40 Best Stops Between Winslow and Greater Palm Springs
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Wanderlog staff Updated • updatedApr 7, 2023
How long is the drive from Winslow to Greater Palm Springs?
The direct drive from Winslow to Greater Palm Springs is 457 mi (736 km), and should have a drive time of 6 hrs 32 mins in normal traffic.
If you’re going on a road trip from Winslow to Greater Palm Springs, we did the research for you and compiled some great stops along the way — with Sedona, Phoenix, Flagstaff, Scottsdale, Palm Desert, Prescott, Joshua Tree National Park, Jerome, Mesa, and Glendale, as well as top places to visit like Grand Falls, Arizona and Tonto Creek Fish Hatchery, or the ever-popular Meteor Crater Natural Landmark.
Top cities between Winslow and Greater Palm Springs
The top cities between Winslow and Greater Palm Springs are Sedona, Phoenix, Flagstaff, Scottsdale, Palm Desert, Prescott, Joshua Tree National Park, Jerome, Mesa, and Glendale. Sedona is the most popular city on the route. It's 2 hours from Winslow and 5 hours from Greater Palm Springs.
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
3 minutes off the main route, 12% of way to Greater Palm Springs
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.
Most popular city on this route
17 minutes off the main route, 23% of way to Greater Palm Springs
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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.
4% as popular as Sedona
37 minutes off the main route, 27% of way to Greater Palm Springs
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.
11% as popular as Sedona
34 minutes off the main route, 32% of way to Greater Palm Springs
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
7 minutes off the main route, 41% of way to Greater Palm Springs
I'll never travel to Greater Palm Springs without this trip planner again
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.
41% as popular as Sedona
18 minutes off the main route, 42% of way to Greater Palm Springs
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.
74% as popular as Sedona
6 minutes off the main route, 42% of way to Greater Palm Springs
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
24 minutes off the main route, 42% of way to Greater Palm Springs
Joshua Tree National Park, a renowned desert park, is a popular destination for campers and hikers to discover its geologic wonders alongside its iconic Joshua trees. The park offers well-maintained facilities and stunning views with plenty of opportunities for adventurous hiking and rock climbing. Visitors can make their road trip more interesting by making stops at unique landmarks such as Salvation Mountain while entering from the 10 freeway.
We’ll kept facilities and gorgeous views. Plenty of good hiking and rock climbing if you’re adventurous. Entering from the 10 freeway avoids a long line to get in, though that also puts you farthest from the best parts.
Bill Moseley — Google review
Absolutely beautiful. You could spend a lifetime exploring this park. It is huge with many day use and overnight camping areas. Be prepared to drive, as all the sites are bit far apart. Bring plenty of water and snacks, there are none in the park and it IS a desert. Restrooms are at day use areas. Snakes are common in hotter months so exercise caution when climbing among the rocks. That being said there are lots of rock climbing routes, great for both bouldering and line climbers. The day use areas are the most family-friendly, with lots of non-strenuous hikes. Because of this, these areas are the most populated. If you're looking for less people, you can just pull over anywhere and start exploring. If you camp overnight, I suggest camping off the ground (just my own opinion) because scorpions come out at night. 😬
A word of caution: flash flooding is extremely common and it's best to leave at any sign of weather.
Brittany Wine — Google review
The best I.S. National Park for me, I’m a teen and I love climbing on rock piles! The rocks are so beautifully shaped and positioned in valleys and on hills, I saw giant rabbits with very long pink ears and lots of interesting desert plants. There are so many trails and they all seem different. It’s also very close to the town that has a yummy organic/vegan food place that is pretty crowded when L.A. people are on their weekend trips.
Leon Vincent — Google review
Best place to visit for those who love desert adventure. A huge park with beautiful roads & no shelters, no shades, no greenery. Lots of sand Trails. One can see are rocks of all shapes & sizes, cactus & desert trees only. Totally dry area, absolutely no water. Not a place to visit on a hot day and definitely not in Summer. Lovers of Rocks must & should dash to this place.
PRASAD GUPTA Doolapeta — Google review
Had a great two day visit here. Lots to see. Easy access and great day hikes. If you’re here to climb you have already heard how good it is. Be careful on the dirt roads as there are stupid people driving trucks at out of control speeds.
Glenn Reynolds — Google review
This is a gorgeous National Park. I've visited a couple of times over the years and always have a good time. Beautiful scenery and great to get out in nature. Nice place to stop by if you are visiting the Palm Springs area.
Carina Jahn — Google review
Do not miss out on visiting this incredible Park! The landscape, fauna and flora are just extraordinary. The giant boulders are huge and beautiful - to climb over, under and aside is amazing. To stay at one of the campgrounds will be one of the best experiences.
Drive, walk, cycle, run, but just make sure to spend time here! No cell phone service in the park but it just isn't necessary.
Justine Edwards — Google review
Unique landscapes, easy hikes, weird trees. I would say that most of the things can be seen within one day, but probably more pleasant to stay for a night in a town nearby and then devote two days. Most of the hikes are very clearly marked and don’t need special footwear. Pack layers as it gets cold fast in the winter.
Karina Kisselite — Google review
Joshua tree National park is one of the best parks I’ve been to. I love that you can cover the most of the must see places in a day and at night you can stay at the arch rock to look at the starts. The park has plenty restrooms At multiple locations. It has 4 visitor centers on each direction. Roads are well maintained. Overall great place for getaway.
Foram Mistry — Google review
I am in love with this place!! Great scenery, make sure to plan out any trails you are planning to explore in advance and that is according to your level. Take a lot of water, sunscreen and good shoes if you are planning on walking. And… please for the love of good take a camera with you. This place is worth so much more time to explore. These formations are amazing and if you have the chance to climb any please do so.
Shannen Castaneda — Google review
Very interesting experience! There are exhibits and areas to get out of the car all over the place. Very cool to see the Joshua Trees and nature. 10/10, recommend driving through if you’re in the area!
William Daly — Google review
Great park to ride a motorcycle through, the roads in the surrounding area are also great. Do try to go early as possible to avoid all the cars. You can also camp here and see an amazing view of stars. Joshua tree is a designated dark sky site.
Katie Flohr — Google review
Hands down my favorite national Park to go to although it might be the only national Park I've ever been to. I didn't think I liked the desert until I was able to visit this park and it is beautiful beyond compare. I wondered how all of these little clumps of rocks ended up here. Easy to drive through without getting lost and I hope to return one day to camp just for one night.
Ray Alan — Google review
Highly recommend Joshua tree park. Amazing day or night. Interesting ecology and lots of various sites to check out. Great spot for long exposure nighttime photography! Check out the visitor center in town before heading out there.
Trey McNair — Google review
Absolutely stunning and otherworldly! Be sure to bring plenty of provisions! Extra water and snacks will be very helpful as you travel through the park.
I saw a couple of people collecting vegetation so please be aware that this is strictly prohibited! Please preserve our national parks!
Parina Patel Mosley — Google review
Joshua Tree National Park is a true desert wonderland, offering an unforgettable experience for nature enthusiasts and adventurers alike. The park's unique landscape, characterized by its iconic Joshua trees, massive rock formations, and clear night skies, creates a sense of awe and inspiration. I had the privilege of exploring various trails, each leading to its own breathtaking vistas and hidden treasures. Whether you're into hiking, rock climbing, stargazing, or simply enjoying the tranquility of the desert, Joshua Tree National Park has it all.
One of the highlights of my visit was the opportunity to witness the remarkable sunrise and sunset views. The play of colors across the desert landscape is a sight to behold, and I found myself captivated by the ever-changing beauty of this place.
It's worth noting that while the park offers an incredible experience, it can get quite hot during the day, so it's advisable to plan your outdoor activities accordingly and bring plenty of water. Also, be prepared for fluctuating temperatures, as desert nights can be surprisingly chilly.
Despite the harsh environment, the park is well-maintained, with informative visitor centers and well-marked trails. The rangers are knowledgeable and helpful, ensuring that visitors have a safe and enjoyable experience.
In summary, Joshua Tree National Park is a must-visit destination for anyone who appreciates the natural wonders of the desert. It's a place of solitude, adventure, and unparalleled beauty. Whether you're an avid hiker, a rock climber, or a casual observer of the wonders of the natural world, this park has something for everyone. It's a true jewel of the American Southwest and a testament to the remarkable diversity of our national parks.
Clément Muth — Google review
Joshua Tree National Park is a mesmerizing destination that defies expectations and captivates the senses!
As a seasoned traveler, I've explored many landscapes, but none compare to the unique allure of this national park. The endemic Joshua trees stand as sentinels, casting an otherworldly charm over the vast desert landscape. The alien rock formations add to the park's mystique, inviting exploration and contemplation.
However, it's during the magical hours of sunrise and sunset that Joshua Tree truly shines, painting the sky with breathtaking hues and casting long, dramatic shadows across the desert floor. Whether you're a nature enthusiast, photographer, or simply seeking adventure, Joshua Tree National Park promises an unforgettable experience unlike any other in the United States.
Olga Lonska — Google review
One of my actual favorite places to visit! It has so many wonderful things to see, other-worldly rock formations to hike through, vast desert views, the cutest little local shops, and of course Joshua Trees! Always a pleasure.
Lauren York — Google review
Very different national park. It has marvelous rocks which kids enjoy climbing. At night we had star gazing which was so serene. The cactus was huge and shining at night. The trails are muddy but good to walk.
Only thing I found a problem here is very few restrooms and water facilities. Carry lots of water and food as nothing is available inside park.
Sumit S — Google review
I have been visiting Joshua Tree National Park for many years. I am a professional Photographer and this is my favorite place to take pictures.
The natural beauty of this amazing place is breathtaking. I feel so at peace when I am here.
We love to go hiking on the numerous hiking trails. We also just enjoy driving through the park.
Be prepared when you come with extra water and food. Make sure you have plenty of gas before you enter the park. The nearest gas station is about 5 miles from the entrance on the East side of the park. The gas prices there were very expensive, about 50% higher than other gas stations.
There is no cell service inside the park, unless you have a satellite phone.
The best time of the year to visit is February through May. The weather is usually really good during these months.
We will continue to visit Joshua Tree National Park again soon. I love all of the memories we have made together as a family
Jeffrey M Martin — Google review
Beautiful park! There is a little bit for everyone. There are dirt roads for some backroad trips, bouldering, rock climbing, hiking, or just chilling. You can just drive through and enjoy the scenery or spend days there.
Katy Crocker — Google review
I really enjoyed taking my family to Joshua Tree. This place was absolutely awesome. There is a lot to see because this national park is so big. I would highly recommend going to Skull Rock and take time to explore especially with kids. My kids loved running around, climbing rocks, and just taking in the views. Very memorable trip for the whole family.
Zachary Walz — Google review
What’s not to love?!? An incredible experience in a stunning environment. Some of the most enjoyable hiking we’ve experienced anywhere! Beautiful sunrises and sunsets.
Jamie l Thompson — Google review
Wow, this park is like something from outer space. We enjoyed every minute that we visited. Hiking was gorgeous and not too crowded. It was early March, so not crazy crowded. Would definitely recommend, even for elderly or handicapped as you can see a lot of the main things by driving through if you just want a feel for the park. I’m not sure how summer would be though!
Amy Robertsonsmith — Google review
This park is def worth the hype! Great accessibility with a variation of difficultly in activities and hikes!
It’s close to the town of Joshua tree which has accommodations like lodging, food, gas, activities, visitor center, and must see places!
Navigating the park is easy, park rangers are knowledgeable, and the volunteers that we encountered on the trails and asked questions were also very knowledgeable!
This park is very popular and can get extremely busy to the point that park rangers will turn people away to prevent congestion when there is no parking at a location. Get there early to avoid this and to avoid the unbearable heat and sun.
Chloe Medina — Google review
6% as popular as Sedona
29 minutes off the main route, 83% of way to Greater Palm Springs
Palm Desert, located in California's Coachella Valley near Palm Springs, is known for its abundance of country clubs, golf courses, and upscale shops. The city center boasts The Shops on El Paseo, offering high-end boutiques, dining options, and art galleries. Nature enthusiasts can explore the diverse wildlife at The Living Desert Zoo & Gardens. Additionally, visitors can enjoy a variety of performances at the McCallum Theatre.
11% as popular as Sedona
7 minutes off the main route, 94% of way to Greater Palm Springs
Best stops along Winslow to Greater Palm Springs drive
The top stops along the way from Winslow to Greater Palm Springs (with short detours) are Chapel of the Holy Cross, Meteor Crater Natural Landmark, and Cathedral Rock. Other popular stops include Walnut Canyon National Monument, Montezuma Castle National Monument, and Bell Rock.
Meteor Crater Natural Landmark is a fascinating ancient meteorite impact site, showcasing the impressive scale of the crater. The attraction features an interpretive center, theater, gift shop and concessions for visitors to enjoy. While the museum may be small, it offers fun exhibits and a short video that provides insight into the site's history.
Awesome place to visit! The museum is small but fun, the theater plays a short video describing the site history, but the true gem is the crater itself. The scale here must be seen and experienced. It's outstanding! And since you'll be out standing on a tall outcrop, bring a jacket. The views are photo worthy, but the wind can dampen the experience if you're not prepared.
Kay W — Google review
Interesting museum dedicated to meteoric study. The landmark itself is amazing, and the documentation and historical overview most informative. There is also a 3D Simulation ride/film that is quite fun. Staff in the gift shop were engaged and enthusiastic. A most pleasant side trip off the highway. Recommended.
Cathleen Colehour — Google review
Its pretty neat to see. Recommend taking the 45 minute guided tour. Dress for the weather if you do. The museum exhibit is good an informative. There is also a little snack shop with some sandwiches and beverages. The gift shop is pretty good a well.
James Janidas — Google review
I didn't even know about this place until I started planning Route66. Impressive landmark. Staying on the edge of the crater it is still hard to imagine how that impact took place. Recomended for visiting. Just drink enough water and protect yourself from sun
Dan — Google review
The site is a scientific phenomenon. The information is presented very well. The film discussing how the crater was formed is very good, just the right length. Overall a good place to learn about how meteors influenced the Earth's evolution.
Paul Chapa Sr — Google review
Knowledgeable and friendly staff. The crater is something to behold. The cafe was a neat atmosphere, but if seemed like they stopped serving food pretty early, but that might've been due to the holiday weekend.
