Attractions 
Grand Canyon North Rim Reopens to Visitors  
After extensive restoration work, the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park reopened May 15, signaling the start of the area's annual summer visitor season. This year's gate-raising had special significance because it marked the first time the public has been able to access the area's famous viewpoints, trails and campgrounds since the Dragon Bravo Fire swept across the region last year. Visitors seeking more information about the reopening can click here.

Historic Lookout Studio at the Grand Canyon Reopens After Restoration
The historic Lookout Studio at Grand Canyon National Park's South Rim, designed by famous Southwestern architect Mary Jane Colter in 1914, has reopened after a restoration project to repair original stone and log features, reexpose long-concealed architectural details and remove nonhistoric finishes. Upgrades were also made to improve the visitor experience and the studio's accessibility. The stone and log structure, built into the canyon rim, is now a gift shop known for its unparalleled views of the Grand Canyon.  

New Route 66 Walking Tour in Flagstaff
Flagstaff visitors can explore 1.3 miles of Route 66 on foot on a new tour offered by Freaky Foot Tours. During the two-hour walking tour, visitors make 18 stops throughout downtown Flagstaff  and are regaled with stories about Mars, murders and the Mother Road, covering both the original 1926 alignment and the 1934 reroute. Freaky Foot Tours also offers Haunted History and Historic Downtown Murals and Mountain Town of Madness tours in Flagstaff.

Meteor Crater Opens Floor Tours to Hikers
For the first time, Meteor Crater visitors can go beyond the rim. On the new Floor Tour, a two-hour, advanced-level guided hike to an area previously available only to NASA astronauts and scientists, participants follow the historic Astronaut Trail to the crater floor to explore its unique geology, mining history and space-training legacy, making it a bucket-list stop for anyone celebrating the Route 66 Centennial. The tour is available every Saturday morning but limited to just 30 guests, so advance booking is highly recommended.

New Hopi Art Exhibit Opens at Museum of Northern Arizona
Flagstaff's Museum of Northern Arizona recently introduced “Artist Hopid Unveiled,” a three-part exhibition series showcasing Indigenous art from the groundbreaking Artist Hopi Collective. This installation, which runs through April 2027, features historic and recent masterpieces that blend traditional Hopi imagery with modern painting techniques to educate the public on Hopi culture. Don't miss this rare opportunity in Flagstaff to experience a contemporary visual legacy that has redefined Indigenous art for decades.

Camping
New RV Resort Opens This Summer in Topock
Enjoy a new lodging experience this summer at the Dwell RV Resort & Casita Cabins in Topock. The spot offers 164 full-hookup RV sites and 20 thoughtfully designed casita cabins, making it ideal for visitors looking for either a pit stop or an extended stay. Onsite amenities include a pool, pickleball courts and clubhouse, and the Colorado River is just three minutes away. Perfectly positioned on historic Route 66 and less than an hour from Lake Havasu City, this location offers easy access to boating, off-roading and hiking. Whether you're cruising the Mother Road or spending a day on the lake, you can return to relax under the stars with s'mores after a day of desert adventure.

New Campground Opens at Cattail Cove State Park
Designed for extended stays, the new Upper Cattail campground at Cattail Cove State Park in Lake Havasu City offers easy lake access and modern amenities. Campers can claim one of 78 full-hookup sites to set up their tent or RV for an adventurous getaway. Stay lakeside for easy access to boating, fishing, kayaking and swimming. Once dry, embark on the park's hiking trails or simply sunbathe on a sandy beach. Campsites, which require a two-night minimum stay when camping from April to September, can be reserved online.

Accolades 
Privado Villas at Fairmont Scottsdale Princess Earn AAA Five Diamond Designation
Visitors can enjoy a luxurious stay at the Privado Villas at Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, a resort within a resort that recently earned the coveted AAA Five Diamond designation for its exceptional guest experience. Highlights include elegant, private suites and award-winning amenities, including exclusive pools, tranquil spa treatments, fine dining restaurants and a designated concierge. The Villas are ideal for those seeking an extended stay or planning a multigenerational trip.

