Guidebook for Tempe
Parks & Nature
Tempe Butte
Many trails wind throughout this park. Good mountain biking trails as well.
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Papago Park
625 N Galvin PkwyMany trails wind throughout this park. Good mountain biking trails as well.
Great views and hikes ranging in difficulties. Located outside of city limits, so not as many hikers on these trails...so use caution. Flat Iron is a great strenuous hike/climb (plan on about 6 hours up & down), but the view is worth it. Bring plenty of water (more than you think you need) and some food. Do not attempt in the summer. Horseback riding and other family activities are located in the area as well.
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Superstition Mountains
Great views and hikes ranging in difficulties. Located outside of city limits, so not as many hikers on these trails...so use caution. Flat Iron is a great strenuous hike/climb (plan on about 6 hours up & down), but the view is worth it. Bring plenty of water (more than you think you need) and some food. Do not attempt in the summer. Horseback riding and other family activities are located in the area as well.
Popular hiking area with great trails for all fitness levels. Beautiful desert scenery and stunning views of the city. Bring plenty of water, and avoid during the daytime of hotter months.
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Piestewa Peak Trails
7232 N Squaw Peak DrPopular hiking area with great trails for all fitness levels. Beautiful desert scenery and stunning views of the city. Bring plenty of water, and avoid during the daytime of hotter months.
Technically there is no beach, but a nice place to walk or go for a run around Tempe Town Lake. Stand-up Paddle Boards and pedal boats are available for rent. Concerts and festivals are sometimes held here as well.
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Iphakamisa yaseTempe
80 W Rio Salado PkwyTechnically there is no beach, but a nice place to walk or go for a run around Tempe Town Lake. Stand-up Paddle Boards and pedal boats are available for rent. Concerts and festivals are sometimes held here as well.
Great park for walking, jogging, or just finding a spot for a picnic. As long as weather permits, the fountain turns on every hour on the hour for 10-15 minutes, shooting water up to 300 feet in the air.
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Fountain Park
12925 N Saguaro BlvdGreat park for walking, jogging, or just finding a spot for a picnic. As long as weather permits, the fountain turns on every hour on the hour for 10-15 minutes, shooting water up to 300 feet in the air.
Moderate to difficult hike...not to be underestimated. Bring plenty of water, and wear proper shoes. Do not hike after 9am in the hotter months. Echo Canyon Trail is shorter, but more vertical and difficult side of Camelback Mountain. Physically demanding, but the view from the top makes it all worth it. Plan on about 45 minutes to an hour up, and 20-30 minutes down. Parking lot at the trailhead can fill up quickly as soon as the sun rises.
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I-Echo Canyon Recreation Area
4925 E McDonald DrModerate to difficult hike...not to be underestimated. Bring plenty of water, and wear proper shoes. Do not hike after 9am in the hotter months. Echo Canyon Trail is shorter, but more vertical and difficult side of Camelback Mountain. Physically demanding, but the view from the top makes it all worth it. Plan on about 45 minutes to an hour up, and 20-30 minutes down. Parking lot at the trailhead can fill up quickly as soon as the sun rises.
Moderate to difficult hike...not to be underestimated. Bring plenty of water, and wear proper shoes. Do not hike after 9am in the hotter months. Cholla Trail is the slightly longer, and not quite as strenuous side of Camelback Mountain. However, it is still physically demanding and does contain a few treacherous areas in the later portions of the trail. The view from the top makes it all worth it though. Plan on an hour or so up, and 30-40 minutes down. No parking lot at this trailhead. Street parking on Invergordon Rd., then a bit of a walk to the trailhead.
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Cholla Trailhead Camelback Mountain
5150 E Cholla LnModerate to difficult hike...not to be underestimated. Bring plenty of water, and wear proper shoes. Do not hike after 9am in the hotter months. Cholla Trail is the slightly longer, and not quite as strenuous side of Camelback Mountain. However, it is still physically demanding and does contain a few treacherous areas in the later portions of the trail. The view from the top makes it all worth it though. Plan on an hour or so up, and 30-40 minutes down. No parking lot at this trailhead. Street parking on Invergordon Rd., then a bit of a walk to the trailhead.
A great area for walking, jogging, or just relaxing. A great children's play area as well.
