When you are thinking about an Arizona vacation you are more than likely thinking about the Grand Canyon. It is one of the Seven Wonders of the World and one of the greatest assets in the Natural World. The Canyon floor runs 277 miles with beauty that you will be in awe of while you are there. Not only is there the Grand Canyon to see in Arizona but a number of other options in Northeastern Arizona await your visit too.
With lots of other things to see in Arizona you will want to visit the city of Flagstaff and see the beautiful mountains surrounding it. There you can enjoy shopping, music and wonderful dining as well as visit the Meteor Crater Center where you will see displays of the never-ending process of impacts and collisions in our solar system by the Meteors. If you are there at the right time of year you will be able to see the Oldest Hopi Art Show. Of course there is also the Painted Forest in the area which shows the beauty created in petrified wood by nature.
The begin your day headed for the Grand Canyon where you will drive north of Flagstaff on Hwy 89 toward Hwy 64. The reason for going this route is that it takes you to the less crowded East entrance of the park. You won’t have to fight so many people to find parking and begin your adventure at the Canyon. When you arrive at the Canyon take the leisurely drive on Desert View Drive. This is the longest stretch of road open to the public along the South Rim of the Canyon. In the evening you will want to catch the sunset as it sets on the Grand Canyon with all the vibrant colors and majesty.
When you leave the Canyon area you may want to go to visit the John Wesley Powell Memorial Museum. Here you will learn the history of this explorer’s voyages along the Colorado River. This was done in a boat like the replica long boat on display at the museum in the years 1869 – 1871. There are also Native American and pioneer artifacts for you to see too.
Take a tour on the river or on Lake Powell. There are charter boats you can get at Page to see the beautiful lake area. From this community you will be able to over look the lake and Glen Canyon Dam. Here you will also be right next to the Navajo Nation and learn about their culture and modern life. The Lake extends for 180 miles and has over 90 canyons to explore, have a blast!!
While you are in the area you will be able to visit Rainbow Bridge National Monument. This is the largest sacred natural bridge in the world. You can walk on it from the docking area of your tour boat. It spans 275 ft across the river and stands 290 ft tall.
The Canyhon de Chelly National Monument offers you rugged cliffs to see and stunning views. There are jeep tours that you can take and explore the Anasazi ruins. The Anaszi Indians are the ancestors of the modern Pueblo Indians. They were in the area as early at AD 1 and AD 1300! There are artifacts of their baskets, pottery, cloth ornaments and tools remaining for you to see.
Take a jeep tour of Canyon de Chelly National Monument. Here you will be surrounded by sheer cliffs and hundreds of Anasazi ruins. There are also modern Navajo homes and farms in the area. The Anasazi Indians are the ancestors of the modern Pueblo Indians who settled and farmed in the Four Corners region between about AD 1 and AD 1300. They made fine baskets, pottery, cloth ornaments and tools. They left behind a wide array of artifacts for you to study while you are in the canyon. This will be a fabulous stop on your trip.