Prescott, Flagstaff Earn IMBA Trail Town Designations
Visitors seeking a mountain biking getaway can embark on the thrilling trails in Prescott and Flagstaff, two towns that recently earned IMBA Trail Town designation from the International Mountain Bicycling Association. The designation recognizes communities that have an active local trail organization, strong trail infrastructure and a sustainable trail stewardship plan to support outdoor recreation. Thanks to the varied trail systems in Prescott and Flagstaff, bikers of all experience levels can enjoy these towns' urban, forest and regional park trails.  

Industry News 
Explore Arizona's 2 Newest International Dark Sky Places
Visitors can spot constellations at Arizona's two newest Dark Sky Places: Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, Arizona's newest International Dark Sky Park, and the Apache Junction Municipal Complex, a newly designated Urban Night Sky Place. Dark Sky Places are parks and communities that earned the designation for their ongoing efforts to reduce light pollution.

At Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument near Ajo, nature lovers can enjoy the countless towering organ pipe cacti before soaking up views of the endless starry skies after sunset. Star enthusiasts can join seasonal star parties and events to hear astronomy rangers and get a closer look at the Milky Way during telescope viewings.

Stargazers in the metro Phoenix area can enjoy their own nighttime viewing experiences by visiting the Apache Junction Municipal Complex in Apache Junction. After a day of city adventures, visitors can stop at the complex for a tranquil evening that includes guided night walks and telescope viewings.

Adaptive Mobility Vehicles Debut at Arizona State Parks
Select Arizona State Parks and Trails sites now offer TerrainHoppers, electric-powered off-road mobility vehicles that can conquer rocky trail surfaces so mobility-impaired visitors can enjoy outdoor recreation. As part of the Arizona Adaptive Mobility Program, State Parks launched the first TerrainHopper at Rockin' River Ranch State Park in Camp Verde this spring, and now visitors can also reserve TerrainHoppers at Lake Havasu State Park in Lake Havasu City and Oracle State Park in Oracle. Equipped with 10 such vehicles in total, State Parks looks forward to offering them at additional parks in the future. Visitors can reserve a TerrainHopper online up to 60 days in advance.

Visit Mesa Launches New Digital Adventure Guide
Visitors and locals can easily discover all of Mesa's outdoor adventures with Visit Mesa's new digital and print Adventure Guide, which showcases the city's recreational activities. Outdoor enthusiasts can discover the best spots for hiking, mountain biking, water sports, rock climbing and off-roading through curated itineraries, recommended trails, tips from outdoor experts and seasonal activity suggestions. Visitors can download the guide here or pick up a print version at the Visit Mesa Visitor Center.

AOT Introduces Starstruck: Arizona Dark Sky Expedition Passport
AOT's new free digital guide, Starstruck: Arizona Dark Sky Expedition passport, connects visitors to more than 30 premier stargazing spots and certified Dark Sky communities across the state. Arizona, home to 25 officially designated International Dark Sky places and communities, offers ideal conditions for visitors to witness constellations and planets. Upon visiting a location, visitors are encouraged to check it off their passport to gain points and win prizes. No app is needed; visitors can access the free pass here.

Flights
Porter Airlines Adds Routes, Increases Winter Flights to Phoenix
Porter Airlines will increase flights from Canada to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport this winter, offering five daily flights, including new service from YYC Calgary International Airport and Edmonton International Airport in Alberta. Flights from Edmonton will launch Nov. 6, while service from Calgary will begin Dec. 20. The airline will also add a second daily flight from Toronto Pearson and will return to daily service from Vancouver International Airport starting Dec. 20.

Contact Visit Arizona's Media Relations Team
Kim Todd, Director of Media Relations, ktodd@tourism.az.gov

Marjorie Magnusson, Media Relations Manager, mmagnusson@tourism.az.gov

Taryn Super, Media Relations Specialist, tsuper@tourism.az.gov