Ameen Syed — Google review
We have passed by and never stopped but decided to plan a trip here. It is full of such interesting information. The movie was really informative. Unfortunately, the wings were crazy due to a storm that was coming in, so the outside rim tour was canceled. You could go out on the main deck and see the crater, but you couldn't go to the higher deck. The wind almost knocked me down so I took a couple of quick pictures and went back inside. They have a motion ride that was fun. Everything is included in the price of your admission. They offer a military discount, which was nice. They have elevators, which is perfect for those who are unable to climb stairs. They have a nice cafe that has hot dogs, Philly cheesestesk sandwiches, pretzels, muffins, turnovers, and a lot more. The gift shop was nice and had some great items. You won't find a nicer crater that is preserved. Definitely stop here.
Donna Smith — Google review
Was a nice drive out. I didn't go in due to it being closed. But I got to enjoy the peacefulness at night. It's a bit of a shame that all natural wonders have to be blocked off because we can't control or trust our selves enough to preserve them for future generations. I can only hope humanity will become better in the future.
Raphael Whitten — Google review
Amazing place!! Very educational as well inside the museum area. The outdoor gives you a wow factor and tell you the power of nature. Great for families and friends. Gift shop is a bit price like Disney pricey but overall is ok.
Cesar Cordoba — Google review
What a great place!! Unique like nothing else. We found it by chance on our way. Fantastic driveway on your way there and unique relics from our solar system and beyond. Buy merch in your way out, is a must!! Have water with you if it’s sunny. You’ll need around an hour to see around maximum.
PANAGIOTIS XOURIS — Google review
This was another pretty cool stop along the way on our cross-country road trip. We were here for a good 90 minutes, there's a lot to see within the walls of this center. Very informative, with interactive displays and such. You can go outside and view the crater from a few different platforms. There was a line of about 20 people when we arrived but you get through that pretty quickly, and then you can pretty much go in and see what you want and start where you want.
The Fab Forty — Google review
We left early, arrived shortly after opening,,Temperature was good...They have a nice cafe inside. They have a 10 minute film describing the Meteor Crater, a 4-D ride that children would love, last 10 minutes...The Guided tour is about half-mile out into the rim..Its about 45-55 minutes out and back...It has amazing views..
Keith Byrd — Google review
Awesome!
We couldn't get the guided tour because of high winds so I can't comment on that.
But if you want to spend a couple of hours to see a one of a kind phenomena, go to the crater. Yeah it's a few dollars and overpriced, but if you can save up some money, I recommend it. I don't need to ever go back but I'm glad I went.
Luke Bilow — Google review
This place was not bad, I would have given it 4 stars, but there was a particular issue that occurred and so if you are interested in that, read my second paragraph. We stopped here on a whim on our way to the Petrified forest national park. It had some fun things, a short museum walkthrough with a lot of information, a quick video that tells about the impact, a few different observation decks which have "free" binoculars set up. (I say free like that because it does cost a fee to enter.) They do have a cafe with snack type foods, tea, and coffee as well. And a gift shop. There is also a 4D experience that we did not do. It may or may not be good, but it looked fun. But, I'd say the main reason to go here is the guided tour.
This is the problem we had. The information about the crater that you was great, our guide was very knowledgeable about the topics at hand. But... he was very outspoken about being pro guns. I am not personally offended by this stance, though the comments he made about getting "kids who trespass in his sights." Things said like that, I am really put off by. As a tour guide, I don't believe getting political is a part of the job. There were many other comments during the tour, specifically about guns as well. And mind you, I also have a 6 year old that was with me on the tour. He was even put off by these comments and mentioned it later to me.
Yarrow Stanley — Google review
Interesting and interactive exhibits around the Crater make it a fun experience for adults and children. The staff was friendly and helpful. Discounts available for seniors and military. Well worth stopping off to visit this landmark.
Linda O — Google review
We went on a Friday at eight. This mile in diameter meteor Crater is amazing; I would definitely recommend it. It has a movie and 4D theater. The first guided tour was at 10:10, and we wanted to leave by then so we didn't get to go. In the museum there's the biggest sample of the meteor, which is heavier than a horse 🐎!
Miranda Schleifer — Google review
Pricy but honestly worth it. Museum is nice and they really did the best you could do with an attraction like this one. Crater is awesome. Really nice thing to see.
Aleksandra Ciprijanovic — Google review
Holy Mackerel - super sized impact crater with exposed strata layers.
Museum has a military discount!!! ( YEAH!!!)
Great overview of the crater, the environment at the time, etc
If you are here- its certainly worth the visit
pts pts — Google review
55,000 years ago a 150 ft meteorite struck the earth at 26,000 miles per hour. The crater diameter is 1 mile. There is an excellent visitors center with displays, a movie, a 4D theatre, guided tour, and a few viewing decks. Great place to visit.
Justin Wong — Google review
We stopped here on our way from Albuquerque to Flagstaff. Great road trip detour.
The meteor crater itself is very cool. The scale of it is quite impressive. It was fun to walk around the rim and get some pictures. It's a must-do for space nerds like me.
There's also a small museum that you need to walk through to access the crater. I think admission to the crater and museum was $25/person, which is a little expensive for a 30-60 minute stop.
Dogs aren't allowed, so we left ours in the car. It was January so we weren't worried about the heat. They do have a basic kennel available.
Chris Fernandez — Google review
Awesome side trip to the best preserved meteor crater in the world! Beautiful information center. Great viewing areas. The movie about the origin and history of the meteor and crater was good. Many interactive displays, too. Walking tours are also available, weather permitting (not too windy). 4D ride available (I did not try this).
John Bunce — Google review
The rim tour is 45 minutes, which is dedicated, so no leaving early.
The entrance is free to the military and then is $25 per person. Has multiple levels to view the crater from and an interactive museum to experience the phenomenon.
Cafe on site as well. Lots of parking. Accessible walkways for most ability groups
GRAMS — Google review
It's such a sweet spot!! It was way bigger than I thought it was going to be!! They have guided tours and an awesome gift shop. Don't miss this attraction on your next road trip!
Ted — Google review
I've always wanted to come here but never had the chance. I can take this off my bucket list now. It has a nice coffee shop and souvenir shop too 😁
Jeff Tovar — Google review
We really enjoyed this cool stop. Close to the interstate and definitely worth the few minutes to get there. Friendly staff. Clean restrooms. Great gift shop
SJ Floyd — Google review
This is a once in a lifetime place to stop. The way the rim is lifted up, you can almost imagine the magnitude of the explosion upon impact. There is a tour included in your ticket price which takes you along the rim.
Lemmie Klein — Google review
Privately owned tourist attraction seems a bit weird in the mid desert, expecting a state park experience. Good explanatory museum, a bit of hiking around the rim available. The 4d ride is an experience for the kids, limited information on the Crater, but goofy fun. One price admission is nice.
Dave Stewart — Google review
An excellent opportunity to witness firsthand the destructive power of encounters with cosmic objects. This place transports the imagination to distant galaxies, leaving behind a sense of awe in the face of the vastness of the universe. It will be fascinating for anyone interested in space. The ticket price includes a film screening about crater formation and a guided tour.
Konstantin Smirnov — Google review
One of the best stop me made on the trip. Great for those interested in science and geology. Unfortunately the 70mph winds prevented us from going on the outside tour but the guide gave the same talk inside. We were able to take pictures from the lower viewing platform but the 70mph winds made that exciting. Overall a great place to visit
joe mallozzi — Google review
It's very cool to see the crater, and the guided tour gives you an exclusive better view of it from a tour-only pathway.
It was more expensive than we had expected, definitely a bit of sticker shock on that one.
Friendly staff and a short but interesting museum portion.
Veronica Seddon — Google review
Went to the recommendation of a friend. View a space where a meteor created a hole the size of a baseball stadium 🏟. Has an informational movie and tours available, or simply hike up and view the site. A gift store is on site. Parking is free, but tickets are required. Senior discounts available.
Michael Ellison — Google review
This place was great! My son is very interested in space and natural wonders so he has been asking to visit since we moved to Arizona. I didn't think I'd be impressed with a hole in the ground, but it was awe-inspiring. I loved how there were so many ways to view the crater and the surrounding views. But the museum is what really made this trip worthwhile to me. So many interesting exhibits and lots of hands-on activities. The gift shop was very nice also. I think the price is fair considering how much there is to see and do. We spent about 3 hours here. And they give a nice discount for military and veterans.
April Yedinak — Google review
Do not miss Meteor Crater if you're in Arizona.
It is mind-blowingly amazing. If you have the slightest bit of interest in outer space, geology, photo-opportunities, science, or history.
It's privately owned, but they have done a lovely job with preservation and presentation. The guided tour was wonderful, but so was the access in just walking around and taking your time.
The museum was great and the 10 minute movie was interesting.
There were people, but it wasn't so crowded that you couldn't take your time and really try to get a sense of it.
What an amazing experience!
I would recommend that they improve food options.
There's plenty of free parking right out front.
Angela Devin — Google review
This is not a tourist trap. It's privately owned but well maintained. Nice museum and fun guided tour of the rim. Highly enjoyed driving out to see the crater and learning about impact craters before heading over to the Grand Canyon.
Grand Falls in Arizona is a remote and natural system on Navajo Nation that offers hiking trails, picnic benches, and a viewpoint. During certain times of the year, the waterfall can be seen bustling with activity but at other times it may not be visible. The drive to Grand Falls can be bumpy and requires a 4x4 vehicle. Despite this, the area is undeniably beautiful and worth visiting for its stunning scenery.
A pleasant surprise! If you're willing to endure a 30 minute drive of washboard dirt roads the view was worth it! The roads are not well marked, but GPS got us there. I'd recommend printing/taking a map as we lost GPS on our return trip. The Falls are literally in the middle of nowhere! Pictures don't do justice. As you approach the falls from the parking area, you can hear the water thundering before you see it below! Be sure to have a hat, water, and good hiking shoes if you'd like to hike down to the bottom of the falls. The terrain is very uneven and rocky. Sharp lava rocks. There are a few man-made overlooks or shelters, otherwise no shade. Bathrooms were locked on our visit at the end of March, so plan accordingly. I understand March to April to be the best time to see the Falls flowing. Keep children close!! High cliffs and no guardrails!!!
Travel B — Google review
This is a trail that you will need to drive in on a dirt road. Some parts are very rough. Also, not recommended to go here during Monsoon season. You will not get cell phone service here. Not many people go in here. The view is beautiful. The waterfalls has a muddy color. I have seen people hiked down to the bottom but I was too scared to get down there.
An Nguyen — Google review
If you don’t go at the right time of year, you will not see the bustling waterfall. Will definitely be back. Regardless, it is a beautiful area and the drive to the waterfall was fun and very bumpy. Definitely something to do with a 4x4.
Mahjabeen Khan — Google review
The road to get here is really rough, so beware. The higher the ground clearance of your vehicle, the better. Worth the trip, though!
Valarie Kenworthy — Google review
...well worth the drive. Just east of Flagstaff. Good road most of the way. Last few miles are rough on cars. Definitely take an SUV or truck. The falls are from the melting snow so best viewed in March thru May. Also known as Chocolate Falls because the water is silty and looks like Chocolate. Easy to find by GPS.
Javed Khan — Google review
The waterfall was very cool however getting there is treacherous. We had a rental minivan the 9 mile unpaved portion leading up to the waterfall was grated improperly. The road is a nightmare.
Amy Irvin — Google review
The Little Colorado looks big here. Loud and wide , easy to get to. The road it’s rough but wide
Multiple shelters you can picnic. At the far end you can hike down to the base of the falls
2 Pit toilets were nasty with no other facilities but no one cared
Awesome falls.
Stewart — Google review
Went by today, CLOSED. Impressive to say the least, However it is a difficult drive to get back you have over 10 miles of dirt roads. You are able to get lots of different views of the falls which is wonderful. I would recommend stopping here it's stopping here if you're in the area it's only an hour away from Interstate 40
Mitchell Bishop — Google review
Grandfalls is so sick. Driving out to the heart of the rez and out of nowhere pops out a massive waterfall. Although nowadays it is closed to everyone but the locals it is well worth taking a trip if it is ever opened back up.
Cole Neilson — Google review
Photos of the falls look great, but we were unable to check them out. Nothing about the closure is posted via signage until you get all the way in.
TJ Sulkowski — Google review
CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED
I’m sure it would have been great !
Out of respect for the natives land, we turned around after being greeted, by a native, on the land.
We were unaware this was closed- better research next time!
Mel Mar — Google review
The Falls are closed to the public due to environmental concerns. There aren’t any signs posted until you arrive. Don’t attempt to visit. We were extremely disappointed after driving an hour to see the falls, on mostly dirt roads with zero warning.
Kate Truncale — Google review
Such an amazing waterfall! The 9 mile drive isn't bad but 75% of it is washboard road and is pretty bumpy. You don't need a 4x4 but I truck or suv does help to limit the bumpy road.
Gurman Singh — Google review
Amazing place to view some giant waterfalls of mountain run off water. It’s free to get in and you just have to drive down a gravel road to get there. I see a lot of people throw their garbage and overloaded the trash cans here so I suggest not cleaning out your car at this location.
Shawn Pahl — Google review
Hardly any falls at this time, but the view was just amazing 😍
Amelia Cruz — Google review
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Arizona 86035, USA
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Tonto Creek Fish Hatchery
Fish farm
Nature & Parks
Government office
Nature & Wildlife Areas
The visit was so relaxing and at a peaceful pace. Some of those fish were so gigantic 😁
We had a joyful stroll not even a walk they had s nice relaxed water stream so amazing!
VicentaRita Mongold — Google review
A smaller but still a neat little hatchery. Lots of info on how the fish are raised & what they do with them. Located right next to Tonto Creek just a little North of Highway 260 & a short drive from Payson. Weather is a bit cooler than Payson usually. There are vending machines where one can purchase a handful of fish food pellets for a quarter to feed the fish(kids love it!). And to the reviewer who complained about the electric wire around the ponds; Those wires are there to keep predators such as large birds, coyotes, etc., from helping themselves to what must seem to them like an 'all you can eat buffet' of rainbow trout fry. It serves an important purpose. Besides, it is connected to a low amperage, moderate voltage, DC power supply, just like a cattle fence. It will give a strong little zap, but in no way harm anyone. It's no more harmful than a carpet shock. As for the moderately uphill walk to the visitor center, you are in the forest, not the downtown local bistro, so there will be some elevation changes. And lastly, I personally find it quite saddening that on the day that you were here & you happen to find yourself in an interesting, well-kept facility such as this, located in the middle of one of our beautiful local or National Forests, and there aren't 100 video display screens with annoying audio continuously blaring, electronic interactive kiosks, available wi-fi(God forbid if you arent connected every waking second of your existence!), no Starbucks stand anywhere, and the like, you find it "boring" & give a low review and state that you won't be back. Fortunately, most folks see the value in a facility such as this, and don't need their "smart" phone or other electronic gadgetry to tell them what the world should look like, and to hold their hand through life so they don't get lost.
