Lace up your hiking boots and prepare to explore the great outdoors with your loved ones at Coconino County!
Nestled along the heart of the northern portion of Arizona, Coconino County is known as the second biggest geographic county in the nation.
Established in 1891, Coconino County derived its name from the original word “Cohonino,” which refers to both Yavapai and Havasupai, two historic Native American tribes.
Diverse groups of people have already lived in the area even back then.
Coconino County also boasts diverse must-see destinations.
From incredibly picturesque landscapes to towering pines as well as beautiful deserts, Coconino County features almost unlimited attractions that any tourist has to visit!
Whether a history lover or an outdoor enthusiast, you’ll find something fun while exploring the county.
Here are the best things to do in Coconino County, Arizona.
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See the breathtaking Grand Canyon from the Desert View Watchtower.
The Desert View Watchtower is a towering structure found in Grand Canyon Village.
You can get a new perspective of the scenic eastern section of the Grand Canyon.
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You’ll also get a glimpse of the section where the Colorado River flows towards the broader area of the Grand Canyon.
Roam around this tower and check out the Kiva Room, which looks like a Native American space and will surely take you back in time.
If you love gazing at jaw-dropping landscapes and want the best seats in the house, visit the Desert View Watchtower!
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Take a trip back to the early 1100s as you behold the majestic structures at Wupatki National Monument.
Accessible through North Wupatki Lane in Flagstaff, this national monument is a historic site that was the center of culture and trade of the Pueblo communities.
Hopi people consider this site their ancestors’ footprint and a massive part of their heritage.
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Explore this ancient site and marvel at how it continues to stand after many centuries!
You can also walk the trails to see many other pueblo structures nearby.
Prepare your cameras because you’ll want to take pictures of the fantastic structures at the Wupatki National Monument.
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Let the fantastic view of the sky from the Chapel of the Holy Cross take your breath away on your visit to this holy place!
Located on Chapel Road in Sedona, the Chapel of the Holy Cross is perched on top of the massive red rocks near the city.
This church stands at around 250 feet, making it a sight even if you drive by the building.
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It stands out because it seemingly juts out of a rock wall, which is why it is one of the unique destinations in the area.
Visit this chapel and admire its incredible facade, which is set against picturesque red rocks.
The church interior will also not disappoint since its altar features a glass wall that will let you see the stunning view of the sky and the city.
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Dive deep into the history of the beautiful canyon at Yavapai Point at Yavapai Geology Museum.
Yavapai Geology Museum is a learning center perched on the edge of the southern portion of the canyon rim in Grand Canyon Village.
Apart from stunning sights, this museum also provides its visitors with the history and geology of the Grand Canyon.
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You can check out exhibits on how the canyon was formed and deepen your knowledge of geology.
From rock layers and carvings, this museum delves into many topics that any outdoor lover or history buff would love to learn about.
You can also check out the biggest outdoor geoscience exhibition in the world, the Trail of Time, located near this museum.
If you’ve always wanted to pet a deer but could never get close enough, you can finally meet them in Coconino County!
Grand Canyon Deer Farm is an outdoor facility along Deer Farm Road in Williams that houses many adorable creatures.
It has accommodated guests for more than 50 years, allowing each visitor to get the rare opportunity of bonding with deer.
You can walk with them, feed them, and snap pictures with them.
There’s also a cockatoo, goat, and camel within their ten-acre property that you can pet.
Animal lovers will surely fall in love with this destination.
Head to the Grand Canyon Deer Farm on your next visit to Coconino County!
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Witness adorable yet mighty creatures and learn about their daily life cycle when you visit Bearizona Wildlife Park.
Nestled along Route 66 in Williams, Bearizona Wildlife Park spans 160 acres of outdoor areas that you can drive through to see different wild animals in action.
You’ll explore the beautiful Ponderosa Pine Forest and set your sights on numerous animals local to North America.
From deer to wolves, you’ll finally have a close encounter with several elusive animals as you drive through the park.
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There’s also a section within the park where you can walk and experience hands-on encounters with different creatures.
This zoo-like portion of the park will allow you to see jaguars and bears and walk through their den to see their cute babies!
If you love observing animals, visit the Bearizona Wildlife Park.
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Follow the trails that supposedly came from real dinosaurs at the Moenkopi Dinosaur Tracks.
The Moenkopi Dinosaur Tracks is a popular tourist attraction in Tuba City for a specific reason.
While other museums will show you fossils or dinosaur prints on display behind a glass cage, this destination will allow you to see and even step inside the massive footprints of dinosaurs!
The dinosaur tracks here have been studied and verified by reliable paleontologists.
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They say these prints were created around 200 million years ago, during the Jurassic period.
Whether you love history or the gigantic creatures that once ruled the planet, you must explore the Moenkopi Dinosaur Tracks.
You can even bring your kids and let out your curiosities take control while inspecting the dinosaur footprints!
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Set your sights on a breathtaking and extraordinary natural wonder at the Grand Falls.
