Best Things to Do Around Flagstaff, Arizona

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Flagstaff, AZ (Jeff Saville)Flagstaff is one of my favorite cities in the Southwest. It’s the best spot to make “home base” during a trip to northern Arizona, with Sedona 30 miles to the south and the Grand Canyon just a 50-odd miles away. American history buffs love Flagstaff for its history – Route 66 being part of the main thoroughfare – the mellow nature of Historic Flagstaff (downtown) is relaxing and fun, and there are enough National Monuments nearby to satisfy any cultural traveler. Here are my Top 10 Best Things to Do In and Around Flagstaff, AZ.

Top 10 Best Things to Do – Flagstaff, Arizona

Grand Canyon National Park - The Grand Canyon is clearly the biggest draw for travelers considering a vacation in Flagstaff; there are many tour and day trip companies around, but Flagstaff is the best place to stay for the trip. If you stay right near the Grand Canyon (at the famous El Tovar Hotel for example), then your vacation will have to be “all Grand Canyon, all the time.” Stay in fun Flagstaff instead, and make a couple of day trips to the Grand Canyon. Check out the Bright Angel trail, especially if traveling with young children. My kids managed part of it quite well.

Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument - Anyone who’s been to Hawaii’s Big Island will be struck Sunset Crater is a Top 10 Place to See Near Flagstaff AZby the physical similarities to much of that tropical isle and the terrain around this part of Arizona.  The ground is largely composed of lava rock, with some hardy trees struggling, here and there, for a toehold. It’s so interesting to consider the ancient volcano here, with the Grand Canyon to the north and the Coconino National Forest nearby; northern Arizona is incredibly diverse. The Lava Flow Trail is an easy one-mile loop walk along the base, 1/4 of which is paved.

Humphreys Peak - The highest point in Arizona, Humphreys Peak is a popular tourist destination for outdoorsy folk. If you’re up for a hike, you can get to the peak along Humphreys Trail; it’s around four and a half miles, uphill (consider yourself warned). From the peak, the vista of Northern Arizona is spectacular – the Grand Canyon, Sedona, even the desert mountains way south in Phoenix are visible on clear days. There’s a lot of snow October through May.

Hike Walnut Canyon During a Flagstaff VacationWalnut Canyon National Monument - Walnut Canyon is my favorite of these smaller Flagstaff-area National Monuments. Walnut Canyon dates to the same time period as the Grand Canyon, but is much, much smaller . It’s manageable, and the trail takes visitors around the middle level of the canyon. Here you can see Sinagua cliff homes – and even stand in them, respectfully. These cliff dwellings were part of the small Sinagua civilization in Walnut Canyon, built some time in the 1100’s. It’s quieter here than the Grand Canyon, and absolutely worth the trip.

Wupatki National Monument - This ancient pueblo is preserved well, and tended to by archeologists interested in the Wupatki culture. The Wupatki lived here circa 1100, and later merged with the Hopi. No one knows exactly why, but it was a peaceful integration. A short hike and self-guided stroll around the pueblo easily takes under an hour.

Sedona - Frequent readers know that Sedona is one of my top 10 favorite vacation towns in North America. Flagstaff is a great point between Sedona and the Grand Canyon, and I recommend it for a southwestern vacation covering both destinations. There are some great, fun activities in Sedona for a day trip.

Jerome - This town used to be the state capital, and once was the fourth largest city in the Arizona Territory…but that was a long time ago. Once the copper mine closed down (and the “ladies of the evening” moved on), Jerome seemed destined to be an Arizona ghost town. Today, remnants of the Wild West are on display and there is a thriving, lively artist community as well. Like many small towns in America’s Old West, Jerome could have emptied out. As locals like to say, the “hippies” saved Jerome from this fate. Small-town friendliness merge with the progressive attitudes of many artists, creating a welcoming, unsuspicious atmosphere and very interesting art galleries.

Historic Flagstaff - Honestly, I love exploring the town of Historic Flagstaff. Get a map; this is the part of flagstaff old town shoppingthe city where the charming shops, great  restaurants, and upscale chains are. I especially liked finding a “Life is Good” satellite store here, a couple of antique stores with genuine Old West memorabilia, the Flagstaff Brewing Company. and some fantastic southwestern barbeque at Bigfoot BBQ. Brookside Chocolate Company was great; hand-crafted chocolates that vary from delicate to decadent. There are many other places to eat in Historic Flagstaff, of course. What a fun town!

Lowell Observatory - Founded in the 1890’s, this is one of the oldest observatories in the southwest. The staff are very knowledgeable and eager to share their love of the site’s history, collection of old telescopes, and what guests are seeing through more modern telescopes. The Lowell Observatory is open year-round every day except Sunday.

Museum of Northern Arizona/Arizona Historical Society Pioneer Museum - These two museums are very close to each other, and manageable enough in size that a both can be done together. The Museum of Northern Arizona highlights the biology and ancient history of the Colorado Plateau, along with a fine arts gallery.  The Arizona Historical Society Pioneer Museum is Arizona’s oldest historical agency (circa 1864). Besides exhibitions – and it has over 3 million objects in rotation – the Arizona Historical Society offers educational outreach and research regarding Arizona’s long history up through today’s development.

