Things to do around Flagstaff, Grand Canyon, and Sedona.

Silas
Things to do around Flagstaff, Grand Canyon, and Sedona.

Fun Things to do at Flagstaff, Sedona, and Grand Canyon

Best Grand Canyon Sunset Spot: My favorite sunset destination is just west of Hopi Point. There is a free shuttle bus which will drop you off and pick you up at Hopi point. I like to walk about five or 10 minutes further west to find a spot that is away from the crowds. Consider bringing wine and cheese. Most people Leave the second the sun goes down. I like to stay a few extra minutes and wait for the first stars to me out.
9 residents recomanen
Punt Hopi
9 residents recomanen
Best Grand Canyon Sunset Spot: My favorite sunset destination is just west of Hopi Point. There is a free shuttle bus which will drop you off and pick you up at Hopi point. I like to walk about five or 10 minutes further west to find a spot that is away from the crowds. Consider bringing wine and cheese. Most people Leave the second the sun goes down. I like to stay a few extra minutes and wait for the first stars to me out.

City/town information

Fun things to do at the Grand Canyon : Take Hwy 180 from Flagstaff to get to Grand Canyon Village. It takes 1.5 hrs. The earlier you arrive the better because there can be long lines. The gates are always open. Sunrise: If you are an early riser I would suggest trying to catch the sunrise at Mather Point. Check sunrise and sunset times here. Breakfast at the El Tovar Hotel. It's a beautiful historic building right on the rim of the canyon and their breakfast is fabulous. Last time I had breakfast there they served their coffee and hot chocolate in little silver pots; it was very tasty :) Grand Canyon Art: As a bonus you can see some of the great art work displayed in the El Tovar Lounge. My father, Bruce Aiken, is a famous Grand Canyon artist and he has many paintings displayed there. Rent a Bicycle: You can also take the shuttle (or if you are looking for exercise, rent a bike from Bright Angel Bikes) and head up the West Rim Drive (also called Hermit Road) to Hermit's Rest. It's 9 miles one way and there are numerous beautiful overlooks along that road. There are also many shuttle bus stops so you can get on and off at your convenience. Walk the Rim Trail: The Rim Trail that starts at the Visitor Center is also a great option for exercise without the commitment of heading below the rim. You can log some miles and have a view of the Canyon the whole way. Again, there are several shuttle bus stops along the way that can take you back to the Visitor Center. Away from the crowd View Points: Shoshone Point is one of my favorite points because it is usually not too crowded. Search up directions before you head out there as cell service is spotty. It it tricky to get there without any signage. Desert View Drive: if you are ok with a little more time spent in your car, I suggest coming back to Flagstaff a different way. It takes about 45 min. longer but it is beautiful. You drive east on Hwy 64 along the East Rim Drive (also called Desert View Drive). There are many beautiful view points to stop and get out including Shoshone Point, Grandview Point and the Desert View Watchtower. Climb up to the top of the watchtower and enjoy the new exhibits. Desert View is also a spectacular place to watch the sunset. You can make a loop drive out of the day by continuing east on Hwy 64 to Cameron and then getting on Hwy 89 South to get back to Flagstaff. *Double check for road closures on the East Rim Drive as they started a major road project recently. Sunset: My favorite sunset points include Hopi Point (see full write up on Hopi Point in this guide book), Lipan Point, and Desert View Point. Horse and Mule rides: Apache Stables does horseback rides. But they don't go along the rim. They only go thru the forest. You can do a day trip mule ride thru the forest to the rim. The mule rides are booked thru Xanterra Corp. River rafting options: For Horseshoe Bend/Glen Canyon area check out Lees Ferry Lodge. They are top notch for rooms and for guides. You can also do a day trip put on the lower end of Grand Canyon near the town of Peach Springs. This and other multi-day rafting adventures can be booked thru a great travel agency called Rivers and Oceans Do a day hike! *BEFORE HIKING PLEASE READ MY SAFETY TIPS AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS MESSAGE AS HIKING IN GRAND CANYON CAN BE VERY DANGEROUS! *The Bright Angel Trail is the most popular trail because it is closest to the village. Also, you can park at the trail head and it is the only trail with water stops and bathrooms