Travel Northern Arizona: A Multi-Mode Adventure

Exploring the vast landscapes of Arizona can be a story worth telling, but the mode of transportation can turn that tale into something truly transcendent. From the adrenaline-fueled thrill of white-water rafting to a drive on one of the most historic highways in America, adventurers are invited to find new ways of getting from Point A to B.

Helicopters and Pontoons at Grand Canyon West

There are many ways to see the magnificence of the Grand Canyon, but soaring high above in a helicopter followed by a pontoon float along the Colorado River definitely takes the experience to new levels — literally. Guests meet at the Grand Canyon West airport for a 15-minute helicopter flight, which offers spectacular aerial views during the 3,500-foot descent to the bottom of the canyon. From there, a pontoon boat whisks you away on a trip down the Colorado. After the boat tour, passengers are flown back to the top of the canyon—an epic conclusion to an epic adventure.

Gondola Rides at Arizona Snowbowl

In the winter season, Flagstaff’s Arizona Snowbowl is a skier’s and snowboarder’s paradise. Come summer and fall, the resort welcomes visitors to ride the ski lift gondolas for breathtaking views of the region sans snow—on a clear day you can even see the red rocks of Sedona. Traveling up to 11,500 feet, the 30-minute round-trip gondola ride offers incredible photo opportunities. After, stop by Snowbowl’s Basecamp Restaurant to refuel with burgers, sandwiches and Tex-Mex-style entrées.

Rafts on the Colorado River

Arizona River Runners has been taking thrill-seekers on white-knuckle rafting excursions since 1970. The company uses state-of-the-art rafting equipment to reduce fuel consumption and ensure participants are safe and comfortable. Experience isn’t necessary, only a love of the outdoors and a sense of adventure. Choose from a three-day escape that blends a Western ranch experience with a rafting trip; or six-, seven- and eight-day experiences that include visits to side canyons and waterfalls and nights spent camping riverside.

Four Wheels on Route 66

To soak up nostalgic Americana, hit the road on historic Route 66. The “Mother Road” traverses some 2,400 miles, connecting the shores of Lake Michigan to the Pacific Ocean. Route 66 through Arizona is rich with colorful history and grand views. Starting in Seligman — a quirky little town also known as the birthplace of Route 66 — the 83-mile stretch to Kingman winds through Peach Springs, home of the Grand Canyon Caverns, the largest dry caverns in the U.S., and the quaint desert towns of Truxton, Valentine and Hackberry.

Off-Road Vehicles in Kingman’s Black Mountains

Within the sprawling Black Mountains there are three pristine wilderness areas. Hundreds of miles of trails weave throughout the mountain range, and old mining sites and sweeping vistas pop up where you least expect them. The ideal way to see this rugged landscape: an off-highway vehicle (OHV). Check out the Portland Mine Traverse, a 21.7-mile point-to-point trail (rated easily passable for AWD and 4WD vehicles) that starts on Lake Mead View Trail, passes by the defunct Portland Mine and ends at Katherine’s Landing.

Trains to Grand Canyon National Park

Departing from Williams, the Grand Canyon Railway takes guests on a leisurely train ride to the Grand Canyon. Musicians and cowboy characters entertain passengers while the locomotive meanders through diverse terrain that morphs from high desert to pine forest. The train departs each morning for its 2-hour, 15-minute excursion to the South Rim. Here, passengers disembark for several hours of Grand Canyon exploration before boarding the return train to Williams.