These are my “best top 10″ activities in and around Flagstaff, but there are many more. I hardly mentioned Coconino National Forest, for example.  Within an approximately 50-mile radius, what are some of the things you like to do while on vacation in Flagstaff AZ? I’d love to expand this list.

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July 7, 2009 | Filed Under Adventure Travel, Destinations, Eco Travel 

Comments

14 Responses to “Best Things to Do Around Flagstaff, Arizona”

  1. Jessica says:
    July 7, 2009 at

    We went to the Lava River Cave just a few miles north of Flagstaff this weekend and it was one of the coolest things I have ever done! It’s free, but remember a sweater and a flashlight!

  2. Maverick says:
    July 7, 2009 at

    The Grand Canyon is one of the most popular vacation destinations in the world. With the canyon’s incredible scenery and inspirational beauty the flow of visitors of all ages keeps growing. Now with a number of ways of see the canyon, some may choose to drive, hike, bike, or ride a mule. One adventure that waits is the sky – a Maverick Helicopter Tour from the Grand Canyon South Rim.

  3. Grand Canyon Lodge | All Days Long says:
    July 7, 2009 at

    [...] Best Things to Do Around Flagstaff, Arizona By MudslideMama The top 10 list of great activities in and near Flagstaff, from teh Grand Canyon to small museums. Traveling Mamas – http://travelingmamas.com/ [...]

  4. jamie says:
    July 7, 2009 at

    What a useful post! My husband and I still reminisce about this amazing pizza sauce we had in Jerome at this place called “Wedge on the Edge”. Mmmmm.

  5. jillflorio says:
    July 7, 2009 at

    Flagstaff is one of the best small towns to live in out west. You get four mild seasons, scenery in every direction, a walkable downtown with wonderful shops and eateries…plus fun people who like to hike and do creative endeavors.

    Take it from someone who knows their small western towns!

  6. Deb Lauman says:
    July 7, 2009 at

    These are some great suggestions (especially Lowell, where my husband works). Right in town, there’s also Riordon Mansion, which is a nice tour, the Museum of Northern Arizona, the Pioneer Museum, some really nice galleries downtown, and, at this time of year, often something going on in Heritage Square. The Skyride at Snowbowl is also running now through at least Labor Day. There’s just SO much to do here in Flag, especially during the summer but really year-round. I love living here.

  7. Carolina says:
    July 7, 2009 at

    I’m bookmarking this for a future trip. So here’s my question, I know it’s hot, but how bearable is it in the summer? I’ve only been to Arizona in the spring, but now with a kid in school, it’s hard to plan things during the school year.

  8. MudslideMama says:
    July 7, 2009 at

    Short answer – Flagstaff is elevated compared to its neighbors to the south (like Sedona, or – gasp – Tucson). As a result it’s much more comfortable than you’d expect in the summer. There’s often snow on Humphrey in late May, for example. The cruciferous trees are a tip-off; Flagstaff has a lot of spruce and juniper, along with the southwestern standards like prickly pear cactus.
    I hope you make it to Flag, this year or next. My kids are both in school, so I know what it’s like to have to schedule trips around the academic calender!

  9. Amy @ The Q Family says:
    July 7, 2009 at

    Cool post! I always think about going back to Grand Canyon with my kids. And your suggestion will be perfect.

  10. Lauren says:
    July 8, 2009 at

    Our family, two little ones included (3 year old and 1 year old)stayed in Sedona and ventured out to most of the places you mentioned in your top 10. In addition to traveling with our two little ones we also had to find places for us to eat that would accomodate our food allergies and food intolerances. Arizona was perfect! We were even able to stop at “Picazzo’s” for a gluten free pizza. Everywhere we went was helpful and quite accomodating . The sites we visited and simply being together as a family exploring will be forever etched in our memories. I encourage anyone who is condisering venturing to Arizona to do so. Not only will the grown-ups enjoy it but so will the kids!

  11. Donna Hull says:
    July 8, 2009 at

    Flagstaff is an area of Arizona that I haven’t explored yet. I’m going to bookmark your post for future trip ideas. I have been to the Grand Canyon, though. The North Rim is my favorite but you need to stay there. Not doable as a day trip from Flagstaff. Well, I guess you could but it would be a VERY LONG day trip.

  12. Finding More Fun: Family Travel Roundup, 07/09/2009 | Travels with Children says:
    July 9, 2009 at

    [...] Best Things to Do around Flagstaff, AZ, at Traveling Mamas. [...]

  13. Follow me Friday « SixSuitcaseTravel says:
    July 10, 2009 at

    [...] Traveling Mamas  Best Things to Do Around Flagstaff, Arizona [...]

  14. Tamara Shannon says:
    July 14, 2009 at

    Thank you so much for your post! We are planning a trip to Flag this weekend but since my husband lost his job in May we wanted to find something for our two little ones (7 and 3) to do that would be inexpensive and fun. Thank you again!

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