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When people think of therapy, they often picture themselves talking to a counselor while lying on a couch in an office. While this type of talk therapy can be effective, some people prefer other methods. EMDR therapy in Flagstaff, AZ, is an option for those dealing with trauma, anxiety, depression, and other issues. Though different from traditional modalities, many patients reshape their lives and reclaim their well-being with the help of EMDR therapist Christy Maxey. If you have difficulty expressing your thoughts and feelings verbally, EMDR therapy could be a helpful alternative.
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Healing That Helps You Get Unstuck
Every person grows and learns in different ways. To that point, every counselor or guide has their own techniques and exercises to help clients. Not every method is effective for everyone, but with the right guidance, you can defeat your inner demons and recapture your life. That's where Christy Maxey thrives.
Christy is a trauma EMDR coach dedicated to empowering people with the knowledge of true self-love. She aims to help men and women overcome negative self-talk and patterns and finally live the fulfilling life they deserve. Christy has a special focus on supporting women who experience anxiety, depression, lack of self-trust, people-pleasing, and feelings of inadequacy. Additionally, she's an expert in helping men who are navigating anger, stress, and relationship challenges.
If you have received help from therapists and life coaches in the past but find yourself falling back into the same patterns as before, know that you're not alone. The simple truth could be that whatever problem you were trying to face was left unresolved.
Essentially, you cut the top of the weed, but you didn't pull out the entire root. In a sense, you put a band-aid on a serious wound when you needed more comprehensive, specialized treatment. Unlike many life coaches, Christy Maxey aims to solve the root cause of your mental and physical symptoms. By addressing the cause of your issues, you can reclaim your life and move forward without the baggage you've carried for so long. Take it from us - it's an incredible feeling!
Some of the most common problems that Christy helps solve for patients include:
- Difficulty Dealing with the Emotional Content at the Center of Their Problems
- A Lack of Resistance to and Awareness of "What Is"
- Fear and Uncertainty About Making Changes
- Fear of Getting Compassionate Help and Guidance
- Believing False Narratives Associated with Past Traumas and Experiences
What is EMDR Therapy in Flagstaff, AZ?
EMDR, which stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, is a technique that assists people in recovering from the effects of distressing life experiences, such as emotional distress and symptoms.
Created by psychologist Dr. Francine Shapiro in 1987 as a treatment method for post-traumatic stress disorder, EMDR is an evidence-based treatment approach that provides both trauma-informed treatment and treatment protocol. Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR employs bilateral stimulation to replicate the Rapid Eye Movement (REM) phase of sleep. In fact, EMDR treatments have shown that the mind can heal from psychological trauma faster than traditional talk therapy.
Traumatic events often lead to negative beliefs and emotions, such as shame, anger, and sadness. EMDR enables your brain to reprocess such events, promoting healing, well-being, and positivity in patients.
If you're wondering whether or not EMDR treatment from Christy Maxey might be a good choice for you and your family, ask yourself these questions:
- Do You Feel Stuck in Your Life?
- Do You Find Yourself Stuck Feeling the Same Types of Fear, Sadness, or Anxiety?
- Have You Grown Accustomed to a Negative Inner Critic?
- Do You Feel Stuck with Feelings of Shame from Past Mistakes or Traumas?
- Are You Always Repeating the Same Patterns in Relationships? Too Nice, Too Accepting, Avoidant, Easy to Get Triggered, Etc.?
- Is Your Brain Full of Self-Doubt and Harmful Self-Talk?
How Does EMDR Therapy Work?
Once it's agreed that EMDR therapy is suitable for you, your initial sessions involve discussing your goals and enhancing your ability to cope with stress. In the following phases of EMDR therapy, you concentrate on a specific event or focus on a negative image, belief, emotion, or bodily sensation related to the event. You then focus on a positive belief indicating that the issue has been resolved.
While you're focused on the upsetting event, Christy begins sets of side-to-side eye movements, sounds, or taps. After each set, you are guided to observe what comes to mind. Shifts in insight or changes in images, feelings, or beliefs about the event may occur. It should be noted that you can stop therapy at any moment if necessary. The sets of eye movements, sounds, or taps will be repeated until distress caused by the event decreases. EMDR therapy can be used as a standalone treatment or in conjunction with other forms of therapy offered through the Maxx Method.
To help paint you a picture of how EMDR therapy works, think of it like a cast for a broken bone. Unlike other forms of therapy, however, EMDR can be more uncomfortable than traditional treatments. It's important to be ready for possible emotional exhaustion afterward. To cope, you can create a relaxing playlist and plan some activities to unwind. Once the sessions are finished, take some time to recharge and decompress.
Who Should Use EMDR Therapy in Flagstaff, AZ?