along the way. The Bright Angel Trail is by far the most maintained trail. It is nice and wide and has been worked over to make the gradient the easiest. But, don't get me wrong, it is still Grand Canyon and it is still a very tough hike. I will give you three options for the Bright Angel Trail. A. "Mile and A Half Rest House": 3 mile round trip hike. B. "Three Mile Rest House": 6 miles round trip C. Indian Garden Campground which is 9 miles round trip. There is a water stop and bathroom at each of these stops. *The South Kaibab Trail is considered the second most popular trail because it is close to the village and it connects to other popular trails such as the Bright Angle. In my opinion this trail has the best views of the canyon. One drawback is that there is no shade! If you must hike in the middle of the day, don't choose this trail. 2 good options: A. Cedar Ridge (3 miles round trip). B. Skeleton Point (6 miles round trip). Note: you are not allowed to park at the Kaibab Trail Head, but you can take a free shuttle from the Visitor Center. Or, you can park on the side of the main road (Hwy 64) near the junction of where the road turns off to Kaibab Trail Head. You can walk from there about 3/4 mile to the trail head. Also, there is no water available on the South Kaibab Trail. *Grandview Trail: If you want to get away from the crowds you could do the Grandview Trail. It is not very popular only because it is a bit out of the way and the trail has many tall steps that make the hike a bit more difficult. This is one of my favorite trails because I like to enjoy the canyon away from the crowds. It is about 7 miles round trip down to Horseshoe Mesa. You can park at the trailhead at Grandview Point. No water available at the trial head or on the trial. Safety tips: 1. Direct sun is by far your biggest enemy at Grand Canyon! Try to plan your hike so you are NOT hiking between the hours of 10AM and 4PM. This way you are hiking mostly in shade. You will enjoy it much more because the heat is what gets people in trouble. 2. Not only do you need water, but also salty foods. Pringles are my favorite. You lose so much salt while you sweat, you need to replace it. Sports drinks are also popular because they have salt in them. Lack of salt can lead to a very dangerous illness called hyponatremia. How much water should you drink? Drink to thirst. 3. Don't be destination oriented. Enjoy the hike it's self. Stop often and enjoy the views. People who stop more will end up eating and drinking more. 4. I strongly advise NOT to attempt hiking down to the bottom and back in one day. *The most common issue that hikers face while hiking in the summer is dehydration. I like to "pre-hydrate" by drinking a liter of water while still in the parking lot before my hike even starts. *Winter Hiking may include ice, snow, and freezing temps!
Grand Canyon Visitor Center
Fun things to do at the Grand Canyon : Take Hwy 180 from Flagstaff to get to Grand Canyon Village. It takes 1.5 hrs. The earlier you arrive the better because there can be long lines. The gates are always open. Sunrise: If you are an early riser I would suggest trying to catch the sunrise at Mather Point. Check sunrise and sunset times here. Breakfast at the El Tovar Hotel. It's a beautiful historic building right on the rim of the canyon and their breakfast is fabulous. Last time I had breakfast there they served their coffee and hot chocolate in little silver pots; it was very tasty :) Grand Canyon Art: As a bonus you can see some of the great art work displayed in the El Tovar Lounge. My father, Bruce Aiken, is a famous Grand Canyon artist and he has many paintings displayed there. Rent a Bicycle: You can also take the shuttle (or if you are looking for exercise, rent a bike from Bright Angel Bikes) and head up the West Rim Drive (also called Hermit Road) to Hermit's Rest. It's 9 miles one way and there are numerous beautiful overlooks along that road. There are also many shuttle bus stops so you can get on and off at your convenience. Walk the Rim Trail: The Rim Trail that starts at the Visitor Center is also a great option for exercise without the commitment of heading below the rim. You can log some miles and have a view of the Canyon the whole way. Again, there are several shuttle bus stops along the way that can take you back to the Visitor Center. Away from the crowd View Points: Shoshone Point is one of my favorite points because it is usually not too crowded. Search up directions before you head out there as cell service is spotty. It it tricky to get there without any signage. Desert View Drive: if you are ok with