North Central Arizona, AZ

Travel Guide

Sedona featuring a gorge or canyon, tranquil scenes and desert views
Chapel of the Holy Cross featuring a gorge or canyon and desert views as well as a small group of people
Sedona
North Central Arizona showing outdoor art
Lowell Observatory showing interior views and an observatory

From the breathtaking Grand CanyonOpens in a new window to the red rocks of SedonaOpens in a new window, and all the bustling towns in between, this region of Arizona offers splendors natural and manmade.

Discover the natural world at its most awe-inspiring in North Central Arizona. Witness its distinctive red rock buttes, clamber down into the Grand Canyon and discover artifacts from the dawn of civilization. Experience the region’s urban charms in its towns and cities, notably FlagstaffOpens in a new window and Jerome.

Stroll through Prescott, which served as the capital of the Arizona Territory from 1864 to 1867. It still retains much of its historic charm, with its Victorian homes and vintage-style saloons in Whiskey Row. Go for a hike among the pines of Prescott National Forest.

Learn about frontier life in Fort Verde State Historic Park. Settlers founded Camp Verde in 1865, only to have it taken over by the US Army soon after to ward off Apache raids. Walk through the camp, explore its living spaces and learn about the Indian Wars.

Jerome was once dubbed “The Wickedest Town in the Wild West,” but the bordellos and saloons that lined its streets in its mining heyday have been replaced by family-friendly shops and restaurants. The town is literally built into a hillside, so have your camera ready to take advantage of the stunning panoramic views that its precarious position affords.

Have your camera handy also in Sedona to snap photos of the iconic Cathedral RockOpens in a new window and nearby Bell RockOpens in a new window. Although these formations and other remarkable red-hued sandstone rocks tend to steal the show in Sedona, the town is also thought to be a center of New Age spiritual powers.

Explore Flagstaff, located in the top of the Kaibab National Forest. What was once a way station on the road to California is now a city that embraces the arts and the outdoors with bike paths, cafés and galleries.

You must see the spectacular Grand Canyon National Park to believe it. Hike down into the canyon, ride a mule along its twisting trails or kayak through it along the Colorado River.

Visit North Central Arizona any time of year, but pack accordingly for the season. Consider beginning your visit in its lowland areas, such as Prescott and the Verde Valley, and then gradually make your way north, as the high elevation in Sedona and Flagstaff can take some getting used to.

Where to stay in North Central Arizona

Coffee Pot featuring a small town or village, views and a gorge or canyon

West Sedona

4.5/5(1,928 area reviews)

Bask in the glow of red sandstone formations while exploring numerous hiking and mountain biking trails. Discover the unique turquoise-arched McDonald's and the awe-inspiring Chapel of the Holy Cross, nestled within a red rock cliff.

West Sedona
Sedona featuring landscape views and mountains

Uptown Sedona

4.5/5(633 area reviews)

The stunning river views and popular shops are just a few highlights of Uptown Sedona. Make a stop by Sedona Arts Center or Gallery Row while you're exploring the area.

Uptown Sedona
North Central Arizona showing signage

Downtown Flagstaff

4.5/5(40 area reviews)

Downtown Flagstaff boasts a vibrant culture with historic buildings housing independent stores, cafés, and popular venues like the Weatherford Hotel. Explore prominent sights such as Heritage Square and the Orpheum Theater.

Downtown Flagstaff
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Christopher Creek

4.5/5(6 area reviews)

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Christopher Creek and surrounding area, you can visit Woods Canyon Lake and Rocky Point Recreation Area.

Christopher Creek
Chapel of the Holy Cross

Chapel

While visiting Chapel, you might make a stop by sights like Chapel of the Holy Cross and Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Village.

Chapel
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Northern Arizona University

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Northern Arizona University and surrounding area, you can visit Walkup Skydome and Flagstaff City Hall.

Northern Arizona University
Yavapai Lodge
Yavapai Lodge
3 out of 5
11 Yavapai Lodge Road, PO Box 159, Grand Canyon, AZ
The price is ¥25,901 per night from Aug 6 to Aug 7
¥25,901
¥27,688 total
Aug 6 - Aug 7
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Grand Canyon. Enjoy free parking, 2 restaurants, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant in ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (9,331 reviews)
"A very pleasant stay. Highly recommended."

Reviewed on Jul 6, 2025

Yavapai Lodge
Holiday Inn Resort The Squire at Grand Canyon by IHG
Holiday Inn Resort The Squire at Grand Canyon by IHG
4 out of 5
74 State Route 64, Grand Canyon, AZ
The price is ¥25,560 per night from Jul 22 to Jul 23
¥25,560
¥31,992 total
Jul 22 - Jul 23
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this family-friendly hotel in Grand Canyon. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 4 restaurants. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,945 reviews)
Expensive, but worth the cost
"This place while costly, is well worth the money. We would have stayed more than one night but we were passing through on a larger road trip. So much to do for the kids. The surrounding area offers plenty as well. Rooms spacious and in great condition. Staff was very nice."

Reviewed on Jul 5, 2025

Holiday Inn Resort The Squire at Grand Canyon by IHG
Maswik Lodge - Inside the Park
Maswik Lodge - Inside the Park
2.5 out of 5
202 South Village Loop, Grand Canyon, AZ
The price is ¥25,606 per night from Jul 26 to Jul 27
¥25,606
¥27,373 total
Jul 26 - Jul 27
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Grand Canyon. Enjoy free parking, 2 restaurants, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the convenient parking ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,861 reviews)
"Very friendly staff, quick and easy check in. The rooms were very clean and quiet. Property is great! Had an excellent experience. Thank you!!"

Reviewed on Jul 5, 2025

Maswik Lodge - Inside the Park
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Sedona Pines Resort
Sedona Pines Resort
3.5 out of 5
6701 W State Route 89A, Sedona, AZ
Stay at this 3.5-star family-friendly condo in Sedona. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and room service. Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant in our ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,649 reviews)
"It was very nice and convenient to everything"

Reviewed on Jul 5, 2025

Sedona Pines Resort
Junipine Resort
Junipine Resort
3.5 out of 5
8351 N Highway 89A, Sedona, AZ
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Sedona. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and in-room massages. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (2,116 reviews)
"I had a wonderful stay at Junipine Resort! The highlight was definitely the beautiful view of the creek—peaceful, relaxing, and the perfect backdrop for a getaway. The natural surroundings made the whole experience feel like a true escape. The accommodations were clean and comfortable, and the atmosphere ..."

Reviewed on Jul 6, 2025

Junipine Resort
Highlands Resort at Verde Ridge
Highlands Resort at Verde Ridge
3.5 out of 5
625 Verde Santa Fe Pkwy, Cornville, AZ
Stay at this 3.5-star golf condo in Cornville. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a golf course. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,056 reviews)
Family trip
"This was a amazing resort! Full setup, kitchen living room, dining, patio, separate master bedroom. Even a patio. The pool facilities were great and clean.i highly recommend this to anyone."

Reviewed on Jul 6, 2025

Highlands Resort at Verde Ridge
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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