Munds Park, Arizona is one of the state's best-kept secrets. Tucked away at 6,900 feet elevation in the Coconino National Forest, this quiet mountain community is less than 30 minutes from Sedona and 20 minutes from Flagstaff — yet it feels a world away from both.
If you're staying at Blue Jay Vista — or just passing through — here's everything worth doing in and around Munds Park, from world-class natural wonders to low-key local finds.
In and Around Munds Park
Pinewood Country Club Golf Course
Walking distance from Blue Jay Vista
One of the most scenic golf courses in Arizona, Pinewood Country Club sits right in Munds Park at elevation among the pines. If you're a golfer, the combination of cool mountain air and tree-lined fairways makes this a genuinely memorable round. Blue Jay Vista is steps from the course — you can almost hear the tee shots from the deck.
Hiking the Coconino National Forest
Starting from Munds Park
The Coconino National Forest surrounds Munds Park on all sides. Short trails lead into the forest directly from the neighborhood, and access to more ambitious routes — including the Munds Mountain Wilderness — is just a few minutes away. The area is excellent for trail running, mountain biking, and wildlife watching.
Stargazing
Best from the cabin deck
At 6,900 feet with minimal light pollution, the night sky above Munds Park is extraordinary. The Milky Way is visible to the naked eye on clear nights, which are frequent in this high desert climate. Blue Jay Vista's wraparound deck and fire pit area are perfect for evenings under the stars. Bring a star chart app.
Bird Watching
From Blue Jay Vista's deck
The property's name isn't accidental. The ponderosa pines around the cabin attract an active bird population — woodpeckers, Steller's jays, nuthatches, and yes, blue jays. Morning coffee on the deck frequently comes with a free wildlife show.
20 Minutes Away: Flagstaff
Flagstaff is Arizona's mountain city — a college town with genuine character, a thriving craft beer scene, and access to exceptional outdoor recreation. It's an easy 20-minute drive north on I-17 from Munds Park.
Historic Downtown Flagstaff
Flagstaff's downtown along Route 66 and the train tracks has an authentic, lived-in quality. Independent bookstores, art galleries, local restaurants, and craft breweries line the streets. Worth a few hours of wandering.
Lowell Observatory
One of the most historically significant observatories in America — where Pluto was discovered in 1930. Open to the public with day and evening programs, powerful telescopes for public viewing, and well-designed exhibits. Kids and adults both love it. Website: lowell.edu
Museum of Northern Arizona
Excellent natural history and cultural museum covering the Colorado Plateau — geology, Native American history, fine art. One of the best regional museums in the Southwest. Website: musnaz.org
Craft Breweries
Flagstaff has an outsized craft beer scene for its population. Highlights include Beaver Street Brewery, Lumberyard Brewing Co., and Dark Sky Brewing Company. The latter, named after Flagstaff's designation as the world's first International Dark Sky City, is particularly worth visiting.
Arizona Snowbowl
In winter, the Snowbowl ski resort on the San Francisco Peaks offers downhill skiing and snowboarding just 14 miles from Flagstaff. In summer it runs scenic chairlift rides to the summit area. Website: arizonasnowbowl.com
Walnut Canyon National Monument
A short drive east of Flagstaff, Walnut Canyon contains well-preserved cliff dwellings built into the canyon walls by the Sinagua people around 1100 AD. The Island Trail descends into the canyon for close-up views. Dramatic and often uncrowded. Website: nps.gov/waca
30 Minutes Away: Sedona
Sedona needs little introduction — it's consistently ranked among the most beautiful places in the United States. The red sandstone formations, the spiritual energy, the restaurants, the galleries — it earns its reputation. From Munds Park you can be there in about 30 minutes.
Red Rock Hiking
The trail system around Sedona is massive and varied. Some highlights accessible to most fitness levels:
- Bell Rock Trail: A Sedona icon. Easy to moderate loop around the base of Bell Rock, with optional scrambling. Excellent panoramic views.
