High Country Motor Lodge Inn

A retro motel on Route 66 in Flagstaff, Arizona

High Country Motor Lodge Inn is an upscale roadside motel located in the heart of Flagstaff. The perfect blend of vintage and contemporary style awaits you at this cozy retreat, choose from charming cottages to classic guestrooms and suites.

For all-day dining head to the General Store, it is a both a restaurant and snack bar for those on the run. In the late evenings, the hotel offers fire pits, movie nights under the stars and magnificent stargazing.

 From $150/night

L’Auberge de sedona

5 Mins Drive from center of Sedona

L’Auberge de Sedona is a boutique resort that sits on a creek, the hotel restaurant has a particularly beautiful setting creekside.

A sense of peace and wellbeing awaits you in the charming cottages and L’Apothecary Spa. Some rooms boast incredible views of Oak Creek Canyon.

From $700/Night

Under Canvas

Safari inspired accomodations in Utah, Arizona, Montana, Maine and beyond

Under Canvas offers glamping accomodation that combines the sights and sounds of nature and the comfort of upscale safari glamping tents.

Tents are set on elevated decks with private ensuite bathrooms and vary in size, they can sleep up to six people. As for dining, they have a casual restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. We love s’mores by the campfire, a complimentary nightly activity.

From $300/night

Amangiri

Luxury resort located in the canyons of southern Utah

Part of the AMAN group, the Amangiri is a secluded luxury resort in Canyon Point, Utah, close to Lake Powell and just over the border of Arizona. Amangiri means ‘peaceful mountain’ and is set on 600 acres of desert land, tucked away between mesas, red-rock, ridges, and the canyons of southern Utah.

Amangiri offers rooms and suites at their original resort, as well as the more recently added one and two bedroom luxury tented pavilions at Camp Sarika, a five minute golf cart ride  from the main resort. The hotel offers incredible tailored experiences curated to your interests and desires, from the adventurous and stunning outdoors and unwinding in the 25,000 sq ft Spa to dining and celebrating special occasions – Amangiri has it all.

Make sure to speak to their Experience Team to curate your stay before arriving.

 From $3,200/night

Under Canvas – Grand Staircase

Safari inspired accomodations near Lake Powell

Under Canvas is located about 25 minutes from Page and Lake Powell. It offers glamping accomodation that combines the sights and sounds of nature and the comfort of upscale safari glamping tents.

Tents are set on elevated decks with private ensuite bathrooms and vary in size, they can sleep up to six people. As for dining, they have a causal restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. We love s’mores by the campfire, a complimentary nightly activity.

From $300/night

Eat in FlagstafF

 Something about the PLACE

Pizzicletta (pictured to the left) serves an exceptional wood-fired pizza, ceaser salad and homemade gelato. 

Shift Kitchen & Bar head here for refined American mountain food served tapas style, shared plates.

High Country Motor Lodge Inn

A retro motel on Route 66 in Flagstaff, Arizona

High Country Motor Lodge Inn is an upscale roadside motel located in the heart of Flagstaff. The perfect blend of vintage and contemporary style awaits you at this cozy retreat, choose from charming cottages to classic guestrooms and suites.

For all-day dining head to the General Store, it is a both a restaurant and snack bar for those on the run. In the late evenings, the hotel offers fire pits, movie nights under the stars and magnificent stargazing.

 From $150/night

Birdhouse

Birdhouse is known for their fried chicken. Their menu offers three flavors including original, spicy and honey butter – try all three! It has indoor and outdoor seating and is very casual (as is all of Page).

LP Espresso

Go-to coffee spot and breakfast in Page.

Rainbow Room

For a meal with beautiful views of Lake Powell, head to the Rainbow Room at the Wahweap Marina Hotel.

Rim View Terrace

In the center of Page, Rim View Terrace is a contemporary eatery with an outside terrace offering desert views. If you are looking to take a break from roadtrip dining, then Rim View terrace is for you.

Permanently closed

Eat in Sedona

Mariposa is a Latin inspired grill with the most incredible sunset views of Sedona’s red rock. Make sure to make a reservation ahead of time and if you are not able to secure a table, have a sunset drink here!