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Rio Salado Park
80 West Rio Salado ParkwayA great area for walking, jogging, or just relaxing. A great children's play area as well.
The Lava River Cave is a 0.75 mile heavily-trafficked out and back trail located near Flagstaff, Arizona that features a cave and is rated as a moderate hike. It is one of the top free attractions in Flagstaff Arizona, and is truly a geological wonder. It is pitch black in the cave, so wear proper hiking or athletic shoes, and bring a flashlight or headlamp. A jacket or sweatshirt is also recommended, as there can be a 40 degree difference in temperature when you are in the cave.
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Lava River Cave
171B Forest RdThe Lava River Cave is a 0.75 mile heavily-trafficked out and back trail located near Flagstaff, Arizona that features a cave and is rated as a moderate hike. It is one of the top free attractions in Flagstaff Arizona, and is truly a geological wonder. It is pitch black in the cave, so wear proper hiking or athletic shoes, and bring a flashlight or headlamp. A jacket or sweatshirt is also recommended, as there can be a 40 degree difference in temperature when you are in the cave.
Essentials
Safeway
1902 W Main StThe closest grocery store.
Walmart Supercenter
4915 N Pima RdCan get very busy, especially at night.
It's Target. You'll go in for 2 things and come out with 20 things.
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Target
995 S Cotton LnIt's Target. You'll go in for 2 things and come out with 20 things.
Entertainment & Activities
A golf driving range on steroids. Great for group outings. Can get a bit pricey though.
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Topgolf
9500 Talking Stick WayA golf driving range on steroids. Great for group outings. Can get a bit pricey though.
OdySea Aquarium
9500 East Vía de VenturaBrand new aquarium in Scottsdale.
Casino Arizona
524 N 92nd StLocated 1 exit north on the 101 freeway.
Casino, restaurants, bars, pool parties with world-class DJs every weekend from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
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Talking Stick Resort Casino
Talking Stick WayCasino, restaurants, bars, pool parties with world-class DJs every weekend from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Stand-up Comedy venue, featuring top comedians Thursday-Sunday.
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Tempe Improv
930 E University DrStand-up Comedy venue, featuring top comedians Thursday-Sunday.
Octane Raceway
9119 Talking Stick WayIndoor Go-Kart Racing.
Home of the Arizona Cardinals and the 2017 NCAA Final Four
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University of Phoenix Stadium
1 Cardinals DrHome of the Arizona Cardinals and the 2017 NCAA Final Four
During the summer months, tubing down the Salt River is a great Phoenix activity. Bring beer, some light food, SUNSCREEN, plastic bags or a cooler, and plan on 6-7 hours.
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Ukuphila ngezintaba ze-Salt
9200 North Bush HighwayDuring the summer months, tubing down the Salt River is a great Phoenix activity. Bring beer, some light food, SUNSCREEN, plastic bags or a cooler, and plan on 6-7 hours.
Big Surf
1500 N McClintock DrLocated less than 2 miles away.
Waterpark and Mini-golf! (Side note: The waterpark scenes in "Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure" were filmed here).
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Golfland Sunsplash
155 W Hampton AveWaterpark and Mini-golf! (Side note: The waterpark scenes in "Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure" were filmed here).
iFLY
9206 Talking Stick WayIndoor Skydiving!
Phoenix Zoo
455 N Galvin Pkwy140 acres of the world's finest collection of arid-land plants from deserts around the world, in a unique outdoor setting.
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Desert Botanical Garden
140 acres of the world's finest collection of arid-land plants from deserts around the world, in a unique outdoor setting.
Specializing in African and South American animals, it is home to AZ's largest collection of exotic animals, with 600 different species. Visitors can feed giraffes, parrots and stingrays at this 215-acre zoo and aquarium in Western Phoenix.
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Wildlife World Zoo, Aquarium & Safari Park
16501 W Northern AveSpecializing in African and South American animals, it is home to AZ's largest collection of exotic animals, with 600 different species. Visitors can feed giraffes, parrots and stingrays at this 215-acre zoo and aquarium in Western Phoenix.
The premier place for skydiving in Arizona. Located between Phoenix and Tucson.
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Skydive Arizona
4900 N Taylor StThe premier place for skydiving in Arizona. Located between Phoenix and Tucson.
Treetop-suspended obstacle courses for kids & adults, featuring ropes and zip lines up to 60 feet off the ground! Recommendation: Make reservations for a morning session in order to maximize your time on the course. If you have a fear of heights, this may not be your thing.