EMDR therapy is something anyone can benefit from. It's not only reserved for people with extreme experiences or traumas. Even mild cases of anxiety and depression can be treated by a trained EMDR coach like Christy Maxey. When you remember something that reminds you of a bad experience, your body might react like it's in danger, even if it's not. This is a normal reaction, but if it keeps happening, it can make you feel really stressed out. With EMDR, you can heal and learn new ways to cope without having to talk about exactly what happened. This can help you feel better and live your life without over-worrying and ruminating on negativity.
If you're one of the many people who have experienced lackluster results from one or more EMDR sessions, it's crucial that you do not give up hope. In fact, many men and women come to Christy Maxey having had poor EMDR experiences. Thankfully, they soon realize how impactful and fulfilling the therapy can be for trauma. That's especially true when combined with other therapies like Inner Child Healing and Guided Visualization. Of course, EMDR therapy in Flagstaff, AZ, isn't the best choice for every patient - after all, every person is different and responds to therapies in different ways.
To truly discover if EMDR therapy is the right choice for your mind and body, contact Christy ASAP to schedule your initial consultation. That way, you and Christy can get to know each other better and discover the best ways to promote long-term healing and well-being. With that said, patients choose EMDR treatments for many reasons. Some of the most common reasons for using EMDR therapy include the following:
- Panic Attacks and Anxiety
- PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome)
- Eating Disorders like Bulimia, Anorexia, and More
- Trauma from Abuse and Violence
- Abusive or Violent Relationships
- Rest and Sleep Problems
- Social Anxiety
- Depression
- Childhood Trauma and Abuse
- Anger and Sadness
- Fear of Speaking in Public
- Betrayal and Grief
The Life-Changing Benefits of EMDR Therapy
Though EMDR therapy is more popular than ever, many people are still unaware of its benefits and how life-changing the therapy can be for people who are stuck. If that sounds like you, keep these benefits in mind as you continue to research this amazing therapy choice.
Triumph Over Trauma
Recovering from a traumatic experience can be extremely challenging, but EMDR therapy can provide a solution. Trauma can create triggers that make you feel like you're experiencing the event all over again. EMDR can help reorganize the thoughts, feelings, and experiences associated with the trauma so that you no longer feel controlled by it. While the effects of trauma may never completely disappear, EMDR can significantly reduce its impact on your life and enable you to live in the present without constantly reliving the past.
Enhance Your Mental Fortitude
Achieving personal growth involves accepting one's identity, building self-esteem, and understanding the internal narratives that shape our daily experiences. EMDR and guided therapeutic processing can help create a peaceful, efficient, and confident setting for individuals to accept their past and move forward. This therapeutic process empowers individuals, providing them with the strength and courage to confront any obstacle that impedes their well-being.
Reshape Your Life
During EMDR therapy sessions, traumatic events are broken down, enabling patients to gain a different perspective on negative events. This altered view can be as life-changing as the traumatic event itself, giving individuals greater control over how they adapt to the effects of trauma.
Overcome Circular Thinking
If you struggle with circular thinking patterns related to anxiety disorders, phobias, or generalized anxiety, EMDR therapy may be helpful. EMDR can assist you in overcoming these thought spirals by teaching you how to deal with your fears and worries without becoming overwhelmed by anxiety.
Understanding the Phases of EMDR Therapy in Flagstaff, AZ
According to the EMDR Institute, there are eight phases in traditional EMDR treatment:
The EMDR Institute has identified eight phases of EMDR therapy. These are:
- History and Treatment Planning
- Preparation
- Assessment
- Desensitization
- Installation
- Body scan
- Closure
- Reevaluation
History and Treatment Planning
During the initial stage of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, Christy will conduct a comprehensive evaluation of your medical and emotional history and create a treatment plan. This stage involves discussing the particular issue that led you to seek therapy. You'll also identify behaviors and symptoms associated with the issues you're facing. Based on this information, Christy will develop a personalized treatment plan that outlines the goals to be addressed using EMDR therapy in Flagstaff, AZ:
- The Traumas or Events Causing Issues
- Present-Day Problems and Traumas Causing Distress
- Healthy Behaviors and Skills Needed for Long-Term Well-Being
Preparation
During this phase, Christy will explain the theory of EMDR, how it is applied, and what you can expect during and after treatment. Christy will then teach you several techniques for relaxation so that you have the tools to calm down in the event of emotional disturbance.
One of the biggest goals of this first phase is to establish trust between you and your EMDR coach. While you don't have to go into great detail about disturbing memories, if you don't trust your therapist, you may not accurately report what is felt and what changes you are or aren't experiencing. If your goal is to please the therapist and say you feel better when you really aren't, no therapy in the world will resolve your trauma.
Assessment
In this phase, you will be prompted to access each target in a controlled manner so it can be effectively processed. Processing does not mean talking about it. From there, Christy identifies different parts of the target to be processed. The first step is for you to select a specific image or mental picture from the target event (identified during Phase One) that best represents the memory.