- Cathedral Rock Trail: Short but steep trail to a saddle between Cathedral Rock's spires. One of the most photographed views in Arizona.
- West Fork of Oak Creek Trail: A canyon hike along a creek, crossing it multiple times. Lush, shaded, and magical in fall foliage season (late October).
- Devil's Bridge Trail: Leads to the largest natural sandstone arch in the Sedona area. Moderate hike, highly photogenic.
Jeep Tours
If you want to access backcountry terrain without your own 4WD vehicle, Sedona's jeep tour operators take guests on guided off-road excursions to formations and viewpoints unreachable by normal vehicles. Pink Jeep Tours (pinkadventuretours.com) is the most established operator.
Uptown Sedona and Tlaquepaque
Sedona's main shopping corridor has hundreds of art galleries, jewelry stores, and boutiques. Tlaquepaque Arts and Shopping Village (just south of uptown) is a beautifully designed Spanish colonial-style complex with high-quality galleries and restaurants.
Restaurants Worth the Drive
- Elote Café: Creative Mexican cuisine using roasted corn as a base ingredient. Extremely popular — book well in advance.
- Mariposa Latin Inspired Grill: New American with Latin influences and stunning red rock views. Fine dining level, great for a special occasion.
- The Hudson: American bistro with one of the best happy hours in the city.
30 Minutes Away: Slide Rock State Park
Located in Oak Creek Canyon just north of Sedona, Slide Rock is exactly what it sounds like: a natural water park formed by smooth red rock chutes and swimming holes carved by Oak Creek over millennia. It gets busy in summer — arrive early (it sometimes hits capacity by 10 AM on summer weekends). Absolutely worth it for families with kids.
- AZ State Parks: azstateparks.com/slide-rock
- Tip: Go on a weekday morning or in September when the crowds thin but the water is still warm
35 Minutes Away: Oak Creek Canyon
The drive through Oak Creek Canyon on AZ-89A between Sedona and Flagstaff is one of the most scenic routes in the American Southwest. The canyon walls rise 2,000 feet on either side as the road winds along the creek. Even with no planned stops, the drive itself is an experience. Several pull-offs, picnic areas, and campgrounds line the road.
90 Minutes Away: Grand Canyon National Park
Grand Canyon's South Rim is 90 miles north of Munds Park — an easy day trip by Arizona standards. The canyon is genuinely one of the most awe-inspiring places on Earth. A few tips for making the most of a day trip from Blue Jay Vista:
- Go on a weekday to avoid the worst crowds
- Arrive before 9 AM — parking fills up by mid-morning in peak season
- The Rim Trail is nearly flat and offers continuous canyon views for miles — you don't need to hike down to be blown away
- Mather Point is the classic first view; Yavapai Geology Museum a short walk east adds context and a different vantage
- Bring your own lunch — food at the rim is overpriced and the lines are long
- Summer afternoon thunderstorms happen — check the forecast and have a backup plan
Seasonal Highlights
Spring (March–May)
Wildflowers along the local trails. Comfortable temperatures for hiking. Shoulder season pricing at Blue Jay Vista.
Summer (June–August)
Peak season for Phoenix families escaping the heat. Munds Park typically stays in the 70s–80s°F while Phoenix exceeds 110°F. July 4th and the entire month of July are especially popular. Book well in advance.
Fall (September–October)
Arguably the best season. Crowds thin after Labor Day, temperatures are ideal for hiking and outdoor cooking, and the cottonwoods and aspens along Oak Creek Canyon turn gold and amber in late October. Shoulder pricing.
Winter (November–February)
Quiet and cold. Snow is possible in Munds Park. The fireplace and cozy atmosphere of Blue Jay Vista are at their best. Ski season at Arizona Snowbowl. Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's are peak holiday periods — book months ahead.
Ready to Plan Your Visit?
Blue Jay Vista is your home base for all of it. Check availability and book directly at bluejayvista.com — or email [email protected] or call 480-280-5890 with questions.