Flagstaff Arizona

Flagstaff, Arizona is a city packed with attractions for its visitors. It boasts an exciting cultural and historic past, numerous activities to enjoy, as well as excellent educational and recreational options. Flagstaff, Arizona's is a year-round magnet for both tourists and locals alike. With its cool mountain climate, Flagstaff provides an enjoyable respite from the intense heat of lower areas like Phoenix or Tucson.

Downtown Flagstaff

Downtown Flagstaff boasts a vibrant downtown scene, comprised of local independent stores in historic buildings. This creates an exciting, lively scene full of shops, restaurants and art galleries. Plus it has a fun, laidback atmosphere which makes it ideal for biking or walking around.

One of the coolest activities to do in Flagstaff is taking a pub crawl along the Flag Brewery Trail, an easy-to-follow path connecting some of the city's top craft breweries. Not only does this provide ample opportunity for sampling local beer, but it's even dog friendly!

Another fun activity in Flagstaff is visiting the Northern Arizona Museum, which preserves and interprets the region's history. It features exhibits on geology, anthropology and culture from dinosaur skeletons to ancient pottery and native jewelry. For visitors wanting to discover more about Flagstaff and the surrounding area who don't have much time, the museum is an ideal option. Not only does it boast an impressive collection of historical artifacts, but also offers a range of educational programs and events.

Flagstaff boasts some of the best craft breweries in Arizona. From classic IPAs and blonde ales to sour goses and fruited ales, there's something for everyone at these local establishments. Firecreek Coffee Company is a locally owned coffee shop that serves up hand-roasted beans in its flagship cafe in Old Town Flagstaff. This family-run business has expanded across Arizona, with their coffee sure to please even the most dedicated caffeine addict.

Grand Canyon National Park

Flagstaff, Arizona is known as the gateway to Grand Canyon National Park and there's plenty to do there. Within two hours from Flagstaff are six national monuments and of course, the majestic Grand Canyon itself!

If you're visiting the park for the first time, it's essential to plan out your itinerary ahead of time. Doing so will guarantee that you don't miss anything and have enough time to explore each part of the park thoroughly. Before visiting the park, we suggest spending a day in Flagstaff exploring its amazing attractions. From ancient pueblos to stargazing, there's something for everyone in this quaint mountain town!

Hiking is a must-do activity when visiting Flagstaff, Arizona. For an extra challenging hike, try the strenuous Island Trail in Walnut Canyon National Monument which takes you through 25 cliff dwellings. Be warned: this hike may be more difficult than it appears and should only be attempted by experienced hikers!

If you're feeling adventurous, book a ride on a mule! Xanterra offers guided mule trips to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.

Consider booking a guided tour for an even deeper dive into the history and culture of an area. These excursions are led by knowledgeable guides and can be tailored to suit your family's interests.

Sunset Crater National Monument

Sunset Crater National Monument, situated 15 miles north of Flagstaff and created over 1,000 years ago by volcanic eruption, deserves to be visited by anyone visiting Arizona. While its nearby counterpart, Grand Canyon, draws more attention, Sunset Crater is one of Arizona's lesser-known gems that shouldn't be missed by any visitor to the state.

This national monument was formed by a cinder cone and lava flows that reshaped the land nearly 1,000 years ago. As such, the region boasts rugged terrain, diverse flora and fauna, as well as plenty of outdoor adventure opportunities for everyone to enjoy. At the base of a crater, iron-rich cinders glow red. These mysterious hues inspired the name for this little-known national park and you can take a short trail to admire their stunning views.

The rim of the crater is covered in vibrantly colored wildflowers, while trees sprout up around it to add some contrast and soften its power. Furthermore, there are numerous archaeological sites nearby including 104-room pueblos built by Sinagua people - who were the original inhabitants of this region - which provide further proof of human presence.

For the optimal experience, visit during summer when astronomers offer stargazing programs. The monument's remote location makes it an ideal spot to witness shooting stars. At the visitor center, you can explore the history of the area and meet park rangers. Additionally, you can watch a film about the volcano and visit its seismograph station.

No camping facilities are available within the monument, but Bonito Campground, open early May to mid-October and costing $24 per night, is nearby. This makes a great option if you want to explore the area without worrying about finding a campsite first.

Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument is the closest city to Flagstaff, Arizona where there are plenty of hotels. Since these rooms tend to book up quickly, it's best to book ahead if you plan on staying there.

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