JC Cortese — Google review
BEAUTIFUL PLACE TO VISIT. CLEAN, SAFE & KIDOS LEARN ABOUT IT . IT'S A MUST SEE IF YOUR UP IN PAYSON..
Cesar — Google review
My family had a fun time feeding the fish. Such an interesting process and I learned so much!
echo_o0o o — Google review
Awesome place l. The fish are really cool and it has a beautiful Creek next to it. I highly recommend adventuring over to it.
Lindsey Burns — Google review
I am so grateful for what the game and fish in Arizona does. Having the fish hatcheries open to the public and information about the process is really special. This is a great place to bring your family and spend an hour or so learning about everything that goes into raising trout so that our lakes in the state can be stocked for fishing for everyone is really worthwhile. The best tip for this place is to bring quarters with you. You will need them to buy the fish food which is a lot of fun for people of every age.
John Gordon — Google review
Everyone had a great time. We fed the fish and we're in awe of the numbers of them. The visitor center was small but packed with information and history. Not to mention all the the record sized fish that had been caught along with their stats and where/when they were caught. Very cool. Something for all ages.
M Morgan (Morgue-N) — Google review
The drive to the hatchery is gorgeous! There are creeks, hiking trails, gorgeous places for photography, cows walking around! At the hatchery, there are huge gorgeous trout to see and a lot of small trout. You can feed them too with the food you can purchase there.
Sandra Kristal — Google review
Pleasant scenery, but the electric wires all over the place were not marked! My child tried to look over the ledge at the fish but got shocked on her throat by an electric security wire! Almost ruined the trip! Shes fine, and we understand it's probably for keeping animals from eating the fish....but if your kids are 4ft and under, they will likely get shocked just trying to look over the edge at the fish. They should have multiple warning signs but they dont. Don't bring your kids here.
Lucas Alvarez — Google review
4.6
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4.5
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3898 N Tonto Creek Rd Bldg 1, Payson, AZ 85541, USA
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)
Park built around the natural travertine bridge found in the 1800s for hikes, picnics & day trips.
This place is beautiful! It's amazing to see what the elements can do. Some things to keep in mind, there are 2 ways to see the bridge below, hike the unpaved trail or take the easy paved route. Rocks are very slippery, I recommend hiking boots. No dogs allowed below. Be respectful, don't climb where it says, 'No Climbing' rangers are out and will issue tickets. Have fun and be safe!
Michelle Herd — Google review
Cool place they have like 4 little hikes, none of them are that long. They’re just rocky and steep.
My mom did it in flip flops so it’s doable, just be careful. Take a lot of water cause it gets really hot!
Some people were swimming at the water below.
$7 per adult to enter the park, not per car. Not a national park so your pass won’t work here. There’s lots of bathrooms and parking
Alessandra Camargo — Google review
Amazing view! Nice trails, benches to have a picnic and recharge. Fun activity to do with the family and friends. Be mindful, under the bridge, the rocks are very slippery regardless of shoes. I've made the mistake of jumping ahead and almost falling in the water. Listen to the rangers and be respectful of the surroundings. 7 dollars per adult to get in, kids are discounted. If you're up for a little adventure and into hiking and the outdoors, pay this place a visit. You won't be disappointed.
Manuel Matus — Google review
What a great experience this was. Ok so it's $7 per person well worth it too the place is super clean and the restrooms are too. Bring water and drinks they do sell some for $3.50 each at the gift shop. Wear good walking shoes too. So it's and easy not easy hike. We city folk made it to the water fall but didn't go all the way under it's not an easy hike under the bridge. It's slippery and lots of rocks and boulders not an easy hike under the bridge. The hike to get there took us 30 mins lots of loose rocks but the view wow. God is amazing 🤩 a must visit!
Trasi France — Google review
For those that love hiking, nature and seeing what mother nature can do this is the place for you. We were awestruck at this natural formation. In simple terms it's a beautiful area and well worth the 2hr drive from Williams as that was our home base for our trip. The gift shop is cute and cozy staffed with friendly and knowledgeable staff.
Sharon Jimenez — Google review
Super cool place! The Natural Bridge was awesome, and so unique. The trails were well maintained, and clearly marked. Some of the large rocks under the bridge were difficult to navigate but not impossible. They have a little gift shop, and bathrooms near the parking lots.
Abigail Elliott — Google review
This area has many options to explore nature, including those with special mobility needs. Many of the trails are paved (near the top/parking lot). However, some are not and some include many steps (rustic, uneven, steep incline). The trail to view the waterfalls is one of these to be mindful of as the trail is not only steep but the handrail is a metal cable that is wobbly. We had a fabulous time as we explored many of the trails at the top. My group was not able to explore the trails below, but from what I could see they looked like well established trails. It wasn’t packed with people, but it was definitely busy. There only appears to be pit toilets— I did not check all bathroom facilities so there may be flush toilets. There were a few wedding parties taking pictures so I assumed there must be more modern facilities. There were a few water fountains available. There are benches and some picnic tables. There is not much shade covering for tables or benches. We had an fabulous time and loved the views!!
Tani Wade — Google review
This place is crazy cool! Almost 200' tall, 150' across, and 400 feet long. It is a huge space underneath and it is really cool. One of the coolest places I've ever visit. Just ethereal. Pictures have absolutely no justice.
Just to note:
There's a 7$ admission fee
The trail is decently easy until you hit the cave, then it gets very difficult.
Seasonal rains would make it impossible to visit inside.
David Delgado — Google review
One of the best state parks in Arizona hands down; well worth the admission cost ($7 per adult)!
There is an outstanding blend of scenery, history, wildlife that can be enjoyed here. The visitor’s center, housed in a beautiful historic home, showcases the park and area history brilliantly.
There are several short (easy access from parking lots) but very scenic hikes in the park that are suitable for all ages- they can be adventurous as you want them to be as well. The main hike down to the cave and waterfall is one of the best sights in Arizona. It's incredible to feel how much the temperature drops from the hillside trail down to the cave.
You can hike along the pool inside the cave (you will see arrows marking the way) but it is VERY slippery and treacherous, even with boots and poles!
Nicholas McLaughlin — Google review
This place is SO cool! The trails are all pretty short, and each viewpoint has something new to see. The bridge is a very unique natural feature - it's cool to see the cave-like formations from a long time ago. Make sure to bring water, because the climb out can be pretty steep for some!
The pictures don't do it justice - it really is amazing!
We went on an overcast day that stayed below 85° - it was perfect weather. The park rangers were informed, friendly, and funny. We went on a weekend and there was plenty of parking, even later in the day. We used our State Parks Pass for entry. There are vault toilets that are well maintained and not too stinky.
Jane Smith Carson — Google review
The Tonto Natural Bridge is such a beautiful natural wonder. The drive down is a paved, winding mountain road with guardrails giving beautiful views of the canyon. When you get to the bottom and enter the park you will pay at the gift shop for your pass (if you don’t have one). It’s always recommended to check in anyway so they know how many visitors use the park and in case of emergency or evacuation they know who is there. Plenty of parking and picnic areas with accessible bathrooms. The trail along the top of the bridge is accessible to most anyone and is paved. The trail to go under the bridge required a lot of warnings and one way is easier than the other and it’s sketchy for some to try the entire trail. It’s recommended to take the easier and most popular route which you get to see the waterfall and doesn’t involve scrambling down steep wet rocks with cliff edges then double back up. The water was nice and refreshing after making it down the hill. The toughness of trail on my scale is it’s not for anyone who should not handle stairs and steep decline/inclines. Always make your own judgement. Be safe and have fun - bring water.
T Daniel (PNW Queer Hippie) — Google review
Spectacular. Very easy paved path to view bridge from above. But 1 mile hike in the creek bed was awesome but really treacherous. Lots of Boulder hoping and slippery rocks. If you love rocks and bugs then do the creek. We saw a frog, dragon fly and caterpillars and butterflies. Then you get to walk under the bridge. Geologists heaven. Also lovely downhill partially wet staircase to view waterfall flowing out of the rocks.
Lynn Arneill-Brown — Google review
Things to know: Some steep hills going in/out and you might not want to bring an RV. It's $7 a person to get in, although it doesn't matter because they give you a parking pass for the entire car. Also, Military discounts!
We loved this place. This is the perfect little 1/2 mile hike. Going down is easy enough and inside the cave has a million spots for photos.
Steven L — Google review
So beautiful. A must do. Even if you can't hike you can walk an easy path in 4 spots to view the bridge. Hikes have lots of lose rocks and steps but kids did amazing! Bring water and snacks. If you go when it's warm dip your shirt or hat in the water to help keep you cool. No dogs on trails. Junior Ranger badges were fun. Great gift shop. No pictures do it justice!
Phoenix With Twins — Google review
This place is like no other. It is $7 per person to get in, but you have free roam then. We went on a Sunday, with great weather, and it wasn't too overly packed.
There are a few short, but steep trails. Make sure to have good footwear!
If going into the cave, be prepared for slippery rock. You get a mist from the waterfall above.
There are cut outs on the rocks there however due to being slippery we slid a lot on our bottoms. So beautiful!
The rangers were so nice and helpful at the front and in the gift shop!
Vanessa Troupe — Google review
Nice people work here.
Great location, disappointed that there's NO place to pull over for a picture on the way to the parking lot-its beautiful!!!!
Very nicely kept, no garbage, watch for Bees near bathroomS. Paths are fun to walk but NOT well maintained, the grounds crew should dump some gravel on the paths please! Wear your good waterproof hiking boots/good sturdy shoes, especially since they're too lazy to put gravel on the paths that are eroded away.
PeteSki PeteSki — Google review
We were first greeted by Ranger Jacob on site & his knowledge was a huge part of enjoying ourselves because he shared with us history of the lodge & the park itself. He explained that the lodge can be rented out for weddings, reunions & special occasions. He gave us a brief tour & absolutely loved that. He pointed out the wildlife & sent us on our way with a map and recommendations.
The park itself is awe inspiring. We visited late November & pretty much had the bridge to ourselves. We hiked below the bridge and I wouldn’t recommend it for the faint of heart as the rocks are slippery & the boulders take a bit of skill to maneuver. But it was nothing short of magic. If you are travelling through Rim Country do not miss this stop!
Robyn Anderson — Google review
It was such a fun experience. We got to hike and walk, and explore. There are also resting places (little benches alongside the trails or tables in the open spaces), restrooms, and even some grills. The sights are as impressive as they are beautiful, the photos don't bring any justice to it. 10/10 would recommend.
Paola Madrid B. — Google review
Absolutely stunning. The trails are well cared for and maintained. The facilities are well maintained as well. The views are breathtaking. Highly recommend. We brought a picnic lunch and there was a multitude of tables to choose from.
Demetria Andrews — Google review
My husband and I came here to hike. Absolutely beautiful area. They do charge to get in but it's reasonable. The hikes are a bit strenuous, definitely not for the faint of heart. I had a couple close calls myself. Hiking boots are highly recommended, even better if they're waterproof since you are hiking along a creek. For those that can't hike they do have paved walk ways so that's nice too. I loved that there bathrooms were well kept and clean, even the non flushable ones. You're also able to bring in your own food or drinks. There are plenty of picnic areas and ramadas for use. They even have charcoal grills for patrons to use as well.
Serena Marie — Google review
The hikes are short, but parts are steep, slippery, and rocky, so wear comfortable shoes and be prepared! The park is beautiful and clean. The natural bridge is sight to behold. It's absolutely stunning and so much fun to explore.
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.
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.
Amazing trail
Fairly easy hike, several stream crossings, beautiful country,
Well traveled
Sherri Knutson — Google review
Absolutely one of the most beautiful hikes you can take in Sedona. While most people only venture a mile or so in, the canyon really gets more beautiful the further you go back (and more peaceful!). Between the creek that you cross several times, the towering cliffs, and the lush trees and ground cover you really can't ask for more. Take a lunch and go back 3-4 miles and you will have the place to yourself. Take time to sit down and take in your surroundings as the canyon is overwhelming. My favorite time of year is fall and time of day is mid to late afternoon. That time of day really allows you to take in the beautiful colors of the surrounding cliffs as the sunlight sneaks away. Make sure to wear good shoes and be prepared to fall in love with this place. I would give this trail 5 stars but the $11 fee to park is a little high in my opinion and your regular red Rock passes that everyone stops and buys in town do not work there. Also the fact that they only accept cash is a little inconvenient as there is now where close to go and get it if you forget. So make sure you have money before you take the drive up. Plan in spending at least a few hours and make sure to look around, as there are hidden ruins and things to see everywhere you look!!
alwayz offroad — Google review
Absolutely gorgeous and easy hike. Very family friendly with amazing views to take awesome family photos. There are restrooms and parking at the entrance. The trail is 3.3mi one way and has 13 stream crossings.
Mike A — Google review
Parking is cash only, so be prepared!
A stunning hike once you get farther from the start and the road. It can be crowded at the beginning.
When theres water, its a fun place to find slide rocks and get your feet wet! There is plenty of shade to keep cool in, and though certain river crossings can be more precarious, kids would be fine. Be prepared to pet some adventure doggos too!
An awesome hike if youre looking for something a little more shaded than cathedral rock.
Ellie B — Google review
Unfortunately we missed the fall color by two weeks but this was still an amazing lil adventurous hike . Suggestion get to trailhead early. This place gets packed and no other place to really park around other than parking lot. Also you may get wet at one of the many water crossings
Juanita Belardes — Google review
Beautiful and easy hike but can be busy or crowded on holidays. It’s all the way at the bottom of the canyon and takes about 15 minutes to get there after you pass slide rock. There are logs you need to cross and shoes that can get wet are recommended. The trail is well shaded and flat for the most part.
Christina Tolman — Google review
Stayed in Sedona for 2 weeks. Hiked many trails, this being my favorite.
Easy casual walking, lots of shade from vegetation. Historical architectural ruins along the path. Take a walk in the creek, sit on the rocks, and be present with the ravens, singing birds, butterflies, dragon flies, and little fish swimming at your feet.
