Arizona Official State Travel Guide - Arizona 2024-25
North Central Arizona
2024-09-05 09:20:05
One of the most beautiful cities in the world is in North Central Arizona. But that’s just part of the region’s appeal. Beyond the red-rock resplendency of Sedona you’ll find historic sites in Prescott and Fort Apache, family-friendly activities like the Verde Canyon Railroad, and some of the state’s best restaurants and wineries.
IN THIS REGION
Camp Verde, Clarkdale, Cottonwood, Fort Apache, Globe, Holbrook, Jerome, Prescott, Sedona, Seligman
Area Highlights
VERDE CANYON RAILROAD, CLARKDALE
Board a restored vintage train car (ADA accessible) pulled by a rare FP7 locomotive for an unforgettable fourhour, 40-mile round-trip ride through breathtaking canyon scenery. You’ll pass by the shimmering waters of the Verde River, lush foliage and high-desert rock faces. Keep an eye out for eagles and other wildlife, and be sure to pick up a Southwestern-style souvenir in the Boxcar Gift Store back at the depot.
NAVAJO COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY, HOLBROOK
Housed in the historic courthouse on Route 66, this museum tells the stories of the area’s many residents throughout the centuries, from American Indians to early settlers. See ancient fossils, exhibits on Ancestral Puebloans, Apache, Hopi and Navajo cultures and their crafts; an old Hashknife chuck wagon, and artifacts from the legendary Mother Road.
SLIDE ROCK STATE PARK, SEDONA
Brilliant red plateaus, green meadows dappled with colorful wildflowers and the cool waters of Oak Creek meandering through stands of trees are just a few highlights at this 286-acre state park. Bring the whole family along the 5-mile trail network for panoramic views.
JEROME STATE HISTORIC PARK, JEROME
A landmark in Jerome since 1916, the Douglas Mansion was home to mining mogul James Douglas, and its hillside location overlooked his Little Daisy Mine. Explore this hometurned-museum to see exhibits, photographs and artifacts chronicling the family, mining and town’s history.
DEAD HORSE RANCH STATE PARK, COTTONWOOD
Escape to the verdant Verde River Valley at this scenic park where you can picnic beneath a shaded canopy of cottonwood and willow trees, go fishing at three lagoons, sleep beneath the stars at one of the high desert campsites; or bike, hike or horseback ride along the shared-use Dead Horse Trail System.
PICKLE BARREL TRADING POST, GLOBE
In a rugged mining town, discover a century-old post-and-beam-built shop filled with Southwest-inspired treasures: Minnetonka moccasins, Pendleton blankets, sparkly minerals and rocks, Apache beadwork, cowboy hats, one-of-a-kind antiques, rustic yard art and an array of fun gifts for kids.
MONTEZUMA CASTLE NATIONAL MONUMENT, CAMP VERDE
Gaze into the past at this remarkably preserved cliff dwelling: a 20-room multi-family home tucked into the recess of a craggy limestone cliff where the Sinagua people lived over 600 years ago. Take in views from the self-guided loop trail that follows the spring-fed Beaver Creek.
WATSON LAKE AND THE GRANITE DELLS, PRESCOTT
Dramatic rock formations — known as the Granite Dells, an assemblage of large granite boulders with a strikingly rippled appearance — surround Watson Lake, making it one of the most ruggedly beautiful spots in the region. Explore the waters by canoe, kayak or stand-up paddleboard — or bike, hike, fish and climb.
FORT APACHE HISTORIC PARK/ NOHWIKE’ BÁGOWA (HOUSE OF OUR FOOTPRINTS) MUSEUM, FORT APACHE
One of the best examples of an existing Apache Wars-era military post, Fort Apache Historic Park displays more than 20 structures in its historic district. You can also tour the Nohwike’ Bágowa, dedicated to Apache heritage and arts, and visit the nearby Kinishba Ruins National Historic Landmark.
ARTWORK
Al Fresco
Visual splendor is abundant in North Central Arizona, where artwork isn’t confined to just museums. Here, artists seamlessly intertwine the natural beauty of the landscape with their work. Head outdoors to spark some creative inspiration.
Designed by August K. Strotz and completed in 1956, the Chapel of the Holy Cross in Sedona is the ultimate juxtaposition of designs, with striking modern architecture emerging from the rugged red rock cliffs. At Goldenstein Gallery, stroll through the outdoor sculpture garden to take in everything from abstract sculptures to figurative pieces amid natural surroundings.
For a journey back in time, head to the Crane Petroglyph Heritage Site in Rimrock, where ancient petroglyphs etched into rock faces tell stories told by the Southern Sinagua people between A.D. 1150 and 1400.
In nearby Prescott, the Bucky O’Neill Monument sculpture pays homage to a local hero and Rough Riders cavalryman who perished in the Spanish-American War. This bronze tribute captures the spirit and valor of William “Buckey” O’Neill, as well as his fellow military men.
In Prescott, go for a walk along the banks of Granite Creek to view the recently completed Granite Creek Trail Mural Project. This 400-foot mural — the longest single contiguous mural by one artist in the state — was created by artist Dana Cohn and celebrates the region’s landscapes and biodiversity. Soon, an outdoor sculpture walk will be added to continue the beautification project.
NATURAL
Swimming Holes
When the summer heat rolls in, nothing beats the refreshing waters and stunning scenery of a swimming pool made by Mother Nature. Thankfully, you’ll find a few.
In Coconino National Forest near Camp Verde, follow Forest Road 708 to a one-mile hiking trail to Fossil Creek — a designated “Wild and Scenic River” — and cool off in the emerald-green pool and waterfall. (Permit required April 1 – Oct. 1.)
For an aquatic adventure that’s easier to access, enjoy the tranquil haven of Grasshopper Point Swimming & Picnic Area in Sedona. Dip your toes in Oak Creek, take in views of towering red rock canyon walls and maybe even toss in a fishing line.
At nearby Red Rock Crossing in Sedona, sit in the cool waters of Oak Creek while taking in incredible views of crimson Cathedral Rock towering before you. The Crescent Moon Picnic Area is a popular day-use area for swimmers, anglers and picnickers.
At Sedona’s Slide Rock State Park, slip into Oak Creek via an 80- foot natural waterslide, or escape the crowds of sunbathers with a short hike upstream for excellent trout fishing.
Scan the QR code to read a guide to visiting Fossil Creek the “right way.”
A WEEKEND IN PRESCOTT
Beautiful landscapes, cowboy history and old-timey watering holes make for a Wild West-filled weekend.
FRIDAY EVENING
Stay in the heart of downtown at the historic Hotel St. Michael, located amid the action of Whiskey Row. Unload your bags and explore nearby art galleries, candy stores and souvenir shops before pulling up a chair at The Palace Restaurant & Saloon, Arizona’s oldest bar.
SATURDAY
Kickstart your day with a seasonal coffee drink or loose-leaf tea at Wild Iris Coffeehouse & Bakery before delving into American Indian and frontier history at the Sharlot Hall Museum. For natural beauty, see the clear waters and unusual boulders of Watson Lake and the Granite Dells. Mountain bikers can get an even better view from the Prescott Peavine Trail, a remnant of the P&AC Railway. When the sun goes down, head back to town for live music at The Bird Cage Saloon.
SUNDAY MORNING
Savor an organic brunch and bohemian vibe at The Raven Café, where vegan and gluten-free options are plentiful. Before leaving town, stroll through Western art, cowboy heritage and changing exhibits at Phippen Museum.
©Arizona Official Travel Guide. View All Articles.