A Dozen Free Things to Do in Northern Arizona by:Mike Finney
Free Travel Ideas in Northern Arizona
Want to have some fun on a budget? There is no better time than now to explore Northern Arizona doing things that don't break the bank. Take your family, friends or enjoy some time alone exploring any or all of the 12 unique activities listed below. Experience historic towns, mountains, lakes, forests, culture, and the spectacular scenery that surrounds the communities of Williams, Page/Lake Powell, the Navajo Nation, and the Hopi Mesas. Just a few hours away from Phoenix, Northern Arizona offers dozens of free things to do. One website connects them all: ArizonaRocks.com
Williams
Stroll the Mother Road Take a walking tour along the historic district in Williams and step back in time. See Pete's Route 66 Gas Station Museum, Twisters and the Route 66 Place (with a real working soda fountain), Wild West Junction, and much more. Pick up the Historical Walking Tour map at the Williams & Forest Service Visitor Center located in the original train depot right on the Mother Road. WilliamsChamber.com
Lava Caves Williams is located in a gigantic volcano field and one of its most interesting features is a lava cave. This mile-long lava cave was formed roughly 700,000 years ago from a volcanic vent in nearby Hart Prairie. While hiking in the lava cave you are able to see first hand how it was formed by the small wave-like undulations on the floor to the stone icicles hanging from the ceiling. The Lava Caves are located northeast of Williams off I-40 at exit #185. Take the frontage west to FR171 and follow the signs.http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/coconino/recreation/peaks/lava-river-cave.shtml
Take the High Road In addition to being The Gateway to the Grand Canyon, Williams is a mountain town. The Bill Williams Mountain Top Drive is noted as "one of the finest scenic drives in Arizona". Just head out of town on Fourth Street and suddenly you are in the Ponderosa Pine Forest climbing high above the town of Williams. The forest road is passenger car friendly and hiking and biking trails are abundant. Pick up your map or Guidebook at the Williams and Kaibab National Forest Visitor Center. Picnic along the way and enjoy the gorgeous trees & sites to explore.
Navajo Nation
Navajo Nation Zoological & Botanical Park Is the only tribally owned zoo in the country that has had indigenous wild animals since 1962. Here animals reside in truly natural habitats surrounded by native vegetation and rock scenery. Most animals here are native to the Navajo Nation and a part of the zoo's dedication to exhibit animals and plants important to the history and culture of the Navajo people. Free admission Mon.-Sat. 10am-5pm, closed Sundays and holidays. 928-871-6574 navajozoo.org
Canyon de Chelly National Monument One of the longest continuously inhabited landscapes of North America; the cultural resources of Canyon de Chelly include distinctive architecture, artifacts, and rock art - all remarkably preserved. Canyon de Chelly also sustains a living community of Navajo people, who are connected to a landscape of great historical and spiritual significance. Visitor Center is open daily 9am-5pm, closed Christmas. North & South Rim Drives and White House Trail remain open all year. For information 928-674-5500 DiscoverNavajo.com
Hubbell Trading Post National Historic Site The oldest continuously operating trading post on the Navajo Nation. Purchased by John Lorenzo Hubbell in 1878, this historic spot on Navajo Nation supplied new things to the Navajo years ago. Now operated by Western National Parks Association, a non-profit co-operating Association they carry-on the trading business the Hubbell family established. Open in the summer 8am-6pm daily and in the winter 8am-5pm daily, closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's Day. Located on state highway 264 between Window Rock and the Hopi Villages. For information call 928-755-3475 nps.gov/hutr
Lake Powell
Horseshoe Bend Overlook One of the most spectacular views in the west awaits at the end of an easy mile hike. The trail leads to an overlook where, far below (straight down), the swirling waters of the Colorado River make a complete horseshoe turn around an enormous free standing sandstone butte. Bring your camera! Just 2 miles south of Page on U.S. Hwy. 89, look for an unpaved road that leads to a parking area to the west near mile marker 545. pagelakepowelltourism.com
Hanging Gardens Lake Powell's Hanging Gardens is east of Glen Canyon Bridge, the trailhead is located 500 yards off Hwy. 89. Hanging gardens are spring-fed colonies of plants clinging to the vertical wall of a cliff. They are often formed in alcoves or "glens" where conditions are cooler than that of the surrounding desert. Lake Powell's Hanging Gardens may be the most unusual form of spring-supported plant community life found on the Colorado Plateau. nps.gov/glca/naturescience/hanginggardens.htm
Hike & Bike the Mesa Rim Take in the incredible views as you circumnavigate the community of Page situated on a mesa overlooking Lake Powell. Rimview Trail is an approximately 9.75 mile loop that offers wonderful views of Lake Powell, Tower Butte, and Navajo Mountain. To the south is the Colorado Plateau, stretching as far as the eyes can see. In fact, most of the land seen from here belongs to the Navajo Nation. To the west are the Vermilion Cliffs-known for their distinctive red-purple hue.