Locals hiking around me verbalized Fort Creek Trail was their favorite too.
Di — Google review
It's a beautiful hike. One of the prettiest and one ov my favorites.
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.
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.
Martinez — Google review
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Arizona 86351, USA
I'll never travel to Greater Palm Springs without this trip planner again
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.
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
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.
Bustling venue with slot machines, a card room, varied dining options & a nearby resort hotel.
WOW! I was last here when they were making all the upgrades and I was unimpressed to say the least. However the whole place is absolutely gorgeous! Love the layout and also have all the greatest games! Can't wait for the opportunity to stay overnight!
Lauren Potts — Google review
Had not been here in years but was anxious to see it after the big renovation. For us it's just very far and there are casinos closer. It's smaller than I thought. 98% are all the new machines. Didn't hear anyone yelling with joy. But it's clean the staff were far and few between but very nice. We left and hit Casino Arizona which was very nice. Actually liked it better.
Sandra King — Google review
I come to this casino once a week every week. I like making the drive up there because it feels far away from home. It's not too crowded on the weekends and I can easily get to machines. I've tried the Buffet once and loved the service. The food was very tasty and the chefs are always looking for feedback. The beverage servers are nowhere to be seen and the cleaning team is here and there but also not seen. I like to come here a lot mostly for the low crowds and just to get out of the big city once in awhile.
Jessica Thompson — Google review
I’d like to thank the staff at Wekopa for making my family weekend all I expected. From the front desk staff , casino and especially spa staff our stay was impeccable.
Top notch therapists and esthetician.
The rooms was clean and updated. Great to wake up to a Mountain View.
The pool was sparkling clean and the surrounds well kept. Hot tub was perfect.
We booked an am horseback ride with Fort McDowell adventures that did not disappoint.
marla cohen — Google review
Overall a nice facility. The two golf courses are great.
Stay away from the buffet. Pricey for mediocre food. The restaurants, the grill at the golf course and sports bar were very good.
Housekeeping was poor. Empty water bottles were not thrown away and other items were not cleaned up. The last night the housekeeping staff didn't leave any bottled water like they had the other days.
Chuck Gariboldi — Google review
Very clean, and fun casino. There is no smoking inside and all the facilities were very nice and new. The pool was fun! Greta place to stop if you are traveling through the area. TON of hiking and golf nearby. I would stay here again. Staff was very helpful and friendly. Free valet parking. Lots of food options.
Marley Hudson — Google review
The place is very nice open space, lots of slots and very well kept. The staff seems very friendly. Unfortunately that's where it stops. On 95% of the slot machines you don't need to bring your readers. When looking at the slots it's like looking through a huge magnifying glass. The payouts were horrible on most of the machines my bets range from 50 cents to $2. On average most of the paybacks range from 2 cents to 16 cents. On the big payoffs I was making 10 to 15 dollars and that only happened about 3 to 4 times. I was wondering why it wasn't busy on a Friday night, now I know why. I hope they made a good profit off me, because I'm not going back. Not worth the 30-minute Drive.
Rick Ellis — Google review
Stayed one night! Everything about the casino was great; from the price and quantity of food to the 2 queen bed rooms; customer service all were great! We had VIP Perks, free continental breakfast for 2. We just wish the pool water could’ve been cleaner. There was debris floating in the water and twice I had human hair cling to my forearms. My hair is black, these hair were blond and brown in color. I guess the pools filtration wasn’t working efficiently? Pools, I give ⭐️
Mr. Critic — Google review
Super nice - clean and new. Great bar service. Decent number of slots, but definitely one of the smaller AZ casinos. I wish they had more video blackjack/craps/roulette options.
Douglas Malcore — Google review
I've had the privilege of working several times on the buffet line and inside of Ember. The facility is well kept. The head chef and sous chefs help maintain the flow of things professionally with encouragement,guidance, and correction when/if needed in ways that don't belittle someone. The guest just stopping in or making a regular visit are are the best and they help make the work here enjoyable!!
Brian P — Google review
Beautiful property! Casino much smaller than it seems from outside. Went to checkout the buffet. Food was tasty, but overall very basic options on a Thursday night. I'll stick to better options closer to home. It was a long drive from the West valley.
Roderick Maurer — Google review
Need more traditional 25 cent , 3 line machines. Every machine is either a penny or a dollar and like 50 lines ! That's far too confusing and your at the mercy of the casino to be honest if you won or not. I have no clue if a tree, skate, pig, hay, cloud, and barn is a good match ! No less check 50 lines.
I just miss the good old machines. But none the less it's a good place to go drop a few 20's and either play for fun or if your lucky, hit it!!! We stop there on our way to Payson. They do have a lot of games though and a variety of places to eat and a bingo room. I also saw they had blackjack and various poker tables throughout. As well as a high rollers room. Check it out and good luck to you.
shiloh .b — Google review
Absolutely INCREDIBLE! The service was fantastic, the room was wonderful, and we really enjoyed how clean everything was. We dined at Ember for our anniversary, and all I can say us WOW!!! We were blown away. They really strove to make our dining experience special - our server was phenomenal, the ambience was lovely and the food and drinks were DELICIOUS. The handwritten card and complimentary dessert just for our anniversary was over the top. We will tell everyone how fabulous it was and we can't wait to go back!!
Abigail Tear Zasadil — Google review
Stunning and simply elegant. The upgrades the casino has don't over the last several years shows just how well this nation is doing on the outskirts of the Phoenix area. Really friendly customer service staff. Well lit pathways and directional signs.
Arthur L Attocknie — Google review
Very modern and extremely clean. Very nice gambling floor, and all floor staff were very nice. GREAT BUFFETT if you go away hungry it's you own fault. Maybe a tad expensive but well worth it. This was our first time here , but definitely not our last.
Lane Wateland — Google review
I love the views of the desert. This place is in a great location. It is non smoking, so you don’t smell like the bottom of an ash tray when you come out. A couple restaurants and a Buffet.
Jim Seifried — Google review
As casinos go...its one of the better ones to visit and actually play at. You have to travel a little to get there, but the play for your dollar is better than the Gila River Casinos, all which have gotten really tight for the past few years.
What's disappointing with all casinos today is the "kid friendly" offering. Sorry but casinos are not a place for kids. They should be reserved for adult entertainment only.
Cowboy — Google review
The staff at the front desk in front of the buffet was great. Everyone that worked at the buffet was very friendly. The food was literally so good, it probably was the best buffet I've ever been to. It was definitely worth the price. Parking was not that bad and seating is great for people of all abilities.
Monique Renee — Google review
We came for the crab legs. It had been at least 5 years since we had been here. Used to the crab legs was the only thing to come for. Now the buffet is awesome. I would come for the standard buffet. The lighting and decor add to the great atmosphere. The food choices were vast. Everything I had was scrumptious. The staff was courteous and attentive. I look forward to coming back soon.
Gary Rhinehart — Google review
A very clean "resort" outside of Fountain Hills. Service was good, rooms were clean and spacious. Very quiet! The restaurant was quite slow and the stew I ate had a odd smell and the salmon smelled a bit fishy. Service at the restaurant at least with our waitress was so-so. She seemed to have an issue with either us for no reason or having a bad day. The casino floor was very clean, smoke-free, and not busy at the machines but the tables were hard to get on and bingo was quite busy for a Thursday evening. Some sort of convention going on there as well. Would stay again!
GT Bird — Google review
I have never had a chance to stay at the hotel, it looks like it is very nice, the casino on the other hand is beautiful but talk about tight on the slots!!! Most the time when we go and play at other casinos you can win a little so as to have a good time, not at this casino they don’t pay out even a little. Unless you have a lot of money don’t plan on spending much time there.
leah linde — Google review
Beautiful facility, but I did not stay there so no comment on rooms. I am really not hard to please, but when you spend a decent amount of money, some things matter. And no, I do not expect to win all the time, but some small wins to play on a little longer is nice. The Market Place was not as good as it had been, frozen veggies from a bag as a side selection? Really???My The food at the buffet was bland and dry. Then try getting a drink (water) as you are playing the slots was S-L-O-W at best. Oh, and forget service at the back bar, by the hotel entrance, you are completely forgotten. Maybe some self-service stations with water, soda and coffee should be considered and maintained so we can help ourselves. Miss the old Fort McDowell, that was a great place with great service. Guess it may be hard to find good help these days. Still had a good time with my friends, but we will go to Wild Horse Pass next time, a little further, but the service is so much better and we have gotten more bang for our bucks there. Sorry and sad to say it was just not the fun and great experience that it once was. Management needs to and should do better as most of the staff were friendly, just possibly some scheduling and training issues. Maybe in a few months we will try it again, but not any time soon.
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Lori Ackley — Google review
This place is beautiful! Nestled near Fountain Hills, it's in a beautiful location. There's a gorgeous drive by Saguaro Lake and the Salt River to Usery Mountain Park, where there are so many recreational opportunities. The hotel was very clean, very nice, and the staff was outstanding. Everyone so nice and helpful. Best of all, the casino is smoke free indoors. We loved our stay and will be back.
Angela Hopp — Google review
I go with my grandpa here almost everyday. The valet here is great. They’re always on top of things. Alfredo is an outstanding, hard worker. He’s attentive to everyone coming into the casino and leaving. He’s very kind and respectful. It’s hard to find good customer service these days. If you’re looking for kind, respectful, and caring people, this is the place to go. Thanks Alfredo for being so courteous and polite always.
Lizzie Bendel — Google review
I think it's time to update the video blackjack and roulette. Feels like atari. Besides that they have a lot of new slot machines to play. I just drop by every ones in a while when i end up in that area to try my luck. My last visit I won $390 with just a 25$ free bonus play on the Buffalo slot. Couple other slots were being generous too. Cool place to spend a couple hours for fun. I haven't stayed in the hotel so I can't review the rooms.
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
Out of Africa Wildlife Park is a must-visit place that provides immersive safarilike experiences with wild animals and daily presentations by knowledgeable keepers. The park ensures the well-being of its animals, making it an ideal destination for both locals and tourists. However, visitors should be aware that the weather can get very cold at times, especially after rain or snow storms. It is advisable to come prepared with warm clothing and accessories such as gloves and hats.
I loved this place, I came here for the first time on a Friday morning to avoid all the traffic and people coming on a weekend. The staff is super nice and our tour guide Jane was so adorable, we loved her corny jokes she did an amazing job. We did the supermog tour, it is very educational and the animals are shown up close as they talk about how they came to be at the park and interesting facts about them. The animals are VERY well taken care of. The enclosures are huge and they are loved so much I’m glad they are able to keep them so happy and educate people about wildlife. With everything you see in the news it’s always nice to see the babies here so happy. I wish all zoos and wildlife parks were like this towards these beautiful creatures. The owners are very involved in the park and I admire that very much because the park itself has been open for such a long time, it’s amazing they can keep up and take in so many animals after all these years. I love the schedule the park arranged. The tours are followed by shows in between certain times so it gives you enough to grab a quick bite and get a good seat. (Food is limited, wish there was more but I would’ve spent a ton of money so not a big deal because at least the food they had was good!) I’m glad I came here, it was for my anniversary and my husband and I enjoyed every part!
Kelly Bare — Google review
Great wildlife and safari experience! This self-guided excursion is wonderful and much better than a zoo trip. The animals are extremely close and active, and the keepers are fantastic with both the animals and the visitors.
If you have time and can plan it right, make sure you do the safari tour! We had the chance to see nearly all the animals on the reserve and the option to feed the giraffes!!
For those that are less mobile, there is a 4 shuttle stations throughout the loop that have trams every 20 minutes or so.
Overall, we had a wonderful experience. The price may seem like a deterrent, but our experience was far more engaging and animal interactive than any we’ve had while visiting zoos.
Carl Miller — Google review
Love this place. My daughter and I did the Expedition Passport at 11:00am. It was worth every penny!!! The SuperMog takes you to places in the park you cannot access without the tour. If you’re in the area and looking for something fun this is it! Two places to ear and the staff is super friendly.
Christine Seibert — Google review
I visited this park twice before years ago, and was looking forward to visiting again when I had a weekend in Arizona. It’s even better than I remembered! Their animals are beautiful and so active! We loved a
Watching a full grown tiger chasing pool toys and leaping into the pool in tiger splash. The staff and volunteers clearly love the animals and want you to have the best experience! If you can, I recommend taking the VIP tour, which is a great value for all the up close experiences and stories we heard from our guide.
Chris Evans — Google review
This is a private zoo experience. You will have the opportunity to view magnificent animals closer than ever before. More than once I thought 💭- “how tall is that fence?” & I have a fairly “zoo’s are antiquated” viewpoint. I could tell the animals are very well cared for and served as excellent ambassadors.
Educational signs and updated facilities are not prevalent.
I felt like I definitely got my enjoyment out of the price of admission.
If I could make suggestions to the park that would be greatly appreciated it would be *MORE food & vendors* The pizza was gone before a single Tiger 🐅
splash 💦 ! Invest in some churro & pretzel carts and I think you will see a positive cash flow very quickly!!! Seriously I was starving!
*We paid extra for a short zip line experience. It was a splurge, but we had a great time!
CD Reynolds — Google review
This place is absolutely AMAZING!! My family and I (3 kids 10 and under) came and did the safari and the feeding of the tigers. The animals came right up to the vehicle! It was amazing to see. The staff were all extremely friendly and funny. Best family friendly experience we’ve ever had. We will definitely be back!!!
Alicia Belis — Google review
Definitely a place to go check out.
A but pricey, but I'm sure that feeding all these animals is not cheap at all.
Contrary to the Phoenix zoo, you can actually see the animals and be really close to them and still be safe.
We rode the bus up the hill, and walked back, and it was worth doing. It's not a long walk even for kids.
A great day, although the weather sucked for a little bit.
jerome ringland — Google review
I am only giving this place a 3 star rating because of the tiger splash! Without the tigersplash show, i would have rated this place 1 star! This place is very overpriced for what you get. Many exhibits have no animals in it at all or the weeds are too high to see anything in the living spaces!
Tiger splash was fun to watch though!
Shannon Dale — Google review
Our daughter had a great time at the park. It was a hot Arizona day. So be prepared for that. But they do have a cafe with cold fountain drinks and misters. It was really cool to see tigers, although they are not African animals. Haha. They had an interesting show in which the tigers would chase inflatable toys into a pool. It sort of neat to see them jump and splash. They also had a safari tour which was fine and you get to feed giraffes. They come right up to the side of the shuttle bus. I recommend this for anyone visiting this area.