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Flagstaff Extreme Adventure Course
2446 Brigade RdTreetop-suspended obstacle courses for kids & adults, featuring ropes and zip lines up to 60 feet off the ground! Recommendation: Make reservations for a morning session in order to maximize your time on the course. If you have a fear of heights, this may not be your thing.
Nerf gun wars for the whole family (5 and up), as well as paintball for the adults. Paintball is also available for kids 10 and up.
Tempe Paintball & Nerf Wars
1401 S McClintock DrNerf gun wars for the whole family (5 and up), as well as paintball for the adults. Paintball is also available for kids 10 and up.
You have 60 minutes to escape one of their themed rooms. (ps… the room is locked). Solve puzzles & find clues in the room to aid in your escape.
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Escape the Room AZ
7017 E Main StYou have 60 minutes to escape one of their themed rooms. (ps… the room is locked). Solve puzzles & find clues in the room to aid in your escape.
Watch movies in comfy recliners at this theater just a few blocks away at Mesa Riverview! Recommended to book in advance, as you are able to choose your seats.
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Cinemark Mesa 16
1051 N Dobson RdWatch movies in comfy recliners at this theater just a few blocks away at Mesa Riverview! Recommended to book in advance, as you are able to choose your seats.
While it may not be for everyone, The Scottsdale Gun Club is the largest public indoor shooting range in the United States, with 32 total lanes. Lessons available, as well as a multitude of guns available to rent.
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Scottsdale Gun Club
14860 N Northsight BlvdWhile it may not be for everyone, The Scottsdale Gun Club is the largest public indoor shooting range in the United States, with 32 total lanes. Lessons available, as well as a multitude of guns available to rent.
Drinks & Nightlife
The main drag in Tempe and the ASU campus. You'll find a wide variety of bars, restaurants and shops. Z-Tejas is a recommended stop for their Chambord Margarita.
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South Mill Avenue
South Mill AvenueThe main drag in Tempe and the ASU campus. You'll find a wide variety of bars, restaurants and shops. Z-Tejas is a recommended stop for their Chambord Margarita.
Great wine bar in the heart of ASU. Monday and Tuesday are bottle & board nights after 8pm...$20 for a bottle of wine and a board of their awesome bruschetta. Yum!
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Postino Annex
615 S College AveGreat wine bar in the heart of ASU. Monday and Tuesday are bottle & board nights after 8pm...$20 for a bottle of wine and a board of their awesome bruschetta. Yum!
You can find bars and restaurants of all types in Old Town Scottsdale, but if nightclubs and dancing are your thing, this is where you go!
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Old Town Scottsdale
3200 N Scottsdale RdYou can find bars and restaurants of all types in Old Town Scottsdale, but if nightclubs and dancing are your thing, this is where you go!
Dimly lit pub with a patio and good food.
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Thirsty Lion Gastropub & Grill - Tempe
2000 E Rio Salado PkwyDimly lit pub with a patio and good food.
The Brass Tap
1033 N Dobson RdLow-key pub serving a wide variety of craft beers.
Great bar and small music venue in the Roosevelt District of downtown Phoenix.
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Crescent Ballroom
308 N 2nd AveGreat bar and small music venue in the Roosevelt District of downtown Phoenix.
Fate Brewing Company - South
1312 N Scottsdale RdLocal Scottsdale Craft Brewery.
Papago Brewing
Local Scottsdale Craft Brewery. Try the Orange Blossom!
A great option for a brewery/bar in Tempe, and definitely my favorite along Mill Ave. The beers are well made, and you get to enjoy them in their outdoor beer garden or a restaurant area. The tap selection features most of their own beers, including seasonals, and a few other breweries they feel like sharing.
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Pedal Haus Brewery
730 S Mill AveA great option for a brewery/bar in Tempe, and definitely my favorite along Mill Ave. The beers are well made, and you get to enjoy them in their outdoor beer garden or a restaurant area. The tap selection features most of their own beers, including seasonals, and a few other breweries they feel like sharing.
Salut Kitchen Bar
1435 E University DrRustic-chic neighborhood wine bar.
Shopping
Shopping, bars, restaurants, movie theater, etc.
