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30 Thrilling Issues to Do in Flagstaff (Arizona)


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Thrilling issues to do in Flagstaff abound all yr lengthy. This Northern Arizona mountain city is a gateway to the Grand Canyon, one of many seven pure wonders of the world. With larger altitudes (almost 7,000 toes!), count on cooler temperatures in Flagstaff than elsewhere within the state. Nature lovers flock right here for outside play like mountaineering, mountain biking, snowboarding, and snowboarding.

Flagstaff can also be a university city with a youthful vibe and plentiful brewpubs. Cultural points of interest have a good time the realm’s Native American historical past. And, the famend Lowell Observatory lures stargazers to discover darkish night time skies. Did I point out the lava fields? (Sure, lava fields in Arizona!)

My household of Phoenicians has had the pleasure of visiting this pleasant Northern AZ metropolis throughout each season. It doesn’t matter what time of yr you go to, you will discover tons of enjoyable with this listing of 30 superb issues to do in Flagstaff!

Entering Flagstaff, Arizona
Coming into Flagstaff, Arizona (Picture credit score: photoweges, Depositphotos.com)

This story is delivered to you in partnership with IHG Accommodations & Resorts.

1. Historic Downtown Flagstaff

Though it is the biggest metropolis in Northern Arizona, Flagstaff exudes an eclectic mixture of small city attraction. Each time my household visits, we comment how glad and welcoming the residents appear.

It is a younger metropolis, with college college students making up over 25 % of its 77,000+ inhabitants. Hearty, outdoorsy people are likely to make Flagstaff their house. In reality, the Lumberjack is the mascot of Flagstaff’s Northern Arizona College (NAU).

Historic Downtown Flagstaff
Historic Downtown Flagstaff (Picture credit score: Colleen Lanin)

It is a pleasure to easily stroll previous the historic buildings in Downtown Flagstaff. Preserve your eyes open for murals, statues, and different public artwork shows.

The sound of prepare whistles provides a folksy really feel to the downtown space. Over 100 trains chug via Flagstaff on a mean day.

NAU Mural in Downtown Flagstaff
NAU Mural in Downtown Flagstaff (Picture credit score: Colleen Lanin)

Climate allowing, you will most likely come throughout stay music performances by buskers in Heritage Sq.. That is town’s central gathering place. It is surrounded by espresso retailers, brewpubs, eating places, and retail shops. Pop into Babbit Brothers, an out of doors gear store that initially opened in 1889 because the city’s first division retailer.

Grand Canyon National Park
Grand Canyon Nationwide Park (Picture credit score: alexeys, Depositphotos.com)

2. Grand Canyon Nationwide Park

In fact, you will need to embody the Grand Canyon in your Flagstaff trip itinerary. That is very true should you’ve by no means been earlier than.

Anticipate a few 90-minute drive from the college city to the South Rim of the canyon, relying on visitors and climate situations. Or, skip the drive and take within the surroundings aboard a prepare journey on the Grand Canyon Railroad.

Whereas there, you may hike or journey a mule down the canyon, go white water rafting, or embark on a helicopter tour of the nationwide park. Plan forward, although, as a result of all of those adventures require superior preparation.

Alternatively, you may head up for a easy day journey. Then you may take within the beautiful view of this pure marvel, do a brief hike, and eat some lunch earlier than returning to Flagstaff.

Pluto Discovery Telescope Dome, which holds the Lawrence Lowell Telescope
The Clark Dome, which homes the Clark Refractor telescope (Picture credit score: Colleen Lanin)

3. Lowell Observatory

Flagstaff was designated the first-ever Darkish Sky Metropolis, which implies stargazing is especially interesting right here. House exploration buffs will certainly need to go to Lowell Observatory.

Established in 1894, Lowell Observatory is without doubt one of the oldest observatories in the USA. It’s most well-known for the invention of the dwarf planet, Pluto.

Moreover, each astronaut who has walked on the moon frolicked coaching at Lowell Observatory, the Grand Canyon, and the close by Meteor Crater Nationwide Landmark.

Included together with your admission price, guided excursions add to the marvel of a go to. To get essentially the most out of your expertise, plan to come back shortly earlier than sundown. (As early as 4:30 in winter and as late as 8 pm in summer season months.) That is when you may stare upon stars, planets, and distant gasoline clouds via six state-of-the-art telescopes.

One other telescope, the Clark Refractor, is over 125 years previous and is often open to visitors for viewing at night time. It may be considered through the 90-minute guided Mars Hill Tour.

Arizona Snowbowl Ski Resort
Arizona Snowbowl Ski Resort (Picture credit score: Colleen Lanin)

4. Arizona Snowbowl Ski Resort

Once you consider Arizona, snowy mountain slopes most likely do not spring to thoughts. Arizonans, nonetheless, know that boarding and snowboarding are plentiful at Snowbowl Ski Resort in Flagstaff. Consultants respect 77 skiable acres, with 32 runs, and a lift-served elevation of 11,500 toes.