Ryan Gable — Google review
I had an amazing time yesterday! The animals seem well taken care of and you can tell the workers love what they do. I love that general admission includes an African Bush Safari - a 20 minute ride to see giraffes, zebras, and more! I highly recommend this place. I appreciate the option to use a shuttle if you don’t want to walk around everywhere.
Gail Colombo — Google review
This is definitely a place to visit. If you're a local or visitor. The animals are well kept and looked after. We had just visited and our only thing was it was bitterly cold. But this was after the rain and snow storm that passed. The Temps were down in the mid 30's. Be prepared if you're going out in the colder weather. I would definitely recommend having a pair of gloves and hat. The gift shop is awesome. We loved it so much we became members. We're looking forward to going back and seeing the animals and the people that take great care of them.
Robert Herrera — Google review
A truly wonderful place. Well worth the trip. Not so crowded which was nice, able to see the animals up close. They really are majestic. The handlers seem to really love their job. Animals well cared for. Great experience all around. A must see.
corinna — Google review
Great place to stop! Visited here a year and half ago and it was well worth putting on the "things to do"" list during a trip to Sedona. The vehicle tours are worth the additional expense and it is pretty neat to go through one area of the park called the Serengeti Preserve. It feels like you are on a real African safari which I have been to in the preserves and parks of Nairobi years ago. Nice to the animals up close and in a natural habitat. Taking a self walking tour around the park is well worth it also. Animals appear to be well taken care of and the park is very clean. A wonderful educational experience learning about the animals and how the environment is impacted when a species is on the endangered list. The park can be open at times based on weather conditions, it is good to call and check before going as storms in this area during all seasons come up quick. The dirt road to the entrance can be a bit rough after a storm, so be prepared for that. Guides and staff are very knowledgeable about the animals. There is also a zip line experience. Zip lining across a wildlife park, how cool is that? Awesome!!!
Live Free and Play Hard — Google review
Cool place lots of fun. Good amount of parking, lots of animals, and animal enclosures are made so you can walk all the way around and get a better angle (they are like several acres sometimes so it might be a bit of a walk) zip lines are fun. Because it isn't as big a zoo, it is more intimate but also can't be quite as nice. (Mostly gravel paths, only like 2 places to eat, ect) still good.
Gabriel Morton — Google review
The animal facilities were great. All the animals "looked happy & healthy". The staff really cared about what they were doing with the animals & the visitors. You can walk or ride. For sure, take the safari tour. Really up close & personal. Ranger was the best guide. Steve made a wonderful presentation on lizards. Dae at the gate was welcoming & helpful. Food tasted good & reasonable priced. Private donations, no government grants or oversite. We suggest you have lunch there, make a donation & tip well.
Steve Humphers — Google review
Amazing place to experience wildlife in Arizona. I have seen wildlife in several zoos but this is totally amazing and different.
I was able to see tigers and lions from a 3 feet distance. They are in natural habitat. Mostly these are recovered.
They have few endangered species as well. Don't ask me why they have water buffalos i. Wild life.
pavan kumar — Google review
Good stop between Phoenix and Sedona. Nice experience. Disappointed with the variety of animals they have. Best part was the Safari tour… you definitely need a minimum of 3 hours to explore.
Pa Shai Yang — Google review
Such a cool place! I don't know what I expected going in but it exceeded all of my expectations! In my opinion it's better than the zoo. All of the employees were kind, knowledgeable, and approachable. The animals are well-cared for and treated with love and respect. Lots of family memories made! Highly recommend the safari. Shout out to our bus driver Gary Montana for giving my son a wolf mask on our last bus ride, it made his day!
Holly Lifsey — Google review
Best experience for big cats ever! Animals are well cared for and the human/ cat interaction is phenomenal! Be prepared to spend the whole day as there is soo much to see and experience. Definitely recommend the VIP tour
Margaret Borski — Google review
I wish we were able to stay longer! I've never been able to get this close to animals before. They seemed extremely healthy and well cared for. The tigers splash was an amazing show and it was all done with happy positive things for the tiger! We will definitely be coming back to do the zip line.
Samantha Packer — Google review
🦁We are an Annual Passholder Family🐅
(Just renewed!)
Aulani in the gift shop is always so super sweet. She welcomes us with Hello/Bye Family (AP)!
The entire staff is great and very knowledgeable about all the animals. It's a joy getting to know them all. We love feeding time, and we love to visit "Apache" (a scarlet macaw). Come say hello! We were happy to get him a Xmas gift, and we can't wait until he gets it!
See you all soon, family! 🙋🏽♀️
Dallas Honanvensi — Google review
Visited this place and had a fantastic experience feeding Temba the Giraffe. Took my 4yr old and 3yr old plus 4 month baby. In my personal opinion, I don’t believe the childrens ticket is worth the price. I would better recommend the world wildlife zoo which has more facilities and entertainment for toddlers. Having said that, it was still a wonderfully insightful experience. I felt the reptile dark tunnel place had too much condensation, so it wasn’t clear enough to see the Boa’s, pythons etc. Additionally, the shows we caught included the creature feature and Tiger Splash.
Z A — Google review
I have lived close to Out of Africa for several years and went for my first time. It is amazing! The number of large Cats, Lions and Tigers is awesome! You don't have to struggle to find them there are several enclosures with both. The rest of the animals are fantastic as well. We got a family pass and will be going again very soon!
Tuzigoot National Monument is an ancient hilltop pueblo showcasing the ruins of Sinaguan Indians. It features a nearby visitor center with artifacts from that era. Visitors are allowed to hike around the ruins and explore one of the rooms to observe how Native Americans constructed their dwellings with thick ceilings. The trails are well-maintained, picnic areas are available, and the museum provides excellent insights into the history of the area. The gift shop offers a good selection, and staff members are friendly.
Tuzigoot is a well preserved ruins of the Native American people. They allow people to take an approximate 1 mile hike around the ruins, and even walk through one of the rooms. This allows people to see how they native Americans used to build their rooms and how thick the ceilings are. They have also marked some of the areas so you know what it is.
The trails are clean, there are several picnic areas, and the museum is superb, well done and very clean. Their store is well stocked for its location, and the staff are extremely nice.
I would definitely recommend a visit here if you would like to see a little of our heritage.
Janet S — Google review
It is a short walk from the Visitors Center to the ruins. We were lucky during our visit as one of the Rangers was there on the site. He provided an indepth review of what happened here and also how they rebuilt most of the dwellings.
It is mostly just the outer walls, but you can imagine how everything would have looked. It is amazing that they left behind so many grinding stones. You will see these at other sites as well. You can actually go inside as some of the upper structure was redone. Once inside, go up some stairs for a great overview of area.
Daniel Grove — Google review
Awesome reconstruction of the original pueblo. This National Monument is very cool because you actually get to walk through one of the reconstructed buildings. Not so much a trail as a nice stroll with fantastic views of the surrounding valley. The whole area is paved but some place are quite steep and may be difficult for some to navigate. Definitely worth the stop!
F McK — Google review
Definitely worth going to if you're in the area. The historic site is small and you can spend as little as an hour or two. The nearby towns of Cottonwood and Jerome look like fun to explore. This site and Montezuma Castle tell the story of a fascinating culture worth learning about
Eric Songer — Google review
Really awesome national monument considering how quiet it is and being able to walk inside the dwelling. When we went, we were the only ones there, there is another pathway that leads to the marsh overlook as well. Visitor center had tons of stuff in the gift shop as you can tell this monument doesn’t get as much foot traffic, so definitely check it out!
David B — Google review
Tuzigoot National Monument is an amazing historical site! Cost is $10 for ages 16+ unless you have an Annual Pass used for all National Parks. This site was discovered in the early 1930's. A short 1/3 of a mile hike around the dwellings. The path is steep and narrow in some parts. There is a park ranger at the top to answer any questions one may have. From northern Phoenix to Camp Verde allow 45 minutes to an hour to Tuzigoot, depending on road construction and traffic.
Brandi S. — Google review
National park. Easy climb. Ramps first steep..then stairs to top. Nice views all around. Staff nice and friendly. We are National park members so cost nothing for us to get in. But if you are not there is an entrance fee. Bathroom in pretty good shape too.
Robin K. — Google review
Such an amazing place to spend the afternoon!
The history of Tuzigoot is fascinating of course, but the experience is walking those pathways in and around the monument, and especially to the top.
The view from the top of the monument extends miles in all directions in the Sedona valleys. Then you realize you are taking in views enjoyed by humans for thousands of years.
Incredible experience. Bring walking shoes!
Dustin Phillips — Google review
Visited on recommendation of the visitor information attendant, this was a good and interesting attraction. As well as the ruins there is a hike down to the marsh and a walk around the bluff with native plant identification points. The guide at the top of the ruins was knowledgeable and helpful. If you visit here, the small fee includes entry to Montezuma Castle viewing as well, a short drive away.
Kirrily Turner — Google review
Incredible Pueblo ruin in the Verde valley.
This ruin is easy to get to (we traveled there on the way to Jerome coming from Sedona). There is a really nice little museum/shop. The site is accessible via a walkway and there are limited steps.
Would highly recommend. We went with a 2 and 4 year old.
John J — Google review
This was a fun place to explore and was a nice drive from Dead Horse Park. You can get free admission to Montezuma Castle and Montezuma Well with your receipt and vice versa.
Louise L — Google review
Really beautiful and open. You can see Jerome in the distance. The valley is gorgeous. There's a mini museum inside the office as well. With it also being so close to the Verde River, I can see this being a good combo trip with that or Cottonwood
Brian Simonsen — Google review
An important place in the history of the indigenous people. The archeological site is a thousand years old. It helped me appreciate the profound history of the land. Full of information and well organized. Beautiful vistas and well worth the visit.
Tom B — Google review
Interesting to see and learn how the natives lived. Beautiful views. Nice road trip. Take the kids and enjoy God's majestic country!
Michelle Olguin — Google review
Very cool, especially to find out the it looked like any other hill in the area until they started digging and found the walls of the dwellings! Wonderfully informative ranger at the top of the main big build, pointed out so many crazy and neat facts and how they lived...access was all ladders!!! Great breeze, nice walk down to the grassland area too.
Maria C — Google review
Easy paved walk around the reconstructed pueblo, and couldn't believe we could climb to the second floor to look out on the surroundings. Sad to learn the surrounding land was ruined from slurry of copper mining that boomed the towns of Cottonwood and Jerome, but good to know revegetation is under way.
Still can't wrap my brain around how archeologists found and rebuilt this structure from a hill of rubble. Amazing history of the Sinagua people and today's tribes who can trace their stories in these lands. Nice museum inside. The interpretative exhibits do a great job of connecting the storyline with Montezuma Castle and the Flagstaff area national monuments.
Mimi Snook — Google review
A nice National Monument and a sister-site to Montezuma's Castle. Interesting settlement design and structure. Very informative guides, including tribal members. Worth a trip to see the ruins and read the interpretive signs.
Grove Ayers — Google review
Tuzigoot National Monument was a really great thing to experience. Although unplanned during my trip, I am really glad that I stopped by for a visit. It's a really impressive structure considering all of the effort and history behind it. The walk to the top was very easy, and you even get a chance to pass by inside one of the rooms as you make your way to the top.
The gift shop had a lot of really wonderful items! You should visit both Tuzigoot National Monument and Montezuma Castle in the same day if you can since they're tied together.
Jasmine Singh — Google review
The ruins are amazing, because show us the simplicity as well the advance eco-economy., the people that developed here had a very wisely and industrious society. This is a place for learning for kids ,and adults. Everything is nice, clean and very friendly staff.😊
Veronica Zermeno — Google review
Not handicapped friendly. The path is steep even for fit people. Nice small museum, gift shop and bookstore. Rangers are friendly. Bathrooms available. I like that they have plaques naming plants around the visitor's center. Free if you have the National Parks Pass, or it costs $16 per person.
Turney Turney — Google review
Amazing short trip from Sedona. I could track indigenous people’s histories. There was a guide and he explained the history. He knew everything about it and recommended me to watch a video in YouTube. Visiting this place gave me an opportunity to learn the history.
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.
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.
Arcosanti is an experimental town located in Yavapai County, Arizona. The project includes a molten bronze bell casting business and was designed by architect Paolo Soleri based on the concept of arcology. The town is situated 70 miles north of Phoenix at an elevation of 3,732 feet above sea level.
3.5
(219)
Arizona 86333, USA
22
Arizona Outdoor Fun Adventures & Tours
Tour agency
Tours
ATV dealer
ATV rental service
ATV repair shop
Off roading area
What a great time! They really took the time to train us and put safety first. Alex and Christian were awesome tour guides! I suggest the earlier time since it was way too hot when we were leaving and the second set of participants were arriving. The guided tour of the Centipede Trail was a perfect adventure for a visit to the Scottsdale/Phoenix area!
Christine Hanichak — Google review
If you are looking for something to do while staying in Arizona that doesn’t include day clubs, hiking, eating, or golfing, then head to Arizona Outdoor Fun Tours and hop on a quad and rip it up!
I was there with a party of 7 for a bachelor weekend and it was a blast all around. Ranging from first time on a quad to experienced, we all were able to have some fun.
The parking lot is a little bit of a walk to the actual rental area. The sign-in process was nice and easy as we were able to complete them all on our phones before we got there. The helmet fitting went well along with the quick quad training/familiarity session. The employer simply told us to head back out and hook a left and we were on the trails!
Things to note: if you want gloves, bring them as they don’t provide them. Bring tinted goggles as the ones they provide are clear. Do yourself a favor and wear a long shirt and pants. Please. The sun tan can wait until you’re soaking up the rays at the pool. The directions to get on the trails weren’t the most detailed but it made it more fun trying to figure it out. We made grate memories and we’re thoroughly happy with how we spent our time.
Victor Zimbardi — Google review
Tons of fun! Prepare to get dusty. Riley and Curtis were our guides. The trails are intense but not too difficult. We saw gorgeous scenery and learned a bit about the desert.
Katherine Hooper — Google review
It was awesome. Good amount of driving time. It wasn’t very beginner level which was great. The trail was beautiful. Guide was A+ too (Josh Mayton). They let us have some fun with it and they have a lot of options to pick from (we chose guided ATV). Also possibly the best price you’re going to get for this experience.