The Grand Falls are within the scenic Painted Desert in Flagstaff.
Locals know this waterfall as “Chocolate Falls” because of the seemingly chocolate-colored hue of the waters, which is a rare sight to behold!
Rainbows are also formed by the spray and impact of the falls, offering its visitors numerous photo opportunities.
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When you head to this destination, you’ll surely understand why this waterfall has the word “grand” in its name.
This waterfall rises to roughly 181 feet, even higher than the world-famous Niagara Falls.
Head to this destination and take unlimited photos of the beautiful Grand Falls!
You can even bring a meal and grab a bite with your loved ones at the picnic area near this breathtaking waterfall.
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When you try the telescopes at the Lowell Observatory, you will get a closer look at the planets and stars near Earth.
The Lowell Observatory is located on Mars Hill Road in Flagstaff and allows you to see incredible celestial bodies through state-of-the-art equipment.
This observatory features a Clark Refractor Telescope, the same device that astronomers and astronauts like the Apollo astronauts and Percival Lowell used.
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There’s also an open deck section where you can set your sights on the cosmos with your group.
Aside from viewing celestial bodies, you’ll also learn more about the universe since this facility houses over 127 years of great astronomical discoveries.
Don’t be shy to ask the staff members all your burning questions about the world outside Earth!
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Feast your eyes on the jaw-dropping scenery when you head to the Navajo Bridge!
The Navajo Bridge is in Marble Canyon and features two bridges, one older than the other.
The older bridge had stood since 1929 and was once the world’s highest steel bridge with an arch.
This historic bridge now stands today as a pedestrian bridge.
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Meanwhile, the newer bridge stands beside the older one.
It was established in 1995 and christened with water from the Colorado River.
Check out the stunning view all around the Navajo Bridge!
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Engage in heart-pumping activities and thrilling rides at Canyon Coaster Adventure Park in Williams.
Based on Route 66, Canyon Coaster Adventure Park is the destination if your whole family wants a fun day.
Enjoy the scenic view of the mountains as you try the amusement rides and fun activities.
Slide down a steep hill with no worries with their Mountain Tubing ride.
While visiting during the wintertime, you can also enjoy Snow Tubing.
You can also speed down a track on a ride similar to a rollercoaster at their Canyon Coaster ride!
If you are bringing your kids along on your trip around the county, go to the Canyon Coaster Adventure Park for a thrilling adventure.
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Spend a day doing water-based recreational activities at Antelope Point Marina.
Antelope Point Marina is located on Marina Parkway in the city of Page.
It’s considered the main entryway to Lake Powell and the perfect destination if you love outdoor water activities.
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Bring your family and spend quality time boating on the pristine waters at Antelope Point Marina.
You can also take a boat tour with a guide who will tell you about the Navajo and Antelope Canyons nearby.
If you prefer walking through the great outdoors, you can also hike the stunning natural sites around this destination.
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Take a short hike and see the extraordinary rock formations and picturesque scenery at Angels Window.
Located in North Rim, Angels Window is a stunning arch created by a natural rock formation.
You can stand over this beautiful natural arch and feast your eyes on the spectacular views of nature!
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Given the structure of the arch, you’ll feel like you are floating right above the beautiful canyon.
Don’t worry if you are afraid of heights since the area is secured with fences and railings.
Angels Window is another destination where you’d want to bring your camera since you’ll surely want to take snaps of the captivating views.
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If you think you’re an excellent hiker, you might want to challenge your skills by climbing Humphrey’s Peak Trail.
Nestled within Flagstaff, this trail is popular among the locals, and it’s known to be highly challenging!
They say it may take about nine and a half hours to reach the summit if you’re a beginner or an average hiker.
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Experienced hikers typically frequent this trail to challenge themselves and try to make it to the top as quickly as possible.
Even if you’re not an expert hiker, you can still explore this trail and enjoy the breathtaking sights around you!
If you plan to reach the top of Humphrey’s Peak Trail, pack heavy snacks and water because it will take a while before you get back down again.
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Soar through the skies and see the historic locations and stunning scenery around you at Route 66 Zipline.
On Grand Canyon Boulevard in Williams, Route 66 Zipline offers its visitors the opportunity to fly above the famous Route 66 area and the historic Williams.
Since this zipline facility is quite close to one of the entrances of the Grand Canyon, you’ll also enjoy the beautiful view of this stunning natural wonder as you fly around!
Don’t worry about falling because the staff regularly checks the zipline here; it is incredibly safe!
Bring your loved ones, whatever age they may be, and experience flying through the sky and seeing great views at this destination.
Coconino County has a lot to offer you, whether you are interested in learning about history or setting your sights on beautiful natural wonders.
Try these best things to do in Coconino County, Arizona, to make the most of your journey around the region.
You’ll have a fun and memorable time witnessing the breathtaking views, meeting adorable animals, and learning local history.
Start planning your visit to the county today!
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