Stay in Flagstaff for your Grand Canyon Trip
View the Flagstaff 14 annual Fourth of July Parade happening this July 3 at 9:00 am on your way to all the events that the Grand Canyon has in store for you. Celebrate with thousands of other visitors as they cheer for the soldiers and veterans of our great country. Stay close with some of the lodging offered in the area:
After your excursion in town, you can head out to the Grand Canyon for several “combo” tours, such as the Grand Canyon Air and Land Sunset Safari. The tour starts out high in the air, helping you see the immense size of the monstrous cliffs that extend for many miles. With the 30 minute fly-over, you’ll see many parts of the canyon you may have never viewed from the ground. Next, you’ll take a sightseeing ride in a Jeep around the various types of wildlife in the Kaibab National Forest. Feel free to snap pictures of the exotic elks, ravens, or other types of animals you may see. Your scenic drive ends next to the edge of the canyon at sunset.
For a different combination, try out the Northern Rim with Grand Canyon Airplane Flight and 4X4 Combo. You’ll ride through the Grand Canyon National Park on side trails for the first part of the tour. Travel over painted deserts and red rock, exploring and appreciating the rugged beauty all around you. Part of the tour will also have areas you’ll be going over on foot, and you can take your camera to capture the memories. For the next portion of you tour, you’ll be flying for approximately 50 minutes all over the North Rim, where the long, winding Colorado River is located. Have fun and enjoy! Find out more about the Airplane Flight and 4X4 Combo:
Feel free to stay in some of Flagstaff’s lodging, the nearest city to the Grand Canyon. The historic Grand Canyon Railway Hotel is one of the most popular places to stay in the area, and it has both a pool and a hot tub to relax you after an intense day in the Grand Canyon.
2010 H.O.G. Rally Rides Into the Grand Canyon Area
Get on Route 66 and ride on into Williams, AZ for the area’s annual bike rally June 10th through the 12th. The 2010 H.O.G. Rally in the Grand Canyon area is a wonderful way to enjoy the great outdoors from your bike and see the variety of bikes that come into town with the rally. You won’t get better views from your bike anywhere else.
After being on your bike so often, you may want to take a break and stretch your legs a bit. The Grand Sunset and Indian Painting Jeep Tour combines hiking and a jeep ride for an incredible tour of the Grand Canyon. Your hike will take place in the Kaibab National Forest with a guide. Your guide will tell you about the Native Americans of the area as you hike. While in the forest, you will see Indian paintings that have withstood the test of time. Afterward, a visit to an observation deck is planned, so you can get panoramic views of the Grand Canyon at sunset.
Another activity that will give you incredible views of the majestic Grand Canyon while you relax is the Grand Canyon Smooth Water Bus Trip. Glide peacefully along the Colorado River and watch as the Grand Canyon walls loom hundreds of feet above you. It’s a beautiful way to experience the power and fantastic colors of the Grand Canyon walls as well as the legendary Colorado River.
A Memorial Day Escape to the Grand Canyon Area
Take advantage of the three day weekend that Memorial Day gives you, and go to the Grand Canyon. There are endless sightseeing and exploration opportunities at the Grand Canyon for you to enjoy. Start out with the Grand Canyon Explorer Hike and stretch out your legs after long days of sitting in the office. The fresh air will energize you as you explore the back country under the rim of the Grand Canyon. See ancient Indian cliff dwellings, stunning views, and the varied wildlife of the area as you take a comfortable hike with your guide.
Rest on a luxury yacht and enjoy more incredible scenery with the Canyons Adventure Tour after your hike. This tour gives you the experience of seeing the beautiful Navajo Tapestry on the Grand Canyon Walls as well as the Glen Canyon Dam and the Tower Butte. You can sit on the open upper deck and relax in the sunshine as you enjoy the scenery or sit inside and enjoy the views from the temperature controlled environment.