Tanvi Raman — Google review
Had a great time tearing up the desert with our tour guide Kurtis he was informative and funny and must have been a photographer in his past life cause he’s great at it. We got to see the mountains and desert like never before. We learned some information about the plants and wildlife in the area that we might otherwise have never known. Overall great experience and would highly recommend
Brandon Brown — Google review
Everything was pretty good other than the fact that I had to remove my turban to enjoy ATV ride. I understand for safety reasons etc but would've appreciated it if I had gotten a clear communication as I was getting mixed massages depending on whom I asked and at the end they suggested me to contact the posted number regarding a refund. I ended up taking the turban off and enjoyed the ride. Overall the experience was pretty good and the staff was nice and friendly
Gurjit Singh Khehra — Google review
Well we booked the ride and shoot and had a blast. Check in was a breeze with,I think her name is Tiffany, super friendly. We started out first shooting with Kennedy, great guy. He helped my wife get set up and shoot. We had the AK-47 and Tommy Gun. I have shot a lot of guns but never full auto or a Tommy Gun. The ammo will go fast so keep that in mind or get extra ammo like we did.
We chose to do the unguided UTV tour and had a great time. The trails are fun to ride and play around on. If you see a path don't be afraid to go down or up it. Book this, you won't be disappointed (except for how fast you run out of ammo).
Miguel Ruiz — Google review
Went here on our honeymoon and loved every minute of the two hours!!! We rented a UTV instead of quads because I forgot my ID, but it ended up being amazing. We went with the unguided tour which was incredible because then you can explore at your own pace and speed. There was hardly anyone else out there and the trails are clearly marked and beautiful. We even saw a pair of wild donkeys. So much fun!
Leah Potjer — Google review
Solid place to have so much fun. We came from NY specifically for this activity. Beautiful views, awesome guides and challenging trails. We did the unguided tour and we had an absolute blast! Everyone was so accommodating. Check in was quick and easy. Training was straight forward and very thorough. Will definitely come back when I’m in Arizona!
Alex Kuruvilla — Google review
An amazing time was had! We did a guided two hour tour and had a blast. The tour guides and staff were very friendly. Lots of water was provided. They gave tidbits about the land. We drove. Or most of that two hours. They give spots where you can switch drivers if needed.
Jacques Hipplewith — Google review
Highly recommend booking an experience with Arizona Outdoor Fun Adventures & Tours!!! We booked the guided UTV tour and our tour guide Rich was awesome! He took his time going over all the safety protocols on how to operate our UTV properly and made sure to answer all our questions throughout our tour. All the staff there were super helpful, professional and fun! They have ample options to book for all your adventure needs and provided all the equipment for your tour. Definitely an awesome and must do experience when you visit Arizona!! 🤗
Katherine Buitrago — Google review
My boyfriend and I booked for a 7am ATV training and an 8am ATV Centipede trail guided tour and we had a blast!
This place is fantastic - very organized and full of passionate employees who love their jobs. We had Sam as our tour guide and he was awesome! He was very knowledgeable, funny, and super engaged, checking in on us often and encouraging us along the way. Sam made time for photos as well at every tour stop. He even gave each of us on the tour a crystal rock from the desert as a little souvenir from him - it was so sweet!
We had an amazing time and felt supported every step of the way which was important since it was our first ever ATV experience.
I would HIGHLY recommend doing the extra training before the tour. Those of us in the tour group that had the training and extended practice time before heading into the desert felt much more confident and comfortable than those that did not!
Galya Oberman — Google review
I was a little nervous on doing this versus a jeep tour as a passenger. But I am so glad we did it! We rented a four person UTV with a 15-year-old 13-year-old and six-year-old, and had a blast on a two hour tour. Trevor was awesome as our guide. The scenery was beautiful and The trails were so much fun. Some of them were steep, but we never felt unsafe. Highly recommend!
Michael Staudt — Google review
We had fun! Our tour was booked for 1pm, but began a little later than that. Not sure if that is normal. Everyone there is super friendly and nice. We picked the guided UTV tour and definitely worth having a tour guide. They will give you instructions at the beginning and then head out. We did make a few stops along the way. Our tour guide Jyron was very fun and knowledgeable. They provided goggles, spray hood (I took my bandana), water at the stops, and lots of cool educational info! Prepare yourself to get really dusty and dirty. But it is def worth a try!
paula natasha — Google review
This is a fantastic place! My son and I visited Arizona a couple weeks ago for the first time and wanted something fun to do. We decided to book the Centipede Tour, and I'm so glad we did! The whole experience was exhilerating!
Riley was our guide. He did an amazing job! Very knowledgeable about the local flora, fauna and history of the area. I learned so much. You can tell he loves what he does. He also provided water for everyone and offered to take our pictures.
Driving through the Sonoran Desert, canyons, and mountains was a blast! And the views were amazing!
Haven't had this much fun in a long time! We were in a side-by-side (2-seater), Kawasaki Teryx KRX 1000 with selectable 2WD/4WD. The staff provided a great operational/safety orientation and fortunately these UTV's are really easy to drive. When the group stopped for a break, my son and I switched driving duties so both of us could get the full experience.
The entire tour took a couple hours but it was so much fun it didn't even seem that long. And it was TOTALLY worth it! I would highly recommend anyone check this place out, especially if you like outdoor activities and you want a fun way to tour the beautiful terrain that surrounds Phoenix.
Dundee Wilson — Google review
We had an amazing first time adventure for ATV riding, we had one one on one with the guide and then free time to practice on the course. The provide all needed equipment at no additional cost. They also have a shooting range and dune buggys. They offer amazing experiences to all experience levels, we'll be back to experience more
Tricia B — Google review
Had such a blast riding ATV's enjoying the views on the trails as you climb mountains and take in the views. Experienced ATV rider but opted for the guided tour and really enjoyed the knowledge of the area from our guide Jake. He was a blast and he had a great personality. He had us stop a couple of times for water, photos and stories of the history of the land, plants, and animals. Got back to camp and decided to hit the range with Maxx, shooting a Barrett .50 cal and the Desert Eagle pistol! Highly recommend stopping for a visit!!
Levi — Google review
We had an amazing time for our company outing to AZ Outdoor Fun Adventures and Tours. Our tour guide was Bryan. He was incredibly knowledgeable, tons of fun, and was excellent at keeping us all safe. His passion for his job and knowledge of nature shows. I learned a lot and had a great time.
Cathy Buck — Google review
12-2-23
Had an awesome time!!! I would do it again.
Why this place? Friendly staff, busy but they will take of you. Don’t let your fear get into you when trying out ATV. There is a course where you could practice before they let you out on the wild 😜 It seems intimidating but going back you got that ATV going and running!!! It’s a great experience, nice view and definitely learning experience.
I — Google review
11/7/23
Exhilarating experience! The staff were awesome and very helpful. I had never driven an ATV alone, and they were very affirming and motivating. The test track was stressing me out, but they gave me the confidence to do the tour. There were some very scary/life changing moments on the trail, but it was worth it! Our guide (forgot his name, maybe someone can identify him in the photo) was very knowledgeable and patient! Oh, & we even got a rattlesnake lesson at the end.
S A — Google review
The boys from Iowa had a blast cruising up and down the mountains with Jake! Great trails, great equipment, and lots of big smiles from my 3 boys! Jake took great care of our group and we went all over the trains, up/down and left & right! Fantastic views along all of the trails. You will see some of the tallest & biggest cactus’s I’ve ever seen! Great afternoon adventure!
Frank Coryn — Google review
I’ve done some cool stuff in my life, but nothing like this….. this is way up on top of that list! I’m from the NYC area, and there’s nothing at all like this out here in the East. You just can’t beat the scenery either, it’s phenomenal!!! Trevor and Joe were great guides, and getting to shoot a .50 Cal on top of the ATV ride was the icing on the cake! I’ll be back next year!
PacMan88 — Google review
Jesse and Jake were great tour guides! They took care of us and made sure we were okay the entire time. We were a little nervous but they were reassuring us to make us feel comfortable. We had so much fun!!! Super informative and amazing views. Would love to come back when we’re in Arizona!
Jennifer Nguyen — Google review
Loved our adventure today (4.3.24). Easy set up, fun, no hassle, freedom, great trails, mix of options, didn't require us to sign 18 extra things and nickel and diamonds for the extras. The basics were all covered. It was perfect. My son and I had a blast on the ATVs.
Kayle Vick — Google review
Went ATV’ing with AZ Outdoor Fun. Had a great time, our guides Trevor and Mike were awesome. They provide ample practice time and instruction to get comfortable before going on the trail. The trail itself is beautiful and adventurous…going up/down hills and lots of turns. Plenty of time to take pics and water was provided to us. The guides also pointed out points of interest in the terrain.
Erica B — Google review
As a first time I highly recommend the UTV tour, our tour guide Jesse was very beginner friendly, kind, and Patient. My wife and I would definitely come back. The views were amazing!
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.
Whiskey Row is renowned for its fine arts galleries and shops, but it is also home to some of Prescott's most famous saloons from the Gold Rush era. The street has been in existence since before the American Civil War and is known for its lively atmosphere and colourful history.
Awesome place!
So many good restaurants to eat at!
Top recommendations.... The Angry Sicilian, El Gato Azul, Grammas Bakery!
Matt's saloon to stop for a drink or 2...(cash only)
Fun to just walk around and see what you can see.
Plenty to eat and drink along the way!!
Can't wait to plan our next trip there!
Katrina Sandy-Colon — Google review
We didn’t visit long, this time, but still exposed our kids to Prescott. It's such a cute place.. we will be back for the museums soon.
Karri Gradolph — Google review
Whiskey Row in Prescott is a fun area to explore with lots of historical buildings, museums, shops, bars, and restaurants. I heard that the night life is fun also with many establishments having live music.
John Reynolds — Google review
We love Whiskey Row! Very clean and full of rich history. We learned so much about Prescott, Central Arizona, and the Southwest after taking a trip to the Sharlot Hill Museum. Walking the streets of Whiskey Row with the old shops, hotels, and saloons really immersed us into the late 1800s.
Ezhana Graff — Google review
Whiskey Row is not for amateurs! Jusss' kidding. It's the highlight of the towns nightlife, bringing in good people, great food, musician's and plenty of storefronts to window-shop at! Always entertaining, never a dull moment!!
Ms. Kristen Cleverly -Mills (AAA Taxi) — Google review
Got engaged at whisky row on new years eve and celebrated with a spectacular fireworks show..I recommend whisky row for every new years party.
Angel Romero — Google review
The famous Whiskey Row in Prescott, Arizona offers a variety of saloons, eateries, gallerys and shops. Many of the bars go back to the early 1900's. Checkout 'The Palace' and walk through the old swinging saloon doors that you've seen in movies. They serve great food and the wait staff are dressed from the early 1900s. Please walk around, you'll see a lot of historic items and pictures on display. The saloon bar is very old but well maintained. Go ahead, take a step back into history!
Kaihley Reiner — Google review
Great place, however it’s history is very interesting.
mario barrios — Google review
Unrivaled for its people watching, Whiskey Row is the place to be in Prescott. Which I guess isn’t saying a whole lot, since Prescott isn’t really a happening place.
Get yourself your token Whiskey Row Alley Instagram pic, you know, to prove you were there. And grab a drink at the old Palace long bar and pour one out for the old Wild West homies.
Ryan — Google review
So many interesting shops and bars/pubs/taverns in a four block area. And what a beautiful central Civic square with the county courthouse and so many interesting statues and local history to examine and enjoy. Enjoy some great brews here and get some snacks for the road. Try it!
Joe Wisecaver — Google review
A historical gem remnant of the old days of the Wild West. Good food, fun stroll, and souvenirs galore. In 2 hours time, you can accomplish lots and if you’re a fan of bicycles, all the more reason to turn it into an all day activity by going a bit further out and see more of what is around and not far.
C. Ashton — Google review
Whiskey Row is such a historical place. We stopped for lunch at The Grumpy Sicilian Pizza, and it was amazing pizza. There's lots of bars, saloons and restaurants, along with tons of shops. The Old Courthouse is across the street, where they have several festivals each year. It's a nice place to walk, sit & relax, and people watch, too.
Cat Eyes — Google review
Whiskey row is the nickname of a street in the center of Prescott. AZ… many bars and shops, including the famous Palace bar that’s been around since Wyatt Earp times.
Toya Gabeler — Google review
So many bars, eateries, shops to look through. You see signs for $5 a beer or $4.50 a shot. Take your time to look and shop. So many cute things! Baby clothes, little souvenirs, nice jackets, cool hats, big art pieces, glass, metal, horseshoes, it's all a desert vibe! I like going for a quick slice of pizza at Grumpy Sicilian and a quick ice cream bite of vegan strawberry.
Thalia Lopez — Google review
Greatest place for music and drinks! And occasional midget wrestling.
David Bangston — Google review
Lively place. Good service. Good food. Good LIVE MUSIC!
cassandra jessup — Google review
Very cool spot. Historic downtown is awesome. Lots of fun
Lorraine L — Google review
Very long street with a lot of shops, restaurants, and bars. Parking situation is a bit weird but we didn't have any trouble. There's a lot to see there and we didn't get to see all of it. Many of the shops were closed when we were there. We did notice something strange: generally speaking, the passers-by on the sidewalks and crossing the street weren't very friendly. It just seemed like everyone was in a bad mood for some weird reason. Other than that, it was a nice quiet walk.
The Desert Caballeros Western Museum in Wickenburg, Arizona is a must-visit for those interested in the town's Western heritage. With over 400 works of Western art, including pieces by renowned artists like Frederick Remington and Charles Russell, this museum has been described as a jewel filled with unexpected treasures.
An absolutely pleasant experience. I've been to Wickenburg, Arizona many times. This was the first time I went to the museum. Most of all the volunteers were kind and helpful. They had a wonderful Cowgirl exhibit and art show, but don't forget to check out their downstairs blast from the past.
Zulma Tedesco — Google review
One of the best museums in the Valley! And underrated, I wish I have found out about it sooner. Their exhibits are really cool. They have a town reconstruction in the lower level with a hologram. Their art collection is gorgeous, and their location in Wickenburg is perfect, you can plan for dinner within a block away and some shopping too. A must visit for those interested in the western heritage of Arizona!
D P — Google review
We started off looking at all the local art on the main floor which was amazing. But once you go downstairs you’re transported back in time with very interactive exhibits. The museum is not huge so it won’t take you all day to get through it. I think we spent 90 minutes looking around.