Snowbowl makes a superb choice for learners, too. The Hart Prairie Newbie Space contains broad, mild slopes and two easy-to-use floor conveyors. Plus, the ski resort presents free classes for these aged 13+ from 10 am to 2 pm on daily basis.

Did I point out Snowbowl is a brilliant reasonably priced choice? That is very true for households. In reality, youngsters 12 and youthful ski without cost all season lengthy! Whereas raise tickets can price as a lot as $200 at different resorts, you may rating a Snowbowl day move for a fraction of that.

There is no higher option to heat up after a day on the slopes than by soaking in a toasty scorching tub so you’ll want to guide a lodge with this amenity, like Vacation Inn Specific Flagstaff! You may be taught extra about this lodge under.

Snowbowl Scenic Gondola Ride
Snowbowl Scenic Gondola Trip (Picture credit score: supitchamcadam, Depositphotos.com)

5. Scenic Gondola Trip

Even should you’re not a skier or boarder, you may nonetheless soak up Snowbowl’s magnificence with a scenic gondola journey. Not visiting in winter? You may journey the Arizona Gondola all yr lengthy.

Roundtrip, the journey takes about 20 to half-hour. In winter, riders aren’t allowed to disembark on the prime. You should definitely guide upfront as a result of they do promote out, particularly on busy weekends. (My household realized this the onerous approach!)

Lava Fields at Sunset Crater National Monument near Flagstaff, Arizona
Mountain climbing the lava fields on the Lava Move Path at Sundown Crater Nationwide Monument (Picture credit score: Colleen Lanin)

6. Lava Fields at Sundown Crater Nationwide Monument

Would you be stunned to be taught that Arizona is house to lava fields? I do know I used to be! The black cinder panorama feels otherworldly, particularly in often clay- and sand-covered Arizona.

The Sundown Volcanic Subject was fashioned 550,000 years in the past when the San Francisco Mountain misplaced its peak as a result of a volcanic eruption. Even after this occasion, the San Francisco Peaks stay the very best level within the state.

Then in 1085 AD, the Sundown Crater Volcano erupted. This coated virtually 900 sq. miles with lava and ash. Because the molten lava cooled, it fell to the earth as tiny rocks referred to as cinders.

Sundown Crater is the youngest cinder cone within the San Francisco Lava Subject in Arizona. Select from 5 mountaineering trails at Sundown Crater Volcano Nationwide Monument. Choices vary from the straightforward .2-mile A’a Path to the average 3.4-mile Lava’s Edge Path.

Arizona’s volcanic fields are thought of dormant, which based on Nationwide Geographic Society means they, “haven’t erupted for a really very long time however could erupt at a future time.”

Wupatki National Monument
Wupatki Nationwide Monument (Picture credit score: Colleen Lanin)

7. Wupatki Nationwide Monument

The expansive and well-preserved Native American ruins at Wupatki Nationwide Monument will impress guests of all ages. This multistory Sinagua pueblo contains 100+ rooms and a ball courtroom.

It was inhabited by ancestral Puebloans round 500 AD. However its heyday was within the 1000s and 1100s earlier than it was deserted round 1225.

You should definitely purchase the informative $1 paper booklet from the customer middle to achieve a greater understanding of the construction and its former inhabitants.

Picnic lunch on Doney Mountain
Picnic lunch on Doney Mountain (Picture credit score: Colleen Lanin)

I like to recommend combining Wupatki and Sundown Crater right into a one-day journey. Take the 34-mile scenic drive on the Sundown Crater Loop alongside Freeway 89. There are stops on the lava fields and the nationwide monument. The surroundings adjustments drastically from Flagstaff’s ponderosa pines to the stark desert panorama that surrounds the ruins.

Pack a lunch and plan to cease on the Doney Picnic Space, the place you may take a brief hike to view placing (if windy) views of the Wupatki Basin.

Entrance to Bearizona
Entrance to Bearizona (Picture credit score: Colleen Lanin)

8. Bearizona Wildlife Park

A couple of half-hour drive from Flagstaff is the pleasant Bearizona Wildlife Park. Admission contains drive-through displays, a walk-through zoo, and staff-led animal encounters. Meals vehicles contained in the park make eating right here a pleasure. Plan to spend about three hours at this park.

Big Dan the black bear at Bearizona Wildlife Park
Massive Dan the black bear at Bearizona (Picture credit score: Brit Powers for Bearizona.com)

Animals you will see in Bearizona’s walk-through space embody bears (after all!), playful river otters, a wide range of reptiles, and a honey badger named Frenchie Toast.

You simply could come upon an unscheduled Shock & Delight animal encounter as you roam, too. Our household obtained an opportunity to pet a somewhat giant snake throughout one go to.

