Colors & Canyons" 45-minute helicopter upgrade available.
WHAT GUESTS LIKE ABOUT THIS PLACE »
Professionally Guided | Pickup from Hotel | Custom Options Available | Private Tours Available | Family-Friendly
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Pink Jeep Adventures
Hang on tight for a fun-filled adventure that leads you on and over the red rocks in a cutting edge Jeep Wrangler, while the magnificent canyon walls surround you. You'll be awestruck by the natural splendor and thrilled as your guide expertly navigates you down iconic red rock trails. Cho … More Hang on tight for a fun-filled adventure that leads you on and over the red rocks in a cutting edge Jeep Wrangler, while the magnificent canyon walls surround you. You'll be awestruck by the natural splendor and thrilled as your guide expertly navigates you down iconic red rock trails. Choose from over 15 adventure tours or go with Sedona's most popular tour for nearly 60 years, The Broken Arrow Tour, exclusively offered by Pink Jeep Tours.WHAT GUESTS LIKE ABOUT THIS PLACE »
Family-Friendly | Native Culture & Tours | Professionally Guided
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Private Grand Canyon Hiking Tours
Join us on one of our private Grand Canyon hiking tours and experience the canyon up close and personal! We offer guided hiking tours of the Grand Canyon on several of the best trails along the South Rim, departing from Flagstaff or Grand Canyon in the early morning. Our expert guides will … More Join us on one of our private Grand Canyon hiking tours and experience the canyon up close and personal! We offer guided hiking tours of the Grand Canyon on several of the best trails along the South Rim, departing from Flagstaff or Grand Canyon in the early morning. Our expert guides will discuss with you your experience and skill level in order to decide which hiking trails would be the best fit for you. Is there a specific trail you have been dying to hike? Great! Our professional guides are here to make sure you have the best experience possible. Because our hiking tours are completely private, your hiking experience is personalized and can be as long or as short as you want. On our Grand Canyon hiking tours, you can opt for a full day of hiking, or we can split the day between hiking and sightseeing. You’ll experience the canyon like never before. When you walk down the canyon, you are walking through geologic time. See the rock layers, and learn about the canyon’s millions of years of geologic history. Enjoy picture-perfect viewpoints along the trail and capture every breathtaking moment.WHAT GUESTS LIKE ABOUT THIS PLACE »
Private Tours Available | Professionally Guided | Lunch Included | Pickup from Hotel
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Chapel of the Holy Cross
Built directly into the side of a red-rock hill not far from downtown Sedona, the Chapel of the Holy Cross is a modern architectural marvel as well as a religious place for reflection. Visitors flock to the Roman Catholic chapel primarily to take in the outstanding views of Sedona’s awe-in … More Built directly into the side of a red-rock hill not far from downtown Sedona, the Chapel of the Holy Cross is a modern architectural marvel as well as a religious place for reflection. Visitors flock to the Roman Catholic chapel primarily to take in the outstanding views of Sedona’s awe-inspiring desert scenery.WHAT GUESTS LIKE ABOUT THIS PLACE »
Family-Friendly | Professionally Guided | Pickup from Hotel
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Prescott Resort and Conference Center
Resting on the "Top of the Hill" offering picturesque views of Prescott, experience Northern Arizona's premier getaway, the Prescott Resort and Conference Center. Located only 60 scenic miles from Sedona, the Prescott Resort is a great escape for a relaxed weekend, corporate retreat, o … More Resting on the "Top of the Hill" offering picturesque views of Prescott, experience Northern Arizona's premier getaway, the Prescott Resort and Conference Center. Located only 60 scenic miles from Sedona, the Prescott Resort is a great escape for a relaxed weekend, corporate retreat, or conference meeting. Experience the charm of Northern Arizona at the Prescott Resort. Each of our newly renovated 160 guestrooms feature modern amenities that cater to our guests needs, i.e. High-Speed Wireless Internet and Flat-Screen Televisions. Each room was designed in the spirit of the Yavapai Tribe and offers artwork indicative to the majestic scenery of the Prescott area.WHAT GUESTS LIKE ABOUT THIS PLACE »
Meetings & Group Facilities | Family-Friendly | Outdoor Pool | Whirlpool Tub | Fitness Center
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