a little more time spent in your car, I suggest coming back to Flagstaff a different way. It takes about 45 min. longer but it is beautiful. You drive east on Hwy 64 along the East Rim Drive (also called Desert View Drive). There are many beautiful view points to stop and get out including Shoshone Point, Grandview Point and the Desert View Watchtower. Climb up to the top of the watchtower and enjoy the new exhibits. Desert View is also a spectacular place to watch the sunset. You can make a loop drive out of the day by continuing east on Hwy 64 to Cameron and then getting on Hwy 89 South to get back to Flagstaff. *Double check for road closures on the East Rim Drive as they started a major road project recently. Sunset: My favorite sunset points include Hopi Point (see full write up on Hopi Point in this guide book), Lipan Point, and Desert View Point. Horse and Mule rides: Apache Stables does horseback rides. But they don't go along the rim. They only go thru the forest. You can do a day trip mule ride thru the forest to the rim. The mule rides are booked thru Xanterra Corp. River rafting options: For Horseshoe Bend/Glen Canyon area check out Lees Ferry Lodge. They are top notch for rooms and for guides. You can also do a day trip put on the lower end of Grand Canyon near the town of Peach Springs. This and other multi-day rafting adventures can be booked thru a great travel agency called Rivers and Oceans Do a day hike! *BEFORE HIKING PLEASE READ MY SAFETY TIPS AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS MESSAGE AS HIKING IN GRAND CANYON CAN BE VERY DANGEROUS! *The Bright Angel Trail is the most popular trail because it is closest to the village. Also, you can park at the trail head and it is the only trail with water stops and bathrooms along the way. The Bright Angel Trail is by far the most maintained trail. It is nice and wide and has been worked over to make the gradient the easiest. But, don't get me wrong, it is still Grand Canyon and it is still a very tough hike. I will give you three options for the Bright Angel Trail. A. "Mile and A Half Rest House": 3 mile round trip hike. B. "Three Mile Rest House": 6 miles round trip C. Indian Garden Campground which is 9 miles round trip. There is a water stop and bathroom at each of these stops. *The South Kaibab Trail is considered the second most popular trail because it is close to the village and it connects to other popular trails such as the Bright Angle. In my opinion this trail has the best views of the canyon. One drawback is that there is no shade! If you must hike in the middle of the day, don't choose this trail. 2 good options: A. Cedar Ridge (3 miles round trip). B. Skeleton Point (6 miles round trip). Note: you are not allowed to park at the Kaibab Trail Head, but you can take a free shuttle from the Visitor Center. Or, you can park on the side of the main road (Hwy 64) near the junction of where the road turns off to Kaibab Trail Head. You can walk from there about 3/4 mile to the trail head. Also, there is no water available on the South Kaibab Trail. *Grandview Trail: If you want to get away from the crowds you could do the Grandview Trail. It is not very popular only because it is a bit out of the way and the trail has many tall steps that make the hike a bit more difficult. This is one of my favorite trails because I like to enjoy the canyon away from the crowds. It is about 7 miles round trip down to Horseshoe Mesa. You can park at the trailhead at Grandview Point. No water available at the trial head or on the trial. Safety tips: 1. Direct sun is by far your biggest enemy at Grand Canyon! Try to plan your hike so you are NOT hiking between the hours of 10AM and 4PM. This way you are hiking mostly in shade. You will enjoy it much more because the heat is what gets people in trouble. 2. Not only do you need water, but also salty foods. Pringles are my favorite. You lose so much salt while you sweat, you need to replace it. Sports drinks are also popular because they have salt in them. Lack of salt can lead to a very dangerous illness called hyponatremia. How much water should you drink? Drink to thirst. 3. Don't be destination oriented. Enjoy the hike it's self. Stop often and enjoy the views. People who stop more will end up eating and drinking more. 4. I strongly advise NOT to attempt hiking down to the bottom and back in one day. *The most common issue that hikers face while hiking in the summer is dehydration. I like to "pre-hydrate" by drinking a liter of water while still in the parking lot before my hike even starts. *Winter Hiking may include ice, snow, and freezing temps!