Buffalo roaming in a vast habitat in the drive-through portion of Bearizona Wildlife Park near Flagstaff
Buffalo roaming in an unlimited habitat within the drive-through portion of Bearizona Wildlife Park (Picture credit score: Colleen Lanin)

Embark on a self-guided animal safari in your individual automobile within the drive-through portion of this wildlife park. You will get to see animals in expansive habitats. Search for Arctic wolves, American bison, and extra bears. When you do not take pleasure in seeing wild creatures cooped up at zoos, then this portion of Bearizona will significantly enchantment to you. It actually feels as if the animals live their finest lives in a pure setting.

Riordan Mansion State Park in Flagstaff
Riordan Mansion State Park (Picture credit score: Colleen Lanin)

9. Riordan Mansion State Historic Park

Get a glimpse at what Flagstaff appeared like within the early 1900s (for the extraordinarily rich, anyway) at Riordan Mansion State Historic Park. This state park contains two American Arts and Crafts-style properties joined by a central billiard room.

The mansions have been owned by two profitable pioneer Flagstaff businessmen brothers (Timothy and Michael Riordan) who married two sisters (Caroline and Elizabeth Metz).

The properties have been occupied by descendants of the unique house owners via the Eighties when the state purchased them and commenced refurbishment. A lot of the unique furnishings are displayed all through the property.

Dining room at Riordan Mansion
Eating room at Riordan Mansion (Picture credit score: Colleen Lanin)

If visiting with youngsters, then hold younger ones with this Outdated and New Combine and Match Exercise Sheet. Ask for a Junior Park Ranger booklet on the customer middle, too.

Whereas exploring the joint mansions, youngsters will doubtless be most impressed by the lounge with a wicker swing in its middle. What enjoyable that should have been for the children who grew up right here!

Living room with wicker swing at Riordan Mansion in Flagstaff
Lounge with wicker swing (Picture credit score: Colleen Lanin)

You may discover by yourself. However to get a greater understanding of the historical past of the properties and Flagstaff, pay additional and reserve a spot on a guided tour. Reservations are beneficial. Excursions final about an hour.

The Arboretum at Flagstaff
The Arboretum at Flagstaff (Picture credit score: Colleen Lanin)

10. The Arboretum at Flagstaff

As a desert dweller, one factor I like most about Flagstaff is its plentiful TREES! There is no higher place to get your fill of pine timber than on the Arboretum at Flagstaff. Decide a mountaineering path and got down to discover within the shade of majestic Ponderosa pines.

This botanical backyard occupies 200 acres of land inside the Coconino Nationwide Forest. It’s house to 750 native and drought-adapted crops. These fare properly within the Colorado Plateau’s excessive desert panorama.

Spring flowers at the Arboretum at Flagstaff
Spring flowers on the Arboretum at Flagstaff (Picture credit score: Colleen Lanin)

The arboretum is open seasonally, sometimes Could 1 via October 31. Verify their calendar for particular occasions, comparable to a summer season live performance sequence. You may also join excursions and actions like yoga, portray courses, and chicken walks.

Buffalo Park Trail in Flagstaff, AZ
Buffalo Park Path (Picture credit score: Colleen Lanin)

11. Flagstaff Mountain climbing Trails

Out of doors lovers respect Flagstaff’s plethora of mountaineering trails. As a matter of truth, there are almost 130 trails in Flagstaff. Under are a few fashionable choices my household has loved.

Buffalo Park in Flagstaff
Buffalo Park (Picture credit score: Colleen Lanin)

Buffalo Park Path

Households touring with younger youngsters, runners, and anybody on the lookout for a flat, simple hike will need to hit up Buffalo Park. This 215-acre park presents a 2.2-mile mellow loop path with mountain views. You will additionally discover bogs, water fountains, and picnic tables.

Fatman's Loop Trail in Flagstaff
Fatmans Loop Path (Picture credit score: Colleen Lanin)

Fatmans Loop Path

For a much bigger problem, strive the average Fatmans Loop Path. Roundtrip, the entire hike ought to take about 1.5 hours, or longer if mountaineering with younger youngsters. Anticipate to see yucca, juniper, white fir, and, after all, Ponderosa pine. Our household beloved the surroundings however discovered the paths weren’t properly marked.

Juniper berries spotted on Fatmans Loop Trail
Juniper berries noticed on Fatmans Loop Path (Picture credit score: Colleen Lanin)

Different Mountain climbing Trails

Whether or not you are on the lookout for a fast stroll or a difficult multi-mile expertise, you are positive to discover a path that fits your wants. Check out this listing of the finest trails in Flagstaff from AllTrails.com.