In the evening, see the majesty of the Grand Canyon at sunset with the Grand Sunset and Indian Painting Jeep Tour. See the beauty of the Kahib National Forest as well as the incredible Indian paintings that still remain on the walls of the Grand Canyon before going to an observation tower that will take you up high enough for you to see the Grand Canyon, Painted Desert, and San Francisco Peaks spread out below you. In the observation tower, you will watch the sun set and see a riot of incredible color tint the land and the sky.
Have a Spring Break Adventure at the Grand Canyon in Arizona
Make your Spring Break an exciting one to tell all of your friends about with a thrilling trip to the Grand Canyon in Arizona. Sunny Arizona with it’s incredible landscapes has a lot to offer and the Grand Canyon is at the top of the list. Why bother having a Spring Break anywhere that is less than spectacular? The Grand Canyon has everything you could want!
See the Grand Canyon’s majesty spread below you with one of the helicopter tours available. The Grand Kingdom Helicopter Tour – North and South Rim or the Imperial Helicopter Tour – North Canyon, Painted Desert, and Colorado River. Scenic views of awe-inspiring cliffs and ledges are behind and ahead of you with a helicopter tour.
If you’re interested in seeing the Kabib National Forest while you’re in the area, you should check out the Grand Sunset Safari Jeep Tour. You will go through the national forest and experience all the forest has to offer before going to the Grand Canyon. Once you reach the Grand Canyon, you’ll see something really magical – the Grand Canyon at sunset. It’s an incomparable experience you’ll never forget!
Rendezvous in the Grand Canyon area of Williams, Arizona
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be a pioneer heading out West? Find out at Rendezvous Days in Williams, Arizona. The event is on Memorial Day Weekend which is May 29th through May 31st and consists of a carnival, vendors, an exciting parade, and much more. Be a part of this thrilling tribute to the pioneers who helped carve out the American landscape we know today.
While you’re at the Grand Canyon don’t forget to take one of the helicopter tours. Both the Grand Kingdom Helicopter Tour of the North and South Rim and the Imperial Helicopter Tour of the North Canyon, Painted Desert and Colorado River offer an amazing bird’s eye view to this landmark all of America holds dear. Both offer slightly different features, and both are incredible tours that will increase your awe of the Grand Canyon.
If you’re interested in exploring the Grand Canyon but want to keep your feet firmly on the ground try the Grand Sunset and Indian Painting Jeep Tour. It offers a majestic Grand Canyon view with the background of the sunset after a day of learning about the Native Americans who inhabited the area. It’s an educational experience combined with all the beauty the Grand Canyon offers.
Family-Friendly Activities Near The Grand Canyon
There is so much to do when visiting the Grand Canyon area. However, if you’ve got a few holes in your itinerary there are a few things you may not have thought of. These hidden gems may be just what you’re looking for.
First up is the Flagstaff Arboretum. This hidden gem isn’t just trees and flowers, but home to workshops, exhibits, activities, and events. The goal of these activities and events is to help the public learn to protect and enjoy the fauna and flora of Arizona. Your whole family will enjoy the exhibits featuring live and preserved spider, insects, and other creepy crawlies native to the area. Just a note, the Arboretum is only open from April 1 until October 31 so it makes for a perfect summer itinerary filler.
If there is an animal enthusiast in your family, you should definitely consider the Grand Canyon Deer Farm Petting Zoo near Williams, Arizona. There is so much to do at the petting zoo that it makes the perfect day trip for any family. Aside from seeing the deer that are native to the area, your family will enjoy seeing the fawns that are born every summer. Deer aren’t the only animal you’ll get to see because the farm houses several other species. Some of these other animals include goats, buffalo, pigs, antelope, reindeer and a variety of exotic birds.
The perfect family activity in the area is the Flintstones-Bedrock City in Valle, Arizona. This fun-filled place lets you walk a mile in the shoes of your favorite cartoon family. See the replicas of the homes where Fred and Wilma and Barney and Betty lived. Don’t forget to hit the Bedrock Diner and grab a brontosaurus burger or a chickasaurus sandwich. Also, tour the general store, police station, post office and movie house which plays Flintstones cartoons.
