Blake Walsh

15 Best Things to Do in Navajo County, AZ

  • Published 2023/02/07

Lying along the scenic northern section of Arizona is Navajo County.

It is a beautiful region that has gained a rich and colorful history throughout the years.

From being part of Yavapai County in the beginning and Apache County in 1897, to finally having been established as a separate region, Navajo County has gone through many changes in the past.

Despite being established later than other counties in the state, Navajo County had already become a well-known region before it was officially formed.

This county houses the third biggest ranch in all of North America.

Some of the sites within the region, which have been established countless years ago, can still be visited by tourists today!

Apart from historic sites, Navajo County also offers numerous activities and destinations that tourists will enjoy, whether they’re history buffs or outdoor enthusiasts.

If you need help locating all of the region’s great destinations, here are the 15 best things to do in Navajo County, Arizona:

Check Out Dinosaur Fossils at Rainbow Forest Museum

Exterior of Rainbow Forest Museum

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Feast your eyes on the remnants of some of the mighty creatures that once walked the planet when you head to Rainbow Forest Museum!

Rainbow Forest Museum along Petrified Forest Road in Holbrook is a must-visit destination for all history buffs and dinosaur enthusiasts.

Here, you can check out the massive fossils of dinosaurs and many other Jurassic creatures.

Exhibit in Rainbow Forest Museum

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Its dinosaur-focused displays also make this museum a great destination for your kids.

You can also find many different exhibits that will give you a glimpse of how the region’s landscape looked in the past.

Take a step back in history as you see all of the great exhibitions at this museum!

Fossil in Rainbow Forest Museum

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Go Fishing at Woodland Lake Park

Spend an afternoon bonding with your family or buddies under the sun while casting your line at the waters in Woodland Lake Park!

Woodland Lake Park is a scenic destination along Woodland Lake Road in Pinetop-Lakeside.

This park features a tranquil and gorgeous lake that is frequented by those who love to go fishing.

If you and your loved ones are in the mood to catch some fish, this is one of the top places to go.

You can also go boating or kayaking on the lake at this park.

If you prefer to stay on land, you can also bring your binoculars to try and spot unique local wildlife in the surrounding natural areas.

Whatever activity you’re interested in, you’ll have a fun and unforgettable experience at this park.

Visit a Site Embedded in Pop Culture at Standin’ on the Corner

Exterior of Standin’ on the Corner

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In the 1970s, the legendary rock band The Eagles released a song called “Take It Easy,” which quickly became popular.

This song has a line that goes, “standing on a corner in Winslow, Arizona…” and after the song rose in the charts, the exact place this lyric describes became a favored destination in Winslow!

Standin’ on the Corner is located in the middle of 2nd Street and Kinsley Street in Winslow and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the area.

In 1998, the community added statues and murals in the park dedicated to the mentioned The Eagles’ song.

Close view of Standin’ on the Corner

Mark Skalny / Shutterstock.com

Many visitors frequent this area for photo opportunities with all the artworks on display.

Most of those who visit are fans of the mentioned band and stop by as a form of paying homage to their idols.

Whether you’re a fan of The Eagles or not, this destination is a great place to stop by and take a photo to make your trip more memorable.

Explore Nature Trails on Horseback at Porter Mountain Stables

See all the wonderful sights and the lush environment as you ride a horse at Porter Mountain Stables.

Porter Mountain Stables is a facility dedicated to horses based on Jacks Road in Pinetop-Lakeside.

Here, you can get the rare opportunity of exploring the natural sites that surround the facility while riding on horseback.

Explore creeks and roam around the scenic Scotts Reservoir with your loved ones as you ride a horse!

You’ll also see massive meadors and gorgeous ponderosa parks.

If you visit in the afternoon, you can even watch the sunset and see local wildlife while exploring with your chosen equine.

Take in the Jaw-Dropping Scenery at Navajo National Monument

Aerial view of Navajo National Monument

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Marvel at the stunning view of the landscape at the Navajo National Monument.

You can find this historic tourist attraction when you journey around Shonto.

Navajo National Monument was once inhabited by several ancient tribes, including the Hopi, Zuni, and Navajo.

Cliff dwellings at Navajo National Monument

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In fact, some of the predecessors of these tribes continue to occupy this area, making it a site that has been inhabited for centuries!

Apart from historic homes and structures, you can also find a magnificent landscape that will take you back to another age.

Explore the stunning areas and take in the beautiful landscape when you visit Navajo National Monument!

Scenic view of Navajo National Monument

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Enjoy Stunning Views at Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park Visitor Center

Be amazed by the massive rock formations when you visit Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park Visitor Center.

This visitor center is located within a massive natural park in Oljato-Monument Valley.

Here, you can take in the stunning scenery that includes rock pinnacles that are surrounded by scenic buttes and mesas.

You’ll be in awe of the beauty of nature as you see the rock formations here.

You can also widen your knowledge of the history of the area by taking a guided tour with the staff at the visitor center.

Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast or a history lover, you’ll enjoy visiting this destination!

Inspect Historic Petroglyphs at Rock Art Ranch

Giants petroglyph at Rock Art Ranch

Alan Levine from Strawberry, United States, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Discover what art and writing looked like during the ancient times when you explore Rock Art Ranch.

It is an extraordinary destination along Rock Art Ranch Road in Winslow.

Whether you’re an art enthusiast or a history buff, or even a combination of both, this is the place to be.

