Northwestern Arizona Road Trip

    There are 3,928 mountain peaks and summits in Arizona and many of them are found around Flagstaff and west toward the Colorado River.  This is the part of Arizona where elevation varies from the highest mountain, Humphreys Peak in Flagstaff, to the low, dry desert lands along the Colorado River.  Autumn colors are certainly found in this part of Arizona and so too are some great destinations for a road trip.

    We recommend you be sure to see…

    - Harts Prairie Preserve.  Located on the north side of Humphreys Peak, this is the place where desert dwellers can rediscover the amazing colors of autumn.  Owned and operated by the Nature Conservancy, special Sunday tours are available through September 29!  For details about these tours call 928-774-8892 ext. 5.
    - The Snowbowl also offers the Scenic Chairlift ride to the “Top of Arizona” through mid-October.  The Scenic Chairlift is open Fridays – Sundays and holiday Mondays from 10 am to 4 pm.  Here’s more information - http://www.arizonasnowbowl.com/things-to-do/.
    - The “Round the Peaks Drive” is a 43-mile trip over well-maintained gravel roads that circles the base of the San Francisco Mountains.  This link will give you all the details you need about this beautiful journey - http://www.go-arizona.com/Around-The-Peaks-Scenic-Drive/
- Finally, if you looking for a four-legged critter to help you find autumn in the Coconino National Forest that surrounds Flagstaff, we highly recommend the great wranglers at the Hitchin’ Post Stable along Lake Mary Road - http://www.hitchinpoststables.com/.

Other nearby Flagstaff attractions:
- Museum of Northern Arizona:
http://www.musnaz.org/
-The Arboretum at Flagstaff –
http://www.thearb.org/
-Walnut Canyon National Monument –
http://www.nps.gov/waca/index.htm
-Sunset Crater National Monument –
http://www.nps.gov/sucr/index.htm
-Wupatki National Monument –
http://www.nps.gov/wupa/index.htm
-Desert View Watchtower –
http://www.nps.gov/grca/photosmultimedia/colter_wt_photos.htm

    - On your way west down I-40, take the time and stop at the Grand Canyon Deer Farm.  This animal sanctuary has been open for over 40-years and will be a delightful stop for anyone who loves to get real close to many friendly, hoofed animals - http://www.deerfarm.com/home.html

    - Williams, Arizona is a fine place to go looking for the foliage of autumn.  Bill Williams Mountain is the western most Arizona mountain peak about 9000 feet.  A dirt road and a pair of good hiking trails lead through the aspen trees to the summit - http://hikearizona.com/decoder.php?ZTN=493
    - Mountain Ranch Stables is a great place to find that wilderness trail ride while in Williams.  Their well-mannered trail horses will take you into the fall beauty of the Kaibab National Forest.  Everyone gets a kick out of meeting the ranch’s “Smilin’ horse”! http://www.mountainranchstables.com/ 
    - Riding the trains of the Grand Canyon Railway from Williams to the South Rim is always a memorable experience but even more so with the colors of autumn decorating the forest. http://www.thetrain.com. 
    - And now that Bearizona has opened on the eastern edge of Williams, this small mountain town with crisp, clear air makes for a great fall get-a-way - http://www.bearizona.com/.

Other nearby Williams attractions:
- Seligman Delgadillo’s Snow Cap Drive-In
http://www.roadsideamerica.com/tip/101
-Follow the path of Route 66 Fun Run from Seligman to Oatman –
http://www.azrt66.com/funrun.htm
- Visit Grand Canyon Caverns –
http://www.gccaverns.com/
-Hike to the Village of Supai –
http://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/havasupai.htm

    - Kingman, Arizona was established as a railroad town way back in 1882.  Hollywood cowboy legend Andy Devine grew up here and Route 66 becomes Andy Devin Blvd as it passes through town. Most folks just pass through Kingman on their way to Las Vegas.  But the Route 66 Museum, the Army Airfield Museum and the Mohave Museum of History and Arts are all worth discovering.
    Kingman brags that it is the “Heart of Historic Route 66” and it just might have the rights to that claim.  At an elevation of 3,300 feet, the climate is almost perfect during the fall of the year.
    - Skywalk is just 70 miles from Kingman.  And even though everyone seems to be fighting about the road leading there, it is an amazing rush to “Walk on the Sky” some 4000 feet above the floor of the Grand Canyon - www.grandcanyonwest.com/skywalktour.
    - The “Living Ghost Town” of Chloride, Arizona is only 23 miles from Kingman and it has some of the strangest artwork found in Arizona just 1.5 miles east of town.  Known as the Chloride Murals, these granite boulders were painted by artist Roy Purcell in 1966.  You will need a high clearance vehicle to drive to the site and a 4-wheel drive chariot is even better - http://www.chlorideaz.com/visitchloride.html.