Fort Tuthill Bike Park
Fort Tuthill Bike Park (Picture from the Fort Tuthill Bike Park Fb web page)

12. Fort Tuthill County Park

Prepared for outside journey? Open year-round, Fort Tuthill County Park pleases nature lovers. It is only a quick drive (3 miles) from Flagstaff. The 633-acre regional park presents multi-use trails plus archery. Plus, the Fort Tuthill Bike Park will get excessive reward on TripAdvisor.

Throughout summer season months, head to Fort Tuthill for outside music festivals, equestrian reveals, and the Coconino County Truthful. Onsite tenting is accessible Could via early October, too.

In winter, the park transforms right into a snowy wonderland. Go right here for snowshoeing and cross-country snowboarding for all ages.

Flagstaff Extreme Zip-Lining and Adventure Course
My husband on the Journey Zip Strains Course (Picture credit score: Colleen Lanin)

13. Flagstaff Excessive Zip-Lining and Journey Course

Recognize Flagstaff’s tall Ponderosa pine timber from an exciting vantage level on the Flagstaff Excessive Journey Course. Select the three.5-hour Tree Prime Journey Course or the two.5-hour Journey Zip Strains Course. There’s additionally a extra mellow 1.5-hour Child’s Journey Course for ages 7 to 11.

Journey Zip Strains Course

I’ve zipped quite a few occasions in varied areas all over the world together with Costa Rica, the place zip-lining started. Flagstaff Excessive Journey Course did not have the longest zip-line, nor the quickest that I’ve skilled, but it surely was essentially the most heart-pumping of all of them. I imply, the phrase “excessive” is true of their title!

That is as a result of the course is extraordinarily hands-off. Usually, guides keep within the timber with contributors to clip and verify tools all through a zip-line course, making certain security and offering encouragement. However right here, our guides left our household of 4 on their own on the course and have been nowhere to be discovered about half-hour into our journey. Fortunately, three of us have been skilled zip-liners.

Flagstaff Extreme Zip-Lining and Adventure Course
My daughter at Flagstaff Excessive Zip-Lining and Journey Course (Picture credit score: Colleen Lanin)

The course can also be extraordinarily lengthy. In reality, it contains 30 traces and takes hours to finish! You will need to even be comfy climbing up ladders and throughout rope bridges to succeed in the following zip.

For thrill-seekers and skilled zip-liners, I completely suggest this course. For learners, nonetheless, I counsel beginning someplace with extra hands-on assist.

Tree Prime Journey Course

My household didn’t courageous the Tree Prime Journey Course (but). Their web site says, “The obstacles one can find in our park embody suspended bridges, scramble nets, swinging logs, a skateboard, and rather more! When you full all 5 grownup programs and 70 obstacles, additionally, you will have been on 8 zip traces plus the quick one on the Demonstration Course.” A security cable retains climbers safe all through the course. 

Flagstaff Segway Tour
Flagstaff Segway Tour (Picture credit score: Journey Mamas)

14. Flagstaff Segway Tour

Have you ever ever ridden a Segway? They supply such a whimsical option to get round! For a brilliant enjoyable option to study Flagstaff and discover Northern Arizona College campus, join a Flagstaff Segway Tour.

After a quick coaching and security lesson, you will follow piloting your Segway. You then’ll zoom round Historic Downtown Flagstaff, NAU campus, and the Francis Quick Pond. The tour takes about two hours complete.

Walnut Canyon National Monument in Northern Arizona
Walnut Canyon Nationwide Monument (Picture credit score: Colleen Lanin)

15. Walnut Canyon Nationwide Monument

Simply 7.5 miles east of Flagstaff, go to Walnut Canyon Nationwide Monument to view Native American ruins up-close. The Island Path affords guests the prospect to really enter the cliff dwellings. Relying on how a lot mountaineering you’d love to do, plan to spend half-hour to 2 hours at Walnut Canyon.

In complete, there are 300 rooms constructed into rock partitions, however solely 25 are seen. These have been inhabited by ancestors of the modern-day Hopi tribe from roughly 600 to 1400 AD.

High Mountain Trails horseback trail ride near Mormon Lake in Arizona
Excessive Mountain Trails horseback path journey close to Mormon Lake (Picture credit score: Excessive Mountain Trails Fb web page)

16. Horseback Driving Close to Flagstaff

Saddle up for a one- or two-hour path journey via the Coconino Forest with Historic Hitchin’ Submit Stables. (Ages 5+). For a very memorable expertise, go for a three-hour horseback journey via Walnut Canyon.

In winter, all ages can embark on a dinner sleigh journey. The expertise features a campfire and complimentary scorching chocolate or apple cider. Pay additional for a cowboy dinner served again on the ranch.

Historic Hitchin' Post Stables horsedrawn sleigh ride near Flagstaff, Arizona
Historic Hitchin’ Submit Stables horse-drawn sleigh journey (Picture credit score: Historic Hitchin’ Posts’ Fb web page)

At Excessive Mountain Path Rides, excursions fluctuate from a 30-minute jaunt to a 2-hour path journey. Their steady is positioned 30 miles from Flagstaff close to Mormon Lake, one of many solely pure lakes within the state. (Ages 6+.)

