Wonders of Northern Arizona

Virtual tour day 3

Grand Canyon National Park

We begin our final day with Grand Canyon: Natural Wonder, Cultural Phenomenon, presented by NAU’s Ted Martinez, Sean Evans, and Peter Runge. The land acknowledgement for today is included in the presentation.

The Grand Canyon achieved national park status in 1919, although it has been afforded federal protection since 1893 as a forest reserve and national monument. Only 80 miles northwest of Flagstaff, the Grand Canyon continues to see close to five million visitors each year. The most-visited area of the park is Grand Canyon Village on the south rim. This area is listed as a National Historic Landmark District consisting of 257 structures.

Check out this Stitcher: Zero to Travel podcast episode, in which Erik Weihenmayer shares the story behind his unbelievable adventure kayaking 277 miles down the Colorado River. 

San Francisco Peaks

Towering at 12,633 feet (3850 meters), the mountains stand over the Colorado plateau, a forested gem at the crown of our great desert state. A sacred place, a place of recreation, and what some call a place of introspection. The awesome majesty and beauty of the peaks are unrivaled throughout the region.

Coconino National Forest

Flagstaff boasts many superlatives, but perhaps the most appropriate one is that the town is located in the largest contiguous Ponderosa pine forest in the world. The ecosystems that surround Flagstaff span from piñon-juniper woodland to alpine tundra, but it is the Ponderosa pine forest that dominates the area. This towering tree only grows at elevations between 6,000 and 8,000 feet (1,830–2,430 meters), making Flagstaff the perfect home.

Arizona Snowbowl

As one of the longest-running ski resorts in the USA, Snowbowl is iconic. Just 14 miles (22.5 km) north of downtown, this is a year-round attraction.  From alpine sports in the winter to the scenic chair lift and family activities during summer, the ski area offers majestic views from Mt. Humphreys. It is a forgiving mountain that offers beginners a chance to safely learn, and experts the chance to be challenged.

Arizona Nordic Village

Just ten minutes north of Snowbowl, you’ll find cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snow-biking during the winter, and endless hiking and biking trails spring through fall.  For the adventurous, reserve a cabin or yurt and make it a weekend getaway at 8,000 feet (2,430 meters). For more information, check out Arizona Nordic Village.

Get your kicks on Route 66

Route 66 is firmly established as a cornerstone of Americana. Check out our music playlist and take a virtual drive down the road.

Oak Creek Canyon

Just south of Flagstaff, Arizona State Route 89A descends down a breathtaking series of switchbacks into a scenic, smaller cousin of the Grand Canyon. Known for its colorful red rocks and unique formations, Oak Creek Canyon is famous the world over for its spectacular scenery. Check out this drone footage of the area.

Lowell Observatory

Since 1894, Lowell has been a premier research observatory and, more recently, Flagstaff’s #1 visitor attraction. Since the 1960s, Lowell astronomers have worked with NASA, and trained all the astronauts who walked on the moon in 1969. Today, it’s also known as the “Home of Pluto,” as the dwarf planet was discovered here in 1930. Lowell Observatory mapped the Apollo Moon Missions and trained every astronaut that walked on the moon! Stargaze through the Clark or Dyer telescopes or spend time on the new Giovale Open-Air Observation Deck that houses six advanced telescopes.

Visit the museum and gift shop and take advantage of your all-day pass to engage with tour guides.

Winding down, looking up

We hope that you aren’t too tired from today’s adventures, because tonight we turn our eyes to the sky! Lowell Observatory has live Sky Parties on YouTube. You can watch a previously recorded one or add one of the next live sessions to your calendar on Lowell’s YouTube channel.

Flagstaff became the FIRST International Dark Sky City in 2001 thanks to our crystal-clear skies, high elevation, low humidity, and laws preventing light pollution.

Want to learn more?

Check out Discover Flagstaff City of Seven Wonders for some more fun! We look forward to seeing you again soon in Flagstaff.