2 Best Sights in North-Central Arizona, Arizona

Although the Arizona Snowbowl is still one of Flagstaff's biggest attractions, snowy slopes can be a luxury in times of drought. Fortunately, visitors can enjoy the beauty of the area year-round, with or without the fluffy white stuff. The chairlift climbs the San Francisco Peaks to a height of 11,500 feet and doubles as a 30-minute scenic gondola ride in summer. From this vantage point you can see up to 70 miles; views may even include Sedona's red rocks and the Grand Canyon. There's a lodge at the base with a restaurant, bar, and ski school. To reach the ski area, take U.S. 180 north from Flagstaff; it's 7 miles from the Snowbowl exit to the sky-ride entrance.

You needn't be religious to be inspired by the setting and the architecture here. Built in 1956 by Marguerite Brunswig Staude, a student of Frank Lloyd Wright, this modern landmark, with a huge cross on the facade, rises between two red rock peaks. Vistas of the surrounding area with Bell Rock in the distance are spectacular. A beautiful Taizé service of prayer and song takes place on Monday at 5 pm—all are welcome for quiet meditation. On Friday, Adoration is held from noon until 3 pm, when mass begins. Confession is also held on Friday from 1 pm until 3 pm.

A small gift shop sells religious artifacts and books. A trail east of the chapel leads you—after a 20-minute walk over occasional loose-rock surfaces—to a seat surrounded by voluptuous red-limestone walls, worlds away from the bustle and commerce around the chapel.