Train Tours Showcase Grand Canyon
The Grand Canyon is one of those sights that everyone should see at some point during their lifetime. It is a testament to the limitless power of Mother Nature and a wonder in its own right. There are so many ways to experience this marvel that visitors should consider all the options before making the trip.
One option, and probably one of the best, is to take a train tour of the area surrounding the Grand Canyon. These guided tours allow you to experience the wonder of the Grand Canyon and the beauty of the encompassing desert. If you’ve never visited the Southwest before, the following tour are the perfect comprehensive experience.
Grand Canyon Railroad Adventure
The Grand Canyon Railway welcomes you to the perfect weekend getaway to the Grand Canyon area. The journey begins in Sedona, Arizona with transportation to the Grand Canyon Railroad. The Railroad, now in its 108th year of operation, is your transit to the South Rim of the Canyon where you’ll be treated to lunch. This tour includes one nights lodging, so once you’ve explored the South Rim head back to your room to relax. The second day of the tour is time to spend as you choose. Feel free to take additional tours of the Canyon, see a movie at the IMAX, or spend some time exploring the area.
Sedona/Grand Canyon Rail Experience
Another perfect weekend getaway to the Grand Canyon area is the Sedona/Grand Canyon Rail Experience. This tour includes one nights accommodations, tickets for the Grand Canyon Railroad, and admission to the Grand Canyon National Park. The tour begins in Sedona, where you will be guided through the stunning red-rock landscape of the Sonoran Desert. The afternoon is wide open for you to spend as you like. Take advantage of the numerous art galleries, shops and tours available. The second day of the tour begins early, as you board the train for the Grand Canyon. Upon arrival at the park, you will have ample time to explore the park, take tours, and visit the gift shops before returning to Phoenix to travel home.
This comprehensive package includes two nights of accommodations, a guided tour of the Sonoran Desert, tickets for the Grand Canyon Railroad, and a guided Rim Tour once you arrive at Grand Canyon National Park. The guided tour of the Sonoran Desert is the perfect introduction to the landscape of the Southwest before beginning the tours of your second day. You board the train early on the morning of day two and head off to the Grand Canyon, where you’ll be treated to lunch and a special guided rim tour. The third and final day is yours to spend as you choose. Take advantage of the opportunity to enjoy additional tours or visit the IMAX Theater.
The Grand Canyon by Way of Trains, Planes & Automobiles
There are few things that represent Americana on as large of a scale as the Grand Canyon, though America’s love for transportation is easily on the short list. From the railroads blazing west, to the daring of heroes including the Wright Brothers and Amelia Earhart, to our general love affair with the automobile, each is decidedly set in American culture. And when combining our love of transportation with the natural beauty of our nation travelers will find a varied way to enjoy the different sights of the Grand Canyon for a full perspective of its depth and beauty.
Grand Canyon Railway Budd Coach
Those looking for a truly nostalgic trip to the Grand Canyon will absolutely want to experience the Grand Canyon Railway Budd Coach. Riding on an authentic coach train from Budd Manufacturing Company, the small touches of the car will go just as far as the mammoth views of the Grand Canyon in creating a memorable experience. Along the journey, you will travel approximately 65 miles, viewing the Grand Canyon from the South Rim. Whether wanting to relive yester year for the first time or all over again, the Grand Canyon Railway Budd Coach offers an authentic experience coupled with incredible sights!
The South Rim Airplane Tour combines panoramic views with the ability to see a lot in a short amount of time to create one of the more comprehensive options for sightseeing in the Grand Canyon area. Along this approximately 45 minute tour, Zuni Point, Painted Desert, Navajo Indian Reservation and, of course, the Grand Canyon will all be seen. And while great on its own, when combined with either a train or motor coach tour the South Rim Airplane Tour provides a perfect 1, 2 punch that allows you to take in both the grand scope of the Grand Canyon and the intimate details.