You then choose a positive statement that you would like to believe. The statement should have an internal sense of control, such as "I am valuable/lovable/a good person/in control" or "I can achieve success." In some cases, when the primary emotion is fear, such as after a natural disaster, the negative thought could be "I am in danger," and the positive thought could be "I am safe now." "I am in danger" is considered a negative thought because fear is no longer necessary, but it is still present in the nervous system. The positive thought should reflect what is appropriate in the present moment.
During this phase, you will also identify negative emotions like anger or fear and physical sensations that you associate with trauma.
Desensitization
This phase of EMDR therapy in Flagstaff, AZ, hones in on the disturbing sensations and emotions associated with your trauma and the ways that you respond to it. In doing so, patients often resolve similar events as well. The goal of this phase is to use sounds, taps, or eye movements with shifting focus until your subjective disturbance levels are lowered.
Installation
The goal here is to concentrate on the positive belief that you have identified to replace your negative belief(s). For example, you may have suffered child abuse in your younger years and hold the negative belief that you are powerless. Christy will help strengthen and install positive cognitions that reinforce the fact that you are in control, not the negative thoughts and emotions keeping you stuck.
Body Scan
Research into EMDR sessions indicates that physical responses to unresolved thoughts are common. After your positive cognition is fortified and installed, Christy will ask that you bring the original target event to the forefront of your mind. If she notices any additional body tension, those physical sensations are reprocessed. If you do not have any body tension or symptoms present when your original target event is brought up, your EMDR session is considered successful.
Closure
Typical EMDR sessions end with closure and a debriefing on what you can expect between your current and subsequent EMDR sessions. If necessary, Christy will provide calming techniques that you can use outside of therapy. This part of the EMDR process ensures that you leave Christy's office feeling better than you did at the beginning of the session.
Reevaluation
This phase gives Christy insight into any other treatment plans that may be necessary for your healing and well-being. Like any type of sound therapy, reevaluation is critical in determining the success of your EMDR treatment over a period of time.
Reshape Your Life with EMDR Therapy from Christy Maxey
Regardless of the events and trauma keeping you stuck, EMDR might be a viable solution for reclaiming your life. Christy Maxey provides patients with the safe space needed to do so. If you're ready to let go of past or present traumas and reclaim your love of life, EMDR therapy could be the first step on your healing journey. Contact our office today to learn more about the Maxx Method, EMDR therapy in Flagstaff, AZ, EMDR online, and how Christy Maxey can help you defeat the inner demons holding you back.
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Driving from Phoenix to Flagstaff? Here are the best times to leave and 2 alternate routes
Dina Kaurhttps://www.azcentral.com/story/travel/arizona/2023/07/21/flagstaff-traffic-and-heat-conditions/70435361007/
As we count off the number of days above 110 degrees in Phoenix this summer, this heat wave has got us down in the dumps.Being unable to leave home without feeling the scorching heat has us begging for cooler temps.If this describes you, then your first solution might be planning a trip up north. Perhaps to somewhere like Flagstaff, elevation 7,000 feet, where the temperature is lower and you can be amid the greenery, the historic downtown and the clear starry skies.Here’s a survival guide for drivin...
As we count off the number of days above 110 degrees in Phoenix this summer, this heat wave has got us down in the dumps.
Being unable to leave home without feeling the scorching heat has us begging for cooler temps.
If this describes you, then your first solution might be planning a trip up north. Perhaps to somewhere like Flagstaff, elevation 7,000 feet, where the temperature is lower and you can be amid the greenery, the historic downtown and the clear starry skies.
Here’s a survival guide for driving to Flagstaff during peak summer season and things to do when you get there.
Ugh:Melted lip balm. Sweat everywhere. These are the 26 reasons Arizonans hate summer
Are more people driving I-17 to Flagstaff this summer?
Doug Nintzel, a spokesman for the Arizona Department of Transportation, said summer weekends are almost always busy along Interstate 17 between Phoenix and Flagstaff. Popular destinations along the way include Prescott, Sedona, Cottonwood and Jerome.
Traffic is heaviest northbound on Friday and Saturday morning and southbound on Sunday.
“No doubt, the current heat wave has people thinking about trips to the high country,” Nintzel said.
Is the drive from Phoenix to Flagstaff hard?
The most direct route to Flagstaff is I-17 north. It's about 145 miles from central Phoenix and roughly two hours on a good day. However, heavy traffic and road construction can contribute to lengthy delays, particularly in summer.
Some people choose to take longer routes from Phoenix to Flagstaff to avoid the stress, Nintzel said.
“Some drivers might decide they have the time to take these different, some might say scenic, routes,” Nintzel said.
