Just like much of the rest of Arizona, Flagstaff is full of beautiful landscapes that make it a perfect destination for outdoor lovers.
While Phoenix, Sedona, and Tucson gets much of the attention in the state, you shouldn’t forget about this hidden gem either.
In fact, there are plenty of things to do and see while you’re there. In this post, we’re going to share our quick guide to Flagstaff, Arizona so when you visit you’ll have your itinerary set.
Things to Do
Here are some of our favorite things to check off your list when visiting Flagstaff.
Dark Sky City
Did you know that Flagstaff is designated as a Dark Sky City? This means that light emissions are reduced in the city so you can get absolutely incredible views of the stars in the night sky. Many head just outside Flagstaff to the Lowell Observatory to get in some stargazing.
Railroad Addition Historic District
This is a historic district that features dozens of homes and buildings built in the late 1800s and early 1900s. At that time, Flagstaff was an important stop on the newly built Santa Fe railroad. Today, you can dine, shop, and wander this historic area and check out Route 66 which ran right through Flagstaff.
Walnut Canyon National Monument
The Walnut Canyon National Monument is one of the most popular outdoor destinations in Flagstaff. The park features a number of hiking trails, beautiful vistas, and ancient cliff dwellings from the Sinagua tribe. Visitors can also get up and personal with these dwellings which are nearly 1000 years old.
Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument
About 900 years ago, there was a big volcanic eruption right outside present-day Flagstaff. While the volcano is now extinct, you can still wander around the still exposed cone and check out the lava flow. There are a number of short trails that go around Sunset Crater.
Arizona Snowbowl
Skiing, in Arizona? Yup, you can do that. At the Arizona Snowbowl, you can hit the slopes over 9,500 feet above sea level. If you’re not visiting Flagstaff in the winter, you can still follow some hiking trails. Or take the Skyride chairlift, and on a clear day, catch views of the Grand Canyon.
The Arboretum at Flagstaff
You can explore one of the highest gardens in the US at the Arboretum at Flagstaff. It’s 7,500 feet above sea level and it’s 200 acres feature over 2,500 different species. The Arboretum also has a number of different events going on throughout the year including Wine in the Woods and Shakespeare under the Pines.
Getting There
Flagstaff serves as a hub of sorts to a couple of major highways, which makes it an easy stop on any road trip. It’s about four hours from Las Vegas and Tucson. It’s also just over two hours from Phoenix and five hours from Albuquerque.
As you can see, there’s a lot going on in Flagstaff. So don’t leave it off your list as your next road trip destination! If you need help with hotel reservations, check out our sister site: HotelCoupons.com!