 Other nearby Kingman attractions:
 - Route 66 Museum -
http://www.gokingman.com/
- Army Airfield Museum -
http://kingmanarmyairfieldmuseum.org/Home_Page.html
- Mohave Museum of History and Arts -
http://www.mohavemuseum.org/
-Oatman, Arizona
http://www.oatmangoldroad.org/

    - Northwestern Arizona is also the northern gateway to Arizona’s Colorado River cities.  Traveling south down Az Highway 95 you can enjoy the river cities of Bullhead City, Lake Havasu City and Parker.  All offer opportunities to boat on the river and to check out the incredible bird migration that happens each autumn along the flyway.  And if you stay on Highway 95 long enough, you will pass that ol’ Bouse Fisherman again and arrive back with Hi Jolly in ol’ Quartzsite.
    Northwestern Arizona has much to offer and many treasures to see.  It contains the highest mountains in Arizona and the lowest lands along the once mighty Colorado River.  So, this time of year is perfect to get out and discover all this part of Arizona has to offer!

Beautiful Harts Prairie

Harts Prairie

Snow Bowl

On Top of Arizona!

Williams, Arizona

Bearizona, Williams, Arizona

Snow Cap, Seligman, Arizona

Grand Canyon Caverns

Williams, Arizona

Sky Walk

Downtown Chloride, Arizona

Chloride Murals

London Bridge, Lake Havasu City

Hitchin' Post Stables, Flagstaff

Northeastern Arizona Road Trip

We wrote a series of stories dealing with our favorite destinations for a Autumn Road Trip.  These places are beautiful in fall colors but are also some of our favorite places to visit anytime of year.  Here is the first story dealing with Northeastern Arizona.  Hope you enjoy it!

     A fall road trip into northeastern Arizona can vary from cruising along the Mogollon Rim highways from Payson to Greer among the pine covered White Mountains to driving beside the cottonwood lined riparian streams that are so common in the high desert areas of both the Hopi and Navajo Reservations.   Because of the shorter days and cool night temperatures, fall can come early in this part of Arizona, so late September/early October are good times to visit.
    Here are some of our favorite places to visit fall in northeastern Arizona…

    -The Hopi Reservation is always special but especially so when the fall season has come upon the land.  Freshly harvested blue and multi-colored corns can be purchased and the colorful cottonwood trees are a spectacular contrast from the red earth landscape.  You can travel across the entire Hopi Reservation along AZ Highway 264 from Moenkopi to Keams Canyon.  The distance is 84 miles and will take about 1 ½ hour of driving.
     Along the way you will pass the historic villages of Old Oraibi, Shongopovi, Second Mesa and Walpi.  If the villages are open, stop and explore a different way of live so cherished here.  The Hopi Cultural Center is found at Second Mesa.  Guided tours of Walpi, http://www.experiencehopi.com/walpi.html , located on First Mesa, are available and we highly, highly recommend taking this tour.
      Remember, no photographs are permitted to be taken while on the Hopi Reservation.  Please be kind and respect the Hopi Tribe’s wishes.
    Lodging can be found at the recently opened Moenkopi Legacy Inn  & Suites, http://www.experiencehopi.com/hotel.html, in Moenkopi.  Our favorite way to visit Hopi is to stay at La Posada, http://www.laposada.org/, in Winslow and then drive the 1-½ hours up AZ Highway 87 to Second Mesa.  

Other nearby Hopi attractions:
-Navajo Interactive Museum -
http://www.explorenavajo.com/go2/navajo_museum.cfm
-

    - Canyon de Chelley National Monument is always spectacular but even more so when decorated in the colors of autumn.  Canyon de Chelley is located on the Navajo Reservation, just to the east of Chinle.  Most folks experience the multiple canyons found here by way of the many jeep/truck tours offered.  Most tours vary from 4 – 8 hours in length. 
      If you do not wish to enter the national monument, two paved highways follow the canyons’ rims to the north and to the south with many overlooks that allow visitors to gaze down into the breathtaking views below.  These drives are free and allow for visitors to set their own pace. 
      Another way to visit Canyon de Chelley is by horseback.  Here is a link to one of several stables that offer memorable rides into this Arizona geological wonderland - http://tsoshorsetours.com/index.html
    Lodging for Canyon de Chelley can be found at the historic Thunderbird Lodge or at the Holiday Inn in Chinle.

Other nearby Canyon de Chelley attractions:
- Hubble Trading Center Historic Site:
http://www.hubbelltradingpost.org/

    - A short 13 miles east from Winslow is the Rock Art Ranch, the site of one of the greatest collection of Anasazi petroglyphs in the American Southwest.  Visitors can descend into the autumn colors of Chevelon Canyon and walk among the hundreds of glyphs found on the canyon walls.  Reservations are needed to visit the ranch and are made by calling 928-288-3260.  Tours of the Rock Art Ranch close for the winter on November 1.  