One option is taking State Route 87 north past Payson and then using Lake Mary Road to approach Flagstaff, Nintzel said. Another alternate route involves taking U.S. 60 to Wickenburg and SR 89 to Prescott. There are a few ways of reaching Flagstaff from there. A navigation app can point out your best option.
He said these routes add “considerable” miles to the trip and are suggested when I-17 is closed or has significant slow-moving traffic due to a crash, disabled vehicle or other event, such as a brush fire.
No matter which route you choose, Nintzel recommended setting aside at least a couple of extra hours of travel time, knowing that you could experience slow traffic on another route as well.
Best and worst times to drive from Phoenix to Flagstaff
It's usually best to leave Phoenix for Flagstaff on I-17 by about 1 p.m. on a Friday or wait until early Saturday morning, Nintzel said. The later you leave on Saturday morning, the more traffic you are likely to encounter.
You can stay up to date on any construction-related restrictions that can affect the trip by checking ADOT's Traveler Information site at az511.gov or calling 511.
Best and worst times to drive from Flagstaff to Phoenix
An early start is usually best for the return trip as well. Nintzel said many drivers decide to get on the road by late Sunday morning.
“Of course, there are no guarantees,” he said. “All it takes is a fender bender along the southbound highway, especially along the steeper, winding area south of the Sunset Point rest area, to create long backups and delays. This also is the time of the year when brush fires can require closures of the highway.”
Where can you stop on the drive from Phoenix to Flagstaff?
The Sunset Point rest area, at milepost 252, has finally reopened following a year of repairs. The restrooms, vending areas, water and septic systems have all been upgraded. There's a patio with dramatic views of the Bradshaw Mountains, as well as ramadas and a pet-relief area.
There’s also a rest area McGuireville, at milepost 296 north of Camp Verde. It includes parking, restrooms and shaded picnic tables.
Tips for driving in extreme heat
Nintzel offered these suggestions for your summer road trip in Arizona:
Extreme heat can also cause car problems. Make sure your car is in good shape before you leave town. This includes checking tire pressure, monitoring the engine temperature and maintaining proper fluid levels.
Avoid the road trouble:Extreme heat can hurt your car. Here's how to keep it running through an Arizona summer
What is the weather in Flagstaff this weekend?
According to the National Weather Service, Flagstaff is under a heat advisory until 8 p.m. Friday. The high is expected to be 93 degrees, with a low of 59.
On Saturday the high will be close to 91 degrees and the low will be near 58. Sunday you’re looking at a high of 89 and a low of 57.
The weather service recommends: “Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun and check up on relatives and neighbors.” And never leave kids or pets in a vehicle unattended.
Get the latest updates from the National Weather Service Flagstaff at https://www.weather.gov/fgz or on Twitter.
3 fun things to do in Flagstaff this weekend
Flagstaff is known for its breweries. Places such as Mother Road Brewing Co. and Lumberyard Brewing Co. are great stops to grab a bite and a nice cool beverage.
In the mood for a concert or other event? Head to the Orpheum Theater, which has been around since the early 1900s. Upcoming events include Community Market After Dark, with dancing, drinking, live music and games, and Starry Nights: A Free Family Summer Club, with star studies, tea parties and environmental education. Get more info at https://orpheumflagstaff.com/upcoming-events.
For something different to do after dark, visit Lowell Observatory. This is where Pluto was discovered, and its attractions include the 24-inch Clark Refractor Telescope and the Giovale Open Deck Observatory. Meet an Astronomer takes place every Saturday at 7 p.m. You can meet a planetary scientist, researcher or Lowell astronomer and look at real-time images of planets, stars and galaxies with their MallinCam.
Get to know the area:Best things to do in Flagstaff this summer: Zipline adventure, scenic skyride and more
Reach the reporter at dina.kaur@arizonarepublic.com. Follow @dina_kaur on Twitter.
Support local journalism. Subscribe to azcentral.com today.
The Best Spots to Stargaze Into Arizona’s Night Sky
Bill Finkhttps://www.thrillist.com/lifestyle/phoenix/best-stargazing-arizona
John Denver, for his hit song “Rocky Mountain High,” sang “I’ve seen it rainin’ fire in the sky / The shadow from the starlight is softer than a lullaby” after watching the Perseid meteor shower. This weekend—in the mountains, valleys, and parks of Arizona—you, too, can gain your own inspiration watching the annual Perseid mete...
John Denver, for his hit song “Rocky Mountain High,” sang “I’ve seen it rainin’ fire in the sky / The shadow from the starlight is softer than a lullaby” after watching the Perseid meteor shower. This weekend—in the mountains, valleys, and parks of Arizona—you, too, can gain your own inspiration watching the annual Perseid meteor shower over Arizona scatter as many as one-hundred or more “shooting stars” per hour at its peak.
