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Wanderlog staff Updated • updatedApr 7, 2023
How long is the drive from Tombstone to Page?
The direct drive from Tombstone to Page is 462 mi (743 km), and should have a drive time of 7 hrs 56 mins in normal traffic.
If you’re going on a road trip from Tombstone to Page, we did the research for you and compiled some great stops along the way — with Sedona, Tucson, Phoenix, Flagstaff, Scottsdale, Prescott, Jerome, Mesa, Glendale, and Cottonwood, as well as top places to visit like Rincon Mountain Visitor Center and Mt Lemmon, or the ever-popular Kartchner Caverns State Park.
The top cities between Tombstone and Page are Sedona, Tucson, Phoenix, Flagstaff, Scottsdale, Prescott, Jerome, Mesa, Glendale, and Cottonwood. Sedona is the most popular city on the route. It's 5 hours from Tombstone and 4 hours from Page.
Tucson, located in Pima County, Arizona, serves as the county seat and is recognized for being the home of the University of Arizona. It holds the distinction of being Arizona's second largest city with a current population count of 542,629 according to 2020 US Census data. Additionally, its metropolitan statistical area boasts a larger population figure at 1,043,433 residents.
Mesa, situated east of Phoenix, is a city in Arizona known for its rich cultural heritage. Mesa Grande Cultural Park houses an ancient ceremonial mound and artifacts belonging to the Hohokam people. The Arizona Museum of Natural History showcases dinosaur skeletons and archaeological discoveries. The i.d.e.a. Museum offers interactive exhibits on art and science for children. Mesa Arts Center features theater, music performances, and contemporary artwork.
8% as popular as Sedona
3 minutes off the main route, 36% of way to Page
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Scottsdale, located in Arizona to the east of the state capital Phoenix, is a city renowned for its golf courses and spa resorts. The area is also home to McDowell Sonoran Preserve where visitors can explore trails through a stunning desert landscape filled with rock formations, hills, and cacti. Taliesin West is nearby - this was once Frank Lloyd Wright's former studio and residence.
Phoenix, the capital city of Arizona in the southwestern U.S., is renowned for its sunny and warm climate throughout the year. As a part of the Valley of the Sun, it boasts of luxurious spa resorts, Jack Nicklaus-designed golf courses, and lively nightclubs. A must-visit attraction is Desert Botanical Garden that showcases numerous native plants and cacti.
Glendale, a city in Maricopa County, Arizona, is situated just nine miles northwest of Phoenix. It's famous for being home to the State Farm Stadium where the Arizona Cardinals play and also boasts the Arrowhead Towne Center shopping mall. In recent years, Glendale has seen growth in its brewery scene along with neighboring Peoria. The area now offers a variety of traditional and innovative brews that reflect the pioneering spirit of greater Phoenix.
6% as popular as Sedona
1 minute off the main route, 39% of way to Page
I'll never travel to Page without this trip planner again
Prescott, located in central Arizona, is a city with a rich history and vibrant cultural scene. The downtown area boasts Whiskey Row, famous for its lively bars and music venues, while the Sharlot Hall Museum offers insights into the region's pioneer-era past. Additionally, the Smoki Museum showcases artifacts from indigenous peoples of the Southwest. Nature enthusiasts can explore Watson Lake to the northeast, where numerous bird species reside amidst granite boulders along scenic trails.
Jerome is a town in central Arizona. The Mine Museum explores Jerome's history as a booming copper-mining town. Jerome State Historic Park is home to Douglas Mansion, built in 1916 by a mining magnate. Nearby, Audrey Headframe Park has a glass viewing platform over a 1918 mine shaft. Art galleries and small wineries dot the downtown area. To the east, Tuzigoot National Monument preserves an ancient hilltop pueblo.
Cottonwood, located in Yavapai County, Arizona, is a city with a population of 11,265 as per the 2010 census. This municipality boasts stunning natural beauty and is situated near the picturesque Verde River. The city offers a range of outdoor activities such as hiking and fishing for visitors and residents to enjoy. In addition to its natural attractions, Cottonwood has several museums that showcase the history of the area.
Sedona is a desert town in Arizona, situated close to Flagstaff and is surrounded by stunning red-rock buttes, steep canyon walls and pine forests. It has a mild climate and an active arts community. The Uptown Sedona area has plenty of New Age shops, spas, and galleries. Several trailheads on the outskirts of the town lead to Red Rock State Park where one can indulge in bird-watching, hiking or picnicking activities.
Flagstaff, located in Arizona, is a city surrounded by desert, mountains and pine forests. This area serves as a gateway to the San Francisco Peaks where the tallest peak in Arizona, Humphreys Peak can be found along with the popular ski resort of Arizona Snowbowl. Within close proximity lies Wupatki National Monument which features Native American pueblo sites and Walnut Canyon National Monument showcasing cliff dwellings from ancient times.
28% as popular as Sedona
6 minutes off the main route, 64% of way to Page
Best stops along Tombstone to Page drive
The top stops along the way from Tombstone to Page (with short detours) are Chapel of the Holy Cross, Desert Botanical Garden, and Musical Instrument Museum. Other popular stops include Bearizona Wildlife Park, Mt Lemmon, and Cathedral Rock.
Kartchner Caverns State Park is a vast limestone cave system showcasing living rock formations. It has been in existence for over five million years but remained undiscovered until 1974. The location was kept secret for another 25 years to prepare it for public viewing. The park offers two equally impressive guided tours, each lasting about 90 minutes.
Visited 02/24/22 while kids were out of school for Rodeo break! Very fun and informative tour. The visitors center was very nice as well. They have a restaurant on site if you feel the need. Make reservations online because the tours fill up fast. Definitely worth the $money$ and roughly a 30 minute drive from Tucson. Enjoy!
Alex — Google review
I remember visiting here a very long time ago. The cavern is basically the same thanks to thoughtful preservation efforts 👌. The tour was lovely. We had a great tour guide. He shared his "cave humor" and he obviously has a great passion for the caverns. This is a DO NOT MISS when in the area. We'll worth that $20-ish ticket. You must make reservations and the tours fill up fast so vest to plan ahead for this adventure.
Kristi Rhinehart — Google review
Loved the tour. The caverns are a gem and should be a must see for arizona attractions. That they have kept the integrity of the caves and still made it wheelchair accessible is unbelievable. What a treasure.
Cindi Hickman — Google review
The caverns are absolutely stunning inside. They have incredible rock formations. They have Stalactites and stalagmites and columns and soda straw formations and more. The colors are beautiful too. Unfortunately, you can NOT take your cell phones in the caverns, so you can not take any pictures inside the caverns. The inside of the caverns is like being on another world or another planet. They have lockers that you can store your items in until after the tour. They also have a great museum with a lot of history and artifacts. There is a gift shop too. We were very glad we visited.
Sharon Doyle — Google review
Lovely gardens and paths around park.
We did the rotunda cavern. Rich, our guide was fun...the caverns were spectacular. One sees the glory of God in his work underneath.
Natalie Smith — Google review
Another beautiful Arizona State Parks. I recommend doing both cave tours, Rangers took their time, answering questions, and being very aware of how important it is to maintain these gorgeous caves.
I stayed in a cabin for 2 nights, it is very comfy, and has a refrigerator and microwave. It was chilly out, I stayed nice and warm in the cabin. Very clean cabin and adjoining restrooms across the road.
Deb Reinert — Google review
So amazing!! We were told at the entrance no more tours and went into the park and discovered the gate gal incorrect! You can get a tour by walking in. It is probably better to assure a tour if you book online. But they do have wonderful tours throughout the day. They stop the cave tours for the bat breeding. Reopening in October. It's all on line and explains all the different things to do there. It's worth every effort to see it. No cameras, phones, etc. Enjoy!!
Suzanne Peck — Google review
Arizona has wonderful state parks & campgrounds. We loved Kartchner Caverns State Park. We had a spacious site with full hook-ups and was located on the end - no neighbors on our door side! Site #11 is the best! We had mountain views. It was very quiet. Our site was clean and raked. Rangers were helpful and guided hikes were offered. There were a number of hiking trails which provided elevated views of the area. The caverns are worth seeing. We went on one of the tours offered. It was interesting!
Susan Schwaderer — Google review
Nice park with RV campground, Caverns and hiking trails. Beautiful views all around. The RV park is nice and clean , spots are paved with picnic tables and a fire pit. Only water and electricity no sewer connection. Beautiful view, quiet, Verizon and T mobile services are very weak. There is park WiFi.
Kaja SWIEB — Google review
This was my second visit and enjoyed it as much if not more than my first! Erika was a Phenomenal guide and enjoyed her job immensely. The tour was exciting to see you again with all the different formations in history of the park.
Marc Shoemaker — Google review
Went there for the hiking - great experience. All the trails are moderate difficulty with only a few spots where you have to work around some of the larger rocks. For the Guindani trail, it was recommended to go counterclockwise, you follow the wash and it starts off harder, but is very beautiful and then the second half is much easier.
Tristan Trevino — Google review
Camping at the campground is a delight for a few days. They provide a nice modern place to camp. Hookup includes water and electricity a picnic table, fire ring and paved driveway.
The visitors center has a good number of displays and extensive explanations of the caves. There is a movie about the history and discovery of the ancient caverns. Admission to the two caves is affordable and they are spectacular!
In addition there are a number of well marked hiking trails to explore and the park is close enough to Benson for fuel and anything else that you need.
Wayne McStrack — Google review
What an amazing adventure! Camping at the grounds was great. Water, electricity, a table and firepit are provided, and the space is pretty huge. Bathrooms are large and clean, with showers separate from the toilet stalls. There was fire wood in our firepit, which was a great surprise as we thought we needed to go out to buy some, but didn't have to. DO THE CAVE TOUR! Our tour guide, Cody, was amazing, funny and informative. We were only able to do the Rotunda-Throne Room, but will definitely come back to do the Big Room. The Visitor Center is a MUST, but also check out the Bat Cave Cafe (the tamales were surprisingly great) and Hummingbird Garden.
Yanira Chavez — Google review
Didn't go into the caverns but had a great time hiking the Ocotillo trail around the area. Trail was engaging and safe, weather was perfect! Definitely would recommend, day parking was $7 without the AZ State Park annual pass.
Verrinia Kennedy — Google review
I had a great experience exploring the cave with the $23 standard tour. The tour guide was funny and engaging. I was just disappointed we couldn’t take photos even with a cell phone and no flash. To take photos you needed a special $125 ticket for tours the third Saturday of each month.
Emery Emerson — Google review
Loved the tour of the Rotanda and Throne Room where kubla Khan is so much that we decided to stay another day and see the Big room which we were very glad we did. Our guide for the Big Room was a Ranger named Max and she was so knowledgeable and quite funny.
Cecilia Swetland — Google review
Very peaceful campground. Easy to walk trails, dog friendly. The water pressure was low, @ 30 psi, we filled our tank and used our onboard pump. Cell service was good enough to stream, T-Mobile hot spot and Verizon phones. Take the tours, they are well done. The visitors center has a short film and a museum. Staff are knowledgeable and helpful. We had a pull thru site with a 32 foot fifth wheel and had plenty of room. We will be back to enjoy the peaceful scenery.
Brian Abbott — Google review
This place is great. When you enter the tunnels you will go through multiple door systems to lock out the dry desert air.
These create a very cool feeling entering different parts of the underground areas. You will see blasted tunnels and the amazing natural cave system.
Highly recommend.
Matt Mensinger — Google review
What an amazing park! The care people take in preservation of the cave is really striking! The cave really is a magical place! The visitor’s center and museum are amazing and fun for kids! Junior ranger program is a bit challenging, but fun! We were not able to secure RV camp spot on their campground - RV road trip during Easter week. But we were able to stay on their ginormous overflow parking lot overnight ! 15$, no gates, pay station with envelopes or pay in am when rangers come in. The overflow parking lot is very big and you can find a secluded corner.
Cafe on premises is really minimal. Highly recommend visiting this park! Unfortunately no pictures allowed inside the cave.
Yekaterina Goryacheva — Google review
My husband and I took the Rotunda/Throne Room tour. The formations are absolutely spectacular!! We were in awe and totally enjoyed viewing the beautiful, amazing, and large number of different types of formations. I am a photography buff and would loved to have taken photos but of course we read the rules and knew ahead of time that photos are not allowed. Believe me, photos would not do Kartchner Caverns justice!! You have to see it with your own eyes. A special detail is that the caverns is entirely wheelchair accessible! Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and shared many interesting details. We are from the East Coast originally and have seen Luray Caverns, which does not have the variety of formations that Kartchner has. I highly recommend that everyone experience this beautiful and magical place. Water is truly an amazing force of nature.
The Rincon Mountain Visitor Center is a great place to start your visit to Saguaro National Park. The center offers exhibits on the cacti, desert animals and the history of this amazing place. There are also restrooms and a gift shop.
Very nice people at the center. The video they show is well worth the watch before entering the park. We did the 8 mile loop road and stopped at various vistas. The road is curvy but beautifully maintained. Amazing views. Stopped at havalina rock to watch the sunset and walk around which was absolutely amazing. Then we wrote on the way to the end of the trail stopped in the last parking lot to observe the night sky and you can see all of Tucson lit up!
Valerie D — Google review
I am giving this five stars from previous visits. However, on my most recent visit, the exhibit inside the visitors center was blocked off, only the shop was open.
The staff was very friendly and there was a large selection of souvenirs and gift items. The view of the surrounding area was great and located just in front of the visitors center was a nice and short cactus garden.
Restrooms and water fountains are located outside, so you can access these even if the center is closed.
Michael Hillman — Google review
Small national park but worth the trip! It's beautiful with lots of short hikes available. The visitor center is small and the staff wasn't particularly friendly, but those huge cacti make up for any shortcomings. Make sure you're drinking lots of water while you're here
Deborah Mendoza — Google review
Any day you get to visit a National Park is a great day. This was my first visit to the East side of Saguaro National Park and it was so great. We did the Loop drive and stopped to hike a few trails in a loop. The gift shop of course had some great finds, including another magnet for my National Park magnet board!
Chrissie Osborne — Google review
The visitor center had exhibits, friendly staff, a nice gift shop, and clean restrooms. The park itself was amazing! There are many trails, from short and easy to long and difficult. An 8-mile paved road with many pullout loops through the park so you can get close to the giant saguaro and many other cacti. The scenery is breathtaking.
Steven Dugard — Google review
Very friendly staff! The staff was very helpful and kind—showing is the best things to do while we were here and talking to us about the various flowers, trees, and cacti that were in bloom. We thoroughly enjoyed the park.
Elizabeth Webb — Google review
Our family stopped here on the way back to Florida. My wife and I were here a few years ago, and we wanted our grandchildren to see it. It is well worth taking the eight mile slow drive through the park. We have nothing like this at home, the kids were amazed!
Jim Earp — Google review
Wonderful visitor center showing the history of the plants and wildlife in the area. We watched a great film over the park and they also have a very nice gift shop. Recommended.
Casey M — Google review
The visitor center was a bit busy due to the 3 day weekend. No matter. Those ladies were all over it with recommendations and enthusiasm. There was a 15% sale for the holiday and free entry to the road. That was awesome. The whole park was very well maintained and just great to wander through. There were various education walks and information offered as well.
Ninette — Google review
Amazing! I had never in my life seen such cacti in my entire life it was absolutely incredible sight. Miles of beautiful Trails, birds, and wildlife. A place I will definitely come back to.
J. Rose — Google review
We stopped at the visitor center to pick up a trail map and chat with the ranger about the best hike for our afternoon. They shared insider tips about where to stop, and steered us to the Cactus Loop and Lime Kiln trails which were excellent. This is the main stop to refill water and use restrooms. Our family collects national park magnets and we got a historic Saguaro poster print on sale. Do check out the colorful donor mosaic on the outside wall. It lists the wildlife and plants you'll see as you hike.
Barb Hauck-Mah (barbhmphilly) — Google review
Love this place. It’s so peaceful and beautiful and empty. I first visited 30 years ago and this place stuck with me. I’m so happy to have made it back.
Gary F — Google review
Always a great place to visit. If you like to bike it is a wonderful 8 mile loop that twists and turns.
Dwayne Hauck — Google review
A free visitor's center with great views of the mountains and saguaro cactus. 🏜
We were in a rush and were unable to drive through the park, unfortunately. 😔
However, we got to experience some of what the Saguaro National Park had to offer at the visitor's center. We also were able to buy some magnets and souvenirs at the visitor's center. The Park Rangers and staff were eager to help and very kind and knowledgeable. A beautiful experience. What a beautiful world we live in. Thank you, Jehovah GOD in Jesus Christ Name, Amen💚🙏💚
George Rodriguez — Google review
Saguaro is a unique national park and saguaro itself is a sight to watch. It was raining a lot the day we went so we could not hike much . But still the beauty of the park was really amazing ! The visitor center is located conveniently in the entrance. We did the loop road and a bit of the mica trail. Could have done more had it not rained. Our kids got their junior ranger badges. Totally worth a visit.
Sritama Chakraborty — Google review
Have been here a handful of times now and am awestruck each time. They just installed some new benches on some of the trails and I am grateful. There are several trails to choose from and a few are accessible to wheelchairs. There are numerous vistas and pullouts along the 8 mile mail loop. Whether here for an hour or a full day it doesn’t disappoint. This is the desert so bring sunscreens and water!
Darcy Kelley — Google review
Love the visit here at the Rincon Mountain visitor center. Staff and rangers were very knowledgeable and obviously love what they do. The park is absolutely beautiful! Lots of trails to explore!
Alex — Google review
The visitor center is small but has a lot of educational materials that describe the local vegetation and wildlife. There is also a gift shop. I highly recommend stopping in, especially if you have kids with you so they can learn and feel the various items.
Stacy Litchford — Google review
Wonderful spot at Mica Picnic area to walk with BoB stroller ADA friendly! One of my most favorite places on a nice day to get out and enjoy the beautiful Sonora desert scenery.
Mt Lemmon is a majestic mountain located in the Tucson area, reaching an impressive height of 9,159 feet. It offers a diverse landscape and breathtaking scenery, distinct from what can be found in Tucson. As one ascends further up the mountain, they will encounter trees and mountains, making it an ideal destination for hiking and camping during summertime as well as alpine sports during wintertime.
Incredibly beautiful! I drove up the mountain to see the sunrise multiple times (near Windy Point Vista). The shapes of the rocks are gorgeous and inspiring!
Shiang Tang — Google review
Love that you are just a little over an hour away, perfect 1 day getaway. We stopped and played in the snow and had a ride on the ski lifts. More snow was expected for today, so thinking they will be open for skiers this weekend. We also enjoy stopping in Summerhaven for a snack before heading down the mountain. The views are beautiful.
Jeanine Leary — Google review
Lovely views from the mountain top. The forest is refreshing and a great place to take a hike when it isn’t too hot.
Layla Todd — Google review
Great senic drive with lodging, restaurants, and activities like riding the ski lift. Control road great for 4x4's and site seeing!
Dan — Google review
Beautiful drive up into the mountains. Scenery changes from desert to pine topped mountains. We encountered snow on the sides of the road near the top with many scenic pulloffs along the way. The are also some wonderful waterfalls along the way.
Rich Field — Google review
Picturesque Old West Americana at its finest! This was an incredible place to visit, and has an enriching topography that compels one to truly stand in awe of nature. Breathtaking and beautiful, this was a trip much enjoyed and a must if you’re in the Tucson area. Highly recommended!
Luke Daniel — Google review
Great view and nice road to drive to the peak. We will have to walk 2-3 miles from the peak parking lot. It will be colder and windy that you will expect. Bring some jackets and blankets with you. You will see the whole town with downview and the clouds will be upon your arms.
Dongwon Shin — Google review
You cross about 5 different eco-regions on this drive, not to mention some fantastic views of the Tucson valley. You go from arid desert to subalpine up at the ski valley, and it's amazing as you cross the regions driving this byway. The Arizona trail crosses in this area as well and there are tons of day use, hiking trails, and camping areas here as well.
Lady Margaret — Google review
Love the views during our trip up the mountain. My husband couldn't believe the trip with all the twists and turns. We visited the general store for the fudge and souvenirs. Then we went to the restaurant for a fabulous lunch. Just make sure that you dress appropriately for the temperature change.
Darlene Boomer — Google review
Mount Lemmon is a must visit if you’re in the Tucson area. It’s a dramatically different landscape and scenery than what’s found in Tucson. The further you go up Mount Lemmon there are lots of trees, mountains, as well as a place to ski. It is a great place to visit if you enjoy bike riding, but it’s a very steep climb. There are numerous places to pull over to take pictures and enjoy the scenery. I highly recommend visit in Mount Lemmon.
Derrick Grant — Google review
Very Majestic Mountain! Beautiful drive and very scenic! I went multiple time. Try the Ski ride while you up there and don’t miss out breakfast in Iron Door. They open breakfast at 9am on Saturdays and Sundays.
Revathi Ramula (Rev) — Google review
It's definitely worth the trip up the mountain. Lots to see. Highly recommend. I had to walk up from the ski area since the road was closed to traffic. Once at the top, there are a few sets of radio towers. I recommend heading up to the upper one. There is a rock outcrop behind it with a spectacular view of the valley below.
john rubis — Google review
Green forested mountain. It is really clean and offers great viewpoints and hiking trails. The lake is also good for fishing.
Noah L — Google review
A nice, short escape from the heat and hustle and bustle of town. Beautiful scenery and a few places to grab some good food. We bring the kids here whenever we're in town to get some cool, fresh air. Views from the top via the ski lift are pretty great.
Brian Jolley — Google review
Gorgeous drive and views. Better have good breaks. Went thru three climates with a ski resort at the top. Lots of snow. Have a cookie
Valerie D — Google review
Mount Lemmon
Tucson, Arizona
This is a fantastic drive that will take you to an elevation of over 8000 feet. Along the way you'll pass tons of hoodoos. I was actually able to climb one and hang out for a while. There was hardly anyone else up there.
At the top, you'll reach a small town called Summerhaven. However, when I went there was almost nothing open. I'm really surprised that this isn't more popular. Highly recommended.
Jef Henninger — Google review
Mount Lemmon is an absolute showstopper right now with its breathtaking Autumn colors. If you're up for a scenic treat, this is the place to be! Don't miss out on this lovely natural spectacle!
Joshua Radosavlevici — Google review
HIGHLY RECOMMEND**
In moderate traffic, the scenic 27-mile drive up Mt Lemmon took about 1.5 hours at 230p on Thanksgiving Day. Of course, it can take longer if you make stops along the way. I enjoyed the calmness of the drive up to the top and in to Summerhaven (tourist and residential area). The area offers: so much:
Breathtaking vistas
Beautiful rock formations
Various trees & wildflowers
Wildlife (turkeys) viewing
Overnight Camping
Picnics
Hiking
Fishing
Skiing
Steward observatory (Mt Lemmon SkyCenter); reservation only for science programs
Mt Lemmon Hotel (cute cabins)
SummerHaven
Please mind the posted speed because there was law enforcement along the route.
Demetris — Google review
A well traveled, but well loved mountain pass that reminds me of Wyoming and Montana. I say this, not only because of altitude and pine, but that I've seen "the magnificent " roaming around up there
Josh Harris — Google review
It’s about an hour drive up Mt. Lemmon Scenic Byway with viewpoints along the way as well as trials and campgrounds. The peak of the mountain is Marshall Gulch with large trees, a stream, and some benches.
Emery Emerson — Google review
9,000 feet high at top, but not much air. Great hikes. Meadow and Mt. Lemmon loop #5 a 2.1 mile top-of-mountain easy path, but even small hills a challenge at altitude.
Gourmet market & restaurant starring locally produced olive oil & specialty foods plus mill tours.
Everyone should visit!! Was quite busy when we arrived but the staff handled it very well! Wonderful selection of foods on the menu! Fresh and delicious! Love the store and selections of olive oils as well as vinegars! The outside area is amazing as well! Didn’t get a chance to go on a tour but will next time. Definitely planning on visiting again!
A Godley — Google review
I've been to a farm type restaurant, but it was my first time with olive trees. The trees are very beautiful! I enjoyed this place but it was too crowded on the weekend. And this place is not as big as I thought. One more thing that disappointed me is the yellow line ruined the landscape to take pictures. Anyway we had pizza, chicken sandwich and a boozy brunch flight and it was cute and delicious. This is where you can enjoy live music and eating outdoors during the picnic season!
Jae Choi — Google review
That was an amazing experience for us 🤩 Both of tastes and olive oil 101 tour excelent. If you are looking for different experience and if you live in Arizona, you can try that. By the way life music and nature is amazing. You can go with your children and friends :))
Rana Betül Başıbüyük — Google review
I visited Queen Creek Olive Mill on my trip to visiting family. This place was so dope. They had olive oil products that were unusual to me like gelato and lip balm. They also had some food, fresh pasta, hot sauce, gift sets with different olive oil herbs and desserts. I enjoyed my time here. They have tours, but I didn't get to go on it.
Mio N??ez — Google review
Had the most wonderful time on Monday. Our tour guide Wolfgang was knowledgeable, articulate, and detailed explaining the entire extra virgin olive oil process. I would highly recommend the tour, sampling the oils, balsamic, dressings, and anything else you can get your hands on. Absolutely delicious! After the tour we stayed for lunch and the food was incredible. I loved the chapters sandwich and fries, my husband thought his Italian flatbread was full of flavor, and my aunt said the Italian wedding soup was some of the best she’s had. I cannot wait to come back (hopefully in the spring) to see the olive blossoms! If you have the opportunity to visit, I would highly recommend.
Serena Lynn — Google review
Oh this place is so nice! The food (a tad pricey but delish), the ambiance (very chic farm-ish with an elegant Italian vibe to it), the tour (great bang for your buck...quite informative) and what's for sale (man oh man it'll be a bit spendy but if you want high quality items, this is it). We really enjoyed ourselves and will definitely be back.
Icy Alma Jose — Google review
A great experience and easy to spend a couple of hours at. It's clearly a popular spot to dine at based on the queue to get in as we left. A nice gesture was the staff announcing how long the wait was, so those inline could decide.
A huge selection of local produce with eclectic varieties in the market area. The coffee was fantastic and is ordered from a separate counter to the food. I had the avocado toast with salami. A small portion with a single slice of toast, nice nonetheless.
Plenty of seating in the shade with misters for the warm days. Bonus for me was a live musician before 12pm! Thoroughly enjoyed the experience and look forward to returning on my next visit to AZ. ☕🥑🍞
Alan King — Google review
Stopped by to take the tour and get a bit to eat. We enjoyed a wonderful tour that was very informative given by Von. I don't think there was a question he couldn't answer. I highly recommend the tour. It'll give you a whole new perspective about olive oil and it's benefits. We were able to sample the different types of olive oil. Then we went and got some food. I ordered a Caesar salad with crispy chicken on top which was very good. My wife ordered the fish and chips which she thoroughly enjoyed. There's plenty of seating outside. There's a place for bocce ball as well as private areas in the orchard for private parties.
Larry Holcombe — Google review
We went last weekend. The ambiance and the food were fantastic. We took the tour and learned about olives and olive oil. It was a great way to spend the afternoon with family. I can't say enough great things about the food and the store items. GREAT. Must go!
Amy C (AC) — Google review
Our family is from Wisconsin, and we visit the Olive Mill whenever we are in town! The food is great, and the cocktails incorporate different oils and vinegars to make unique and tasty beverages! There is a large selection of items in the shop (and samples!). They will even ship orders (over $90). It was a warm day, and the misters on the patio were perfect.
Dawn Massey — Google review
A week later. . .
The linguine & meatball today the pasta was all stuck together. Very disappointed from our last visit. The Pasta Carbonara was on point. The canolies we're amazing but the orange cupcake frosting was amazing but the cupcake was dry and lacked flavor. The consistency doesn't seem to be there. From our Italian to another please get some consistency down.
Delicious lunch but lots of choices for any meal. Open and airy seating. So many choices to try all at once. Can't wait to come back and try something new! Food was excellent!
Silver Wine — Google review
I love this place. It's a great location for people to hang out, for family, friends, or for couples. When you enter the property there is a huge outdoor area with tables in an olive orchard.
There are sometimes events going on as well, and so you will see event booths and live music (they have a Garlic Fest every year!).
There is a restaurant and gift shop as well. The restaurant has really good food and serves alcohol as well. The gift shop sells different kinds of olive oil, vinegars, reductions, and condiments that are made by the Olive Mill. There are also other products like soaps, lotions, and a whole lot of snacks, candy, and chocolate as well.
I've visited this place quite a few times and have also taken family and friends over when they visit -- all of them enjoyed it!
They also offer tours of the mill so that you can see how they make the olive oil. I highly recommend this place!
Vivin Paliath — Google review
Fun venue but extremely busy making for a very long wait for our food. You order at the counter, and they give you a buzzer for when your food is ready. You come get it yourself and bring it to your table. You have to get your own beverages as well. Simple decor with limited inside seating but massive outdoor seating area unlike anything I have ever seen before. This is a store for selling their products and an eating venue combined. The wait is for food, not the store. Pizza is your best choice.
Kevin Davis — Google review
I am sorry I could not give the Olive Mill a higher score. I had not been in some time and was unfortunately disappointed. My husband and I had sandwiches, the bread was so dry and boring. Also, very expensive. I wanted to buy an extra loaf of bread to use to taste the oils, and what they had was hard as a rock! Food was ok. Olive oils and balsamic were ok. I hope to go back one day and have a better experience.
Carla J Senteno — Google review
My parents visited the Queen Creek Olive Mill whilst visiting family in the area and brought back some for me and I immediately became obsessed. Delicious on it's own or perfect to cook with, Queen Creek olive oil is the perfect addition to your kitchen. I also feel great using it after doing some research into the adulterated Olive Oil scandal of Italy and Greece. American Olive Oil will be my first choice from now on! I recently returned the favor and bought my parents (and myself!) a classic gift pack and the Roasted Garlic Olive Oil. Perfectly packaged and Super fast shipping. It's a great gift! Delicious, Pure, and Made in the USA.
Gwyneth Jones — Google review
The store is absolutely fantastic. So many unique items and gourmet foods. The menu is made up of delicious dishes and I hope to try each one. Their desserts are super delightful and they serve gelato too.
Lisa Reyes — Google review
The store is outstanding with a variety of cheeses, olive oils and jarred products. Available to taste test. Grabbed a coffee from the coffee shop inside while I shopped.
Outside is welcoming and lively.
Amount of food they give is great and all is delicious!