Things to do in Sedona: Day Hikes: Cathedral Rock-Short but steep! You will need to do a small bouldering move that has a chain in the rock. Not to scare you off this hike! It is very popular, but not for those who are looking for an easy stroll. Fay Canyon-Short, flat, and Easy with great views. Brins Mesa-Intermediate. This trail has some very steep parts but the views are incredible and this trail can hook up to other trails such as Soldiers Pass to Cibola Pass Trail- which can then make a great loop hike. Secret Canyon-intermediate but very hard to get to. You need high clearance vehicle. Check the link to get directions to Lower Secret Canyon Train head. Well worth it! Play in the creek! Slide Rock State Park is a lot of fun! It often is very crowded and sometimes gets full to capacity by 10AM! *Slide Rock Alternative: When it is hot, one of my favorite places to go in Sedona is the water slides below Midgley Bridge. Oak Creek flows over the sandstone and creates really fun and natural water slides. It is just off the Huckabee Trail which starts at Midgley Bridge and goes down to the creek. But instead of crossing the creek and continuing on the Huckabee Trail, stay on river right and follow the path down stream for another 10 min. You will know you are at the correct spot after you hike about 100 Meters downstream from the bridge. You will come to some sandstone ledges that the creek flows over and makes some nice water slides. It's a beautiful and fun place to play. Bring Plenty of water and snacks. Its about 1 mile round-trip hike. CAUTION! People slip and fall often on the wet sandstone at the waters edge. Mountain Biking: My favorite trail is the Courthouse Butte Loop. A good mountain bike rental shop is Absolute Bikes. Shopping: Tlaquepaque is a neat collection of shops and galleries and restaurants. My favorite restaurant, Oak Creek Brewery, is located here. Food: Wildflower Bread Co. Cucina Rustica The Hudson Oak Creek Brewery
Reeser Str. 106, 46446 Emmerich am Rhein, Alemanya
Things to do in Sedona: Day Hikes: Cathedral Rock-Short but steep! You will need to do a small bouldering move that has a chain in the rock. Not to scare you off this hike! It is very popular, but not for those who are looking for an easy stroll. Fay Canyon-Short, flat, and Easy with great views. Brins Mesa-Intermediate. This trail has some very steep parts but the views are incredible and this trail can hook up to other trails such as Soldiers Pass to Cibola Pass Trail- which can then make a great loop hike. Secret Canyon-intermediate but very hard to get to. You need high clearance vehicle. Check the link to get directions to Lower Secret Canyon Train head. Well worth it! Play in the creek! Slide Rock State Park is a lot of fun! It often is very crowded and sometimes gets full to capacity by 10AM! *Slide Rock Alternative: When it is hot, one of my favorite places to go in Sedona is the water slides below Midgley Bridge. Oak Creek flows over the sandstone and creates really fun and natural water slides. It is just off the Huckabee Trail which starts at Midgley Bridge and goes down to the creek. But instead of crossing the creek and continuing on the Huckabee Trail, stay on river right and follow the path down stream for another 10 min. You will know you are at the correct spot after you hike about 100 Meters downstream from the bridge. You will come to some sandstone ledges that the creek flows over and makes some nice water slides. It's a beautiful and fun place to play. Bring Plenty of water and snacks. Its about 1 mile round-trip hike. CAUTION! People slip and fall often on the wet sandstone at the waters edge. Mountain Biking: My favorite trail is the Courthouse Butte Loop. A good mountain bike rental shop is Absolute Bikes. Shopping: Tlaquepaque is a neat collection of shops and galleries and restaurants. My favorite restaurant, Oak Creek Brewery, is located here. Food: Wildflower Bread Co. Cucina Rustica The Hudson Oak Creek Brewery
