Arizona may be called the “Grand Canyon State” and is widely known for being the home for one of the infamous wonders of the world, yet, our state has many other beautiful and interesting points of interest. If you’re looking for adventure, look no further than your own backyard in AZ. During the sweltering days of summer, head north to explore the sights and enjoy cooler temperatures. Pack up the car with your road trip essentials along with your favorite passengers and make your own adventure on the ultimate Arizona road trip!
Four Corners
In the north-east corner of Arizona, located on the Navajo Nation Indian Reservation, you’ll see where Arizona, Utah, Colorado, and New Mexico meet to make up the Four Corners. Stand just right and you can be four places at once! Learn about the history between the four states and the squabbles over territory and how in 1912 the final lines were drawn and a marker placed to indicate where all states came together. The Four Corners Monument and Visitor’s Center is open year-round (closed on major holidays) and offers cultural education on the Navajo tribe with demonstrations as well as crafts and food. Ample picnic tables are available to enjoy a picnic lunch with friends and family. Entry is five dollars per person for ages 7 and up. Cash is preferred.
Window Rock
Window Rock is a quaint, little park near the Navajo Nation Administration Center that features a beautiful red stone arch. The Navajo Nation headquarters and other government offices were built near this mystical rock formation and it is only a short hike to get up close to the arch. Recently a Veteran’s Memorial was erected at the base of Window Rock in honor of Navajos who have served in the United States Military. Navajo soldiers are credited in history for helping to win World War II for their roles as Code Talkers, where their native language was used to create a code that was never broken by the enemy. The park possesses many symbolic structures including a circular path outlining the four cardinal directions, 16 angled steel pillars with names of war veterans, and a healing sanctuary that features a fountain made of sandstone used for solitude and reflection.
Bearizona
Bearizona is a 160-acre park set in the Ponderosa Pine Forest just west of Flagstaff in Williams, Arizona. This zoo is unique in that Animal habitats are featured in an up-close three-mile drive from the comfort and safety of your own vehicle or by viewing in the winding 20-acre walk-through. While most vehicles can drive through the maintained gravel roads, each vehicle must be completely enclosed with functioning windows. Looking for more excitement? Take the Wild Ride Bus Tour (times vary) that allow up to 50-guests to take a ride through the park with a Bearizona staff member as your guide with a history of the park, and fun facts about the animals and their habitat. The tour is offered on a first come first served basis with no charge. The park is open daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Adult admission is $22.00 and children ages 4 – 12 are $11.00. Seniors receive $2.00 off adult admission. Total fee is capped at $120.00 for families in one vehicle.
Jerome
Known as “America’s Most Vertical City” and the “Largest Ghost Town in America” is the historic copper mining town Jerome, located at the top of Cleopatra Hill between Prescott and Flagstaff. Jerome was once a copper mining camp that grew from a settlement of tents to a thriving mining community. In its heyday, Jerome produced an unheard of 3 million pounds of copper per month. Today, the mines are silent and Jerome has become the largest ghost town in America. Presently, the town is now bustling with tourism and includes artists, crafters, museums, bed and breakfasts, and gift shops. Don’t miss the Gold King Mine Museum and Ghost Town tour. Visit the Sliding Jail and see where a jail slid 225 feet from a land slippage caused by the mining shafts. Visit the Gold King Mine Museum and Ghost Town formerly known as Haynes, AZ, a suburb of Jerome. For $5.00 a person you’ll see a mine shaft that goes down 1270 feet, pan for gold or gems, and take the self-guided tour. Tours include demonstrations from employees performing occupations of the past including blacksmiths, sawmill, and mining equipment operators. The kids will love the petting zoo housing a donkey name Pedro, goats, chickens, a mini pig, and an orphaned calf.
Part of planning your summer road trip includes preparing your vehicle for the journey. Is your vehicle in need of an oil change or is one due soon? Having your oil changed with Sun Devil Auto is the best choice. In addition to lube, oil, and filter, your tires will be rotated, fluids topped off, and a multi-point inspection will be performed to advise you of your vehicle’s condition. This inspection allows for our ASE Certified Technicians to inform you of your vehicle’s current health and what minor repairs or maintenance may be necessary now or in the near future. Before you set your GPS to the cooler areas of Northern Arizona, set it to a Sun Devil Auto near you. Knowing your vehicle is in peak condition, you’ll be able to focus on enjoying the adventure and fun of Northern Arizona!