Alexis Godinez — Google review
Every bite I've had at Queen Creek Olive Mill has been delicious. Such unique local gift ideas as well. This is one of the places I highly recommend to new residents in the area. They host a variety of events, and give very interesting tours of the OliveOil making process.
Kari Gutierrez — Google review
We really enjoyed ourselves. The food was good, service was great but Brian (grandpa) was my best experience there. Great family history. A lot of olive oil products, olive wood products, ornaments, cheese, wine, etc. the products and property is fabulous! Love the outdoors seating, fire places are wonderful, what a beautiful setting in the olive grove.
I WOULD RECOMMEND
Cindy L — Google review
Delicious food, highly recommended tour, great product, and a wonderful area to eat or have a drink in. Love being able to mix and match tasters of their products to find delicious combos. Wish I lived closer to make coming here a regular thing. Can easily spend 2-3 hours here.
Brianna Staubo — Google review
For our short visit, it was a lot of what I already read through the years.....lovely, relaxing, informative, and superb quality (oil). We had lunch prior to our visit and got there before the last tour, but we found out the guide got really sick and had to be sent home. It happens and we understand. It just gives me another excuse to visit sooner than later. In the mean time, my husband and I were about to walk the isles to see what you all had for sale, when I nice associate unboxing product up front, took the initiative to tell us what isles were sauces, oils, and balsamic vinegars. That was great for us since we are not only foodies, but great cooks ourselves. So, he went straight to the sauces, I went to the oils. There were a lot of free samples on every isle as well. What we thought was FANTASTIC was that there were recipe cards in every isles that you could take home. We just loved that! We bought product because of that.
After trying trying a few, I saw the coffee bar and thoroughly enjoyed talking with the barista there (sorry, forgot her name). She recommended a hibiscus and lavender tea that I wanted ice and it did not disappoint. Soooooo good! She was so funny and very knowledgeable about her craft. Being a former barista myself, I loved the wood burning display on the counter a customer made for you folks. So good and VERY informative. It begs people to ask questions what each one does for the coffee bean. As a coffee master, I wished I had one for my old job
You're very lucky to have that there.
Then, my husband and i went to the deli! I gasped in joy! Being part Italian, I had to buy some of those beautiful pastries. OMG! The lemon cannoli........heaven!! The gluten-free cherry date bar was AMAZING!! The tiramisu cup was good but not " tira-cinnamon-ey" enough for us, according to my husband. Everyone at the counter were so kind and answered all our questions about the pastries.
We stayed in the garden for about 20 minutes and thoroughly loved the homey feel of the patio and the garden. Its inviting. My husband, a retired arborist, said someone there knows what they're doing when it came to your olive trees, as he looked at your grounds. Again, although our visit was short, we'll be back again and hopefully take in the tour next time. We highly recommend Queen Creek Olive Mill for a quant getaway for lunch, a date, or a beautiful walk. Definitely something to do on your list for any season.
Jennifer Fear — Google review
First time in AZ and QCOM. We learned a lot by attending the paid guided tour. After tasting a few award winning EVOO, we bought several products to bring home. Spending more than $90, our purchases were offered free shipping to our home address. Friday is fish and chips day in their menu. Unfortunately, we already ate so perhaps next time. We highly recommend a visit.
Carlos Mangrobang — Google review
A fantastic day starting with the Olive 101 class and tour. I had no idea about how olive oil is made and the differences in ratings.
The store is amazing and had fun tasting all sorts of oils, balsamic vinegars, and various other products. Their products are not inexpensive, but the quality is amazing so bring your credit card so make sure you take some home.
This place can get packed, so if you’re coming for lunch be patient as they will have a line out the door. We didn’t eat there, but seeing the food come out looked fantastic. We will be back to shop and have a nice lunch next time.
Rob Deutsch — Google review
A great place to visit. A selection of oils and vinegars to buy , gelato and food. I took their tour. An introduction to understand how olive oil is made and how to evaluate its quality I like the food their. As in Italia. I recommend to come early as it’s a large line around three lunch time.
Andrei Lopatenko — Google review
This place was great! If you are in the area or looking for a relatively near-phoenix epicurean adventure, this is an excellent option.
They had a huge number of standard and flavored olive oils, as well as balsamics, tapenades, and other dressings and sauces. They had a very large range of olives and stuffed olives as well as breads and many other high end chocolates and sweets.
They have a food counter with a dessert and ice cream section. We did not eat there because we had already eaten up in Phoenix before going, but the food looked great and everyone we talked to said the food was excellent ( and our extended family have been there many times).
There is a tour that you do need tickets for (buy ahead). They also have a handful of beers on tap and a small number of custom ingredient cocktails which we did have and they were very good and fun. And of course last but not least an outstanding coffee bar.
Also there are many special events there including bands on weekends. Lots of outdoor seating in and amongst pretty, decorative olive trees. Kid friendly and fair amount of parking.
Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch is a vast natural area in the city that boasts 7 ponds, hiking trails, an observatory and even a dinosaur-bone dig site. It's a surprising oasis of peace and beauty where you can observe an abundance of wildlife. The park is also dog-friendly and provides facilities such as playground equipment for children and restrooms. It's easily accessible with parking available at the library nearby.
Amazing place! I was so surprised to find this beautiful oasis in the city. I actually saw more wildlife here than I’ve ever seen at the Desert Botanical Garden - it’s so beautiful and peaceful. Dog friendly (and cat friendly too - I saw one with a harness on going for a walk). Lots of facilities such as playground equipment for the kids and restrooms. Parking is easier at the library - the parking lot that google takes you to is just the small overflow parking lot. No entrance free - just make sure to leave no trace and don’t be a litterbug. Highly recommend!
Rachel Ewell — Google review
I loved walking here. It was really pretty when the sun was going down. When it got darker tons of hares (desert rabbit) came out. I didn't walk very far but it is a big area. It is nice that it is open until 10pm because you can actually sit and enjoy the sunset. There are other places I would love to go to watch a sunset but most of the places close at 7pm. The park area of the reserve is amazing. I was so glad I went before the sun went down. It is so peaceful and relaxing in the preserve. There are a lot of ducks too. You can feed them too but it has to be certain kinds of food. (some kind of bread or like corn/seed). I enjoyed it. When I come back I will have to walk more around the area.
Sarah Isidoro — Google review
Great little hideaway, with both paved and off-the-beaten paths.
Parking is limited with little shade for sitting around the (cement walkway), but the nearby library makes up where the park lacks.
Lots of birds and an equal amount of people feeding them. 😉
Julie — Google review
Beautiful place to walk around all the lakes and surround yourself in nature. Multiple trails. A great place to sit and listen to the birds.
Dina Darling — Google review
Fun walking trails. We walked about 2 miles arounds the park. It was easy terrain, all flat and either paved or dirt trails. Beautiful scenery and lots of baby ducks right now! So cute. The ponds are very pretty. Would definitely come here again.
Rikki Milbrandt — Google review
One of my favorite places in the east valley. It's a little slice of paradise to feel like you aren't in the city. No matter how "crowded", it is always so peaceful. You'll see bunnies, birds, dogs, turtles, fish, and more. There is a great playground and they are always having events and activities. If you stop by the Preserve definitely check out the southeast regional library while you're there. It's beautiful and they have fun library cards!
Alyssa McCormack — Google review
Beautiful, serene, & peaceful place to come & relax or de-stress. Not very much shade in certain areas though so it does get toasty out there on a hot day. But keep walking & you’ll find plenty shade. There were people fishing in the water & lots of wild life scurrying around to see & enjoy.
Gabby Gonzalez — Google review
Peaceful haven so close to metro areas! Created to enhance water quality and wildlife habitat, with pathways and an array of seating areas. Play area for kids. Really nice! Wheelchair accessible.
A Grateful Soul — Google review
A very cool place to see so much wildlife. The amount of ducks, geese, rabbits and other wildlife was amazing to see. Definitely my place to take a stroll to be with mother nature within the Metro.
Josh Smucker — Google review
My son and I love coming here. There are some trails to walk which is nice. There are ducks, turtles,and rabbits you may come across while taking a walk around the trails and lake. Always see people fishing here. There are a couple small areas for the kids. They also have a few events for families, you just need to look it up. Very peaceful and pretty.
Maria Isabel Ortiz — Google review
Beautiful preserve to walk around and take in nature. 3 large ponds to enjoy, with 1 dedicated to fishing. Tons of wildlife and species of birds. Also has an observatory, too! It's always very clean and a nice escape. Great place to bring the whole family, including dogs!
T Stoey — Google review
Riparian Preserve is an amazing place to visit… once you’re there, you would never believe you’re still in Gilbert. Is has about seven different ponds — and the pond closest to the library has a completely paved path around it, and a floating boardwalk over a portion of the water. The rest of the paths are dirt, and encircle the additional ponds, cross over streams, and go along the canal. One of the best features of Riparian Preserve is all the shade provided by the trees… Most walks / hikes around the area don’t provide much shade and that sun can get hot! There are also different habitats with informational signs explaining the animals you’ll see among other facts. There is an abundance of animal and plant life, and the scenery is ever changing. It’s a great place to go for some peaceful alone time to clear your head or you can take the whole family for a fun filled day. There is an observatory that is open on Friday and Saturday evenings as well. Too cool - I highly recommend.
Jessica Ingwersen — Google review
My first time at the Reserve and will not be the last. Well planned, peaceful place to walk. The variety of birds and desert plants makes it educational and interesting. The "blind" areas for bird watching are great! Helps humans observe without scaring away wildlife. Get there early to see and hear the most birds.
Salli Nelson — Google review
I visited Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch, and it was a real treat! The place is full of birds and has ponds with ducks and fish. There are nice walking paths and places to relax. It's peaceful and great for bird-watching. I had a great time and recommend it to all nature lovers.
Jack Miller — Google review
I love this place. It let's you feel like you're in nature without the longer drive. It's an easy 'hike' with lots of opportunities to rest for those who need them, and depending on when you go, so many happy dog faces.
Parking can be a bit of a crush, but the lot next door at the library is larger and has access from the urban fishing lake side.
Gabi Lewis-Hawk — Google review
What a gem in Mesa and the greater Phoenix metropolitan area. You can get out in nature in the middle of the city at this park. They have a beautiful unpaved nature trail around multiple wildlife ponds which horses can use, a paved trail around a park lake which you can fish in, a dino dig and play area for kids, campsites, observatory, restrooms, and ramadas.
The only issue is that sometimes they put up signs that the nature trail is closed at sunset, which is unacceptable for summers in Phoenix and they're right underneath the flight path for Sky Harbor, Phoenix Mesa Gateway, Falcon Field, and Chandler Airpark; and have busy streets on two sides of the park. So noise pollution is very heavy. However, you can get lucky with some periods of quietness to where you can hear the nature. I usually walk with headphones because of the noise pollution. Also, local photographers can get a little over eager in this place so be prepared for lots of dodging and trying to be quiet on the trails as to not disturb wildlife photographers and group photographers.
I've been coming here for most of my life and will continue to and then very happy with the improvements that they have continued to do, especially the hope walk which gives mental health tips for people walking the nature trail. What a great idea!
Brandon Brooksby — Google review
Want a great community space. Lots to see and do. Plus, it's a learning center, too! Fishing is available with a state license. Come back in the evening to gaze at the stars through the observatory. Overflow parking at the library next door.
Pasking441 — Google review
Flat walk and nice views. There are birds to look at all over. Bathrooms, water bottle refill. A place to feed ducks whole grain foods. Playground was fun!
Micah Forni — Google review
Really nice, easy walk through nature. We took the dog along and all of us enjoyed it. There were many birds to watch and flora to see.
Gerda Liebmann — Google review
Happy place with lots of bunnies and other types of wildlife enjoying the surroundings. Feels like an art masterpiece at sunset. Highly recommended
Cintia Molina — Google review
An oasis in the middle of the city! Comfortable walking paths, pristine grounds and water, and lots of wildlife to see. Despite this being 25 miles from our home, this is our new favorite hiking spot.
Reconstructed 1890s town including gold-mine tours, Old West gunfights, a history museum & more.
Pretty fun place! Lots to do and see. I like that you pay per experience and not a general admission. The zip line looks sketchy but it really isn't. We enjoyed the train ride and seeing all of the cacti around the little ghost town. We ate at the little stand towards the front of the park and the food was amazing.
There were lots of fun little shops to browse. We really enjoyed the American Indian store they had some beautiful pieces of artwork inside. It was very hard not to buy everything!
Ashley DiCarlo — Google review
This place was soo cool. It looks and feels like a legitimate old school 1800's mining town. Plenty of shops and cool activities to do when you get there. The food at the saloon is also really really good. Definitely a fun place to take family and friends. I enjoyed the shooting gallery as well. It's worth checking out. I Highly recommend it.
JR Timothy — Google review
Absolutely a beautiful place to visit and learn. Our family did the combo pass at approximately $30 per person. It included the Shack, the Train and the Mine tours. All 3 tour guides were exceptional in every possible way!!! They were so kind and filled our minds with so much knowledge. Well worth the money!! We tipped every single one of our tour guides at the end of our tours.
On the other hand, my only complaint would be that every single part of the little town was a place to spend more money which was a little disappointing. It would have been or could be so much more if some of the village was seeing how people lived back in those days... but I guess the point is to make more money.
My absolute favorite part of the entire town was hearing and seeing the fiddler. And yes, we made sure to tip him.
All together, great experience and I'd recommend visiting.
Dan&Heather Hooper — Google review
A fun old western town tourist attraction for the family. There is free parking and no cost to visit. There are live western shows happening throughout the day on the street with live actors. Souvenir and art shops. Lots of other activities available on a pay-per-activity bases. Horse-back riding, train rides, reptile room, mine tour, jeep rides, etc.
It was very busy on the day that we visited.
Jeff Neven — Google review
[MUST VISIT PLACE IN ARIZONA]
A perfect day out place! Spent our Saturday here and enjoyed nicely with my family.
Got a chance to explore this old town and visited most of the shops out there. Took a rail ride ($12/person) and Zip line ($14/Person). Had a nice lunch (Good restaurants are there around). Don’t miss out the Gun Fire Act (Fun filled). Great sights of thunderstorm superstitious mountain.
No entry fee to this town. Decent Parking facility(Free).
Bharatesh Chakravarthi — Google review
Definitely a fun place to learn about some Arizona history, do a little local shopping and experience a bit of the Superstition Mountains. I found a great piece of pottery at the Mudslinger, we found a great cactus gift at the Cactus Shop and the Apothecary had wonderful soaps. The Museum was quite fun with some very cool items on display and a great gift shop. We will absolutely come back and it's definitely a great place to bring visitors!
Mazanec Mischief — Google review
This place is a pretty cool tourist trap with several shops and multiple activities including a zip line, horseback rides, a train ride, mine tours, a restaurant, and wonderful views of the Superstition Mountains. You can buy souvenirs, hot sauce and salsa, plants, and get old west photos. Great day trip from anywhere in the valley. Worth a stop of you live here or are visiting from out of town.
Jake t — Google review
This is a cool little place, lots of gift shops, and very rich in history. I may recommend ear plugs for the gun fight, I had some ringing going on after that. Zip line seems a lot faster when you're on it. Nice relaxing train ride around the town. Mine tour was pretty fun and educational. The saloon was kind of busy so I didn't explore that. But overall, it was great place and experience
Mike Zilla — Google review
Although this is definitely a tourist attraction, they did a good job mixing in some history. The area has a story. The shops were friendly and presented their products well. They host an ole fashioned cowboy gun fight in the center of town. We had a great time, and we strongly recommend the ice cream shop!
Dave Eyman — Google review
As you walk down the dusty streets of the wild western town, you can't help but feel a sense of nostalgia wash over you. The wooden buildings with their swinging saloon doors and old-fashioned storefronts transport you back to a time when cowboys and outlaws roamed the land.
The town bustles with activity as locals and tourists alike mingle and explore the various shops and attractions. The friendly staff greet you with warm smiles and a hearty "howdy," making you feel right at home in this lively setting.
You have your pick of delicious food and refreshing drinks, from hearty cowboy fare to modern culinary delights. Whether you're in the mood for a sizzling steak at the local saloon or a cool drink at the bustling tavern, there's something for every taste bud to enjoy.
As the sun begins to set, casting a golden glow over the town, you can't help but be grateful for the opportunity to experience a bit of the wild west right here in the present day. The wild western town may be touristy and bustling, but it's a place where the spirit of the old west lives on, welcoming visitors from near and far to step back in time and create unforgettable memories.
Connor Lundborg — Google review
Such a cool spot. First time here and we love it. We loved everything from gold panning, train , mine tour, zip lines and the mystery shack to the steak house. Wow what a wonderful day we had. So if you have time stop by. You won't regret it. The beautiful mountain ⛰ 😍 is spectacular.
Santa Velazquez — Google review
What a fun day trip! It's an easy walk around the town with lots of items to browse in the stores.
Lunch at the Saloon was awesome! Plenty of indoor, outdoor and patio seating. The outdoor seating is covered with the patio in the sun. It features a gorgeous view of the back of the Superstition Mountains.
The train is a fun event and not too expensive - recommend this! The ride is narrated by one of the engineers and he provides a crazy amount of information about the area, the gold mines, the history, the trees, etc.
Oh, and don't forget to stop by and sluice for gems or gold! Super fun!
We didn't go into the mine (I'm claustrophobic) There's also a zip line and trail rides on horses.
This is a must stop place! You won't be disappointed!
Michelle Mahar — Google review
It was a neat place to visit, but not during the monsoon season! It was very hot and not too many people were there. Because of that, the stores closed a couple hours early.
There were a couple of tours to go on: a mine tour,a mystery tour, and a train tour. My favorite was the train tour. The guy was very informative and the tour lasted about 20 minutes or more. The mine tour was pretty short, but it was nice to cool off in the mine! The mystery tour was short too. The guy took us to a slanted house that can mess with your balance.
There were some places to eat and some tourist shops. They were all expensive.
All in all, it was a neat place to visit for a few hours.
Cindy Rutkowski — Google review
Visiting Goldfield Ghost Town was an incredibly fun experience. Watching the gunfight reenactments brought history to life with a bang and was entertaining for all ages. The shopping added to the charm, with quaint shops offering a variety of unique finds that you wouldn't come across anywhere else. It's a great way to spend a day stepping back in time while enjoying some lighthearted amusement.
Thomas Hayduk — Google review
Went this morning to see for our first time. We have lived in Mesa but haven't ever been here. Well, let's start by saying that this is definitely a very unique place. From the old west feeling. To the old buildings and mining that was going on back in the day. There are a lot of things for the entire family to enjoy and see. From the old church in the very back to the front riding a train. Definitely would skip the so-called Zip Line. It's a cable that runs up a pole, and they let you come back down. And then they want you to pay for it. It's definitely not worth the money. Unless that's what you are used to. Staff does seem friendly for the most part.
Robert Herrera — Google review
We went for their Christmas event and we all thoroughly enjoyed it all! We did the mine tour to meet the Grinch, Santa, and Mrs. Claus, we rode the zip line and the train, and we went on a nighttime jeep tour. We loved it all, especially the jeep tour! It's small but we appreciate that because it wasn't crowded. We were told their Christmas event was thrown together at the last minute, and we're so glad it was!❤️
Habby B — Google review
We did some research on fun ideas for Pheonix and this place popped up. After seeing the attractions, we thought we'd give it a shot and it didn't disappoint. There were a lot of activities for kids, enough to keep adults entertaining and certainly a lot of photo and video ops.
A great place to create memories as family and friends. We only did the train and zipline because of how busy of a day it was. My only recommendation is to go outside of the week between Christmas and new years because the staff said it's super crazy busy during that time and more personalized the other 51 weeks of the year. I'd go back occasionally, but worth it for first timers.
Trevor Hansen — Google review
Pricey but so much fun! When we were there train rides were $12 per person, same for the tours of the old mines. Gift shops weren't cheap either. Great atmosphere throw. Tons of characters around the place dressed up like they would like in the old West. They even had a fun little reenactment of an old West gun shoot out.
Quincy Rogers — Google review
Beautiful views. Interesting history. Some nice interesting items for sale. Hat store, mercantile store-good fudge, and Saloon was the restaurant. Saloon food was ok, service was mediocre. Poor lady did not have a good attitude for serving or welcoming guests. Interior of the saloon had a lot of cool posters.
Minette “Mimzy” Dyess — Google review
Love, love, love this place! We rode a zip line, toured an actual goldmine (copper and silver too) and took a cool train ride around the town. They have an old church, jail, gift shoppes and places to get food. We Sadly didn't have time to explore everything they had to offer but it did not disappoint in any way. This town has a gorgeous view of Saguaros and Superstition Mountain. We would go back if the opportunity presents itself. Fun for all ages!
Laurie m — Google review
It's a great touristy place to visit with a fun ghost town vibe that is well done. Kids and folks that like to shop will enjoy it. We did not do the train ride and mine tour as it was a crowded Saturday afternoon. I'm sure they were entertaining. Definitely watch the gun fight that seems to be on the hour. It was very entertaining. Don't forget to tip the actors! We did eat at the saloon and the view from the outside seating area was nice! Food was just OK but that should not be the reason you come here.
Bhavesh Patel — Google review
Great visit and best of all it didn't have a charge to go in. You can buy food and coffee and drinks if you like, and also a train ride and tours but it can totally be a cost free experience. And the view of the superstition mountains is incredible. Greatly would recommend for family fun.
Gaby Arvizu — Google review
This was so fun!! There was no charge to get in, but all of the experiences cost money. The gunfight was really cool and we had a front row viewing. I think they do it every hour. We did the gem mining and the train. There are lots of little shops and we bought some delicious fudge. The scenery around the whole area was just gorgeous! I would love to go back and spend some more time there.
Tricia Duff — Google review
Went here with a couple of friends, only had about a half hour and the town did not disappoint! The shops are very unique and honestly pretty affordable for selling souvenirs. We were able to walk around and see insides of buildings and great views of Superstition Mountain for free and had a great time. Would recommend if you’re short on time and want to see a little bit of the Old West.
Lily Dibaba — Google review
4.5
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4.0
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4650 N Mammoth Mine Rd, Apache Junction, AZ 85119, USA
The Phoenix Zoo is an enormous, privately-owned zoo in the city of Phoenix, Arizona. It is home to more than 1400 animals from all over the world, many of which are endangered species. The zoo offers a variety of exhibits and activities for visitors, including a children's area and petting zoo. The zoo's conservation efforts are also notable, as it strives to be a leader when it comes to improving peoples' lives through interaction with nature.
Extremely nice and well maintained zoo. Very big. Exhibits were well taken care of. We loved the little desert walk through. It was very reasonably priced. I think that is probably one of the best zoos I have ever been to. It was easy to navigate. Flamingos are my favorite and they had a really great exhibit with lots of birds!
Hole in the rock was very close almost within walking distance if it wasn't too hot. After the zoo we drove over and climbed up and were in awe over the view. Well worth it and I'm so glad we stopped.
Ashley DiCarlo — Google review
Amazing zoo, very green, no plastic bags for merchandise. Animals look to be treated really well here, enclosures for the bigger animals are huge, making it seem more natural. Definitely would recommend everyone to visit if in the area, purchasing tickets online on their website will save you a couple of bucks and being able to skip the ticket booth lines if any at all.
Atmosphere was very clean, they do an impeccable job with that. If you're not a long walker, I'd recommend the scooterpals, as an adult, you can ride 2 person on it, pretty fun actually and you can unleash the kid inside you. 😁
Kent — Google review
Such a great zoo! There is so much to do every time you come. The animal exhibits are great! You can get up close to most of the animals. The zoo has entertainment for all ages here. You can ride a camel, hit the splash pad, ride the merry-go-round, and the farm area has a playground and petting zoo - so much fun! Definitely recommend coming early in the morning to see the zookeepers feed the animals. Concession stands all over the grounds, and the exhibits are well spaced out. There are tons of different event nights throughout the year, too! It's definitely worth the visit!
T Stoey — Google review
Great zoo in terms of animals! We came on thanksgiving day and it was a beautiful day and not too crowded. Weather was nice and cool and it felt like being in an air conditioned zoo!
I would easily give this 5 stars if they charged a little bit less. I go to a lot of zoos and this was one of the more expensive zoos I’ve been to, it was around $107 for me and my wife and my 4 year old daughter.
On top of this, if you want to do a bus shuttle thing, it’s an extra $6 a person to do it. There were these cool scooter things, and those were $5 plus around $0.35/minute. We also felt weird seeing camel rides at a zoo. Again that costs more money, but seems weird to subject camels to being ridden at a zoo for money.
Staff were nice and facilities were nice! Just seems like they could improve a few things.
Paul M — Google review
The zoo was fun. Pretty packed, lots of families and strollers. It's pretty pricey, but I got a $5 discount for being a student. Any place we went to grab a snack was closed before 4.
They ran out of food to feed the sting rays before 230, so that was a bummer too. Overall, we had a great time
Ann North — Google review
A Perfect Day Out at Phoenix Zoo - A Must-Visit!
We had an absolutely delightful day at Phoenix Zoo, and I cannot recommend it enough! With nearly every animal species imaginable, it's a thrilling experience for wildlife enthusiasts of all ages. The zoo is beautifully designed with ample shaded areas, providing a comfortable and cool environment even on hotter days.
What I particularly appreciated was the abundance of restrooms scattered conveniently throughout the zoo, making it easy to freshen up and keep little ones happy. The availability of water fountains also added to our comfort, ensuring we stayed hydrated as we explored.
A highlight for the kids was definitely the fun rides, perfectly suited for children, adding a touch of excitement to their educational adventure. These thoughtful amenities make Phoenix Zoo not just a place to see animals, but a full-day experience where convenience and fun go hand in hand.
Every staff member we encountered was helpful and knowledgeable, enhancing our visit with interesting facts and helpful tips. If you're looking for a family-friendly outing that combines education with entertainment, Phoenix Zoo is the place to go. Five stars all the way!
Utsav Maniyar — Google review
The phoenix zoo was amazing for myself, my wife my 8 year old and my 7 month year old. It was a busy day, but the lines were short, none of the attractions were crowded. They have definitely upgraded the grounds and even have venues for weddings and birthday parties.
The membership option is a great value, pays for itself in just about 2 trips. We are going back next week to see the African wildlife exhibits we missed.
Plenty of restrooms and snack stands. The petting zoo is always a hit with my kids, and I love the river stingrays and alligator exhibits. My wife thought the prairie dogs were adorable, and the carousel was a big hit. I have never been so terrified in my life, of, my baby, having a freak accident and slipping off. My stress was at a 99 out of 10.
My apologies, our pictures are more of the fun my family was having, and not the animals themselves
Charles Hungerford — Google review
I will always and absolutely love this place! Coming to this zoo as a child, and as an adult now makes me so happy! They are creating new exhibits for the animals, and everyone is always trying their best to keep the place clean. The new update in the gift shop is absolutely nice! Of course the food is a bit expensive, but going at the zoo during a nice chilly day is fun!
I came along with my sister's school field trip, so we did have to wait a bit. But that's understandable.
The string ray bay was absolutely worth it! The people there with red hair, and another person were very nice to my family and I! Feeding the stingrays is so nice. And they make sure you know how to feed them.
Always be prepared to pack up snacks, and water! And always please make sure to pick up your trash!
hunie pop — Google review
The zoo is really nice. I like the atmosphere; walking all around watching the beautiful trees, flowers and some lovely animals.
It is amazing and you should spend half of a day, if you wanna visit all the animals.
African animals are most visited and they look so beautiful, water's side/ part is the best part of the zoo.
King lion,Rhino, Camel, greater flamingo are really lovely and giraffes are amazing.
Olly Kally — Google review
To say I love this zoo would be an understatement! I enjoy this zoo more than the San Diego Zoo. The size is just perfect, and without a lot of steep hills. There is a lot of shade at the zoo, which is super important in Phoenix 🌞. Everything is immaculate, and the zoo employees have always been very courteous. The zoo has splash pads for the kids, a really nice merry-go-round and a tram. The animal exhibits are organized with a lot of fun information for kids. There are a lot of bathrooms 🚻, which is always helpful. Another bonus: you can take in a cooler and eat a picnic lunch by the water. We purchased a Family Zoo Membership, which is a great deal if you live nearby. Be sure to check out the Monkey Village if you go. It's very unique. Parking is free, and the walk to the gate is reasonable. The zoo rents scooters and strollers. Another huge benefit to membership: Members get in one hour early. The zoo has the usual animal exhibits that would be typical at most zoos. I am so grateful to have this zoo available to visit as a local.
The Popescus — Google review
Had so much fun here! Came to the zoo on a mother/daughter trip and it did not disappoint! Definitely got my steps in here! They had so many cool animals and displays. Don’t forget to ride the camel! Also they have tons of refreshment options and a great gift shop. I really enjoyed it!
OfcChapstick22 — Google review
My father brought me hers back in 2000 and now I brought my little ones. Loved the atmosphere of this place. The staff were all very professional. Would be nice to have have more workers at the snack bars as ordering took a good 20 minutes. I recommend you buy your tickets in advance.
SilverFoxxx — Google review
The Phoenix Zoo was amazing. I traveled here from Houston, TX to see my daughter. We took my grandson to the Phoenix Zoo. He loved it. We all had a great time. The animal cages were really close up so you could see the various animals up close. The food at the Zoo was actually good. It's very family friendly and a great place.
Steve W — Google review
This was our first visit as a family and we had such a good time. My kids were both so excited, even my teenager. It's always fun to learn about the animals and get to see them. We went when they first opened and it wasn't too busy, but it was definitely getting busier when we left 3 hours later.
Chandra Cushman — Google review
Really enjoyed this zoo not too packed and definitely the petting area was our favorite especially for the kids. The best part was the camel ride which our little one got on twice on how much she enjoyed it. Would highly recommend to buy tickets only because to buy tickets at the place is a very long line. We just went and showed our tickets and we were let through with no problem. Overall very good expiration for your little ones. Will be back again.
Irbin Tapia — Google review
Always clean, staff is always wonderful, and the membership is totally worth it. With the membership you can get in at 8 a.m. instead of the regular opening time of 9 a.m. which makes all the difference on hot weekends. Not to mention you're seeing all the animals first thing without loud crowds. It's truly magical!
Vanessa Bass — Google review
I don't have little kids anymore, but wanted a good place to walk and get outside more, so I bought a membership to the zoo. I love it! I'm not sure I'd recommend buying a one day pass (price!) but the membership has been worth it. There's so much to see, and a variety of add-on activities like dining or rides. I love seeing the updates and new things when I go. Definitely getting my money's worth from my pass!