Grand Canyon Safari & Rim Walk
While the Grand Canyon may be most noted for its size, you won’t truly appreciate the spectacle fully until you have seen it face-to-face, and with the Grand Canyon Safari & Rim Walk you will get just such an opportunity. Along the journey, you will travel from the Kaibab National Forest to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon by way of Jeep. Once at the rim, you will then have the opportunity to explore by foot for a truly up close experience.
Sedona Man-Made Marvel Gives Back To The Community
A vacation to the Grand Canyon area is always special, but what if you could really make it an unforgettable trip? This year, you can. While in the Grand Canyon area, stop by Sedona and visit the Red Rock Fantasy Festival. You won’t soon forget this man-made marvel!
The Red Rock Fantasy is a festival unlike any other in the country. Beginning November 19, the beautiful red rock surrounding Sedona will be lit up with more than one million lights, creating the Red Rock Fantasy. Currently in its nineteenth consecutive year, this unique festival invites families from the Southwest region to create displays which are then showcased in the festival.
This event is more than a cool holiday attraction. This event doubles as a fundraiser for local charities and organizations. Since the first year it opened, every penny earned by this event has been donated to organizations such as the Sedona Food Bank, Verde Valley Caregivers, Institute of Ecotourism, and the Marine Corps League. Last year the attraction donated more than $10,000 to local organizations, nonprofits, and area schools.
If you’re already planning a trip to the Grand Canyon area, this is a must-see attraction. Remember as you gaze upon the massive light displays that your admission was a donation to an organization that helps the surrounding area. You’ll enjoy the breathtaking sight of the Sedona red rocks covered in lights, and the local organizations will be happy you did.
Grand Canyon Vacation With a Fresh Twist
If you’re thinking about visiting the Grand Canyon this winter, why not stay in Flagstaff, Arizona? The Grand Canyon is only a short highway drive away and there is lots for the family to do in Flagstaff. If that isn’t enough to convince you, there are tons of great hotels and hundreds of awesome restaurants. Just in case you’re still skeptical about Flagstaff, consider these ideas for your trip.
This all-day adventure is one the entire family will adore. You and your family get to float down the Colorado River and enjoy the many sights. The trip begins with a tour of the Navajo Indian Reservation which leads you to the banks of the Colorado River where you board the raft and shove off on your adventure. Don’t forget your camera. If you enjoyed the views from the top, just wait until you see the views from the bottom!
Antelope Canyon/Glen Canyon Photo Tour
If you traveled to Arizona for the different sights, the Grand Canyon shouldn’t be the only one you see. Antelope Canyon and Glen Canyon are just as breath-taking, on a smaller scale of course. Intense shades of red, orange and yellow color the landscape and the many colors change dramatically throughout the day. Make sure to bring plenty of film or a blank memory card, because you’re going to be taking a lot of pictures. Not only will you visit Antelope and Glen Canyons, you’ll also be guided through the Lonely Dell and scenic overlooks of Lake Powell and the Vermillion Cliffs.
Petrified Forest, Painted Desert & Meteor Crater
If you’re seeking a tour with more variety, look no further. This tour begins with a trip to Arizona’s Meteor Crater. The on-site Visitors Center will provide all of the information you may need about the site, including info on the astronaut training that took place in the crater years ago. The newly-remodeled Museum of Astrogeology includes displays about meteor impacts and collisions throughout the galaxy. Don’t forget the Meteor Crater Interactive Learning Center’s 24 exciting exhibits.
After Meteor Crater, you will be guided to the combined National Parks of Petrified Forest and Painted Desert. You and your family will hear the fascinating story of how this once-thriving forest turned to solid stone while you enjoy the sights of the spectacularly-colored Painted Desert cliffs, ancient petroglyphs and ruins of prehistoric Native American villages.
