Attractions

Lava River Cave

Lava River Cave is a lava tube cave in northern Arizona's Coconino National Forest. At approximately 0.75-mile long, it is the longest cave of this kind known in Arizona. The cave was discovered by some lumbermen in 1915. Address: Forest Road 171, Flagstaff, AZ 86001Phone: (928) 526-0866Management: United States Forest Service DIRECTIONS: From Flagstaff, go northwest on US 180 to mile marker 230 (9 miles). Turn left (W) on FR 245 and follow it 3.6 miles to its intersection with FR 171. Turn left (S) on FR 171 and go 1.0 miles to FR 171B. Follow this .25 miles until its end. The cave entrance is 300 yards east of the end of the road. Look for a large circle of rocks that mark the cave entrance. *Important for your safety* This hike will take you 3/4 (1.5 mi round trip) of a mile underground. Take 2 sources of light per person, one for backup in case the other fails. The cave floor is very rocky and uneven, sturdy shoes/boots are a good idea and the temperatures of the cave range between 35 and 45 degrees summer and winter so dress appropriatly. This very unusual hike will take you down a 700,000 year old lava tube discovered by lumbermen around 1915.

North Pole Experience

Take a sneak peak inside santa's workshop! Delight in the magic of the holiday season at Santa's enchanting, 400-year-old workshop. Join us for an unforgettable North Pole Experience inside the toy factory, Mrs. Claus' Bakery, Elf University, Santa's Sleigh Hanger, and family time and photos with St. Nick himself. Santa's massive workshop is one impressive sight to see. Take a peek at the place before you arrive, we won't tell the elves. Voted “Best Holiday Experience for Children” by Arizona Foothills Magazine readers in 2016, the North Pole Experience™ (NPX) is the critically acclaimed Santa Experience located in the idyllic and breath-taking  resort ski/summer destination of Flagstaff, AZ. A Christmas Adventure of a Lifetime, the North Pole Experience(NPX) starts by taking families on a trolley ride through the magic portal to Santa’s massive workshop in the middle of the forest. Once you arrive, Santa’s Workshop is a complete, hands-on experience for children and parents. Families work side-by-side with the elves, building toys and learning all of Santa’s Workshop secrets. They receive access to Santa’s main factory floor with soaring toy slides and ceilings, attend Elf University, visit with Mrs. Claus and enjoy cookies and snowman soup in the bakery. Don’t forget Santa’s mail room, his personal office, and his top-secret “Area 47” Sleigh Hangar, featuring his famous sleigh, mission control center, radar systems and more. Families end the approx. 1 hour and 35 minute workshop experience with a private family visit with Santa.

Antelope (Slot) Canyon

Antelope Canyon is located near Page, Arizona on Navajo Nation land, just outside the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area and close to AZ 98 a few miles east of town (at milepost 299). Antelope is the most visited slot canyon in the Southwest, partly because it is easily accessible and by far the most publicized, and also since it is extremely beautiful, with just the right combination of depth, width, length, rock color and ambient light; many other slot canyons are deeper, narrower or longer, and some have rock that is even more colorful and sculptured, but here conditions are ideal. Page is located approximately 2 hours to the North of Flagstaff and is a great place to visit for either a day trip or overnight trip. There are a number of things to see and do in the vicinity. Be sure to take a tour of Antelope Slot Canyon and don't miss a photo opportunity at Horseshoe Bend. A boat tour of Lake Powell is nice as well!

The Polar Express - Grand Canyon Railway

Each year, the Polar Express visits the small Northern Arizona town of Williams, and transports passengers directly to Santa’s very own North Pole home. The experience is truly one of a kind, which is why many people visit from various locations just to embark on this special locomotive journey offered through the Grand Canyon Railway. You’ll meet a variety of characters at every step of the journey, from waiting at the train depot with elves to boarding the Polar Express with friendly singing and storytelling chefs, then eventually arriving to meet Santa Claus himself. The entire 90-minute (approximately) train ride is interactive, and everyone will be fully engaged as you sing Christmas songs along the way. Let’s also not forget about the complimentary hot chocolate and delicious cookies, which are very suitable for this seasonal event. It’s a family-friendly adventure that will leave a lasting impression – and might even become part of your annual holiday traditions. The Polar Express runs from November 12 through December 30. 233 N. Grand Canyon Blvd., Williams, 800-843-8724, thetrain.com/events/polar-express