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I-Tempe Marketplace
2000 E Rio Salado PkwyShopping, bars, restaurants, movie theater, etc.
Similar to Tempe Marketplace. Walmart, Home Depot, Bass Pro Shops, movie theater, restaurants, bars, etc..
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Mesa Riverview
857 N Dobson RdSimilar to Tempe Marketplace. Walmart, Home Depot, Bass Pro Shops, movie theater, restaurants, bars, etc..
The most popular shopping destination in Scottsdale.
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Scottsdale Fashion Square
7014 E Camelback RdThe most popular shopping destination in Scottsdale.
An outdoor upscale shopping district in Northern Scottsdale.
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Kierland Commons
An outdoor upscale shopping district in Northern Scottsdale.
Majerle's Sports Grill kwi-Chandler Fashion Center
3111 W Chandler BlvdFood Scene
My favorite coffee shop! If you're up in this area of Scottsdale, be sure to stop by.
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Village Coffee Roastery
8120 N Hayden RdMy favorite coffee shop! If you're up in this area of Scottsdale, be sure to stop by.
Best BBQ in Phoenix, in my opinion. Get there early before food runs out (typically early to mid-afternoon). Once they run out, they close for the day! Small place, and the line starts forming at 10:30am. Doors open at 11am. Closed Sunday and Monday.
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Little Miss BBQ-University
4301 E University DrBest BBQ in Phoenix, in my opinion. Get there early before food runs out (typically early to mid-afternoon). Once they run out, they close for the day! Small place, and the line starts forming at 10:30am. Doors open at 11am. Closed Sunday and Monday.
One of the best pizza spots in Phoenix. Small dining area, but great for take-out pizza.
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Spinato's Pizzeria and Family Kitchen
3150 N Frank Lloyd Wright BlvdOne of the best pizza spots in Phoenix. Small dining area, but great for take-out pizza.
Daily Jam
310 S Mill AveGood breakfast/brunch spot on Mill Ave.
Great place to grab healthier food if you're in the Old Town area. I don't think I've had a bad thing on their menu.
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Original ChopShop
7158 E 5th AveGreat place to grab healthier food if you're in the Old Town area. I don't think I've had a bad thing on their menu.
Popular breakfast place on the ASU campus that fills up fast on weekend mornings.
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Snooze, an A.M. Eatery
615 S College AvePopular breakfast place on the ASU campus that fills up fast on weekend mornings.
My favorite breakfast place in the city! A little bit of a drive, but if you're planning a day in downtown Phoenix, it should start with breakfast here. Get there early on weekends. Was featured on the show "Diner's, Drive-ins and Dives" a few years back, so it's popular.
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Matt's Big Breakfast
825 N 1st StMy favorite breakfast place in the city! A little bit of a drive, but if you're planning a day in downtown Phoenix, it should start with breakfast here. Get there early on weekends. Was featured on the show "Diner's, Drive-ins and Dives" a few years back, so it's popular.
Chicago's own! Hot Dogs, beef sandwiches, burgers, shakes & more. Dine in, or drive thru.
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Portillo's Hot Dogs
65 S McClintock DrChicago's own! Hot Dogs, beef sandwiches, burgers, shakes & more. Dine in, or drive thru.
Popular West Coast fast food burger chain. Always good!
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In-N-Out Burger
920 E Playa Del Norte DrPopular West Coast fast food burger chain. Always good!
Good neighborhood spot for food, drinks and views of the lakes in Tempe. Be sure to check their hours online. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays.
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The Watershed
5350 S Lakeshore DrGood neighborhood spot for food, drinks and views of the lakes in Tempe. Be sure to check their hours online. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays.
Popular local brewery and restaurant. Great food and beer brewed in-house. Good for brunch, lunch and dinner.
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Four Peaks Brewing Company
1340 E 8th StPopular local brewery and restaurant. Great food and beer brewed in-house. Good for brunch, lunch and dinner.
Very popular pizza spot. Can have long wait times if you go during prime dinner hours.
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Oregano's Pizza Bistro
523 West University DriveVery popular pizza spot. Can have long wait times if you go during prime dinner hours.
Kabuki
2000 E Rio Salado PkwyIt's close by if you're in the mood for sushi.
Because donuts. Open 24 hours a days, 7 days a week. It's all about the specialty donuts!
