Northern Arizona Travel Guide, Grand Canyon to Lake Powell

The Northern Arizona Travel Guide is a resource for those planning a road trip in the region. It is especially useful for trips originating in Las Vegas or Phoenix, or for those traveling on I-40. All the popular attractions are included, such as Oak Creek Canyon, historic Route 66, the Painted Desert, Grand Canyon National Park, Monument Valley, Hoover Dam, Lake Powell, Prescott and Sedona, Arizona. Many less famous destinations are also included. Details include descriptions, links to many references, and suggested visit times. Also, review our recommended travel itineraries.   NEW! Grand Canyon Skywalk   For easiest use, scroll map to top.

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Lake Powell Travel Guide | Paria Canyon Guide | Las Vegas Area Guide | Grand Canyon Guide

Northern Arizona Destinations

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Map Items 11-16 Below      <Map Items 1-5>   |   <Map Items 6-10>   |   Travel Itineraries

(11) Hopi Reservation -

The Hopi people largely occupy a series of high mesas on their reservation in northern Arizona. Most notable are the ancient towns of Walpi and Old Oraibi, one of the oldest continously occupied towns in the country. The Hopi are skilled in various crafts including pottery, weaving, silver jewelry, and Kachina dolls. The best place to start a visit is the Hopi Cultural Center on Second Mesa at the intersection of Arizona-264 and Arizona-87.

• Hopi Cultural Center

(12) Monument Valley, Utah -

Monument Valley and the surrounding area offer some of the southwest's most famous and unusual scenery. From Canyon de Chelly, head north on US-191 into Utah, then west on US-163. A side trip east on US-160 leads to Four Corners Monument, the country's only intersection of four states. West of Bluff, Utah, the Valley of the Gods offers scenery similar to Monument Valley in a very remote and uncrowded area. Make a stop at Goosenecks State Park, which offers the stunning panorama of the Goosenecks of the San Juan River. Monument Valley Tribal Park with all the famous landmarks is another 25 miles west on US-163. Gouldings Trading Post offers lodging, services, and tours. Visit time: drive through in a few hours or take a day or two to explore.

• Monument Valley Tribal Park
• Valley of the Gods, Utah
• Monument Valley Tribal Park (Navajo Tribe)
• Four Corners Monument (Navajo Tribe)
• Goosenecks State Park, Utah
• Gouldings Lodge and Trading Post

(13) Navajo National Monument -

The monument protects three ancient cliff dwellings. Tours are offered to Betatakin and Keet Seel during the summer. The guided hike to photogenic Betatakin is five miles roundtrip. The hike out of the canyon is strenuous. Keet Seel is considered one of the best preserved of all cliff dwellings. Very limited guided tours of Keet Seel are available - 25 people per day. You must hike out to the site on your own, 17 miles round trip through the desert during the summer. The trip is recommended only for strong hikers (but is well worth the effort). Shorter scenic trails are also available. Visit time: for Betatakin, a half day; for Keet Seel, a full day or overnight.

• Navajo National Monument
• Navajo National Monument (NPS)
• Betatakin/Talastima & Keet Seel/Kawestima Tour Info (NPS)
• Keet Seel Backcountry Permit (NPS)

(14) Glen Canyon NRA - Lake Powell -

This Recreation Area's highlight is Lake Powell. Activities include houseboating, fishing, and water sports on a backdrop of spectacular scenery. Tours, accommodations, and services available in Page and at the marinas including boat tours, fishing guides, and watercraft rentals. Houseboat rentals must be made well in advance. Nearby Antelope Canyon, one of the world's most photogenic slot canyons, is highly popular. Tour reservations and activity information available at the John Wesley Powell Museum in Page. See our Lake Powell Travel Guide for many other activities in the area. See Utah Loop, #16, for Paria - Grand Staircase info. Visit time: at least one full day for any water-related activity. Antelope Canyon can be toured in a few hours.

• Lake Powell Travel Guide
• Antelope Canyon
• Rainbow Bridge
• Lodging/Camping: List of Hotels/Campgrounds for Lake Powell and vicinity
• Information: Glen Canyon - Lake Powell (National Park Service)
• Information: John Wesley Powell Museum
• Antelope Canyon Information (Navajo Tribe)
• Fishing: Licenses and Official Information
• Lake Powell Resorts and Marinas (Park Concessionaire)
• Area Tour Reservations: John Wesley Powell Museum

(15) Grand Canyon National Park - North Rim -

The North Rim is a more remote and less crowded alternative to the South Rim. It is convenient for visitors coming from Las Vegas who wish to visit Utah's national parks as well or make a loop trip. High elevation, 8,000 feet, produces beautiful forests and cool summer temperatures. Area generally open May to October. Views of Colorado River not available from North Rim. Visit time: at least one day due to remoteness.

• Grand Canyon Area Travel Guide
• Grand Canyon Destinations (six articles)
• Grand Canyon Chamber of Commerce
• Grand Canyon National Park (NPS)
• Kaibab National Forest (See North Kaibab Ranger District)
• Jacob Lake Inn (Services)

(16) Utah Loop -

Southwest Utah offers excellent attractions for both tourist and recreationalists. Las Vegas visitors can make an excellent road trip loop heading over Hoover Dam to I-40 and Flagstaff area, South Rim optional, US-89 to Lake Powell area, North Rim optional, then into Utah, eventually connecting to I-15 for the return to Las Vegas. Utah highlights are Bryce Canyon National Park and Zion National Park. Hikers and backpackers will want to visit the Paria Wilderness and Grand Staircase - Escalante National Monument. Access to both from US-89 in Utah. National Park directions: take US-89 past Kanab, Utah, then east on Utah-12 for Bryce Canyon; west on Utah-9 for Zion and connection to I-15. Visit time: a day or two, minimum.

• Paria Canyon Guide
• Utah Destinations (Bryce - Zion articles)
• Zion National Park (NPS)
• Bryce Canyon National Park (NPS)
• Grand Staircase - Escalante National Monument (BLM)
• Paria Canyon - Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness (BLM)

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