Hopi
Dinosaur Tracks Get up close and personal with dinosaur tracks that were left millions of years ago. Several different types of dinosaurs are represented by their tracks at this site. The hike is fairly easy and mostly flat; it winds around several stone spires and past hundreds of tracks. There are usually Native American guides at the parking area who are willing to guide you around the site and tell you the legends and science behind the tracks. Located near Tuba City and the Hopi Village of Moenkopi. Get directions from the Moenkopi Legacy Inn. ExperienceHopi.com
Homolovi Ruins State Park Over 300 Ancestral Puebloan archaeological sites are preserved at Homolovi. The park is located just over a mile north of Winslow, Arizona and features historical exhibits, interpretive programs, bird-watching, and hiking. Two of the seven Homolovi ruins are open to visitors. Homolovi II was occupied between 1330 and 1400 AD, and has about 1200 rooms. Archaeologists believe that the inhabitants were trading cotton for pottery with the inhabitants of the Hopi Mesas. This ruin also features three large rectangular plazas and about forty kivas (underground ceremonial chambers). Petroglyphs may be seen along certain sections of a nearby trail (Tsu'vo). ($5 Park entry fee per car...almost free!). http://azstateparks.com/Parks/HORU/index.html
Hopi Window Shopping You may be tempted to buy a special remembrance of a visit to the Hopi Villages, but stopping in the stores along state route 264 is a great way to meet and visit with Hopi artists. Basket makers, Kachina carvers, silversmiths...some of the most distinctive Native American art in the west is on display. A great place to begin is in the TUUVI Travel Center stores across the street from the brand new Moenkopi Legacy Inn. ExperienceHopi.com
For more information on these communities visit www.arizonarocks.com where you will find information on lodging, additional things to do, day trips, weather, calendar of events and much more.
About the author
Combining creativity with sound business skills, Mike Finney has achieved a significant record of success in public relations, hospitality operations, marketing, and development. He serves as president of AZ Communications Group which he founded in 1996 to provide domestic & international tourism marketing and public relations services for communities and private sector businesses. India Tour - A Sweet Ceaseless Experience Cheap Discount Holidays: Book Your Cheap Holidays With Ease by:John Willims Can I apply for Australian Visitor ETA Visa? by:Dylan Lautner How to Prepare for Your EuroTrip by:Mark Etinger Travel First Class By Using the Exit Rows Safest American Cities to Visit by:Steve Robinson Most Hated Airline Fee by:Steve Robinson Ahmedabad Delhi Flights by:Alivia Martin Airlines Doing a Poor Job Recycling by:Steve Robinson Airplane Air Better Than Many Feared by:Steve Robinson Experience Koh Samui in Thailand for a True Tropical Island Adventure by:Michiel Van Kets Relocating to Singapore by:Kelly White Dubai 7 Star Hotel: Leading Hotels of the World by:Shabbir Kagalwala