Rob Deutsch — Google review
Very friendly and knowledgeable staff. We went Memorial Day weekend and was granted free entry due to veteran status. Lots of history with some old relics, brought back some childhood memories.
Delane Gewirtzman — Google review
BEST place to see western art pieces! I definitely did not expect any of what I saw in the museum. The museum is pretty large with different exhibits. The sculptures are genius and so are the paintings!
The downstairs was also incredibly interesting. The different displays they had give you some insight on the town of Wickenburg and its beginnings and was so insightful.
A.N. — Google review
We saw a new display of western art by all women artists. The art was for sale as well. Just beautiful.
melesa o'shea — Google review
A cool museum dedicated to the history of Wickenburg and the mining and ranching of the area. The top part has art, and exhibitions about Wickenburg, while the bottom is a street-level section of "old" Wickenburg, with a general store, ranch house, and a series of display models about Wickenburg events, the first mines, ranching, the Wickenburg massacre, etc. This is a fantastic little museum that packs a lot of awesome displays into its rooms!
Mr. Paul — Google review
Fantastic gem, just outside metro Phoenix. Leave yourself a min of two hours, and enjoy a leisurely stroll through the exhibit. The cowgirl art exhibit was so fun and inspiring, too. It's only there for a few months per year, so check it out before memorial day.
Susan Gammon — Google review
So well done...Great display of History and the period of time. You are transported back to the late 1800's.
Your Western Museum admission also includes admission to the Cultural Center. Outstanding display of Apache Heritage.
Be sure to take a stroll through old town and admire all the amazing bronze sculptures.
Shelley Wyman — Google review
Great museum - smaller, but still interesting. They have affordable tickets with some common discounts (AAA, military, etc). No wait to get in on a Saturday afternoon, easily bought our tickets at the door.
Downstairs is awesome!
Elijah O — Google review
This is an excellent museum on western life with lots of exhibits for young and old.
Jim Moto Hobo Hebert — Google review
This a great local museum packed with history. Lots of displays along with good dioramas. There was a display of cowgirl artists, which is not permanent, but very nice. If you are in town for a bit I recommend a trip to this museum. You'll come away with a good amount of local history.
Theresa Erickson — Google review
This was a nice historic museum. Great for adults. You could spend a few hours learning about the past and looking at the beautiful art. Most of museum is don't touch, look and read. I had hoped it would be more kid oriented and hands on explanation. Sadly there are very little hands on items. The kids were entertained enough but it is a one time visit sort of place for my family.
Susan Guryanova — Google review
We went here because our 4 yr old wanted to go. It was her first museum experience and I gotta say we were impressed from all the setups down to the patience of the staff. Everyone is very nice and informational. The downstairs area is really cool for kids! Our daughter had a blast!
Michelle Hall — Google review
What a treasure! Art and history collide in this great museum of the old west and native American culture.
Walking old Wickenburg is fun too, but you will have to wait until fall now. Most shops are closed for the summer
Bob Ehlers — Google review
I loved this place because everything was very authentic. The people who run the museum were super nice and informational. Its free for AD military AND their family's which is a perk. There's options to listen to the museum through a cassette and headphones or you can just browse through and read everything yourself. There's a hologram type video downstairs which is pretty cool. And a nice small gift shop. Definitely worth checking out!!
Dorothy Robinson — Google review
This was a fabulous museum! I was blown away by the art. The downstairs area for kids was awesome and my daughter thought the hologram was so cool. One of my favorite museums in all the little Arizona towns I've been to so far. Well worth the price of admission.
Relaxed resort featuring a beach & a marina, plus a movie theater, bars & restaurants.
This place has something for everyone. Every room has a view. The water gets hot quick and has great pressure. The AC works great. Fun waterside and indoor pool. Marina is great for evening walks. The gaming floor was good too. Only bummer, no wifi and almost no Verizon cell service.
Sarah Robbin — Google review
Magnificent place to stay the casino is fun the water slide is awesome the boat launch is nice and the parking area by it is well lit and easy to see from the rooms. the water slide is huge. The kitchen was under renovation but the grille restaurant had a limited menu that was still very accommodating and the continental breakfast was impressive. Only complaint is the strict mask rules
mary janee — Google review
Machines seem very tight. Not a lot of people there. Food options are good hence the 4 Stars. We went for prime rib night and it was decent. Not 5 Stars but good for the price. I do not recommend the scalloped potatoes though. I grew up eating scalloped potatoes and those were the driest ones I ever had. Not very good. We are trying the fried chicken tonight. Fingers crossed 🤞 .
Cathy Gardner — Google review
My bf and I are regulars here at Bluewater and we love it! The casino pays out pretty good especially for it being on the smaller side of most casinos. The staff are wonderful and it's just an all around good vibe when you come here.
Lexie — Google review
A nice hotel to stay at, I wouldn't say the best though, the rooms were nice with a little balcony, the location is just a little drive off the 95, and grocery stores are just little ways away. The Bluewater Grille was okay there, I got the Patty Melt there, and it tasted like frozen hamburger patties from Wal-mart, and the fries were okay, under seasoned much. The main deal is the beautiful pool! The pool is excellent place for kids and adults to have fun! There is a slide for anyone to go down, and the staff down there are helpful when you have questions! They also have a good variety of casino games, so adults can have fun too! There is also a dock for your boats to park, so if you don't wanna go to the pool, you could always take your boat down and use it, cause the casino is right next to the river! Overall, the hotel wasn't a bad place! It's a nice place to stay if you need a quick place to rest or if you just feel like going somewhere!
Daniel Diaz — Google review
The place was nice. My first time there and just stopped in for a bite and to play a bit. Food was good in the restaurant, but it took a long time to get it, but it may may have been that I ordered a steak. Prices were good, and we will go back again.
chris Petersen — Google review
This casino is fantastic because there's no smoking!!!! It has a great pool with a slide! I love the staff and everyone was super helpful. The 4 stars is only because the food could have been better. Our steaks had a lot of fat and gristle and my mom's chicken fried steak's sauce tasted like it was made from a powder. I would definitely come back again!
Khrisela Kerbey — Google review
We were pleasantly surprised, last time in 2019 it was not a great experience. Had the all-you-can-eat spaghetti special and it was really good! Great friendly staff in the restaurant; the staff at 'THE Club' desk could be a bit more enthusiastic...fun slots with lots of variety.
Sandra Rogers — Google review
This place has absolutely disgusting rooms.
We came here for my husband's birthday so I booked a junior suite for a bigger space. When we walked into the room it smelled like filthy dirty laundry. The carpet was so badly stained and dirty that we would not walk on it barefoot. The room shown on the website IS NOT WHAT IS SOLD TO YOU. The desk chair was missing, there was one patio chair, one nightstand was missing (so items had to sit on filthy carpet) the two casual arm chairs were gone and the bed sagged in the middle.
We went and spoke to management and they refunded us one night and upgraded our next night to the "honeymoon premiere suite" she had me look at the room online beforehand and it looked amazing.
Well, upon packing up and moving rooms we entered a room that looked NOTHING LIKE the room she showed us. And this room was FILTHY TOO! We have decided to just deny charge on card.
Deli employees are incompetent to the fullest extent. They burned me with hot coffee as he didn't know how to secure a lid. No apology, no empathy, no towel to clean off my arms and clothes. Just stood there looking as stupid as he was. They don't even know how to make the drinks they sell. Slots also stink. Boring, not one person won a dime while we were there. I see lots of complaints about this in the reviews. Will never be back. Place is horrid now. Photos of both rooms. The blue carpet, filthy dining table legs, spilled food, broken microwave and grey dirty couches are the honeymoon premier suite they upgraded us to.
Melissa S. — Google review
We always stay here when coming to Parker. It’s our family vacation spot for the past 5 years and we usually would never question staying at this hotel. After this last time, we won’t again. First off the Wi-Fi was down so the whole week we didn’t have service because it’s in a dead zone. The rooms cleanliness was absolutely horrible. There were spiderwebs filled with bugs all over. There were baby black ants EVERYWHERE. We couldn’t get anything but sheets for our hide a bed for our kids to sleep with. There was broken glass down the whole hall to our room. We filled our trash, because we were there for 6 days, and asked for a new bags and got tiny ones brought to us. We were just so disappointed in how down hill the management has gone down in the last couple years. Those things never use to happen. Little things make big differences.
Elizabeth Stutzman — Google review
I went to spend the day watching football. I had been there several times before and enjoyed free parking. However this time I was charged 27 dollars to park my RV and was told to park in a certain area that wasn't as close to the entrance. No amenities were offered, just a spot in a parking lot. If you are in a car or a van, you aren't charged.
Meredith Robinson — Google review
Place is now a toilet. After Covid, nothing has improved. It just got worse. Many machines have buttons that don't light or function in any way. Never have enough items for promos. Seems the more friendlier employees are gone. Hopefully, to better jobs. A gold mine going to waste.
Andy Ward — Google review
Bluewater Grill: Their daily specials are cheap if you're a club member, everything else on the menu was about average priced. We tried the all-you-can-eat spaghetti for $7.99 and basically it was worth about $7.99. Nothing special, but not terrible either.
The utensils were all plastic, making it feel a little cheaper. They are really strict about covid precautions, so that's probably why they're using plastic.
The staff was friendly and made the experience more enjoyable.
Mark Y — Google review
We went to try an afternoon special, but it was potroast. Not our favorite, so we had one of their 1/2 lb hamburgers instead. They always do a good job on that. It's just not near as good of a price as they used to have for that item. The fries were good also. We'll go back when we're in the area.
Ted Knopp — Google review
Mostly everyone that worked there had a frown on their face bad attitude I felt like something was in the water out that way. The cafe terrible service terrible. The bartender not sociable , another frown. They erased our name on the reservations for our Boat slip But luckily there was one left. They don't give you drinks When you gamble. The pool attendant did an exceptional job and I must say the maid was great. I must say the only reason I will go there is to slip the boat I will never eat there again.
paul wichmann — Google review
This hotel was recommended by Nick with Wet and Wyld Watersports. The room was very clean and comfortable. The Bluewater Grille restaurant was very nice. The hotel has an indoor pool with a waterside which was great fun for me my daughter and granddaughter. I would recommend this place!
Karen Stevens — Google review
Was there for the Boat Races thanksgiving weekend. The staff was very friendly and helpful. Rooms were nice, good view of the river/marina. Cantina had good food. Didn't get the chance to eat at the restaurant.
Mike Andruski — Google review
Lovely. Overnight RV . Dry camp, but it has food, restrooms and slots 👍Get a players card, and get a little free play. There is a charge for RV overnight. $27 with a players card.
Odd, as there's so much free dry camping on BLM land nearby.
Had to revise my review. 🤷♀️
Nice dog stop.
1st time there, I will be back.
N2the Future — Google review
Ate breakfast at The Grille. Food was good, but the waitress we had was terrible. Asked for a refill of coffee 4 times and never got it. Saw the bloody Mary advertised on their menu and online for $5 and when we got the bill, it was $6. Waitress said they'd fix it at the register. They said they just work here and couldn't do anything. Talked to the manager and she said that's been the price for a year now and wouldn't change our bill. Well then, how about you change the ad then! False advertising, and it doesn't seem to bother them.
Stephanie Moore — Google review
Clean rooms, decent prices and solid food. If you're staying in Parker it's the best place to stay. Beautiful indoor pool. Good variety of casino games. There is also a marina and movie theater.
Spencer Trowbridge — Google review
We liked staying here at the RV park. The spaces are a irregular size wise and the layout of the park is a bit quirky but the location is good, amenities are good and the staff is friendly and helpful. Office hours seem irregular so keep trying if they don't answer the phone. The Casino is smoke free, has restaurants and a movie theater with attractive pricing. $5.00 senior movie day is every day! The deli has a pretty good burger and fries for $5.00 too. And it's right on the river. I hope to stay there again next year.
Dan Albertson — Google review
4 of us stayed 3 nights up to New Year’s Eve. Had a great time. All staff that we encountered were pleasant even when busy Rooms were clean and comfy. Great shower and bed. Food was great and reasonably priced. Gambling is Gambling. Pool and hot tub were working fine and clean. People that wrote bad reviews must have stayed in a different place
We will be back again
Kirk Nelson — Google review
This is the second time we tried the restaurant. The first time service was lousy , we were over charged and food was incredibly dry. Decided to give it another chance and had to wait 67 minutes after we ordered for food. Food was OK but not worth an hour wait when most tables were empty. A neighboring table had a dog on it and not a single employee asked the people to put the dog off the table.
Not sure if it's worth another try to get a good meal here.
Brenda Meeks — Google review
Awful establishment booked online and was denied because I came in from the beach in a tank top I suppose or possibly because of my race not sure but two valid state identifications cards was not enough evidence to book a room here, I've never felt so judged and disrespected by an establishment by the big lady up front with the pirate walk, horrendous personality to have up front supposedly welcoming guests she should have her awful judging personality somewhere hidden in the back or cleaning toilets.
Tim Smith — Google review
This is a small casino so don't expect a lot of slot machines, with that said I did win a few hundred dollars and this was my first time at Bluewater Resort and Casino. They do have a gift shop and a Cafe. The overall vibe was decent, I didn't stay at the motel so I have no clue about the rooms. When passing through Arizona I will stop again I have no complaints about this casino. One other thing they do have plenty of on-site parking for big rigs, RVs etc.
Cactus-filled area in Joshua Tree National Park that's viewable from a flat loop walking trail.
Definitely worth visiting to see the glowing cholla cactii stretching out for miles around you. It's suggested to visit this garden at sunrise, but the view was just as good at midday when we visited. Be very careful to not get too close - the cactus spines will attach themselves to your clothes at the slightest contact, and will not want to let go - I speak from experience.
Maithri Hegde — Google review
So stunning at sunset. Great view for star gazing as well. 🫶🏻 great place to stop by at Joshua tree park
S J — Google review
My first time to look at the Cholla Cactus! What an exotic and mystic beauty!!
**Never touch or step on the Cholla!**
It is indescribably hurting!!!!! Watch your step while not on the wooden trail.
J. Kim — Google review
One of the most magical places on this planet. You see nature's magnificent work at its best. Hundreds and thousands of cholla cactus standing proudly in the windy air of Joshua Tree National Park.
The best time to visit is during sunset or sunrise when the entire place is cast with the golden light of the desert sun. Now, be careful to keep a safe distance from these 'teddy bear' cacti and don't try to wander off the trail.