Dahl & DiLuca is an upscale more formal italian restaurant owned by Chef Lisa Dahl, the proprietor of five top restaurants in Sedona. 

Butterfly Burger is the newest Lisa Dahl restaurant, go for the best burger in town. 

Under Canvas – Grand Staircase

Safari inspired accomodations near Lake Powell

Under Canvas is located about 25 minutes from Page and Lake Powell. It offers glamping accomodation that combines the sights and sounds of nature and the comfort of upscale safari glamping tents.

Tents are set on elevated decks with private ensuite bathrooms and vary in size, they can sleep up to six people. As for dining, they have a causal restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. We love s’mores by the campfire, a complimentary nightly activity.

From $300/night

Explore Lake Powell

If you’re visiting this part of the world between March and October, a day on Lake Powell is a must. The winter months are also beautiful, but very cold out on the Lake! Lake Powell was created by the construction of the Glen Canyon Dam completed in 1966. The stunning lake is made of big bays and wide canyons that meander to become stunning narrow slot canyons. Depending on the height of the lake, there are a number of sandy beaches to enjoy a picnic with the gorgeous views.

Surf Lake Powell is one of our favorite boat and sea-doo rental companies, located both at Antelope Point Marina and Wahweap Marina. They offer many water sports from water skiing and wake boarding to SUPs and kayaks.

Up Lake Adventures (at a big price) offers terrific guided sea-doo excursions on Lake Powell, from full day to overnight camping trips. This is the same team that offers the UTVs at Up Land Adventures.

GRAND CANYON

IMPORTANT: In the hot summer months, make sure to take lots of water when hiking, dehydration is a dangerous and common effect when you go unprepared.

Our favorite hikes/viewpoints have a *

One of the most breathtakingly beautiful national parks in the world is the 1-mile deep gorge carved by the Colorado River, known as the Grand Canyon. As one of the seven natural wonders of the world, there are many ways to explore, our favorites are the scenic drives and hiking the many trails. To experience the immensity of this park, where the canyon can range between 10 to 18 miles across, you can walk on both the North Rim and South Rim, and hike through pine forests down into the canyons.

The greatest differences between the North and South Rims are that the North Rim is a lot less touristy/busy and a lot more green, as it is covered in pine forests. The North Rim is 1000 feet higher, during the snowy winter months from mid October to mid May,  The North Rim closed. The North Rim is a lot further from most places visitors drive from. The decision is up to you which rim to explore, we love them both and here are our recommendations:

Out and Back Trails and Viewpoints on THE SOUTH RIM:

Grandview Point 

At the entrance of the South Rim is the more touristy Grandview Point offering panoramic views of the Grand Canyon

Shoshone Point 

More off the beaten path and thus few tourists make it here, is Shoeshone Point. Getting to the overlook involves a 25 minute walk one way through a pine forest to the rim of the canyon. You’ll arrive at sweeping panoramic views from an overlook that juts out from the plateau. West of mile marker 246 on Desert Drive Road, see map)

South Rim Trail 

A flat paved walking path hugging the South Rim starting at the South Rim Visitor Center, you can walk as little or as much as you want, the walk is dotted with beautiful viewpoints.

Hike – Bright Angel Trail 

To get a taste of the incredible hiking the South Rim offers, even walking part of the Bright Angel Trail is extraordinary. Make sure to wear good hiking gear and take LOTS of water, we really cannot emphasize that enough. Definitely challenging, whatever you hike down remember you’ll have to hike up. Route starts right in Grand Canyon Village on the South Rim.

Out and Back Trails & Viewpoints on THE NORTH RIM:

Grand Canyon Lodge North Rim

Bright Angel Point

Cape Royal Point

Point Imperial

These three locations all offer spectacular scenic panoramic views of the North Rim. You can drive to all of them and enjoy the views in a couple of hours, walking is minimal.

Hike – North Kaibab Trail 

Wind your way down through switchbacks in a pine forest to finally arrive to open views of the stunning Grand Canyon. Remember again what you go down, you must come up!