Astronomy geeks (like myself) curious about the cause of the Perseid meteor shower can check with NASA to find that the meteors are actually small rocks, debris thrown off by the comet Swift-Tuttle that orbits the sun every 133 years. Earth passes through this debris cloud every August, with the burning rocks lighting up the sky in front of the constellation Perseus, hence the name.
“This is kind of one of the go-to meteor showers to see,” says Kevin Schindler, historian at Flagstaff’s Lowell Observatory. And it’s easy to watch. “Just grab a recliner, lie down, and look up,” laughs Schindler, “it really is pretty simple.”
The meteor shower is currently ongoing, lasting until August 24, peaking just after midnight on Saturday, August 12, with prime viewing time 1 to 2 am Arizona time until dawn on August 13. This year’s display should be even more vivid because the moon will be a small waning crescent this weekend, keeping the skies dark.
No binoculars, telescope or star maps are necessary to enjoy the show. You will, however, want to find a dark place away from ambient city lights to best see the meteors. Fortunately, Arizona, even around the Phoenix area, has plenty of “dark sky” locations from which to gain a great perspective. (There’s even a new resort certified by the Dark Sky powers that be.)
Here are just a few spots in and around Phoenix for some great star-watching.
Stargazing Spots Around Phoenix, Arizona
The Phoenix Astronomical Society publishes a list of Arizona Dark Sky Observing Sites that have the least amount of ground-based light to obscure star (and meteor shower) viewing. Though true enthusiasts venture north the Grand Canyon to find the ultimate dark sky viewing spot, but it pretty much goes without saying but we will anyway: It’s one of the most popular (cough, crowded) stargazing spots.Distance: 145 miles, 2- to 3-hour drive
Just north of Phoenix, the Apache Wash Trailhead is a great jumping off point for star-watching. It branches to several different trails, some of which that lead uphill to some nice viewing vantage points. Others lead out into the open, dark desert.Distance: 30 miles, 37-minute drive
The Space Tourism Guide highlights 16 top stargazing locations around the Phoenix area like Lake Pleasant and Tempe Town Lake that provide good views within convenient commuting distance. There’s also a campsite if you wanted to make a whole night or weekend of it.Distance: 43 miles, 50-minute drive
Tempe Town Lake is another Space Tourism recommendation. It’s popular for starry-eyed newbies who are just getting into the pastime.Distance: 10 miles, 15-minute drive
The dark skies around Flagstaff and Lowell Observatory offer many great viewing spots that are worth the trip. In the hills above Flagstaff, the venerable Lowell Observatory is the cornerstone of the city’s celestial past, present, and future. Founded in 1894 by Percival Lowell, the observatory is the place from which Pluto was discovered in 1930, and where the first measures of the expanding universe occurred in the 1910s.
Arizona State Parks’ Star Parties
If the meteor shower inspires you to do some continued stargazing, check out one of Arizona State Parks’ Star Parties across the state this fall. Rangers and astronomers will provide telescopes and guiding viewing sessions for visitors on select nights. For further stargazing and education you can also visit Astronomy Nights at the planetarium at Mesa Community College, and regular astronomy shows at the Dorrance Planetarium at the Arizona Science Center in Phoenix.
So whether you’re looking for inspiration to write your own hit song, interested in getting into stargazing, or just want a free show late this Saturday night, get out, lie down and look up to watch the wonders of the Perseid meteor shower.
Best things to do in Flagstaff this summer: Zipline adventure, scenic skyride and more
Michael Salernohttps://www.azcentral.com/story/travel/arizona/2023/06/08/things-to-do-in-flagstaff-in-summer/70283474007/
If you've visited every resort pool, movie theater and mall in metro Phoenix and still feel like you need an escape from the desert heat, Flagstaff's mild summer weather — with highs in the 80s and overnight lows in the 40s and 50s, comparable to winter in the Valley — can feel like a breath of fresh air.And there are plenty of thin...
If you've visited every resort pool, movie theater and mall in metro Phoenix and still feel like you need an escape from the desert heat, Flagstaff's mild summer weather — with highs in the 80s and overnight lows in the 40s and 50s, comparable to winter in the Valley — can feel like a breath of fresh air.
And there are plenty of things to do outdoors in Flagstaff to take advantage of that excellent weather.
Of course, people come to Flagstaff for the hiking. But there are so many more fun choices for spending a day outside. Here are five ways to enjoy the outdoors in Flagstaff this summer.
If you stay in Phoenix:Best 2023 summer staycation deals at Phoenix-area hotels and resorts
Flagstaff Extreme Adventure Course: Ziplines and obstacle challenges
Remember going through an obstacle course growing up? Flagstaff Extreme Adventure Course is the amped-up version of that.
Located in Fort Tuthill County Park, Flagstaff Extreme consists of multiple courses with varying degrees of skill and elevation. The easiest course, the green course, has minimum elevation and requires minimum skill. The hardest, the black course, has advanced elevation and requires advanced skill.