Museum of Northern Arizona in Flagstaff
Museum of Northern Arizona (Picture credit score: Colleen Lanin)

17. Museum of Northern Arizona

The Museum of Northern Arizona celebrates the artwork, historical past, and native tradition of Northern Arizona. By way of their very own phrases, artifacts, movies, and interactive shows — be taught in regards to the 10 native tribes of the Colorado Plateau. This small museum will take most households an hour or two to expertise.

Within the geology gallery, view a mural that walks guests from Precambrian to the Cenozoic eras. Children will likely be within the Dilophosaurus forged skeleton, based mostly on dinosaur bones discovered on this area of Arizona.

There’s additionally a worthwhile present store onsite, full of reasonably priced souvenirs plus costlier tremendous artwork and jewellery.

Orpheum Theater in Flagstaff
Orpheum Theater Flagstaff (Picture credit score: Colleen Lanin)

18. Orpheum Theater

Initially opened as a cinema named the Majestic Opera Home, in the present day the Orpheum Theater is a well-liked live performance venue. Check out their upcoming occasions to see if any stay music or comedy reveals enchantment to your crew.

Even should you do not buy tickets for any of their live shows, cease by to check out the colourful mural adorning the theater’s exterior. Can you discover me within the photograph of the Orpheum Theater above?

Pioneer Museum Flagstaff
Pioneer Museum Flagstaff (Picture credit score: VisitArizona.com)

19. Pioneer Museum

The Pioneer Museum shares Flagstaff’s pioneer, logging, ranching, and transportation previous. Tour the one-room Doney Cabin, inbuilt 1908 by former Flagstaff Mayor Ben Doney. The Hospital exhibition contains an working room to point out what drugs was like again in 1938 when the museum’s constructing was used as a hospital. The Decade Rooms educate guests in regards to the metropolis’s previous from 1880 to 1960. For youths, there’s an old-time locomotive and caboose to discover.

Train in Flagstaff
Considered one of many trains that chug via Flagstaff on daily basis (Picture credit score: Colleen Lanin)

20. Haunted Flagstaff Historical past Tour

See a spooky facet of Flagstaff with Freaky Flagstaff Foottours. Go to haunted hangouts just like the murderous upkeep man on the library and the stressed brakeman who was crushed between two trains. A information will lead your group to seven or eight stops alongside a 1-mile route via Downtown Flagstaff.

Reservations are beneficial, particularly on weekends throughout Halloween season. Courageous youngsters are allowed to attend if accompanied by an grownup.

Giraffe on SuperMog Tour at Out of Africa Wildlife Park in Arizona
Giraffe on SuperMog Tour at Out of Africa Wildlife Park (Picture credit score: Colleen Lanin)

21. Out of Africa Wildlife Park

The Out of Africa Wildlife Park is as near an African safari as this Journey Mama has ever skilled.

Lots of the animals at Out of Africa have been rescued, both as a result of damage or as a result of they have been illegally stored as pets. The park additionally participates in breeding packages to assist enhance endangered species populations. Each worker we encountered right here appeared knowledgeable, glad to reply questions, and passionate in regards to the animals for which they supply care.

Our guide feeding lions on our SuperMog Tour at Out of Africa Wildlife Park in Arizona
Our information feeding lions on our SuperMog Tour (Picture credit score: Colleen Lanin)

SuperMog Tour

You may view animals by strolling previous their roomy enclosures, however the SuperMog Tour is absolutely the place the joy’s at. Join upfront for this add-on expertise. It takes place day by day at 11 am and a couple of pm.

Then climb aboard an all-terrain, open-air automobile for the journey of a lifetime previous lions, zebras, wolves, and extra. Your driver/tour information will get out to feed meat treats to predators alongside the best way (safely from behind a fence). Passengers get a chance to feed leaves or nutritious crackers to pleasant giraffes proper from their seats, too!

Tiger Splash Present

You additionally do not need to miss the day by day Tiger Splash present. That is when courageous (loopy?!) trainers get into a hoop with Bengal and Siberian tigers. Then the tigers are inspired to chase varied toys and soar right into a pool for a swim.

Petting Bart the sloth during the Sloth Encounter at Out of Africa Wildlife Park in Arizona
Petting Bart the sloth through the Sloth Encounter (Picture credit score: Journey Mamas)

Out of Africa Instructed Itinerary

This wildlife park in Camp Verde, Arizona makes an excellent cease in your option to or from Flagstaff. It is located about halfway from the Phoenix space — a 1-hour drive from Flagstaff and a 1.5-hour drive from Phoenix.