Hikes near Page & Lake Powell

IMPORTANT: Please make sure you have the right vehicle to drive to the different trailheads, read the details on each AllTrails Map.  In the hot summer months, make sure to take lots of water when hiking, dehydration is a dangerous and common effect when you go unprepared. Our favorite hikes have a *

Out and back trails, hike as far as you want and turn around

*Lower Hackberry Canyon

A walk through a canyon with a stream that runs at certain times of the year, at times more green due to increased water flow

All Trails Map

Buckskin Gulch

The longest and deepest slot canyon in the southwest, at 20 miles, this stunning trail features canyon walls showing the extraordinary layers of the Colorado Plateau, the beginning of the hike is in a wide open canyon and as you progress the canyon narrows to a slot canyon

AllTrails Map

Paria River Valley Trail & Townsite

Walk through the extraordinary multicolored mountain range, you will be blown away by the purple and pink hues of the layered rock

AllTrails Map

Hoodoo Toadstools

A short walk from the parking lot off Highway 89, you’ll find yourself in the land of giant mushrooms, rock carved by years of water and wind

AllTrails Map

Thousand Pockets

A unique walk through a bizarre landscape of many large and small stone pockets where water collects and forms pools, getting there requires serious off-road driving

View ROAMING STONES map

MARBLE CANYON

White Pockets

Other-wordly surreal landscape of unique rock formations in white, tan and vibrant orange, a walk in this area will leave you feeling like you’re on another planet, requires a 4WD to get there

View ROAMING STONES map

*River Trail 

This scenic two mile walk along the banks of the Colorado River departs from Lees Ferry, the views of the red Vermillion Cliffs, a bit of green oasis and the deep blue of the Colorado River are mesmerizing. Follow directions to Spencer Trailhead, but continue low level beside the Colorado River, do not take trails leading up the cliff.

*Spencer Trailhead

This hike is for those who are seeking a challenging, very steep ascent, but the reward is panoramic views of the meandering Colorado River and its surrounding desert landscape (2 mile route, 1,600 ft elevation, round trip takes 3 hours)

AllTrails Map

*Cathedral Wash Trail

A fun short streneous gradual descent, first through a sandy wash, then through deep canyon and finally ending on Colorado River. This hike requires both upper and lower body physical movements, as you need to navigate small drops and ledges with your upper body and hands (3 miles roundtrip)

AllTrails Map

Upper Antelope Canyon

Guided tour to Slot canyons that reach 120 feet deep

Lower Antelope Canyon and Upper Antelope Canyon are two separate slot canyons, narrow sandstone walls that rise up to 120 feet, located near Page, Arizona, on Navajo land.

We recommend visiting Upper Antelope Canyon over Lower.

These canyons were formed by erosion from flash flooding and are accessible ONLY by a guided tour led by a Navajo.

Experience stunning rock formations, including light beams, which are caused by sunlight shining through the narrow openings in the canyon’s ceiling, creating a dramatic and otherworldly atmosphere.

Vermillion Cliffs National Monument

A geological treasure in Marble Canyon, Arizona

On your drives on highway 89 from Flagstaff towards Page, from Page to Lees Ferry and the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, the spectacular views of the Vermillion Cliffs will never cease to amaze.

This geological treasure features flaming red hues of sandstone walls and the contrast with the often bright blue skies is out of this world.

Vermillion Cliffs National Monument

A geological treasure in Marble Canyon, Arizona

One of Roaming Stones’ favorite outdoor ventures is paddling down the Colorado River. On the drive to Lees Ferry, which provides access to the Colorado River (about a 50 minute drive from Page) you’ll cross the Navajo Bridge, one of the few crossings over the Colorado River. An added treat to this adventure is the drive along the spectacular Vermilion Cliffs.

During the cold winter months, when water activities are shut down, it is still worth a drive to Lees Ferry and a walk along the Colorado River (see Hikes including River Trail and Spencer’s Trail).

In the summer months, from Lees Ferry, a back-haul service on a motorboat will haul you upriver so you can then float with the current and kayak or paddle board down the Colorado River, back to where you started at Lees Ferry. The motorboat can take you as far up river as you would like, the farther you go, the longer it takes to paddle down, of course! Typically you are taken just beyond Horseshoe Bend, about a 40 minute boat ride from Lees Ferry.