Each course includes 10 to 17 obstacles such as rope swings, scrambling walls and what the attraction's website describes as suspended "surprises." The experience begins with a 30-minute training session before visitors begin on the green course to get comfortable with the equipment and navigating the obstacles.
Flagstaff Extreme also has zipline courses, which have an additional cost.
Zipline and adventure course participants must be at least 12 years old. There's a separate adventure course for ages 7-11.
Details: Flagstaff Extreme Adventure Course, 2446 Fort Tuthill Loop, Flagstaff. $60 per person for adventure course, $60 per person for zipline course, $30 for kids course. 888-259-0125, flagstaffextreme.com
Arizona Snowbowl: Scenic chairlift rides and a summer playground
Ski season is over, but Arizona Snowbowl is worth visiting in the summer for its scenic chairlift rides and other attractions.
Guests can ride the Arizona Gondola chairlift, which transports skiers in winter, to view the San Francisco Peaks, other mountains and ponderosa pine forests from 11,500 feet.
Gondola rides are offered during the day, and on Fridays and Saturdays during summer, visitors can also embark on sunset gondola rides.
Free parking:NAU campus offers free parking throughout the summer
Tickets for the scenic chairlift ride start at $18 for daytime rides and $29 for sunset rides when purchased online in advance.
Besides the gondola rides, Snowbowl will have summer activities at its Agassiz Lodge, including a bungee trampoline, tubing slope and rock-climbing wall. Each activity costs $10; access to all three costs $20.
Details: Arizona Snowbowl, 9300 N. Snowbowl Road, Flagstaff. 928-779-1951, https://www.snowbowl.ski.
The Arboretum at Flagstaff: Wildflower walks and mountain views
As trees and flowers grow vibrant throughout the summer, a visit to the Arboretum at Flagstaff — surrounded by ponderosa pine forests with the San Francisco Peaks as a backdrop — offers a chance to appreciate the flora and fauna of northern Arizona.
The arboretum's trails and gardens showcase the plant life of the Colorado Plateau, including brilliant native wildflowers and rare and endangered species. Visitors might also encounter birds, squirrels and chipmunks.
The Arboretum has several special events lined up this summer, including guided morning bird walks at 7:30 a.m. on select Saturdays and First Friday wildflower walks scheduled for 9:30 a.m. July 7, Aug. 4 and Sept. 1. Pollinator Fest, an event to kick off National Pollinator Week that includes pollinator garden plant sales, is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 18.
Details: Arboretum at Flagstaff, 4001 S. Woody Mountain Road, Flagstaff. General admission starts at $12. Special events may cost extra. 928-774-1442, https://thearb.org.
'A marvelous jumble':Trekking 800 miles to write a book on the best (and worst) of Arizona
Pride in the Pines: Party in the park with family and friends
Pride in the Pines, a long-running Flagstaff tradition celebrating the LGBTQ+ community, will take place Saturday, June 17. The event includes live entertainment throughout the day, an afterparty in the evening and, for the first time in the event's history, a parade.
The celebration started as a small picnic in Fort Tuthill County Park and evolved over time. Now it takes place downtown at Thorpe Park, attracting nearly 4,000 people each year.
The parade will run through downtown Flagstaff from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday. A festival with entertainment at Thorpe Park, headlined by the R&B duo Nina Sky, runs from noon to 9 p.m. The afterparty, which features drag entertainers, is scheduled for 9 p.m. at the Orpheum Theater.
Details: Pride in the Pines, various locations in downtown Flagstaff. The parade is free. Admission to the festival at Thorpe Park is $20 online in advance, $25 at the gate. Free for ages 10 and younger. The Orpheum Theater afterparty is $14. 928-814-0076, https://flagstaffpride.org/pride-in-the-pines.
Heritage Festival: Celebrate Indigenous cultures
Another major summer event in Flagstaff is the Museum of Northern Arizona's annual Heritage Festival, a celebration of the region's Indigenous cultures. It will take place across the museum grounds on Saturday and Sunday, June 24-25.
Acoma, Apache, Diné (Navajo), Havasupai, Hopi, Hualapai, Pai, Ute, Yavapai and Zuni peoples will be represented, and the event will include traditional dances and music and talks from cultural experts, according to the museum.
The Heritage Festival also includes a Native American art market and flute workshops.
Details: Museum of Northern Arizona, 3101 N. Fort Valley Road, Flagstaff. $20 for one day; $25 for both days; $10 for ages 10-17 for one day; $15 for both days. Tickets for Native Americans are $10 for the weekend. Children ages 9 and under get in free. 928-774-5213, https://musnaz.org.
Reach the reporter at Michael.Salerno@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter @salerno_phx.
Support local journalism. Subscribe to azcentral.com today.
