NORTH CENTRAL ARIZONA WITH THE KIDS BY TERESA BITLER 3 UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCES 1 Chuckwagon Supper at Blazin’ M Ranch Blazin’ M Ranch in Cottonwood is perfect for the whole family. Before dinner, kids can try roping or go on a tractor pull ride. Following the chuckwagon supper, there’s plenty of toe-tapping music and laughs. 2 Out of Africa Wildlife Park This wildlife park in Camp Verde is more than a zoo. Families can watch animal shows—like the Tiger Splash, where tigers “hunt” their toys—and view free-roaming animals on the park’s safari attraction. 3 Sharlot Hall Museum Kids can step back in time at this Prescott museum, which consists of the 1864 Governor’s Mansion and five other historic buildings. On the second Saturday of each month, interpreters in period garments bring history to life. Blazin’ M Ranch, Cottonwood AND WHERE TO EAT AFTER Work up an appetite trekking one of these awe-inspiring trails, and then refuel with a post-hike lunch at a nearby eatery or craft brewery. EPIC HIKES HIKE At Tonto Natural Bridge State Park , walk down and back on the 2,200-foot Gowan Trail to an observation deck offering sweeping views of the world’s largest natural travertine bridge, which soars 183 feet high. EAT Grab a seat on the patio at Old County Inn in Pine, where wood-fired pizzas are loaded with from-scratch toppings—from the sausage to the sauces. Finish up with an Adult Float made with craft root beer or stout. Tonto Natural Bridge State Park, Pine West Fork Trail, Sedona In Prescott, stick to the 2.74-mile outer loop of Constellation Trail , or venture into the numerous spurs that loop into each other as you explore scrub oak passageways and take in views of the Granite Dells. Refuel with loaded-up salads, gourmet flatbreads and small-batch beers at downtown Prescott’s European-style Raven Café , where the focus is on local, organic ingredients. 68 VISITARIZONA.COM TOP TO BOTTOM: BLAZIN’ M RANCH; AOT (2 PHOTOS) Towering canyon walls, semi-shaded trails and scenic stream crossings are the hallmarks of the 7.2-mile out-and-back West Fork Trail in Coconino National Forest’s Oak Creek Canyon, which is especially dazzling in autumn. At Oak Creek Brewery and Grill in Sedona’s Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village, take in the views as you fill up on burgers, sandwiches and wood-fired pizzas, and be sure to pair it with a mug of craft beer made on-site.
Arizona Official State Travel Guide Arizona 2020-21: Page 68