    - This too is the part of Arizona where the Petrified Forest National Park is found.  Located just east of Holbrook off I-40, the 27-mile scenic drive through the primordial time on display in the Painted Desert and the Petrified Forest is even more enjoyable to visit with the cooler fall temperatures - http://www.nps.gov/pefo/index.htm

Other nearby Petrified Forest National Park attractions:
- Wigwam Village Motel #6, Holbrook -
http://www.roadsideamerica.com/story/10294
-Navajo County Historic Courthouse Museum, Holbrook -
http://www.gotouraz.com/NCHSj1.html


    - For some of the largest groves of quaking aspen bedecked in their fall splendor found anywhere in Arizona, make the drive on Az Route 260 between Pinetop/Lakeside and Greer.  Here in elevations that reach 8,000 feet, the grandeur of autumn colors are on full display. 
    Tourists travel for hundreds of miles to see the red, gold, yellow and orange hues of the aspen forests that take over the mountaintops of this region. You can always get a fall color update by calling the USDA Forest Service hotline – 1-800-354-4595 or visit http://www.fs.usda.gov/goto/r3/fallcolors .
     - Stop too by the Sunrise Park Resort, http://sunriseskiparkaz.com/, and ride the ski lifts for a special view of the fall colors in the White Mountain.  A short drive from the resort is Big Lake and Crescent Lake where you can fish while surround by the many tints and shades of color found in the national forest.  And an autumn lunch on the patio of Molly Butler Lodge while overlooking the Greer Meadow is just downright delightful!
     At these high elevations, the temperatures turn downright cold early in the fall season, so be prepared for quickly changing weather conditions.  

Other nearby Greer area attractions -
- X-Diamond Ranch -
http://www.xdiamondranch.com/
-Sipe White Mountain Wildlife Area -
http://www.azgfd.gov/outdoor_recreation/wildlife_area_sipe.shtml

    Northeastern Arizona is always a great place to spend time and especially during the months of September and October.  If you get out and discover this season, you will have experienced some of the most beautiful and historic places in all of Arizona.   

Moenkopi Legacy Inn

Hopi Cort

Hopi Pottery

Spider Rock - Canyon de Chelley

Canyon de Chelley

Canyon de Chelley

Canyon de Chelley

Canyon de Chelley

Rock Art Ranch

Chevelon Canyon

Painted Desert

Petrified Forest

Fall Aspens

Fall Aspens

Sunrise Ski Area

Old Growth Aspen

Big Lake

Big Lake

Molly Butlers

Greer Meadow

                    

Brown's Ranch Trailhead

     The Valley of the Sun has a new trailhead just in time to enjoy with the arrival of autumn weather.  If you like to hike, bike or horseback ride, check out Brown's Ranch Trailhead in north Scottsdale.

    The cool mornings of October are a great time to get out and discover the newest trailhead of Scottsdale’s McDowell Sonoran Preserve when the Brown’s Ranch Trailhead is officially dedicated at 9 am on October 19.   
    The McDowell Sonoran Preserve is proclaimed to be “like no other place in the Valley!”  Such a proclamation is due to the preserve’s unique geology, lush forests of cacti, phenomenal geography and a wide diversity of wildlife.
    With a plan first put into action in 1991, the preserve has grown to over 27,800 scenic Sonoran Desert acres on the far northeast edge of Scottsdale and has already received numerous awards for the design of its many trails and facilities.
    The Brown’s Ranch Trailhead is the fifth trailhead dedicated in the preserve which now features over 100 miles of hiking/biking/horseback riding shared-use trails.  Other trailheads already open and just waiting to be explored include the Gateway Trailhead, the Lost Dog Wash Trailhead, the Sunrise Trailhead and the Tom’s Thumb Trailhead. 
    For those who love to rock climb, the preserve has over 200 named climbs among the rock splendor of the McDowell Mountains.  Difficulty of the many climbs range from easy to difficult with a few local favorites being Granite Ballroom, Sven Slab and Tom’s Thumb itself.
    Early morning bird watching is a common activity for visitors to the McDowell Sonoran Preserve.  Over 100 species of birds have already been documented within the preserve.  And since many American songbirds from the northern regions overwinter in the Sonoran Desert, October thru February are prime months for bird watching enthusists.
    Docent led hikes, including holiday hikes, are also available on all five trails of the preserve. There are inclusive hikes for most all interests and hiking abilities.  Discovery hikes are designed especially for children and Wellness hikes are offered for anyone who needs to get up and get moving.  For more information about guided hiking within the preserve call 480-947-8814.    
     The new Brown’s Ranch Trailhead features a series of interpretive exhibits about the human history and use of the preserve.  It now also becomes the gateway to such unique mountaintop destinations as Cathedral Rock, Balanced Rock and Granite Mountain.  The Brown’s Ranch trail also makes the long awaited connection between the McDowell Sonoran Preserve and the Tonto National Forest.
    Parking for over 200 passenger vehicles, shade ramadas, fresh drinking water and restrooms are all found at the trailhead’s interpretive center.  In addition, twenty-four horse trailer parking spaces, hitching rails and water troughs make this an ideal equestrian staging area.
    The City of Scottsdale has designated October to be the official McDowell Sonoran Preserve Month with October 19 being a special day for the Brown’s Ranch Trailhead.  So why not get out and discover for yourself this natural, wilderness treasure just 24 miles from Anthem?  The cost to discover this beautiful desert land is always free; only costing your time and a desire to explore the beauty of the undisturbed Sonoran Desert.