10 coolest summer getaways in Arizona: Mountains, lakes and a chilly cave trek
Roger Naylorhttps://www.azcentral.com/story/travel/arizona/road-trips/2023/07/05/cool-summer-getaways-in-arizona/70315738007/
Special for The Arizona RepublicThe essence of Arizona is remarkable diversity. The state can claim an unmatched combination of deserts and mountains.High and low elevations in close proximity means that each season comes with options. When the heat becomes overpowering, just leave it behind for a weekend — or a week.Find relief just a short road trip away. Cool off in pine forests and mountain meadows. Hike, swim, fish, camp or just relax and let time drift slowly past. You can have the summer of yo...
Special for The Arizona Republic
The essence of Arizona is remarkable diversity. The state can claim an unmatched combination of deserts and mountains.
High and low elevations in close proximity means that each season comes with options. When the heat becomes overpowering, just leave it behind for a weekend — or a week.
Find relief just a short road trip away. Cool off in pine forests and mountain meadows. Hike, swim, fish, camp or just relax and let time drift slowly past. You can have the summer of your dreams if you know where to look.
Here are 10 ideas for beating the heat in Arizona’s beautiful high country.
Arizona's best free attractions:21 things to see and do that don't cost a cent
Hike Lava River Cave in Flagstaff
Come prepared with flashlights and ghost stories. This mile-long lava tube north of Flagstaff can be one of the chilliest summer hikes in Arizona, hovering around 42 degrees.
Formed 700,000 years ago by a river of molten rock blasted from a volcanic vent in nearby Hart Prairie, the cave is an ice cellar beneath the forest floor.
Carry at least two sources of light and watch your footing. After squeezing through a narrow opening, you’re able to walk upright the rest of the way, so you’ll have time spin tales of ghosts and giant spiders lurking in the darkness.
Details: Drive 9 miles north of Flagstaff on U.S. 180 and turn left on Forest Road 245 (at mile marker 230). Continue 3 miles and turn left on FR 171. Drive 1 mile and turn left on FR 171B to the parking lot. 928-527-3600, www.fs.usda.gov/coconino.
Stop and smell the flowers at the Arboretum at Flagstaff
If hiking a dark, chilly lava tube seems intimidating, try the soft shagginess of the Arboretum at Flagstaff. Tucked away down a dirt road on Flag’s west side, the arboretum is a botanical garden, nature center and environmental education station sheltered in a ponderosa pine forest.
Spread across 200 acres, the arboretum offers sun-kissed meadows and butterflies dancing among bright blooms. Plants spill from beds and crowd the pathways. The dozen themed gardens include forest meadow, pollinator garden, riparian habitat and shade garden. Peak blooms are June-September.
Details: 4001 S. Woody Mountain Road, Flagstaff. $12, $6 for ages 5-17. 928-774-1442, www.thearb.org.
Camp at the Grand Canyon's North Rim
You can reserve sites at the North Rim Campground within Grand Canyon National Park but it’s quite often full. If so, try DeMotte, a small campground in Kaibab National Forest, 7 miles from the park boundary.
Sitting at the edge of vast meadows at 8,700 feet and fringed by mixed conifer forest, DeMotte Campground offers 38 single-family sites for tents and RVs (no hookups). It’s a great place for wildlife sightings. Half the sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and the other half can be reserved.
Details: From Jacob Lake, drive 25 miles south on State Route. $26 per night. 877-444-6777, https://www.recreation.gov.
Take a walk:7 easy hikes at the Grand Canyon, plus 3 not-too-difficult ones that go below the rim
Splash in a cool mountain stream near Payson
Tonto Natural Bridge State Park, northwest of Payson, shelters the largest natural travertine bridge in the world. The Pine Creek Trail slips down through the woods to join the slender waterway that carved the mighty bridge. From there just work your way downstream, around boulders and past a series of pools.
The splashy music of cascades and mini-falls echoes through the trees. Look for small caves and alcoves along the bank. Arrows painted on rocks lead the way. The trail ends at the cavernous 400-foot-long tunnel beneath the bridge. Return the way you came or climb out via the short but steep Anna Mae Trail. Swimming is permitted downstream from the bridge.
Details: The park is 10 miles north of Payson off State Route 87. $7 per person, $4 for ages 7-13. 928-476-4202, https://azstateparks.com/tonto.
Cozy up in a waterfront cabin in Greer
Greer Lodge Resort & Cabins offers a sweet getaway for anglers, with all cabins on or near the water. Guests just have to choose whether they want a cabin on the small trout ponds or on the Little Colorado River.
But you don't have to fish to enjoy the property. Built in 1948, Greer Lodge borders national forest and includes a play area, basketball and volleyball courts and horseshoe pits. Watch for deer and elk grazing the meadows. They offer 20 well-appointed log cabins. The largest can sleep 12. Several are dog friendly.
