Northern Arizona is primarily known for being the location of one of the 7 Natural Wonders of the World, but the National Park Service protects more than just the Grand Canyon in the area surrounding the city of Flagstaff, AZ.
Table of Contents:
These National Parks and Monuments are dedicated to preserving a range of geological and historical significance. Establish your home base in Flagstaff, AZ, and have fun exploring the surrounding landscapes protected within this National Parks/Monuments.
1. Grand Canyon National Park
As mentioned before this National Park is a highlight for any trip based in Northern Arizona and is coincidentally the most visited. A beautiful geological masterpiece, the Grand Canyon National Park is a wonderful place to begin your adventures around Flagstaff, AZ.
General Information
Hours: Park is open 24 hours
Address: 20 South Entrance Road, Grand Canyon, AZ86023
Entrance Fees: $35 per vehicle
2. Petrified Forest National Park
Less than 2 hours east of Flagstaff is the perfect National Park to visit while on a road trip on the
I-40. Petrified Forest NP borders both the westbound 1-40 and eastbound 1-40 and allows visitors to marvel at the surrounding "Painted Desert" landscape along one long loop road.
General Information
Hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Address: 1 Park Road Petrified Forest, AZ86028
Entrance Fees: $25 per vehicle
3. Walnut Canyon National Monument
Long before the United States of America was a dream of a few, the Southwest was populated by Native Americans that took advantage of the surrounding valleys and cliffs to carve (literally) a home and life that allowed them to thrive in this harsh environment. Walnut Canyon NM and, additionally, the following NM on this list, Montezuma Castle, were set aside to preserve these unique dwellings and to educate visitors on this impressive way of life.
General Information
Hours: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Address: 3 Walnut Canyon Road Flagstaff, AZ86004
Entrance Fees: $15 per vehicle
4. Montezuma Castle National Monument
The Sinagua people occupied this prime location for over 400 years, and thus the 45-50 room "castle" dwelling is one of the best-preserved prehistoric dwelling in North America. 600 years after over 300,000 thousand visitors have gazed up in wonder, imaging a life spent suspended along a cliff face.
General Information
Hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Address: 2800 Montezuma Castle Road Camp Verde, AZ86322
Entrance Fees: $10 per vehicle
5. Sunset Crater National Monument
Although Arizona is primarily composed of a desert landscape, the mountains located in Northern Arizona arose from the activity of a volcano field that stretches 1,800 square miles. Sunset Crater, named for the golden-red color of its rim, is the youngest of a string of small-sized volcanoes that make up the San Francisco Mountain Range.
General Information
Hours: Sunrise - Sunset
Address: 6082 Sunset Crater Road Flagstaff, AZ86004
Entrance Fees: $25 per vehicle includes admission to Wupatki National Monument
Honorable Mentions:
Wupatki National Monument
Tuzigoot National Monument
Canyon de Chelly National Monument
With 5 National Parks/Monuments within driving distance of Flagstaff, AZ, visitors can spend an entire week exploring these amazing preserved areas. Go for the Grand Canyon but stay and enjoy the rich history and intriguing geology of North Arizona!
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