Your Retreat to the Arizona Mountains

northern arizona mountains

It’s summertime, and Arizona is already HOT. That doesn’t mean you can’t still have a great vacation while you’re here, though! The Arizona mountains are a great place to retreat for the summer months and cool down while you’re on vacation.

You may be wondering: are there still exciting things to do in the mountains? How expensive are Arizona mountain vacation rentals? Where do I even begin booking a trip to Northern Arizona? Don’t worry, we have you covered! Our team at Arizona Elite vacation rentals has experience with cities all across the state, and we have an extensive selection of homes in the mountains that provide a fantastic place to cool off and escape the Phoenix heat.

Want to learn more about how you can make the most of your time in the Arizona mountains? You’re in the right place. Follow along as we detail what to expect on your trip, exciting things to do in the mountains, and where you should stay while you’re here.

What is the Weather Like in Arizona during summer?

We won’t lie—the weather in Arizona can be quite hot. These are the average temperatures in Phoenix, Arizona, in the summertime, by month:

June: High 106°F, Low 80°F

July: High 107°F, Low 85°F

August: High 106°F, Low 84°F

As you can see, the heat reaches scorching levels. It’s not the most pleasant weather for vacation, but luckily, you have an alternative: head up to the mountains of Northern Arizona!

What is the Weather Like in Summer in Northern Arizona?

On the contrary, once you move up into the mountains, the weather starts to cool off quite a bit. Don’t believe us? It’s true! These are the average temperatures in Flagstaff, Arizona, by month:
June: High 79°F, Low 43°F

July: High 82°F, Low 51°F

August: High 79°F, Low 50°F

Ah, the temps in Northern Arizona are much cooler than in Phoenix. Now that’s weather you can enjoy a nice trip in!

Does Northern Arizona Have Mountains?

It sure does! The state of Arizona itself has 194 mountain ranges, and as you move further north in the state, these mountains transition from desert peaks to lush alpine forests where elk and deer roam.

Northern Arizona's mountain ranges include the White Mountains to the east and the San Francisco Peaks to the north. Their average elevations are 11,000 feet, which explains the cooler summer temperatures!

What are the mountains around Flagstaff called?

san francisco peaks northern arizona mountains

Flagstaff is well-known for its stunning mountain landscape. The city is framed by exquisite mountain views, which make for photos that can inspire envy in anyone!

The crown jewel of the mountains surrounding Flagstaff has to be the San Francisco Peaks. Among this range lies the Humphreys Peak Summit at an impressive 12,633 feet—the tallest peak in Arizona!

Other iconic Flagstaff peaks include:

  • Mount Elden
  • Cathedral Rock
  • Picture Canyon

Does the Weather Change as You Move Up into the Mountains?

Yes! The higher you climb and the more elevation you gain, the more unpredictable the weather becomes. If you plan to hike, be prepared for sudden changes in weather, like afternoon thunderstorms or showers.

Can You Go Hiking in Northern Arizona?

You can! And speaking of hiking…let’s talk about some of the most popular trails in Northern Arizona!

Humphreys Peak Trail

Distance: 9.5 Miles

Difficulty: Hard

Elevation Gain: 3,346 feet

Fatmans Loop Trail

Distance: 2.5 Miles

Difficulty: Moderate

Elevation Gain: 613 feet

Aspen Nature Loop

Distance: 1.8 Miles

Difficulty: Moderate

Elevation Gain: 278 Feet

Elden Lookout Trail

Distance: 5.3 Miles

Difficulty: Hard

Elevation Gain: 2,398 Feet

Walnut Canyon Island Trail

Distance: .8 Miles

Difficulty: Moderate

Elevation Gain: 301 Feet

What city in Arizona is surrounded by mountains?

There are many cities in Arizona surrounded by mountains. Too many to name in one blog. But here’s a list of Arizona mountain towns totally worth a visit:

  • Bisbee
  • Pinetop-Lakeside
  • Williams
  • Springerville

Pet-Friendly Mountain Homes

Want to bring your pup along for your stay in the Northern Arizona Mountains? No problem. We have several pet-friendly Northern Arizona homes for you to choose from, like the following:

2 Bed, 1 Bath Mary’s Way Strawberry

4 Bed, 2 Bath Fanning Flagstaff

3 Bed, 2 Bath Hatter House Flagstaff

What Else is There To Do in Northern Arizona?

This is a great question. Of course, when you’re headed out on your trip to Northern Arizona, you’ll want to know about all of the exciting things to do there.

Popular Northern Arizona Attractions:

Nature Parks in Northern Arizona:

If it wasn’t clear by now, Northern Arizona is full of natural beauty. That includes some impressive State and National Parks! Here are some of our favorite Northern Arizona Parks:

Book Your Arizona Mountain Stay Directly with Arizona Elite Vacation Rentals!

There are so many reasons to plan your retreat to the Arizona mountains! From the gorgeous views to the challenging hiking trails and remote mountain homes, we’re positive you’ll have an absolute blast when you stay here.

When it comes to the best mountain vacation rentals in Arizona, look no further than Arizona Elite vacation rentals. We pride ourselves on the wide selection of homes in our catalog, from pet-friendly mountain homes to mountain homes with jacuzzies. You can’t beat that!

So what are you waiting for? It’s high time to book your mountain stay in Northern Arizona. Browse our available Northern Arizona vacation rentals now and book your stay directly with Arizona Elite vacation rentals!  

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