I counsel going in your final day in Flagstaff. Begin by consuming a hearty brunch in Flagstaff earlier than heading out. Meals is accessible at Out of Africa, however you are most likely higher off sticking to snacks than relying on consuming a meal right here.

Plan to reach on the park round midday to discover the walk-through displays. After that, attend the 1:15 pm Tiger Splash Present earlier than boarding the two pm SuperMog tour. When the journey is over, you can do as we did and benefit from the candy Sloth Encounter for an additional price.

Or, should you’re there on a Predator Feed Day (Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays), watch animals like lions, tigers, and hyenas devour their meaty meals at 3 pm. It is included in your entrance price.

Montezuma National Monument in Arizona
Montezuma Nationwide Monument (Picture credit score: Colleen Lanin)

22. Montezuma Fortress Nationwide Monument

Named certainly one of America’s first nationwide monuments in 1906 by President Theodore Roosevelt, in the present day over 350,000 individuals go to Montezuma Fortress yearly. This 20-room cliff-dwelling was as soon as occupied by the Sinagua peoples.

The small on-site museum contains displays and artifacts depicting the approach to life, historical past, and tradition of former residents. The Sinagua settled right here roughly 1,000 years in the past and left 400 years later. 

Comply with a self-guided 1/3-mile loop path previous the unimaginable 5-story Montezuma Fortress. Most enjoyable for teenagers, although, is an in depth Montezuma Fortress diorama that reveals the lives of the Sinagua individuals performing duties like cooking, climbing a ladder to the cliff dwelling, and enjoying.

Tuzigoot National Monument
Tuzigoot Nationwide Monument (Picture credit score: Colleen Lanin)

23. Tuzigoot Nationwide Monument

Tuzigoot was constructed and occupied by the Sinagua individuals throughout the identical timeframe as Montezuma’s Fortress. All 110 rooms at this nationwide monument have been as soon as used as residences and gathering areas. You received’t discover many doorways, nonetheless, as a result of residents accessed rooms by way of ladders and entrances on the rooftops.

Guests ought to comply with a 1/3-mile path across the nationwide monument. Alongside the best way, learn informational signposts to be taught extra in regards to the construction and Sinagua tribe.

Search for the “J” on the mountain within the distance in Jerome, a former mining city that now stakes its declare as America’s largest ghost city.

Then, view artifacts like arrowheads and pottery within the customer middle. Hikers can reap the benefits of a 1/2-mile mountaineering path right here as properly.

A bit of over half-hour aside, Montezuma Fortress and Tuzigoot (each in Camp Verde) make excellent highway journey pitstops in your Flagstaff departure or arrival day. Begin at Montezuma Fortress if driving from Flagstaff or Tuzigoot if driving from Phoenix.

Meteor Crater National Landmark
Meteor Crater Nationwide Landmark (Picture credit score: Colleen Lanin)

24. Meteor Crater Pure Landmark

Meteor Crater is without doubt one of the finest day journeys from Flagstaff. View the spot the place an asteroid hit the Earth and created this crater about 50,000 years in the past.

When you suppose it is a wee gap within the floor, suppose once more. This unimaginable landmark is sort of 1-mile-wide and 600-feet-deep. In reality, 20 soccer fields might slot in Arizona’s Meteor Crater!

Drive about 45 minutes from Flagstaff to succeed in Meteor Crater Pure Landmark close to Winslow, Arizona. Followers of the band, The Eagles, could need to decelerate in Winslow to get their photograph taken standing on a nook by the city’s signal!

Petrified Forest National Park
Petrified Forest Nationwide Park (Picture credit score: MNStudio, Depositphotos.com)

25. Petrified Forest Nationwide Park and Painted Desert

Heading about an hour additional east from Meteor Crater, adventurers will likely be happy to seek out themselves on the Petrified Forest Nationwide Park. This drive-through park options otherworldly pastel-colored hills, buttes, and plateaus inside the huge Painted Desert. Plan to spend at the very least 45 minutes driving the 28-mile highway via the pale orange, pink, and purple panorama.

For a extra in-depth expertise, cease on the Painted Desert Customer Middle to view petrified wooden displays and be taught in regards to the park. Then embark on a hike. For detailed recommendation on exploring the Petrified Forest Nationwide Park and Painted Desert, check out the following pointers from Backroad Planet.

Horseshoe Bend, Grand Canyon East
Horseshoe Bend, Grand Canyon East (Picture credit score: Colleen Lanin)

26. Horseshoe Bend

For these venturing to essentially the most northern a part of the state, you may snap a selfie at Horseshoe Bend of Instagram fame. You will discover the u-shaped Horseshoe Bend in Paige, Arizona close to the Utah border.

Though Horseshoe Bend is formally a part of the Grand Canyon Nationwide Park, it is a few 2-hour drive from the South Rim (or 2.25 hours from Flagstaff). This attraction is usually known as the East Rim of the Grand Canyon. This beautiful scenic overlook is perched 1,000 toes above the Colorado River.