J. N. — Google review
Neat zoo, lots of trails. Was a rainy day but animals were out. If sunny you will get hot, not a whole lot of shade areas, however there are alot of benches. Worth it, there is a cost to enter and they also do military discounts.
Buckeye Blitz — Google review
Hands down the BEST zoo I've been too! There's sooo much to do! The zoo itself is spacious and you can tell workers take pride of their work.
All the animals were visible during our visit and their enclosure made it easy to access them but still built so they are unbothered.
Highlight was the walking monkey enclosure. The staff was very informative and willing to educate people.
Deejay C — Google review
Fantastic zoo! We especially enjoyed all the cool reptiles, desert animals, camel riding ($6 or $8?) and the petting zoo with lots of cute goats. This zoo is very large and spread out, so be ready to walk a lot! Next time I want to rent the motorized animals you can ride around the park (charged by the minute)!
Ariann Schultz — Google review
This zoo was a lot of fun to go to! We got there right at 9am and was able to finish by noon (that’s without stopping frequently for food and drink and doing activities)
Walking around is not bad here. For the most part, it’s pretty flat and not super hilly. Lots of cool and unique animals to see
Staff was super helpful and informative and looked like they actually enjoy their jobs caring for the animals and teaching
Definitely recommend stopping by when you have the chance
Ciera Grace — Google review
We went to the Zoo Lights show and loved everything about the experience. Because it was dark, we did not see the animals - but would love to go back for that as well. Parking was easy, staff was very helpful and organized. Lights and music were fantastic. We spent a few hours here and enjoyed every second.
Theresa St. John — Google review
Plan at least 4+ hours if you want to see all the animals. It is a huge zoo, both in size and in the variety of animals on exhibit. The Arizona landscape in the savanna area adds a wonderful element of authenticity and ambience that other zoos don't have. There are lakes, little islands for monkeys to call home without netting, and so much to see. This is a wonderland for children as well. Lots to do to keep them entertained all day.
It's definitely worth the $40/person for adult admission. And if you live in the area, the membership is well worth the investment as well.
Highly recommended.
Hung Thai — Google review
I took my daughter here for the first time as we moved out of state and are here visiting. She had a great time. We were there for 2 hours, and I didn't feel like it was enough time!
They have some great play houses for kids, and of course, a merry go round. They also have a small splash pad area, and you can even rent a large stuffed animal to ride on.
My daughter is a year and a half, and she particularly liked playing with the statues by the exhibits as well as looking at the elephant and orangutan.
The zoo is really large, and I did feel lost a few times. However, you can download a map, and they have street signs pointing to exhibits to help you out.
Be prepared on the weekends to park far and walk. The parking is limited as there's no garage, only 1 parking lot. However, there's a nearby fishing area and trail to walk up to a lookout rock that has additional parking, and you can easily walk with a stroller.
Meg Shipley — Google review
This is a great zoo. My kids had an awesome time. They have a lot of exhibits and also places to eat and playgrounds. My kids loved the petting zoo the most. The flamingos and orangutan were also pretty popular. They have a big beautiful lake with islands that different animals hang out on, and it has a beautiful mountain backdrop. We were really glad we got membership passes.
Danielle Randazzo — Google review
This is a wonderful zoo. It great for all ages. They have a very ample variety of animals there. It's separated into sections, so it's easy to see everything without trying to figure out the place. It's a big place, so be ready to walk! It's worth it, though, and they have seating benches all over the place. Note: Going during summer time could be very, very hot!
Ed. A — Google review
SO much fun!! We went on a Friday morning and it was very busy from the parking point of view, but inside it wasn't bad at all. So many fun things to do! We were there all day and didn't even get to see everything. My kiddos LOVED IT!
Megan Oxborrow — Google review
Spent the whole day at the zoo. It was a little warm but they have splash pads. I definitely recommend buying a membership if you plan on going atleast twice. It'll save you a lot of money. You can bring an ice chest and food inside, no alcohol or glass.
The Desert Botanical Garden is a lovely place to visit in Phoenix, Arizona that houses over 50,000 different plants from around the world. It has lovely paths to explore and is a great spot for nature lovers of all ages.
Such a wonderful visit! I probably haven't been here in 30 years. I'm so glad I was given the opportunity to go with the family. We had such a lovely time. Perfect weather and sunset. Many great photos. It was great to bring my son, who is the same age I was the last time I came. Everyone really enjoyed the Chihuly exhibit. We came right before sunset so we could enjoy it both in the sunlight and lit up after dark.
Rayna Dennis — Google review
We stopped here on a whim & I'm so glad we did! Being from the east coast it felt a little surreal walking around all the cacti, plants & wildlife but this place is absolutely stunning. There is plenty to see, you could easily spend several hours walking around. It's very clean & the staff is very knowledgeable & down to earth. The gardens are so calming & relaxing, I couldn't stop smiling the entire time. As someone else said pictures are great but it is so much better in person. Truly a wonderful experience!
K J — Google review
The Desert Botanical Garden offers a delightful escape into nature's wonders, even for those who may not have a particular interest in plant life. While the gardens boast a multitude of stunning flora, including a diverse range of cacti and desert plants, there are other attractions to appreciate. For instance, if you're more drawn to wildlife, you'll find yourself surrounded by an ample amount of ground squirrels and lizards that add a touch of liveliness to the environment. Moreover, the garden ensures visitor comfort with plenty of shaded areas to seek respite from the sun, as well as numerous water fountains equipped with water bottle stations. Plus, the convenience of air-conditioned bathrooms throughout the premises enhances the overall experience.
The scenery at the Desert Botanical Garden is nothing short of breathtaking. The juxtaposition of vibrant desert flowers, towering cacti, and the unique desert landscape creates a captivating visual spectacle. Whether you're strolling along the well-maintained paths or sitting in one of the shaded areas, you'll find yourself immersed in the serene beauty of the surroundings. The attention to detail and the preservation of this arid ecosystem are commendable, and it's an ideal place to reconnect with nature and enjoy a peaceful respite from the bustling city.
PsychoSmart — Google review
My wife and I had a pleasant visit here and did it comfortably in about 2 hours, including the gift shop. They truly put a lot of love and care into the multiple trails and plants. There are also plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife such as rabbits, ground squirrels, roadrunners, quail, and so on. Don't worry about not bringing enough water, as there are plenty of free water bottle refill stations with cold and tasty water which was much appreciated. Lastly, if you're a local or have flexibility, check their website to find their freebie day to save a few bucks.
Cody P — Google review
Man, idk what to say other than a beautiful experience that I won't forget. They trails are amazing and informative. They are brimming with life and nature being nature. The ticket wasn't expensive also they had a small art exhibit that was interesting wall through. Overall a easy stop to add into your day or adventure in Phoenix.
Antonio Allen — Google review
What a great way to kick off our trip, by seeing all the different desert plants. I loved seeing the very large ones. We are here in late February. I definitely would not want to be there in the dead of summer without a lot of sun protection.
Note there are water fountains placed throughout the garden,
Lydia Tomanek — Google review
Such a fabulous place. We've been here several times and it's always different and always improving. We went into the butterfly habitat this time and saw some amazing butterflies. Great time of year right now as many of the plants are just starting to flower. Another couple or few weeks and they'll be more. Strongly encourage you to go and enjoy.
Tony Neumeyer — Google review
This place is heaven on earth. I leave a lot of reviews and have rarely wished to lavish such praise. If you don’t leave five stars you maybe should talk to your therapist. This is incredible!!! It is massive and in reality you could easily spend 3 to 4 hours here appreciating the expanse of desert plants and flowers and sculpture. It is beyond beautiful and I would argue one of the finest collections of such natural wonders on the planet. The staff are professional and passionate, the grounds are modern and kept, there are all sorts of possibilities for events as well and whatever you might need as a visitor for hydration or food if you must. I just felt totally calm and at peace and by the way, there are hundreds of birds and I mean of all varieties but most of all we saw so many hummingbirds playing together and they are quite curious, I snagged a photo. This is an instance where the photos are beautiful but the place is better in real life. The natural world is in abundance here and it will, it should connect with your soul. Enjoy!
Nicholas Christopher Hood — Google review
The place is so serene, peaceful, well-designed and maintained that it it helps you remember why we can still love Arizona. Because it’s surely not for its divisive politics. I loved seeing all the fall family/engagement photo shoots take place here as well. Which means they will not discourage if you pay the entrance fee. Every penny was worth it, even if you aren’t doing a photo shoot.
The gorgeous art work juxtapose the desert landscape in a brilliant way. And the butterfly garden is a treat. Fabulous descriptions of the cacti and plants and their significance to the ecosystem. And open late during certain times of the year when lighting comes on at “golden hour” to make the place sparkle.
It’s a desert museum worth seeing whether you live or are visiting Phoenix.
Cindy Cesare — Google review
Went on a Saturday night for their flashlight event! So much fun and the weather was enjoyable at that time. I went at 7:30pm and wish I would've gone at 7pm for some better sunset photos and to see way more as flashlights can only do so much. They have ton of little things all throughout the garden for children to do as well at night. I don't have kids so I can't speak much on that part. They also have a nice little gift shop. Multiple drinking fountains with bottle fill ups throughout the garden. Very well taken care of and would visit, again.
Anndi Warren — Google review
Just the right size for me whose attention span for such things is a couple hours or so. Very nice grounds with meandering sidewalks and beautiful landscapes. Our interactions with the staff and rangers were great. The butterfly exhibit was (for me) surprisingly engaging.
Parking was free and easy.
Folks using wheelchairs I think would find lots of paths that work here.
Lots and lots of pokey plants so watch those young kids!
Paris Rat — Google review
Wonderful display of a cacti garden. However we visited the garden during a Halloween festival for children and some of the trails were closed off so we were not able to view their entire garden. I would have given it five stars if some of those trails weren't closed and we paid full price.
Chris Woods — Google review
The Desert Botanical Gardens are lovely. There's a ton of walking to do and a lot of stunning beauty to see. There are sights and smells and amazing art installations. The gift shop has a wide selection and something for everyone. There are several water filling stations around the property so bring a water bottle and stay hydrated!
Brandy Nelson — Google review
Photographed a wedding there on a cloudy Jan day, and the grounds are simply stunning. I could spend all day at the gardens, there is so much to see. Staff is very friendly and nice. One of my favorite spots in the valley to do photos at. It is the perfect desert backdrop.
Kristy Velesko — Google review
Fantastic! What a wonderful botanical garden. Larger than anticipated with so many different display areas and pathways. Nice exhibitions too. Good cafes and the restaurant on site is very good. A very nice gift shop on site. Plenty of parking, helpful guide and an absolutely beautiful site to visit. This is a must do when in the Phoenix area.
c “cfl” lane — Google review
Beautiful botanical gardens!! MUST visit when in Phoenix. The place has been designed beautifully. The cactii are huge and gorgeous. We also saw a few hummingbirds up close! Went in the evening so had the chance to witness a beautiful sunset.
The place offers defined trails, clear signs, plenty of rest stops, water fountains and clean restrooms.
Very very pleasant experience, could not recommend this place enough!
Tavishi Priyam — Google review
Absolutely Amazing! We had such a great time at the botanical gardens. Since being from Ohio, it felt like we were on an alien planet with all the unique plants and environment. The garden was a great way to see the variety of plants and learn about the ecosystem of the desert. On top of the standard botanical garden delivery, there are Chihuly glass sculptures nestled into the gardens. My crew spent over two hours walking the grounds. Our experience matched the value of the price of admission.
andrew coburn — Google review
It is a wonderful place in Phoenix, Arizona, and I can strongly say that you will definitely enjoy the time you spend here. I was on transit in Arizona, and was thinking about how to spend my long layover. When I checked, I found this place, which is very close to the airport! I called a taxi and visited the place. It was a well-worth visit of at least half a day! This is very useful, especially for botany students and nature lovers. This is incredible!!! You may experience desert plants, flowers, and sculptures, which are beyond beautiful!! The staff are professional and friendly. I felt very peaceful! I should make a special note that there is a canteen where you can enjoy delicious food too. A location that will completely exceed your expectations!! You can enjoy it thoroughly.
Yohi Sivakumaran — Google review
I'd be happy to provide some information about the Desert Botanical Garden in Tempe, Arizona. However, please note that my knowledge is based on information available until May 2023, so there may have been changes since then. The Desert Botanical Garden is a popular attraction in the Phoenix metropolitan area known for its stunning collection of desert plants. It covers 140 acres and showcases a wide variety of plant species, including cacti, succulents, and other desert flora. The garden offers beautiful walking trails that allow visitors to explore the different desert habitats and enjoy the serene beauty of the desert landscape. Additionally, the garden hosts various events, including art exhibits, concerts, and educational programs for visitors of all ages. Visitors often praise the garden for its well-maintained grounds, informative exhibits, and breathtaking scenery. However, I recommend checking the official website or recent reviews for the most up-to-date information about the Desert Botanical Garden and any changes that may have occurred since my last knowledge update in May 2023.
Lifan Yu — Google review
LOVE LOVE LOVE!!!!! Anytime I have some extra money I come here to enjoy the atmosphere. I got a discount for National Cactus Day and took my children, they were so young and loved coming here I was surprised because they don’t even like going to the zoo. However, seeing the butterflies and all the gorgeous plants they absolutely loved it. Even in the summer time it’s fun! The entire enclosure is well kept and very clean, I’m glad my children loved it as much as I did mainly because there’s lots of fun places for them to climb!
Kelly Bare — Google review
What a fantastic place to explore desert plants! My family and I had a few hours before we had to be at the airport, so we decided to explore. It was great to walk around at our own pace and look at everything there. We even saw rabbits and lizards! It was very hot (more than 100°F) but the gift shop has air conditioning and a nice selection of gifts and souvenirs. I will return the next time I'm in town.
Jennikae Reid — Google review
A beautiful botanical garden filled with desert plants, which isn’t like most botanical gardens.
It was hotter than hell the day I went but there are good spots to sit and relax. There are also plenty of water fountains throughout. A beautiful art exhibit as well (thru March ‘24).
The butterfly exhibit is a highlight.
Bring sunscreen!
Jakob W. Plummer — Google review
Love love love this garden! It is a $25 admission charge, I feel that it is expensive for the small size of this place. I thoroughly enjoyed it, so wasn't too worried about the price after. The whole area around the botanical garden, Papago Park and Hole in the Rock are fun to visit so make a day of it! We packed food and water and explored each area, it was one of the highlights of our trip to Phoenix!
alison burns — Google review
My children gifted us tickets to the luminaries event and reservations at Gertrude’s. What an absolute beautiful experience. It was a perfect night with a full moon. We were able to catch the sunset and the moon. The music through out the gardens was amazing. It was just magical with all the candles, lights, Christmas trees and music. Plus a delicious meal. Everyone was festive the employees were helpful and kind.
Madeline Acosta — Google review
Definitely well worth a visit if you are in Phoenix. I would say to fully take advantage of your ticket and the experience you may want to call out about 2 to 3 hours. There are plenty of bathrooms around the gardens as well as a restaurant and a gift shop. The gardens themselves are diverse and have a wide variety of different botanicals. It really sets a good scene for the other Flora and foreigner around the state of Arizona.
Emily McAuley — Google review
Fantastic place!! Especially for those who love cacti and succulents.
There are timed tours available with the purchase of the entrance ticket, we did this and we learned a lot.
Some of the huge cacti are over a hundred years old and some can live until 250. They’re starting to bloom now and they’re so pretty!
There are docents around the garden so if you feel like you’re in a maze and not finding your way around, it’s easy to get help. They also have water fountains around the paths and benches under some shade to allow people to rest and hydrate.
This is a well thought out garden and one that may be enjoyable for everyone, young and the not so young!
Anna M — Google review
We were headed for the restaurant in its beautiful setting. We arrived on a community day and got in free. What a treat! We got to see the beautiful butterfly exhibit and enjoy the huge collection of cacti and other desert plants. Wonderful afternoon! 🙏🏽
Gautam Ganguly — Google review
The staff was super friendly, went on a Saturday morning for dog days. My dog loved to sniff around, lots of new smells for him that he doesn’t get on our normal walks. There were also lots of opportunities for photos. Loved every moment we got to spend together. I would recommend if going with a dog to go as soon as they open because it got crowded around 9am.
Amber Guzman — Google review
One of the nicest botanical gardens I have ever been to. I am from the northeast so naturally the plant and wildlife here is shockingly different from my home state, however, I was in awe at how well manicured the gardens were. Even at night (we stayed from when it was light out until almost complete dark) everything was lit in a thoughtful way, so you could still appreciate the diversity of plant life present. The gardens were spacious and varied greatly as you moved through the different areas, always able to discover something new along the way. There were a lot of fun, more intimate settings scattered throughout the property, great for taking photos. There were two cool exhibits, centered around dwellings typically used by the native peoples of the area, but I wish they had put more emphasis on them or had more information about them, their use, how they were built, etc. Seemed more like an afterthought, which does a disservice to the native peoples. Aside from that, this is a place I would highly recommend going to.
Josh Daigle — Google review
Amazing gardens. An absolute must do in the Phoenix area. My daughter and I spent about 5 hours here. The trails are well designed, and the interactive docent booths are fun and interesting.
We had lunch at the cafe, the food was fine. It was good, but nothing exciting or much to write home about. I do however recommend the prickly pear iced tea, especially mixed with the lemonade.
It was really exciting to see so much wildlife and so many birds.
We look forward to returning next time we're in Phoenix!
Elisse Kenaley — Google review
The Phoenix Desert Botanical Garden was a treat you'd be remiss to miss!
There's plenty of free parking. The price of admission is worth every penny.
The design of the Garden is beautiful. It's exquisitely maintained and thought-out.
I absolutely loved every part of it, especially the Marvelous Mariposa butterfly house.
This was my highlight in Phoenix!
Angela Devin — Google review
Absolutely stunning botanical garden. We moved to the area and went on their free day and were blown away by the beauty and peace of the gardens. We got a family pass and have enjoyed seeing the garden through various seasons. The blooming cactus along with the quail all over are a really unique and beautiful experience. All of their trails are wonderful and unique. My sons love the cactus clubhouse and both the staff and the environment there are top notch. Hands down our favorite place to go since we moved here.
Old Town Scottsdale is a luxurious area of Phoenix that provides the perfect relaxation spot after an early flight. Visitors can start adjusting to the hot desert weather while exploring the main shopping and dining area, within walking distance from various accommodations such as Motel 6 Scottsdale. For food enthusiasts, the Arizona Food Tour of Downtown Scottsdale offers a unique experience that includes learning about the town's history, savoring perfectly seasoned bites and sipping on sangria.
4.0
(5650)
Scottsdale, AZ 85251, USA
I'll never travel to Page without this trip planner again
The Heard Museum is a world-renowned museum that specializes in Native American art. The museum's collections reflect the crossing of indigenous cultures with other artistic themes, and its exhibitions present stories from a first perspective. The Heard Museum is dedicated to advancing understanding of American Indian culture through its exhibits, education programs, and festivals.
Everyone who lives in or visits the Phoenix area should visit the Heard Museum. It’s a beautifully designed and well curated collection of Native American artwork and is breathtaking. But it is not just an art museum because it is also a history museum and there is much to take in and learn. It’s quiet and peaceful, and very large so it will take some time to see everything. There are galleries and courtyards, and just when you think there is nothing more to see you will turn a corner and have another gallery to visit. I loved the museum and will return.
Tia Peterson Loehnert — Google review
This museum is an absolute beautiful addition to our city. Learn about the historical Southwest while touring this beautiful property for 2-3 hours. Experience and learn about the American Indian heritage with all its history .The silver and weaving exhibits, art work, garden sculptures and architecture of the property are outstanding as well as special exhibits . A great day for the out of town visitor and locals alike.
Beautiful for all ages.
Parking is easy and staff is kind and welcoming .
Patricia Pieton — Google review
The Heard museum is great. Make sure you stop at your local library to get two free tickets with a program called the culture pass!
This place is awesome. It seems a very important purpose in making sure the USA's horrific treatment of the indigenous people here and in other states. They also had an amazing exhibit that ended on Hawaiian surf culture.
Chad Moore-Castro — Google review
I've been to a lot of museums in my short 37yrs in life and I must say, this is the best one that I've had the honor and privilege to step foot in. The art, the details, the information are all priceless and must be preserve forever. I also had lunch at the cafe and the food was delicious, their Birria tacos were probably the best I've had in a long time. Would I come back and bring family and friends who visits from out of town? Hell yeah! It is worth it and this is a gem in the city of Phoenix.
Jack Elliot — Google review
Lovely museum, definitely visit if in Phoenix! Recommend taking the guided tour which is very informative and provides a lot of historical background!
Both the permanent and temporary exhibitions were amazing when we visited! The museum also has a cafe and activity room for children!
Ioana Costea — Google review
I went to the Heard Museum as a part of a catered event, and I was amazed! While that means that I can't say anything about the wait times, lines, or costs of entry; or even the quality of the tours and tour guides - I can comfortably say that, aside from being a gorgeous building, the Heard Museum is home to unforgettable displays (I didn't see some of the displays), helpful staff, alongside some of the best event management (read: catering) that I've experienced at an event in a long time. All in all, I'd gladly visit again!
Jared Byrne — Google review
Beautiful, educational Native American museum. There is so much art on display and it’s fantastic to see all of the examples of Indigenous talent. There is a display that shows the impact of Residential/Boarding Schools and Manifest Destiny. As a Native American, This is so eye-opening and infuriating at the same time. It was by far the most impactful things we saw while there and I recommend everyone check it out. If you’re a registered tribal member, you get free admission into the museum.
Norma Arnold — Google review
The Heard Museum is a well done museum that you should visit at least once.
The museum is well designed, the exhibits are laid out in a manner that allows for easy viewing. The exhibit spaces and grounds are well kept and look spectacular.
There is a large collection of artwork, jewelry, and other artifacts that speak to the history of Native Americans.
The Indian school exhibit details the history, both good and bad, of boarding schools for native children. It is an interesting and educational look at the history of our country.
Jason Loehnert — Google review
Such a humbling, educational, and moving experience learning about so many different tribes. Don’t miss the boarding school exhibit upstairs. It’s such a well thought out curation that shows the impact of colonizers. The grounds are beautiful.
Tiffany Fleck — Google review
Excellent museum. Thoughtfully done. Both a history lesson and top quality contemporary Indigenous art. Caught a guided tour highlighting sections of the museum and then went back taking my time.
Nice restaurant for a meal afterwards.
jacqueline Golding — Google review
A one of a kind museum of native American people. If you are interested in their culture and history, this is a must stop. The gift shop is a marvel of native arts and jewelry. Prices are high but you have confidence that the pieces are real. It's worth just coming for the gift shop alone.
Let's Go — Google review
The interior and exterior are very pretty. The tickets are around 25 dollars person but you can get in for free if you’re indigenous. You can also get a good military or student discount. This pace was definitely worth the money I spent. I will be coming back to it. I think this is definitely a must see if you go to Phoenix, Arizona. They also have a nice gift shop, coffee shop, and book store.
Dennis Nguyen — Google review
Very nice museum but we didn't have much time to see all of it. The lady that sold us the tickets told us that the 2 hours we had before they closed was enough time to see it and it really wasn't. Why they close at 4pm I have no idea. That was insanely early to close. Most museums are open until at least 5 or 6pm. They should consider extending hours. Also there was not a single affordable thing in the gift shop and I was sorely disappointed. All the beautiful items were hundreds if not thousands of dollars. First time I left a gift shop disappointed. Please include some nice Native American items that normal people can afford. Other than that we enjoyed what we were able to see. Would go back if we had more time...
JoleenV — Google review
All I can say is wow what an amazing Museum to walk through. I teach US History in FL and I will now take back a whole new lesson to show much students I wish I could take them through your amazing facility. Just outstanding how you are preserving the culture and heritage and the truth about how the native Americans were treated. I will absolutely coming back.
A Moment in Time With Mr. Flint — Google review
I went on a Saturday. It was Super Bowl day the street was busy with people showing off team pride. No absolutely No water bottle of any kind you must check your water at the front desk. It was my first time here I spent a lot of time looking at Indian school experience the museum is vast and I didn’t get enjoy everything because I had munchies. If you go I recommend bringing a snickers or peanuts or something. I am going back to the Heard museum and I’m going to make sure I start with the Native American artifacts first.
Miguel rosas — Google review
If you want to learn about Native American history, this is the place. Lots of exhibits. Downtown Phoenix location is easy to get to and has plenty of parking. While you can view the exhibits on your own, taking a tour with a docent helps the history come alive. And, there is a Cafe and gift shop, too. Certainly a must do experience when in the Valley of the Sun.
Jerome Sayre — Google review
My visit to the Heard Museum was amazing! It's a place filled with incredible Native American art and culture. The exhibits were fascinating and taught me so much. The staff was friendly and helpful. It's a must-see if you want to learn about the rich history and creativity of Native American communities.
Thomas Love — Google review
Such an amazing museum. This is probably the museum we spent the most amount of time in other than the Louvre. Truly worth a visit. We even did the starlight room that’s like a 360 theater with starlight ceiling. The staff and docents were very informative.
Truly a 5-Star.
RobertsMom NC — Google review
Wonderful grounds and very interesting exhibits. Knowledgeable docents and helpful staff. A diverse collection of artifacts and artwork, many rooms to explore. Reasonable cost, plenty of parking, cafe and restaurant on site as well. A very pleasant museum for a visit.
c “cfl” lane — Google review
One word bedt describes this museum repeated many times. WOW, WOW, WOW and a hundred thousand times more. Spent 5 hours there and could have spent 10 times that there. Can't wait to go back. Did (2) tours and the docents were FANTASTIC.
Ronald W. — Google review
it has both indoor galleries and outdoor sculpture gardens. It was so beautiful and had the cutest outdoor cafe to eat afterward. We also got to enjoy the Sky Dome in the Substance of Stars exhibit! Overall a very moving experience and I learned so much about the different native American tribes and their culture. The stories about the boarding schools was heartbreaking.
Alexiz Anderson — Google review
This museum has lots of art from many tribes in the southwest - the Hopi, Navajo, Zuni, Apache, etc. I especially loved the pottery, some of which is over 1000 years old and made using the coil and scrape method. We had a wonderful guide (Christine) who was passionate and knowledgeable. The museum is laid out well and has an open courtyard, outdoor sculptures, a fantastic store, and a small cafe. It is absolutely worth a visit.
Elizabeth Chacko — Google review
Really educational place that after highlighting the many skills of the Indigenous people that were based in America when the English arrived, ends up addressing the attempted indoctrination of Native Americans in the 1800’s. Doesn’t touch on the persecution of them enough, barely brushing past that they were ‘lost’ as opposed to nearly wiped out. Nice experience.
Andrew Purcell — Google review
This place was great and I love the galleries. I learned more than I knew before I came in and it was very interesting. Being Native American, it was free and you just needed to have a photo of your CIB(Navajo). The staff had great attitudes, were very approaching if we had questions, and were very nice. I would definitely go here again but try the tour. The tour guide seemed very nice, knowledgeable, and asked me how my visit was although I didn't do the tour. Would definitely recommend if you're interested in different Native American cultures.
Shania Edgewater — Google review
Thanks to my younger son (5th grader) who asked us to visit Heard Museum this weekend. It was an amazing trip to this one of its kind museum which is dedicated to tell about history and present culture of Native American tribes of this region and across US. I realized how rich their culture, art and traditions have been and what difficulties they have faced over last couple of centuries to protect themselves and their culture from outside forces. I knew a very little until this trip.
We were blessed to be guided by a noble lady (sorry forgot her name) who made it a richer experience for our whole family.
We surely going to visit it again.
Mohan Tomar — Google review
Last minute decision to visit as I needed to kill time before heading to the airport. Glad I stopped in to check it out.
Excellent museum with lots of Native American art. I love sculpture art and there was a lot of that too. Discovered another artist whose work was gorgeous. I was hoping to pick up a book of her work but there wasn't anything in the book store. There is also a a museum shop and a Cafe where you can get a bite to eat and sit outside in the beautiful weather.
Check it out!
Town park with a lake & fountain, 18-hole disc golf course, playground & picnic areas on 64-acres.
Beautiful relaxing walk around the lake with the fountain ⛲️ coming on every hour on the dot and lasting 15 min.
Plenty of ducks, geese, coots, etc on the lake and then feeding on the green lawns by the lake.
Veterans' Memorial also on display with statues and other great reminders of the brave.
Great views of the mountains and local plants, trees and more. Enjoy!
Fountain Hills, AZ
Mark Shows — Google review
Who are these people who gave less than 5 stars? As far as small town parks go, this one is one of the best I have ever seen. From the public facilities, playgrounds, splash pad, and disc golf, to the retail and restaurants at the front of the park and the Veterans Memorial, it has everything one could ask for in a nice public park. But on top of all that… it has the tallest fountain in the world! I have visited Fountain Hills many times since my aunt and uncle moved here in the 90’s and it just keeps getting better! My husband and I love walking down to and around the park and sometimes hike up the trail next to the park, racking up the steps and the miles every time we are here. We have attended events in the park, such as Art in the Park and Pet Parades and competitions. Everything is always well planned and executed. We also love eating on the patio at Euro Cafe. Always a great view, good food and service. If you visit the park, be sure to check out all the great statues in and around the lake. All very well done and they include information about the artist and the subject. You simply can’t go wrong visiting this park.
Dierdre Lehman — Google review
The walk around the lake is very nice. There are plenty of benches and lawn for sitting to watch the fountain and the ducks. There are also interesting statues and art work.
Milena Londo?o — Google review
It's very nice to place spend a day. Kids and adults will love this place. It has very big playground, walking trails and lots of ducks and tortoises. For every one hour you can see the water fountain ⛲️ in the middle of the park.
Megha Gadad — Google review
This is one of my favorite park in Arizona, the people here are so nice and kind, and the fountain the top it off. My Autistic girl love it here, and there are nice restaurants nearby that you can have an all day fun weekend with your family. There are so many ducks here, sometime they leave eggs on the grass so watch out for the eggs. The park hosts a variety of culture events too, the last time we were here there were like 1000 or more Indian people here. Is a great experience for my family since I always wanted to travel to India but never did.
Ethan Hana — Google review
Just love this park. It's beautiful, well maintained, some delicious drinks and restaurants nearby. The fountain is just a treat every hour. A great playground for kids as well as a fun little water area in the hotter months. It's great for a walk around anytime of the day or year for that matter. Just calming and beautiful! Fun festivals and events throughout the year also.
