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“The Wickedest Town in the Wild West,” but the bordellos and saloons that lined its streets in its mining heyday have been replaced by family-friendly shops and restaurants.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
Default Image

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
Default Image

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 NT$5,742 per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
NT$5,742
NT$6,138 total
Sep 1 - Sep 2
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! (9,485 reviews)
"We lived the quiet and visits from the deer. The area around the acoom with iutdoor seating was perfect to relax in, it was only a 15min walk to the rim through the forest. Only issue was sone hairs left in the bath and a dirty batheoom floor, all the rest of the room and linens were spotless."

Reviewed on 2025/8/6

Yavapai Lodge
Little America Flagstaff

Little America Flagstaff

4 out of 5
2515 E Butler Ave, Flagstaff, AZ
The price is NT$2,759 per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
NT$2,759
NT$3,073 total
Sep 1 - Sep 2
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Flagstaff. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (2,726 reviews)
"Bathroom counters and showers were very nice. Beds were very nice and comfortable. Decor like headboard was stylish. One sink didn't drain well, but did slowly drain..."

Reviewed on 2025/8/4

Little America Flagstaff
Arabella Hotel Sedona

Arabella Hotel Sedona

3.5 out of 5
725 Highway 179 Sedona, Sedona, AZ
The price is NT$3,402 per night from Aug 11 to Aug 12
NT$3,402
NT$4,820 total
Aug 11 - Aug 12
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Sedona. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,488 reviews)
"Loved the location and the grounds as well as the activities though we did not attend any. The breakfast is wonderful; everything a person could want! The bed is a bit too soft for my liking; could use a better bed."

Reviewed on 2025/8/7

Arabella Hotel Sedona
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! (1,698 reviews)
"We love this place!"

Reviewed on 2025/8/2

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! (2,152 reviews)
"I visited Junipine 20 years ago with family and our stay was incredible. This visit was with a friend and we also enjoyed our stay immensly. Our room was actually a villa with a full kitchen, large living area, two fireplaces, large bathroom area with 2 counters and sinks, and a loft bedroom with ..."

Reviewed on 2025/8/5

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! (1,081 reviews)
"Room was FREEZING bc aircon was turned way down. Thank goodness for the extra blanket!"

Reviewed on 2025/8/3

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.

Popular places to visit

Cities near North Central Arizona