Kayaking Arizona Rivers – 2TravelDads

Kayaking Arizona - 2TravelDads

Arizona offers rivers and lakes in the low deserts, as well as the high deserts and the mountains, for a variety of kayaking and paddling experiences year-round. These are some of the best places for kayaking Arizona, no matter your skill level, from kayaking spots near Sedona to rafting adventures just outside of Phoenix.

Whether you’re venturing far into the wilderness or staying close to your kayak launch site, always be prepared. Riding the rivers is amazing, but it can also be fierce with hot sun and strong winds. Pay attention to conditions and remember, safety first. As you plan out your paddling places in AZ, feel confident booking guided tours where available, as professional, local knowledge can really make for a great experience.

Also, these boat trips often can lead you to wonderful trail heads for hikes. Some of the best places to go hiking in the state are very nearby our suggestions, so enjoy the full AZ outdoors experience!

Kayaking Arizona (Northern)

Northern Arizona is famous for its otherworldly canyons and red sandstone formations. This is where Arizona meets Utah, so think Grand Canyon meets Zion National Park. Here you’ll find the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, Monument Valley and Antelope Canyon. This is also the gateway to the Grand Canyon. There are several amazing National Parks and BLM sites to explore in this part of the state, and some of the best places to kayak in the state! If you’re doing a road trip to the Grand Canyon and beyond, add this kayaking Arizona spot to your travel plan!

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Arizona Gay Travel Resources

Downtown Flagstaff

downtown-flagstaff

We just got back from a trip to Flagstaff and Sedona. I had a family reunion in Flag, and the day after, we checked out downtown Flagstaff.

Flagstaff is home to Northern Arizona University (NAU). It’s a beautiful campus, and it sits right on the edge of downtown, so Flagstaff boasts a lot of youthful energy, especially at night. We saw this in action when we went to the pride after party drag show – there was music on the streets and in venues up and down the downtown streets, and even a big outdoor movie screening in the heart of town.

While we were only in town for a couple hours, we did find a few cool things.

For lunch or dinner, we recommend the Lumberyard Brewing Company. It’s just across the railroad tracks from downtown, and has a comfortable industrial ambiance.

Downtown Flagstaff - Lumberyard

The food was really good too, and the service friendly. We recommend the hummus – it comes in two flavors, a black bean version and an edamame one, and the presentation is Southwest Awesome:

Downtown Flagstaff - Hummus

For shopping, check out the Old Town Shops, a collection of ten locally owned shops and restaurants, including the Flagstaff Chocolate Company to satisfy your sweet tooth.

My favorite store there? The Black Hound Gallerie – a super queer friendly store with tons of cool stuff.

Downtown Flagstaff Black Hound Gallerie

The staff is friendly (and queer) and they offer some of the following merchandise:

Downtown Flagstaff Black Hound Gallerie

Downtown Flagstaff Black Hound Gallerie

Downtown Flagstaff Black Hound Gallerie

Downtown Flagstaff Black Hound Gallerie

Also, be sure to check out the old-timey phone booth, where you can hear poems recorded by a local artist.

Downtown Flagstaff Telepoem Booth

We had a great time during our brief visit to Flagstaff, and plan to return in the future for more exploration.

Flagstaff Gay Travel Resources

Arizona Sunburst Inn – Phoenix, Arizona

Arizona Sunburst Inn Periodically we’ll feature one of our properties here to let our readers know about some great gay friendly places to stay: Arizona Sunburst Inn Bed and Breakfast offers a private desert oasis in the middle of Phoenix – it’s like you’re ot in the countryside. Our Phoenix B&B features a welcoming, heated pool in a tropical setting – surrounded by magnificent palm trees. The grounds have wide, shady patios cooled by a mist system, and there’s also a hot tub where you can let the cares of the day evaporate away. For the adventurous and outdoor lovers, there’s some great mountain hiking just a couple blocks away. Each of our guestrooms is individually decorated, and includes beautifully remodelled bathrooms. Arizona Sunburst Inn Bed & Breakfast is in one of Phoenix’s best neighborhoods, and is a great place to stay.

  • Five guest rooms include four queen beds and one double
  • An expanded continental breakfast served daily
  • Enjoy clothing-optional sunbathing.
  • Fax and computer avail – perfect for business travelers
  • Come stay with us on your next visit to Phoenix and Central Arizona!

See the Arizona Sunburst Inn Expanded Listing on Purple Roofs Here

Gay Friendly Bed and Breakfasts, Hotels, and Vacation Rentals in Arizona

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Starlight Pines B&B – Gay Owned Accommodations in Flagstaff, Arizona

Starlight Pines B&B Periodically we’ll feature one of our properties here to let our readers know about some great gay friendly places to stay: Imagine stepping back in time to a place in the Arizona west where crackling fires welcome you, spacious guest room accommodations, and luxurious, claw foot bathtubs await you! Imagine staying at Starlight Pines Bed and Breakfast, a Victorian style house nested among the pines at the foot of Mt. Elden, in Flagstaff, Arizona. Make us your home base while visiting the Grand Canyon (a bit more than 1 hour from our Inn) and Sedona (40 minutes south of our Inn) and many other area attractions within a 2 hour ride of our Bed and Breakfast! You’ll love the old-fashioned romance of the antique-filled rooms, Tiffany lamps, complimentary beverages, free Wi-Fi, free parking, the full gourmet breakfast and the friendliness of your hosts, Richard & Michael, and their special Shih Tzu friends, Moo Shu and Taz – and our newest addition, Baxter our Puggle! Our Victorian style B&B boasts broad, oak-plank floors throughout. Rooms are outfitted with antiques gathered from across the Southwest,, 14-foot ceilings, picture railings, and two wood-burning fireplaces. Our fabulous 70 foot wrap-around porch with swing is also very inviting during the Spring, Summer and Fall. Stunning Mt Elden Views from the Lily Room and guest balconies! This charming Flagstaff Bed and Breakfast is acclaimed a top 10 bed and breakfast by Phoenix Magazine and Arizona Highways. Additionally, awarded 2010 and now 2011 Best Accommodations by Arizona Pride Guide! So come to the mountains, to the pine-scented air and the cool, starry nights. Slip out of your normal routine and into romance at Starlight Pines Bed and Breakfast of Flagstaff, Arizona! Come visit us in this Northern Arizona paradise – Make your reservation today!

See the Starlight Pines Expanded Listing on Purple Roofs Here

Gay Friendly Bed and Breakfasts, Hotels, and Vacation Rentals in Northern Arizona

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