Steven P — Google review
If you’re going anywhere in Joshua Tree, make sure you add the Cholla Cactus Garden to your list! We went a little before sunset and it was perfect because you could see the Cholla start to glow more and more as the light dims. Incredible experience and pretty easy to find parking around 5pm.
Logan Porter — Google review
Went at sunrise and it was totally worth it. Amazing views. The golden fiery look is unlike any other. Worth the morning drive!
Brian Ha — Google review
I have mixed feelings about the Cholla Cactus Garden. On one hand, the chollas are absolutely stunning and unlike any other cactus I've seen before. But on the other hand, they're incredibly dangerous. One wrong move and you could end up with a painful and difficult-to-remove cactus spines stuck in your skin. I always try to be extra careful when I'm around them, but I still have nightmares about accidentally falling into a chollas.
SIRLUNA (David) — Google review
Really a pretty place to stop in Joshua Tree National Park! The sun hitting the cacti was so pretty and the colors are lovely. They're serious when they say don't touch them though, the spines will really stick you. We loved visiting.
Michelle Mitton — Google review
A cute small looped trail, perfect for the family. It does feel far from the other trails and attractions at Joshua Tree.
Blazing Faith — Google review
Good trail to wonder in the desert and admire this amazing plants. It may get bit too hot during summer or during afternoon. I would suggest carrying a small water bottle just in case. Also, please do not touch the plants as thorns are sharp and can hurt.
aditya patil — Google review
This place within Joshua Tree NP is an incredible natural phenomenon within a park full of amazing natural phenomenon. I recommend the drive down to this spot.
Cory Gant — Google review
Beautiful forest of interesting cacti. Short loop through the garden. Good secluded stop towards the southern side of the park.
Kent 19 — Google review
It was beautiful. Make sure to be before because of parking and because the glowing starts just before the sun touches the cactus. If the sun touches the cactus directly pictures aren’t going to be so good.
Yemelin Beris Landaverde — Google review
Beautiful specially in the evening around sunset. The unique plants in the nature. They have limited parking. Make sure you don’t go off the trail/wooden path. The thorn are dangerous and can give you a lot of trouble. So avoid touching or stepping on them. They penetrate through shoes and clothes as well.
Chetan Pangam — Google review
This is my FAVORITE spot in Joshua Tree National Park!!
This 0.2 mile flat loop is gorgeous, fascinating, and mesmerizing garden full of Cholla (Choy-ya). I would go at sunrise or sunset because the Cholla look like they are glowing and it’s so magical!
This is a must stop!!
Parking is minimal. We got there at 7:20am and the parking lot was half full.
Chloe Medina — Google review
Cholla Garden is a mesmerizing enclave that transports you to a different planet, offering an unparalleled experience unlike any other place in California. To catch the breathtaking sunrise, an early start is essential, with a recommendation to arrive at least 30 minutes before the scheduled time.
Spending a minimum of an hour in this enchanting landscape allows you to capture the captivating transformation of colors in the surroundings – before, during, and after the sunrise. Each moment presents a unique palette that makes for stunning photographs.
While navigating through the cactuses, it's crucial to walk with caution. The spikes on these plants are akin to a formidable machine, easily attaching themselves to clothing and causing significant discomfort. Despite this prickly challenge, the awe-inspiring beauty of Cholla Garden makes the experience well worth the early wake-up call and careful exploration.
Ksenia Postolnik — Google review
Amazing place to visit. There's so much cholla that you can just keep walking. Just be careful not to get lost as the parking lot does disappear as you walk further in. There are a bunch of cactus balls on the floor that can cling into you. The wind can blow needles onto you as well. If you stay on the trail provided, you will be okay. If you go off it, just make sure you don't get prick. I didn't see any bees when I was there in late March during the day. There were lizards and birds flying around.
Steven Bui — Google review
This place is amazing. One of the best spots on the Joshua Tree National Park. It’s the first place we went to. It’s a beautiful garden of cactuses. You can walk around and take pictures. Be careful with little kids as there are a lot of fallen cactuses on the ground and you could easily get hurt.
Raghavendra Aditya M — Google review
Gorgeous little cactus garden! Take the quarter mile loop and enjoy seeing sweeping views of the valley. Parking might be tight during busy times of year, but also not very busy closer to sunset (when we went) it’s worth it!
Torsten Keil-Long — Google review
Well worth stopping here to walk the path and see (and take photos, esp during sunset or sunrise). Pronounced "choy-ya" (NOT cho-la). Could spend 15 - 60 mins here depending on how much time you want to take photos
Brian L — Google review
4.8
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4.5
(587)
California, USA
28
Barker Dam Nature Trail
Nature & Parks
Nature & Wildlife Areas
Well-trafficked 1.8-mi. loop past Wonderland of Rocks, desert scrub & reservoir dam built in 1900.
Sadly, there will be very little water at the dam, but the hike is wonderful. Lots of Joshua trees, boulders to climb and rock cliffs to admire. Be sure to go to the end to see the Native American pictographs. For a few minutes you'll be transported in time. After the initial light climb, the trail is gentle and good for all ages.
Mini Rag — Google review
We went here for the bouldering they had and also did a short loop trail. The bouldering area was a bit hard to find but there was plenty of people guiding us the correct way. There’s also a little tiny sign showing you which way to go!
Helen Trang — Google review
This trail has a variety of things to enjoy. There are petroglyphs, wildlife, the dam, cool rock formations, cacti and Joshua Trees. For those who love to climb rocks there's plenty of opportunities for that. The most challenging part of this trail is at Barker Dam; you'll need to traverse some stone steps and such. We saw a snake in some bushes by the trail.
thyblacksmith — Google review
No water as of Nov 2023. The hike is 1.1 mile long loop
Anu Chitrangana — Google review
Great place to visit, lots of rocks, trees and nature. I always love coming to this place gives me peace and tranquility. I would highly recommend you visit this place.
David Marin — Google review
Very impressive rock formations and a fun trail. It’s short tho only like 1 mile but worth it. It’s one of the prettiest spots unfortunately no water when I went but still impressive and beautiful with the exposed areas. A bit crowded since it’s one of the most popular hikes.
Carlos Archuleta — Google review
Dam is completely dry. I could only see water marks on the rock. Trail was great though. Unique rock formations and plants all around. Trail direction can be slightly confusing so wouldn't go when it's dark.
Plenty of parking space!
Young Eun Kim — Google review
Great hike, amazing views of the desert and rock formations.
susanalasus — Google review
Don’t trust beautiful pictures😁
We were there in October and it was drought. Easy trail, also you can move forward and see petroglyphs, but then need to hike longer to the parking lot.
Shery Lady — Google review
We visited here around 11 AM. It was quite hot. Dam was completely dried but trail was very good. Attached lots of pictures of the trail. Need 45 minutes to complete the trail and come back. Should visit here if visiting Joshua Park. Joshua Park is quite big and entry is 30$ per vehicle (if you don't have annual pass for US national park which is 80$). I prefer to buy annual pass since there are so many beautiful national parks in US.
Scenic 1-mi. hiking loop with huge rock formations to climb & views of Joshua trees & desert areas.
Make this the last spot of the day. As the sun sets, the rock cliffs burn orange fire! With shadows on the other parts, it makes for an amazing experience - not to mention some beautiful pictures. The trail is easy, about a mile. You'll see lots of rock climbers tackling different surfaces, it is fun to live through them. 😉
Mini Rag — Google review
We’ve been to 4 or 5 hikes in Joshua tree now and happy valley is one of our family favorites. It’s an easy 1 mile loop, although our hike turned into about 1.5 miles due to the amount of climbing we did. This is such a fun hike with so much variety in what you see and can do. There’s limitless possibilities in bouldering.
Our two kids, ages 10 and 12, loved climbing and exploring. We saw families with toddlers who were running and climbing off steam.
Try and get there early as the parking lot tends to fill up by 10. We got there at 10:30 and we’re lucky someone was leaving. The rangers were redirecting people to another lot when we left at 12:30.
There are pit toilets and many picnic tables for lunch at the parking lot. Easy drive in and out as well. Take sunscreen and water and enjoy the peace and calm of Joshua Tree!
J Mac — Google review
All Trails: 1.34miles, 118ft elevation gain, 56 mins.
This is awesome trail! Not too difficult and saw two park volunteers hiking as well and they were very knowledgeable. Lots of prickly pear cacti which I loved! Tons of places to do some boulder climbing or watching the real rock climbers 😅
There is no shade! Bring sunscreen, more water than you think you need (1L/hour/person), and layers.
A bunch of variety of cacti and we found the “throne” of hidden valley 😂
Have lunch at the picnic area after your hike!
This is a very busy attraction! We arrived at 9:50am and got what seemed to be the last parking spot. Left around 12:30pm and there was a ranger at the entrance not allowing people to enter.
Chloe Medina — Google review
I loved this "trail." It really isn't a trail, more of a gentle walk through nature. It is short, well-marked, and doesn't have much in the way of elevation gains/declines. So if you're looking for a true hike, look elsewhere.
That said, this little walk packs a ton of beautiful sights in a really small area. You're sort of in a bowl here, with rocks surrounding you on all sides. Inside the bowl there are really interesting rock formations all around you, and the flora here is very different than you see in most other areas of the park. Apparently this area is a bit of a microclimate due to it's geological features, and there are tons of signs throughout the park explaining the reasons for this. It is an amazing combination of easy walking, beautiful scenery, and signs containing really good information about what you're seeing. The one downside is this was the most crowded area I saw in the park with the exception of Skull Rock, so you will be sharing the trail with hundreds of people. But unlike Skull Rock and some of the other crowded areas of the park, the crowds here didn't really bother me.
This was the highlight of the park for me, without a doubt. Although there are other hiking trails I'd recommend over this one, there is no other attraction in the park I'd recommend more highly.
Gunnar Caya — Google review
Easy hike (1 mile loop trail). We went there early ~ before 9am and easily found the parking lot. Would recommend to arrive early to avoid the traffic… saw long line cars waiting to enter the gate on the way back.
This hike is suitable for families, mostly flat, rocks for kids to climb (not dangerous). Be aware of the cold. It was end of Dec when we were here and we wish we would have worn beanie and gloves.
Th?c An Tr??ng — Google review
Easy loop with some really great views of the rocks and Joshua Trees. Make sure you wear lots of sunscreen when you're here! One of the first stops on the trip and one of the better ones as well!
Josh Wilson — Google review
$30 to enter Joshua Tree National Park with a car, valid for 7 days. There are bathrooms and porta potties right when you enter the park.
This is an easy trail if you stay on the flat path. My friend, and I ended up climbing over some rocks, and it was fun but quite difficult and not for children (8 out of 10 difficulty at times).
Heidi Liou — Google review
Plenty of toilet paper!!!
We got here early after turning away due to crowds the day before. Nice quick early morning hike with great light and fun views of rock climbers. As with every spot in the park, this gets filled up and parking becomes very difficult. We took the opposite direction on the loop and it was nice having folks pass us in the opposite direction rather than following or being followed.
Keith Tharp — Google review
Hidden Valley trail was recommended to me by a ranger at the Visitors centre. I arrived later in the afternoon and wanted to 'see it all in a short time before the sun went down'. This trail delivered.
The trail is a loop that starts at the carpark and makes it around a relatively easy area within the park. You get the see the best of Joshua Tree national park.
The Joshua trees are very unique and unlike any other trees that I have seen elsewhere. The fact that there are SO many of them and ONLY them is a really cool sight to see.
This track will take you around some very interesting rock structures that are unique to the park. Depending on the time of day, you may see amateur and professional rock climbers taking up the challenge.
The park can get HOT in summer so be sure to take more water than what you think you will need and stick to the track.
Trey Saunders — Google review
One of the easiest trails to do. Lots of Joshua trees to see and good scenic points to take pictures. The trail is big so we went half way through and came back. NOTE: PLEASE CARRY A LOT OF WATER.
akash rawat — Google review
I love this area of JT so much parking space, picnic tables, restrooms and a lot to explore around hidden valley. You will even catch a glimpse of some rock climbers in this area.
I Captured Jaime & Yesenia engagements here at the hidden valley trail.
Alcabreraphoto — Google review
Easy hike with a clear path. Some rock trails but they are well-defined. Lots of nature to see but very little shade. Keep an eye out of lizards, birds, kangaroo rats and ground squirrels. Kinda cool being surrounded in the valley.
Edward Co — Google review
You'll be immersed in the tranquility of the hidden valley, shielded from the outside world by towering rock walls.
The unique geological features and the untouched beauty of Hidden Valley make it a captivating experience. Whether you're seeking a peaceful stroll or a place to connect with nature, this trail offers it all. Don't forget your camera, as there are plenty of opportunities to capture memorable moments amidst the breathtaking scenery.
Thompson Chen — Google review
Nice place to hike for 1-2 hours. Thieves used to hide their stolen cows in this valley and got this name. We saw two groups of rock climbers on two sides of the valley. We saw a few big birds and quite a few smaller birds.
John Fwu — Google review
Great hike, my wife and i were out there at sun up....as the sun came up the shadows and lite wer neat to see. It was cold when we first got there, but once we got moving we warmed up quite a bit.
Joshua tree is an amazing place and we are already planning on going back
M Mag — Google review
A beautiful trail. We did this 7am in early November. It could not have been more pleasant and wonderful. We took time to walk around. We are not professional hikers by any means. It was the perfect length with one mile loop that is easy to follow.
Ichiko Kido — Google review
This trail has a mix of flat terrain to walk and rock steps to traverse, with minor changes in elevation. You can expect to see some wildlife. Mostly birds, lizards, and desert rodents. The blooming cacti were really pretty.
thyblacksmith — Google review
This is definitely one of the best bang for your buck trails at Joshua Tree. I haven't been to them all, but so far If I only had time to do one, this would be it.
Blazing Faith — Google review
A super short and easy 1 mile loop trail. It took me less than an hour to complete with several stops. There aren’t too many Joshua trees on this one but the rock formations and various cacti are cool. A bit chilly in October in the shade. The wind was also blowing hard. A great first introduction trail to Joshua Tree NP.
Aliza Brown — Google review
As you drive up and see a few dozen cars, you think "yeah... Hidden... Riiiggghhhtt" (sarcasm). But then you get it and start going down the paths that break off everywhere, seeing hikers, people rappelling,and kids playing on rocks on to of rocks. Then you climb the rocks and see the amazing view, truly a Hidden Valley. 🤩😍
Joseph Ross — Google review
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4.5
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74485 National Park Dr, Twentynine Palms, CA 92277, USA
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