Leslie Labbancz — Google review
Very well maintained. Park had options for kids of all ages and activities such as their music section that is fun and different from other playgrounds. Watch the fountain, play at the playground and then let the kids run through the splash pad. Lots of nearby shops too
Brandi C — Google review
At the Concours Car Show today! What an unbelievable day! Probably 20 food trucks here and more cars than you can shake a stick at. Sun is shining and it all benefits the Phoenix Children’s Hope Fund with donations welcomed.
Michael Fox — Google review
Great place to take the family, have a picnic, walk around and relax with a good book. Very clean and peaceful. Love seeing the fountain and the mountains in the back ground.
Elliott Chee — Google review
Exquisite park just outside of Mesa. The fountain tiggers every hour on the 00 so if you want to time your visit. It’s a beautiful area with amazing views. Has a lot of parking even a Purple Heart parking spot designated for injured war veterans. Not too crowded and should be easy to find parking.
Thomas Gallaway — Google review
Gorgeous Park with an Amazing Splash Pad, Amazing Thrill ride style slides, Music Creation Section, and Plenty of shade. Of course the fountain is Amazing!!
Brandon Norwood — Google review
What a lovely park! There's lots of play places for the kids, groomed walking paths, and tons of space to enjoy a family picnic. The fountain is unique. It shoots water very high, yet it's incredibly quiet.
Shannon Kaye Germanos — Google review
The fountain really is pretty cool. didn't know what to expect until I saw it rising from behind some of the local business buildings. and the turtles are super cute!
Brendyn — Google review
It's a great park in the center of Fountain Hills. A nice concrete walking path around the lake and has a large fountain. There are multiple washrooms with water stations, a playground, and a disc golf course.
There is lots of free parking and a Veterans Memorial.
There is also an art wall done by local painters.
It is very clean and well maintained.
Dennis McCrea — Google review
We came here for the St. Patrick's Day celebration, and have visited many times during other parts of the year. Very nice, green grass, a walking path around the lake, and the famous fountain are there to enjoy.
Todd Schaefer — Google review
A very beautiful place to be. Went there for 4th of July celebrations. It was packed and is one of the best places to be on 4th July.
You can do all kinds of recreational activities. There is play area for kids, barbecues and sitting area. You can walk around the lake. Every hour you can enjoy the biggest fountain you would have ever seen. Plenty of free parking.
Dhananjay Anarwad — Google review
Very nice park with tons of space for walking and great photos. The fountain goes off every hour for fifteen minutes. At night it lights up, so it is a great spot. Currently seeding the area, so there are a lot of mosquitos. Tons of ducks around to feed. The play area for the kids of super cool.
Christian Ahangar — Google review
I LOVE this park! It was on my bucket list for years and it delivered. I take shelter dogs on day fosters and this is a great park. There is so much green grass and the fountain is beautiful! The yogurt shop nearby is great too! They also have water stations with dog fountains in case you forget. Lots of big shady trees. There is even a creek where your dogs can cool their paws. 10/10 Highly recommend!
servant 4HIM — Google review
We saw this from far far far away while driving highway 88 so we decided to find this. Nice park. The fountain is every hour from 9am to 9pm. Plenty of parking in various parts of the park. Worth visiting.
Barrel MooMoo — Google review
4.8
(5464)
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4.5
(577)
12925 N Saguaro Blvd, Fountain Hills, AZ 85268, USA
Wildlife World Zoo, Aquarium & Safari Park in Glendale, Arizona boasts the state's largest collection of exotic animals, including white tigers, lions, jaguars, giraffes, monkeys, kangaroos, sharks and penguins. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities such as feeding giraffes and petting stingrays. The park offers rides like the log flume through the aquarium and an African safari train.
WOW! Awesome zoo. Spent over 5 hours exploring the zoo grounds. Turns out this is a great place. Enjoyed the day and we seemed to see everything in one day. Very clean grounds and saw so many different species of animals our minds are on overload. We will return for another visit in the fall to see how the change of seasons turns out. Highly recommend a visit if your on the fence.
Rick Spiegel — Google review
A wonderful place for the kids to spend entire days there without getting them bored. A rare combination of Zoo and Aquarium made this place more attractive than Phoenix Zoo. In a typical hot AZ day, the aquarium offers both cool air and cool things to play. The kids can touch a lot of stingray in a small pond. There is a BBQ restaurant behind the big shark tank.
Africa Safari Ride is the best paid activity in term value per dollar both entertaining and educational. So many interactive animal activities for the kids. My kid wanted to feed the goats for the whole day. Animal feeding, seal performance, and many more.
The noise in the air might be a little disrupting during your outdoor fun activities with animals due to the nearby Air Force field aircraft training.
Ben D — Google review
All three of us had a great time and we spent easily 5 hours here as it is 5 mi to walk the whole time perimeter of the zoo. The thing we like about this place is the amount of animals to see in great abundance and in close proximity. A lot of the animals are only inches and the bigger ones a few feet away so you can see them in greater details. I think the feeding of the giraffe was a great idea because it lets people come close to animals. We really liked the rhino exhibit that included three rhinos, the black bear exhibit, exhibit with the giant arrowanna fish. The aquariums were a big plus and the fact that there are aerial trams available for purchase is a good plus and adds to variety.
Kevin — Google review
What an amazing place. I visited recently and I had no idea how big it was. They got a lot to see. I really enjoyed the aquariums. I wish the Phoenix Zoo had them. Definitely plan on spending the day there if you want to see everything. I can’t wait to go back.
DanO (thunderdan602) — Google review
This is a big zoo that is very spaced out. A lot to see. The food and service was very bad and over priced. I was disappointed most attractions were closed. So to pay the same entry fee when things are shut down doesn’t seem right. You can easily spend the day here. This place needs some maintenance. This could be really an amazing place if some TLC is put into it. Not impressed but it has a lot to do. The ride through the middle was fun. Didn’t do the safari because you wait about 35 minutes for the vehicles to come back if there is not room.
chase ward — Google review
Coming from Chicago where we have Brookfield and Lincoln Park, this is one of the best zoos I’ve ever been to! It’s huge with a ton of variety of animals. Most of the times we’ve gone the animals are pretty active and they have baby animals all the time. The sea Lion show is awesome and the keepers and staff are all incredible. They have several good vendors but also allow food to save a few bucks for families. They also have a tram and a few kids rids. A great family day trip!
Rusty Wimberly — Google review
Me and my husband really enjoyed this. We saw the sea lion show and we rode the zip line the roller coaster they have this bird ride that you control the rudder and it was really fun. All the staff treated us really good. The girl at the giraffe feeding station was rude but every single other staff was great. If you want a great day I'd highly recommend this place. When your all done exploring check out the bbq restaurant it was so good.
Jeffrey Nielsen — Google review
Wildlife World Zoo & Aquarium is not only one of the best experiences you can have in Phoenix, but I would venture to say one of the best zoos in Southwest U.S. (better than the PHX zoo).
This place exceeds so many expectations and it is absolutely massive - you can easily spend a full day here and still not see everything.
There are so many intimate up close encounters you can have with animals here from all over the world, whether it's feeding giraffes or standing a foot away from performing sea lions.
They do an incredible job with the layout here and the exhibits. So much of the park is in cool shade for the hotter days. Whenever your feet start getting sore you can enjoy the comfort of viewing the wildlife from the chairlift of the African safari tram.
They also do a nice job providing a variety of food options, especially with the Dillon's BBQ near the entrance. How can you beat eating delicious bbq listening to live music while watching beautiful flamingos nearby?
I sincerely hope, as others have mentioned here, that they can add elephants into this park in the near future, as that is really the only thing missing from this otherwise perfect zoo/aquarium!
Nicholas McLaughlin — Google review
So, it's a pretty nice zoo and we had a good time. Food was actually pretty darn good for the price. I'll give them that, they got other places like them beat in the food category. I just really feel like there needed to be more of a presence with zoo staff. So many people walking around smoking. And it got really old really quick to constantly be in clouds of cigarette smoke. Also, there were an abundance of people screwing with the animals. Leaning forward and putting fingers and hands through the fence, even with the leopards, yes, the leopards. I understand the zoo can only do so much to protect the idiots we've become from themselves but just some actual visible employees out and about and not just where they want to take more money from you. That being said, if you haven't been then check it out, but I think once is good enough.
Brady Reed — Google review
Awesome zoo! Probably one of the best I have ever been too. The animals are just so live and vibrant! Most of the animals were playing and having a good time. The zoo definitely takes the building maintenance and animal enclosures seriously 110% at all times, very great too see.
Aaron Bustillos — Google review
I want to give it 5 stars, but we couldn't do a lot while there due to it being closed. Like the roller coaster, we went on the log water ride and it was super fun. Most were closed though.. We enjoyed feeding and petting the goats. We fed the giraffes and saw SO many very cool animals. Lots of sea life, which was great! We also enjoyed petting the stingrays. We had a lot of fun. Food and ice cream places were closed as well, not all but most. Staff were friendly. Gift shot is pretty cool. Parking was good.
Heather Pectol — Google review
A hidden gem of Phoenix and a better zoom than the popular one closer into the city. This is a rescue zoo and soon the experiences are more unique, varied, and often closer; on the other hand, it's not as polished as it could be (the only reason I'm dinging a star).
Feed giraffes, get up close with kangaroos, water ride through the aquarium, check out the albino alligator, and lunch next to flamingoes, this is a highly recommended review for the Wildlife World Zoo.
Donate if you can. I know they are working to upgrade and improve what is already a pretty amazing place.
Paul O'Brien — Google review
I was born and raised in the Phoenix area and have been to the Phoenix Zoo many times but this was my first time here. This place was great for a number of reasons. The sea life and aquarium were a huge draw. My family really enjoyed the sea lion show. We were there on a warm day so getting splashed was actually very refreshing. If you haven’t been here, it’s definitely worth checking out. My kids are already talking about the next trip!
Jason Adcox — Google review
This is a nice zoo and aquarium with several "rides" available that are good for both kids and adults. You need a lot of time and endurance if you visit all the exhibits and buildings. You also need a lot of money. Adult entry is $48 each, and rides are not included. Each ride is $6 per person, and includes a train, a sky ride (lift chairs), tram, merry-go-rounds (2), log ride, and kids coaster. For $20/hour, you can rent a "Rydable," which is an animal figured power chair type thing, but it is limited in several areas. For $20, you can also rent a wheelchair. Most of the park walkways are graveled, making it dusty and challenging depending on your shoe selection. This also affects accessibility for wheelchairs, the disabled, and strollers, so be warned. Food and drink items are moderately priced, but not all food venues were open. Not all rides and exhibit buildings were open during our visit either. If you're a "zoo person," you'll like this one, but I wouldn't say it was one of my favorites due to the physical size and effort it took to see everything. I could see cost being an issue for families too.
Duane Humlicek — Google review
Loved this zoo! The only thing I didn't like was that they had so many birds! I like to see more animals, not birds, but that's just my opinion. The aquarium was awesome too! My favorites were the giraffes (you can feed them too- only 50 cents!!) And the 2 baby monkeys!! Oh so adorable!! Wish they had more baby animals in the nursery. They also have a few rides to go on, I recommend going on a couple of them (to rest! As there is a lot of walking involved).
Susan Christofferson — Google review
This is a really cool zoo. I really enjoyed the feed the Lori experience and the sea lion experience. Both were included in admission and the animals seemed very well cared for. The only reason I'm taking off one star is because some of the animal habitats were pretty small and sad while others were really great. But we did have a great day.
Samantha Packer — Google review
It's my favorite zoo in AZ. I've been coming to this zoo since I was a kid. Now I'm taking my kids to enjoy this amazing place. The zoo has added more rides and new exhibits. The aquarium is awesome. People get to touch the stingrays and starfish. They have scooters for the people who don't want to walk, wheelchairs and strollers for rent. They have a couple of food courts around the property and Dillon's restaurant. The zoo also has a huge playground for the kids to enjoy.
We bought the yearly membership pass, and we will be visiting more often.
Pony_Girl_5.0 — Google review
So much fun! A couple of us mommies had a girl's day with our daughters. My favorites were the sea lion show where we can feed the sea lions and take photos. My other favorite were the squirrel monkeys.
The lions were very vocal and I personally think their habitat was small, hopefully it led out to a larger area that I could not see.
Didi Allen — Google review
This zoo is awesome for the desert climate. There are a ton of shade trees, and more exhibits than we could take in during one visit. I was lucky enough to win 2 adult tickets on Real Country Radio, so we only had to pay for my boyfriend's son. It's a little pricey, but so is everything these days. It was well worth it! Will enjoy going back to see the rest!
The photo is a snake aquarium, I loved the mirror effect at the top of the water. At first I thought it was some kind of anomaly like a siamese twin snake 🤔🤣🤣
karen swanson — Google review
Highly recommend you purchase your tickets on Groupon! Bought my tickets for $35.99 each adult. They charge $48 at the door, so we saved big with 4 adults! We spent about 6 hours at the park today and had a blast! My mother in law and sister in law have never been to a zoo so this was their first time. They loved it! To start, we went through the amazing bird section they have, oh and monkeys. Jumped on the zip line ride for $10 a person and it’s a two person ride. We went to the Free Sea Lion presentation which was pretty cool to see the relationship the sea lions have with the trainer here. We then jumped on the Sky Ride which was $6 per person and was about a 20 minute ride. Very MUCH WORTH IT!! We went over a bunch of different animals including Giraffes, Kangaroos, Camels, Ducks, Turtles, and Warthogs to name a few. We fed snacks to the Giraffes!! So much to do here and such a great way to spend a day with your loved ones.
Jose Ren — Google review
4.5
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4.0
(991)
16501 W Northern Ave, Litchfield Park, AZ 85340, USA
The Musical Instrument Museum is the world's only global musical instrument museum, displaying more than 15,000 pieces of music-related equipment from around the world. Highlights include a range of displays for iconic musicians such as Elvis Presley, John Lennon and Carlos Santana. The museum is located just twenty minutes drive north of the city center.
Amazing! If your wondering if you should visit, the answer is yes! What a great museum! Clean, bright, well laid out, easy to follow. You will get a clean pair of headphones that play all the video clips showing on the screens in each display. We spent 4.5 hours here, our kids enjoyed it too. Their favorite was the Experience Room where you can play a variety of instruments. We also were lucky enough that we caught an impromptu concert in the patio by the Navy Southwest Brass Band. The museum was packed, but never felt crowed. Other then a few annoying people shouting conversations out loud, it was a great overall experience. Staff were all super kind and friendly.
Great value!
klmullet — Google review
What a pleasant surprise for me and my family. I visited MIM during Teacher Aappreciation week and enjoyed free admission and a gift catalog which was of very good quality. We were an all-adult group of 4 and we had a blast! The exhibits were organized by region, and we walked around the world learning about music and history. Some exhibits were interactive videos with audio headsets. We did the self-guided tour. A lot of walking, but there were plenty of seats to take a break. The experience room was a unique place where visitors can try playing all kinds of instruments. The museum restaurant, Cafe Allegro, did not disappoint. We all purchased some unique items in the gift shop. Give yourself plenty of time. Our group spent 5 hours there !
Shonii DiFrancesco — Google review
Really can’t say enough about this place. I’m not even a Musical person, but I was just blown away by this museum. Way larger than I expected, with absolutely beautiful grounds that can be enjoyed when the weather finally breaks! Not only will you see a vast variety of instruments, But also outfits and costumes worn by stars. So many historical instruments, beautifully arranged by region, as well as by instrument type. If I, as a non-musical person loved it, I cannot imagine how much a musical person will enjoy this place.
KATHRYN A — Google review
Fascinating. Several hours was not enough. Cafeteria has great food. Outside patio eating area was beautiful. Will go again but do in reverse order as so much info in American area alone.
Peter Wildes — Google review
We had fun with our infant. They have headphones and an exploration and play place for little ones. A great time for the whole family. Just wonderful. Worth buying the membership as you will want to come back over and over if you are a resident. And the restaurant is quite good and affordable.
K M — Google review
Very cool visit. First off though…this is a big museum. If you want to see and read and interact with it all..leave yourself at least two days. If you can navigate topically through it, a full single day.
Well presented, good use of technology with their headsets. Hands on space for kids. Good was museum pricing, but really good and good quantities. Will be back for sure just to finish it!
Nick Kottelenberg — Google review
Wow! Had such a fantastic time here. There are instruments from all over the world grouped by country or genre. You get audio devices that let you listen to the music from each section as you pass along. There’s a room of interactive instruments at the end by the cafe. The museum is well curated and organized. Definitely recommend to anyone visiting Phoenix.
Raymond Luong — Google review
This is a wonderful experience for ALL ages!!! The Experience Exhibit is a fantastic room where children and adults can play with many of the instruments seen throughout the museum. Highly recommend stopping if you're looking for an, at your own pace, adventure. Almost all of the exhibits provide attendees the ability to listen to and see the instruments being played in their natural environment. For listening, the museum provides the wireless receiver and wired headset. We spent almost three hours here!!!
jp huff — Google review
This is a wonderful place, not just for musical instruments, but also history and geography and cultures from around the world.
Each country display has a map where the country is located, and instruments (and costume /dress) used in that location. The headphones will link to the videos playing on that display screen, which show a few clips of the music in that region, using the instruments you see on display.
There are also displays of musical instrument manufacturers, and displays of each kind of instrument.
There is a coffee shop and an outdoor area where there was a live performance that day. The outdoor area is gorgeous, with covered tables, shaded trees areas, water features and landscaping.
You are not permitted to carry water or any food or drink through the museum. I had to check my water bottle at the front.
Everyone working was very kind, friendly, and helpful! One lady told me that they have live performances most nights of the week.
It is more affordable to buy the membership if you plan on going more than once - which would be great to see more! There is so much here, I had to miss areas since I was only there for 2.5 hours.
Overall wonderful place with a wonderful atmosphere!
Kathryn Friedlund — Google review
This is one of the best museums that we've visited! Visitors get a headset that pairs with videos at each display. We spent 4 hours on the main floor, and there was still more to see! They have a big room with hands-on instruments for exploration and experimentation as well as a cafe and a restoration viewing area on the main floor. The upstairs features the history of music and instruments from every continent. It was definitely worth the$20 admission.
Lisa Moll — Google review
What a fantastic museum!! Really loved going through each exhibit but I wished we had more time in okie schedule to see everything. There were free tours that happen every other hour, which is great, but they breeze through everything. My husband and I eventually broke away from the group so that we could take our time and look at everything. We’ll be back!!!
Mikhaela Padilla — Google review
Considering that the museum is of musical instruments, it is larger than I expected it to be. Very immaculately curated with instruments from every corner of the world.
The geographic arrangement along with a proximity enabled audio tour is well orchestrated. As soon as you arrive at a display your audio tour connects to the correct audio allowing you to hear the instrument being displayed. Fading as you walk away only to connect to the next display. Very well done!
One could spend a full day easily. We did.
A must see if you are visiting Scottsdale.
Indra Singhal — Google review
There is so much to see here! The audio box with headphones provides a guided tour with a lot of information. There is a room with many instruments that can be played and touched, but the museum overall isn't ideal for young children. Recommended for anyone interested in musical instruments and history. Very large collection from all over the world.
Heidi O — Google review
If you like music, history, cultures around the world this is a great place to visit. I especially enjoyed seeing instruments and hearing music from places my ancestors came from. There is also a section with instruments, costumes, etc. of famous artists. There is a room where you can play instruments as well. Nice cafe with delicious food. ALL the people working there were very pleasant and incredibly helpful and informative. So glad I went!
Nancy Shade — Google review
What a wonderful place! The exhibits are so beautifully arranged. I was nervous about coming with my 6 year old, but especially my 3 year old. The staff was so understanding and patient! We spent most of our time in the experience gallery. There are so many instruments from all around the world for everyone to try playing! It was amazing!
Valerie Ritchie — Google review
Amazing, amazing, amazing. And sensational.
Hundreds of years of history in a single building. Free parking. $20 per person to go and see music history over the past 1000 years and by continent.
Truly inspiring and worth the drive to north Scottsdale. Make sure to spend at least a few hours there to really experience this place. Great food, too!
The special exhibit was not worth it but the cost was very low so no regrets. But I do recommend you avoid the upsell
Jonathan Lee — Google review
Incredible collection of musical instruments from around the world with detailed history. The headphones and audio box provided added immensely to the experience. As you walk through from display to display it automatically plays the sound and music from that display. We ended up spending about three hours here and didn’t fully experience everything. Huge collection of modern day instruments and artifacts like Johnny Cash’s suit and guitar and Taylor Swift clothing. Plus massive areas on the second floor from regions and countries throughout the world with traditional music. Amazing place that we’re already planning our next visit to see more of.
Bill G — Google review
An absolutely incredible museum. They have the largest collection of musical instruments in the WORLD!!! The exhibits are all done beautifully and the headphones that you wear that automatically connect to each exhibit while walking around enables you to hear the most beautiful sounds. Great place to spend a few hours and get lost. I highly recommend!
Scott Gale — Google review
The musical instrument museum was well organized and thoughtfully laid out it included a variety of instruments from every and any country you could think of! We were there 2 hours but you could easily spend 3 hours there. We were directed to start with the Asian and African exhibits progressing to Europe and the United States. I would have liked to spend more time in the European and United States exhibits. Next time I will start there first. Highly recommend going here.
Gina Tasy — Google review
Went after accomplishing a hike which was a nice way to unwind. There were so many fascinating pieces of history to learn and see. I really liked that they automatically give you a headset to listen as you move through the exhibits. Very well laid out and fun to see all the similarities across cultures.
Savannah Baker — Google review
Don't try and listen to every display, work your way through the whole museum and circle back for displays you are especially interested in. Pace yourself it's huge.
Also I would buy the add-on, they are pretty much covered in the main Museum.
Scott Shepherd — Google review
If you have the time and are interested in music, you need to see this place.
The museum is very large and they have a huge collection of musical instruments from around the world.
They cover every continent and country and culture regarding instruments used. They also have snippets of the music from every area. We spent 3 hours here and could have spent more time if permitted.
Highly recommend.
Steven Page — Google review
This is one of my favorite museums ever. It displays a very extensive collection of musical instruments, separated by country and, in a few cases (say, huge countries like China and India), by regions within the country. You get an audio device that automatically tuned in to a given TV set for that country/region. Each TV loops through a few (3 to 5) short videos showcasing the instruments in the display area. Very effective in giving you an idea of how that the musical heritage of that area is all about. Highly recommended when in Phoenix. Make reservations for a specific entry time.
Alex Zepka — Google review
As amazing as a museum can get! The Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix was so much fun. I had no idea what to expect upon entering the museum, but my expectations were exceeded. You're given a headset that automatically connects to the sounds within each exhibit - mind blown. It's such a simple thing but it's very effective. The global, what I'll call "world tour", exhibits on the second floor of instruments from all over the world was so cool. Little did I know that these many instruments existed!
This museum isn't just for music lovers though, it's perfect for art lovers as well. The craftsmanship, art, and painting on some of these instruments will literally take your breath away. The ingenuity of people from the past, and hearing the sounds that they once heard was surreal and really touching. My favorite items were the collection of music boxes on the first floor; they were delightful.
I highly recommend visiting this museum! I wish I had more time to explore, so definitely set aside a few hours to take your time and be present with all the sounds and sights.
Side-notes: I did not reserve tickets in advance, and was able to purchase tickets the day that I visited which was on Saturday. There is a parking lot that is quite large.
Jasmine Singh — Google review
Magnificent Museum! Not only do you see these amazing instruments from around the world, but there are videos showing the people who played them. There are ten thousand instruments. It would take something like fourteen hours to listen to all the videos. There is so much to see! The cafe has wonderful food. I can't say enough.Great things about this place.
Melinda Layton — Google review
This was our favorite attraction on our trip to Scottsdale! It’s only a half hour away in Phoenix and a must see for a music lover! They have an extensive collection of instruments from all over the world and from famous music composers and musicians. It’s a guided audio tour so you can listen to the music and sounds of the instruments and various cultures while you watch the monitors. It was such a fun learning experience. They have some instruments downstairs for you to try to play and helpful guides throughout. We were there for 3 hours and felt like we could have stayed longer to finish it all. One guide told us the whole tour is 6 hours. Well worth the price! There’s also regular concerts held in their music hall. We weren’t able to see one the week we were in town but next time we come I’d check their schedule for that experience. They also have exhibits that change like the acoustics feature now. We had such a great time here we would definitely come back again
Allison Johnson — Google review
This is a great musical instrument with music from around the world. It is a bit overwhelming. I would suggest seeing a few places around the globe, taking a break, and jumping back in.
What do they have? Free parking, picnic area, restaurant, gift shop, multiple rooms where you can listen to music, read the posts, and look at the instruments from all over the world and different time periods. From African ancient music to Price and Elvis. There is a room to play a variety of musical instruments and you can even ring a big Gong!
We got a bonus as a worker at the gift shop, who taught us how to use the sounding bell thing (already forgot the name, but they use it in yoga today).
I would 100% recommend buying tickets in advance.
There were many kids' tours going through (not MIM lead), literally, only one adult leading the tour was extremely loud. We avoided him, which made it more enjoyable.
Check it, listen to some music, learn some history, enjoy life.
Rob Wilson — Google review
This place is an absolute treasure. A must see for musicians and music lovers of all ages. Beautiful well curated collection. Grab a set of earphones to listen as you browse for an immersive experience that is top notch! A great venue for events as well, with amazing in house catering. The space is simply beautiful. The location could not be more convenient- just 1 minute from the freeway. The Phoenix valley is lucky to have the MIM.
Montezuma Castle National Monument is a well-preserved collection of cliff dwelling ruins that were built by the Sinagua people during the 12th century. The site offers a short, paved loop path that passes interesting plaques and beautiful sycamore trees, providing plenty of shaded benches for visitors to relax on. The informative plaques share knowledge about medicinal plants and include a diorama of the interior of the "castle". The national monument also boasts a good gift shop.
It's a relatively short , paved path loop which passes by the historic hillside interesting plaques. Beautiful sycamore trees! Plenty of shaded benches. Lots of informative plaques, including the medicinal benefits of many plants. Good diorama of the interior of the "castle". Pleasantly surprised at all that was there. Good gift shop!
Darlene K — Google review
Great staff, awesome visitor center with information on the site and gift shop. The walk from the center to the monument is so easy and quick any age can do it, and did. Toddlers were there, elders were there. Loved it. So beautiful and worth it to see in person.
Monique Renee — Google review
Nice and tranquil site. Trail is explained as 1/3 of a mile and it is but you can see the pueblo almost immediately on the trail and then again from many points later. Was relatively busy even at 10am had to wait in a short line for our tickets. Luckily we came on a day where there was an indigenous heritage celebration happening so there were lots of extra tables with information to learn and art to buy. Ranger said these occur every once in a while so I would look into when it's happening to see if it can line up with your visit!
Alexandra Karla — Google review
Another interesting and well-maintained National Monument. We visited on a Saturday in March. Crowds were light and it was easy to view the exhibits and interact with the displays. Informative guides and docents along the trail as well as in the gift shop. An amazing look into the ancient community and indigenous cultures. Definitely worth the trip.
Grove Ayers — Google review
I loved this national monument. Well maintained. The visitor center is a bit too small but it's pretty good. The trail to the monument was easy and well maintained. There was enough parking when I visited this place, it was a Friday afternoon. I would love to visit this place again!
Saba Farooqui — Google review
The park is easy to find. Tickets to Montezuma and Tuzigoot can get you entrance into the other park. Be sure to dress appropriately if you are visiting in the summer. On the day we visited it was 104°. The trail is paved. The Monument is awesome and well preserved. The story of Montezuma is another chapter in the ancient settlements of the Verde Valley and Red Rock region.
Larry Henry — Google review
It is very valuable to have places like this conserved. Allows us and our next generations to see just how our native people lived and what the land looked like in those years. Great loop that tells the story and the visitor center has ALOT more exhibits to see. Well worth the visit
Carlos Osornio — Google review
Really great monument to visit and spend some time in. Wish we could have spent more time but a thunderstorm was beginning to roll in. There’s a couple spots where you can stop and sit and enjoy the sights. Absolutely amazing to see this dwelling standing in the cliffside.
David B — Google review
Very pretty ruins!! There is a small gift shop right before you enter that has facts about the area and a small museum of sorts. The entrance fee is 10 dollars per person and pets are allowed also. Not a long distance to walk and there is lots of shade on the short trail.
Eric Locklear — Google review
For a Monday, in mid-October there was a constant line to pay $10 per person to the ranger in the afternoon. Pleasant mostly shaded walk to see the cliff dwellings. There was water flowing in Beaver Creek. Gift store is well stocked. Dogs on leash are allowed on the trail.
Diane F — Google review
Seeing a cliff dwelling has been in my checklist so I was excited to see this option on our drive between Sedona and Phoenix. Parking is limited, but just be patient a spot will open. There's a small museum and gift shop, be sure to get your vinyl water bottle decal. It's just a short walk down the path before you get a glimpse of the amazing cliff dwelling. Be sure to continue your walk to see other sites in and around the cliff side. Bathrooms and a water filling station can also be found here.
Sylvia Davidson — Google review
We really enjoyed our visit to this site because it's amazing to see how the Native American people used to build their homes on the southern side of the cliffs. Visitors cannot walk up to the sites, but its amazing enough as you walk the 3/4 trail to see it.
The rangers that work this area are extremely nice, and there are ranger docents stationed at different places to help visitors and relay information about the area and the dwellings.
The Sycamore Trees are absolutely beautiful and well cared for, as is the sidewalk and grounds. This location is well visited every day, so make sure you arrive early to get your parking spot.
Dogs are allowed on the paved trail only, and they even hand you a "Bark Ranger" flyer for your dog. :-)
I highly recommend a visit here if you're in the area. If you do, I also recommend a visit to Montezuma Well and V-V Heritage Site.
Janet S — Google review
Such an amazing place to visit, especially if you happen to catch a ranger. I asked a genealogy question, as I have recently discovered that our family has a significant percentage of "indigenous American" DNA, and he was able to direct me towards further research. It's exciting to know that these early cultures are being preserved.
Monica Kennedy — Google review
Don’t miss it, very cool. Super easy access to the hillside dwellings.
Beautiful trees! Lots of shade too.
Nice paved walk. Great for strollers, wheelchairs or people who don’t want to hike.