Petroglyph at Rock Art Ranch

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Spend a day checking out historic petroglyphs and writings on display as you explore this ranch.

You can also widen your knowledge of the history of the area by asking the knowledgeable staff questions about the petroglyphs.

You’ll enjoy Rock Art Ranch, especially if you are interested in ancient writings and modes of communication!

Birthing petroglyph at Rock Art Ranch

Alan Levine from Strawberry, United States, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Appreciate the Talent of Local Artists at AAWM Center for the Arts

Check out the creations of local artists for inspiration at the AAWM Center for the Arts.

The Art Alliance of the White Mountains manages AAWM Center for the Arts, located along Pen Rod Road in Show Low.

Here, you can see stunning works of art by local artists and get a chance to support them by purchasing their creations.

See paintings of landscapes, wildlife, and lifelike stills that will give you a glimpse of life in the region!

You can also find ceramics and pottery works on display, as well as photographs, when you explore this gallery.

Camp at Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area

The waters of Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area

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Spend a few days immersing yourself in the beauty of nature when you camp at Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area.

This open recreation center along Fools Hollow Road in Show Low is one of the best destinations for all outdoor enthusiasts.

Here, you can enjoy the peace and tranquility that nature has to offer as you go camping with your loved ones.

Picnic table at Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area

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You can also enjoy active recreational activities, like kayaking, boating, and swimming.

Bring your loved ones along and escape the hustle and bustle of the city together when you camp out here!

Boat dock at Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area

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Dive into the History of the First Settlers at Stinson Pioneer Museum

Find out more about the historic individuals who established the first few settlements in the area at Stinson Pioneer Museum.

Located along 1st Street in Snowflake, Stinson Pioneer Museum is a must-visit attraction if you want to learn all about the region’s pioneers.

This museum features artifacts and exhibits on the area’s history, specifically, Snowflake’s Hispanic, Mormon Pioneer, and even prehistoric past!

Stinson Pioneer Museum is based inside a Hispanic Colonial home with rooms you can explore.

Inside, you can find photographs and even personal items of significant individuals in history.

Transport yourself back in time as you explore this excellent destination!

See the Majestic Architecture of the Snowflake Arizona Temple

Facade of the Snowflake Arizona Temple

Chris Curtis / Shutterstock.com

If you are fond of checking out extraordinary and striking architectural designs, you must stop by the Snowflake Arizona Temple.

The Snowflake Arizona Temple is an eye-catching destination located on Canyon Drive in Snowflake.

It’s so striking that it is considered to be a significant landmark among the locals.

Front view of the Snowflake Arizona Temple

Ken Lund from Reno, Nevada, USA, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Despite being established by one of the earliest pioneers of the area, this temple features a modern architectural design and a single towering spire that catches the eye of anyone near it.

Once you see this temple, you’ll want to take out your camera and snap photos of it.

Remember to try and spot this historic landmark when you are walking around the vicinity!

Explore the Trails at White Mountain Nature Center

Lace up your hiking shoes and prepare to explore the scenic trails all over White Mountain Nature Center.

White Mountain Nature Center is a beautiful destination nestled along Woodland Road in Lakeside.

If you like hiking or walking on natural trails, this attraction is a must-visit.

Follow the trails surrounding this center and feast your eyes on the stunning scenery around you.

Make sure to bring your cameras, and prepare to be awestruck by the stunning views here!

Go Hiking and Find the Cibecue Falls

Daytime view of Cibecue Falls

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Journey into the great outdoors and find the stunning oasis that is Cibecue Falls.

Cibecue Falls is a stunning natural destination located in Whiteriver.

Here, you can take in the sight of this magnificent waterfall and even snap a photo or two!

Downstream of Cibecue Falls

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You can find this captivating waterfall if you hike along the Cibecue Creek Trail.

Although it may look incredibly tempting, swimming in the waterfall is prohibited.

Despite this, your hike will still be memorable, especially once you reach this beautiful natural destination!

Snap a Photo with a Massive Petrified Wood Tree at Geronimo Trading Post

Strike a pose beside the iconic petrified wood tree when you drop by Geronimo Trading Post!

Geronimo Trading Post is a unique destination you can visit on Geronimo Road in Joseph City.

Here, you can find a gigantic petrified wood tree that is considered to be a natural treasure among the locals.

Once you see it, you’ll be amazed by the gigantic size of the petrified wood tree.

Drop by for a quick selfie or group picture with your loved ones with this unique attraction as your backdrop!

Explore a Meteorite Impact Site at the Meteor Crater Natural Landmark

Aerial view of Meteor Crater Natural Landmark

Kit Leong / Shutterstock.com

Inspect the impact of an actual meteorite when you visit the Meteor Crater Natural Landmark.

Located on Interstate 40 in Winslow, the Meteor Crater Natural Landmark features a sight that science and space enthusiasts will enjoy checking out.

Here, you can take a guided tour around the rim of the crater!

The grounds of Meteor Crater Natural Landmark

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If you love astronomy or science in general, you’ll enjoy learning all about meteors and their impact on the land.

Make sure to take many photos at the impact site and share your unique experience with your loved ones back home.

People at Meteor Crater Natural Landmark

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Final Thoughts

Whether you are a history buff or an outdoor enthusiast, you’ll find plenty of fun and exciting activities to do around Navajo County that will make your trip worthwhile.

As you plan your excursion around the region, make sure to add these best things to do in Navajo County, Arizona, to make the most of your visit.

Include Navajo County in your must-visit areas and plan your vacation to the region today!

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