Details: 80 Main St., Greer. Cabins start at $129 per night; check the website for specials. 928-735-2304, www.greerlodgeaz.com.
Ride a gondola to the top of the San Francisco Peaks
What a ski season it’s been at Arizona Snowbowl north of Flagstaff, going until May 29. Just a few weeks later, the scenic Arizona Gondola skyride began making its daily journeys up to the mountaintop.
Marvel at the vistas spilling away in all directions as you glide up the slopes before being deposited at 11,500 feet. Pause to enjoy incredible panoramas, the sweet chilled mountain air, and some memorable photo opportunities before returning. You may not be on the roof of Arizona but you’re pretty darned close.
Details: 9300 N. Snowbowl Road, Flagstaff. Gondola tickets start at $18 when you buy online in advance. https://www.snowbowl.ski.
Drive up the highest mountain in southern Arizona
Travel through five life zones on this twisting climb up the slopes of Mount Graham, southern Arizona’s highest peak. For 35 miles State Route 366 makes a switchbacking ascent from desert scrubland to high forests. The last 12 miles are a narrow winding gravel road. (You may be more comfortable in a high-clearance vehicle.)
You’ll climb past creeks, picnic areas and campgrounds. Ladybug Saddle is named for the large number of the colorful beetles that gather during summer. A wildflower-carpeted alpine meadow known as Hospital Flat (once used by recuperating soldiers from Camp Grant) makes a peaceful rest break.
The road ends near one of the prettiest high-country lakes you’ll find. Shimmering Riggs Flat Lake is ringed by pine and fir trees at 9,000 feet.
Details: From Safford, drive south on U.S. 191 for 8 miles and turn west on State Route 366. 928-428-4150, www.fs.usda.gov/coronado.
A summer's worth of adventure awaits at Lyman Lake State Park
At 1,500 acres, Lyman Lake dwarfs all bodies of water in the White Mountains. With such an expanse, there are activities for everybody, including a sheltered swimming beach, a no-wake zone for anglers, twisting canyons kayakers will love and plenty of wide-open water for speed-boaters and skiers.
A small store sells food, bait and supplies. Anglers can catch largemouth bass, catfish, carp and walleye. The campground overlooks the lake, featuring 56 sites, 38 with electric and water hookups. The park also eight eight air-conditioned cabins with full-sized beds, bunk beds, table, chairs and covered porch.
Details: The park is 19 miles north of Springerville in eastern Arizona. It's about 235 miles from central Phoenix. Day use is $10 per vehicle. 928-337-4441, https://azstateparks.com/lyman-lake.
Visit Hawley Lake, the coldest place in Arizona
Surrounded by mountain peaks, Hawley Lake is tucked away on White Mountain Apache tribal Land. Hawley gained notoriety for having the coldest temperature ever recorded in Arizona, 40 degrees below 0 in January 1971.
The 300-acre lake is an angler's playground filled with rainbow, brook, brown and cutthroat trout. You need a permit to fish on tribal land. Go to https://wmatoutdoor.org for info. The lake offers camping, a lodge, cabins and boat rentals.
Details: Hawley Lake is on State Route 473 in the White Mountains southeast of McNary. It's about 205 miles from central Phoenix. 928-369-1753, www.wmat.nsn.us/hawleycabins.
Drive south for high-elevation hiking at Chiricahua National Monument
Instead of going north, dodge some traffic by driving south to Chiricahua National Monument. Forming an island of sculpted stone and forest in a sea of arid grasslands, the 12,000-acre park southeast of Willcox shelters an exotic array of massive columns, slender spires and impossibly balanced boulders.
The craggy skyline seems to be built from the splintered remains of ancient castles. Elevation at Chiricahua National Monument ranges from 5,124 feet at the entrance station to 7,310 feet at the top of Sugarloaf Mountain.
A shady campground is tucked amid the oaks and pines of Bonita Canyon. Miles of hiking trails weave their way through the otherworldly rock formations. And tours of Faraway Ranch, a homestead from the 1880s, are conducted when staffing permits.
Details: From Willcox, drive south on State Route 186 for 32 miles. Turn left on SR 181 and continue 4 miles to the park. Free. 520-824-3560, www.nps.gov/chir.
Meet Roger Naylor, get summer travel tips
Roger Naylor will be in metro Phoenix on July 25 to talk about his latest book, "Awesome Arizona: 200 Amazing Facts About the Grand Canyon State." There will be a slide presentation with travel tips, and Naylor will answer questions and sign copies of his book ($16.95). And there will be coffee and pastries.
Details: 7 p.m. Tuesday, July 25. Georgia T. Lord Library, 1900 N. Civic Square, Goodyear. Free. https://mcldaz.org/en-US/georgia-t-lord.
Find the reporter atwww.rogernaylor.com. Or follow him on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/RogerNaylorinAZ or Twitter @AZRogerNaylor.
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