Surprisingly, it is only a 20-minute quick stroll from the car parking zone to succeed in this beautiful view. This actually is only a fairly photo-op cease and will solely take about an hour complete to take pleasure in (not together with the drive).

Antelope Canyon near Page, AZ
Antelope Canyon close to Web page, Arizona (Picture credit score: Colleen Lanin)

27. Antelope Canyon

These prepared to journey to Horseshoe Bend ought to positively plan to make a day (or two) of it by including the close by Antelope Canyon to your itinerary. It is a breathtaking slot canyon positioned in Navajo territory.

As a result of Antelope Canyon is positioned on Navajo land, you aren’t allowed to discover right here with out a Navajo information. Select from a wide range of guided excursions of Decrease and/or Higher Antelope Canyon. Your information will present you the best way via the winding sandstone canyon partitions. Notice that though Arizona doesn’t observe Daylight Financial savings, the Navajo Nation does, which might make timing excursions tough.

1/4 BBQ chicken with loaded baked potato at Black Bart's Steakhouse
1/4 BBQ hen with a loaded baked potato at Black Bart’s Steakhouse (Picture credit score: Colleen Lanin)

28. Black Bart’s Steakhouse and Musical Evaluate

For a hearty meal match for a hungry cowboy, make dinner reservations at Black Bart’s Steakhouse. The parts are large and the meals is scrumptious, particularly the sourdough biscuits with honey cinnamon butter.

However your servers are the true stars. That is as a result of in between slinging chow, they take to the stage to belt out songs. You may even make requests. Our household felt oddly pleased with our waiter at any time when it was his time to sing. That is really a singular eating expertise and one of the enjoyable issues to do in Flagstaff.

Beers on tap at Lumberyard Brewing Company
Beers on faucet at Lumberyard Brewing Firm (Picture credit score: Lumberyard Brewing Firm Fb web page)

29. Flagstaff Brewpubs

Since it is a school city, it could not come as a shock that Flagstaff is bursting with brewpubs. Children are welcomed at most restaurant breweries.

Lumberyard Faucet Room & Grille

For a enjoyable outside eating expertise, head to Lumberyard Faucet Room & Grille. It boasts an expansive patio and fireplace pit. Along with an in depth beer menu and full bar, they focus on buffalo wings, burgers, and flavored macaroni & cheese creations.

Darkish Sky Brewing

Darkish Sky Brewing is beloved for its array of 17 house-made beers on faucet. Many of those are gluten-reduced.

The environment is enjoyable with large home windows that look out onto downtown Flagstaff. Plus, the brewpub’s enjoyable, twinkling counters characterize the celebrities in Flagstaff’s darkish skies.

This brewpub has partnered with Pizzicletta to satiate beer drinkers’ appetites. Their fermented crust pizzas are made in-house in a standard pizza oven. To order, push the button at your desk to alert your meals server.

Beaver Avenue Brewery

One other fashionable alternative with locals and vacationers is Beaver Avenue Brewery, Flagstaff’s first brewpub. Along with their very own conventional and seasonal craft beers, they’ve a full bar.

Order meals from a reasonably large menu that includes salads, soups, sandwiches, and pizzas (together with gluten-free crust choices). They provide a couple of specialties, too, just like the Brewer’s Platter with sausages, cabbage, and potatoes.

Flagstaff Brewery Path

True craft beer followers will need to trek the Flagstaff Brewery Path. It is the easiest way to style a bunch of brews in Flag.

Print out your passport and brewery map right here. Then gather stamps from at the very least 5 of the breweries. Commerce in your accomplished passport for a memento pint glass from the Flagstaff Customer Middle or Flagstaff Conference & Guests Bureau.

Coffee and pastry at Tourist Home All Day Café
Espresso and pastry at Vacationer Dwelling All Day Café (Picture credit score: Vacationer Dwelling All Day Café Fb web page)

30. Espresso Retailers in Flagstaff

If espresso is extra your jam, then you definitely’re in luck. Flagstaff stays caffeinated in any respect kinds of one-of-a-kind espresso retailers. Under are a few my household’s favorites.

Vacationer Dwelling All Day Café

When the climate is good, pull up a chair on the patio at Vacationer Dwelling All Day Café to sip regionally roasted espresso drinks. Eating is accessible indoors, too. With a full bar, you may get your espresso spiked should you like.

They serve goodies like huevos rancheros for breakfast in addition to hearty sandwiches and salads for lunch. You should definitely get a facet of their golden fried, completely crispy French fries!

Macy’s Espresso Home & Bakery

You may be ok with getting a cuppa joe at Macy’s Espresso Home & Bakery. That is as a result of this vegetarian espresso home serves fair-trade espresso in compostable cups.

They make all kinds of espresso drinks. Order a Cappuccino Royal topped with chocolate and whipped cream. Or go for a Café Viennese with cinnamon, clove, allspice, and whip.