From this point, it takes about 3 to 5 hours to kayak/paddleboard down to Lees Ferry. Make sure to pack a picnic lunch to enjoy on any spit of sand or river bank you come across on your adventure. This experience is mesmirizing – the jaw-dropping height of the canyons, the refreshing cold swims in the Colorado River and the sounds of life in the depths of the canyons are truly sensational.

Kayak Horseshoe Bend is our preferred company for this excursion – make sure to reserve both the backhaul service (water taxi) and kayak/paddleboards. Their boat captains are fun adventurers as well as super knowledgeable about the area, so make sure to ask lots of questions!

Monument Valley

red-sand desert region on the Arizona-Utah border, famous for the towering sandstone buttes

A visit to the Navajo Nation’s Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park is a must. The landscape is surreal, dotted by carved mesas and buttes, this area is one of the most photographed location and has provided the backdrop for many western films.

A visit involves booking a guided tour by local Navajo guides, and driving the 17-mile Valley Drive loop road through the spectacular towering sandstone buttes.

Make sure to stop at Monument Valley Overlook (where a famous Forrest Gump scene was filmed).

Glen Canyon Dam Overlook

This viewpoint is a short hike down rock-carved stairs to the rim of the canyon of the Colorado River. In one direction you will view the magnificent roaring Colorado River, and in the other direction, the mighty seven hundred foot wall of the Glen Canyon Dam.

Horseshoe Bend

A must when visiting the area of Page!

Horseshoe Bend is a horseshoe-shaped canyon roughly 1,000 ft (305 m) deep carved by the mighty Colorado River. The parking lot/ticket entry and trailhead is located off US Highway 89, from there you will have a 15 minute walk to the overlook of Horseshoe Bend.

Scenic Views at the Glen Canyon Dam

Breathtaking views of Lake Powell on one side of the Glen Canyon Dam, and of the mighty Colorado River on the other side of the dam. The Glen Canyon Dam Museum is also well worth a visit.

Wahweap Overlook

Expansive views of Lake Powell, the Glen Canyon Dam and the area that surrounds Page known as Grand Staircase-Escalante. Perfect spot to take in the extraodinary views, enjoy a picnic or stretch your legs after a long car ride. Also great for sunrise and sunset viewing.

The Chains

If you are looking for a quick dip in Lake Powell, and do not want to go to either of the marinas (Wahweap and Antelope Point), head to the Chains.

About a 5 minute drive from Page town, it is a hiking area that gives you easy access for a refreshing swim. You will have a 15 minute walk/rock scramble to reach the water from the parking lot. From this spot, there are close-up views of the dam. See Roaming Stones Map for exact swim spot.

UTV Desert Adventures

For those looking for a little adrenaline, hire a Can-Am Maverick UTV (a UTV brand with 200 horse power) from Up Land Adventures for a crazy driving experience through sandy washes, slick rock climbs, wide open desert, sand dunes, mesas, canyons and rapid straight-aways. Can-Am Mavericks come in four-seat or two-seat models.

Sedona

IMPORTANT: In the hot summer months, make sure to take lots of water when hiking, dehydration is a dangerous and common effect when you go unprepared.

Our favorite hikes/viewpoints have a *

Sedona is known for its magical landscapes of iconic red rock and buttes, monoliths and green woodland, it’s also known as a spiritual destination blanketed with vortexes radiating energy.

If you’re driving from Flagstaff or plan to head direction Flagstaff after visiting Sedona, make sure to drive via the the Oak Creek Canyon Drive (MAP). It is a breathtaking 14 mile winding route with hairpin turns and switchbacks along Route 89A. As you descend or ascend through the canyon, an incredible oak forest with evergreen pines and a red rock backdrop will surround you.

 Some of Roaming Stones’ favorite hikes in Sedona are : (they are all beautiful but vary in length and challenge):

Bellrock

It is more of a walk than a hike, with a 1.3-km out-and-back easy trail 2/10.