As far as things to do and see in Flagstaff: Food: Best Coffee Shop: Late for the train. Make sure to check out the outdoor back patio. Breakfast: Martannes is the place to go for breakfast (get the Chiliquiles). Thai: Pato Thai (get the Egg Plant Basil). Best Outdoor Patio to eat: The Annex Best Brewery: Mother Road Best Wine Bar: FLG Terroir Best Mexican: Salsa Brava Best Italian: Fat Olives Vegan/vegitarian: Macys, Red Curry Favorite bar: Zane Grey. It is upstairs in the Weatherford Hotel. It has a great balcony overlooking the entire downtown area. Other things to do and places to see: *Lowell Observatory is worth checking out if you like astronomy. *The Museum of Northern Arizona has fantastic exhibits. *Sunset Crater National Monument. Very cool lava flows. *Wupatki National Monument. Amazing Indian Ruins Hiking trails include: -Kachina Trail which starts up at the ski resort (Snow Bowl). Good in warmer months only. - Buffalo Park is just a mile from our house and is easily one of our favorites. It is great for all ages and abilities, right in the heart of town without any of the urban feel, and beautiful panoramic views in every direction, including a view of the Peaks. It has a 2-mile loop and is one of the most popular places for Flag locals wanting to get out for a quick run or walk. (Easy) -Elden Lookout Trail/ Fat Man's Loop: The Elden Lookout Trail can offer 2 separate options from easy to difficult. Hike the Fat Man's Loop section of this trail for an easy to moderate 1.5 mile loop. OR Consider hiking to the summit of Mt. Elden. Very steep 5 mile loop. -Sunset Crater, Wupatki, Walnut Canyon-If you're looking for trails with an added archeological or geological element, check out Sunset Crater, Wupatki, or Walnut Canyon National Monuments. (Easy-Moderate) -Red Mountain is approximately 45 minutes outside of Flagstaff on Hwy180, which takes you to Grand Canyon. If you're interested in blown out cinder cones you will like this. (Easy-Moderate) -Humphreys Trail (To the summit of Mt. Humphreys). Athletes from all over the world come to train here at high altitude. If you are an athlete looking to challenge yourself you can consider summiting Mt Humphreys, the tallest mountain in Arizona. Do not attempt this unless you are an experienced hiker with a good plan. (Extremely Challenging)
Aeroport de Flagstaff Pulliam
6200 South Pulliam Drive
As far as things to do and see in Flagstaff: Food: Best Coffee Shop: Late for the train. Make sure to check out the outdoor back patio. Breakfast: Martannes is the place to go for breakfast (get the Chiliquiles). Thai: Pato Thai (get the Egg Plant Basil). Best Outdoor Patio to eat: The Annex Best Brewery: Mother Road Best Wine Bar: FLG Terroir Best Mexican: Salsa Brava Best Italian: Fat Olives Vegan/vegitarian: Macys, Red Curry Favorite bar: Zane Grey. It is upstairs in the Weatherford Hotel. It has a great balcony overlooking the entire downtown area. Other things to do and places to see: *Lowell Observatory is worth checking out if you like astronomy. *The Museum of Northern Arizona has fantastic exhibits. *Sunset Crater National Monument. Very cool lava flows. *Wupatki National Monument. Amazing Indian Ruins Hiking trails include: -Kachina Trail which starts up at the ski resort (Snow Bowl). Good in warmer months only. - Buffalo Park is just a mile from our house and is easily one of our favorites. It is great for all ages and abilities, right in the heart of town without any of the urban feel, and beautiful panoramic views in every direction, including a view of the Peaks. It has a 2-mile loop and is one of the most popular places for Flag locals wanting to get out for a quick run or walk. (Easy) -Elden Lookout Trail/ Fat Man's Loop: The Elden Lookout Trail can offer 2 separate options from easy to difficult. Hike the Fat Man's Loop section of this trail for an easy to moderate 1.5 mile loop. OR Consider hiking to the summit of Mt. Elden. Very steep 5 mile loop. -Sunset Crater, Wupatki, Walnut Canyon-If you're looking for trails with an added archeological or geological element, check out Sunset Crater, Wupatki, or Walnut Canyon National Monuments. (Easy-Moderate) -Red Mountain is approximately 45 minutes outside of Flagstaff on Hwy180, which takes you to Grand Canyon. If you're interested in blown out cinder cones you will like this. (Easy-Moderate) -Humphreys Trail (To the summit of Mt. Humphreys). Athletes from all over the world come to train here at high altitude. If you are an athlete looking to challenge yourself you can consider summiting Mt Humphreys, the tallest mountain in Arizona. Do not attempt this unless you are an experienced hiker with a good plan. (Extremely Challenging)