Brad and Cheri — Google review
Easily accessible, very well kept up, knowledgeable and friendly staff and volunteers. Nice fairly short walk to get a clear view of the upper "castle", a little further to see the lower dwellings. Lots of informative signs and demonstrative diagrams. In the store is a beautiful display of timeliness, art, relics, and additional information.
Plenty of parking, shade trees, places to sit and take it all in.
Maria C — Google review
What an amazing place! They stopped letting people into the castle back in the 50s but they have a replica of the inside. The castle we see is the second one. The remains of the first one is just past this location. It's a short paved trail. Definitely recommend stopping by this monument.
Happy Wandering — Google review
tickets in advance in order to save time. The location has a gift and informational building to walk through to get to the cliff dwelling which was awesome, informative and a delightful shopping experience. You basically do a self tour, although there was a ranger giving a tour to a large group of seniors, and we got to listen in. The castle to me is so incredible and leaves you with more questions than answers. You can not go up to the ruins so the structure does not get abused, which was fine with me. You can clearly see it from almost anywhere in the park. It had recently rained, so we got to see a full Oak Creek flowing by at the other side of the park. My wife and I visited on the Vernal Equinox in March of 2024, which was very moving. We found a park bench to rest and meditate foe awhile, and no one cared or bothers us. Beautiful sacred space and well taken care of. I definitely had the feeling that I was the immigrant and these amazing indigenous people who built this and lived here so long ago were still present in a spiritual way to welcome us there. Was a highlight of our vacation to Sedona and for only a $10 ticket, I would definitely visit and soak in again.
Kevin Foresman — Google review
Visit both the Castle and the Well (with pit house), an 11 mile drive apart. But don't follow Google Maps down the dirt road! Follow the highway signage instead. Neither site replaces the other, and the story you learn is more complete by visiting both. Awestruck by the engineering and the story of community and migrations.
Mimi Snook — Google review
We arrived with about 7 minutes left until they closed the park. It would be years until we could make it back around to see it. They never pressured us on time, but we kept up the pace to get at least one good family picture, which they helped with! The park staff was amazing, I do understand that latecomers can be a nuisance, but they were so kind to us. Beautiful place, next time we will plan our day to see more of it!
Dylan Wilson — Google review
This is one of the places I was able to mark off of my bucket list! So cool to just walk up and see the cliff dwellings. Very interesting history and lots of information along the way. There is a $10 charge but it's worth it to see a National Monument.
Tricia Duff — Google review
I've been meaning to visit Montezuma for years. I'm not sure why I didn’t. This is one of the most accessible ruins I've visited so far.
The park staff was friendly and knowledgeable. Beautiful grounds, and the weather in February was perfect!
Wayne Jackson — Google review
Get here early. Parking fills fast. Was lots of people, but once you get through the pay line, there is loads of room. You should bring water and wear comfortable shoes. You just stand in wonder at this structure.
Randa Hulett — Google review
Always a great place to watch the seasons change or to take family when they come to town. Decent size parking lot with space for smaller rvs/vans. The bathrooms are on the outside at the beginning of the building next to the parking lot before you pay to enter making it great for arrival and departing stops. The fee is $10 a person or is you have the national park pass it’s included. After passing the bathrooms you enter the gift shop and pay your entrance at the desk. There is an educational area along with the gift shop. Pass through the other doors and follow the looping path down to the castle. Some days they even have interpretive tours by the ranger but if you don’t catch one of those there are interpretative signs and even a diorama about the way of life all along the trail.
The trail is paved and moderately flat making it accessible to almost anyone.
Make sure to not climb on any of the monument or damage the trees.
Leave no trace
T Daniel (PNW Queer Hippie) — Google review
Beautiful trip. I was especially glad to see they were not allowing visitors close to the attraction to preserve the site. A very nice man gave a wonderful description of the exhibit.
Located in Prescott, Watson Lake is a picturesque body of water with dark blue waters and impressive granite rock formations. There are many outdoor activities available for visitors to enjoy, such as fishing, kayaking, canoeing, rock climbing, hiking, and camping.
This was a very beautiful lake. You cannot swim however due to high levels of mercury in the water. There is a nice hike that you can do around the lake, it can get quite rugged at times, and you will have to climb over a few boulders along the way, but it is a fun and challenging hike! The rock formations around the lake are spectacular, and make the lake quite unique. You can kayak in the lake and enjoy the view. The lake is held up by a dam on the north side of the lake. If you happen to be in the area, I recommend checking this place out. It is a nice place to get views, and a wonderful place for a quick hike. This place is great for everyone! And it only costs around $3 to get in when we went there!
Luke D — Google review
Beautiful lake with a hiking trail. I am lucky to come here in winter so there is reflection of both ice and rock.
T?n Tr? Nguy?n — Google review
Great Lake and Park outside of Prescott, AZ. Great trails that run the perimeter of the lake. Great views on the trail. Peaceful no wake lake. Perfect spot to kayak. The surrounding park has picnic areas, playgrounds and open fields to play. Clean bathrooms. A well maintained park. $3 for day visit.
P C — Google review
Hi y'all, Watson lake park is the best place to go to experience the lake from a kayak or conoes perspective. You can rent kayaks right on the shoreline there Absolutely awesome!
This particular review is regarding the scenic overlook parking area approximately a 1/2 mile north of Prescott lakes parkway on highway 89.
From this area you're able to walk to the kayak rental area and access the Peavine trail without having to pay the 3 dollar entrance fee.
But the main draw for me is the photo opportunities that are possible without ever having to leave your car.
But the conditions have to be just right. The following photos I took were on a rainy day in February.
It seems like the sun bouncing off the clouds on to the Dells lining Watson lake at sunset produces this affect.
If you're into that try to time your trip when it's more likely to be cloudy in the area...of if you want to save a few bucks; well there you go.
Jim (JIMMY MACk) — Google review
We recently visited Watson Lake on our way home and I must say, it was a fantastic experience. The lake was beautiful, the rock formations were brilliant, and we had a great time paddle boarding. We will definitely be visiting again.
As soon as we arrived at Watson Lake, we were struck by its beauty. The lake was crystal clear and surrounded by stunning rock formations. It was the perfect spot for a day of paddle boarding.
We had a great time exploring the lake on our paddle boards. The water was calm and the scenery was breathtaking. The rock formations were particularly impressive, with towering cliffs and unique shapes. We enjoyed paddling around and taking in the views.
But the beauty of the lake and the rock formations wasn't the only highlight of our visit. We also appreciated the convenience of the facilities at Watson Lake. There was plenty of parking and the rental process was easy. The staff were friendly and helpful, and made sure we had everything we needed for a great day on the water.
Overall, I am extremely impressed with Watson Lake and will definitely be returning for more paddling adventures in the future. If you're a fan of paddle boarding or just want to enjoy the beauty of nature, I highly recommend giving Watson Lake a try. It's sure to become one of your new favorites!
Anna Thundergun — Google review
We had 25 of us kayaking and paddle boarding. The lake is a good size. There's a bunch of trees at one end and a couple of big random shade trees. Easy in & out from North or south end and a couple of ramadas around to stop for a break as well.
Tony Brock — Google review
Beautiful place to spend some time relaxing. You can rent a kayak and go kayaking in the lake just no swimming. View from up top was beautiful and the place was not that crowded. Best time to visit the lake is early morning or later in the evening. There is an entry fee for day time entry and for overnight camping. There is a designated area for the camping and recreational activities. Plenty of parking so no issue there. Hike around the lake is easy to moderate (depending on the hikers capacity) but a perfectly tracked way with easy walk.
So, Enjoy !!!
Dinesh — Google review
Absolutely stunning. Cannot swim in water due to high mercury I believe but enjoyed walking around and taking in the view. You can also see a decent amount of different birds.
Barbara d'Estaintot — Google review
A beautiful, short hike close to downtown! The rocks surrounding the lake are breath-taking. I started from the North shore, near the boat ramp and went clockwise. Instead of planning this ahead of time like I normally do, I decided to just wing it and go as far as I had time for and turned around whenever I needed to.
The hike is somewhat technical, there are parts where you have to climb up a little. I highly recommend wearing a good pair of grippy trail/hiking shoes to help you get better hold on the rocks. What's great about the trails here are they are marked with white dots, so as long as you're following the white dots, you won't stray off the trails and get yourself lost (even though you might veer off to a different trail).
In about a mile in or so, you'd come across a man-made little waterfall!
Entrance/parking is $3 for an all-day pass. Check the website for hours because hours vary depending on season.
Alex Sutedja — Google review
Always a favorite in our family. Our kids are ages 4, 8 and 10 and they've been coming here since they were toddlers.
Fee is $3.
Bring mosquito repellent in the summer months.
Kayak and paddle boat rentals are available.
Small playground available.
Jacqueline S. — Google review
Great place for a hike! We weren’t quite sure where to get on the trail but we did find an entry point near the boat/kayak launch.
Tom & Jennifer Roth — Google review
Beautiful man made lake. The rock formations with the surrounding water makes for some beautiful views and photography. Lots of nooks and crannies to explore, some nice fun trails. There’s also some picnic areas and nice clean bathrooms. I also saw they have a frisbee golf course. Only $2 to get into the park, which is a great deal. I’d highly recommend for fishing, hiking, kayaking (they have rentals onsite) picnics, family gatherings, etc. I also saw a kids playground. Great place to check out if you’re in Prescott!
Ashley Fountain — Google review
The water I. The lake is filthy but the natural view of the lake is amazing. Never been to a lake surrounded by rocks. The recreational area is also very nice and comfortable. Such a good place to enjoy hiking in a beautiful day!
Case Hill — Google review
This lake and the surroundings are gorgeous, unique, and offer lots of activities. There are several hiking trails around and among the rocks. Just follow the white dots painted on the rocks along the trails. The view is spectacular. There are kayak rentals available, small sailboats, or you can bring your own. The entrance fee is $3 per car. There is a small playground for kids, benches all around the lake, and a grassy area to bring your blanket and have a picnic on. It's definitely one of my favorite spots in Arizona. Don't miss it if you're in the Prescott area.
Suzy — Google review
Watson lake is a beautiful spot. Easy access, great park. Great hiking. Lots of parking
Micah Buennagel — Google review
A favorite for the beautiful lake views and scenery with diverse hiking trails (that aren't just dirt paths) and even waterfalls!
Hike around the lake down to the other side of the dam took about an hour on the Watson Lake and Flume Trail.
Trail includes areas which require some minor climbing.
Large open green in park area provides perfect opportunity for field games.
There is also a playground and restrooms as well as gazebos and picnic tables scattered about park.
As others mentioned - entry is free on Wednesdays, otherwise $6/ vehicle.
Only negative comment is that the stench coming off the lake, while at water level and down wind, was not pleasant, but odor was no longer detectable once climbing.
Michelle Rutledge — Google review
I love the sceneries in this area.
We went there just before the sunset and it was beautiful 😍
It’s early September here and I love the weather.
- Clean restroom 🚻
-Enough parking 🅿️
-Paddle boats 🛶
-Sanctuary of birds 🦢
-Perfect for photography 📷
- Not so crowded
-Perfect for family picnic
Aziza Nahar — Google review
Beautiful area with great scrambling trails. There wasn’t a cloud in the sky but we got caught in a thunderstorm at the dam. There is nowhere to take shelter so we got soaked but there were cool waterfalls that emerged from everywhere.
AZ-179, also known as the Red Rock Scenic Byway, is a breathtaking drive that winds through Arizona's stunning red rock country. The 7.5-mile stretch offers panoramic views of the iconic red rock formations and lush greenery of Oak Creek Canyon. Travelers can stop at numerous vista points to take in the awe-inspiring scenery and capture memorable photos. The byway is also lined with hiking trails for those looking to explore the natural beauty up close.
Bell Rock is a famous butte with a round-trip hiking trail spanning 3.5 miles, showcasing upland desert scenery. It is well-known for its bell-like shape and offers picturesque views during sunset. The Sedona area also boasts of other popular hikes such as the West Fork Trail in Oak Creek Canyon and the Airport Mesa Trail which offers stunning views, especially in the afternoon. Another favorite among hikers is a scrambling trail that offers pretty views but requires an early start to avoid crowds.
My favorite hike in the Sedona area. Really more of a scramble but such pretty views and fun scrambling. Need to be at the trailhead before 8 to have a shot.
Andrew Barch — Google review
One of the most picturesque places you'll ever visit. It's an easy hike, but even if you take the difficult paths, you won't feel it because of how much more beautiful each extra step makes the place look
Branko Miskovic — Google review
First. Don’t try to park at the trailhead, park at yavapi parking lot across the street.
There are only about 25 or so spots at the trailhead.
This is an easy hike and you can sit for hours on this vortex filled rock. Incredible.
We walked on the trail around the entire area, about 5 miles. The loop walk is a must.
Jon Webb — Google review
Dreamy place for beginners to hike.
Red rocks always look so unique.
Great place to enjoy the sunset.
The vegetation are so “ desert”.
xun wang — Google review
Went for a sunrise hike, it was incredible. Although it's mostly flat and rocky, there are some more moderate sections of the trail, and I was glad to have a trekking pole for these.
Carolyn R — Google review
Amazing! Went there yesterday, very cold windy day and enjoyed every minute. First time here and did not disappoint. Parked in the South parking lot and went on the 'Bell Rock Path' to do the climb. My suggestion is (if you plan the same and it's your first time there) to not stop at the first signage you come across. Continue past the first signage on the Bell Rock Path trail, not much further, and you'll come up to a better route of going up. Way easier and actually has trail signs the whole way to follow. Showed a picture of the sign you're looking for. As stated, came from the South parking area and my first time here... spectacular!
Gretchen Gillette — Google review
I really enjoyed this place, because you can climb the rocks almost anywhere, so it was fun.
David Hor?k — Google review
Such a nice place, i liked the front view more. The rock beside the bell rock is pretty too.
Tonni Das Jui — Google review
You can climb Bell rock while feeling the Voltex. Climbing shoes that give you good grip will make the climb easier. I was scared at the lower levels, but the higher I went, the easier it became. And I realized the importance of climbing shoes. The views are breathtaking, the place is phenomenal and fantastic.
In the parking lot, unless you come early in the morning, you have to wait until someone leaves there. I waited about 20 minutes.
Kate “Clover” K — Google review
The first of our red rock experience and we had a great time. The hike is easy up with some rock scrambling up, but very doable. Parking can be tricky…. Small lot, but after a few minutes a spot opened up. We spent about 90 minutes here and enjoyed the views.
RidesnVibes_ — Google review
Beautiful hike in the morning. This is an easy hike and suitable for kids and dogs. I took a 10 min walk from Bell Rock Inn to the trailhead and didn’t need to pay for the $5 parking fee. The paths are somewhat marked but a bit confusing. I ended up checking from Google maps where I was and where the trail was. There were trails for bikers so maybe those were marked for them. If I had had more time I would have done the Courthouse Loop trail. Instead I turned back after 1.5 miles.
Tiina — Google review
Short hike. Around 0.8 mile, but it can be dangerous if you slip . $5 for a-day pass or $15 for a-week pass
Jenny — Google review
Amazing and easy hiking, you can feel the vortex energy in the area. Mother Nature can be felt at the base of this beautiful butte. 🌄
Juan Pablo Urdaneta Quiñones — Google review
God did a great job on the natural beauty of this place. The trails are easy to walk on. If you are brave, you can climb up the rock up to the point that it goes straight up vertical, then you will need climbing gear and good skills.
Fred Birkett — Google review
Bell Rock is a popular natural landmark in Sedona that is definitely worth a visit. The stunning red rock formation is an iconic symbol of Sedona and is believed to have spiritual significance for many people. The trail leading up to Bell Rock is a moderately easy hike that offers breathtaking views of the stunning desert landscape. Visitors can take a leisurely hike or scramble up the rocks to reach the top of the formation, where they can appreciate the panoramic views of the surrounding area. Bell Rock is a must-see attraction that offers an unforgettable experience and is perfect for travelers seeking an adventure or a stunning backdrop to capture memorable photographs.
Old Town Cottonwood is a charming shopping district in Arizona with historic art galleries, shops, and cafes. Unlike other downtown areas that feel lifeless, Old Town Cottonwood has a lively atmosphere and is known for its wine-centric focus. The town offers a variety of coffee shops, bars, gift shops, and restaurants that cater to all interests. Additionally, the city hall's Christmas light display set to music reflects the amazing energy flowing through this small town.
They have done it right. Easy to walk around. Many different shops and restaurants and clean.
stubby lee — Google review
Love the visit love that has a lot of restaurants but also has a lot of breweries and wine tasting if that's your thing. Was a little disappointed that the thrift store that I wish to go was selling lot of its merchandise to close down. But still a beautiful place to go see and look it's only 20 minutes away from Jerome and has more eatery if you are hungry and do not want to wait hours to eat at Jerome and it's just down the road
Anita Brooks — Google review
This is one of my favorite downtown areas in Arizona. It's definitely right up there with Downtown Prescott whiskey row. It's more wine-centric than Prescott I think. It's got a great liveliness to it. Doesn't feel like a downtown that's dying like Flagstaff. Cottonwood's downtown has lots of personality, great coffee shops and bars, and gifts shops, and restaurants. I got to see their Christmas light display on their city hall, and it was a bunch of amazing lights set to music. Great job this year!
Vin M — Google review
The heart of Arizona Wine Country! We love it up here. We've stayed at multiple quaint little rentals walking distance from Old Town. It's become our home away from home and would recommend it for families and wine lovers alike.
Brian DeMartino — Google review
Great little day trip from Phoenix. Lots of little shops, bars and restaurants.
Jim White — Google review
I love old Town. I grew up here. It has lots of great dining,shopping,wine tasting,hotels, there is a beautiful trail that takes you to the river. The only downside is parking and it can be very crowded. Long waits sometimes to get into the restaurants.
rhiannon madden — Google review
A great little town a really fun experience it'd be nice if more our businesses labeled if they allowed dogs inside because it's very dog friendly otherwise because of the setting and the walkability
Brett Ski — Google review
Love the laid back feel of this traditional town. People so friendly.
Catherine Shawarby — Google review
Amazing little town ... lots of antiques stores and perfect for gifts ... energy flowing is amazing ... good and hard working people make this town a must stop place on your trip!
Leyla Alicia — Google review
I actually really enjoy Old Town. It's a small strip (maybe 0.5 mile) with quite a lot of wine tasting rooms, good food spots, craft kitchens, brewery, bars, etc. Free parking, walkable. Oftentimes live music at multiple spots. My only beef is everything closes super early, many tasting rooms close by 6 or 7pm. Places open "late" usually close by 9 or 10pm. There are some real gems on the side streets to! I've always felt safe and people are usually friendly / intoxicated. Not much else to do but eat/drink but it's great for that! Best hotels in town are also on/near this little strip.
Elijah Poulos — Google review
I love the history . I have a very personal attachment to an old ice cream store called Kim’s ice cream shop I think. Love the town
Karen Rowsell — Google review
Wonderful little town. Rather surprising actually. Love the old town
Tevita Moce — Google review
There is a delicious restaurant at the very end of Old Town that makesthe best pesto chicken panini I've ever had. It's on the corner as you are exiting the very end of the strip of old town. I apologize for not knowing the name of the place. Lots of wine trading rooms in old Town too.
Sandra Thon — Google review
Is a quaint area of town with lots of neat shops and restaurants period overall, cottonwood is a great town to visit.
Christopher Sutton — Google review
Old town cottonwood a sweet travel back in time . Little shops with personality along this historic Main Street. Wine tasting from many Arizona wineries. Gift shops and galleries. Dining choice . walkable .
nicholas kirsten — Google review
It's a beautiful quaint neighborhood to walkthrough, and you can even enjoy a walk through it right before sunset to soak in a less crowded ambience while you see the people mingling in the bars and restaurants.
I would recommend parking at the Old Town Activity Park, or you can park at the Jail Trail lot. This way, you can get off-street parking. From there, there's an accessible flat concrete sidewalk that extends for about 2 blocks with shops on either side. (Just keep in mind most businesses do seem to close around 4 or 5 pm.) There's crosswalks to help cross as well and the traffic wasn't too bad when I went.
You can end your adventure at the top of Merkin Hilltop Vinery- there's a short set of stairs you can climb or a trolley ride; from there you can get a bird's-eye view of Cottonwood.
A Z — Google review
Many new places to eat, wine tasting places, shopping. Can park at one end on the street and walk the length of old town cottonwood. Parking is limited to parallel parking along the street and it's first come first serve. Really enjoyed spending the day- day trip from Phoenix.
Laurie Chavez — Google review
Super hot and windy mid June. We camped at Dead Horse Ranch State Park. Nice state park with fishing lagoons, river swimming and camping.
Tricia T — Google review
It was very homey and fun to walk around. Cute shops. Very friendly shop owners.
Michelle Spilman — Google review
First ever visit to old Cottonwood but would love to go again sometime in the future for sure ! . Had a great meal at the Belfry washed down with a pint of their home brew. We then had a walk down the high street, There's quite a few wine tasting shops selling the local vineyards produce .
Alex MAC — Google review
We got there later in the day, on a weekday, so most shops were closed. But what we saw was nice. Going down to the river last year was a great walk.
Kyle Judson — Google review
Lots of shops to visit, wine tasting, restaurants. It was a fun place to visit! I can't wait to visit again!
Tami Smith — Google review
Winery' taste testing all up and down main Street. Restaurants , bars ,music, a park for hiking down to the verde river where u can relax in the shade of Cottonwood trees , blue skies peeks through the branches. Never crowded Theres a small market , A store that sells nothing but glitter .everything was glittered and I mean everything. There's a hippie shop with all kinds of fun stuff , .sketches of Bob Marley and Gerry Garcia by local artist. There is another store w/ beautiful artwork .wWrought iron work , things made from local tree stumps, jewelry,Inlaid wood tables ,fantasy artwork . One particular artist had a dream of a dagger sketched it immediatly after waking and now he has a collection of artwork for sale.Alot of the art has a story the artist conveys to you .
Theres always live music somewhere or a good sound system in bars and on patios almost everyday.
Listen for the church bell at the Belfry Restaurant.( once a church ). When the bell rings,which can be heard all thru out the town you have 5 minutes to get in there and order a beer for 1/2 price.
Fojol Brothers bar / restaurant, food truck service and old long buses for rides in the desert w/ a D.J set up, disco lights on board or a live band will make u dance the night away on a bus .! The staff is encouraged to crazily dress up for work. This place only serve beer and wine also a food truck and healthy bar food served in this fun place. Bocce by the old stone bridge . A Big fire pit outside.good places to get together for gourmet pizza and wine.full bar. Martinis r their specialty drink,different one everyday. Price is right too. Old town Cottonwood is a fun and historic place .
Sedona and old mining town of Jerome r just a short drive away.
Blazin' M Ranch is a western-themed restaurant that offers cowboy shows, dinner theater, and chuckwagon chow. It caters to families and has cute little stores selling souvenirs. The saloon singers provide enjoyable entertainment while customers dine on delicious food, including biscuits. However, the restaurant does have family-style seating which some people may not prefer.
We had a great time! The Blazin'M Ranch was a fun night for my husband and I! All the cute little stores had fun souvenirs and we really enjoyed the saloon singers! At first my husband wasn't thrilled with the family style seating, but we met some great people and had a blast visiting! The dinner was delicious and I loved the biscuits! My husband would've too, but he can't eat gluten.
The stage show was fun and entertaining, and the Grand finale was super cool! We have already decided we will go back when we are in the area next year!!
Kelly Karnoski — Google review
We went here for a family style dinner Chuck wagon style. The ribs were excellent and the chicken was good. The beans needed a little flavor. The coleslaw was good. The mashed potatoes were seasoned well. Of course the rolls were delicious. We were able to throw some axes before dinner. The drinks were cold and made well. We watched the show after the meal which they were able to include a lot of the customers. All the staff were very friendly.
Larry Holcombe — Google review
Took my family here while visiting Sedona. I was pleasantly surprised with all the cool activities they have set up before having dinner. We did ax throwing, shot the BB gun, took an old west family photo, did a tractor ride, and rode the bull. Lots of fun. The dinner was very tasty and filling. The saloon had great drinks. The entertainment was light hearted and funny kids really enjoyed it. The ghost rider at the end was cool too. It was a great night out with the family and I would recommend it.
Kimberly Largent — Google review
Yeehaw!! My daughter (9 years) and I really enjoyed this dinner show! It brought us so much joy. Your true Western experience! The dinner was very delicious as well. And the entertainment was good clean fun for all ages. We had old time photos taken which was a great bonus! You can tell this place puts their heart into what they do. 10/10 would recommend.
Samantha Steele — Google review
Oh my goodness, we had so much fun here. The entertainment was great and the food was awesome.
We bought VIP tickets and we got a lot for the price. Would definitely tell others about this place.
Wanda Martin — Google review
Had an absolute wonderful experience. Every part of the evening was wonderful. From the staff to the activities and food . The show was unforgettable! Thank you so much for all the hard work and time put into an unforgettable evening. I will recommend you to everyone I know and we will definitely be back again .
Amanda Dodd — Google review
A fun family activity! Plan on getting there right at 5:00pm so you have plenty of time to do the activities. Would recommend 2-3 tickets person. Food is good and they can accommodate gluten free dining needs too which was needed for our family. Axe throwing was fun (although its time to replace those splintered handles) and the kids loved the bull riding experience. $77 per adult online with ticket/drink add on was a little bit high but overall a lot of fun time.
Jan Phillips — Google review
We had a great time! I rated the entire experience 5 stars but I do think there are some improvements they could make. The property is great, the activities were fun, the food was good and the show and actors were entertaining. We love our old time photo and we will cherish this memory for a long time. I definitely recommend going! A few opportunities for improvement would be: fixing all the coin operated items in the back of the toy store, having more activities for young kids, have folks that actually enjoy their job running the activities and maybe shorten the show a bit. We would have been just as happy with an extra half hour for activities and a half hour less of the show. Our almost 5 year old just couldn't hang for the entire show. However, it was a great way to spend our evening and we will go back.
Stephanie Guerra — Google review
The show was great. The staff was very friendly and helpful. The only downside was I had to sift through the platters to find a clean one and the ribs were not very good. The chicken and the rest of the dinner was amazing. Our favorite part was at the end when they did Ghost Rider.
Kristi Mitchell — Google review
What a fun time for the whole family. We recently attended a show and meal at the ranch and we had a blast. It was my mom, myself and my two daughters ages 11 and 9 and it was great fun for all ages. Be sure to get there right when the gates open to take advantage of all the activities. There was bull riding, axe throwing, tractor rides and more. The BBQ was so good. I am lactose intolerant and I was very appreciative of the extra preparation they take for those with food allergies. Great music after dinner. I would definitely recommend for those looking for a great western adventure.
Lindsey Shunkwiler — Google review
This is a tourist trap, let there be no mistake about it; however, it's still a great experience and worth the price of admission. Make sure to arrive early (5pm) so you get the benefit of shooting on the gun range, throwing axes or riding the mechanical bull. I'd suggest buying about 3 tickets per person (you'll need a ticket per event). There are also drinks you can buy at the saloon prior to dinner and a bar at dinner. I found the bartenders friendly, but not overly adept (you may need to tell them how to make an old fashioned, and the pours are somewhat stingy). The drink prices are reasonable for mixed drinks, and a little overpriced for beer. Dinner is an experience. It's okay food, but it's really the experience of eating in a metal plate and feeling like a cowboy that makes it special. After dinner, there's a surprisingly good concert out on by very talented musicians. Make sure to stay for it. Overall, this is a must attend experience.
Mister Jon — Google review
This was such a fun experience. The owners are incredibly present the entire time, especially during the show (they are the show!). The activities are fun, from BB gun shooting to old time photos (extra money but so worth it!). The show was family friendly with a mixture of classic country and a sprinkle of new age country. The best part was the band leader who played many different instruments from a saxophone to a harmonica, and of course the banjo and resonator guitar! We went for our honeymoon and they made sure to make us feel special.
Myranda Burton — Google review
Fantastic food, excellent dinner show, very cute western town and fun for the whole family. People of all ages will enjoy. We purchased a VIP package and it was worth every penny. So many activities - even on rotten 15-year-old enjoyed it very much. The entertainers -talented very very talented. Young teenagers that are working there are called " wranglers" and they were all so polite and wonderful. Make sure you stay until the very end for the surprise ending!
Jk K — Google review
I have now seen the dinner show twice. Before the show you can visit their little town/game area. We took the tractor ride and the person who operated that was kind and spoke about the area and the plans to expand. They have other things you can do while you wait for the dinner show. We felt as if the employees didn’t really care if we were there or not. They have ax throwing, bull ride, shooting game, escape room, etc. Almost all the employees are teenagers except for a few. Those who work the games and little town area also work the dinners.
Both times now we were not in a good seating area. You do not get to pick where you want to sit. The first time we went, we were by an exit door and it was a constant flow of people going in and out the the bathroom! It was packed! It was also on the side of the stage all the way to the front and you could hardly see over the piano. The second time we were on the opposite side against the wall again. People who sit across from you turn their chairs around and block most of the view. Especially if someone is wearing a hat. They pack as many people in the one big room and I don’t think they think about the view that people are trying to see. It was not pack the second time we went. When we asked if we could move so we could see better, they told us no. Do not go when it’s hot. No AC in the building. Or if it is, it did not work.
The best part of the show is at the end! I wish they would do more of that during the middle to off set what the singing plot is about. It would be nice to see some changes in what the show is. Some parts to what they are saying was hard to hear or know what was going on.
I don’t think we will be going back any time soon. They talked about changes coming, but they also talked about that last year when we went for the first time.
If you can not pick where you sit, then they should make it open seating and whoever makes it in the door first can sit wherever.
Dallas Jane Berentis — Google review
All the side games we a hoot! The food and staff were excellent! The stage act was hilarious and cute. The singing was. . Meh, okay. We had a great time. Loved that 2 married families had such a big part of this dinner show
JOANN Towler — Google review
Disappointed...I went 30 years ago and it was fantastic. This time, everything was good, BUT the show. I was looking forward to cowboy and western music to go along with the the whole theme of the evening. Instead, it was Patsy Kline and pop music, with NOT so family friendly corny banter. However, I must say the musicians were all top notch. The staff was very friendly and put a great effort into it all. For the price, the food portions were small, except the chicken. I wouldn't recommend until the show gets back to what originally was, good clean cowboy entertainment.