AllTrails Map

Cathedral Rock 

It is more a rock climb than a hike, for those who seek a physical challenge. 9/10

AllTrails Map

Huckaby Trail 

It is a 9.2-km out-and-back walk over gradual sloping terrain 4/10

AllTrails Map

Subway Cave

Getting to Subway Cave* is a bit of a challenge, the trailhead is located at the mile marker 2 of the Boynton Canyon trail. There is no sign for the Subway Cave so you must be watchful for the specific “Alligator Juniper tree” which should be on your left side as you turn right onto trail at mile marker 2 . Maginificent views await as you hike in Boynton Canyon. A short climb/scramble through/up a steep narrow slit in the sandstone walls will get you to the spectacular entrance to Subway Cave. 8/10

AllTrails Map

Sedona Airport Mesa Loop*

Easy walk with beautiful panoramic views of Sedona 1/10

AllTrails Map

Bryce Canyon National Park

Bryce Canyon National Park is the smaller of the parks in the area most famous for the spire-shaped rock formations. Follow the Rim Trail, a flat walk from Sunrise Point to Sunset Point.

Bryce Point is a scenic overlook that gives you the most expansive views of the spire-shaped rock formations.

The most famous but also the busiest trail is Queens Garden Trail – but it does offer iconic views of Bryce. For a trail less hiked, we recommend hiking Fairytail Loop.

Zion National park

Zion National Park located in southwestern Utah is known for its high steep red cliffs, waterfalls, lush hanging green gardens, and an extraordinary array of wildlife. In the park is the charming little town of Springdale, where you can find a bed or a meal.

Riverside walk is a paved trail along the Virgin River to Zion’s iconic slot canyon known as The Narrows.

Getting wet is part of experiencing The Narrows, in the hot summer months in a bathing suit, but at other times of the year in a wetsuit (you can rent from local outfitters in Springdale).

Depending on the season, there is a shuttle bus that takes you the different areas of the park. We highly recommend taking the bus to all 10 stops, it’s definitely something more “touristy” but offers beautiful scenic views. If you are there in low season, then you are able to drive around freely through the park.

For a streneous hike for those who don’t fear heights, we recommend Angel’s Landing. The trail is partly paved; chains, guard-rails and carved steps are there to help as you make your way to the top. After April 1 you need to have a permit to access. It is a 5.4 mile round-trip hike and almost 1,500 feet in elevation gain, takes about four hours to do the full loop.

AllTrails Map

Arcosanti

Located in the high desert of Arizona, 70 miles north of Phoenix

Arcosanti is an attempt at a prototype arcology, integrating design and architecture with a limited environmental footprint. Designed by an Italian-American architect Paolo Soleri, it is an experimental town with a bronze bell casting business.

They offer great guided tours (book in advance). Definitely recommend for those who appreciate architecture and art.

James Turrell’s Roden Crater

Currently Closed to Public

James Turrell’s Roden Crater project is an ongoing work that began in the 1970s, centered around a dormant volcano in the Arizona desert. The project involves the construction of a series of tunnels, rooms, and apertures that capture and manipulate light, allowing viewers to experience the phenomena of sunrise, sunset, and celestial events in a unique way. Turrell’s goal is to create a site-specific artwork that is a living, breathing expression of the landscape and the cosmos.

Opening Date: It is best to check Roden Crater website for the most up-to-date info on the project’s status and potential opening dates.

Taliesin West

Taliesin West is an architectural masterpiece designed and built by one of America’s most celebrated architects, Frank Lloyd Wright. Located in the foothills of the McDowell Mountains in Scottsdale, Arizona, Taliesin West was Wright’s winter home and studio from 1937 until his death in 1959.

This desert masterpiece showcases Wright’s signature style of organic architecture that seamlessly blends with the natural surroundings, creating a harmonious and serene environment. Reserve a guided tour in advance.

Lowell Observatory

The collection of telescopes at this observatory is renowned, some of them are available to be used to explore space, from constellations and planets to galaxies and gas clouds.

Open for day and night tours.

IMPACT: Leave no footprint behind

As you explore the natural wonders of the southwest, always be respectful of the environment and ancient sites, keeping your footprint to a minimum. Tourism in this area is doing an exceptional job at managing the ever growing numbers of visitors to this beautiful part of the world.

The Navajo and many other Native American tribes have been living in this region the longest and are actively involved in tourism and protecting this region.