Go right here for a fast breakfast or lunch sandwich and different easy, wholesome fare.

Holiday Inn Express Flagstaff
Vacation Inn Specific Flagstaff (Picture credit score: Colleen Lanin)

The place to Keep Throughout Your Flagstaff Trip

After a day of exploring Northern Arizona, it is so necessary to have a snug place to chill out and recharge. That is simply what you will discover at Vacation Inn Specific Flagstaff. Positioned close to loads of eating places and simply minutes from downtown, this IHG lodge is handy, too.

A double room at Holiday Inn Express Flagstaff
A double room at Vacation Inn Specific Flagstaff (Picture credit score: Colleen Lanin)

Vacation Inn Specific Flagstaff Lodge Rooms

Select from rooms with two queen beds or one king. Or do as we did and guide two connecting rooms for more room to unfold out.

You will really feel proper at house with a flat-screen TV, Keurig espresso maker and pods, microwave, work desk, and mini-fridge in each room. Mother and father will respect bathtubs for bathing younger youngsters.

In the meantime, late risers will take pleasure in blackout curtains for good trip sleep. I like that they provide complimentary shampoo, conditioner, and bathe gel in a wall dispenser somewhat than landfill-clogging tiny bottles.

Want additional pillows? Simply ask! In reality, they’re going to give you tender or agency choices.

Included breakfast at Holiday Inn Express Flagstaff
Included breakfast at Vacation Inn Specific Flagstaff (Picture credit score: Colleen Lanin)

Complimentary Full Breakfast

Save time and money within the mornings with included breakfast at Vacation Inn Specific. Anticipate eggs, breakfast meats, contemporary fruits, cereals, yogurts, pastries, juices, coffees, teas, and a cook-your-own pancake maker.

Better of all? Their heat iced cinnamon rolls are made by none apart from Cinnabon!

Pool at Holiday Inn Express Flagstaff
Pool at Vacation Inn Specific Flagstaff (Picture credit score: Vacation Inn Specific Flagstaff)

Pool, Sizzling Tub and Health Middle

Ask most youngsters what the most effective a part of a lodge keep is they usually’ll inform you THE POOL! Fortunately, the Vacation Inn Specific Flagstaff contains a heated outside pool for your loved ones’s swimming pleasure. (Open late-Could via mid-October.)

In winter, you will positively need to make use of the lodge’s bubbly scorching tub. A scorching soak is such a comfortable option to unwind after a day of play.

When you’re not getting sufficient train whereas touring the city (otherwise you ate one too many cinnamon rolls at breakfast!), then reap the benefits of Vacation Inn Specific Flagstaff’s on-site health middle. It comes outfitted with a treadmill, elliptical machines, stationary bike, and free weights.

Guide your Vacation Inn Specific keep now!

IHG Hotels & Resorts Logo

IHG Accommodations & Resorts

One of many world’s main lodge manufacturers, IHG Accommodations & Resorts presents almost 6,000 properties globally. Vacation Inn Specific is only one of IHG’s 16 trusted lodge manufacturers. Whether or not you are planning a household trip, couple’s getaway, or ladies’ journey — IHG has a property to fulfill your wants!

Hot air balloon flying over Scottsdale, AZ
Sizzling air balloon flying over Scottsdale, AZ (Picture credit score: Rainbow Ryders Sizzling Air Balloon Co.)

Discover Extra of Arizona and Past

When you loved this listing of the most effective issues to do in Flagstaff, then I guess you will get a kick out of this array of outside actions in Scottsdale.

Check out my suggestions for visiting Montezuma Fortress and Tuzigoot Nationwide Monuments throughout your Arizona trip.

To expertise extra of the American Southwest, learn in regards to the finest highway journey from Phoenix. Journey to the Grand Canyon and Antelope Canyon in Arizona, plus Bryce Canyon and Zion Nationwide Parks in Utah, and Las Vegas in Nevada.

Nature-loving households ought to positively try this round-up of the finest nationwide parks for teenagers.

Things to Do in Flagstaff, Arizona

Save These Issues to Do in Flagstaff

You should definitely save these Flagstaff actions. Merely pin the picture above to Pinterest. I hope you’ll comply with Journey Mamas on Pinterest whilst you’re at it!

Which of those Flagstaff points of interest would you prefer to expertise? Do you will have any questions on this stuff to do in Flagstaff, AZ? Tell us within the feedback under!

A Notice from The Journey Mama: I used to be reimbursed for my household’s lodge keep at Vacation Inn Specific Flagstaff. I additionally acquired financial compensation for this weblog put up from IHG Accommodations & Resorts. My household was hosted by Lowell Observatory, the Museum of Northern Arizona, and Bearizona. We paid for all different points of interest and meals ourselves. All opinions are mine, as all the time.





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