Christine — Google review
The food was excellent. There is lots to do outside before the show, so come when the gates open. It was cold tonight, but we kept busy, and they opened the doors early for dinner. The dinner show was so much fun. And you will not go hungry 😋
Brittney — Google review
We did the valentines day comedy show with the spouse whisper and had a really good time. Food was on par for what you expect when doing a large dinner show. Overall experience was fun, did some axe throwing, mechanical bull riding, and target shooting.
Austin Howard — Google review
Great experience. The food was really good. You can eat as much as you want. The ribs were fall of the bone good. Everything homemade. Enjoyed the show they put on after dinner. Great time was had by all. Go early to enjoy the grounds and games before dinner.
martha montague — Google review
The experience and show was amazing. We definitely enjoyed our time and had a really good time. The meal was very good.
Tracey Pal Izzi — Google review
We were pleasantly surprised how entertaining this venue was. Lots of fun activities for kids before the dinner show and a saloon for adults. The cowboy dinner was really yummy and the dinner show was very entertaining and we loved the ending! Can’t tell you what it is though! It’s a surprise!
Mary Pattee — Google review
The Blazin' M Ranch was fun!
There's plenty of free parking and it's a short drive from Sedona.
We opted for the VIP tickets which came with some fun perks including Old Timey photos, seating next to the stage, and earliest access to dinner.
The pre-dinner/show activities included many family friendly games and a small, but cute shop. The Old Timey photos were fun, though rushed.
The food was surprisingly good featuring BBQ chicken, ribs, mashed potatoes, rolls, mac & cheese, prickly pear coleslaw, and cobbler.
They invited folks to get seconds, which was nice.
The show was entertaining. My one criticism is that it did not start at the time promised (6:30PM) which meant that we had to leave before it ended (8:30PM) because we had another evening event.
I'm not sure how long the show ended up going.
I would have preferred it if they had kept to their stated timing so that we didn't have to miss the end.
Therefore, I would recommend not planning anything for afterwards.
The imposing and impressive natural sandstone butte, known as Cathedral Rock, is a popular hiking spot in Sedona. Despite being an hour drive from Jerome, it is well worth the trek to the top for a stunning view of Sedona's vortexes.
One of our first and favorite hikes in Sedona. Easy access to trailhead then a hefty hike up! One section you are using all fours to navigate so not for the faint of heart. Amazing views once at top and well worth the climb!!
Laura Copeland — Google review
Great hike, good vibes. This hike is short and steep. Getting to the top will require some easy scrambling and the use of your hands to aid you on the ascent. The views are amazing. Try to get there early. I arrived at the trailhead by 7a and wss able to find parking. I believe they close off road acces around 8-9a, forcing hikers to take the shuttle to the trailhead. Bring water and sunscreen.
Once you reach the top, "the end of the trail" take the small trail to the left for some additional amazing views.
I really enjoyed this hike.
Duke — Google review
Good:
Amazing landscape views
Great fresh, crisp air
Variety of hiking terrain
Bad:
Parking lots are horrible ($8? For parking without America The Beautiful park pass)
1 way in n out
Crowded past 830 am
Some Steep and technical terrain for novice hikers
Pro tip: if you don't make it here first thing in the morning you'll be hard pressed to find parking in the main lot (20-30 spaces) and even overflow lot (20-30) spaces after 8 am. If you're getting there after 9am... Good be with you because you'll be waiting about 20-30+ min for a parking spot. ( Unless you're the kind of person who's willing to wait and have nothing else to do but wait).
Other than the parking, waiting, and one section of the hike that is mainly smooth rock and about 60-70 degree vertical climb this place is awesome!
Happy exploring!
Rus Mo — Google review
Truly a hikers paradise. Sedona offers the best of free climbing. Cathedral Rock is a stunning must do when visiting this stunning town!
T L — Google review
My recent hike at Cathedral Rock was an exhilarating adventure that surpassed all expectations. The steep scrambles added a thrilling element to the journey, demanding both physical and mental effort, making the ascent a truly rewarding experience. The breathtaking views from the top were nothing short of awe-inspiring, offering a panoramic spectacle of nature's grandeur that made every step worthwhile. The early morning start proved to be a game-changer, allowing me to savor the serenity of the trail and relish the stunning vistas in solitude. The juxtaposition of challenging climbs and awe-inspiring scenery makes Cathedral Rock an absolute must for avid hikers seeking a perfect blend of adventure and natural beauty.
AndrewPam Taylor — Google review
Short but steep hike. Try to get there early because this one fills up quickly. Excellent views.
Ashley Weinberger — Google review
This hike is SO worth it. As a novice hiker I struggled but seeing the sunset at the top made it worth it. It was tricky getting back down after sunset after it got dark, but since this is a popular hike there’s a lot of people around. The parking lot is very small though, I had to Uber from another parking lot (and there’s no service once you’re trying to leave).
Anu Trivedi — Google review
A must-see in Sedona. Would recommend coming here shortly before sunrise, especially in the summer months. It can get busy here, so coming early will help you find parking near the trail head.
The rock formations behind the trail block out the sunlight for some time, so you can to avoid the heat.
People come hear to get a shot of themselves near a cliff, which is to the right of the end-of-trail sign. To the left of the sign, there's a path that goes into the rock wall and there are some additional views there, with a tall pillar.
Carlos E — Google review
One of the more iconic photo locations in Sedona as well as Arizona. It’s beauty never fails to amaze me. With many hiking trails that offer different perspectives, it’s one of my favorite locations for hiking, mountain biking, or simply enjoying its view at sunset or sunrise. Definitely, one of the many locations to check out in Sedona.
Alan Pelletier — Google review
This is a must visit place in sedona! Amazing views in this hike, some sections are a bit inclined but it is worth the effort. Must bring good training shoes and water, sun can be Strong even in winter. The is a shuttle bus for the parking lots.
Paulina Zapata — Google review
A fun, fantastic, and challenging hike/climb. I’ve done it many times and if I lived closer, I’d do it regularly. Exploring the rock is also fun as there are some cool nooks and crannies to find if you’re feeling adventurous.
Grande Baliad — Google review
Cathedral Rock located in Sedona Arizona, USA is a beautiful rock formation that attracts a lot of tourists to the area. The three separate complexes of rock formations are amazing with the sun rays reflecting their shadow on the land. A long trail almost encircles the two formations. To be visited if you are in the area.
Abd Elhamid Elsayed Halayeb — Google review
Sedona, Arizona, is an absolute marvel and a must-visit destination for anyone traveling through the Southwest. This enchanting town is a paradise for nature enthusiasts, outdoor adventurers, and those seeking serenity amid stunning red rock landscapes.
One of the top attractions in Sedona is its vast network of hiking trails. From the iconic Cathedral Rock and the otherworldly Devil's Bridge to the scenic Bell Rock and Slide Rock State Park, there's a trail for every level of hiker. The breathtaking vistas and unique rock formations will leave you in awe.
Now, let's talk about the Grand Canyon. Sedona is located approximately 110 miles south of the Grand Canyon's South Rim. While it's possible to visit the Grand Canyon as a day trip from Sedona, I highly recommend staying at least one night in Sedona during your visit.
Here's why:
Scenic Drive: The drive from Sedona to the Grand Canyon is incredibly scenic, taking you through Oak Creek Canyon and offering breathtaking vistas along the way. It's worth taking your time to enjoy the journey.
Relaxation: After a day of exploring the Grand Canyon, returning to the tranquil and picturesque ambiance of Sedona provides a welcome contrast. You can unwind, dine, and soak in the beauty of Sedona to cap off your day.
Stargazing: Sedona's dark skies make it an excellent place for stargazing. Consider spending an evening stargazing after your Grand Canyon adventure.
In conclusion, Sedona, AZ, is a mesmerizing destination with a wide range of activities for every traveler. Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast, an art lover, or simply seeking natural beauty, Sedona will captivate your heart. And when visiting the Grand Canyon, don't miss the opportunity to spend at least a day in Sedona to enhance your Southwestern adventure. It's an experience you won't soon forget
Irfan Azam — Google review
Absolutely spectacular - the view is amazing. However, there is some slick rock.
Traveler — Google review
Beautiful rock formations, and medium to challenging trails to get to the spot.
Elissa Lin Rathe — Google review
The roads leading to these trails were closed, so I didn't go first. But When I was driving on the same road for the second time, there was a person standing at the closed sign, so I asked how we can go to the Cathedral Rock trails. The person told us that we could go to the trail by shuttle bus. So we went to the shuttle bus place (you'll see signs of shuttle bus parking). They took us to the main trail.
When I got off the bus and went to the entrance of the trail, there was a guide who gave us good advice.
We walked trails for 3 hrs.
Hiking the Cathedral Rock Vortex in Sedona is a last memorable experience. Amazing place!
One of the most scenic places in Sedona is Cathedral Rock, but it is also one of the most challenging hikes.
Cathedral Rock is the only one of the four major vortices with “feminine” energy. I hope everyone will visit this place
The Chapel of the Holy Cross in Sedona, Arizona is a striking monument built into the side of the red rock buttes. The chapel is famous for its location atop these incredibly scenic rocks and for its incredible views of Sedonas Redrock Valley. The church is Catholic and inspired by Marguerite Brunswig Staude's love of New York City's iconic Empire State Building.
Great place to visit. If you’re religious it’s definitely a good place to practice it. The views from the Chapel are great. If you arrive before 10 am you’ll be able to enjoy it more. After this it’s very very busy. You can also go hiking directly from the parking lot. Beautiful place overall
Oliver Smith — Google review
This is a fascinating church! We parked at the bottom, in the first lot, which gave us a great view of the front of the church. There were 2 men in golf carts, giving rides to the top for tips, which were thankful for in the heat. The church itself is small, but beautiful, with amazing scenery surrounding it. I would love to return for a mass sometime. I would highly recommend this.
Lee Spoor — Google review
The chapel is wonderful. A little crowded but a lot of parking and staff with golf carts to help get people from the top to the bottom. There is a big turnaround at the end of the road so don't be afraid to drive all the way looking for a parking spot. Beautiful views of the surrounding landscape also. Definitely worth checking out.
Eric Songer — Google review
Beautiful, Catholic chapel with amazing views. It's a bit of a walk from the parking lot to the chapel, but totally worth it. They also have a surprisingly large gift shop beneath the chapel.
Mary McDarby-Rios — Google review
Spiritual place that evokes emotions as you step up to the door.
Stood in the footsteps under the gaze of Jesus. Can't explain how it felt.
The staff are wonderful, especially as they ate dealing with tourists who are just ticking the chapel off their "to visit" lists as well as those who want to experience a bit more.
The website stated to grab the first parking spot, but we found lots of empty ones further up the hill, however, we didn't mind as the climb gave us time to appreciate and photograph the surrounding mountains.
nicola stewart — Google review
Absolutely beautiful! There were a lot of people given that COVID is still an issue, so make sure to bring a mask.
There is a catholic gift shop in the church.
Might be a good idea to park outside of the entrance and walk up if you are going to hike Little Horse from here after going to see the church. especially if you are going a bit later so you don’t get locked in the gates after closing.
Adriana Covarrubias — Google review
Beautiful views surrounded by red mountains of rock.The chapel is a triumph of architecture in its simplicity and beauty building around the the perfect spots. I sense a feeling of holy and joy upon entering the church . I am not a Catholic but would still highly recommend fighting the crowds to see and experience the glory of the chapel. Outside is breath taking views filled with fresh air, i highly recommend packing extra water bottle or two and apply sun screen before visiting because the sun light can be a pretty hot.
Kousum Salyvann — Google review
I'm Catholic, and whenever I travel I love to find a church or chapel to pray and give thanks to the Lord for the beautiful gift of life. This chapel is so unique and it's nestled in a beautiful spot in the deep red rocks of the mountain. The cross on the outside is so perfectly placed within the side of the mountain. It's so amazing to see the gifts and talents that human beins are gifted with and how they use their gifts to glorify God!
Silvia Ponce — Google review
Very moving when you enter If you stand in footprints as they advise you will not be disappointed. Jesus will be looking at you it feels as he is truly their you must stop well worth it. Gift shop is basement is well worth a visit so many unique gifts. Be patient it's busy and we all know how that can go.
Matthew Barbee — Google review
The chapel itself is very nice from both the outside and inside, but the view of the valley is something else! Would definitely recommend going here.
NOTE: It’s free parking and the chapel entrance closes around 4:50PM, so make sure to come before then!
Waleed — Google review
While I’m an atheist I probably didn’t get as much out of this stop as others, but I will say it is definitely worthwhile. The views from the church are excellent, and the whole atmosphere was calming. I sat for a bit to take it all in and admire the architecture and how well it blended with nature.
We arrived around 8:30, and while the gates don’t open until 9, I’m pretty sure they opened early. There’s limited parking, but we were fortunate to get near the church and avoid some uphill walking. Definitely go early if you can!
This really is a must see location for anyone.
Dallas Urwin — Google review
Incredible views in every direction. The chapel is a triumph of architecture in its simplicity and beauty. Upon entering, a feeling of joy and serenity overcame me. I am not a Catholic but would still highly recommend fighting the crowds to see and experience the glory of the chapel.
Adam Friedmann — Google review
This chapel is breath taking! Perched high up, you can spot it from the highway as you drive into town, cut into the red rocks with its sleek yet simple architecture -it grabs your attention immediately.
There are a few different areas to park, starting from the gate under the chapel, then continuing all the way to the ramp to the chapel doors, with 6 handicap spaces right at the top.
It has a wonderful breeze that gently whips around you as you make your way up. When you get to the doors and they open -wow- the tree that Christ is situated on going to the highest point in the chapel is breathtaking!
The chapel is surprisingly rooming with many rows of seating, all which have terrific views of the simple but stunning chapel.
To the left are stairs that go down to a very well air-conditioned gift shop that has a wide variety of items (coins, postcards, ornaments, figurines, statues, jewelry, books, etc...so much more).
Maria C — Google review
Beautiful and (for some) meaningful space. Silence for meditation and/or prayers is appreciated by others in attendance. There is a long and rather steep ramp from the upper parking lot to the Chapel... parking can be tight, but most people keep their visits short so spots open up fairly regularly.
Karen Wiant — Google review
Must go place. The chapel is spectacular. Don’t forget to walk the trail. Easy hiking and so close to the red rock with amazing view!
Lan Burgess — Google review
This is beautiful outside and inside. It's clean, long ramp outside has spectacular views. There's also a gift shop inside downstairs which I didn't go to. This is entirely free but tight parking, narrow road leading up and down. Definitely worth visiting.
Cath Susla — Google review
It's a drive and a walk. The view outside and inside was amazing and inspiring. This is on a vortex, so..sometimes emotional blocks get released. I just recommend this as a bucket list item. For me, it was an experience that is worth sharing.
Jeff Gallamore — Google review
Spectacular chapel with singular views both gorgeous outside and inside. There's also a nice souvenir shop downstairs. Parking delay is worth the wait.
Desiree Regen — Google review
Breathtaking…It’s truly a slight to see…rising out of the dessert, one with the rock. Pictures do not do it justice.
Come here before any hiking if you plan to. You can see the massive landmarks like cathedral rock, and then hike other places like Devil’s Bridge or the Birthing cave that you can’t see without hiking.
When you pass the porta-potties, that is the last spot to go to the bathroom (none in the chapel). Between those and the actual chapel is a little parking along the road, with handicap at the top. You can take shuttles/golf carts if you don’t find a spot or the walk is too tough.
If you are not comfortable driving in tight spaces around people, and turning around quick at the top to come back down, I recommend looking for parking at the bottom and walking up and getting a shuttle (golf carts) or walking up
EM — Google review
Nice view but it was really hard to find a parking space and took a while plus too much crowd. The place looked well maintained at least the chapel and sorroundings but I wish they have side walk or good space for people who are walking/hiking and parking.
Yenoh Nalas — Google review
Breathtaking scenery and moving architecture make this a great stop. We visited on Good Friday, which may have explained the heavy flow of visitors in and out. There are multiple spots to park along the drive that are well signed and multiple staff members guiding. There was even a golf cart helping escort visitors up the hill.
Sylvia Davidson — Google review
This is definitely worth the trip and hassle. Resist the urge to park in first spot you find. The climb in the elevation to the top is not fun. Keep driving to the top and you should end up with a good and close parking spot.
The view and the chapel are beautiful.
Ron Rogers — Google review
A peaceful place to visit, reflect and enjoy the spectacular views! It is a walk up, but doable. A trolley can bring you up from the bottom. If driving, pack you patience.
Blanche Kapushion — Google review
Initially I put Chapel of the Holy Cross as an optional place to visit. When the staff from the visitor center suggested places to visit, when we have only 1 day to explore without long hike, this place became a must see.
The view from the ground is very spectacular, when there is no mass they play some chanting music inside the chapel. I wished they had some speakers outside to allow visitors to meditate through viewing God's unique creation surrounding the chapel.
I felt a spiritual connection as I visited this place.
Parking is limited.
Walnut Canyon National Monument is a vast, sprawling canyon and national park located in the East Valley of Arizona. The park preserves ancient Sinagua cliff dwellings, as well as other artifacts from the surrounding area. There are several trails around the monument that allow visitors to explore its many nooks and crannies.
My wife and I found this monument to be very beautiful. Stunning views but even more impactful were the cliff dwellings. Such a resourceful and innovative people to have constructed these dwellings into the cliffs. The really enjoyed the trails. I am in great shape. If you are not, definitely make sure that you bring water and a snack as well as take your time. There are a decent amount of steps on the island trail and many were winded going back up it seemed.
Ryan Burnish — Google review
They make it very easy to get around and look at the Hopi dwellings on the sides of the cliffs. Stairs with handrails and set trails. I took the 1 mile trail with 736 stairs but there are several benches along the way if you need to take it slow and catch your breath. Beautiful views. $25 to park just for a heads up unless you have a National Park pass.
Crystal White — Google review
We couldn't believe we stumbled across this place! We heard about this fantastic National Monument from some other travellers we met on our way.
We made the effort to visit not fully knowing what to expect. And boy are we glad we did it. We have 2 children under 10 who learnt so much from the walk into the canyon and from the Rangers who took the time out of their day to talk to and share some info with us and the kids. They were so good with the kids and they enjoyed doing the Junior Ranger activities.
The walk itself wasn't hard at all. Lots of steps but if you have a reasonable fitness level it will be a breeze.
One place that is truly magnificent and shouldn't be missed!
Thanks to the staff here who were wonderful! Made our visit from Australia that little bit more memorable 🇦🇺
Phil Rettke — Google review
This is a really extraordinary monument. Not only can you learn about how the ancient people of this region lived, you can also enjoy the beauty of Walnut Canyon. I highly recommend the island trail. It is .9 of a mile and has 185 steps. Although the sun is strong and temperatures high, there’s a nice cooling breeze coming up from the floor of the canyon to help cool your ascent. The rim trail is interesting, but not nearly as dramatic and a fraction of the work of thr Island trail. The visitor center offers helpful orientation and the staff is super friendly.
LS Sheldon — Google review
Great spot to get all the information you need for the park visit. We got our magnets from here. Kids got their junior ranger book and badge. The rangers are very helpful and knowledgeable. Do check the hours before you visit.
Sritama Chakraborty — Google review
Great hike and good information all along the trail. The longer trail has bench to rest for those who want to catch a breath or view! Park rangers are around to give more info and answer any query that one might have. Enough parking place, picnic benches, clean bathrooms.
Highly recommend for those who want to spend a day not too far from Flagstaff! Or maybe a stop on way ..
Amita Hegde — Google review
We enjoyed this stop. They have a nice picnic area and clean bathrooms. On the rim trail you can see some ruins. Part of the trail was closed but still enjoyable. We didn't go below the rim to see the cliff dwellings since my husband wears a brace and the 273 steps down were too hard on him. Staff was very helpful and very nice.
Donna Smith — Google review
One of the best National Monuments we have been to. We did the longer hike and it was so worth it. The pathway is paved with lots of stairs but if you bring good shoes, take your time and drink lots of water this is an amazing hike with beautiful sites. So much history here and it is so interesting.
Brianna H — Google review
Absolutely loved this easy walk around these ancient dwellings, gorgeous landscape views of you are not afraid of heights. Highly recommended!!
Mike J. Mitchell — Google review
This is a very interesting national monument. The visitor center is one of the best ones I have seen because it is set on a piece of land overlooking the canyon making it very beautiful. There are big giant windows that allow you to look at the canyon from the inside. The hike is very interesting because it is a cliffside hike that lets you walk in to various rooms that situate on the cliff. The trail I would think is only half of the overall canyon because it goes back to the visitor center before we finish the whole canyon. The rest of the canyon cannot be walked on because I think they try to preserve it.
Kevin — Google review
Great visit fun hike! Two levels of hikes one with lots of stairs and another on the rim. Perfect choices for our party.
Elizabeth K — Google review
Great place to hike/walk paved trails. Very close to Flagstaff. The Sinagua Indian ruins are cool too. Lots of cool plants that are labeled so you know what you're looking at. The entrance fee of $25 per car is pretty steep considering what you see at other parks but it's nice. Definitely buy one of the US national park passes if you're also going to the grand canyon. Probably should have thought about it but just wanted to take pics in the snow.
*Scott* — Google review
We really liked this place.... The docents are friendly and knowledgeable... Well laid out trails with hand railings and uniform steps. Of course trip down was easier than coming up but not a killer trail for this 65 year old. The canyon is very scenic and seeing the cliff dwellings made sleeping in my comfy bed that night even better!
James L — Google review
This place blew away my expectations. Simply awesome. The hike down is about 250 stairs or so if I remember correctly. So it’s a bit strenuous. But 100% worth the effort. The canyon itself is gorgeous and you can see the walls are ringed by countless ruins. This must have been an impressive settlement in its heyday.
Andrew Barch — Google review
Absolutely beautiful place to visit! There is one that is very simple and high above that we visited with our dog. The Island Trail doesn’t allow pets. It is strenuous because there are so many stairs, but it was beautiful. I am so grateful I could manage to do it. Breathtaking views of the canyon and views of the dwellings in the cliffs!
Kyle Fields — Google review
Beautiful park, amazing Hopi settlements/cave dwellings. 546 steps round trip, pretty easy, but take water. Spectacular views and lovely park employees. Park pass is $25 but buy a year-long one for use at many parks.
Karen Gale — Google review
This is a really cool site inside the canyon where you can see the remains of ancient cliff dwellings. There's a nice exhibit at the Visitor Center which tells the history of the location, which was inhabited by the Sinagua people (ancestors of the Hopi) about 1,000 years ago. There are two short, well maintained trails which take you around the site. There is plenty of signage to help tell the story of the canyon. Entry is $25 per vehicle, but is included in the annual "America the Beautiful" national parks and federal recreation lands pass.
Joel Keralis — Google review
This is an amazing park where you walk down several hundred steps to visit ancient settlements or cave dwellings. Be sure to take water with you. Walkways and steps are well maintained but can be difficult for some. I would not recommend very small children or elderly to take this hike. Park staff was all very friendly and helpful and willing to teach you what you want to know about the dwellings.
rich65k — Google review
Beautiful Island walked into history to see how native people lived in the cliff side. Island tour is a steep one mile loop walk that is paved as an easy hike but NOT all ability.
Beautiful scenery with great geological exposure
GRAMS — Google review
This was our first park of the 3 Flagstaff NPS stops. Google maps stopped a bit short, but we just followed the signs to the park.
We came after it snowed, so the one of the main trails was closed. Made sense as it was the one that took you on the cliff edge. You can see them in my photos and also some of the stairs across the canyon. They had some other historic locations to see on the path outside the Visitor Center. Beautiful scenery for sure with the snow.
We have to come back again when it is warmer so we can take the other trail.
Daniel Grove — Google review
The canyon named after the flourish black walnut trees in the canyon.
Native American lived on the cliffs for 130 years. It is a short drive from Flagstaff and worthwhile visiting.
pc chen — Google review
Unbelievable history to learn about here! The sights are beautiful and inspiring. There are many places to catch your breath on the way back up - don't be intimidated by stairs, it's well worth it. The visitor center has a really interesting video to tell of some of the history and a great view where you can experience the sights without going down to the island. There are signs all over explaining the history of the people who once lived there. There is another hike around the rim, too. Both paved, wear sneakers. The park rangers there are awesome and full of knowledge to share.
Erica Oseff — Google review
An absolutely beautiful location. The trail into the Canyon was closed but the trail along the Rim was open. Staff were friendly and kind.
Robert Wheeler — Google review
Very interesting cliff dwellings in a beautiful canyon.
MANY, MANY steps to go down into the canyon and back out. The whole path is concrete or bricks, with MANY steps throughout, so hiking sticks are pretty useless.
Note that you can see a few of the cliff dwellings without going down many, if any, steps, but by going down the whole path you get to see many more and go into several of them.
Nice 30 minute movie at the visitors center.
Doug Piette — Google review
Great spot to see some of the historical dwellings in the region, built in the canyon where the rocks have been undercut by water, forming a natural ceiling.
The visitor center is small, but the 20 minute film is good and the rangers are helpful.
There are 2 trails from the visitor center, a 1 mile trail that drops into the canyon where you are right next to the dwellings (Island trail), and a shorter trail that stays on the rim. The island trail has excellent interpretive signs about the history, geology, and plants.
Ethan Lindstrom — Google review
This was a very cool experience! I rarely rate things 5 stars but this was worth it. Note, the walk around the island was long and there's no external railing, which can be scary for people scared of heights. It is also a long climb out, so bring water and take your time. But totally worth the trek if you're physically able.
Mary McDarby-Rios — Google review
Excellent park with paved trails - very accessible. We didn’t have time to climb down on this trip, but you can really see the dwellings up close! It’s amazing. Plenty of parking, clean restrooms. Nice visitor center with knowledgeable people.
Tatiana Hoover — Google review
First time we came here and wow! The views and the park rangers are amazing! Bring lots of water and appreciate shoes (for stairs and hiking)
The Lowell Observatory, located in Flagstaff, Arizona, is a working research center that houses the Discovery Channels telescope. The observatory was founded in 1894 by Percival Lowell and is famous for the first sighting of Pluto. The observatory has on-site telescopes including the famed 1896 Clark Telescope which helped to spur accepted theory for an expanding universe. Visitors can stargaze through the telescopes weather permitting.
Wow! What an amazing experience to learn about astronomy and view the solar system through their incredible telescopes. We attended 3 of the programs throughout the day - all excellent, and led by knowledgeable staff who are passionate about their job. Staff were all friendly and helpful. What a treat that we were privileged to use the famous 32 foot Clark Refractor once it got dark. The outdoor viewing deck was awesome! We had so much fun learning, seeing, and exploring the grounds. Must do for any age!
klmullet — Google review
This is one of my favorite places on planet earth. I recommend going an hour before sunset and staying until they close at night. The Flagstaff sky is unreal and I could not stop staring into the sky full of stars. Such kind and smart people work there. The location is easy to get to, only a five minute drive from downtown. Plenty of parking but it does get full so beware! There are stairs and ramps for accessibility. The gift shop is awesome. I’m in love with this place and I want to come back during every season. You will learn so much and see so much amazing history. It’s amazing that you can step into the observatory that discovered Pluto! So worth it.
Selena Quintanilla — Google review
As a historic site marking the location Pluto was discovered, Lowell Observatory is a really unique place to visit if you're a star or space lover. I visited late in the night so that I could catch a glimpse of the stars through the telescopes. The night that I visited, Flagstaff was expected to receive some snow. The weather affects whether the telescopes will be on view or not, so I called the observatory ahead of time to make sure the telescopes would be out. The staff were super helpful and kind, and confirmed all of the information that I needed.
Lowell Observatory felt a lot smaller than I had anticipated, however, this place does have a lot of charm. I enjoyed visiting the Rotunda Museum to learn more about Pluto, and the gift shop also had a nice selection of items. I also viewed a short 25-minute movie about solar eclipses in the Steele Visitor Center.
The only thing that tarnished my experience was the long line to view the telescopes. The lines were very long since the telescopes opened late due to the inclement weather. Of course this is something that the observatory cannot control, but I would say to anyone visiting Flagstaff during the colder months to be prepared! Standing in the cold for 45 minutes to view through a telescope felt somewhat disorganized, especially since each telescope had their own line so we only got to see through one of them. It might be best to purchase tickets the day you plan visiting to make sure the weather conditions are ideal for telescope viewing. Likewise, if you're going during the colder months bring a jacket and a hat in case you have to wait in line.
Overall though, the observatory is a really unique place; if you're into this sort of stuff it's worth checking out!
P.S. - The purple star photo was taken on a Google Pixel during a long exposure shot which captures everything in the sky, even th things you do not see.
Jasmine Singh — Google review
Loved the experienced. Solar flares viewing was terrific. Unfortunately, all the planets and the Milky Way were below the horizon, so the night viewing was not as fun as I expected but still a very unique experience. I wish they selected something other than a star or star clusters for viewing, but I understand that the choice might have been limited given the location of more fun viewing objects…. A tour that takes you to see the 125-year old Clark Refractor is a must. Unless you come in August or September, don’t expect to see fun things at night through the telescopes. You may just see a lot of white stars or star clusters that don’t look much different from what you see in the sky, so adjust your expectations.
Anna West — Google review
This Observatory is Amazing! If your in Flagstaff it's a must see! All day passes are $25 or you can get a membership for $50 which is good for a whole year and if you want to make it a dual membership it's only $65! They have a Family membership as well, but I don't remember the cost of that one. They have multiple telescopes to see. One telescope was built in the late1800's and another was built in 1928 and was the telescope that discovered Pluto! They also have 6 new telescopes that were built in 2019 that they view stars and planets with and they allow you to look through the telescopes eyepiece and are currently building additional attractions. They also have a list that shows a breakdown of the prices of the 6 telescopes and their mounting. The employees are full of knowledge and are extremely friendly. If you are a local or a tourist in Flagstaff I highly recommend this place, you won't regret it!
Daniel Labedz — Google review
Kid and parent approved! We arrived at about 7 pm, saw the telescope that discovered Pluto, went to the telescope out on the patio area and checked each one out, then listened to a presentation at the visitors center and the had one of the bigger telescope open that isn’t usually so we lined up to look through it. Finally we went to listen to the constellation presentation and the adults were enjoying it but the kids were just too tired so we left at 9:20. We really had a great time and learned a lot!
Kristin Adams — Google review
I would strongly encourage visiting. There are some museums and lectures, but the best part is seeing the telescopes. If you have flexibility, try and coordinate with clear weather. If the moon is out, you will get some spectacular views. If the moon is not out, you'll be able to see a lot of other things that a bright moon might make more difficult to see. We got to see Saturn with one of the telescopes, which was pretty amazing.