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Hurts Donut Company
2161 E University DrBecause donuts. Open 24 hours a days, 7 days a week. It's all about the specialty donuts!
A farmer's market, a cafe, a coffee house and juice bar, all surrounded by a lovely green outdoor space.
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Singh Meadows
1490 E Weber DrA farmer's market, a cafe, a coffee house and juice bar, all surrounded by a lovely green outdoor space.
Great healthier eats! A local favorite. I recommend the hummus trio with grilled chicken.
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Pita Jungle - Tempe
4 E University DrGreat healthier eats! A local favorite. I recommend the hummus trio with grilled chicken.
Good food in a pub-style atmosphere, with a pasty for whatever you're in the mood for.
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Cornish Pasty Co
3800 N Goldwater BlvdGood food in a pub-style atmosphere, with a pasty for whatever you're in the mood for.
If you like Indian food, I suggest this little hole in the wall near the ASU campus to satisfy your craving.
Chennai Express
933 E University DrIf you like Indian food, I suggest this little hole in the wall near the ASU campus to satisfy your craving.
Great traditional breakfast in a modern rustic atmosphere. Close by too!
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Henhouse Cafe
3133 S Lindsay RdGreat traditional breakfast in a modern rustic atmosphere. Close by too!
Mexican eatery serving mesquite-grilled meats, street-style tacos & more in modern surroundings.
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Backyard Taco - Mesa North
1524 E University DrMexican eatery serving mesquite-grilled meats, street-style tacos & more in modern surroundings.
Italian chain eatery featuring sports, Chicago-style deep-dish pizza, plus pasta & sandwiches.
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Rosati's Pizza
849 N Dobson RdItalian chain eatery featuring sports, Chicago-style deep-dish pizza, plus pasta & sandwiches.
Sightseeing
Roughly 90 minutes north on I-17, the Red Rocks of Sedona make for a great day trip. Plenty of hiking & biking trails, shops, restaurants and scenic views to keep you busy for the day.
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Sedona
Roughly 90 minutes north on I-17, the Red Rocks of Sedona make for a great day trip. Plenty of hiking & biking trails, shops, restaurants and scenic views to keep you busy for the day.
If you want to stay close by and don't feel like hiking, follow Central Ave., south of downtown Phoenix, into the South Mountain Preserve. Take the winding road to the parking lot at the top of the mountain for beautiful views of the entire city, without all of the work!
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South Mountain Village
If you want to stay close by and don't feel like hiking, follow Central Ave., south of downtown Phoenix, into the South Mountain Preserve. Take the winding road to the parking lot at the top of the mountain for beautiful views of the entire city, without all of the work!
The most-photographed and most-visited slot canyon in all of the American Southwest, due to its beauty. All tours are guided, so it is recommended to call in advance and check availability. Approximately a 4-hour drive north of Phoenix. It is best to combine a trip here with a visit to Flagstaff, the Grand Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, and any other destinations in the high desert of Northern Arizona.
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Upper Antelope Canyon
The most-photographed and most-visited slot canyon in all of the American Southwest, due to its beauty. All tours are guided, so it is recommended to call in advance and check availability. Approximately a 4-hour drive north of Phoenix. It is best to combine a trip here with a visit to Flagstaff, the Grand Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, and any other destinations in the high desert of Northern Arizona.
Horseshoe Bend is a popular Arizona sight-seeing destination located near Page, Arizona. This hiking trail is a 1.2 mile heavily-trafficked out and back trail for all skill levels, culminating in a breathtaking view of a horseshoe-shaped meander of the Colorado River.
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Horseshoe Bend
1001 Page ParkwayHorseshoe Bend is a popular Arizona sight-seeing destination located near Page, Arizona. This hiking trail is a 1.2 mile heavily-trafficked out and back trail for all skill levels, culminating in a breathtaking view of a horseshoe-shaped meander of the Colorado River.
Sunset Crater is a cinder cone located less than 15 miles north of Flagstaff. This Crater Volcano reshaped the nearby landscape, and now offers hiking, scenery of flora like Ponderosa Pines, and an array of wildlife.
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I-Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument
Sunset Crater is a cinder cone located less than 15 miles north of Flagstaff. This Crater Volcano reshaped the nearby landscape, and now offers hiking, scenery of flora like Ponderosa Pines, and an array of wildlife.