I'm not sure how badly I would want to return unless you really wanted to see other things in the sky under different conditions, but if you have never been here, I would very strongly encourage you to visit at least once.
Benjamin Altose — Google review
Neat place if you are into astronomy. They have lots of telescopes. So at night is especially cool. Saw the moon close up, Saturn, Neptune & Jupiter. Also, from the top of the hill you get a great view of the city of Flagstaff below.
John Graham — Google review
I can spend hours upon hours at this place. There is so much to see and learn about. The tours are very informative and not too lengthy. The staff is very friendly and knowledgeable. I recommend going when they first open to do the tours, then grab an early dinner to make it back for the evening Telescope viewing of the stars and planets. Your admission sticker is good all day, so you are able to leave the premises and then come back.
Cory Borghi — Google review
An interesting morning, the highlight of which was looking at the Sun through a telescope. Yes it was safe and so cool to see the black spots and solar prominences. It was also interesting to see the old telescopes and hear the history of discovering Pluto, etc. Our tour guide was nice but needs to hone her public speaking skills. I couldn't do the evening program but it sounded pretty awesome to view the skies through their several newer telescopes. Also a shout out to the guy at the desk (sorry, didn't catch you name but it was the morning of 4/27). He described things well and with enthusiasm having to say the same thing over and over again. The several kids there seemed to be enjoying it as well.
Don Black — Google review
What an amazing visit to the Observatory. I’d recommend spending there at least 2hrs to be able to cover all key exhibitions and buildings. It was great to be able to look through their amazing telescope and feel like an explorer searching for new stars. Staff were friendly and knowledgeable.
Micha? Niezgoda — Google review
Wow, it's been 25 years since I was last here, not sure why as I'm in Flag frequently enough. When I was last here it was just the visitor center and a guided tour to one telescope. Now there's a whole complex you can browse at your leisure. My daughter is fascinated with Space and was super excited to come here. It's absolutely amazing. There are multiple telescopes for you to look through (weather permiting) and the folks that operate them will show you many amazing things. She had a blast. They have stools to help kids (and short folk like myself) see through the lenses. We were there for 4 hours and had a great time. Still magical all these years later.
Jaimie Cassandra — Google review
There is a lot more stuff than I expected. I would love to come here again at an earlier time since I came at a later time and some stuff was closed off. But it was great to explore and loved the little gift shop. A lot of the staff were nice and well mannered. At one of the digital telescopes they pointed it towards Pluto but since it's so far you need a lot more pictures over time to see which dot moved compared to the stars in the background.
Novazo — Google review
This is more a scientific campus with mostly passive education thru scheduled walking tours and videos, but I think the new interactive public education center opening up in November 2024 will really enhance the experience. It was cool to see up close the huge telescopes used in milestone discoveries (Planet X, err Pluto, anyone?) and the actual sun thru the sun telescope (red circle with black dots that are sun spots).
Mimi Snook — Google review
Definitely worth a visit to if you are in Flagstaff. It is a very interesting place and I learned the observatory played a key role in discovering the former planet (now dwarf planet) Pluto. The Clark telescope is here and there are many other cool exhibits to check out here.
Kiet TT — Google review
Absolutely incredible. We came during the afternoon and checked out some of the exhibits. We were able to look at the Sun from one of their telescopes and learn about the history a Pluto and exactly how old was discovered. We then came back in the evening time, and that's when the observatory really shined. We were able to see jupiter, beetlejuice, the moon and multiple star clusters in pretty stunning detail. We were also able to look through the Clark telescope to check out a pretty distant star cluster. They also had a really cool constellation tour world guide would point out the constellations with a laser pointer empire explaining how the constellations got their names. Overall, this was one of the highlights of our trip.
Daniel Pievsky — Google review
A visit to Lowell Observatory is truly an exploration of both the cosmos and the unique earthly environment it resides in. Situated at a high elevation, the observatory offers a breathtaking view of the celestial wonders above. The clear night skies at this altitude provide an unparalleled canvas for stargazing, making it a haven for astronomy enthusiasts and curious visitors alike. The observatory's commitment to public outreach and education is evident through its engaging programs and knowledgeable staff, who passionately share the mysteries of the universe with visitors.
However, it's essential for prospective stargazers to be mindful of the practicalities of the location. The high elevation brings cooler temperatures, even on clear nights, and the weather can be quite cold. Therefore, I highly recommend packing warm layers of clothing to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience. Despite the chilly weather, Lowell Observatory's cosmic wonders and educational initiatives make it an exploration worth embracing, offering a unique blend of celestial marvels and earthly elements.
Les Jackson — Google review
I plan two hour here but kids like so much we end up stay a whole afternoon plus evening Very good place to visit for kids
Alex Jin — Google review
We really like the location, the science, the telescopes, and the story of discovering Pluto.
We went in the afternoon and came back ( tickets good for entire day) to star gaze. They had several telescopes aimed at various objects.
The Clark scope was on Saturn our night
And one can see the Milky Way
Richard Grumm — Google review
Very cool for you space nerds out there. Will try to make it back during the night to actually observe.
Enjoyed small presentation about solar eclipse that was coming up. Went on a free guided tour about Lowell his passion and wealth, the beautiful property during the fall and, the main telescope story and construction.
Disappointed that the newer observation building was not open and couldn't do any sun gazing. We were short on time with only 3hrs so had to cut things short. With everything available you could easily spend 5hr+ id imagine.
Sunset Crater, an extinct cinder cone towering at 8,042 feet, boasts a one-mile loop trail offering views of ancient lava flows. The volcano erupted around AD 1064 spewing ash across an area of approximately 800 square miles and generating the Kana-A lava flow that forced farmers to abandon lands previously cultivated for four centuries.
We were there on Dec. 4.2023. We had Ben hear back on April 2018. We found this place simply awesome . Seeing the lava flows. Around and the nice walk ways around the Crater part is really nice also have nice trials to walk on to . There where area when come in to park you can pull off and get a good Picture of the Sunset Crater . And the Mountains behind you when there they had snow on them . It was really pretty to see.
Kam’s Travels — Google review
This is an interesting area if you take the walk through the lava flow. Other than that, there isn't much to recommend it. It's worth a visit but isn't a "must do." I'm not sure why it's called a crater. It's actually a volcano.
Dave Shultz — Google review
I found this volcano by accident heading north of Flagstaff, AZ. I went to explore it and it's really amazing to see a volcano from 1,000 years ago. Everything looks as if it's recent.
Ian N. — Google review
Very cool to see plant life growing in the lava remains
Ken Burrell — Google review
Lava flow is an interesting trail, easy to go with the family.
Jeslizabeth Aumaitre — Google review
Nice to see the lava fields. You can hike up to the top of the volcano and see the crater, bring water, it's a long treak. The visitor center has great people to help you with information.
Elizabeth Gerhard — Google review
Sunset Crater Volcano is just twelve miles north of Flagstaff, Arizona on U.S. 89. I initially passed by and noticed it as I was returning to Flagstaff from Page. I had no idea that there were volcanoes in the southwestern United States until I arrived in Flagstaff. I noticed cinder cones as I arrived at my hotel off I-40 on the north end of Flagstaff.
On my last day in Flagstaff, September 30 2021, I headed up the road to see Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument. It is part of the U.S. National Park system so if you have an annual pass, it will not cost anything more otherwise there is an entrance fee is $25. There is a visitor center with restroom and gift shop.
There are multiple trails to walk so I recommend looking at the website for this monument prior to going. One can drive through and see quite a bit but I recommend parking and getting out for a short hike. The really nice thing is that the Lava Flow Trail has an area that is handicapped accessible with an actual sidewalk. On this sidewalk trail, one can actually get great views of some of the cinder cones and lava fields. There are real trails off the paved area.
Within the park, the Lenox Crater Trail appears to be the longest marked trail. A longer trail, O’Leary Trail, actually starts outside the park and passes through the northwest corner of the park and up to O’Leary Peak. This trail is about 9.6 miles, according to my research, and O’Leary Peak is an actual lava dome volcano, not a cinder cone. Anyway, the sidewalk-ed area has benches to sit and enjoy the views, peace and quiet. After my hike, I sat and just enjoyed the views for about an hour.
I think that it was worth it and if I lived in the Flagstaff area, this is possibly a place that I would visit often. One thing to remember – though this is Arizona, there is actually winter in this part of Arizona as Flagstaff’s elevation is actually almost 7000 feet above sea level, that 1600 feet higher than the ‘Mile High City of Denver’. If you find yourself in Flagstaff and have at least a couple of hours, I recommend Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument.
Wendell Jones — Google review
Been here twice and the second time was just as amazing as the first. It is the remanents of a 1,000 year old eruption. You can see spots where the lava flow stopped. You can touch the sharp 1,000 year old lava flow. You get to see the slow return of nature. It is well worth the stop and although we didn't stop at the ruins up the road this time, that is also well worth the drive.
Kevin Werner — Google review
“The Cinders” as its known is a wonderful place for quads, dirt bikes Razors and such. Everything from flat land to challenging hills and spectacular views.
Tom Cross — Google review
Must visit! There were once 29 active volcanoes in this section. If you are a science buff and are intrigued with volcanoes this is the place to visit! The dark black igneous rock that remains there is fascinating to look at and to walk through. When we went, it was April but it was freezing cold. I was happy to withstand the weather for all of the natural wonders surrounding me.
Shruti Sanghavi — Google review
We lived in Flagstaff and found this park to be our favorite. Everybody just drives the road and parks at the turnouts for a quick view. Get out and walk on the ash looking for spring flowers. You can't climb the peak but there is still a lot of space to explore. Don't forget the nearby Wupatki Monument while you are there. Winter is cold but magical.
David Weber — Google review
This was my second visit and there was snow covering part of the landscape & it was still pretty awesome. I really like the long loop trail as you tend to get a better feel for the beauty and intent of the landscape.
Erin Hardwick — Google review
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Arizona 86004, USA
I'll never travel to Page without this trip planner again
Arizona Snowbowl is a snow sports resort located on the mountainside, which offers comfortable accommodation in casual rooms and cabins. The resort provides free breakfast and Wi-Fi to its guests. The drive to the resort is beautiful; however, it can get congested during peak hours. New Year's weekends are particularly busy, with heavy traffic as early as 9 am. Due to a recent snowstorm, many visitors flock to the resort resulting in limited parking space by mid-morning.
We had fun snowboarding here with friends. Nice mountains view, the waiting line to get rental was not bad on the weekend.
The staff were so nice and helpful, they saved me from falling of lift, they were fun people!
It was snowing in the afternoon, very fun to snowboarding 🏂 down the hills with snow flying in the air.
Lilah Tay — Google review
Beautiful drive. The traffic piled up quickly. As early as 9am Sunday morning, New year weekend. Just finished a great snow storm a few days back. Cars were going 15mph. Slowly, but surely made it to parking. Was kind of far, but walkable. There's a lot of people by 9:30am! Suggest 7am arrival if u want a good parking spot. So the dinning area does this thing where u can order food with an app or scan a code. Pizza looks good, $25. Discounts offered to certain membership holder.
GiGi Fuentes — Google review
I’ve been wanting to ride Snowbowl since I first drove through Flagstaff when I was a Jr in college. 27 years later I finally did it, and it didn’t disappoint! The runs were well maintained, fun, and challenging. It wasn’t busy the day I went. The views are fantastic. The food prices were less expensive compared to places I ride on the East Coast. I’m definitely coming back next time I’m in AZ during the winter!
Benjamin De Point — Google review
We visited a couple of years ago and felt the process and facilities were better the first time. This time we did visit over a holiday week. To get to the Snowbowl & get your gear took at least two hours. The lift lines for the Aspen were insanely long yet they were still allowing single riders. Humphrey lift lines were long but moved a lot better. We ran out of time to check the other lifts. The slopes were good although with the fresh snow many were not groomed. The lockers and restrooms required long waits and it all felt pretty dirty.
I love Flagstaff and will return but will bring my own gear and get there early.
We did not have a four wheel drive vehicle so we had to take the shuttle up- it added anywhere from 1-2 hours due to waiting in lines. The return ride wait was very long. The actual shuttle ride was fine.
Make sure you rent a four wheel drive vehicle if visiting during snowy conditions.
Erin Hardwick — Google review
Played at Snowbowl to escape the Phoenix heat
Nana isn't used to being in AZ during the sweltering summers. So she and I took the kids on a day trip up to Flagstaff and Snowbowl. Phoenix was about 112° for the day and we dropped 30-40°at the top of Snowbowl!
After lunch in downtown Flagstaff we headed up the mountain to Snowbowl. All four of us rode the Gondola up ($18 each). It was a fun and relaxing 10 minute ride 2500 feet up. Nana and Rori sat at the top watching the gondola because you could definitely feel the extra effort in breathing at this elevation. Jace and I climbed an additional couple hundred feet up the steps for an amazing view. As the clouds cleared, we could almost see the Grand Canyon! The highlight for me may have been using the "highest toilet" in Arizona.
We rode the Gondola back down. Nana and I grabbed drinks at the bar and watched the kids play. We bought the kids each a 3-activity pass ($30 each). Activities to choose from are the tube slide, bungee trampoline and rock climbing wall. They each got 5 sides down the hill, 5 minutes on the trampoline and 5 attempts at the wall.
It was a fun day!
Check out more on Instagram @msbusyblonde
msbusyblonde — Google review
Nature at its best of beauty!!
Food- bring your own as the lines are long, food and drinks are expensive and they were out for chicken strips and nuggets by noon . Fries came after 50 mins, that kind of busy on top.
We paid $$$ for the gondola for scenic view and it was one round up and back, you cannot get down to take photo’s, and it starts at 1pm for scenic view, you CANNOT board it before. Others could ride it , who were going up for activity. Poor directions , if you are going for first time.Parking was plenty with multiple lots.
You cannot beat the mountain beauty though!!! Must go!
Minnah Shergill — Google review
Not bad considering there’s no where else to ski within 300+ miles! But, customer service is non-existent. I almost bought a lift ticket for my birthday for $54, but ended up paying $72. Snowbowl used to offer free lift tickets on your birthday, so I called them to confirm. A recorded message said to email them, so I did. It took them 5 days to respond, during which the lift ticket prices went up. The staff/attendants on site were great, but given the poor customer service, I likely will not be buying another ticket anytime soon :(.
Nate See — Google review
Had a super awesome time here. Took our kids teenager and college student. Dad and 16 year old son went for a day of snowboarding. Mom and 20 year old daughter took the snowboarding class. Check in and check out of rentals was a super easy and quick process. The staff is positive and encouraging. The food and bar area was fast and convenient. You can order from a kiosk or off an app on your phone. Thank you for a great day!!
theholycannoli — Google review
We had a very good time despite going on weekends ( sunday). The staff was very welcoming and seemed to try their best when servicing clients. Couple of things to keep in mind if that’s your first time going (was ours)
1. arrive before 8am. We arrived at 7:40am and there were plenty of parking close to the rental lodge. Rentals open at 7:30 so we were in and out of there in no time because there weren’t a lot of customers that early.
2. Buy tickets a month in advance, we got our lift ticket for $70/each, there were some for $30 but we just wanted to secure this specific day. We checked the $ a day of and it was already $200+ ( so plan accordingly and save your bucks )
3. Bring your own water/snacks/food and just store in a locker ($10/day) and save $$$ on the food they offer at the lodge
4. If it’s the first time skiing go straight to little spruce - no lines at all and you will have almost an empty area to yourself.
5. Check the weather on their website the day of we planned to take a bunch of layers but it turned out to be relatively warm ( skied only in long sleeve t-shirt and light rain jacket.
Hope this helps
Anna M. — Google review
We came in the summer for the gondola, and kid’s activities. Shout out to Abby at the bungee jump. She was outstanding with every kid no matter what age. She’s an asset to this place. We enjoyed the tube slide too!
Suzanne Sheppard — Google review
Come ski the mountain with the highest peaks in AZ. Kid lift tickets are free, too!! We had such a great time snowboarding. Fresh powder and friendly staff. Make sure to get snow chains or your 4x4 before making the trek. Also, their rental gear is of great quality and a pain-free experience. I'm definitely going to return next season
Ryan Of San Tan Valley — Google review
Our instructor Adam was the best!
This was my first skiing experience so naturally I was very nervous, but Adam explained everything in a very engaging and understandable way. He is nice, supportive, and very experienced!
I am now in love with the sport cannot imagine if it was someone else as my first instructor. THANK YOU SO MUCH, ADAM!
P.s Everyone working there is also super nice. It’s such a friendly place.
Belinda Wang — Google review
As a first-timer here, I was impressed at the beauty of Aspen Trail Loop. There was plenty of parking, friendly staff at the trailhead and plenty of signage along the trail. The hike was absolutely gorgeous! I would definitely go back just for that.
We also opted to take a ride on the gondola to the top of the mountain. Picturesque views, wildlife and additional hiking at the top (if you're up for it). It was 36° at the top and the elevation of 11,500 feet kicked our butts, and we were still damp from our earlier hike. So we didn't last long at the top, but it was totally worth it.
At the Base, we had some delicious hot cocoa, listened to some live music, and hung out for a few before heading home.
I would absolutely recommend taking the time to visit this fun and beautiful location!
Heather Cserpnyak — Google review
Such a beautiful experience riding up the gondola. The scenic view is breath taking. We would definitely recommend going earlier in the morning, we rode up to the top and stayed a while by the time we came down it was so busy, they had a long line to get on the gondola especially on the weekends. There are also beautiful hiking trails near by like the Aspen trail we visited, this is a must do if you are in the area! It's just so beautiful! 😊
Rabia D — Google review
Love this place, my eight year old rode here twice this year and ended up in the trees after recent snow storms this week. Came from Wisconsin for your snow and hill.
Bonnie Leggo — Google review
This place was awesome. The ticketing process was easy, and the ski, boot, helmet, and locker rental was very convenient. Instructors were nice, patient and encouraging. Loved our visit.
Steven & Tracey Jiles — Google review
An awesome experience standing at 11,500 feet. The weather was perfect, sunny, with no clouds. The temperature up in the mountain was 31 degrees but it felt like it was 60 degrees. Everyone was so friendly and helpful.
Klaudia Zamarron — Google review
Only a two and a half hour drive from Scottsdale. Lots of fun runs and not typically super packed. Only gripe is that gondola is closed when it is even slightly windy.
Bearizona Wildlife Park is a safari park located off Route 66 in Williams, Arizona. The park consists of a 3 mile drive thru and Fort Beari more. Visitors can see different types of wildlife including wolves, bears, bison, mountain goats and more.
GREAT CLOSE UP VIEWING OF GRIZZLIES in the walking part of the park!!! I'm not sure about other seasons but autumn is an excellent time to visit. I'm looking forward to visiting again in the spring. This is a great place to spend a day. I love that they have an area with picnic tables and allow you to bring in food of your own. This makes a visit possible for larger families which would be pay for 6 or 8 meals on top of admission. They do have food offerings and as I visited with just my daughter we enjoyed funnel cake fries and popcorn after our picnic lunch. The gift shop had some nice caps marked down on clearance which made me very happy. The were busy badgers, roaming raccoons, playful otters; so many fun things to view. The drive through area combined with the walking area seems to be quite unique to me.
Andrew McMahon — Google review
Wow! I can't even begin to describe how much I loved this place! We did the walking part first and it's amazing! They have areas where you can go in and see the animals from really close, like a cave where you can see the grizzly bears really closely through the glass. It's beautiful! The drive-thru part was incredible as well. I saw so many bears and beautiful animals. It really is worth what you pay to enter and the facilities are nice and comfortable, plus the gift shop is great with acceptable prices. Definitely want to go back and I totally recommend going here.
Alexandra Bradford — Google review
This place is AMAZING! Best to go early in the morning when the animals are feeding and most active. Once in we are able to drive through multiple times enabling us to view the animals in different spaces and situations. We also enjoyed the walking tour where we were able to get closer views to many more animals. Make sure you make it to the 10:30 am bear feeding where the rangers share their knowledge and show off the beautiful bears.
Frances Kramer-Aisoff — Google review
The kids loved it. Drove in with a camper van sprinter. Had bikes on the rear, they asked to remove the bikes before entering. The staff are very friendly. They do look like they want to be there. I expected to stay for an hour only because of the size of the zoo but I spent more than 3 hours because the kids were having so much fun.
Luis L. — Google review
Had a blast on Friday morning. Not too many cars and we were able to take our time through the park. We got to see all the animals actively roaming and the kids had a blast. The bears were extra playful and the kids were so excited to see them. Highly recommend!
Ryan Bustamante — Google review
A bit pricey but I gotta say I think we went at the best time which was late afternoon (as stated on the website). The bears were very active and were very close to the road and eating their meals. There weren't a lot of cars so that was nice while driving around. There was a nice gift shop and the walking area was cool too. I do think it would quickly get expensive for a family. For 2 adults we paid almost $80. I just hope that means the animals are getting quality care!
rubymorales — Google review
This is our second time here and we just love it. Such a great little park. They have expanded some of the walk through exhibits and added a nice restaurant and gift shop since we were there last. Highly recommend going through the drive through a few times. We got there about 10:30 and some of the animals weren't moving around much. Did the walk through part and did one more drive loop on the way out and the animals were far more active.
Kimberly Field — Google review
We had a fantastic day at Bearizona! We started by going through the walk through portion. It was extra special to be able to get so close to the animals. The wildlife shows were fantastic, with lots of information and opportunities to get up close and personal with some of the animals (and dad jokes for days). The drive through portion was so much fun! We went through multiple times. It was like a life sized version of ISpy looking for all the animals. 10/10 would recommend spending a day here.
Emily Smith — Google review
Such a fun experience! First time visiting so we didn’t really know what to expect. It took less than 10 minutes to get in and they had multiple lanes open. We purchased tickets online prior to arriving. We went late morning and most of the animals were sleeping or laying in the shade. It was still fun to see the different animals. It was nice you could take your time driving through and most people respected that. Parking was easy to find and there were two entrances into the wildlife park. The wildlife park was just right and the bears really stole the show! We could have watched them for hours! There are a few spots around to eat and a cool gift shop. I’d go back for sure and choose a different time of day where the animals may be more active or in a cooler month when the sun isn’t so hot for them!
Nicole Reiman — Google review
One family told us it was okay another hyped it up a bit, but I would have to say it really exceeded our expectations.
We plan to go back again when our youngest is better able to appreciate it.
The drive through part was great. Some people complain about waiting for slow traffic but the roads are all wide enough to go past someone taking pictures. At one point we thought we might be holding up the line so we just looped back around the buffalo enclosure and took out time to circle around again when there were no cars.
The walk through portion was great too. One of the zoo keepers had a little skunk she was showing off to the kids.
I will say there was active construction going on in one part of the park but I didn't mind at all it was good to see they were continuing to expand and improve the place. It was also neat to see exactly how the stone work that make up the walls of the enclosures is actually made.
We were there on a Friday and it was not crowded at all. Not sure if weekends are busier.
Bouman Seth — Google review
This place is awesome. We had the best time with both the drive through and walk through parks. Highlights for us include the 5 month old baby arctic foxes, the jaguars, wolves, and all the bears! They have several food and beverage stands, a restaurant and bar. Highly recommend to anyone visiting the area. Everyone that worked there was super nice and seemed to genuinely love their jobs which always has a positive impact on the overall experience. 🤗
Jessica R — Google review
This was on the list for a while and it was certainly worth the trip. For me this was just an hour and a half drive up, so easy peasy. I arrived later in the day. There was no line. Pulled right in and paid the admission. Be sure to check the website. It is an extra $5 per person on the weekend. It was fun to drive around and see the animals for sure. Haven't done something like this since I was a kid on the east coast. People are kinda of stupid and don't follow the rules sadly. When you see an animal get close to you, you are supposed to keep going. Most people would stop so they could picture right out of their window. Watching folks do this with bears inches away, simply made me cringe. The only bummer for me was that I wanted to walk around and unfortunately I am at the moment handicapped as I have hip issues. So I did not get to do the walking tour.
Eddie Smith — Google review
Amazing safari style animal park. Animals are well kept, and they have a big territory to roam around. We drove thru 2 times and got to see more animals than the first time. Take your time, and a lot to see there. There are restaurants, gift shops, clean restrooms, and walk through zoo as well. Definitely recommend it and will return.
Suzy — Google review
A really fun place for the family to go to and see the wildlife there. You basically have two options, one, you can drive around in your own vehicle through a guided path to see all the animals, or you can do the walking tour to see the other animals in the zoo. Definitely worth coming with the kids. When driving though be careful not to puncture your tires. We found a screw in our tire just after we finished the driving tour, but luckily there was a maintenance crew onsite to help us inflate our tires so we could go to the nearest tire repair shop to get it patched. The staff were also super friendly and helpful. Definitely a place you have to visit if you are in Williams, AZ. ❤️
Alexander Kwong — Google review
This was the coolest up close experience. I thought I would be scared but the excitement is so much better. The animals are very calm and present so that you can see them as you drive through. The park you can walk through has additional animals that are not shy. Really fun place for the whole family. I LOVED the restaurant setup. Really big gift shop for souvenirs.
M. — Google review
Bearizona is awesome! Definitely recommend a visit here. We have been here multiple times, and each time is such a fun, cool, new experience.
The drive-through portion is worth the trip alone. We have had bear, wolves, buffalo, and reindeer all be within a few feet of our car! It's so cool! You can go through it as fast or as slow as you want, so there is no need to feel pressured by a line of cars.
The walking portion is fun as well! Multiple habitats to observe. A petting enclosure. Shows throughout the day. Live music/entertainment. Would highly recommend the otter feeding event where you can feed the otters. It's so much fun! There is a snack shop and restaurant, along with multiple food vendors and drink stands (yes, including adult drinks to walk around with). Large gift shop as well! Don't forget about the elk and jaguar habitats - you have to go through the gift shop to see them.
T Stoey — Google review
The place is beautiful! The drive around isn't as long as I expected, but either way, it's still a decent length, and you can go at your own pace. The wildlife they had available for viewing in this portion was interesting, saw a bear taking a bath, saw some gorgeous wolves, some big horns, and some little bears. I'm sure kids would love this portion. Once you got to the area where you walk around, there were refreshments, alcohol, cute otters, porcupines, javelina's, and bobcats. There were other animals as well, and the entire area was just beautiful. There were a lot of great spots for pictures. It's definitely a fun place for a couple or family alike. The gift shop was very large and had a bunch of cute gifts and most of them very affordable. All the stuff I interacted with was very friendly. We passed by it on our way to Vegas and decided to stop by on our way back. I do not regret that decision, and you will not either!
Leo Hernandez — Google review
What a beautiful place! The enclosures are amazing. All the animals look happy and healthy. Every year they are doing more and more improvements and always looking to improve.
The food is great, the beer is great! I don't have any complaints visiting besides we spend too much at the gift shop. Also wish the amazing train set was easier to see in the gift shop. It's a work of art.
Nicole Aksamit — Google review
Took my grandson here yesterday! We had so much fun! We arrived as soon as they opened so we were able to see every single animal on the ride and walk around! They were all out eating! We absolutely will be returning! The weather was BEAUTIFUL!
Brandee Tieman — Google review
I was very skeptical, but this place was way better than expected. The drive through part of the animal exhibit was really impressive, with elk and wolves and bears that would walk right up next to your car. Then the traditional "zoo" part of the park was also very well done, and the food at the restaurant was actually surprisingly good. Easy drive from the south rim of the Grand Canyon, if you realize (as we did) that it wouldn't entertain young kids as long as we thought a giant natural wonder would.
Brian Brimmage — Google review
Bearizona was AMAZING! It was so cool to drive through the park and have the animals come up to your car. Staff made sure that the areas you had to have your windows up, that windows were up and everyone was kept safe. I would highly recommend anyone of any age going here. They also have a nice walk through zoo that looks like they’re still working on adding exhibits to. Cost was $30/person and well worth it!
Solina Kuhn — Google review
What a wonderful place! My family and I visited after seeing the Grand Canyon and we just had the most wonderful time. We did the wildlife drive 3 times.. all of the animals are so healthy and curious! We saw so much. The gift shop is amazing and the food is great! One of the best experiences I’ve ever had traveling. All of the staff are so nice too!
Cassandra Roustai — Google review
We did a family trip to Bearizona for my granddaughters 4th birthday. The drive up there was absolutely beautiful and took us back to Christmas 🎄 Bearizona doesn't have any coupons or savings unless you come during the week. Price is a tab bit high on the weekend. So, we made every penny count. We drove around the park multiple times, and we saw more animal activity towards the afternoon. (Make sure to gas up before you get to Bearizona) We walked around to see every single animal (which is not a lot). We looked around through the gift shop, which is big and has lots of cool stuff. We didn't eat at the restaurant that I saw on IG. It does have nice scenery. (Maybe next time.) We left wet since we were having snow ❄️ fights as we walked through the park. Some people were annoyed, but we were having fun. We bought some hot chocolate as we called it quits and drove around one last time. Once you leave the park, you can't reenter. I recommend you try it at least once. This was my second time. Please let me know what you think?
Neomi Ramirez — Google review
Such a fun place for kids and adults! We drove through twice than walked the mini zoo, had lunch and visited the gift shop. Weather was perfect and all the animals were out. White Bison, Bighorn Sheep, otters playing to Bears roaming the grounds was amazing.
donna burgos — Google review
Unfortunately I have major buyers remorse. This place is so expensive! I asked the cashier if she thought it was worth it and she said of course she was biased. So we paid $150.00 for 4 of us. Our 3 year old was free. For that price I was expecting so much more.
I do want to say that the park is beautiful. It is really well done in my opinion as far as atmosphere goes. However, we hardly saw any animals. The drive was so boring to our kids because they could not see anything. We did finally see a couple of bears sleeping and some bison eating hay.
We stopped and did the walk through. Same story. All the animals were hiding in their logs, caves, holes, etc. Or just sleeping. We did see the big turkey. But we have wild turkeys roam around our town all of the time...so not a great surprise to see. I know the owners can't make the animals perform or do tricks or whatever but we were just so bummed. I saw all the reviews of how great it was...but we were not so lucky.
I will never go back and frankly I think they are charging way too much for the experience we had. We visited the Fort Worth Zoo last week for half the cost and got to see hundreds of animals and had the beat time. Honestly, I would like a refund.
Laura Van Noy — Google review
Beautiful clean park!
Loved driving through the park and seeing the bears/wolves up close, truly a unique experience.
The drive through allows you to have the animals go right by your car.
The people there are friendly and the encloses are well kept.
Simmy Varghese — Google review
This was a fun day! Admission tickets pay for the ride through and the walk through; and you can do the walk through and drive through as many times as you want. My family got there at 9 when they opened so animals were active and some were not. So then we did the walk through and had lunch. We did one last ride through and the animals that were not active were now active. It was fun the kids had a blast looking out the car window and running around.
Jasmin Alvarado — Google review
Definitely a nice place to visit with the kids. The drive in portion lives up to expectations; we had many close ups with bears, wolves, and bison. The walk-in exhibits were well maintained, and every animal is easily viewable and active, including getting to see 2 grizzlies wrestling around. The jaguars are very interactive with guests! We will absolutely be returning.
Tyler Morse — Google review
Too expensive for the experience. $130 for my husband, me, and our two grandchildren. The drive-through section was fairly short, and we didn't see that many animals. The walk around section is better with more to see. There is a restaurant on site and plenty of beautiful Pine Trees. The petting zoo was nice. The coolest part was seeing the bears up in the trees- I was amazed at how far up they could climb! There are gift shops as well. We had fun & I liked Beararizona- I just felt it was overpriced.
The Popescus — Google review
This is a neat drive through animal adventure as well as a walk through animal adventure. I went on a Sunday. I feel $35 is a bit steep for an adult. It's kind of small and I expected more animals for the price. The drive section can be frustrating when it's busy as people just stop for a very long time to take photos. As well as the bear loops getting locked in from too much traffic and needing to merge back in just to get past. The exhibits were nice, and I enjoyed reading all the info. Only rating 4* because of the difficulties getting through the driving portion in a timely manner (they should limit the amount of cars going through at a time), the price, and the overall size. I enjoyed tossing a fish into the otters. They have a large gift shop as well as a restaurant and bar. They have a coffee stand outside as well. There was another shop near the entrance, but the music was so loud and overstimulating that I walked in and walked right back out. It's nice you can go through the drive multiple times.
Kae Salyers — Google review
We had been told that this was a place to go. There are two areas. One to drive through and another to walk. We drove through a very well-built facility with natural living space for several species of animals. This seemed like a place that felt like the people really cared about the animals.
Lemmie Klein — Google review
This place is Amazing! Tons of animals in the drive thru safari part from bears, bison, wolfs, and big horn. The walk in part of the park is like a zoo with better enclosures for the animals than most major zoos I have been to. They have restaurants and bars and even snack and coffee stands in the park. This place is expanding every year. I recommend also visiting the Canyon Coaster and route 66 part of Williams which are all within the general area of Bearizona!
Mike Ro — Google review
This is always a wonderful idea. I haven't been for a few years and the kids haven't been since they were too little to remember, so it was a great option for spring break. We got there in the afternoon in time to see them feeding the grizzly bears, and catch the wild show. Then we did the drive through and they'd just fed the bears so we saw all those fuzzy wuzzies. Definitely a place to visit again and again!
Wupatki National Monument is a protected area that offers self-guided tours and trails for visitors to view the ruins of five prehistoric pueblos. The site showcases the amazing building skills and culture of the indigenous people who lived there. It has been reconstructed to retain its historical significance, and efforts are made to preserve it as such. Visitors can enjoy a beautiful drive from Volcano, take in all sites in the National Monument Park, and respect ancient indigenous sites.
I love visiting historical sites so I thoroughly enjoyed this trip. Took the beautiful drive from the Volcano. Yes, some of the site was reconstructed a while ago but the site is beautiful and you get a sense for how amazing the building, and the culture that built it, was. I'm happy to see that there remains a focus to protect/preserve historically important sites and land.
Ryan Burnish — Google review
Very neat to see. Would definitely recommend stopping. Make sure to pick up a guide for the numbers. I did include the brochure photos. Fun little reptiles running around and I really liked learning what some of the plants were (they were labeled) and some beautiful flowers were blooming. The blowhole was blowing today and it felt GREAT!
Sharon Soligny — Google review
We absolutely loved our time here. We learned about the history of the area and the dwellings of the Puebloan people. The staff was so knowledgeable and very nice. Bathrooms in the visitor center were very clean. We went to all of the various locations throughout the park but loved the Wupatki Pueblo near the visitor center the best. There are picnic tables available to have lunch or snacks. There is a small gift shop inside the visitor center.
Donna Smith — Google review
Omg! Worth every minute of the drive all of the sites in the National Monument Park is worth seeing! Please don't forget to be respectful! This is an ancient indigenous site!
Oh BTW... the $25 you pay for the pass is good for 1 week so pass it on to friends or neighbors!
dani a — Google review
The family enjoyed a nice walk (approx 0.5 mile) around the national monument. We got to see many lizards, some trying to eat smaller ones, as well as enjoying the scenery at the monument. Using the trail guide we enjoyed learning about each of the numbered locations at the monument.
Dave Lein — Google review
This is a beautiful and inspiring place to visit. Reading about these people and thinking about how they lived and why they lived the way they did makes you think about the ease of our own lives.
You can view all of the ruins from a short walk from the visitor center or you can hike for about 10 to 15 minutes to get down to the lower bowl where they had their sporting events. It is well worth the hike.
There are other places to visit that are on the road to the visitor center so watch for them.
Lonny Ward — Google review
We there on Dec. 4. 2023 . This area my partner wanted to see back in April 2018. I am so glad we able to see this place . This such a great experience to see really pretty . If you are in the area you should check this out . On the say we there it about 1 of light left but we got some good pictures as the sun was setting .
Kam’s Travels — Google review
The park rangers were incredibly knowledgeable and kind. The ruins are well maintained. This National park is a treasure. Highly recommend it. Check out the blow hole!
Demetria Andrews — Google review
Whether you are coming from Page or the Grand Canyon do not miss this treasure right outside Flagstaff. This beautiful locale allows you to look at preserved Native American dwellings. Allow yourself a solid 2 hours to take this all in. Also don't miss Sunset Crater right next door.
Richard Grant — Google review
We had our senior annual pass, which was valid for this monument. According to a sign outside the visitor centre, it seems that if you’ve already paid for entry to Sunset Crater Volcano, you get entry here as well.
Interesting looking ruins. You park at the visitor centre and there is a short walk to the site. There are other pueblos, but they are spread out and you’ll have to drive.
Nicole Chu — Google review
Nice place where you can see up close some ancient pueblos. We have the 4th grader America the beautiful pass so we were able to get in for free and was definitely worth a quick visit. Not sure I'd pay for it. That said, if you're into history and this type of thing, it's a super cool place to check out. It's easy to access the pueblos even with kids
Moshe Segal — Google review
Very informative at visitors center. The drive though pare was very easy and beautiful. You are able to view a lot with out strenuous walk.
Matthew Barbee — Google review
Another beautiful ancient site in Arizona. Love this history and seeing how indigenous people lived. Very nice visitor center and well kept national park site. The drive to the site takes you through volcanic grass lands. Arizona has many different faces. Don’t miss it.
Brian Decker — Google review
Absolutely amazing place. Highly recommend. Easy walks and small hikes to view ruins. Views are incredible.
Alanna Piercy — Google review
Wupatki National Monument is a captivating site that offers a glimpse into the ancient world. Although many of the ruins have been rebuilt, the historical and cultural significance is still evident. The scenic drive and periodic stops provide stunning views of the Pueblo ruins, and it's a great addition to a visit to Sunset Crater National Monument. The well-paved paths, informative guides, and well-maintained trails make navigation easy. The clean facilities, friendly staff, and the opportunity to explore multiple ruins make it a worthwhile visit. Combine it with Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument for an unforgettable journey.
Cameron Trading Post offers a comfortable stay in a southwestern-style motel with an art gallery, restaurant, and beautiful garden. The rooms are newly renovated, spacious, and well-maintained. Guests can enjoy spectacular views of the surroundings from both the hotel and the restaurant, especially during sunset. The staff is friendly and accommodating. The on-site store features a variety of items, with Native American pottery and rugs being particularly noteworthy.
My brother and I stopped by here for some authentic Navajo cuisine on our way to Flagstaff. I had the Navajo taco and he had the beef stew on fry bread. We were not disappointed - the fry bread had a slightly crispy outer layer and chewy interior that went very incredibly well with the toppings on our respective dishes.
We also stopped by the gift shop and got Navajo sand paintings. I was impressed by the variety and the relative affordability of what they had on offer.
Robin Zhang — Google review
I stopped by the trading post here on my way home 3 months ago. I was looking for some beautiful jewelry and I absolutely found it, along with great help. The man behind the counter (Alan, I think) was the sweetest, most helpful man I came across on my trip. I wasn't quite ready for how high quality turquoise was and he was very generous with his time and patience to help me find some beautiful pieces. I love these 2 bracelets I got and wear them as often as I can. And everyone comments on their beauty. I highly recommend this store to anyone on a trip through the Grand Canyon. They had so much, and were so helpful and nice, when I'm sure many tourists don't make it easy. Thank you all very much!
Sarah White — Google review
The shop is wonderful! There is a snack section, tons of jewelry, crafts, art, pottery, blankets etc.
personally purchased blankets, a handmade Navajo basket necklace and a turquoise ring. The staff in the shop were very friendly and informative.
Went to the garden they have in the motel section (we did not stay there just stopped by) but beautiful and peaceful and clean.
Then stopped in the dining area to eat. Came with a large group. Staff was friendly, prompt and accommodating. Ordered a Navajo taco and it was delicious! Everything that our group ordered was fresh and tasted great!
Last but not least you must stop at the gallery it has a lot of beautiful history and culture! Full of statues, pottery, clothing displayed.
This is a one stop shop! Really neat to see the history and the beautiful culture.
AMLEON — Google review
Visited the restaurant and shop only. Restaurant is beautiful, great service and delicious food. 4 stars!
Shop was just okay. Not quite up to the hype of the freeway signs - we were in the area anyway. About 1/3 of the shop is very nice, authentic Native made jewelry, pottery etc.The rest is the typical souvenir 'stuff'. Not as big as we thought it would be. 3 stars.
Jean B — Google review
We stopped on our trip out of the Grand Canyon to have dinner and do a little browsing in the shop. The food was very, very good! We were all surprised that each portion was so large and we're from the Midwest, so we even expect large portions. The two people who waited on us were very nice.
They also have a large selection of souvenirs to choose from. Prices are about the same as everywhere else in the area.
I highly recommend the stop, especially if you're in need of a hot meal.
Snow Trottier — Google review
Are room was gorgeous. The whole place was wonderful and the people are nice. Loved the blue towels in the room.
Price to very well. Love to earth stay!
However, I do wish they would have had extra pillows rather than one sick, two pills pert However, I do wish they would have had extra pillows rather than one thick pillow per person. Pillows were too thick for both of us, and there were no extra towels to fold and use as a pillow. For towels, they just give you one set per person and no extras.
Kate Me — Google review
We were hungry for lunch and decided to give this place a try. The Navajo taco was something we have never heard of and we were glad we tried it! The peppers were spicy and we do advise eating the taco before the meat and beans get the soft taco shell too wet. The real treasure about this place is the gift shop. The handmade Navajo pottery is breathtaking! We picked up a clay Christmas ornament from the shop. The salesperson was helpful in sharing with us who made the ornament and the meaning of all the symbols on it.
Grant Heil — Google review
What a great place. Way exceeded our expectations. Our large comfortable room was in the Hopi building which overlooks the delightful gardens which we wandered through and rested awhile after dinner.
The restaurant menu was so varied which delicious sounding dishes it was hard to choose from! I opted for the Navajo Taco, hubby for the Beef Taco, both were huge and delicious, and reasonably priced.
The shops were nice to wander round, a wide variety of goods on sale, but pretty highly priced in comparison to other places.
Catherine Shawarby — Google review
Cool historic trading post. This building and the motel are quite nice. We always stop here on our way through. Very nice restrooms,plenty of parking, good location. Want more stars? Please bring the RV park up to the same standards. It wouldn't take much,some hookups don't work,sites aren't level,the whole thing looks neglected. Price and location can't be beat, just shabby🤔
Dave Hanley — Google review
Fine food, big portion sizes, probably as good as it gets given the location. The dining area is super large and it’s fun to walk through the store (make sure to wear masks, they also provide at entrance). Ordered a burger (ok but not memorable). We also got a cheesy garlic pull apart bread appetizer which was way bigger than expected and the quality of ingredients tasted just so-so. Quick and friendly service, probably one of the better options after watching the sunset at Grand Canyon!
Audra W — Google review
Me and my mom were on a road trip down to Phoenix for a Dead & Company concert and we stopped by for breakfast. The food was absolutely top notch. Service was stellar and the ambiance made me feel like I stepped back into 1920. Amazing wood worked furnishings from a time when carpenters considered themselves artist. Old fashioned stamped tin ceilings. I love this place.
Matthew Ewing — Google review
We dined inside the beautiful restaurant here at the Cameron Trading Post. The service was wonderful and the food was delicious! We tried their famous Navajo tacos that came with a bean/ground beef mixture, salsa, lettuce, tomato, green chilies and cheese on a piece of yummy fry bread. None of us had leftovers!
We also tried the kids hot dog and French fry meal which was good. The three grilled cheese is also very cheesy and the cheese comes between three large slices of bread.
The store, that you have to go through to get to the restaurant, has many items you can purchase like cactus candy, jellies, and homemade fudge. They have 2 bathrooms close by each other. One set of them was very clean and nice, the other set was not.
Other than that, we had a lovely time stopping here!
Ronalyn DeBlois — Google review
To call this a Motel is so underselling what you get here. I stayed in room 218 for a night in September 23 and wish I had booked for longer. The room was amazing / bigger than many flats/apartments- it had a huge lounge with comfy sofa, dining table and kitchenette. The bedroom was also a great size with another TV, massive closet and ample storage. The location on the way to the Grand Canyon was spot on.
The shop has to be seen to believed anything you can think of you can get here and the restaurant was great too
Julie Parfitt — Google review
We were very tired and found this spot without knowing anything about it. We were so surprised. The room was clean and comfortable with great air conditioning. The price was reasonable. Staff were all helpful and positive. We had to go outside and look at the stars which were beautiful and in the morning we saw what a beautiful place it was with such lovely scenery. The store has good food and amazing art work and jewelry. I loved everything about this place.
Ah Jodie — Google review
This was a recommendation from one of the front desk associates at our hotel when we mentioned we were headed to the Grand Canyon this weekend. We ended up being hungry right around the time we were near here, so decided to stop in.
The trading post is beautiful, with lots of stunning handmade crafts. The smells from the restaurant were enticing so we were looking forward to trying it out.
That being said, my meal unfortunately didn't live up to expectations. I had the Navajo taco and was really excited about trying it, but found it to be very bland. There was no spiciness (or even much seasoning)- and while I did like the concept of the dish (having never tried it before) I thought the execution was lackluster. My son had a bacon cheeseburger and he actually really enjoyed it- and his fries were perfectly cooked.
I didn't take leftovers because I couldn't imagine the fry bread on the taco standing up well to the wet beans/meat and not getting soggy over time.
They are charging almost $5 a pop for sodas, which is absurd to me. I told my son to go ahead and try a milkshake instead since they were only a dollar more. He did *really* enjoy the prickly pear milkshake and it seems like a unique menu item which is always fun to find. To me it tasted both sweet and earthy- with almost a veggie-like flavor.
Service was just ok. The waitress was not rude, but was a bit abrupt- and she never checked on our meal/food/whether we needed anything else until we were finished eating.
If I was back in the area, I'd skip this in favor of trying something new/different.
Jaden Brulotte — Google review
The Navajo Taco is outstanding! We stopped here on the way to monument Valley because of the signs. It’s definitely worth it. All the rest of the food being served around us looks wonderful too. Fast service as well!
damien diaz deleon — Google review
What a great find! We stopped for breakfast and then spent 2.0 minutes perusing the many souvenirs and collectibles in the shop. Hubby had bacon and eggs- generous portions and I had the Navajo which was a blue corn pancake, egg and bacon. The waitress was fast, food came quickly and it was delicious. You can see from the photo my pancake was huge- you can’t see how good and light it was so just trust me. Great stop after the canyon for us!
Cathy Stopfer — Google review
Fun place to stop at on the way to the Grand Canyon. Good souvenir shop with a little bit of everything in it. We also ate at the restaurant which was very good! Tried the authentic Tacos with fry bread. A must try! Service was good, everyone was very nice.
LONI JONES — Google review
I don't understand why this is a 2-star hotel. Our room was amazing. My job puts me up in 4-star hotels when we have to travel for work, and sure, those hotels are nice, but they're all about the same, and the stars are mostly for the thick mattresses/bedcovers and sleek furniture and bathrooms (when we're talking about rooms, not amenities). But this hotel has character! It's old (maybe that's why it's only 2 stars?) but all of the furniture was amazing, the room was very large, and the balcony was freaking great. Sure, the bathroom is small like other budget hotels (so it can't compare to a 4-star hotel there), but I've never had such a large room space or a balcony in a 4-star hotel (yes, I know that's possible tho). Maybe I just like a bit of flavor. This hotel was made/opened over a hundred years ago, and everything about it just kind of gave off the sense of grandeur of back then - when staying in a hotel was a Big Deal and not an everyday thing. I don't know, maybe it's just me... but I freaking loved this hotel. Definitely in my top 10 favorite hotel rooms ever!
Cindy Michaels — Google review
We drove a bit out of our way en route to Horseshoe Bend to have a Navajo Taco for lunch. Our meal was delicious! The staff members were very friendly and took great care of us. The gift shop was huge and the restrooms were nice and clean. They had spots reserved for RV parking, which was so convenient for parking our 33’ motorhome. We even ordered an extra taco for each of us to have later. Would recommend.
Billie Hopkin — Google review
I work for a tour company out of Las Vegas, and for the past month this has always been our dinner stop on Day 1. I can say with certainty that it will always be going forward, but we've had great experiences here every time. Our tours have people from all over the US and the world, and I haven't heard one negative thing about the food here. The menu is large and expansive where there is something for everybody, and I always tell guests that the portion sizes are HUGE! I went with the Navajo Taco after seeing it on an actual billboard as we were approaching, and it's so delicious and filling. It's a beautiful restaurant as well, and when we arrive we're usually able to see the sunset out of the perfectly-angled windows. Cameron Trading Post is always able to accommodate our groups of 10-14 people, so it's much appreciated. I've had great experiences here to the point where next time I'm traveling solo or with family/friends, this will 100% be my stop.
Justin Bartz — Google review
Rooms are all new, spacious and immaculate. The views outside the hotel and from the restaurant were spectacular, especially at sunset. The staff at check-in counter were very patient and helpful. The food at the restaurant was delicious and something different for a change- the frybread taco was delicious and huge. The store was lovely with something for everyone, but the Native American pottery and rugs were the highlight and worth stopping to see even if not staying or eating there! I am recommending this as a stop to family and friends
Ellie Cavanagh — Google review
The gift shop was huge and full of really beautiful Indian jewelry, artwork, and pottery. They also have a good sized section with snacks and drinks, and the drinks are ice cold! Restrooms were clean and well maintained! Staff was very friendly!
Craig Garrett — Google review
This trading post was very clean and had friendly staff. The restaurant was very nice – loved all of the Navajo and Hopi art displayed. The ceiling detail was so cool!! Also, the Navajo tacos and green chili with sirloin and fry bread was delicious. Portions are big! You could share a Navajo taco. They have tons of souvenirs, jewelry, and clean bathrooms for tourists and passersby. Definitely recommend.
Stevie Hudspeth — Google review
We enjoyed our stay here. The rooms aren’t fancy but they are clean and roomy. We were in the Hopi building and faced the garden. It’s very pretty even in the winter. We had a Navajo Taco and we all thought it was really good. We’ve had them other places and some of the reviews said it was bland and I didn’t think so at all! We also had breakfast and I had the Heuvos rancheros and a sopapilla which was so good! I grew up my grandma made Indian fry bread with sugar and it was just like hers ❤️ service at the front desk and restaurant were super friendly. The ladies in the shop were less friendly and seemed kind of bothered. We enjoyed our stay and would recommend it to others!
SJ Anderson — Google review
You know what makes a great restaurant experience, when you don’t expect much and the restaurant delivers more than you could have hoped for. The atmosphere is perfect for the setting, the staff was great, the food… we had their famous pulled bread, Navajo Taco and Navajo beef stew, delicious! Then the frybread drizzled in honey, powdered sugar and cinnamon sugar. A perfect end to a wonderful meal. I would definitely eat here again! (I would have given 10 stars if I could)
Tim F — Google review
We ate at the restaurant and shopped in the store. They had friendly staff and delicious food! The portions are HUGE and very inexpensive. The Navajo Tacos are massive and made my boy's mouths drop when they were brought out. We loved the environment and the massive gift shop!
Dan Bowman — Google review
Just came here for the food, on the way to the Grand Canyon. We enjoyed lunch so much that we decided to stop by again the same day for dinner. Generous portions and friendly & fast service. The chili and beef stew were standout, and went well with the fry bread. The dining room has a good view out the back window and the Navajo themed art (for sale-- an extension of the gift shop--) was a lot more interesting than the decor you'd see an an average roadside diner.
Evan Beach — Google review
A very unique place for Native American handmade products, the dining area looks over a canyon which is very cool.
The food was sadly a little sub par, the bulboards hype it up, but ends up feeling thrown together to just get a meal out.
Their chili, beef/ bean mixture had decent flavoring. Would recommend to stop by and shop and maybe use the hotel for a stop near the grand canyon, sadly not much else seemed worth it
Chaz — Google review
We're staying in the RV park for a few days. We didn't plan on walking around the trading post/gallery but I sure am glad we did! Everyone is incredibly friendly and helpful. We watched Daniel weaving a traditional style Navajo rug and he happily taught us all about it as he went. At the jewelry counter a lady kindly showed me the raw form of a stone I was admiring. Even outside a landscaper saw us enjoying a flower and told us where to find more of the same kind.
The warmth and time-generosity these people have is palatable and I'm enjoying every moment.
Wheelchair RV Life Autumn — Google review
Listen-if nothing else come here for the fry bread. Get it to go from the insanely nice and helpful staff in the restaurant. Get the fry bread tacos, with green chiles and eat them outside. Enjoy your life and be grateful that these awesome folks are making the best fry bread tacos of my life. 100% worth a visit just for these.
The fry bread is perfectly cooked with pinto beans, ground meat and lettuce and cheese. It just works so perfectly together. And the portions are huge!
justin cooper (Cooper Casa) — Google review
We stopped as we were told that we had to have one of their famous fried bread tacos.
The gift shop was fabulous. So many beautiful pieces of jewelry, arts and crafts. Something for everyone in all price ranges.
We were seated in the restaurant immediately. Had to wait quite a while before we ordered. Wasn't really busy but I think there were only a couple waitstaff.
We wanted a prickly pear malt, but they were out of the ingredients. 😭
The frybread taco was so big, it was split for 2. It was good, something fun to have. Our beverages arrived with our meal. Wait staff never returned to check on us except to bring the bill.
We sat there so long that the restaurant filled up with diners.
FYI - no alcohol is served.
Pam Buss — Google review
We can’t comment on the rooms since we only stopped for the Navajo tacos. I live in Missouri now, but lived in Oklahoma around 9 tribes for 20+ years where I was first introduced to “Indian Tacos” and they’re just absolutely divine. I was so excited to see a restaurant serving them. We got the hot beef taco and the Navajo taco. I’m so disappointed. Nothing was seasoned. Some of the brown beans were still crunchy and undercooked. I got maybe two tablespoons of salsa for this face sized taco. The hot beef tastes like a frozen Banquet meal. The food definitely looked beautiful. Beautiful only on the outside. I wanted to love it.
Cortni Lawson — Google review
We didn’t stay at the hotel. We just stopped here on the way from the Grand Canyon to antelope canyon for some breakfast. We were told by a Grand Canyon guide that they had amazing food and this is where he recommended to go for a more scenic view. Which it was beautiful! The food was all delicious. So glad we stopped here. We tried the fry bread avocado and egg and then just a regular fry bed with honey. The fry bread with avocado and egg is just half a serving in the picture they split it for us without even asking because we had told them we were sharing, which was great!! I missed a crunch so probably would get it just on toast but it was still good. Son loved his French toast. Very reasonably priced food about 30$ for three of us. Huge gift shop with lots to choose from. Prices were reasonable for a tourist stop I thought. Beautiful surroundings.
There were some Navajos selling jewelry, so be aware that if they are giving you a tour, they will either want you to buy their jewelry or at least provide a tip at the end. If you do not want to, then politely let them know, "No. Thank you."
I have to say it was very nice to talk with the gentleman who was showing us the dinosaur tracks. Yes, we did give him some money, but it was a pleasure talking to him and having him show us around.
adriane s?ra price — Google review
There was a very nice young man that volunteered to take us on a tour just for tips. He was very knowledgeable and we learned so much! Definitely worth a good tip. We would not have found all the amazing tracks and fossils with our him! If someone is there to give you a tour definitely take it with them! Very cool!
derek hayn — Google review
Awesome spot. Might be the best roadside attraction I've ever been to, and it's free. Rick lives nearby and explains everything; tipped $7. Would be great if they continue to make this better with support from the community.
The Beach Today — Google review
Right off of the highway. Easily marked. A younger Navajo man showed us around. They do not charge anything but we gave him a tip for his time and knowledge. Our sons loved it. There are also a few souvenir stands set up with authentic Navajo jewelry for sale.
Joanie M — Google review
This Place was AMAZING! We happen to run across the sign on the road on our way home from Utah to Texas and debated to turn around and im glad we did. 100% this is a must place to stop. Weather you have kids or not this is a place you will never experience anywhere else! There are 100s or tracks and fossils. Its amazing this place isn't more known. And if you stop take time to look at the hand made native jewelry. BEAUTIFUL WORK! This stop is definitely on our agenda for our next family vacation.
Chrystin — Google review
The trackways were certainly very convincing of being real dinosaur tracks. There were some things that were a stretch but overall it was very cool to see and our children loved it. We had no cash but the Navajo Indian that was there said he would take cannabis, beer or whiskey in exchange for a tour. So, I gave him a six-pack of an IPA we happened to have with us. Certainly worth stopping by!
Dalas Lamberson — Google review
I do not recommend visiting during tourist season. I’ve passed though here many times and the few times we stopped to stretch our legs we were never harassed to leave a ‘small donation.’
We stopped here to let our young kids see the cool tracks that I saw as a kid. We were flagged down to park in a space near the track site and we’re asked for a ten minute guided tour for a donation. We had no cash on us. Not even a dollar, we didn’t take cash with us as we were only seeing family on the reservation. Once we said we didn’t have cash the lady who waved us down said “fine you can walk it yourself” which I already planned on doing. The same woman proceeded to ask us 3 more times if we had money for a small donation or tip. It would be offensive to give her the $0.80 cents I had in the bottom of my bag.
We walked 20 feet from our car saw a few tracks and we’re yelled at by a man in the “tourist guide group.” He made us uncomfortable and said “We shouldn’t be here because we didn’t give money.”
We left immediately. Very disappointing. Not a good look.
Jacynthe K (Jk) — Google review
Really enjoyed this stop (free, but donations appreciated). It's so awesome to walk in dinosaur's footsteps. Red Bird "Ricky", told us about the land and it's discoveries. His people have lived and watched over the area for generations. It was a very neat and informative stop, definitely recommend!
Brittany English — Google review
Amazing! You can walk around and see the Dinosaur tracks, just off the main highway. We were shown around by a lovely Navajo lady, they conserve the area and welcome guests to visit and explore for a tip donation.
A really incredible experience.
Jessica Saxton — Google review
Have a local guide give you the tour! It's a big time saver to have all the good stuff pointed out to you fast. It took about 10 min for this old grandma to show me around and point out even more cool stuff to me than I was able to read about online about the site later. I recommend tipping $10-20.
Pat Manly — Google review
Worth the voluntary tipping(no entrance fee), the tour takes about 10-15 minutes. It's just a quick stop on the way, and you can see some amazing prints and even partly skeltons (a few need some imagination).
Ralf Assmann — Google review
Very interesting roadside attraction! We had an unexpected tour guide who was an elder Navajo woman who had led tours since she was a young woman. She was very knowledgeable and smart, very nice. Our teens loved it.
Karen Hogue — Google review
This was a very nice hot place with an interesting history. We had a wonderful guide who was very knowledgeable about the dinosaurs and the history. It was nice to be among the rocks and sand. This place gave me peace. My children loved it. Very original place. I highly recommend a visit. Be sure to tip the tour guides as this place is not funded and kept by the tour guide.
Glow Segay — Google review
A great, truly unique experience. The guide was very friendly and informative. He spent a good amount of time with us showing the different dinosaur tracks and explaining the history of the area. He also gave us some unique rocks as a parting gift. We tipped him $15 for 3 people (but he didn't pressure us for money and didn't specify an amount)
Peter Smith — Google review
Made a quick roadside stop. There were a few Native people waiting for tourists. One women approached and offered a tour for tips. It was interesting and she pointed out footprints, vegetarian and other interesting looking rocks/ fossils and formations. It was a great way to take a break from the car.
Michelle Cooley — Google review
What a fun quick stop. Lots of Dino prints that young and old will enjoy. They just ask for a "tip" and they show you around and give you a great little history of where, when and who found these prints and what two Dino prints you are seeing. Make sure to say hi to Joe Manywhisters, our guide¡
Suzanna Spencer — Google review
We were on our way to Monument Valley and saw a sign for this place. We stopped and were given a tour of the dinosaur tracks in the area by a nice elderly Navajo lady. She was very informative and we had a great time. Our group of 4 left a $20 tip. Our friend really liked the hardened Dinosaur poop next to some footprints.
JJS — Google review
The tour guide is so cool! Do not expect a deep geologic interpretation but he is prepared. My daughter enjoyed the tour. Please leave a tip or buy something. They are very welcoming and nice. Cool stop coming from Horseshoe Bend!
Norvi Blandin — Google review
Went alone wandering around into the desert found some amazing sites, then met a few local natives that showed me around "papasauraus" Alvin that gave me a tour of the dinosaurs bones it's wild out there found some actual bones, and natural formations
Definitely worth a visit the natives are very friendly.
ria asaram — Google review
This was an unexpectedly amazing experience! We came here hoping to see maybe one dinosaur track but there were several. Pay for a local guide, they'll so you all the different dino species. Payment is donation based (we gave them $20 for 2 people).